Pugh Thomas, blacksmith
Scott Richard, farmer
Thomas Edward, corn miller
Wigley Richard, butcher
Wigley William, wheelwright
Wilcox Thomas, farmer
MEOLE BRACE
is a populous and delightful village situated about a mile S. from Shrewsbury, and indeed may be considered a suburb to that town, as there is a continuation of pleasing villas and good residences, occupied by gentlemen and tradesmen, who have by the exertions of honest industry acquired a tolerable share of the conveniences and comforts of this life, scattered on the road from Shrewsbury to the church at Meole. The best situation for viewing this pleasing village is perhaps on the bank, just on crossing the bridge. In the front is the little bridge thrown over the Rea brook, which meanders through the rich meadows, covered with fruitfulness and studded with plantations. The quiet requirement of Meole, with the church embosomed in foliage, and a distant prospect of Shrewsbury, with its turrets, spires, and a pleasing variety of objects, adds much to the picturesque beauty of the scene. The parish of Meole embraces the townships of Newton and Edgbold, Nobold, part of Pulley, and also extends into the borough of Shrewsbury, and in 1801 comprised 1,253 inhabitants; 1831, 1207, and in 1841 there were 209 houses and 1,195 inhabitants. There are 2,487a. 1r. 34p. of land in the parish. Rateable value, £7,375. 15s. The landowners in Meole are Mrs. Bather, Hon. Henry Wentworth Powis, James Loxdale, Esq., George Jeffreys, Esq., and others; the former is lady of the manor. The Church, dedicated to All Saints, is a neat brick cruciform structure, with a short tower at the west end. It stands on the site of an ancient edifice taken down in the year 1799. The living is a vicarage valued in the king’s book at £5, now returned at £389 in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Edward Bather. There is a National School in the village, which was built by the late Ven. Archdeacon Bather. It is supported by voluntary subscriptions and a small charge from each scholar; 120 boys and girls are educated in the school. John Davies is the teacher. The rectoral tithes, not purchased by the landowners, are commuted for £24. 1s. 6d., and the vicarial for £196. 19s. 1d. A neat almshouse has recently been erected upon an elevated plot of land near the turnpike road. It is a brick structure with stone finishings, and was built with funds bequeathed by the late Mr. Evans, who also bequeathed certain funds for the endowment. There are nine poor widows inmates; each poor person has a convenient low room and a bed room, with a small plot of garden ground, and an allowance of eight pound per annum. There is a respectable inn and Bowling Green kept by Mrs. Vicars, which is frequented by the tradesmen from Shrewsbury, who here spend a pleasant evening’s relaxation from business. There are collieries at Nobold and some other places, but no coal has been got at Meole for the last four years. The House of Industry noticed with the account of Shrewsbury stands within the bounds of this parish. There was formerly a castle at Meole, which in early times was the residence of the Mackworths; there are no vestiges of the structure left.
Andrews Thomas, farmer
Andrews William, farmer