Severn Water.
The reservoir for this water is in a large cistern near the butter market, from whence it is conveyed to almost all the inhabitants by means of lead pipes, for which they pay in proportion to the quantity of water. The water is forced up to this reservoir by means of a large wheel placed at the English or East Bridge, but in consequence of the frequent fluctuations of the Severn, it is probable that six months out of the twelve, the town is destitute of this supply, and whatever quantity may be wanted for culinary and other purposes is carried from the river. It is much to be wished, that the present waterworks were removed, not only on account of the deformity which they give to the noble appearance of the bridge; but the water which is sent to the reservoir after running nearly round the town and receiving all its filth, would by the removal of the works to Cotton Hill, and the erection of a steam engine, be distributed to the inhabitants in a more regular manner, and in a much purer state.
Baths.
There are two cold baths, one in Kingsland and the other in the suburb of Abbey Foregate, but neither of them can be recommended as possessing suitable accommodations, especially when compared with those of other places.
The Quarry.
This beautiful walk is on the western side of the town near the church of St. Chad; it occupies a rich meadow of about twenty acres gradually sloping to the river, and is supposed to have obtained its name from a small quarry of soft red sand-stone, which was formerly procured here, and with which some of the ancient buildings were no doubt erected. The lower walk which skirts the river, is 540 yards in length, shaded with lime trees, planted by Henry Jenks, Esq. in the year of his mayoralty, 1719. Three walks lead from the town to that on the bank of the Severn, and two others formerly crossed the entrance.
Few promenades in the kingdom can vie with the Quarry, particularly in the spring of the year, when it displays all its pride of beauty. Its spacious fields carpeted with grass, thickly studded with the golden hue of the butter cup, and the silvery tinge of the modest daisy—its noble trees clothed with leafy verdure of various hues, and protecting the pedestrian from the piercing rays of the sun—the Severn rolling its broad and majestic stream along—whilst the feathered songsters carol their notes to the God of nature, altogether present a lovely picture of rural happiness. Nor is the Quarry at “the fall of the leaf” when nature unburdens herself of her lovely mantle, unworthy the contemplation of the reflecting mind.
The fading foliage of th’ embrowning grove,
(Which oft has listened to the voice of love,)
In mournful junction with the shortning day,
Reminds us of the circling year’s decay:
While the fleet, whistling winds, dismantling, tear
Each tree’s green honours to the chilling air,
Thence to descend, and in man’s footsteps lie
A just memento of mortality.
In the 16th century, it appears that Shrewsbury was the scene of theatrical representations. Julian the apostate, was performed here in 1565, and two years afterwards, the Passion of Christ, to see which queen Elizabeth is said to have come as far as Coventry, but on learning that its representation was over, returned to London. The particular spot which formed the rural theatre, was at the top of the rope walk in the Quarry. The ground which forms a gentle acclivity, was cut into the form of an amphitheatre, the seats of which may still be traced in the bank.
Beside this, which is the chief walk, the town and neighbourhood furnish such a variety of picturesque and pleasing promenades as are equalled perhaps by few in the kingdom.