Rowley’s, on Hill’s Mansion, said to have been the first brick building erected in Shrewsbury, was built in 1618, by William Rowley, Esq. He amassed great wealth by fortunate speculations in Barbadoes. His son, Roger Rowley, Esq., was the first person in this town who kept his carriage. The daughter and heiress of the latter married John Hill, Esq., who lived in this mansion, from whom the street received the appellation of Hill’s-lane, instead of Knuckin-street. The house has been unoccupied some time, it now presents a dilapidated appearance.
Ireland’s Mansion, situated in High-street, a noble timbered residence four stories high, terminating in pointed gables, was formerly the town residence of the ancient family of Ireland, long seated at Albrighton. When entire it must have presented an imposing appearance; it is now divided into three excellent tenements.
Jones’s Mansion, situate near St. Mary’s Church, was built by Thomas Jones, Esq., who was appointed by Charles I. in 1638 the first mayor of Shrewsbury. Subsequently the mansion became the residence of Chief Justice Jones. The Duke of York was lodged here in 1624, during the stay of Charles I. in Shrewsbury, and Prince Rupert made it his residence after the battle of Worcester.
The Judges’ Lodgings, situated at Belmont, is a spacious residence purchased by the county in 1821, for providing suitable accommodation for the Judges during their attendance at the assizes.
In various parts of the town are seen many curious old timbered houses, interesting as specimens of the domestic architecture of the honest burghers of former days. Nearly opposite the Butter Cross stood the mansion of the Prides, who gave their name to the street. This house has been greatly modernized, and partly rebuilt. In the Butchers’-row, is one of the largest, and supposed to be one of the oldest timber houses in the town. History is silent as to the time or by whom it was erected. It may have been the town mansion of the Abbot of Lilleshall, who had a residence in this part of the parish, and to which monastery the patronage of this church belonged.
Annals of the Town of Shrewsbury.
The following is a brief chronological sketch of the most remarkable events which have at different periods taken place in the town of Shrewsbury:—
A.D. 961—Land about Shrewsbury sold for one shilling per acre. The price of an ox was 2s. 6d., a cow 2s., a sheep 1s., a pig 8d.
1110.—A great earthquake, and great mortality among men and cattle.
1225.—Three gallons of ale sold for one penny in the town, and four out of town.