Albright Hussey, an ancient moated residence, situated about half a mile from Battlefield church, was formerly the seat of the Husseys, a family of consequence in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The mansion, in the reign of Charles I., became the seat of the Corbets, who resided there for more than one hundred years. One of the rooms has a fine oak chimney piece, most elaborately carved. Near to the mansion formerly stood a chapel, the remains of which, and the old font, are still to be seen. Roger Roe, rector of the chapel of St. John the Baptist, at Albrighton Husee, by his will, dated 1444, ordered his body to be buried near the high altar of Battlefield church, and bequeathed to the five chaplains in the college three silver chalices, one paxbrede of silver gilt, two silver cruets, three brass bells hanging in the belfry, two cases after the manner of Sarum, otherwise called lyggers, three gilt copper crosses, two new missals, two new graduals, three old missals covered with old leather, one old case, one processional, one executor of the office, one book of collects, four placebo and dirage, one pair of vestments of red velvet, one red velvet cope, two velvet dalmatics, one pair of vestments of white silk, one white silk cope, and four pair of other vestments. Mrs. Margaret Jones, in 1773, left £50, and directed the interest to be given to the poor of the parish on Easter Sunday.
Directory.—Henry Colley, farmer, Huffley; Edward Moreton, farmer, Allbright Hussey; Martha Winnall, farmer, Battlefield farm
BROUGHTON,
a parish and township in the Albrighton division, also contains the township of Yorton, which conjointly contain 878a. 2r. 1p. of land, and in 1841 had 37 houses and 188 inhabitants. The soil is mostly a stiff loam, and the meadow land is of good quality. There are 27a. of woods and plantations in the parish. The principal land owners are Viscount Hill, Spencer Roger Dickin, Esq., Mr. William Teece, and Cornelius Maddocks, the former is lord of the manor. Rateable value of the parish, £1836. 10s. The Church is a small ancient structure, dedicated to St. Mary, and was formerly subordinate to that of St. Mary, Shrewsbury; it is built of rubble stone, and rough cast, and has nave, chancel, porch, and small turret. The living is a perpetual curacy returned in £67, in the patronage of Viscount Hill, and incumbency of the Rev. Francis Parkes. It is related on a late occasion the parish clerk of Broughton was desired to acquaint the congregation during public worship that the then officiating minister would perform divine service at that church and at the Clive alternately, when, not exactly understanding the meaning of the latter term, he very gravely gave notice the Rev. Mr. W. “will preach here and at the Clive to all eternity.” The tithes are commuted for £105, Henry Lister, Esq., is the impropriator. In the field where the church stands an attempt has recently been made to open coal works; it appears that coal was found and lime works were also established, but the project was shortly after abandoned.
Directory.—Mr. William Clay, The farm; Mr. Alderton Clay, The hall; Joseph Molynax, blacksmith; Mr. Samuel Sherratt, The villa, William Sutton, wheelwright.
YORTON,
a small scattered township in the parish of Broughton, is situate about one mile from the church. The population and acres are included in the returns for Broughton. Viscount Hill is lord of the manor, Robert Panting Gardener, Esq., Mrs. Sarah Bayley and others are land owners. The greatest portion of the township is in the hands of R. P. Gardner, Esq.
Yorton Villa, the residence of the Rev. William Jaudwine, M.A., is a square stuccoed house pleasantly situated, and beautified with pleasure grounds, and shrubberies laid out with great taste. The following are the principal residents in this township:—Those with † affixed reside at Yorton Heath, Rev. William Jaudwine, M.A., The villa; † Thomas George, shopkeeper; † George Lea, farmer; † Joseph Lea, farmer; Lucy Martin, farmer; † Benjamin Shuker, farmer, Black Birch. Thomas Gregory carrier to Shrewsbury on Wednesday and Saturday.
LONGNER
is an isolated portion of the parish of St. Chad, situated three miles south east from Shrewsbury. Robert Burton, Esq., of Longner hall, is owner of the whole township, which in 1841 is returned as containing four houses and 13 inhabitants. The hall is a handsome and commodious mansion, with projecting gables ornamented with turrets and pinnacles, and fronted with the beautiful white Grinshill free stone; it stands on an acclivity commanding a rich view of the surrounding country, and of the Severn, which rolls immediately beneath it. The views up and down the river and over the adjoining highly cultivated and well wooded country are peculiarly picturesque and beautiful, affording a great variety of landscape scenery. An extensive and finely timbered park surrounds the hall, the immediate vicinity of which is tastefully ornamented with pleasure grounds and shrubberies. The interior of the mansion is elegantly furnished, and contains some beautiful paintings; a fine portrait of Queen Elizabeth is supposed to have been presented by her Majesty to the ancestors of the present proprietor. A magnificent gothic window of stained glass ornamented with figures of different members of the family, lights the entrance hall.