THE PURSLOW HUNDRED
is divided into the Bishop’s Castle and Stow divisions; the former of which contains the parishes of Bishop’s Castle, Lydbury North, Lydham (part of), Mindtown, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, and Wentnor; and the latter, Bedstone, Bucknell (part of), Clunbury, Clungunford, Edgton, Hopesay, Hopton Castle, Sibdon Carwood, Stowe, and Wistanstow. At the census of 1841 the two divisions of the hundred contained a population of 9,016 persons.
BEDSTONE
is a parish and township, situated six miles north-east of Knighton, which contains 737 acres, the rateable value of which is £926. 17s. At the census of 1851 here were 28 houses and 151 persons. This place was part of the inheritance which Isabel de Say, Lady of Clun, brought to William Fitzallen, her husband, in King Stephen’s time. Edward Bennett, Esq., is lord of the manor, and sole proprietor of the land. The Church is a small structure, consisting of nave and chancel, and dedicated to St. Mary. It is undergoing a complete reparation, at the expense of the rector and the lord of the manor. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., in the patronage of Benjamin Brown, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. James R. Brown. The tithes are commuted for £135, and there are 68 acres of glebe land.
Directory.—John Abley, wheelwright; Edward Bennett, Esq., Bedstone House; William Bryan, blacksmith; James Chandler, tailor; Mrs. Rosannah Edwards; John Gittins, stone mason and well sinker: Rev. Thomas Green, The Rectory; Thos. Jones, carpenter; Richard Pitchford, shopkeeper; William Plant, carrier to Ludlow and Knighton on market days; Edward Tilley, farmer; William and John Smith, farmers; William Steadman, farmer, Bedstone Hall.
BISHOP’S CASTLE
is a parish, borough, and market town, twenty miles south-west of Shrewsbury and seventeen miles north-west from Ludlow. It contains the townships of Bishop’s Castle, Broughton, Colebatch, Lea and Oakley, and Woodbatch, which comprehend an area of 5,630 acres, the rateable value of which is £9,220. 10s. The town is pleasantly situated on a declivity, near the course of the Clun, and the houses are irregularly built. In the 20th Edward I. the Bishop of Hereford claimed for his tenants of Bishop’s Castle an exemption from attending the county or hundred court, and the privilege of keeping a market every Friday, and a fair on the eve and feast of the Decollation of St. John the Baptist, and the day following. A market is still held every Friday, and fairs on the Friday before February 13th, March 26th and 27th, the first Friday after May day, on the second Monday in June, on July 5th, September 9th, and November the 13th. Bishop’s Castle, prior to the passing of the Reform Bill, returned two members to parliament. The government of the town is vested in fifteen burgesses, inclusive of a bailiff, justice, and recorder, whose jurisdiction is co-extensive with the borough. The property at their disposal produces an annual income of £38. John Beddoes, Esq., is the present bailiff; Richard Wollaston, Esq., justice; and Richard Beddoes, Esq., recorder. On the site of the Castle Inn formerly stood a castle, belonging to and a residence of the Bishop of Hereford, from whence arises the name of Bishop’s Castle. The township of Bishop’s Castle contains 1,717 acres of land. At the census of 1841 here were 373 houses and 1510 inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis and R. H. Kinchant, Esq. The bailiff of the town for the time being is lord of the manor. In 1801 the parish had a population of 1313; 1831, 2,007; 1841, 1,781. The Church, dedicated to St. John, is a cruciform structure, with a fine old Norman tower of massive proportions. On the south side is an entrance of beautiful Norman workmanship. On a board in the church is the following inscription:—“This church being burned in ye civil wars, Walter Waring, Esq., of Owlbury, gave ye timber yt rebuilt it, and ye rest of ye charge was defrayed by contributions of ye parishioners.” The living is a vicarage, in the patronage of the Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. William M. Rowland. There are two small chapels in the town, one belonging to the Independents, and the other to the Primitive Methodists. The National School is built of stone, in the Elizabethan style, and was erected to commemorate the majority of Viscount Clive, on November 5th, 1839.
The County Court, for the recovery of debts not exceeding £50, is held at the Town Hall. The jurisdiction of the court embraces the following parishes, viz:—Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Clunbury, Clungunford, Church Stoke, Hopton Castle, Hyssington, Hopesay, Lydbury North, Lydham, Mainstone, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, Sneade, Shelve, and Wentnor. Judge, Uvedale Corbet, Esq., Aston Hall, near Shiffnal: Clerk, Frederick Pardoe, Esq.: Bailiff, Mr. Edward Griffiths.
The Union House is a brick structure faced with stone, which was built in 1844, and is capable of accommodating 240 inmates. The union embraces the parishes of Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Clunbury, Clungunford, Edgton, Hopesay, Hopton Castle, Hyssington, Lydbury North, Lydham, Mainstone, Myndtown, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, Shelve, Sneade, and Wentnor. The Medical Officers are Henry Brook, Robert Jones, Robert D. Shield, and Richard G. Wollaston: Master and Matron, Mr. and Mrs. Hamar.
Charities.—Mary Morris, by will, dated 1785, left £1000 to be placed out at interest, and applied in the support of a charity school; and she also bequeathed £200 for the purpose of erecting a schoolhouse, to be called Mr. Wright’s Charity School, in remembrance of her first husband, John Wright, Esq. The testatrix further directed, that if her estate should exceed £1000, the further sum of £200 should be invested, and the interest applied to the benefit of the school. The property belonging to this charity consists of £1,598. 13s. 1d. three per cent. consols, which produce an annual dividend of £47. 19s. 2d. There is a house in Bishop’s Castle, called the Stone House, the rent of which was formerly applied in teaching poor children to read. The rent now amounts to £6. 6s., and is distributed by the churchwardens to the poor. George Baxter, by will, in 1658, left 20s. a year for ever to the poor of this parish. John Tanner, by will, dated 1677, bequeathed an annuity of £6 a year for ever, in trust, to dispose of the same as follows; viz.:—52s. yearly to be distributed in bread to twelve poor people of Bishop’s Castle; 4s. 4d. to be given to the clerk in bread annually; 20s. to be paid to the vicar of Bishop’s Castle for preaching a sermon on the second day of June, yearly; and the remaining 43s. 8d. to be given to the poor persons of the town that attend divine service on the aforesaid day. Walter Wollaston, in 1818, gave 40s. yearly for the benefit of the poor of this parish. George Bostock left £5, the interest to be given to the poor. Thomas Jones bequeathed £20 to the poor of Bishop’s Castle. The poor also participate in Mousell’s Charity, the particulars of which have been already given. Ann Gwilliam also left £100, the interest to be given to poor housekeepers resident in the out liberties of the town.
Broughton is a township one mile north-west of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 850 acres of land. Rateable value, £848. 10s. At the census of 1841 there were nine houses and seventy inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis; Rev. Arthur Oakeley; John Coates, Esq.; William Summonds, Esq.; and Isaac Maddox, Esq.
Colebatch is a township one mile and a half south-west by south of Bishop’s Castle, containing 1,119 acres, the rateable value of which is £1,171. 10s. The principal landowners are Beriah Botfield, Esq.; Earl of Powis; Miss E. Sayce; Samuel Home, Esq.; and Joseph F. Spencer, Esq. At the census of 1841 there were 22 houses and 104 persons.
Lea and Oakeley is a township two miles north-east of Bishop’s Castle, containing 1,060a. 10p. of land. Rateable value, £1,171. 10s. In 1841 there were six houses and 48 persons. The land is the property of the Rev. Arthur Oakeley. There are some small remains of a castle here.
Woodbatch is a township containing 886a. 0r. 24p. of land, the rateable value of which is £838. 10s. In 1841 there were seven houses and 49 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Beriah Botfield, Esq.; T. Hunt, Esq.; and Robert Chester, Esq.
BISHOP’S CASTLE DIRECTORY.
Anstey Jno. vict., Three Tuns
Bailey Thomas, shopkeeper
Beddoes Mr. Jno. Green Fields
Beddoes Rd. maltster & farmer
Bird John, blacksmith
Bird Martha, dress maker
Bond Henry C., watch maker
Bowen John, registrar of birth and deaths
Bowen Ths. painter, plumber and glazier
Bowyer Richard, butcher
Bluck Ths. vict. White Horse
Bright Edward, chair maker
Bright John, carpenter, and carrier to Shrewsbury
Bright Samuel, manager of North & South Wales Bank
Brook Henry, surgeon
Butler Mary Ann, tea dealer
Cooke George, shoemaker
Davies, Legge & Co, drapers and grocers
Davies Edward, chemist and druggist, & agent for Shropshire & North Wales Fire Office
Davies John, shoemaker
Davies Jno. vict. The Plough
Davies Thomas, hair dresser
Davies Agnes, dressmaker
Dubber William, printer, stationer and bookseller
Edwards George, butcher
Edwards Thomas, butcher
Farmer George N., solicitor
Green Charles, skinner
Green John, butcher
Green Richd., beerseller and chair maker
Greenhouse Howard, carrier to Shrewsbury & Ludlow, and vict., Boar’s Head
Griffiths Mr., postmaster, stationer and printer
Griffiths James, saddler and harness maker
Griffiths Thomas, solicitor
Griffiths Wm. H. watchmaker
Hammonds Charles, farmer
Hebet Mary, shopkeeper
Holl George, ironmonger
Home Edward, shopkeeper
Home Fanny, dressmaker
Home George, tea dealer
Home Hannah, dressmaker
Home Levi, vict., Red Lion
Howells Rebecca, shopkpr.
James Elizabeth, staymaker
Jenkins George, painter, plumber and glazier
Johnston John, grocer
Jones and Norton, wine and spirit merchants. (Henry H. Jones & Wm. Norton)
Jones Samuel, glass & china dealer
Knill Thomas, grocer
Lewis Richard, saddler
Lewis Thomas, blacksmith
Matthews John, watchmaker
Medlicott Jeremiah, surgeon
Meredith Richard, Academy
Minton Andrew, boot and shoe maker
Newbery, James, vict., The Castle, Excise Office and Posting House
Newell Elizbh., Stamp Office
Nicholas Edwd. stone mason
Nicholas Jno. painter & glazr.
Nicholas Richd. stone mason
North & South Wales Banking Company, Samuel Bright, Esq., manager
Nightingale John, carrier to Shrewsbury
Norton Charles, carpenter
Norton John, butcher
Norton John, tailor & woollen draper
Norton John, tanner, currier, maltster, butcher & farmer
Norton Robert, ironmonger
Norton Robert, farmer
Norton William, draper
Onians John, vict., The Harp
Palmer Francis, tailor
Pardoe Frederick, solicitor
Partridge John, blacksmith
Phillip Jno. & Co. ironmngrs.
Playfair Thomas, shopkeeper
Pugh Edward, beerseller
Pugh Thomas, carpenter
Pugh Willm. tailor & draper
Richards Thos., turner, &c.
Rimboult Rev. Samuel F., Independent
Robinson Jas. vict., The Bull
Robinson Wm., blacksmith
Rowland Rev. Wm. M., vicar
Sayce James, beerseller
Sayce John, shoemaker
Sayce John, stone mason
Thomas George, tailor and woollen draper
Tomlins Edward, shoemaker
Vickers John, cooper
Watters John, cooper
Woodhouse James, farmer
Wollaston Richard, surgeon
Williams John, baker
BROUGHTON DIRECTORY.
Bailey Thomas, farmer
Beddoes John, farmer
Maddox Isaac, farmer
COLEBATCH DIRECTORY.
Carden William, farmer
Harris William, farmer
Howard Richard, farmer
Mason Hamar, farmer
Owen John, carpenter
Thomas Edward, farmer
LEA AND OAKELEY DIRECTORIES.
Davies Wm. farmer, The Lea
Harris Jerh. farmer, The Lea
Oakeley Rev. Arthur, rector of Lydham, Oakeley House
WOODBATCH DIRECTORY.
Morris Edward, farmer
Thomas Richard, farmer
BUCKNELL
is a parish, partly in the hundred of Wigmore, in Herefordshire, and partly in that of Purslow, in Salop. That portion which is situated in Shropshire contains 2,976a. 0r. 14p. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,079. 7s. 6d. At the census of 1841 here were 85 houses and 416 persons. The village is pleasantly situated five miles N.W. of Knighton. W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq., is lord of the manor; Samuel Hotchkiss, Esq., James Steadman, Esq., P. M. Matthews, Esq., and Mr. Thomas Jones, are also proprietors. The Church is a small edifice mantled with ivy, and dedicated to St. Mary. The body of the church was repewed in the year 1684. There are three bells, one of which is dated 1639. The living is a rectory valued in the kings book at £5. 6s. 8d., in the patronage of the Grocers’ Company, London, and incumbency of the Rev. Joseph Richard Coope.
Charities.—Joseph Freemantle, by will, in 1635, left a rent charge of 40s. to the poor of the parish. There is a sum of £321. 10s. 6d., three per cent. consols, standing in the names of John Stedman and Thomas Edwards, who were churchwardens about the year 1812. Of this sum £200 is supposed to have been given by John Davies, in 1745, and £50 was probably the gift of — Gretton, who is stated to have left that sum, in the Parliamentary returns of 1786. The dividends of this money are distributed to the poor of the parish. Edward Jones, by will, in 1815, left a rent charge of 20s. per annum, to be distributed to the poor in bread.
Beavan William, farmer, The Lye
Botwood Chas., shopkeeper
Coope Rev. Joseph Richard
Crow Richard, shoemaker
Davies John, builder and cabinet maker
Evans Richard, shopkeeper
Ford Thomas, agent to W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq.
George Joseph, wheelwright
Green Bine, vict., Sitwell Arms
Hotchkiss Samuel, farmer, New House
Hull Edward, beerseller and blacksmith
Jerdan William, wheelwright
Jones Richard, house agent to W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq.
Jones Thomas, farmer, Woodside
Lello Edward, farmer, Mynde
Mason John, miller
Matthews Philip Morris, Esq. Turkey Hall
Pitch Mary Ann, shopkeeper
Price William, land surveyor
Probert John, butcher
Powell Joseph, schoolmaster
Rogers Samuel, shoemaker
Sitwell Wm., G. H., Esq.
Steadman Edward, woollen draper and tailor
Steadman Miss Margaret, New House
Steadman Richard, farmer, The New Farm House
Williams John, miller
CLUNBURY
is a parish, comprising the townships of Clunbury and Causton, Clunton, Kempton, Obley, and Purslow, which at the census of 1841 had a population of 994 persons. The township of Clunbury is pleasantly situated 7 miles south-east of Bishop’s Castle, and contains with Causton 1,661a. 3r. 36p. of land, the principal owners of which are Edward Turner, Esq.; Captain Gordon; John Morris, Esq.; John Rocke, Esq.; and Charles Meteyard, Esq. In 1841 here were 66 houses and 279 persons. The Church is dedicated to St. Swithin. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. T. J. Hogg. The tithes are commuted for £179. Causton township in 1841 had five houses and 21 inhabitants. Clunton lies about two miles east of Clun, and contains 1,974a. 3r. 33p. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,436. 5s. The tithes are commuted for £173. In 1841 here were 69 houses and 304 persons. The principal landowners are Philip Morris, Esq.; Rowland Statham, Esq.; and Rocke, Eyton, and Co. Kempton, a small village and township, one mile west of Clunbury, contains 1,885a. 3r. 33p. of land. Rateable value, £2,095. 10s. In 1841 here were 43 houses and 216 inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is sole landowner. Obley is a township on the south-western extremity of the parish, containing 1,025a. 3r. 33p. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,023. 1s. The tithes are commuted for £110. In 1841 here were 30 houses and 164 inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is the sole landowner. Purslow is a small township in this parish, containing five houses and 31 persons.
Charities.—The Parish School of Clunbury was built on the waste, by subscription, and is partly supported by the rents of two closes of land. In the parliamentary returns of 1686 it is stated that Mr. Tankard left £12, the interest thereof to be given to the poor.
Directory.—Clunbury: Thomas Anthony, shopkeeper; Richard Hints, beerseller; Rev. Thomas J. Hogg, curate; Edward Jones, victualler, Purslow Hundred House; Charles Meteyard, surgeon; John Morris, farmer; John Rudd, farmer; Edward Turner, Esq., Causton Hall; Edward Tomkins, schoolmaster; John Woolley, farmer; Thomas Taylor, farmer, Causton; Thomas Weyman, farmer, Purlow Hall. Clunton: Richard Brown, farmer; John Farmer, victualler, Crown; George Hamar, farmer; Richard Williams, beerseller. Obley: James Edwards, farmer, The Combs; Joseph Edwards, farmer, Pool House; Richard Edwards, farmer; Richard Jones, farmer, New House; John Palfrey, farmer, Llanadevey. Kempton: Samuel Bright, farmer; and Francis Southern, farmer.
CLUNGUNFORD
is an extensive parish, comprising the townships of Abcott, Beckjay, Broadward, Clungunford, and Shelderton, which have an area of 3,397 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £3,054. 13s. 2d. In 1841 here were 107 houses and 554 persons. Population in 1801, 436: and in 1831, 488. The township is situated nine miles north-east of Knighton. This manor was part of the ancient inheritance of the Fitzalans, Earls of Arundel, who were also patrons of The Church, which is dedicated to St. Cuthbert. It is in the Gothic style of architecture. In the interior are some fine specimens of stained glass. The living is a rectory, in the patronage of John Rocke, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas O. Rocke. The tithes are commuted for £538. 12s. 1d., and there are 51 acres of glebe land. The principal landowners are John Rocke, Esq.; Mr. John Bridgewater; Mr. John Langslow; and Mr. John Howells. There is an Endowed School here for the benefit of the children of this parish and Broom, in Hopesay. It is endowed with 25a. 2r. 29p. of land, the rent of which is paid to a schoolmaster. There is the sum of £150 three per cent. consols, standing in the name of the Rev. John Rocke, the dividends of which are given to the poor and the school.
Abcott is a small township, half a mile from Clungunford, which contained at the census of 1841, 17 houses and 87 persons. The principal landowners are John Rocke, Esq.; Mr. John Langslow; Rev. John Knight; Mr. Thomas Bird; and the Trustees of Clungunford School. Beckjay and Broadward is a scattered township, two miles from Clungunford, containing 15 houses and 91 persons. The principal landowners are the Rev. S. J. Knight and George Bright, Esq. Shelderton is a township, two miles from the parish church. W. W. Sitwell, Esq., and the Rev. Henry Cowdell are the principal landowners.
Directory.—Clungunford: William Anslow, victualler, Cross Keys; Timothy Bishop, farmer, Rowton; John Bridgewater, farmer; Samuel Eyre, schoolmaster; John Howells, farmer; Edward P. Langslow, butcher; John Rocke, Esq., Clungunford House; Rev. Thomas O. Rocke, rector; Richard Yapp, blacksmith. Abcott: Thomas Bird, tailor; John Greenhouse, victualler, The Bird on the Rock; John Langslow, farmer, Abcott Cottage; Aaron Woolley, farmer; Thomas Woolley, farmer. Beckjay: Samuel Urwick, farmer. Shelderton: Rev. Henry Cowdell, and Charles Blakeway, farmer.
EDGTON BRUNSLOW AND HORDERLEY
is a parish situated five miles S.E. by E. of Bishop’s Castle, comprehending an area of 1,645a. 1r. 30p. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,304. 0s. 9d. In 1841 here were 47 houses and 214 inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Rev. Humphrey Sandford, George Beddoes, Esq., and the Earl of Craven. The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a small structure consisting of nave and chancel, with a tower in which are three bells. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the Rev. Humphrey Sandford, and incumbency of the Rev. Folliett Sandford.
Horderley is an Extra Parochial Liberty eight miles east of Edgton, which is included in that parish by the population returns. There is only one house here, called Horderley Hall, the property of Thomas Hotchkiss, Esq., and residence of John Hotchkiss, farmer.
Charities.—It is stated in the parliamentary returns of 1786 that Edward James, in 1620, left £5, Humphrey Sandford, in 1735, £5, and Charles Lucas, in 1728, £2, the interest thereof to be given to the poor of this parish.
Directory.—George Beddoes, Esq.; William Bird, farmer; John Brown, farmer; Elizabeth Herbert, farmer; Thomas James, farmer; William Lucas, farmer; Charles Luther, farmer; Mary Norncott, shopkeeper; Thomas Poundley, parish clerk; and Roger Wellings, farmer.
HOPESAY
is an extensive parish and rural village situated six miles S.E. by E. of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 3,857a. 1r. 18p. of land. Rateable value, £4,430 8s. 8d. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor. The principal landowners are William M. Beddoes, Esq., Captain Henry Beddoes, James Baxter, Esq., Mr. Samuel Griffiths, and Mr. Francis Davies. In 1841 there were in this parish 160 houses and 660 inhabitants. The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, comprises nave, chancel, and a massive square tower. The living is a rectory in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Philip P. Adams.
Aston is a township and considerable village on the Ludlow and Bishop’s Castle turnpike road, seven miles S.E. of the latter place. In 1841 here were 70 houses and 292 persons. The principal landowners are Richard Marston, Esq., Mrs. Margaret Nicholls, Mr. John Cadwallader, and John Whitefoot, Esq. There is a small Baptist chapel in this village. Barlow township is returned as having one house and eight inhabitants. Broom and Rowton is partly in Hopesay parish and partly in Clungunford; in the former in 1841 there were 25 houses and 96 inhabitants, and in the latter parish two houses and fifteen persons. The principal landowners are George Bright, Esq., Miss A. M. Tunstall, and Ralph Benson, Esq. Carwood township is returned as having seven houses and 29 inhabitants at the census of 1841. Little Brompton is a township four miles east of Clun, which contains eleven houses and 44 persons. The Earl of Powis is sole landowner. Thomas Parks, by will, dated 1726, left £50, in trust, to be placed out at interest and given to a schoolmaster to teach six poor children of this parish. Dennis Harris left a rent charge of 10s. per annum to be given to the poor. Elizabeth Newnham, by will, dated 1750, bequeathed £30, the interest to be given to the poor of Hopsay. Jane Pugh, by will, dated 1808, bequeathed an annuity of £10, for the benefit of the poor of this parish.
Directory.—Hopesay: The Rev. Philips B. Adams, rector; William Bedell, stone mason; John Childe, shopkeeper; John Cruckson, farmer; Francis Davies, farmer; William Evans, farmer, Barlow; Samuel Griffiths, farmer; Joseph Price, vict., New Inn; The Rev. Folliett Sandford, P.C., of Edgton. Aston: John Beddoes, vict., Kangaroo; John Cadwallader, tailor; Thomas Childe, farmer; Charles Childe, farmer; James Dislee, blacksmith; Martha Griffiths, shopkeeper; Edward Jacks, farmer; Edward Lewis, corn miller; George Proctor, farmer; William Pugh, postmaster; Sarah Weyman, farmer, The Hall; John Whitefoot, Esq. Broom: George Bright, farmer; William Jacks, farmer. Little Brompton: Richard Smith, wheelwright; John Weyman, farmer.
HOPTON CASTLE
is a parish and pleasantly situated village nine miles south of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 2,366a. 3r. 5p. of land, exclusive of the hills, the rateable value of which is £1,730. At the census of 1841 here were 31 houses and 164 persons. Population in 1801, 138; and in 1831, 145. Thomas Salway Beale, Esq., is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. This manor was anciently the possession of Roger Lord Mortimer, who obtained a charter of free warren in the 14th of Edward I. In this township are the remains of a castle, from which this parish takes its name. Camden mentions Hopton Castle as being given to Walter de Clifford by Henry II. The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a small structure consisting of nave and chancel. The living is a rectory in the patronage of T. S. Beale, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. George D. Pardoe. The tithes are commuted for about £280. There are eighty acres of glebe land.
Directory.—Richard Filer, steward to T. S. Beale, Esq.; Thomas Harley, joiner; Thomas Mansell, Esq.; Rev. George D. Pardoe, rector; John Sawyer, shopkeeper; and Edward Tanner, farmer.
LYDBURY NORTH
is an extensive parish and considerable village, two and a half miles south-east from Bishop’s Castle. The parish includes the townships of Acton, Brockton, Lower Down, Eaton and Choulton, Eyton and Plowden, North Lydbury, and Totterton, which together in 1841 had a population of 908 souls; 1801, 829; 1831, 955. The township of North Lydbury contains 2,253a. 0r. 35p. of land, and in 1841 had 84 houses and 337 inhabitants. Rateable value £2,651. 7s. The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a plain substantial structure with a massive tower. The living is a vicarage, with the perpetual curacy of Norbury annexed, in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. John Bright. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £486, and the rectoral for £439. 8s., of which £411. 8s. have been apportioned to W. Plowden, Esq., £11 to the parish clerk, for the time being, and £17 to the rector of Pontesbury. The church contains many elegant monuments to the Plowden and Walcott families. The chief landowners are Earl Powis, and William Plowden, Esq. Walcott Hall is a spacious and elegant mansion, the occasional seat of the Earl of Powis. It contains a fine collection of paintings and Indian curiosities, collected by the first Lord Clive. The pleasure grounds are very beautifully laid out, and the park is richly wooded. At Tangley Hill are prominent vestiges of a British encampment, called the Bury Ditches. The interest of £200, bequeathed by John Shipman, in 1662, is applied in the support of the national school, another £100 has been raised by the liberality of the parishioners and the Earl of Powis for the same object, in addition to which a considerable sum is raised by annual subscriptions. The school, a substantial stone building, has been built about six years. The Poor’s Estate produces a yearly sum of £27. 10s., out of which £7 per annum is paid for educational purposes, and the residue applied in a general distribution among the poor. Richard Sayce, in 1754, left a rent charge of £2. 12s. per annum, to be given in bread.
The following are the out-townships of this parish, namely: Acton, situated two miles south-west from Lydbury, having 816 acres of land, and in 1841, 23 houses and 108 inhabitants. Brocton township lies about a mile from Lydbury, and has 694 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,102. 4s. In 1841 there were 30 houses and 137 inhabitants. Lower Down, a small village and township, lies to the south west of Lydbury, and contains 1,207 acres, the rateable value of which is £875; population in 1841, 116; at which period there were 25 houses. Eyton and Plowden township has 872 acres, and in 1841 had 11 houses and 59 inhabitants. Rateable value £747. 13s. Eaton and Choulton in 1841 had 16 houses and 87 inhabitants, and contains 699 acres of land. Totterton township is distant about a mile from Lydbury, and contains 775 acres of land. In 1841 there were 11 houses and 64 inhabitants; William Plowden, Esq., and the Earl of Powis, are the landowners in the above townships.
LYDBURY NORTH DIRECTORY.
Beddoes Geo. farm., Brunslow
Brereton John, farmer
Brown John, schoolmaster
Colgan Rev. Rd. (Rom. Cathol.)
Gwilt Rd., farmer, The Folly
Hodgkiss John, farmer
Lane Thomas, farmer
Lawrence John, blacksmith
Mason William, farmer
Newell Joseph, agent to the Earl of Powis
Norncott Rd. farmr. & shopkpr
Owens John, farmer
Phillips William, farmer
Southern William H., farmer
Statham John, farmer
Whitefoot Mrs. E. the Vicarage
Williams John, parish clerk
ACTON DIRECTORY.
Gwilt Richard, farmer
Luther Robert, farmer
Price George, farmer
Robinson Joseph, farmer and blacksmith
BROCKTON DIRECTORY.
Bluck William, beerseller
Blayney Thos., vict., New Inn
Bore Mr., vict., Wheat Sheaf
Davies Jane, farmer
Hamar Thomas, miller
Evans Samuel, farmer
James Mr. Thomas
Marston Richd., wheelwright
Mountford Edward, farmer
Powell James, blacksmith
Powell John, farmer
Tomlins John, farmer
CHOULTON DIRECTORY.
Edwards Ann, farmer
Gwilt Evan, farmer
Gethyn, Thomas, farmer
Wood Thomas, blacksmith
EATON DIRECTORY.
Watkins Joseph, farmer
EYTON AND PLOWDEN DIRECTORIES.
Amies Samuel, farmer
Evans Gabriel, miller & farmr
Gwilt William, farmer
Hacock Thomas, farmer
Watts Thomas, farmer
Williams John, farmer
LOWER DOWN DIRECTORY.
Farmer George, farmer
Hamar Thomas, farmer
Titley John, farmer
Whittall John, farmer
Whittall Thomas, farmer.
TOTTERTON DIRECTORY.
Bright Rev. John, vicar of Lydbury
Everall Jph. farmer, Friezland
Hodges William, farmer
Shuker William, farmer
LYDHAM
is a parish, two miles north-east from Bishop’s Castle, partly in Salop and partly in Montgomeryshire. In this county are 1,760 acres of land. Rateable value, £2,319. 5s. Gross estimated rental, £2,535. 5s. In 1841 here were 19 houses and 128 inhabitants. The Rev. Arthur Oakeley is the sole landowner and lord of the manor. The river Camlad has its source in this parish. The Church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and the living is a rectory, rated at £10. Gross income, £462. Patron and incumbent, Rev. Arthur Oakeley.
Directory.—Richard Bright, farmer; William Davies, farmer; Edward Gwilliam, farmer, The Lodge; Thos. Mapp, farmer, Heblands; Rev. Arthur Oakeley, The Rectory; Edward Rogers, blacksmith; Edward Williams, miller.
MORE
is a parish and township, situated two miles north of Bishop’s Castle, containing 3,511 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £2,124. In 1841 here were 46 houses and 246 persons in the parish. Population in 1801, 288; and in 1831, 272. R. B. More, Esq., is the principal landowner in this parish. This place takes its name from the family of More, who have been settled here since the thirteenth century. The Church is a handsome Gothic structure, consisting of nave and chancel, in which is a beautiful stained glass window. The living is a rectory, in the patronage of R. B. More, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas F. More. The tithes are commuted for £242.
Linley is a township three miles N.E. of More, containing 26 houses and 123 persons. R. B. More, Esq., is sole landowner. Linley Hall is a handsome mansion in the Grecian style of architecture, the seat and property of R. B. More, Esq. Charities.—The Rev. Edward Rogers left £35. 13s., the interest to be distributed amongst the poor. This sum, £15. 13s. of the parish stock, and £8. 14s. which was borrowed, were laid out in the purchase of land, the rent of which is now paid to a schoolmaster to teach eight poor children. Morewood township at the census of 1841 had ten houses and 63 inhabitants.
Directory.—More and Morewood: Martha Burgess, farmer; James Harris, farmer; John Hill, carpenter; Robert James, farmer; Richard Jones, farmer; William Medlicott, farmer; John Mellings, farmer; Margaret Mellings, farmer; Thomas Morris, farmer; John Thomas, farmer; Thomas Wardman, farmer; John Wardman, farmer; John Wilks, farmer. Linley: Evan Abley, carpenter and wheelwright; William Jones, farmer: Robert B. More, Esq., Linley Hall; Benjamin Perkin, gardener; Richard Poulter, blacksmith; Rd. Pugh, farmer; Ed. Tomlins, shoemaker; and Joseph Whittall, mine agent.
Dinmore is an Extra Parochial Liberty two miles from Bishop’s Castle, containing about 100 acres of land, the property of William Plowden, Esq. Mr. Richard Guilt is the resident farmer.
MYNDTOWN
is a small parish five miles north east of Bishop’s Castle, on the western side of the Longmynds. It contains 906a. 3r. of land, including 347a. of common. Rateable value £425. 10s. William Plowden, Esq., is sole landowner and lord of the manor. The church is a small structure, dedicated to St. John. The living is a rectory in the patronage of Earl Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. John Rogers. The tithes are commuted for £52. 11s. 9d. There are 33 acres of glebe land.
Directory.—Edward Hammonds, farmer; John Lewis, farmer, The Hall; and Philip Shukar, farmer.
NORBURY
is a parish 4 miles N.N.E. of Bishop’s Castle, which comprises the townships of Asterton, Norbury, Whitcott, and Hardwick, and has an area of 2,685a. 2r. 25p. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,600. 3s. 8½d. The principal landowners of the township of Norbury are Robert Scott, Esq., and Thomas Harris, Esq. In 1841 there were 33 houses and 174 persons. The Church, dedicated to All Saints, is a neat structure, consisting of nave and chancel, and has a tower, in which are three bells. The living is a perpetual curacy, annexed to North Lydbury. The tithes are commuted, and £180 has been apportioned to the vicar, and £145 to William H. Plowden, Esq.
Asterton is a township in this parish, one mile and a half from Norbury, which had at the census of 1841 had 37 houses and 164 persons. The principal landowners are Wm. Plowden, Esq.; Edward Medlicott, Esq.; Ralph Benson, Esq.; and Edward Home, Esq. There is a small Primitive Methodist Chapel in this township.
Whitcott and Hardwick is a scattered township, containing 14 houses and 82 persons. The principal landowners are Mr. Thomas W. Ambler; James Wilkes, Esq.; and Edward Home, Esq. Charity.—Thomas Jacks left £10, the interest thereof to be given in bread to the poor of this parish.
Directory.—Norbury: Thomas Beamond, farmer; William Bowen, farmer; John Cook, beerseller; Thomas Cook, farmer; John Dewin, farmer; John Everall, farmer; Thomas Harris, farmer; Joseph Jones, farmer; Charles Morris farmer; Jeremiah Pugh, maltster and victualler, The Red Lion; Thomas Williams, farmer. Asterley: John Pincher, farmer; and William Pincher, farmer. Whitcott and Hardwick: Thomas W. Ambler, farmer; William Davies, miller and farmer; Edward Dewin, farmer; William Marston, farmer and beerseller; William Morris, farmer; James Wilks, farmer.
RATLINGHOPE
is a parish comprising the townships of Ratlinghope, Stitt, and Gatten, which have an area of 3,690 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,901. 8s. At the census of 1841 there were 50 houses and 315 inhabitants. The township is pleasantly situated 13 miles south-west of Shrewsbury, and comprises 1,269 acres of land, exclusive of common. Rateable value, £750. 12s. Ratlinghope township in 1841 contained 25 houses and 162 persons. Robert Scott, Esq., is lord of the manor, and the sole landowner. This place, at the Doomsday survey, was in the possession of Robert, the son of Corbet, one of whose descendants gave it to the canons regular of St. Augustine. There was anciently a priory here, in which were placed a few black canons. The Church is dedicated to St. Margaret. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s books at £3. 6s. 8d., in the patronage of Robert Scott, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Edward Homfray.
Stitt and Gatten is a township in this parish, ten miles south-west of Shrewsbury, which contains 2,421 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,151. 8s. In 1841 there were 25 houses and 153 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Samuel Smith, Esq., and the Hon. H. W. Powys. James Rowson, in 1746, left £20 for the benefit of the poor of this parish.
Directory.—Ratlinghope: Thomas Cooke, farmer, The Coppice; John Elison, farmer; Thomas Jones, farmer; Thomas Lello, farmer; Mary Partridge, blacksmith and victualler, The Bridges; Randolph Poston, miller; Emanuel Preece, farmer. Stitt and Gatten: Edward Andrews, farmer, The Stitt; William Groves, farmer, The Stitt; Samuel Medlicott, farmer, Gatten; William Mellings, farmer, Gatten; and John Munslow, farmer, Gatten.
SIBDON CARWOOD
is a small parish eight miles S.S.E. of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 754 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £858. 12s. 6d.: gross estimated rental, £869. 13s. James Baxter, Esq. is the sole landowner, and lord of the manor. At the census of 1841 there were 12 houses and 59 persons. The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a neat edifice, rebuilt in 1741. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of James Baxter, Esq. and incumbency of the Rev. W. E. Lumb, M.A. Sibdon Castle is an ancient castellated mansion, situated in a picturesque position, commanding extensive and varied views of the surrounding country, and is the property of James Baxter, Esq.
Directory.—James Baxter, Esq., the Castle; Thomas Cooper, farmer; Richard Dawes, farmer; William Griffiths, farmer.
STOWE
is a parish and small village about two miles north-east by east from Knighton, which contains 2,724a. 0r. 11p. of land. At the census of 1841 there were 38 houses and 135 souls. The township of Stowe contains 748a. 2r. 25p. of land, the rateable value of which is £531. The village is romantically situated, and surrounded by lofty hills. Edward Rogers, Esq., is the landowner in this township. The Church is dedicated to St. Michael, and the living a vicarage, in the patronage of the crown: incumbent, Rev. Thomas Green. The tithes are commuted for £250, of which £45 is apportioned to Clun Hospital. There is also glebe land of the annual value of £20. Directory.—Sarah Baldwin, miller and farmer, William Langford, stone mason, and Caleb Steadman, farmer.
Lurkinhope is a township in Stowe parish, containing 1,265a. 1r. 26p. of land, the rateable value of which is £586. 15s. The principal landowner is Charles Edwards, Esq. Sarah Bright is the resident farmer.
Weston is a small township in the parish of Stowe, containing 710 acres, the rateable value of which is £475. 10s. Edward Rogers, Esq., is sole owner in this township. Directory.—Charles Steadman, farmer, and Edward Turner, cattle dealer.
WENTNOR
is an extensive parish comprising the townships of Adston, Home, Kinnerton, and Ritton, Medlicott and Wentnor, which have an area of 4,190 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £2,978. The village of Wentnor is pleasantly situated five and a half miles N.E. of Bishop’s Castle, and in 1841 had 43 houses and 200 inhabitants. There is a small woollen manufactory in this parish, worked by water power. The Church is dedicated to Saint Michael. The living is a rectory in the patronage of the dean and canons of Christ Church, Oxford, and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas Hunt. The tithes are commuted for £212. 10s. The principal landowners are the Rev. John Bright, Rev. G. D. Pardoe, Robert Scott, Esq., Thomas Downes, Esq., and Mrs. Sarah Medlicott. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor.
Adston is a township situated to the north of Wentnor, the principal landowners of which are the Rev. John Bright, Jeremiah Medlicott, Esq., Francis Norton, Esq., John Whitehurst, Esq., and H. Walters, Esq. In 1841 here were 19 houses and 100 inhabitants.
Home is a small township containing three houses and 24 persons. The land is the property of the Rev. John Rogers.
Kinnerton and Ritton is a township and village three miles from Wentnor, which contains 58 houses and 322 persons. Henry Lyster, Esq., is the proprietor of the land and lord of the manor.
Medlicott is a township one mile from Wentnor, containing 14 houses and 60 inhabitants. John Medlicott, Esq., is lord of the manor and chief landowner; Mrs. Sarah Medlicott and Mr. Thomas Bright are also owners.
Charities.—Rev. Edward Rogers, by will, dated 1788, left £50, the interest to be applied in teaching poor children of the parish to read. This sum, with the surplus of a subscription raised for building a school, to which Charles Rogers, Esq., contributed £100, was invested in the purchase of £100 stock new four per cents., and the dividends paid to a schoolmaster who teaches twelve poor children. Dr. Price bequeathed £10, and Edward Redrobe gave £10, the interest to be given to the poor on St. Thomas’s-day.
WENTNOR DIRECTORY.
Beamond John, farmer
Jones Richard, farmer
Hotchkiss William, farmer
Humphrey Rev. Thos., curate
Mapp Richard, farmer
Medlicot John, woollen manufacturer
Medlicot Sarah, beerseller
Morris John, farmer and maltster
Kirkham Edward, farmer
ADSTON DIRECTORY.
Andrews Edward, farmer
Evans John, farmer and miller
Harding John, farmer
Jameson George, farmer
Kirkham George, farmer
Kirkham Samuel, farmer
HOME DIRECTORY.
Gething John, farmer
Rogers Rev. John, rector of Myndtown
KINNERTON AND RITTON DIRECTORY.
Beamond Robert, farmer
Blockley William, farmer
Davies John, farmer
Davies William, farmer
Hotchkiss Francis, farmer
Mountford John, farmer
Potter John, farmer
Potter Jonathan, farmer
Pugh John, farmer
Walters Edward, farmer
MEDLICOTT DIRECTORY.
Bright Thomas, farmer
Hotchkiss Jeremiah, farmer
Maddox Thomas, farmer
WISTANSTOW
is an extensive parish, partly in this hundred and partly in that of Munslow, pleasantly situated ten miles north-west of Ludlow, and intersected by the Shrewsbury and Ludlow turnpike road, the Shrewsbury and Hereford railway, and the Watling street, which here divides the hundreds of Munslow and Purslow. The township contains 728a. 2r., the rateable value of which is £1,126. 1s. In 1841 the parish contained 227 houses and 1051 persons. Population in 1801, 586; and in 1851, 989. The Church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is a cruciform structure, with a massive square tower. The living is a rectory, in the incumbency of the Rev. Christopher Swainson, and patronage of the Earl of Craven. The principal landowners are the Rev. Christopher Swainson; James Cartwright, Esq.; Thomas D. Duppa, Esq.; Mr. Thomas Owens; Mr. Edward Lewis; and Mr. William Potter.
Cheney Longville is a township, ten miles north-west of Ludlow, containing 805a. 1r. 21p. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,144, 6s. 10½d. The principal landowners are W. M. Beddoes, Esq.; Thomas D. Duppa, Esq.; and Mr. Joseph Humphreys. In 1841 here were 24 houses and 125 persons. There is a Methodist Chapel in the township. A pack of hounds has been kept here for upwards of 80 years.
Felhampton and the Grove is a township, one mile and a half north-east of Wistanstow, containing 1,524a. 2r. 19p. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,015, 13s. the principal owners of which are the Earl of Craven; Mrs. Thursby; and Francis Marston, Esq. Strefford is a small village and township, ten miles north-west of Ludlow, which contains 372a. 2r. 24p. of land, the rateable value of which is £532. The Earl of Craven is the sole landowner. Wittingslow is a township, one mile and a half north-west of Wistanstow, containing 536a. 2r. 12p. of land. Rateable value, £608. 4s. The chief landowners are W. M. Beddoes, Esq.; John Mier, Esq.; Mr. J. Broom; and Mr. Thomas Beman. Woolston is a small village, one mile from Wistanstow, which contains 772a. 0r. 13p. of land, the rateable value of which is £721. 3s. The principal landowner is the Rev. S. J. Knight.
WISTANSTOW DIRECTORY.
Cartwright James, farmer, The Hall
Cox Thomas, butcher
Cox William, farmer
Davies Mrs. Jane
Edwards Mrs. Sarah
Ellis Rev. John S., curate
Home Richard, shopkeeper and postmaster
Jones John, farmer
Oliver Thomas, victualler, The Plough
Owens Thomas, victualler, White Horse
Owens Thomas, farmer, The Corner
Potter Mr. William
Rogers William, shopkeeper
Wilding James, draper and grocer
Williams William, saddler and harness maker
CHENEY LONGVILLE DIRECTORY.
Back Edward, farmer
Beddoes Francis, farmer
Duppa Thomas D., Esq.
Harris Elizabeth, farmer
Humphreys Joseph, tanner and shoemaker
Lucas George, farmer, Newington
Speake Joseph, schoolmaster
STREFFORD DIRECTORY.
Davies Henry, vict., The Boot
Jones John, veterinary surgn.
Jones Robert, surgeon
Rickards James, farmer
Rickards Richard, Esq.
FELHAMPTON & THE GROVE.
Blockley Edward, farmer
Bowen Richard, miller
Goode Thomas, blacksmith
Hancocks George, miller
Oakes John, Esq., Affcott
Marston Francis, Esq.
Martin John, vict., The Rest
Poole Richard, cooper
Thomas William, miller
Tomlinson John, farmer, The Marsh
Urkick Richard, farmer
WITTINGSLOW DIRECTORY.
Beman Thomas, farmer
Clare Peter, farmer
Falkingham Wm., beerseller
Harris Edward, farmer
Hotchkiss Wm., victualler, Cross Pipes
Howells John, farmer
WOOLSTON DIRECTORY.
Broom John, farmer
Martin Benjamin, farmer
Venables Thomas, farmer