The parish church of Saint Lawrence is an ancient and venerable cruciform structure, principally in the early style of English architecture, with a square embattled tower, rising from the centre, crowned with pinnacles. The chancel is ornamented with richly carved oak in antique devices; and in the central compartment of the altar, is the representation of a dead Christ in the lap of the Virgin, finely carved. The windows, principally in the decorated style, with rich tracery, are embellished with stained glass, and in the south transept the ancient carved oak roof is carefully preserved. A large stone coffin, having a lid, and an alabaster slab with an inscription, not legible, were discovered some years since beneath this transept. The triennial visitation is held in this church, by the bishop of this diocess, in August, and in the intermediate years by the archdeacon, in May. Many of the valuable embellishments of the church have been bestowed by the rector at a considerable expense. The living is a rectory in the gift of C. O. Child Pemberton; the present incumbent is the Rev. Hugh Owen Wilson. The free school, here, was endowed by several benefactions: the present establishment combines the objects of a National, with the advantage of a Sunday School, and is open to all children of the parish; the inhabitants have also the advantage of a public library and news room. The other charities are almshouses for four poor people, and some bequests, from which the poor of the parish derive benefit at certain periods. The air of this district is considered exceedingly salubrious; the soil is a fine gravel, and several clear mountain streams descend impetuously into the valleys. The secluded and romantic situation of the place, and its proximity to scenes of deep interest, together with its healthfulness, render it a place of resort for parties from the neighbouring towns. The market is held on Thursday; and the fairs on the Tuesday before Shrewsbury March fair; May 14th, July 3rd (for wool), September 25th, and the last Thursday in November. The parish (including the townships before mentioned), contained in 1841, 1,604 inhabitants and in 1851, 1,676.
POST OFFICE, Church Stretton, Margaret Broome, Post Mistress.—Letters from London and all parts arrive (from Shrewsbury), every morning at six, and are despatched thereto at eight in the evening.
GENTRY AND CLERGY.
Acton Mrs. Fanny Stackhouse, Acton Scott
Baldwin Mrs. —, Church Stretton
Beddoes Wm. Minton, Esq. Minton
Bray Miss Sarah, Church Stretton
Bridgman, Mrs. Clarissa, Church Stretton
Corfield the Misses Ann & Martha, Church Stretton
Darcey William, Esq. Ticklerton