A guide, descriptive and historical, through the Town of Shrewsbury

by W. A. Leighton

TO WHICH ARE APPENDED, LISTS OF
THE EMINENT NATIVES OF THE TOWN,
WITH REFERENCES TO BIOGRAPHICAL WORKS;

OF
THE BIRDS SEEN IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD;

AND OF
THE RARER SPECIES OF PLANTS
INDIGENOUS TO THE VICINITY.

BY THE
REV. W. A. LEIGHTON, B.A. F.B S.E.
AUTHOR OF “A FLORA OF SHROPSHIRE,” &c.

“I held on way to auncient Shrewsebrie towne,
And so from horse at lodging lighting downe,
I walkt the streats, and markt what came to vewe.”

Churchyard.

NOTICES OF THE WORK.

“We are exceedingly pleased with this elegant and judicious Guide. We think it is formed after the best plan, that of pure and terse description of those objects which are actually presented to the eyes of the stranger, neither overloaded with history and biography, which he may study more appropriately in other works, and on less hurried occasions, nor degraded by the introduction of mean and insignificant subjects. To the residents of Shrewsbury, the utility of this little volume is enhanced by a catalogue of its eminent natives, and lists of native birds and plants. The whole work bears evidence of the ability and good taste of the author.

“We must particularly praise the pains taken to give a full account of the Grammar School, and its eminent scholars, who, under the conduct of the late and present head masters, (the late Bishop of Lichfield and Dr. Kennedy), have won an extraordinary proportion of the prizes at both universities, as is shewn in the highly honourable lists here printed. The volume is embellished with no less than sixty engravings on wood.”

Gentleman’s Magazine.

“This ‘Guide through the Town of Shrewsbury’ is, in every particular, a well-arranged, comprehensive, correct, and intelligent book of reference.

“There is no town in England better known by name than Shrewsbury—from its cakes and annual show, to its famed Grammar School and useful Institutions; but this Guide will make both natives and strangers better acquainted with its antiquity, its internal regulations, and the character of its inhabitants, than could have been derived from any previous publication of the kind. It goes so minutely into particulars, traces sources with so much industry and accuracy, and details events with so much vividness and perspicuity, that it should be called a miniature History of Shrewsbury.” . . . Analyst.

“It really is one proof, and that not the least remarkable, of the rapid improvement of provincial literature within the past fifteen years, that the standard of guide-books is of a far higher degree of excellence than formerly was the case. This Guide to Shrewsbury is neatly written, abounds with every species of information, historical, descriptive, and other, which relates to the subjects noticed, is profusely illustrated with wood-cuts, and lastly, has appended to it what is of much value to works of this kind a Flora and Fauna of the neighbourhood. As a specimen of country printing, the book is remarkable; it might have passed for the work of a Vizetelly or Bradbury.”—Critic.

“A pleasing little volume, not more remarkable for the neat and workmanlike manner in which it is ‘got-up,’ than for the simple and unaffected style in which it is written.”—Manchester Chronicle.

“An excellent Guide to this interesting old town, its antiquities, curiosities, surrounding scenery, botany, and, in short, all that an inquiring tourist could wish to inspect in a visit to Shrewsbury.”—Literary Gazette.

“It will be found to be an admirable companion to the antiquities and other noticeable points of the place; and when the visitors leave the old town this guide will call to mind its outward forms and semblances. This book has much more permanent value than guide-books usually have. Would that books of greater pretensions were always as complete!”—Pictorial Times.

“Made memorable by the pen of the inimitable bard in his play of Henry IV., the town of Shrewsbury naturally becomes an object of curiosity to the reader of Shakspere. Excited by this feeling, we took up this little volume, and we were so well pleased with it that we step aside from our usual course of passing by publications of a local character to notice its excellence. It is tastefully and correctly printed, amply illustrated with numerous and beautiful wood engravings, and its descriptions graphic and clear, so as to render it a pleasing and unerring guide to the visitor of Shrewsbury, instructive to the historical and architectural antiquarian, the traveller, and the general reader.

“We recommend it to all whom business or pleasure may call to that ancient and celebrated town.”—Liverpool Chronicle.

Shrewsbury: Published by John Davies, 15, High Street.
Sold by all Booksellers.

THOMAS PHILPOTT,
UNICORN INN, WYLE COP,
SHREWSBURY.

EVERY ACCOMMODATION FOR TRAVELLERS.