It would ill beseem us to pass, without honourable mention, the talents of our ingenious townsman, Mr. David Evans, who, by unwearied exertions, and consummate skill, has raised the art of glass-staining to a degree of perfection unequalled in modern times, and nearly approaching, if not entirely equalling, the rich and mellow tints of the “royal glass” of ancient days. The numerous and singularly beautiful specimens of his elaborate labours, visible in the inimitable restorations of the splendid glass of Winchester and Lichfield Cathedrals, the churches of St. Mary, St. Michael, St. Chad, St. George, the Abbey, and domestic chapels of the nobility and gentry, in almost every part of the kingdom, speak, however, his merits more forcibly to the correct eye and refined taste, than whole volumes of our feeble encomiums. [56]
Returning along the Castle Foregate, the more remarkable objects are the Shrewsbury and Ellesmere Canal, the Manufactory of linen-thread, the Coal Wharfs, the Gas-Works, and the Goods and Coal Depôt of the Railway, the New Meeting House of the Wesleyan Reformers, and Buildings of the Freehold Land Society.
Passing up Howard Street, on the left-hand side of which is the New Butter and Cheese Market, we approach
THE COUNTY GAOL,
erected in 1793, on the principles of the benevolent Howard, after a design by Haycock, of Shrewsbury, at an expense of £30,000. The building is of brick, and is entered by a massive free-stone gate, on either side of which is a lodge. Over the gateway is a fine bust of Howard, by Bacon. Immediately behind is the governor’s house; an octagonal chapel occupies the centre; and the remainder of the structure is divided into four principal courts, with several smaller ones, around which are cloisters, with sleeping rooms above for the prisoners, and cells for the condemned and refractory. The male and female prisoners are kept apart, and distributed into classes. On the eastern side is the Infirmary, detached from the other buildings. A strong and lofty brick wall encompasses the whole.
The entire structure is strong, spacious, airy, well supplied with water, and every other necessary; and in point of situation for salubrity and beauty, vies with any of the adjoining eminences.
An admirable institution, supported by voluntary benevolence, entitled “The Prison Charities,” has subsisted within the walls for nearly fifty years, and has been productive of the most beneficial results. Its objects are to enable debtors and criminal prisoners, of deserving conduct, to provide by their industry for their better maintenance during confinement, and to furnish them with a seasonable supply of money and tools, for immediate use on their restoration to society.
BRIDGE
consisting of two timber arches, 85 feet clear span each, on the bow and string principle, which carries the public walk called