History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Shropshire [1851] (part 7 of 7)
Grocers & Tea Dealers.
Callant George, High street
Callant Wm., St. Mary’s st
Coley William, Mill street
Cooke Richard, High street
Crockett George, High street
Fisher George, High street
Hall Thomas, Underhill st
Jeffries Henry, High street
Lewis Francis, Underhill st
Macmichael Elizabeth & Son, High street
Morris William, High street
Pearson Benjamin, Bridge st
Saloway Benjamin, Bridge st
Southwell Ellen, High street
Southwell Robert Baker, West Castle street
Yate Josh., Waterloo terrace Gun Maker
Williamson Thos., Waterloo terrace
Hair Dressers and Perfumers.
Botwood Beriah, Listley st
Botwood Benjamin, High st
Botwood Benjamin, Mill st
Brickley John, High street
Curtis Thomas, Bridge street
Evanson Edw., St. Mary’s st
Milner Thomas, Cartway st
Hatters.
Ellis Langslow, High street
Gething Thomas, High street
Whatmore Joseph Lloyd, High street
Wollatt John Thos., High st
Hop Merchants.
Deighton Thos., Castle terrace
Mapp Thomas, warehouse, Underhill street
Hosiers.
Edwards Matthew, High st
Whatmore Joseph Lloyd, High street
Hotels, Inns and Taverns.
Ball, James Lowe, East Castle street
Bandon Arms, Wm. Bishop, Mill street
Bear, Jno. Bishop, North gate
Bell, George Evans, High st
Bell and Talbot, Richard Evans, Salop road
Bird-in-Hand, Thomas Piper, West Castle street
Black Horse & Commercial Inn, John Maun, Bridge street, Low Town
Bricklayer’s Arms, Susan Piper, Listley street
Bull, Thomas Southwell, Bridge street
Bull’s Head, Elizabeth Matthews, Listley street
Castle Inn, Samuel Willcox, High street
Castle (Old), Richd. Pinner, West Castle street
Commercial, William Davies, Salop street
Cross Keys, John Reynolds, High street
Eagle, Francis Smith, St. Mary’s street
Falcon, Commercial & Posting house, William Preece, Mill street, Low Town
Fox, Elizabeth Rutter, St. John’s street
Friar, John Adams, Friars road
Golden Lion, Charles Austin, High street
Greyhound, Robert Milner, Listley street
Harp, John Price, High st
Hen & Chickens, John Hudson Munday, St. Mary’s street
King’s Head, and Railway Coach Office and Posting House, George Edwards, Whitburne street
Leopard, Joseph Mason, Salop road
Lion, James Cooper, West Castle street
New Inn, James Andrews, St. Mary’s street
New Inn, William Davies, Salop road
Pheasant, John Churns, High street
Plough, Mary Salt, St. John’s street
Prince of Wales, John Shipman, Friars road
Raven Hotel, Commercial Inn and Posting House, Thomas Whitefoot, Whitburne and Raven street
Red Lion, Henry Longmore, Underhill street
Rein Deer, Thos. Dallaway, North gate
Rose and Crown, Walter Phillips, Stoneway
Royal Oak, George Perry, High street
Royal Hotel and Crown Inn, Commercial and Posting House, Joseph Bateman, High street
Shakspere, Francis Foxall, East Castle street
Ship and Anchor, William Walford, Cartway street
Squirrel Inn & Commercial, Thomas Charles Burrows, Newtown
Star Inn and Commercial, Thomas Ross Southwell, Bridge street
Swan Inn, James Rennell Atcherley, High street
Tumbling Sailors, Thomas Reece, Underhill street
White Hart, John Martin, Cartway street
Woodman’s Inn, Ed. Elcock, Newtown
United Kingdom, Samuel Walters, Mill street
Vine Tavern, Thos. Maun, Mill street
Beerhouses.
Bennett James, Underhill st
Broadfield John Holloway, Underhill street
Brown Edmund, St. Mary’s st
Brown Wm., Underhill st
Brown Wm., Bernard’s hill
Collins Rd., Whitburne st
Evans Addison, Cartway st
Felton John, High street
Foxall James, Cartway st
Gower Thomas, Newtown
Hall Thos., Shiffnal road
Hayward Michael, Bernard’s hill
Jones Eliza Ann, Severn side
Jordan Edward, Underhill st
Lane Francis, St. John’s st
Lowe Edward, Bernard’s hill
Mason Joseph, Salop road
Page William, Newtown
Parker John, Whitburne st
Perry William, Salop road
Preece William, Cartway
Roberts Sarah, Listley st
Roberts Wm., Underhill st
Rutter Solomon, Listley st
Tench Edward, St. Mary’s st
Tipton Benj., St. John’s st
Wellings Elizabeth Hannah, West Castle street
Ironfounders.
Barker Hannah, Underhill st
Pope Alexander, Mill street
Pope William, Mill street
Irondealers.
Glase Jos. Minton, High st
Hill W. Whitehouse, High st
Lee Charles, High street
Pope Alexander and Son, Mill street
Ironmongers.
Glase Jos. Minton, High st
Hill William Whitehouse, High street
Lee Charles, High street
Joiners and Builders.
Andrew John, Newtown
Baker John, West Castle st
Gower Edward, High street
Hall Henry, St. John’s st
Holding Wm., East Castle st
Lewis John, West Castle st
Lewis Richard, High street
Moore John, for T. C. Whitmore, Esq.
Overton W., St. Mary’s steps
Page Wm., Yew Tree Cotge.
Penzer Ezer, St. Mary’s st
Perry & Phillips, Postern gt.
Pickard John, Whitburne st
Rea William, Listley street
Lacemen.
Edwards Matthew, High st
Nock Edwin, High street
Land and Estate Agents.
Hall, J. Claude, East Castle street
Parsons George, to Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., Whitburne street
Linen Drapers and Silk Mercers.
Bowen Henry, High street
Bromwich & Oakes, High st
Grierson James Brown, Waterloo terrace
Pidduck William, High st
Locksmiths.
Binnall John, Whitburne st
Hardy John, Underhill street
Hardy John, Bernards hill
Piper Thomas, Cartway st
Livery Stable Keepers.
Bateman Josh., Royal Hotel
Edwards Geo., Kings Arms
Machine Makers.
Gittons Richard, Salop road
Perry William, Spital street
Maltsters and Dealers in Hops.
Boucher Benj., St. Mary’s st
Bowen John, High street
Deighton Thos., Postern gt
Edkins Clement, High st
Jones Wm., Underhill street
Lewis John, Listley street
Lewis John, East Castle st
Mapp Thomas, Cartway st
Maun John, Bridge street
Morris Richard, High street
Newell John, Whitburne st
Oakes Francis, Underhill st
Oakes John, Underhill st
Price John, High street
Ridley Samuel and Edward, Mill street
Salt William, Bernard’s hill
Southwell Josiah, St. Mary’s street
Summers John, Underhill st
Weston Elias, Mill street
Whitefoot Thos., Whitburne street
Market Gardeners.
Maun John, Newtown Nursy.
Power Edward, St. Mary’s st
Woodhouse Wm., High st
Millers.
Crowther John, St. Mary’s st
Ridley Messrs. S. and E., Steam Mill
Milliners and Dress Makers.
Baker Mrs. West Castle st
Edwards Mary, Newtown
Haines Hannah, St. Mary’s st
Lawley Ann, Bridge street
Maddocks Mary, West Castle street
Nock Harriett, High street
Onians Edith, The Square
Ree Elizabeth, Listley street
Rushton Susannah, Underhill street
Whatmore Sarah Ann, High street
Nail Makers.
Dodd Joseph, Underhill st
Hill William, High street
Oil and Faint Dealer.
Lee Charles, High street
Painters, Plumbers, and Glaziers.
Brown and Crump, Whitburne street
Corser Thos., West Castle st
Hughes Wm., Bridge street
Hunter Thomas, High street
Lees Charles, West Gate Cottage
Nicholas Henry, North gate
Patent Medicine Dealers.
Edkins Mrs., High street
Leake Robert, High street
Partridge Charlotte, Waterloo Terrace
Rowley Wm. J., High street
Yate Joseph, Waterloo Ter.
Pawnbroker.
Edwards Mary, St. Leonard’s lane
Physician.
Strange William, High st
Porter Agents.
Jones Wm., (Stone), Stoneway
Lewis Ann, High street
Whitefoot Thomas, Raven st
Post Horses. For Hire.
Boatman Joseph, High st
Edwards Geo., Whitburne st
Price John, High street
Southwell George, High st
Tench Edward, St. Mary’s st
Professors and Teachers.
Mercerot Wm., (dancing), Shiffnal road Villa
Sewell Wm., (music), St. Leonard’s lane
Williams Edward Vaughan, (astronomy), Bank st
Rope and Twine Makers.
Baker Joseph, Whitburne st
Roberts Thomas, Listley st
Saddlers and Harness Makers.
Clayton Charles, High st
Evans Henry, Listley street
Garbett Thos., Whitburne st
Giles John, Whitburne st
Jehu William, High street
Munday John Hudson, St. Mary’s street
Salt Dealers. Fine and Agriculture.
Doughty Benjamin, Underhill street
Doughty Richard, Underhill street
Seed, Guano, & Tillage Dealers.
Ridley Samuel and Edward, Riddleford Mills
Shopkeepers. Dealers in provisions & sundries.
Armstrong George, Newtown
Bates & Pearce, St. Mary’s st
Case James, Newtown
Cheese Mary, Bridge street
Cox John, Listley street
Foxall James, Cartway st
Garbett Maria, Whitburne st
Giles Joseph, St. Mary’s st
Hall John, Cartway street
Jenkins Mary, Whitburne st
Jones John, North Gate
Lawley John, Bridge street
Lay Thomas, Friars lane
Lee Richard, Underhill st
Matthews Thos., Listley st
Owen Thomas, Ebenezer pl
Page Wm., Whitburne st
Page Elizth., Whitburne st
Pearce Jane, St. Mary’s st
Phillips Ann, Friars lane
Ravenscroft Wm., Spital st
Sanders Alexander, West Castle street
Scott Gabriel, St. John’s st
Stowers Henry, Library steps
Townsend Thos., North gt.
Wellings William, Mill st
Whittingham Danl., Underhill street
Winsley Thomas, Newtown
Spirit Vaults.
Downes John, High street
Jones William, Stoneway
Lewis Ann, High street
Stay Maker.
Sharp Mary, Whitburne st
Stone Masons and Slaters.
Collins Rd., Whitburne st
Nuttall Thos., Whitburne st
Gower Thomas, Newtown
Gower William, Newtown
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Ball Mary Ann, High st
Nock Harriet, High street
Rogers Mary, North Gate
Southwell Maria St. Mary’s st
Surgeons.
Martin & Burleigh, Mill st
Mathias Alfred, Mill street
Newall James Edward, West Castle street
Phillips John, Whitburne st
Smith Steadman, Listley st
Thursfield Wm., High st
Surveyors.
Brown John, (road), St. Mary’s street
Hall Claude, (land), East Castle street
Taylor Richard, (land), Vine Cottage
Tailors.
Marked * are Woollen Drapers.
* Bache John, East Castle st
Brown Richard, Whitburne
Dudley Richard, Listley st
* Gething Thomas, High st
Hall George, High street
Hall Thos., Underhill street
* Hughes Wm., St. Leonard’s Walk
Lyster Thos., West Castle st
Pinner Ezekiah, West Castle street
Pursall Jas., West Castle st
Roberts Thos., St. Mary’s st
Sharpe Charles Jas., Whitburne street
Swayne James, Cartway st
Swayne Wm., Whitburne st
Tench John, West Castle st
* Tonkiss Richd., Whitburne street
Walford Wm., Cartway st
Walton John, Whitburne st
* Williams David, High st
Tallow Chandler.
Morris Benj., Listley street
Tanners.
Clarke Messrs. Joseph and Brother, Listley street
Sing Joshua, Mill street
Tea and Coffee Dealers.
Long Henry, High street
Macmichael Chas. Edward, West Castle street
Southwell George, High st
Timber Merchants.
Elcock Thomas, Newtown
Lewis Richard, North gate
Oakes William, Underhill st
Penzer Ezer, Underhill st
Perry & Phillips, Postern gt
Richard John, Whitburne st
Tobacco Pipe Makers.
Phillips Danl., The Foundry
Southern Thomas, Pound st
Toy & Fancy Repository.
Evanson Ed., St. Mary’s st
Wilmott & Bickley, High st
Veterinary Surgeons.
Atcherley James Rennell, High street
Bradshaw Henry Ainsworth, Castle Terrace
Churns John, High street
Pope John, West Castle st
Watch and Clock Makers.
Addison John, High street
Glase Thomas, High street
Pearson James M., (gilder and dentist), St. Mary’s street
Wharfingers.
Doughty Rd., Underhill st
Doughty Wm., Underhill st
Jones Wm., Underhill st
Ridley Messrs. J. and E., Underhill street
Wheelwrights.
Gittons John, Salop street
Lay Thomas, Friars lane
Lloyd John, Salop street
Pearce Wm., West Castle st
Perry John, Bernard’s hill
Preece Benj., East Castle st
Price Benjamin, Newtown
Whitesmiths & Bell hangers.
Binnall John, Whitburne st
Downes Jane, Underhill st
Lewis John, West Castle st
Wine and Spirit Merchants.
Downes John, (vaults) High street
Jones Wm., (vaults), Underlain street
Lewis Ann, High street
Wood Turners.
Gwynn Charles, Cartway st
Langford Ed., North gate
Langford Henry Thomas, North gate
Worsted Spinners.
Law & Grierson, Spital works
Wool Staplers.
Grierson & Law, Spital works
Grierson Thos., Grove house
Southwell Messrs. Josiah, William, and Joseph, Pendleston Mills
Whitcombe Thomas, Underhill street
Woollen Drapers.
Ball Thomas, High street
Brown Henry, High street
Bromwich & Oakes, High st
Gething Sophia, High street
Grierson James Brown, Waterloo house
Pidduck William, High st
Wager James, High street
Coaches.
To BIRMINGHAM—Ryl. Htl., at 7-45 A.M., dly., Sun ex.
To SHREWSBURY—Ryl. Htl., Mon. Wed. & Fdy., 2-30 P.M.
Omnibuses.
To SHIFFNAL—Twice a day from the King’s Head
To WOLVERHAMPTON—From the Leopard Inn on Monday, Wednes., & Friday
Carriers.
The market carriers leave the several inns on Saturday afternoon, except when specified
To BILLINGSLY—A van from the Ball
To STOTTESDEN—A van from the Ball
To STOURBRIDGE—Eliza Gough, from the Bell
To MUCH WENLOCK—Wm. Clayton, from the Bell
To LONDON, BIRMINGHAM, &c.—Crowley and Co., from the Cross Keys every Monday, Tuesday, Wed. and Friday, and to Ironbridge and Broseley on Tuesday and Friday; T, Moseley, agent
To LONDON, BIRMINGHAM, &c.—Pickford and Co., from the Cross Keys daily
To CROFTON—John Beddoes, from the King’s Head
To STOKE & LUDLOW—T. Colton, from the King’s Head
To CORVE DALE—Edward Hopkins, from the King’s Head
To CHURCH STRETTON—J. Jones, from the Bell
To KIDDERMINSTER—Saml. Hill, from the Black Horse
To LUDLOW HALL—From the Squirrel, Monday
To LUDLOW & KIDDERMINSTER—Samuel Breakwell, from the New Inn
To MUNSLOW—J. Edwards, from the Raven
To STOTTESDEN—Edward Bytheway, from the Ball
To WOLVERHAMPTON—Rd. Beeston, from the Fox, on Tuesday, Thurs., & Sat.
BURWARTON
is a parish and village in the Cleobury division of the Stottesden hundred, on the turnpike road from Bridgnorth to Ludlow, nine miles south-west from the former, and ten miles north-east from the latter. The parish contains 1,236 acres of land, and in 1801 there were 107 inhabitants; 1831, 112; and in 1841, 27 houses and a population of 151 souls. Rateable value, £1,115. 11s. 6d. The Hon. G. F. H. Russell is the principal landowner, and occasionally resides at BURWARTON HALL, an elegant free stone mansion, in the Italian style of architecture, delightfully situated in a park richly clothed with sylvan beauty, and watered by several mountain streams. There are some fine lakes of water, and to the north-west of the park is the majestic Brown Clee Hill, which adds much to the picturesque beauty of the scenery. The pleasure grounds and shrubberies are laid out with a pleasing variety, and kept in the most admirable order. THE CHURCH, a small structure dedicated to St. Lawrence, has recently been repaired and beautified by the Hamilton family; the east window is ornamented with stained glass, and cost upwards of £50, which was defrayed by Lady Hamilton, who also presented the communion table. The pulpit and seats are of oak, elaborately carved, and there is accommodation for about ninety persons. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £4. 6s. 8d.; gross income, £140; patron, Rev. John Churton; incumbent, Rev. T. Theodosius. The tithes have been commuted for £90. The WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a small chapel at Burwarton. The Hamilton Russell Arms Hotel and posting house is a commodious inn, and the post office for a wide district. Letters arrive from Bridgnorth at 11 30 A.M., and are despatched at 3 P.M.
DIRECTORY.—Hon. G. P. H. Russell, Burwarton Hall; John Bradley, farmer; William Jones, vict., the Hamilton Russell Arms; James Prece, carpenter; Rev. John Rathbone, curate; John Reynolds, shoemaker.
CAINHAM
is an extensive parish and scattered village three miles south-east from Ludlow, comprising upwards of 3,040 acres of land. At the census of 1801 there were 711 inhabitants; 1831, 1,005; 1841, 973. Gross estimated rental, £3,730. Rateable value, £3,333. 5s. The principal landowners are Major Calcott, Hon. R. H. Clive, and Sir W. R. Broughton; the former is lord of the manor. CAINHAM COURT, an elegant mansion surrounded by plantations and shrubberies, was formerly the residence of the Calcott family; it is now unoccupied. Not far from the above mansion is the site of an ancient castle, noticed by Leland, who observes, “Kainsham or Kensham Castle, clene down, stood within two miles of Ludloe, on a hill top.” The place is now known by the name of Castle Fields, in which is a deep and wide entrenchment. Tradition says that this was a depository of the military stores of Cromwell, during the siege of Ludlow Castle. In the neighbourhood of Cainham apples are extensively grown for making cider. THE CHURCH, a venerable structure, picturesquely situated, and dedicated to St. Mary, has a massive low tower containing three bells. It consists of nave, chancel, and north transept, the latter having been recently added at a cost of £140, of which sum the Hereford Diocesan Society contributed £60. The interior has a neat appearance. The beautiful altar was added at the expense of the late vicar. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., in the patronage of Charles K. Mainwaring, Esq.: incumbent, Rev. Charles Adams. There are upwards of 240 acres of glebe land. THE METHODISTS have a small chapel here.
THE DISTRICT OF ST. PAUL’S KNOWBURY is partly in this parish and partly in that of Bitterley. A considerable portion of the scattered district called BENNETT’S END is in the former parish. In 1839 a church was erected at a cost of £1,200, which is dedicated to St. Paul. The structure is built in a simple style of architecture, and has a square tower. The living is a perpetual curacy; and the patronage is vested in the Bishop of Hereford: incumbent, Rev. Burleigh James. In connexion with the church, spacious schools have been erected, by the Hon. R. H. Clive, who also munificently supports the same: upwards of one hundred children are educated in them. THE METHODISTS AND PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have small meeting houses. The labouring population of this locality are chiefly employed in collieries and brick works. The chief landowners are the Hon. R. H. Clive, Sir W. R. Broughton, and William Poyser, Esq.
CAINHAM DIRECTORY.
Adams Rev. Charles, vicar
Bozwood Thos., wheelwright
Corbett Thomas, shoemaker
Gould Mary, farmer
Grosvenor William, farmer
Harding William, blacksmith
Langston Captain, Poughnill
Medlicott Sarah, farmer, Pervin
Morris Benjamin, farmer
Small Edward, farmer
Small Elizabeth, farmer
Small William, farmer
Swift George, farmer, Camp farm
Ricketts Gregory, farmer
Turley Benjamin, miller
Turley Samuel, farmer, Poughnill
KNOWBURY DIRECTORY.
Bate Wm., vict., Golden cross
James Rev. Burleigh, incmbt.
Lewis James, agent to Hon. R. H. Clive, and Sir W. R. Broughton
Meyrick Thos., vict., Crown
Meyrick Wm., vict., the Oak
Poyser William, coal & lime master, and manufacturer of bricks, tiles, drainage pipes and earthenware
Price, B. J., schoolmaster
CHELMARSH
is a parish and small village, pleasantly situated on a gentle eminence, four miles S.E. from Bridgnorth, which contains 3,126 acres of land, having a rich loamy soil in some parts, and in others a strong clay. There is a small colliery on the western side of the village, and free-stone is got from the quarries on the common. Rateable value of the parish, £3,660. At the census of 1801 there was a population of 411 souls; and in 1841, 104 houses and 495 inhabitants. CHELMARSH COMMON is an unenclosed piece of land, containing 119 acres. The principal landowners are Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq.; John Nicholls, Esq.; John F. Wylde, Esq.; Edward Hughes, Esq.; and Mr. Richard H. Gwyn; besides whom are several other smaller proprietors. Earl Edwin was lord of Chelmarsh before the Conquest, and for some ages afterwards it was the inheritance of the Mortimers. In the 49th of Edward III., Edmund Lord Mortimer gave the manor to the Abbey and Convent of Wigmore, to maintain a secular priest resident in the church of Lentwardine, to sing mass, and daily pray for the souls of himself, family, and ancestors. THE CHURCH is an ancient structure, consisting of nave, chancel, and north aisle, with a tower, in which is a peal of six musical bells. The aisle is separated from the nave by four pointed arches, and there is a gallery at the west end. The east window is beautified with stained glass. A tablet in the chancel, dated 1645, remembers John N. Minnis. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s book at £6. 5s. 8d., now returned at £264; patron, Sir John Seabright; incumbent, Rev. Charles W. Blathwayt, B.A. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £237, and the rectoral for £369. 3s., of which £358 are paid to Sir John Seabright, and £11. 3s. to Edward Hughes, Esq. There are 24 acres of glebe land. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, a neat stone structure, built in the year 1850, has a residence for the teacher annexed. About fifty children attend. CHELMARSH HALL, an ancient structure, in the Elizabethan style of architecture, was formerly the residence of the Nicholl family. It is now the property of John Nicholl, Esq., but occupied as a farm house. HEMPTON’S LOAD is a small village in the parish of Chelmarsh, two miles south-east from the church, pleasantly situated on the banks of the Severn, which is here crossed by a ferry. SUTTON is a small hamlet, about a mile south from the church.
POST OFFICE—At George Dudley’s. Letters arrive at 9 A.M., and are despatched to Bridgnorth at 4.30 P.M.
Ball Thomas, woollen draper, tailor, & farmer
Barker Thomas, blacksmith
Bishop Francis, farmer, The Hall
Blathwayt Rev. Charles Welfitt, B.A., vicar, The Vicarage
Corfield William, farmer, Spadeley
Detton Richard, tailor, The Common
Detton William, tailor, Hempton’s Load
Dovey William, joiner and carpenter
Draper George, farmer, Hempton’s Load
Draper John, farmer, Sutton
Dudley George, postmaster and parish clerk
Evans John, beerhouse-keeper, The Common
Fellows Wm., blacksmith, Hempton’s Load
Gwyn Richard Hodges, Esq., Astbury Hall
Hughes Edward, farmer, Hempton’s Load
Jordin John, farmer
Jordin Thomas, shoemaker
Lewis Thomas, shoemaker, Hempton’s Load
Mapp Thos., maltster & hop merchant, Sutton
Mapp William, maltster and farmer, Sutton
Martin John, farmer and ferryman and vict., The Unicorn, Hempton’s Load
Page John, blacksmith
Page Thomas, corn miller
Perry John, beerhousekpr. & bricklayer, The Common
Powell Richard, wheelwright and carpenter
Radner William, beerhouse and shopkeeper, The Common
Scoffham Henry Francis, butcher and shopkeeper
Spare Mary, schoolmistress (national)
Weaver James, farmer, Hempton’s Load
Williams Richard, cooper, The Common
Wyer Richard, farmer, New House
Wylde John Fewtrell, Esq., The Uplands
Wylde Rev. Charles Edmund, The Uplands
CHETTON
is a parish and pleasantly situated village, four miles and a half S.W. of Bridgnorth, partly in the Chelmarsh and partly in the Cleobury divisions of the Hundred of Stottesdon. The parish contains 3291A. 1R. 12P. of land, the gross estimated rental of which is £4,495. 13s. 6d. Rateable value, £4,026. 18s. 0d. In 1841 there were 113 houses and 580 persons in the Chelmarsh division, and 19 houses and 113 persons returned as in the Cleobury division. Population in 1801, 526; in 1831, 627. The principal landowners are Lord Liverpool; John and George Pritchard, Esqrs.; Thomas Pardoe Purton, Esq.; John Baker, Esq.; John Dallewy, Esq.; and George Joseph Dallewy, Esq.; besides whom there are several smaller proprietors. The tithes are commuted at £569. 14s. 9d.
The celebrated Wheatland hounds, belonging to John Baker, Esq., are kennelled in this parish. The country over which they hunt embraces the Wrekin and surrounding district. The hounds have been in the possession of the present proprietor for eight years, and were principally bred from the packs of Lord Yarborough, the Belvoir, the Shropshire, and Mr. Hellier’s. There is a small colliery and also a brick manufactory in this parish.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Giles, is a stone structure, with square tower, containing six bells, recast in 1829, at which time the tower was rebuilt. The interior consists of nave, chancel, and gallery, on which is a small organ. The church has a chaste appearance, and has been recently repaired at the joint expense of the parish and the late Venerable Archdeacon Vickers, formerly rector of Chetton. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £11, in the patronage of T. W. Wylde Browne, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Richard Herbert. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is a neat brick building, erected in 1820. The average attendance of boys and girls is about forty. Mrs. Ann Adams is schoolmistress. FAINTREE, FAVON-TREE, or FANONIA-TREE, is a township in Chetton parish, five miles S.W. of Bridgnorth. The name signifies the western town. The township is situated on elevated ground, facing the west, or Favonian wind, and hence its name. This manorial estate was formerly the property of the Briggs family, from whom it was purchased by the ancient family of the Pardoes of Cleeton, in Bitterley parish, whose descendant, Thomas Pardoe, Esq., died, leaving an only child, Esther, with whom this manor passed in marriage to John Purton, Esq., of Eudon Burnall, in whose family it now continues, Thomas Pardoe Purton, Esq., being its present proprietor, who resides at Faintree Hall, a neat brick residence, erected in the year 1802, upon the site of an ancient edifice. EUDON BURNALL and EUDON GEORGE are small townships situated about a mile from the church.
CHARITIES.—Dorothy Holland, by will, dated 1723, bequeathed to the poor of this parish the sum of £20, in trust, to be placed out at interest, and distributed to twelve poor people of the parish in bread, on Easter days and Christmas days.
Richard Pardoe, by will, dated 1760, bequeathed the sum of £100, to be placed out at interest, which was to be divided into forty parts, one of which should be paid in bread every week to the poor and indigent persons of the parish, in the months of January, February, March, April, May, June, July, November, and December, for ever.
Henry Aston, who died in 1736, bequeathed the sum of £20, the interest thereof to be applied in teaching the poorest children in the parish to read.
Thomas Pardoe, by will proved in 1802, gave the sum of £50, the interest thereof to be applied in the teaching of poor children to read whose parents were not rated either to the church or poor.
Sarah Pardoe also gave the sum of £50 in the year 1805, the interest to be disposed of in the same manner as the preceding charity.
LOUGHTON is a chapelry and village in the parish of Chetton, nine miles north-east from Ludlow, which contains 851A. 3R. 14P. of land, the rateable value of which is £635. 1s. At the census of 1801 there were 130 inhabitants; 1831, 112; and in 1841, 19 houses and a population of 113 souls. The duke of Cleveland and Viscountess Boyne are the principal landowners. The chapel is a small fabric of free stone of unpretending appearance, exhibiting the style of architecture prevalent in the sixteenth century. The living is a curacy, subordinate to the rectory of Chetton.
Adams James, gardener
Adams Ann, schoolmistress
Baker John, Esq., Walsbatch
Broom George, shoemaker, Eudon Gorge
Corfield Cornelius, farmer, Eudon Gorge
Corfield Thomas, farmer and cider shop, Tedstill
Dallewy John, Esq., Lower House
Davies James, farmer, Hollicott and Cockshutt
Edmonds Joseph, farmer, Down House
Farmer Thomas, farmer, Lower Faintree
Fletcher Benjamin, farmer, The Bush
Foxall Harry Smith, farmer, Lower Faintree
Gordon Alexander, farmer, Eudon Burnall
Gratton John, miller, Eudon Gorge
Griffin Geo., relieving officer
Hall Edward, jun., farmer, The Drales
Harley Edw., farmer, Eudon Gorge
Herbert Rev. Richard, rector, The Rectory
Hinsley John, farmer, Little Cockshutt
Jones Thomas, shopkeeper
Jones William, shoemaker and beerseller, Old Field
Porter William, farmer and beerseller, Down
Porter William, wheelwright, Down
Purton Thos. Pardoe, Esq., banker, Faintree Hall
Reece Harriet, farmer, Criddon
Reynolds Wm., shoemaker and vict., Old Inn
Rudd John, farmer, Scotland
Smith James, farm bailiff, Tedstill
Taylor Thomas, farmer, Upper House
Wallace William, farmer, Hill Farm
Wall Thos., farmer, Archley
Walters Thos., miller, Down Mill
Yeardley Wm., blacksmith and farmer, Down
LOUGHTON DIRECTORY.
Blakemore Jesse, farmer
Chatham William, farmer
Evans John, shoemaker
Hall Richard, farmer
Kitson Mary, farmer
Lawley John, farmer
Noakes Thomas, shopkeeper
CLEOBURY MORTIMER
is parish and market town in the Cleobury division of the hundred of Stottesden, situated 137 miles N.W. of London, thirty-three miles S.S.E. of Shrewsbury, eleven miles E. of Ludlow, and eight miles W. of Bewdley. It is divided into four quarters, viz.: Cleobury Town Liberty, West Foreign Liberty, East Foreign Liberty, and Doddington Liberty, which together contain 7,671 acres of land, of which 738 acres are in woodlands, 104A. 0R. 14P. of public roads, 2A. 2R. water, and 619A. 2R. 3P. in common lands and waste. Rateable value of the parish, £7,300. At the census in 1841 there were 364 houses and 1,730 inhabitants; population in 1801, 1,368; and in 1831, 1,716, William Lacon Childe, Esq., is lord of the manor. The principal landowners are the Earl of Craven; Sir Edward Blount, Bart.; W. L. Childe, Esq.; Charles Wickstead, Esq.; Mrs. Lucy Botfield; Beriah Botfield, Esq.; John Downes, Esq.; Richard and Henry Backhouse, Esq.; Trustees of Cleobury School; George James Compson, Esq.; Thomas Foxhall, Esq.; and Thomas Pardoe Purton, Esq., besides whom are a number of smaller freeholders. The tithes are commuted for £676. 12s. 6d., of which £602. 10s. is apportioned to the vicar of the parish, £34. 10s. to the Earl of Craven, and 12s. 6d. to William L. Childe, Esq.
The name of Cleobury Mortimer is said to be derived from its situation in a district abounding with clay, and from the Saxon word Byrig, a town, and the adjunct by which it is distinguished from North Cleobury is obtained from its ancient possessor, Ralph de Mortimer, who held it at the time of the general survey. The town principally consists of one long street extending from east to west, and contains several family mansions and good shops, in all the different branches of the retail trade. The labouring population are chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. There were formerly extensive ironworks in the vicinity, but these have now disappeared. There are two paper mills in the adjoining parish of Neen Savage, carried on by Mr. T. L. Hall. The Clee Hill collieries, about three miles west of the town, have of late been little wrought, though they contain extensive fields of good coal, ironstone, and limestone. This town is generally thought to have been the birth place of Robert Langlande, author of the “Vision of Pierce the Ploughman,” which was published in the year 1369. A strong castle which formerly stood in this place was entirely destroyed in the wars between Henry II. and his rebellious barons; it was built by Hugh de Mortimer.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is an ancient and venerable structure, built of rubble stone, probably about the 14th century. Hugh de Mortimer settled this church for part of the endowment of the Abbey of Wigmore, about the time of Henry II. The square tower, containing a peal of six musical bells, a clock, and two dials, is surmounted by an octagonal spire of wood painted white. The interior consists of nave, chancel, and side aisles, the latter is separated from the nave by five pointed arches on each side. The chancel is separated from the body of the church by a pointed arch. The western gallery contains a fine-toned organ, built by subscriptions about seven years ago, at a cost of £250. On the south side is a stained glass window, with the representation of Christ and the emblems of the crucifixion, and underneath are the words, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd.” On the north side is a beautiful stained glass window in memory of Mary Ann, the wife of John Lynn Priest; and also a stained glass window containing figures of St. Anne and St. Mary the Virgin, erected in memory of Ann Golderby, who died in 1849. There are several marble tablets and tombs within the church, to the memory of deceased members of the various families in the neighbourhood. Within the entrance of the porch is the following epitaph to the memory of Honor Evans.
My days, alas! my mortal days, were short and wretched too: Evil and few, the patriarch says, and well the patriarch knew That death, like overflowing stream, sweeps all away; life’s but a dream, An empty tale, a morning flower, cut down and withered in an hour. Remember, Lord, man’s mortal state; how frail is life, how short the date, Where is the man that draws his breath, safe from disease, secure from death, For man, weak man is born to die, made up of guilt and vanity. Thy dreadful sentence, Lord, is just; return ye sinners to your dust.
The living of the church is a vicarage, valued in the king’s books at £12. 10s. 10d., in the patronage of William Lacon Childe, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Edward George Childe, M.A.
THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a small chapel in High street, built of brick. THE ROMAN CATHOLICS have also a chapel near Mawsley Hall, in this parish.
THE FREE SCHOOL was founded and endowed by Sir Lacon William Childe, knt., in the year 1714, for the education of the youth of Cleobury Mortimer; for which purpose he gave by will, dated 28th of October, 1714, all his personal estate, undisposed of, to be put out at interest or to be invested in land for the maintenance of a master, to whom he gave £30 for ever to teach and instruct the children of the parish. By an order of the court of exchequer, dated 19th of June, 1735, it was ordered that £200 should be laid out in the building or purchasing a school and schoolhouse, and that the residue of the trust money should be laid out in the purchase of lands, the rents and profits thereof to be applied to the payment of £30 a year to the schoolmaster, buying English books for the scholars, repairing the school and schoolhouse, and putting out six or more poor children of the parish to husbandry, as the trustees should think fit. By a further order it was directed that the securities should be called in, and the money invested in the South Sea Annuities, which produced in 1742 the sum of £2,475. 6s. which with an outstanding mortgage of £100 constituted the whole of the testator’s personal estate. In 1751, the sum of £2,700 was expended in the purchase of 348A. 3R. 36P. of land, in the parish of Cleobury Mortimer, which is now let at a yearly rent of £343. There is also funded property consisting of £1,700 south sea annuities; £1,600 three per cent. consols; and a sum of £600 composed of surplus income, and £198. 16s. received for return of property tax. Of this fund £1000 three per cents were bequeathed to the trustees in 1810 by Mr. John Winwood, of Bristol, towards paying an usher to assist in teaching. The interest of these funds with the rents of land beforementioned amount to the sum of £463. 1s. 5d. per annum. Upwards of 160 children are now educated in the school, of whom twelve boys and twelve girls are annually clothed, and a fee is given yearly for the apprenticing of six or more poor scholars to some mechanical or agricultural pursuit. The head master is appointed by William Lacon Childe, Esq., of Kinlet, as representative of the founder, and receives £60 per annum, besides other perquisites; especially an allowance of 30s. per head for copy books, &c. The Rev. Henry Kemp, B.A. is the head master: James Birchall, second master.
THE COUNTY COURT for the recovery of debts, and in all pleas of personal action where the damage does not exceed £50, is held monthly at the Town’s Offices, in the Lower town. The several parishes and places within the jurisdiction of the court are Aston Botterel, Bayton, in Worcestershire, Cleobury Mortimer, Coreley, Farlow, in Herefordshire, Highley, Hopton Wafers, Kinlet, Loughton, Mamble, Milson, Neen Savage, Neen Solars, Rock, in Worcestershire, Silvington, Stottesden, and Wheathill. Judge, Uvedale Corbett, Esq., Aston Hall: Clerk, Samuel Phillips Southam, Esq.; Assistant Clerk, William Nichols: High Bailiff, William Cooke: Bailiff and Appraiser, William Farmer.
CLEOBURY MORTIMER UNION HOUSE is situated half a mile north-west of the church. The union comprises the following parishes, viz.:—Aston Botterel, Coreley, Farlow, Highley, Hopton Wafers, Kinlet, Loughton, Milson, Neen Savage, Neen Solars, Silvington, Stottesden and Wheathill, in the county of Salop; and Bayton, Rock and Mamble, in the county of Worcestershire. The union comprehends an area of upwards of 50,000 acres, or 88 square miles, and a population of 8,632 souls. Chairman to the Guardians, Sir Edward Blount, Bart.: Clerk, William Cooke, Esq.: Surgeon, Henry Vevers: Relieving Officer, Mr. William Wainwright: Master, Isaac Alfred Read: Matron, Sarah Read: Schoolmistress, Sarah Jones.
THE MARKET HALL, situated near the church, is a modern erection of stone, in which the weekly market is held on Wednesday. Fairs are held on April 21st, May 2nd, first Monday after Whitsuntide, and October 27th, which are well attended. There is also a feast held the first Sunday after the 15th of August.
THE PETTY SESSIONS are held on the third Tuesday in each month, at the Towns Offices, in the lower town. There is a LOCK-UP in Church street, which was built of freestone in 1836; it is a small structure, containing two cells: Richard Roberts, police constable. THE EXCISE OFFICE is held at the Talbot Inn, where there is also a reading room, supported by annual subscription. There is a Circulating Library in Market street, of which Joseph Wainwright is the proprietor.
CLEOBURY MORTIMER township and liberty contains 947A. 1R. 27P. of land, of which 315 acres are woodlands, 31A. 3R. 35P. are public roads, and 2A. 2R. are water. The soil is fertile and productive, and is watered by numerous fine springs, as well as the River Rea, which intersects the township, and is crossed by a bridge a short distance east of the village. At the census of 1851 the liberty contained 211 houses and 1,122 persons. The rent charge payable to the vicar is £131. William Lacon Childe, Esq., is lord of the manor, and holds a court leet and baron, at the Talbot Inn annually, in November; Mr. James Boucher is the steward.
DODDINGTON liberty, situated two miles west of the parish church, at the census of 1851 had 87 houses and a population of 383 souls. It contains 2,878A. 6R. 19P. of land, of which 35A. 0R. 16P. are public road, and 619A. 2R. 3P. are moor, common, and waste, being part of the Clee Hill. The tithes are commuted, and £172 apportioned to the vicar of Cleobury Mortimer and £34. 10s. to the Earl of Craven. William Lacon Childe Esq., is lord of the manor.
THE DISTRICT CHURCH, situated on the side of Clee Hill, was founded and endowed by the late Thomas Botfield, Esq., and his widow, Mrs. Lucy Botfield, of Hopton Court, who has invested the sum of £1,000 for the endowment, erected a parsonage house near the church, and given five acres of land. The church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and built of stone, with a square tower, the site and building of which cost about £4,000. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of Mrs. Botfield, and incumbency of the Rev. Henry Brown, M.A. There are several coal works on the Clee Hill in this township, carried on by Beriah Botfield, Esq. The townships in this liberty are Catherton, Ditton, Dudnell, Hill Houses, and Woodhouses, an extra parochial liberty, situated two miles from Cleobury.
THE EAST FOREIGN LIBERTY, situated three miles from Cleobury Mortimer, contains 1,878A. 1R. 39P. of land, of which 17 acres are public roads, and 132 acres woods and plantations. The vicarial tithes are commuted for the sum of £121. W. L. Childe, Esq., is lord of the manor. The liberty contains the townships of Mawley and Weston.
MAWLEY MANOR HOUSE, situated one mile S.E. of Cleobury Mortimer, is the seat and residence of Sir Edward Blount, Bart. The mansion is a commodious and handsome brick structure, with stone facings and mullions, and surrounded by a richly wooded park.
WEST FOREIGN LIBERTY, situated two miles from Cleobury, contains 1,312A. 1R. 24P. of land, of which 291 acres are woods and coppices, 20 acres public roads. The rent charge amounts to £122. 2s. 6d., of which the sum of £121. 10s. is apportioned to the lord of the manor. William Lacon Childe, Esq. This liberty, with that of East Foreign, contains 48 houses and a population of 242 souls.
CHARITIES.—Sir William Lacon Childe, the founder of the free school previously noticed, also gave by will the sum of £100, the interest thereof to be distributed to the poor in bread every Sunday.
Richard Walker, gave by will, dated 1666, the sum of 1s. every Lord’s day and 2s. every Christmas day, to be distributed in bread to the poor of the parish of Cleobury Mortimer. This gift is paid out of certain lands in the parish.
It is stated on a tablet in the church that Benjamin Bateman, clerk, left £20, and Mrs. Joyce Cumber left £5, for teaching poor children to read. From a copy of part of the will of Mr. Bateman in the parish book it appears that the £20 given by him was to be disposed of by the vicar of Cleobury Mortimer and one Mr. Read in such a manner as they should think fit.
Henry Fox, by deeds of lease and release, dated 1743, reciting that his sister, Mary Fox, had by her will given £50, which she intended should be laid out in land, and the rents applied to teaching poor girls to read, conveyed to the vicar a field containing one acre, in trust, that he should raise yearly the sum of 54s., and pay the same to a poor woman of the parish to teach ten poor girls to read. Also German Fox, in 1775, bequeathed £50, the interest thereof to be applied towards teaching poor boys to read.
Near to Cleobury Mortimer is a large school room and school house annexed, usually called the Old School Premises, but now uninhabited and in complete decay. From an indenture dated 1727 it appears that these buildings were erected upon a piece of land belonging to John Meysey, Esq., by means of contributions raised among the neighbouring gentry, for the purpose of a school for the benefit of the children of the parish of Cleobury Mortimer.
THE POST OFFICE.—Mr. William Jeffries, postmaster, Church street. Letters arrive from Bewdley at 7-45 A.M., and are despatched at 4-30 P.M.
Adams George, carrier, High street
Ashwood Thomas, gardener, Market place
Baker Slade, Esq., Sandbourne
Birchall James, second master of Free School, Market street
Blount Sir Edward, Bart., Mawley Hall
Boucher James, Esq., Church street
Bourne James, Esq., Mawley town
Bourne James, Esq., The villas
Botfield Lucy, gentlewoman, Hopton court
Brown Rev. William Henry, M.A., Doddington Parsonage
Childe Rev. Ed. Geo., M.A., The Vicarage
Childe Wm. Lacon, Esq., Kinlet Park
Childe William Lacon, Esq., junr., Kinlet
Cocks Rev. Charles Richard Somers, M.A., Neen Savage Rectory
Cocksey Mr. Charles, Market street
Colerick William, inland revenue officer, High street
Cooke Mr. William, junr., High street
Crump Thomas, Esq., Chorley
Crump Thomas, Esq., jun., The Hall
Dorrell Benjamin, miller and farmer
Farmer Wm., parish clerk & perpetl. overseer
Hall Thomas Lambert, paper manufacturer
Hardwicke Rev. Thos., D.D., Milson Rectory
Harris Sarah, school teacher
Hayton Rev. John, Market street
Hulme Rev. Benjamin, Mawley
Jefferies William, postmaster, Church street
Jones James, carrier, Market street
Jones Sarah, school teacher
Jones William Weaver, gentleman, Market st
Kemp Rev. Henry, B.A., Grammar School
Lowe Arthur Charles, Esq., Court of Hill
Marcy Wm. Nicholls, solicitor, and agent to Shropshire Fire Office, Bewdley
Mytton Henry George, Esq.
Nichols Wm., county court clerk, Market st
Pardoe George, Esq., Nash court
Pope Benjamin David, Market place
Pope Thomas, gentleman, Market street
Read Isaac Alfred, M.A., Union house
Reynolds Mrs. Elizabeth, Church street
Roberts Richard, county police officer, Lower town
Southam Samuel Phillip, Esq., Market st
Tongue Mary, school teacher, Free School
Vevers Henry, gentleman, Lower town
Wainwright William, relieving officer
West Margaret, carrier, High street
Whatmore John, town crier, Church street
Whitcombe Edmund Bancks, gentleman, High street
Wickstead Charles, Esq., Skakenhurst
Woodward Mrs., Lower town
Woodward Rev. Thomas, M.A., Hopton Rectory
Academies.
Free School, Rev. Henry Kemp, principal; Birchall James, second master; Sarah Harris, mistress
Infant, Mary Tongue
Attorneys.
Backhouse Richard Onions, Lower town
Marcy William Nicholls, Lower town
Pope Benj. David, Market place
Southam Samuel Phillips, master extraordinary in chancery, coroner for the southern district of Shropshire, and clerk to the county court
Auctioneers and Valuers.
Backhouse Richard Onions, Lower town
Hill William, Lower town
Jones Lloyd, Lower town
Baker and Flour Dealer.
Price James, Market street
Blacksmiths.
Harris Thomas, Church st
Hay John, (& ironmonger), Market street
Potter Edward, Lower town
Webb Thomas, High street
Boot and Shoemakers.
Bodenham John, Market st
Breakwell Thos., The Hurst
Whatmore John, (& leather cutter), Church street
Wheeler James, Church st
Butchers.
Bright Edward, High street
Lloyd Thomas, (& farmer), Market place
Williams Thos., (& grazier) Market place
Coopers.
Knott John, High street
Simmonds Wm., Market pl
Chemist and Druggist.
Wainwright Joseph, Market place
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Downes John, High street
Downes Thomas, (& provision dealer), Lower town
Eaton Robert, High street
Jefferies Wm., (& chandler), Church street
Wainwright Joseph, Market place
Williams Elizth., Church st
Yapp Thomas, Market pl
Hair Dresser.
Griffiths John, Lower town
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Bell, Jas. Lane, Lower town
Crown, James Wm. Smith, High street
Fountain, Elizth. Williams, Church street
Fox Inn, Thomas Farmer, High street
King’s Arms, commercial inn and spirit vaults, Benjamin Taylor, Church st
Lion, Thomas Worrall, Church street
Plough, Jas. Wood, High st
Swan, Benjamin Dorrell, Church street
Talbot Hotel, and commercial inn & posting house, Wm. Dorrell, Market pl
Beer and Cider Retailers.
Eaton Robert, High street
Wadeley James, Lower town
Whetstone Wm., High st
Butter and Cheese Dealer.
Yapp Thomas, (& dealer in corn), Market place
Joiners and Builders.
Hare Thomas, High street
Hardy Edwin, (upholsterer and & bell hanger), Church street
Smith John, High street
Land Agents.
Boucher James, Church st
Bourn James, junr., Mawley town
Linen and Woollen Drapers and Silk Mercers.
Downes Wm., Market place
Mytton James, Market pl
Maltsters.
Beddoe Charles, (and hop merchant), Church street
Wheeler Wm., (and corn miller), Lower town
Milliners and Dressmakers.
Dallow Jane, (fancy repository and hosiery), Market place
Wright Elizth., Church st
Paper Manufacturer.
Hall Thomas Lambert, Neen Savage
Painters, Plumbers, & Glaziers.
Hume Benjamin and Sons, (& paperhanger), Market place
Hume Benj., Lower town
Hume James, Union road
Napper William, High st
Saddlers and Harness Makers.
Littler Wm., Market place
Palmer Samuel, Market pl
Shopkeepers and Dealers in Groceries and Sundries.
Allen Rebecca, High street
Beddoe Ann, High street
Farmer Thomas, High st
Keysall Edward, Market pl
Whetstone William, High st
Skinner and Woolstapler.
Dallow James, High street
Stone Masons.
Haberley Wm., Lower town
Hare Thomas, High street
Potter James, Lower town
Surgeons.
Jones Wm. Weaver, Markt. st
Pope Thomas, Market pl
Vevers Henry, Lower town
Whitcombe Edmund Bancks, High street
Surveyors.
Dallow Wm. Aloysius, (land and road), Mortimer pl
Hill William, (land), Lower town
Tailors.
Mytton James, Market st
Pennington George, Lower town
Potter George, Lower town
Tinman and Brazier and Ironmonger.
Evans John, Market street
Watch and Clock Maker.
Stockall Thomas, Market st
Wheelwrights.
Merrick John, Lower town
Williams Thos., Market st
Carriers.
To BIRMINGHAM—From the King’s Arms (Cleobury Mortmr.), passing through Bewdley, Kidderminster, and Hales Owen, to the Swan with Two Necks, Birmingham, every Monday, Benjamin Taylor, proprietor
To BEWDLEY—James Jones, Mondays and Saturdays
To KIDDERMINSTER—Geo. Adams, Saturdays
To LUDLOW—Margt. West, Mondays
CLEOBURY NORTH
is a small village in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden hundred, on the turnpike road from Bridgnorth to Ludlow, eight miles south-west from the former, and eleven miles north-east from the latter. The parish contains 1,560 acres of land, of which 461 acres are in waste and commons. At the census of 1801 there were 136 inhabitants; 1831, 187; and in 1841, 33 houses and a population of 176 souls. Rateable value, £1,001. 14s. 6d. The principal landowners are the Rev. J. Knight, H. G. Mytton, Esq., the Earl of Powis, and Mr. John Hinksman; and the Corporation of Ludlow are also proprietors. THE CHURCH is dedicated to St. Peter, and consists of nave, chancel, and south aisle, with a short tower in which are two bells. The windows exhibit the style of architecture which prevailed during the reign of Henry VII.: in other parts are traces of the Norman character. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £5. 12s. 3d., in the patronage of the Mytton family; incumbent, Rev. John R. Webb. The tithes are commuted for £149. 9s.; and there are 75 acres of glebe land, of the annual value of £60. The rectory is a good residence, almost surrounded with water, and has a very picturesque appearance, not far from which are the towering heights of the Brown Clee Hill. The church has recently been restored and beautified, at the expense of the landowners and the principal residents. A fine toned organ has been added, at a cost of £120, which was raised by the interest and exertions of the present incumbent. CLEOBURY HALL, the residence of Henry George Mytton, Esq., and the Misses Mytton, is a handsome mansion of free stone, erected by the grandfather of the present proprietor; it is beautified with pleasure grounds and shrubberies, and surrounded with fine scenery.
DIRECTORY.—Henry George Mytton, Esq., Cleobury Hall; The Misses Mary Ann, Harriette, Ann, and Frances Mytton, Cleobury Hall; Launcelot Dixon, joiner; Thomas Green, farmer and corn miller; John Minton, yeoman; John Miles farmer; William Powell, farmer; Jeremiah Sambrook, farmer; Rev. John R. Webb, the Rectory.
CORELEY
is a parish and small village four and a half miles N.N.E. from Tenbury, containing 2,173A. 3R. 9P. of land, of which 877A. 2R. 6P. are common lands. The rateable value of the parish is £2,266. 10s.: gross estimated rental, £2,624. 3s. 6d. At the census of 1841 there were 112 houses, and 525 souls; population in 1801, 458; and in 1831, 553. The principal landowners are the Earl of Craven, John Pritchard, Esq., W. S. Davenport, Esq., Mrs. Lucy Botfield, and Miss Compson; besides whom there are several smaller proprietors. There are coal works in this parish, carried on by Beriah Botfield, Esq. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Peter, is built of brick, and has a square tower, surmounted by a spire of wood. The interior is neatly pewed with oak. The pulpit is carved, and has the date of 1648. On the south wall is a tablet to the memory of William Coling, of Coreley, dated 1657. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s books at £5. 5s. 8d.; patron and incumbent, Rev. Walter Haliburton, M.A. The tithe is commuted for £168. There are 65 acres of glebe land in the parish.
DIRECTORY.—William Adams, farmer, Hince; William Bishop, blacksmith; Samuel Brown, wheelwright; Benjamin Bytheway, shoemaker and shopkeeper; George Corfield, farmer, Brick House; James Davies, Esq., banker, Church stile; William Davies, farmer; Rev. Walter Haliburton, M.A., rector, the Rectory; William Honeybourn, vict., the Poplar; Jeremiah Jeffries, farmer; John Kay, farmer; Edwin Wall, vict., the Colliers Arms; John Webb, shoemaker; Richard Wyer, farmer, New Barn.
DEUXHILL
a small parish in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden hundred, contains 683 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £471. The principal landowners are the Rev. Mr. Haden, Mrs. Deenton, and the Rev. Richard Herbert; besides whom there are a few smaller proprietors. At the census in 1801 there were 30 inhabitants; and in 1841, eight houses and a population of 45 souls. The village is pleasantly situated on the Bridgnorth end Cleobury Mortimer turnpike road, four and a half miles S.S.W. from the former town. THE CHURCH is a small structure, consisting of nave and chancel, with a small turret, in which is one bell. Over the porch is the date 1668. A neat tablet remembers John Lewis, who died in 1804, and his wife Frances, who died in 1809. The living is a rectory, annexed to that of Chetton: incumbent, Rev. Richard Herbert.
The principal residents are Charles Birkin, farmer; Mary Ann Birkin, farmer; Mary Jenkins, schoolmistress; Thomas Stonyer, corn miller, Horsford.
DOWLES,
a small parish in the Cleobury division of the hundred of Stottesden, situated one mile north of Bewdley, contains 1080 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1130. 10s., and gross estimated rental £1300. In 1841 there were nine houses and eighty persons; population in 1801, fifty-seven; 1831, sixty-two. The Misses Taylors are ladies of the manor and the principal landowners, Mr. James Taylor, Rev. Joseph Fletcher, and others are also proprietors. The word Dowles comes from the British Dôl, which signifies a bottom surrounded with hills, or perhaps from the Saxon Doelar, to divide, as it is on the extreme border of the county, a small brook dividing it from Worcestershire. It is situated on the bank of the river Severn and surrounded with beautiful scenery. The Bewdley Gas Works are in this parish, and the manufacture of bricks and tiles is carried on extensively here.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Andrew, stands in a sequestered situation near the Severn. It is built of brick and has a small turret; the interior consists of nave and chancel and the fittings are neat and appropriate. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4, in the patronage of the Misses Taylor, and incumbency of the Rev. J. Fletcher, B.A. The tithes are commuted for £120. There are two acres of glebe land.
CHARITIES.—An old parish book records benefactions to the poor between the year 1636 and 1710 to the amount of £13. 10s., which in the year 1786 was applied towards the rebuilding of the church, the rent of one of the pews thereof being given to the poor in consideration of this sum, which was regularly distributed till the year 1800, when a new minister of the parish opposed the further letting of any pews and ordered them to be thrown open to the public.
DIRECTORY.—Samuel Hill Crocket, farmer; William Downing, farmer; Rev. Joseph Fletcher, B.A., The Parsonage; Benjamin Jeffries, parish clerk and overseer and inspector of the Bewdley police; James Lawley, farmer; William Meredith, farmer; and Thomas Perry, farmer.
GLAZELEY
is a parish and village situated on the Bridgnorth and Ludlow turnpike road, three and a half miles S.S.W. from the former town. This parish is in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden hundred, and contains 636 acres of land. At the census in 1801 there were 31 inhabitants; 1831, 47, and in 1841 eight houses and 38 souls. Thomas Whitmore Wylde Browne, Esq., is lord of the manor and owner of the land. Adjoining the church-yard is a mound or tumulus. THE CHURCH is a small unpretending structure of brick, consisting of nave and chancel, and will accommodate about eighty persons. In the chancel is a tablet in memory of Edmund Wylde, Esq., who died in 1695. On the floor is brass, in a good state of preservation, with two full length figures and six children, commemorative of Thomas and Elizabeth Wylde and their children; it is dated 1599. The living is a rectory annexed to that of Chetton, enjoyed by the Rev. Richard Herbert. The parsonage house is a neat brick residence on the south side of the church-yard. THE WOODLANDS, a handsome stone mansion, the seat and property of T. W. Wylde Browne, Esq., is surrounded by a finely timbered park, and commands extensive views of the surrounding country.
The principal residents are Thomas Whitmore Wylde Browne, Esq., J.P., Woodlands; and Edward Brown, farmer.
HIGHLEY
is a parish and pleasant rural village near the western bank of the Severn, seven miles S.S.E. of Bridgnorth, situated on an eminence commanding fine views of the surrounding country, and noted for its extensive orchards and the excellency of its cider, which is made to a considerable extent in this locality. There are several quarries of superior stone in the parish. At the census of 1841 there were 88 houses and 360 inhabitants; population in 1801, 274, and in 1831, 404. Highley contains 1,527A. 1R. 7P. of land, of which 780 acres are arable, 570 acres meadow and pasture, and 40 acres are woodlands, the rateable value of which is £1,128. 3s. 4d; gross estimated rental, £1,929. 18s. 6d. The tithes are commuted for £225. 1s. 6d. William Jordin, Esq., is lord of the manor and principal landowner, besides whom Mr. John Crane, Rev. Samuel Du Pre, Mr. Easthope, Mr. Thomas Fenn, Mr. J. H. Windle, Mr. Daniel Jordin, Mr. Levi Jordin, Mr. Thomas Jordin, and Mr. George Peplow, are proprietors.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is built of free stone, with square tower, in which is four bells. It consists of nave, chancel, and has a gallery on which is placed a small organ. The Rev. Samuel Burrows is the patron, and the Rev. Samuel Du Pre, incumbent. The living is a vicarage valued in the king’s book at £5. 19s. 2d. Some portion of the land is tithe free, the rest has been commuted and apportioned as follows:—To the vicar the sum of £115. 10s.; to Mr. Jordin, £89. 11s.; to the Rev. P. Haslewood, £19, and to Thomas Lowe, £1. The vicar has 89A. 3R. 2P. of glebe land.
CHARITIES.—Richard Lowe gave the sum of £10 by will in 1579; George Harris, in 1607, gave £1. 6s. 8d.; and Giles Rawlins, by will, in 1677, gave £5, to be employed for the use and benefit of the poor of the parish of Highley. With this money land was purchased containing two acres, on which two cottages have been built, and the rents have been given to the poor of the parish in bread every Sunday. Thomas Getton, Esq., in 1808, gave £5. 10s., the interest thereof to be distributed in bread to the poor of the parish on Christmas day.
DIRECTORY.—Decimus Burrows, farmer, Church Hill; William Burrows, farmer, Rea Farm; John Davies, shopkeeper; Rev. Samuel Du Pre, The Vicarage; William Easthope, farmer, Haylewells; William Evans, builder; Thomas Fenn, farmer, Dustley; George Gough, shopkeeper; William Thomas Homer, schoolmaster; Martha Hughes, beer and cider retailer; Daniel Jordin, miller and farmer; Levi Jordin, farmer; Thomas Jordin, farmer, Netherton House; William Jordin, Esq., New House; William Jordin, farmer, Highley House; William Kirk, shopkeeper and quarry owner; John Kirkham, vict., The Ship; William Lloyd, shoemaker; John Oakley, farm bailiff; William Pritchard, blacksmith; Richard Tomlinson, farmer, The Heath; William Walford, shoemaker; Benjamin Williams, tailor.
HOPE BAGGOT,
a small parish five miles east by south of Ludlow, containing 650 acres of land, in 1841 had 21 houses and 75 inhabitants; population in 1801, 94; 1831, 62. The tithes of this parish have been commuted for £75. In the 22nd of Richard II., William de Hulle held half a knight’s fee here under the Earl of March, which was formerly possessed by Robert Baggard, from whom this place took its name. The principal landowners are Benjamin Giles, Esq., Mrs. Lucy Botfield, Mrs. J. Hooley, and Mr. Richard Bray. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. John, is a small stone edifice, capable of accommodating 63 persons. The interior consists of nave and chancel, in the latter of which is a tablet to the memory of Benjamin Giles, Esq., dated 1795, and another to the memory of Benjamin Giles, Esq., dated 1813. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s books at £3. 6s. 8d., now returned at £90; in the patronage of the Duke of Cleveland, and incumbency of the Rev. David Jones. DIRECTORY.—Richard Bray, farmer; Edward Downes, shoemaker; Benjamin Giles, Esq., Hope Court; Mrs. Jemima Hooley; Rev. David Jones, the Rectory; and James Geo. Lewis, Esq., Hope Villa.
HOPTON WAFERS
is a parish and pleasantly situated village on the Cleobury Mortimer and Ludlow turnpike road, 9 miles from the latter place. It contains 1,610A. 3R. 26P. of land, of which 22A. 3R. 18P. are roads; 236A. 3R. 26P. common; and 60A. are in woods and plantations. In 1851 there were 94 inhabited houses, 20 uninhabited, and 444 inhabitants; population in 1801, 392; 1841, 481. There were formerly three paper mills in this parish. Hopton Wafers is remarkable as giving a singular instance of longevity in William Hyde, who resided in this place, and lived to the advanced age of 106 years, and at the time of his decease in 1798, had sons upwards of eighty years old. The principal landowner is Mrs. Lucy Botfield, who is also lady of the manor; the trustees of Ludlow charities, trustees of Palmer’s charities, and the rector are also proprietors. Rent charge, £186. 12s. There are 83A. 1R. 21P. of glebe land. THE CHURCH is a fine gothic structure, built of free stone, having a square tower with pinnacles at the angles. In consists of north and south aisles and chancel, and has a gallery, in which is a small organ. On the altar is represented in statuary a Bible opening to the Ten Commandments, and on each side of the window are marble scrolls with the Creed and Lord’s Prayer engraved thereon. The church is dedicated to St. Mary, and the patronage is vested in Mrs. Lucy Botfield, incumbent, Rev. Thomas Woodward. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a chapel, built in the year 1837.
DIRECTORY.—Joseph Allen, blacksmith; Mrs. Lucy Botfield, Hopton Court; John Bishop, farmer, Bank House; John Caldwell, tailor; Thomas Caldwell, tailor; John Dolphin, farmer and beer retailer; William Edwards, schoolmaster; William Farr, blacksmith; Richard Hatton, wheelwright; William Highfield, farmer; Eliza Hyde, schoolmistress; Thomas Hyde, shoemaker; William Hyde, shoemaker; William Jones, farmer, Little Shote; Thomas Page, farmer, Roch Head; William Radnor, farmer, Sproseley; Thomas Ree, farmer, White House; William Steed, stone mason; William Thatcher, farmer, Great Shote; John Whitehead, vict., the Crown and farmer; Rev. Thomas Woodward, M.A., the Rectory.
KINLET
is a parish in the Cleobury division of the Stottesden hundred, embracing the townships of Kinlet and Earnwood, and contains 6,692 acres of land, of which 1,079 are in woods, plantations and water; and 30 acres in public roads. Population in 1801, 602; 1831, 532; 1841, 480; at the latter period there were 98 houses. Rateable value, £5,760. 19s. 8d. The soil is various; in some parts a strong loam, and in other places a light soil prevails. The meadow land produces a rich herbage. William Lacon Childe, Esq., is lord of the manor, and the principal landowner. John White, Esq., Rev. Edward George Childe, Esq., George Crump, Esq., and Mr. William Rudd are also proprietors. The village of Kinlet is delightfully situated in a luxuriant district, five miles north from Cleobury Mortimer, and eight miles south from Bridgnorth. The township is intersected by the Bridgnorth, Cleobury Mortimer, and Bewdley turnpike roads, and a portion of the land stretches to the Severn side. This locality is richly timbered, and the high grounds commands some fine views of the surrounding country. At the census of 1841 there were 45 houses, mostly scattered, and a population of 227 souls, within the bounds of this township.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Peter, is a venerable cruciform structure, situated near the mansion in Kinlet Park: it has a lofty square tower containing six bells. The interior has a very chaste and elegant appearance, and the Saxon or early Norman arches of the nave bespeak its antiquity. The structure was repaired and beautified in the year 1814, when the east window was restored, at the sole expense of Mr. Childe; it is richly adorned with armorial bearings and figures in stained glass. The altar is of oak exquisitely carved. On the south side of the church is an altar tomb, with the figures of a knight and two ladies in a recumbent position; the male figure is in steel armour, and remembers Sir William Childe, Knight; his feet rest on a lion couchant. On the north side is a tomb with two full length figures, in memory of Sir William Childe and his lady, dated 1678. There is also a beautiful marble tomb, with a rich canopy, having the figures of a knight and his lady, in a kneeling position, with those of a boy and a girl between them; it has the date of 1584. There is also the figure of a knight in a recumbent posture, in memory of George Blount, formerly lord of Kinlet, who died in 1581. Several elegant marble tablets, some of which are very chastely designed, have been erected to the memory of various members of the Childe family, of Kinlet Hall. The living is a vicarage valued in the king’s book at £8. 2s. 4d., now returned at £360 in the patronage of William Lacon Childe, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Edward George Childe, M.A.; officiating minister, Rev. Edward Prest, M.A. The tithes have been commuted, and £322 apportioned to the vicar, and £3. 7s. 6d. to the impropriator, the lord of the manor. There are 45A. 0R. 16P. of glebe land. A neat school and residence for the teachers was built in the year 1844, by William Lacon Childe, Esq., by whose munificence and that of the incumbent it is entirely supported.
KINLET PARK, the seat and property of William Lacon Childe, Esq., J.P., is a stately mansion of considerable extent, built in 1789, near the site of a former mansion, which was taken down. It stands on a gentle eminence in a delightful park, commanding views of great diversity and beauty. The pleasure grounds are tastefully laid out, and kept in the most admirable order, and the park is well timbered and beautifully picturesque. A magnificent avenue stretches across the grounds. The park contains 456 acres of land, besides which there are 1,076 acres covered with woods, plantations, and water. W. L. Childe, Esq., at the present time has upwards of 4,000 acres of land in his own hands. A feast is held at Kilnet on the first Sunday after Midsummer day. Cider is made to a considerable extent in this neighbourhood.
Childe Wm. Lacon, Esq., J. P., Kinlet Park
Barker Henry, farmer, Winnell
Beach Henry, farmer, Rotton row
Boucher James, Esq., steward & land agent
Chappell John, butler
Childe Rev. Edward George, The Hall
Childe William Lacon, Esq., junr.
Deverell Mr. William, farm steward
Elcock John, farmer, Winwoods
George George, farmer, Fastings
Hall John, farmer, Severn lodge
Jones William, Tip house
Jones William, farmer, Tip house
Lawley James, farmer, Norton’s end
Lawley John, farmer, Birch
Lawley Joseph, farmer, Button bridge farm
Lawley Thomas, blacksmith
Okey Edward, farmer
Pearson John, forrester and gardener
Pitt Hannah, school mistress
Pountney Charles, farmer, Catsley hall
Pountney Richard, farmer, Tilley grove
Prest Rev. Edward, The Vicarage
Reynolds Thomas, farmer, Braidley
Rhodes Richards, farmer and vict., Eagle and Serpent Inn
Rolf John, coachman
Rudd William, farmer, Hall of Hammons
Ward John, wheelwright
Whitehead John, park and gamekeeper
MIDDLETON SCRIVEN
is a parish and small rural village, in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden Hundred, five miles S.W. from Bridgnorth. The parish contains 786A. 0R. 16P. of land, the soil mostly a strong marl, producing wheat, barley, and turnips. The village is watered by two small streams, and in 1801 contained 80 inhabitants; 1831, 99; 1841, 108: at the latter period there were twenty houses. The principal landowners are the Rev. Thomas Rowley, D.D., and the Rev. F. S. Bolton; the former is lord of the manor. There are also several smaller freeholders. Gross estimated rental of the parish, £903. 16s.; rateable value, £827. 9s. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, was almost entirely rebuilt in 1845 by the present worthy rector. It consists of nave and chancel, and is neatly fitted up with oak sittings; several of the windows are beautified with stained glass, which gives the interior a very chastened and pleasing appearance. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4. 6s. 8d., now returned at £150 in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas Rowley, D.D. The rectory is a good residence a little south from the church.
DIRECTORY.—The Rev. Thomas Rowley, D.D., The Rectory; Joseph Brown, farmer, The Vicarage House; Richard Giles, joiner; Thomas Hall, junr., farmer, The Cave; Richard Lane, wheelwright; James Lock, draining contractor; John Tongue, farmer and shopkeeper; Silas Webley, farmer; William Wellings, blacksmith.
MORVILLE
is a parish in the Chelmarsh division of the hundred of Stottesden, three miles N.W. of Bridgnorth, and five miles S.E. of Much Wenlock. At the Doomsday survey it was written Membrefelde, and was granted by William the Conqueror to Roger de Montgomery. The parish contains 2,778 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £4299. 5s. 2d. The principal landowners are Sir John E. D. Acton, Bart., and Lord Sudeley; Mrs. Thursby, Lord Forester, and Thomas C. Whitmore, Esq., M.P., are also proprietors. At the census of 1841 Morville contained eighty houses and 412 inhabitants; population in 1801, 415; in 1831, 517. The parish is intersected by the Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock turnpike road, and watered by the Mar brook.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Gregory, was rebuilt in the year 1118, on an old Saxon foundation, and formed a part of the possessions of Salop abbey. The interior contains nave, chancel, and side aisles, the latter is separated from the body by three arches on each side. The structure is neatly pewed, and will accommodate 294 persons. In the family seat of the Acton’s is a tablet to the memory of Sir Edward Acton, Bart., who departed this life September 28th, 1716, aged 64 years. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of Lord Sudeley, and incumbency of the Rev. George Leigh Wasey, M.A. The chapelry of Aston Eyre is annexed to this church. The tithes have been commuted, and £645 apportioned to Lord Sudeley, and £21 to Sir John E. D. Acton.
THE ROMAN CATHOLICS have a neat chapel near Aldenham Hall, which was built about the year 1836 by Lady Granville, and will accommodate near 200 persons. The interior has a chaste and elegant appearance. The east window is of stained glass, having a beautiful representation of our Saviour. In the chapel is a marble tablet to the memory of Sir Richard Ferdinand Acton, Bart., who died at Paris, January 31st, 1837, aged 35 years. The Rev. Francis Ruiz is the priest.
ALDENHAM HALL, a handsome stone mansion, the seat and property of Sir John E. D. Acton, Bart., situated four miles north-east from Bridgnorth, was built in the year 1691. It is approached by a fine avenue of lofty elms, and surrounded by a park of 170 acres. The owner of the mansion and estate is now a minor
CHARITIES.—Thomas Burte, by will, dated 30th January, 1631, gave the sum of £100 to Walter Acton, Esq., of Morville, to the intent that he should add thereto the like sum of £100, and should lay out the whole £200 in the purchase of land for the use of the poor people of the parish of Morville. The money was expended in the year 1635 in the purchase of fifteen acres of land in the parish of Claverley, to which was added 2A. 1R. 19P. of land in 1812 on the Enclosure of the common of Morfe. The whole of the land is now let at a yearly rent of £20, one half of which is paid to the perpetual curate of Morville, and the other half is distributed among the poor
On the benefaction table it is stated that John Mousall gave 10s. per annum to the poor of Morville, to be expended in the purchase of Bibles, which sum is charged upon an estate at the Reilth, in the parish of Mainstine.
It is further stated on the benefaction table that Arthur Weaver gave to the poor at Morville on every Sunday sixpenny loaves, which is charged upon an estate in this parish, which formerly belonged to that family.
John Guest, by will, dated 1,773, directed his son and executor, John Guest, junr., to distribute the interest of £10 to such of the poor of the parish of Morville as he should think the greatest objects of charity. The interest of this sum, with another sum of £5 said to have been left by Richard Geary, and £20 left by the aforesaid John Guest, in 1797, has been regularly distributed in bread to the poor of the parish.
ASTON EYRE, a chapelry in the parish of Morville, four miles N.E. of Bridgnorth, contains 1,200 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,111. At the census of 1841 it had 23 houses and 130 inhabitants; population in 1801, 106, and in 1831, 120. The landowners in this chapelry are Sir John E. D. Acton, Bart., Lord Sudeley, and St. John C. Charlton, Esq. The chapel was built in the year 1147, and endowed by Robert Fitz Aber, with sixty acres of land, the title deeds of which are still extant. Over the door on entering the chapel is a tympanum of antique workmanship, representative of our Saviour entering Jerusalem on an ass. The chapel is built of stone, and contains nave and chancel, which is separated from the body by a pointed arch. There is accommodation for 76 persons. The living is subordinate to that of Morville.
Acton Sir John E. D., Bart., Aldenham Hall
Backhouse Henry O., farmer & auctioneer
Braithwaite John, farmer, Haughton
Brown Mary & Sons, blacksmith
Brown Sarah, farmer, The Croft
Bryant Michl., miller & gardener, Aldenham
Clarke John, farmer, The Croft
Cureton Thomas, farmer, Bridgwalton
Downes John, farmer, and wine & spirit mer
Dutertre Rev. Peter, (Catholic), The Priory
Elcock Wm., miller & farmer, Ley mill
Fortel Rev. Thomas, (Catholic), The Priory
Green John, miller and farmer, Harpswood
Henbury Charles, farmer, The Hurst
Meredith James, farmer, Underton
Oliver William, farmer, Bridgwalton
Panter Charles, farm bailiff, Croft
Reece Edwin, farmer, Harpsford
Reynolds Joseph, farmer, Underton
Richards Rev. Fred., B.A., curate, Morville Hall
Rudd The Misses, farmers, The Croft
Ruiz Rev. Frances, O.M.C., (Catholic), The Priory
Russell Thomas, farm bailiff
Taylor Thomas, farmer & vict., Acton’s Arms
Trudeau Rev. Alex., (Catholic), The Priory
Wadlow Charles, farmer, The Hurst
Wasey Rev. George Leigh, M.A., incumbent, The Knowle Sands
Wall Francis, shoemaker and shopkeeper
Williams Charles, steward to Sir J. E. D. Acton, Bart., Morville Hall
Willis Joseph, farmer, Morville Hall
ASTON EYRE DIRECTORY.
Beddoes Mr. George, Aston Cottage
Corser William, farmer
Embrey William, farmer
Gittings Richard, farmer
Taylor Thomas, farm bailiff
Wall Hercules, farmer
NEEN SAVAGE
is a parish in the Cleobury division of the hundred of Stottesden, one mile north-west from Cleobury, situated in a sequestered valley watered by the River Rea. It contains 3,690 acres of land, and had at the census of 1841, 99 houses and 490 inhabitants; population in 1801, 469; 1831, 450. The landowners in the parish are the Rev. Charles Richard Somers Cocks, M.A.; William Lacon Childe, Esq.; C. B. Ogle, Esq.; Robert Hinckesman, Esq.; and a few smaller proprietors. There are two paper mills in this parish, in the occupancy of Mr. Thomas Lambert Hall. The tithe of this parish is commuted for £420. THE CHURCH is an ancient gothic edifice of stone, consisting of nave and chancel, and will accommodate 300 persons. It was appropriated to the Abbey of Wigmore, by Hugh de Mortimer, immediately after the finishing of that abbey. It is rated in the king’s books at £6. In 1630, the advowson of Neen Savage, now worth £445, was sold for only £80. On the 19th of January, 1825, the wooden spire of the church was struck with lightning and burnt to the tower; the roof was much injured, and the bells were melted and fell to the bottom of the tower, and but for the exertions of the surrounding inhabitants, the whole edifice would soon have been in ruins. There are seven acres of glebe land in the parish. The Lord Chancellor is patron of the living; and the Rev. Charles R. Somers Cocks, M.A., is the vicar.
CHARITIES.—Richard Edwards, by will, gave the sum of £400, in trust, that the same should be laid out in land, and the rents and profits thereof paid to some good schoolmaster to teach twenty poor boys of the parish of Neen Savage. In 1732 the sum of £285 was applied in the purchase of 17 acres of land in Stottesden parish, which is now let at a rent of £35. The remainder of the money was placed out at interest until some opportunity may offer of making an advantageous purchase in land.
Richard Hinckesman, Esq., by will, dated 1780, charged certain lands in this parish with the payment of 6s. 8d. annually, for a sermon; and 13s. 4d. to be given to 10 poor widows annually.
John Longmore, by will, dated November 7th, 1835, gave the sum of £500, to be invested in government securities; the interest, dividends, and produce thereof to be expended in bread, and distributed to the most deserving poor of the parish every Sunday morning after Divine service. The aforesaid £500 was invested on the eighth day of March, 1839, in the purchase of £538. 7s. 2d. in the three per cent. consols, in the name of the vicar and churchwardens.
Bluck Samuel, farmer, Stepple Hall
Cleeton William, farm bailiff, Stone House
Cocks, Rev. Charles Richard Somers, vicar, the Vicrge.
Corbett Michael, farmer, Nethercott
Dallow John, castrator
Dorrall James, farmer, Wyer
Edmonds John, farmer, Wall Town
Hall Thomas Lambert, jun., paper manufacturer
Meredith Joseph, farmer, Rea Side
Minton Josh, farmer, Upper Beavney
Moore Thomas, blacksmith
Nisbett, Rev. Mr.
Preece John, farmer
Reynolds Thomas, farmer, Upper Beavney
Stephens Francis, farmer, Bank Top
Ward William, schoolmaster
Ward Elizh., schoolmistress
Weston Thomas, farmer
Wheeler George, farmer
Wheeler Joseph, miller
Whooton Thomas, farmer, the Lodge
Worrall John, farmer, Nash
Worrall Thomas, farmer, Elcott
NEENTON
is a parish and township in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden hundred, situated on the western bank of the River Rea, near the foot of the Brown Clee Hill, and six and a half miles south-west from Bridgnorth. The parish contains 1,000 acres of land, and is intersected by the Ludlow and Bridgnorth turnpike road. The land has mostly a strong soil, tolerably productive. In 1801 there were 120 inhabitants; 1831, 130; and in 1841, 29 houses and a population of 144 souls. The principal landowners are Henry Lyster, Esq.; John Minton, Esq.; Rev. J. F. Benwell, and Mr. T. Edwards; besides whom there are several smaller freeholders. THE CHURCH is an inconsiderable structure of brick, consisting of nave and chancel, with a turret in which are two bells. The living is a vicarage, rated in the king’s book at £5. 3s. 6½d., now returned at £196: patron and incumbent, Rev. John Frederick Benwell. The Vicarage is a neat brick residence, situated a short distance from the church.
DIRECTORY.—James Amiss, wheelwright; Rev. John Frederick Benwell, The Vicarage; William Childs, farmer, The Park; Richard Cleeton, wheelwright and beerhouse keeper; Richard Dodd, farmer, The Hay; George Edwards, butcher; George Edwards, farmer; Edward Hall, farmer, The Hall; John Hodnett, tailor and vict., New Inn; William Massey, farmer, The Bank; John Medlicott, farmer.
OLDBURY
is a parish and village in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden hundred, situated about a mile S.S.W. from Bridgnorth. The village is on a gentle eminence, and contains some respectable family residences, and is surrounded by scenery of the most picturesque and romantic character. The parish comprises upwards of 1,400 acres of land, and is bounded on the east by the River Severn, and intersected by the Bridgnorth, Ludlow, and Cleobury Mortimer turnpike roads. At the census in 1801 there were 107 inhabitants; 1831, 126; and in 1841, 28 houses, and a population of 142 souls. THE CHURCH is a plain structure, dedicated St. Nicholas, consisting of nave and chancel, with a tower partly composed of wood. The interior is neatly pewed, and the nave is separated from the chancel by a carved oak screen. The Rev. Joseph Woolley, rector of this place 51 years, is remembered on a neat tablet dated 1728. There are also tablets to members of the families of Dethic, Beech, Hincksman, and others. The living is a rectory, rated in the king’s book at £5, now returned at £254, in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor: incumbent, Rev. John Purton, M.A. There are 16½ acres of glebe land. Sir John E. D. Acton, Bart. is the principal landowner, and lord of the manor. Mr. Nicholas Edwards and the Rev. John Purton are also proprietors. The Rectory is a good residence, situated near the church.
CHARITIES.—Mrs. Mary Harris left by her will £5 for the poor of the parish. The time of this bequest is not mentioned; but in April, 1770, it appears that the principal and interest then amounted to £10. No application of this legacy seems to have been made to the use of the poor for a period of upwards of fifty years. About thirty years ago the principal and interest were paid over by Mr. Thomas Farmer, and invested in the stock; the money so invested produced a sum of £57. 12s. stock in the three per cent. consols; the dividends of which are yearly distributed among the poor.
The Rev. Thomas Littleton, by his will, dated 17th September, 1792, gave to the minister and churchwardens or Oldbury the sum of £10, upon trust, to pay the interest among the poor who frequent the service of the church. The personal property of Mr. Littleton passed into the hands of his executor, Richard Green, and eventually into those of his brother, Jonathan Green, who became embarrassed in his circumstances. The property had been sold when the Charity Report was published, and it was expected that this, with other claims, would soon be liquidated.
DIRECTORY.—John Bentley, butcher, Crosshouses; Samuel Bentley, farmer; Edmund F. Bowen, farmer and beerhouse keeper; Mr. James Brawn; William Brown, blacksmith; Miss Edwards; Nicholas Edwards, farmer, Westwood; John Green, farmer and corn miller; Mrs. Sophia Elizabeth James, The Cottage; Richard Jerrett, farmer and vict., The Hundred House; Margaret Wynne Jones, gentlewoman, The Lodge; Mrs. Mary Longmore, The Villa; Rev. John Purton, M.A., The Rectory; Miss Spalding; John Warden, farmer; Edward Welding, wheelwright; Mary Wheatley, gentlewoman, Oldbury House; Mr. Wright
QUATFORD,
a small parish and village on the banks of the river Severn, about a mile and a half south from Bridgnorth, derives its name from Coed and Forda (British), signifying the Wood at the Ford—originally within the Forest of Morfe. The parish contains 1,773 acres of land, and includes the lordships of Hay and Eardington, which are situated on the opposite side of the river Severn. The parish in 1801 contained 417 inhabitants; 1831, 492; 1841, 553. Rateable value, £3,586, 18s. 3d. The township of Quatford comprises 514 acres of land, and in 1841 had 44 houses and a population of 204 souls. The manor belongs to the corporation of Bridgnorth, and the mayor for the time being is lord of the manor. John Smalman, Esq., is the principal landowner; George Pritchard, Esq., W. W. Whitmore, Esq., Henry Vickers, Esq., Mary Jones, Mr. Thomas Hudson, Lord Sudeley, Mr. William Hughes, Mr. Thursfield, and others, are also proprietors. In this township stands the castellated residence of John Smalman, Esq., J.P., called QUATFORD CASTLE. It stands within sight of the rock where stood the castle erected by Ethelfleda Countess of Mercia (the wife of Ethelred, the first Earl Palatine of Mercia), prior to the year 919. Mr. Smalman is descended from an ancient family long seated at Wilderhope Hall, in the parish of Rushbury. The castle is built on a prominent hill, surrounded by plantations overlooking the beautiful river Severn for several miles, and only approached by an artificial road on its eastern side. This enchanting spot, from its varied views and pleasurable walks, is the constant attraction of families resident in the town and neighbourhood of Bridgnorth, who are welcomed by its liberal and much respected proprietor.
THE CHURCH, a venerable structure, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, has a square tower, surmounted with pinnacles, and contains three bells. The interior of the church has a handsome appearance; the altar is elaborately carved, and the floor of the chancel is covered with encaustic tiles. There are several neat monumental tablets, one of which remembers Thomas Crump, who died in 1718; another is erected to the memory of Joseph Corbet, Esq., who died in 1790. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Lord Sudeley, and enjoyed by the Rev. George Leigh Wasey, M.A. Mr. Cox has the following account of Quatford:—“The manor of Quatford, belonging to Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, he built a church here, upon this occasion: Adaliza, his wife, coming out of Normandy, there happened so great a storm at sea that nothing but shipwreck was expected by the mariners; but her chaplain being wearied with much watching, fell fast asleep, and as he lay at rest a venerable matron appeared to him, and said: ‘If your lady will make a vow to build a church to St. Mary Magdalene, in the place where she first meets the earl, her husband, in England, she shall be preserved from the danger of this tempest.’ This vision being told his lady, she presently vowed accordingly, and got safe to shore; from whence, going towards her husband at Shrewsbury, she met him in this place a hunting, and telling him the vision, he willingly fulfilled her vow, and built this church at Quatford, and dedicated it to St. Mary Magdalene, endowed it with ample possessions, and gave it to his collegiate chapel, in the Castle of Bridgnorth. Robert de Belesme, his eldest son, coming to his father’s inheritance in England (by the death of his younger brother, Hugh), removed from this town of Quatford,—but whither, we find not.”
THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a small chapel in the village. There is also a SCHOOL here, a decorated structure, built in the year 1847, by subscription; about thirty children attend. A LIBRARY for the use of the parish is kept in the church vestry.
CHARITIES.—John Corfield, in 1718, directed six twopenny loaves to be distributed the first Sunday in every month in the year. This annuity is paid out of land in Stottesden. Arthur Weaver, Esq., in 1709, bequeathed out of the several tithes of Morville, Aston Eyre, and Quatford, to the curates of each yearly; the bequest to the curate of Quatford being £3. 13s. 4d.
It appears that in the years 1767 and 1769, Arthur Weaver granted two rent charges of £7 each, towards the augmentation of this curacy, and that the Governors of Queen Ann’s Bounty, in conjunction with the said Isaac Weaver, agreed to augment the curacy with two several sums of £200 each, having previously agreed to augment the same with a like sum of £200 by lot. In pursuance of this agreement, in the year 1784, the sum of £600 was laid out in the purchase of a certain messuage and about seven acres of land, situated at Eardington, which were conveyed to the then curate, to hold to him and his successors for ever.
CHURCH LANDS.—The following premises have been appropriated to the repairs and uses of the church for a long period, but from what source they were originally derived we have been unable to discover:—A parcel of land, called Paradise, containing four acres and three-quarters, producing £10 per annum. A house and garden let for 10s. a-year, also rendering the service of rowing over the parishioners at all times free to the parish church on the other side of the river. There are also several other plots of land, comprising upwards of 14 acres, which, with the above sums, produce an annual rent of £20. 1s. 11d. In the year 1810, timber was sold from the church land for £100. 12s. 6d., part of which was laid out for a new boat, and there remained a sum of £70 in the Bridgnorth Bank.
William Nicholls, in 1846, bequeathed £150 to the minister of Quatford, upon trust, to dispose of the interest thereof among the most deserving poor of the parish.
The sum of £20, left by Thomas Spencer in 1722, for the benefit of the curate of Quatford, and £10, left by Elizabeth Oldburg in 1730, have long been lost.
DIRECTORY.—John Smalman, Esq., The Castle; John Clayton, Esq., Quatford House; John Davies, beerseller; Robert Griffiths, timber merchant, architect, builder, quarry-master, and dealer in tiles, bricks, slates, &c., Chantrey House; Thomas Hudson, beerseller; Mary Lambert, school-teacher; William Martin, victualler, Red Lion Inn; Thos. Owen, shopkeeper, and foreman to Mr. Griffiths; John Thomas Poole, farmer, The Bank; The Misses Shepherd, The Grove; John Sing, Esq., The Hall; Richard Turley, parish clerk and ferry-house keeper; Stephen Wolryche, Esq., The Villa.
EARDINGTON
is a township and pleasantly situated village, in the parish Quatford, one mile south from Bridgnorth, which contains 1,259A. 0R. 7P. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,727. 13s. Gross estimated rental, £2,997. 18s. The principal landowners are Mrs. Mary Oldbury; Mr. William Baldwin; The Devisees of the late Thomas Duppa, Esq.; Lord Liverpool; and Lord Sudeley; besides whom there are several other small freeholders. In Doomsday Book we find this place written Ardintone, and though annexed to the mother church of Quatford (on the opposite side of the river Severn) in ecclesiastical matters, yet in all other respects is virtually a parish of itself. About three miles below Bridgnorth, on the western bank of the Severn, is the EARDINGTON FORGE, a charcoal iron manufactory, celebrated for making the best charcoal wire, horse nail, and gun iron. The works are carried on by James Foster, Esq., of Stanton Castle, in Worcestershire, under the able management of Mr. Thomas Austin Jackson, and are the largest of the kind in the kingdom. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is a neat brick structure, which will accommodate about fifty children. It was erected in the year 1837. This township in 1801 had a population of 328 souls; 1831, 325; 1841, 349. At the latter period there were 71 inhabited houses.
Angeworth William, farmer, Hay Farm
Baker Thomas, farmer
Cooper John Henry, Esq., banker, The Knowle Sands
Cole George, stock taker, The Forge
Crowder John, corn miller
Duppa Mrs. Georgiana Elizb.
Fryer John, blacksmith
Garbett Francis, shoemaker
Harrison Mr. Samuel
Hudson William, victualler, The Crown
Jackson Mr. Thomas Austin, manager, Eardington Forge
James David, beerhouse
Jarratt James, butcher
Lloyd Thomas, shoemaker
Miles Thos., vict., Red Lion
Minshull John, miller
Noakes Samuel, farmer
Oldbury Mrs. Mary, farmer, Eardington House
Oldbury The Misses Anne and Margaret
Pitt James, engineer
Powell Martha, shopkeeper
Simkiss John, manager of Coal and Buck’s Works
Summers Samuel, farmer
Wasey Rev. Geo. Leigh, M.A. incumbent of Quatford and Morville Knowle Sands
Weaver William, maltster, and farmer
QUATT,
an extensive parish, anciently within the forest of Morfe, is intersected by the Bridgnorth and Kidderminster turnpike road, and bounded on the western side by the river Severn, which is crossed at several places by ferry boats. The parish comprehends the hamlets of Quatt Malvern, Quatt Jarvis, Mose, Wooton, and Dudmaston, and contains 2,674A. 1R. 11P. of land, of which 238A. 0R. 14P. are in woods and plantations, 33A. 3R. 36P. water, 23A. 1R. 4P. public roads, and 66A. 2R. 26P. in the demesne and grounds of Dudmaston Hall. The soil is for the most part highly fertile. Rateable value, £3,514. 4s. 5d. Population in 1801, 300; 1831, 328; 1841, 365; part of the population is included within the limits of the borough of Bridgnorth. The township of Quatt Malvern at the census of 1841 is returned as containing 29 houses and 141 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £415. 9s. 8d. Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., M.P., is the principal landowner and lord of the manor; John Sing, Esq., Thomas Bowen, and others, are also freeholders. The village of Quatt is scattered, but pleasantly situated, four miles S.E. from Bridgnorth; it contains some good residences, and the surrounding country is beautifully picturesque and romantic. In Leland’s time there were to be seen here the ruins of the manor house of Robert de Montgomery. About four miles from Quatt Malvern are the remains of a Roman camp called THE WALLS. The form of it is nearly quadrangular, and there have been four gates into it; one in the middle of the north front, another in the middle of the west, a third in the south-east, and a fourth at the north-east corner. The odd position of the two last take advantage of declivities in the rock. Besides these a sloping way is cut through the bank, and down the rock in the middle of the south face, to the water. The west side has been doubly fortified with a deep trench cut out of the solid rock between two ramparts. To the north it has only one bank. It embraces an area of more than twenty acres, but no coins or antiquities have been found there. Not far from the Severn an ancient sword was discovered, differing in form and metal to any hitherto found in Great Britain. Similar have been found in Ireland.
THE CHURCH is a venerable fabric, dedicated to St. Andrew, partly composed of free stone, and partly of brick. It consists of nave, chancel, side chapel, and north aisle, the latter separated from the nave by three arches resting on octagonal pillars; the tower contains four bells. The pulpit and reading desk are beautifully carved, and dated 1629. The font is very ancient, and there is a gallery at the west end, upon which is placed an organ. The altar is of oak, exquisitely carved. On the floor is a remarkable inscription, with some curious tracery, dated 1387 and 1495. On a pillar are remembered some of the ancient family of Wolryches. In the side chapel is a black marble tomb in memory of Sir Francis Wolryche, who died in 1668, near to which is an elaborate monumental tomb with figures in black marble, in bold relief set in a block of alabaster. There is also a fine figure in alabaster, exquisitely carved, in memory of Dame Marie Wolryche, dated 1628. Another tomb of fine workmanship has the figures of a knight and his lady, and remembers Francis Wolryche, Esq., and Margaret, his wife, and is dated 1614. There are also some neat tablets in the church which our limits will not allow us to notice in detail. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £14. 15s., now returned at £415. 4s. 8d., in the patronage of W. W. Whitmore, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Edmund Carr, M.A. The rectory is a handsome and spacious residence situated near the church. On rebuilding the church of Quatt in 1763 were found a number of figures painted on the walls, representing the Seven Charities and the Day of Judgment; and on a piece of vellum nailed to an oak board the figure of our Saviour rising from the sepulchre, underneath the figure were the following lines:—“Saynt Gregory and other popes and byshops grantes sex and twenty thousand zere of pardonz thirtti dayes to alle that saies devoutlye knelyng afor yis is ymage fife paternosters, fife aves, and a cred.”
THE SOUTH EASTERN SHROPSHIRE DISTRICT SCHOOL has been established for the reception of children belonging to the several unions of Bridgnorth, Cleobury Mortimer, Madeley, and Seisdon. The object of the institution is not only to give a sound healthy education, but so to improve both the physical and mental powers as shall break the thread of pauperism, and enable this hitherto unhappy class to establish themselves in after life as independent labourers. The experiment has proved most satisfactory, and even more successful than was expected, not only in giving a good healthy education combined with labour to the children, but yielding such a return in money as altogether prevented any additional cost to the ratepayers, and even paid a portion of the former expenses. The actual profits of the four acres of land cultivated having amounted to between £60 and £70 per annum. The question of profit, though of importance, is trifling when compared with the benefits derived by the children, who are here removed from scenes of inferiority and degradation and brought up in habits of industry, and a knowledge of gardening combined with the inculcation of honest principles and religious knowledge, are blessings of incalculable amount. The house is capable of accommodating 170 children, and the boys are employed in the cultivation of the land, in the management of cows, pigs, and a pony; the girls are employed in the house and dairy work. Henry Garland is the governor, and Mrs. Garland matron.
DUDMASTON HALL, the seat and property of W. W. Whitmore, Esq., J.P., is a handsome brick mansion, situated near the Bewdley and Bridgnorth turnpike road. It stands in an extensive and richly wooded park, and is beautified with tasteful pleasure grounds and choice shrubs. Dudmaston is a manor within the manor of Quatt, and was in early times the residence of Dudmastons, from whom it passed in marriage to the Wolryches, and they devised it to their maternal relation, William Whitmore, Esq., whose descendant now inherits the estate and mansion.
CHARITIES.—By an indenture, dated September 17th, 1687, the churchwardens and two parishioners of this parish devised, for a term of 99 years, to Richard Gough, a piece of land in St. Leonard’s parish, in consideration that the said Richard Gough should, within five years, erect thereon a bay of building with brick and stone; and also should pay, during the term, the annual rent of five shillings, for the benefit of the poor of Quatt. It does not appear to what source the parish was indebted for this land, but in an old corporation book belonging to the corporation of Bridgnorth, there is an entry, purporting to be an extract from the will of Thomas Dovey, dated 13th of February, 1601, whereby he gave to the parish of Quatt £5 for the use of the poor for ever. In 1788, the former lease having expired, a new lease of the premises was granted for the like term, and at the same rent; the sum of £12 being paid as a fine for renewal.
This parish appears also to have enjoyed for many years the property of a house and land, in the parish of Worfield, of the origin of which we have not been able to discover any trace. The earliest notice that we find of it is in the year 1759, when it appears in the occupation of a tenant at the rent of £2. 10s. per annum. In 1802 the premises were sold for £110, and the amount was placed in the bank of Bates and Jones, at Bridgnorth, which subsequently failed. A dividend of 4s. in the pound was afterwards paid, and this sum, amounting to £22. 13s. 2d. was placed in the Stourbridge bank. The interest is carried to the poor rates.
DIRECTORY.—William Wolryche Whitmore, Esq., Dudmaston Park; Miss Elizabeth and Ellen Bowen; Thomas Bowen, farmer, Wooton; Rev. Edmund Carr, M.A.; Thomas Clare, farmer, Mose; William Clare, maltster and farmer; Wm. Coupar, farmer, Hoult; John Craig, farmer, Wooton; Henry Garland, governor of Union School; William L. Loundes, Esq., The Lodge; Samuel Minor, farmer, Mose; George Pool, farmer, Morfe; John Sayce, farmer, Lye Hall; Robert Sayce, farmer, The Hall Farm and Harles Farm; William Spence, agent to W. W. Whitmore, Esq.; John Warder, farmer, Morfe.
RUDGE
is a sequestered village and township in the parish of Pattingham, situated seven miles east of Wolverhampton, and eight miles south by west of Bridgnorth, bordering on the county of Staffordshire, from which it is separated by a small stream of water. This township has no connexion with the mother parish except for church assessments, all other parochial rates being raised by a collection from the resident holders of property. In 1841 there were 19 houses and 101 persons. There are 1,567 acres of land here, of which 40 acres are woodlands, 10A. 2R. 18P. roads, 166A. 2R. 25P. of meadow or pasture, 894 acres arable, and 455A. 3R. 14P. common and waste, which is now being enclosed by Thomas Boycott, Esq., who gives employment to a number of the labouring population. The Wolverhampton and Bridgnorth turnpike road crosses Rudge Heath. Rateable value of the township, £1,792. 1s. The tithes were commuted in 1839 for £199. 10s. 10d. to the impropriator, and £75. 15s. to the vicar of the parish. Thomas Boycott, Esq. is lord of the manor, and the principal landowner. RUDGE HALL, the seat and property of Thomas Boycott, Esq., is pleasantly situated on a gentle eminence, commanding most beautiful prospects of the surrounding country. It is built of brick, and stuccoed. The park grounds are of considerable extent, and richly wooded.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Boycott, Esq., Rudge Hall; Rev. William George Greenstreet, M.A., The Vicarage; James Bentley, machine maker; John Bentley, carriage builder and smith; Thomas Edwards, farmer; Robert Francis, farmer; James Herbert, shopkeeper; Benjamin Hithcock, gardener; George Jones, jun., farmer; George Jones, farmer; Sarah Jones, dressmaker; William Jones, farmer; Richard Keysell, coachman; Charles Lakin, farmer and vict., New Inn; William Lyndon, farmer; Alexander Mac Donald, gardener; Richard Morris, butler; William Nash, farmer; Thomas Pound, blacksmith, Hobston; James Tomkiss, grocer and provision dealer; Robert Turnbull, farm bailiff; Benjamin Waklam, beerhouse keeper.
SHEINTON, OR SHINETON,
a parish and small rural village in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden hundred, picturesquely situated in a romantic district, 2¾ miles N.N.W. from Much Wenlock, contains 967A. 3R. 4P. of land, bounded on the north by the river Severn. Gross estimated rental, £1,428. 14s. Rateable value, £1,352. 17s. Population in 1801, 163; 1831, 133; 1841, 154; at the latter period there were 36 houses. The principal landowners are the Duke of Cleveland, Sir George Harnage, Francis Benthall, Esq., and the devisees of the late Walter Moseley, Esq. The family of Sheynton were seated here at a very early period. William de Sheynton held one knight’s fee in this manor in the 22nd of Richard II. Hugh de Sheynton had the grant of free warren here in the time of Edward II. The land is for the most part fertile in this parish, and produces good turnips and barley: the low lands have been improved by draining. THE CHURCH consists of nave and chancel, with a tower, in which are three bells. It is dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, and has an ancient appearance. There are no memorials worthy of notice. Some of the curious carving in oak is of great antiquity. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £6. 9s. 2d., now returned at £360; in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. H. Bagnall. Ann Lacon bequeathed a rent charge of £5 per annum for the benefit of the poor. The amount is received by the overseers, who distribute it in equal shares of 25s. each, among four poor widows of the parish. They are appointed by the minister and churchwardens, and continue to enjoy the charity during their respective lives.
The principal residents are the Rev. Henry Bagnall, rector; Charlotte Adney, farmer; Andrew Dodson, farmer; John Young, vict., The Rising Buck.
SIDBURY
is a parish and small village, six miles S.W. by S. from Bridgnorth, in the Chelmarsh division of the hundred. It is situated on a slight eminence in a bold undulating district, and contains 1248 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £966. 14s. 6d. In 1841 the parish had 14 houses and 94 souls; population in 1801, 92; in 1831, 103. The parish of Sidbury formerly belonged to the family of the Cresswells, whose ancestor was Richard the faithful servant of Charles I., who was in attendance on the king when he took the fatal step of escaping from the University of Oxford. This was one of those villes that Edmund de Mortimer separated from the hundred of Stottesden in the time of Edward I. The landowners in this parish are William Henry Cresswell, Esq., Thomas Crump, Esq. and Mr. Barnard Acres.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, consists of nave, chancel, and north side chapel, the latter built by the Cresswell family; it contains a tablet to the memory of Richard Cresswell, Esq., dated 1705. The church is built of stone, with a small turret in which is one bell. On the south wall is a tablet to the memory of Jacob Smith, Esq., dated 1795, and also one to the memory of George Smith, Esq., who died in 1802. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., now returned at £227.; patron, the Earl of Shrewsbury; incumbent, Rev. R. Maddox. There are 34 acres of glebe land. SIDBURY HALL is a good stone residence, in the occupancy of Mr. James Pugh, farmer.
DIRECTORY.—Barnard Acres, farmer, Oxwood; John Corfield, farmer, Lower House; Rev. William Lewis Jones, curate; Joseph Massie, farmer, The Batch; William Powell, farmer, The Rectory; Samuel Pritchard, farmer, New Barn; James Pugh, farmer, Sidbury Hall; Jane, Catharine, and Harriet Snow, farmers, The Upper House.
STOTTESDEN
is an extensive parish in the Cleobury division of the hundred to which it gives name, situated five miles north of Cleobury Mortimer, containing the townships of Bardley and Harcourt, Chorley, Duddlewick, Hinton, Kingswood and Button, Oak, Newton, Ingwardine and Lowe, Oreton, Overton, Prescott, Walton and Bagginswood, Picton, Stottesden, Walkerslowe, Wricton and Northwood, which together comprehend an area of 12,074A. 2R. 27P. of land, the rateable value of which is £8,796. 16s. 8d. At the census of 1841 there were 259 houses and 1,217 persons in the Shropshire portion of the parish, part of it extending into the Wolphy hundred of the county of Hereford. The tithes have been commuted for £987. 17s. 1d. The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the manor, and a considerable landowner. The farms in the parish are generally large, excepting on the south-western side, adjoining the Clee Hill, where are collieries and ironstone mines, which give employment to a number of the labouring population, but the principal part are engaged in agricultural pursuits. There is a considerable portion of clayey soil in the parish, other parts are of a more light and sandy nature, and in some places a fertile loam prevails. STOTTESDEN is a pleasant village, 13 miles north-east by east of Ludlow, five miles north of Cleobury Mortimer, and eight miles south-west by south of Bridgnorth. The township contains 987A. 2R. 19P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,216. 4s. 7d.; and at the census of 1841 there were 53 houses and 215 inhabitants. The principal landowners in the township are Mrs. Oldbury; Rev. Charles J. Maddison; Rev. Mr. Wakefield; Mr. Edward Bytheway; Mrs. Jones; Mrs. Waterhouse; Mr. Frier; Mr. Pope; Mr. Edward Cleeton; Mr. Turner, and Mrs. Howard. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £42. 3s. There are 27A. 3R. 4P. of glebe land. The manor of Stottesden was the possession of Edwin, Earl of Mercia, (at the time of Edward the Confessor), who rebelled against that monarch, in consequence of which it was given to Roger de Montgomery, in whose family it remained till a failure of male heirs. On the 28th of Henry III., John de Plessitis had a grant of a market here on a Tuesday, and a fair on the eve, the day, and the day after the assumption of the Blessed Virgin. There is a feast held the first Sunday after Michaelmas day.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is an ancient edifice, built of rubble stone, having been covered with three roofs, supported on each side of the interior by five semicircular arches of equal size, rising from four slender pillars, and from a pillar on each side. From these latter spring two small arches, slightly pointed, and adjoining to the rector’s chancel; the one is connected with and opening into the Stottesden chancel, which is still kept apart by its ancient oak screen. The other semicircular arch served as an opening to admit the staircase leading up to the ancient rood loft, which no doubt stood under an arch between the church and the communion chancel. The rood loft was swept away at the reformation, and the arch probably about the period of the civil wars. At the west end of the north and south aisles are still to be seen the Norman pilasters, decorated with mouldings, and carried up with the walls in the interior; probably the oldest part of the fabric. The elegant part of the exterior of this mouldering pile has been most sacrilegiously destroyed; its parapets and battlements, with its lead roof, have entirely disappeared. The north wall has been lowered, and the windows cut through, having removed the upper or traceried part to within five feet six inches of the surface of the cemetery. The fine mullioned windows in the rectory and Wrickton chancels, as well as on the south side of the church, afford a beautiful display of architectural taste. The eastern window of the former had twelve figures of its ancient lords and their connections, with their armorial bearings, including that of the sovereign of the day, and the royal arms displayed on shields, exhibited upon their breasts: five only of these now remain, in a very mutilated state. The upper or traceried compartments are still ornamented with stained glass. In the south wall is still to be seen the piscina or sink for the reception of any impurity falling into the elements. In the same wall appear the canopied seats of the priest, deacon, and sub-deacon, in their beautifully ornamented niches; and near to these is an ancient oilet or loophole window, with exquisitely fine mouldings, all of which savour much of the reign of Edward I. The circular stone font at the west end is of large dimensions, well adapted for the ancient practice of immersion; it is most elaborately carved, having a beautiful cordage twisted with much taste around the verge of the upper extremity: it is greatly ornamented, having eight compartments, the one exhibiting the Agnus Dei, the others those of Griffins, Cockatrices, and Centaurs, and is altogether a beautiful and rare specimen of an inimitable chisel of its day, probably as early as the reign of Henry III. The pulpit exhibits much ancient carving, beautifully executed, and put up with a sounding board in 1675. The desk, also much ornamented with carving, was set up in 1583. The entrance of the porch to the south is under a semicircular arch of great antiquity, probably introduced from a former porch. This, the principal approach into the interior of the edifice, is under an ancient arch of the pointed style; that on the north side is of a very early period, as well as that into the chancel. This latter is singular and rare, exhibiting an unusual display of fine chiselling. The entrance out of this chancel into the vestry is under a stone arch of the florid style, executed by a tasteful und scientific artist. The tower is lofty, and standing on a commanding eminence is a beautiful land mark in the country: the lower part to the second string course is built like the church with rubble material, but from that course upwards, including its battlements, is of good Ashler stone. It was rebuilt in 1583, and contains a peal of five musical bells, and clock and sun dial. Over the doorway leading from the tower to the church is an ancient and curious tympanum. The church was repaired in the year 1840, by which means 268 additional sittings were obtained, of which 215 are declared free and unappropriated for ever, in consequence of grants from the Incorporated and Hereford Diocesan Societies. The living is a vicarage, to which the curacy of Farlow is annexed, valued in the king’s books at £5. 10s. 10d., now returned at £676; in the patronage of the Duke of Cleveland, and incumbency of the Rev. Charles John Maddison. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a small chapel here built of stone in the year 1849. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, supported by donations and subscriptions, will accommodate 80 children; about 53 is the average number that attend.
BARDLEY is a township in Stottesden parish, two and a half miles south-east by east of the parish church. It contains, with the township of Harcourt, 1,800A. 0R. 20P. of land, of which 760 acres are arable, 774A. 3R. 34P. pasture, and 170A. 1R. are woodlands. William Lacon Childe, Esq. is lord of the manor, and the principal landowner. Thomas Crump, Esq., Mr. Hyde, Miss Smith, John and Robert Lateward, Esqrs., Mr. Kyer, Messrs. Jones, Thomas Gregory, Richard Porter, and others are also proprietors. This township contained at the census of 1841, 38 houses and 178 persons. The tithes are commuted for £232. 9s. 0d., of which £92. 15s. 6d. to the vicar of Stottesden; £48. 16s. 6d. to William Lacon Childe, Esq.; £40 to Mr. John Humphries; £14. 16s. 6d. to John and Robert L. Lateward, Gents.; to Mr. Jones, £11. 6s.; to the Duke of Cleveland, £10. 3s. 6d.; to Mr. Hyde, £8. 16s. 6d., of which £5 yearly is paid to the rector of Dowles; to Mr. Compson, £5. 8s., and 16s. 6d. to Thomas Crump, Esq.
CHORLEY is a township pleasantly situated one and a half mile north-east by north of Stottesden, containing with Northwood 1,210A. 2R. 17P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,402. 7s. 5d. In 1841 there were in this township 21 houses and 114 inhabitants. The tithes were commuted in 1847 for £63. 14s. 7d., and the sum of £50. 8s. 7d. was apportioned to the vicar of Stottesden, £12 to Mr. Hincksman, and £1. 6s. to the Duke of Cleveland, Thomas Crump, Esq., is lord of the manor, and principal landowner. Lord Sudeley, Mr. John Hinckesman, W. L. Childe, Esq., Mr. John Gittins, and several others are also proprietors.
DUDDLEWICK is a small township one mile north west by west of Stottesden, which in 1841 had 4 houses and 36 inhabitants, and contains, with the township of Hinton, 932A. 0R. 6P. of land. The tithes are commuted for £127. 10s. The Duke of Cleveland is the principal landowner. Thomas Crump, Esq., is also a proprietor.
HARCOURT is a township 1½ mile south east by east of the parish church, containing, with Bardley, 1,800A. 0R. 20P. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,004. 0s. 2d. The tithes are commuted for £232. 19s., of which £83 7s. 8d. is apportioned to the vicar of Stottesden, and £140. 3s. 6d. to the impropriators. There are six houses and 34 inhabitants in this township. W. L. Childe, Esq., is lord of the manor and sole landowner.
HINTON, a small township one mile north west of the church, contains, with Stottesden and Duddlewick, 1,916A. 2R. 3P. of land, of which 1,070A. 2R. 25P. are arable: 823A. 0R. 19P. meadow and pasture: and 22A. 3R. 33P. are roads and waste. The tithes are commuted for £169. 13s., of which £84 is apportioned to the vicar of Stottesden; £64 to the respective landowners; £12. 13s. to the Duke of Cleveland, and £9 to William Whitesides, Esq. The Duke of Cleveland is sole proprietor of this township.
INGWARDINE is a small township three miles north west by west of Stottesden, containing 4 houses and 20 souls. The tithes are commuted and apportioned to the vicar of the parish for £110. This township, with that of Lowe, contains 652A. 0R. 34P. of land, the freeholders of which are the Rev. G. D. Pardoe and Mr. Johnson.
KINGSWOOD is a rural village with twenty-three houses and ninety-seven inhabitants, situated six miles south west by south of Stottesden, from which place it is separated by the parishes of Kinlet and Neen Savage intervening. It contains, with the hamlet of Button Oak, 1,392A. 1R. 31P. of land, a great portion of which is woodland, of which 524A. 2R. 2P. are woods belonging to Lord Ward, and 588A. 2R. 29P. belonging to Sir Edward Blount, bart., who are the principal landowners. Mrs. Elizabeth Doolittle, Mr. Frier, Mr. Joseph Mole, Mr. Thomas Trow, the Misses Lewis, and Mr. Boycott are also proprietors. The tithes have been commuted for £22. 14s, 10.
LOWE township, situated 2½ miles north west by west of Stottesden, contained at the census of 1841 one house and 10 persons, and with the township of Ingwardine, has 652A. 0R. 34P. of land, of which Mrs. Goulder is sole proprietor.
NEWTON is a township 2 miles north of the parish church, which in 1841 had three houses and 23 souls, and contains, with the townships of Wrickton, Overton, and Walkers Lowe, 2,186A. 1R. 17P. of land, of which 125A. 3R. 26P. are arable: 904A. 3R. 17P. pasture, and 21A. 2R. 14P. are roads and waste. The tithes of these townships have been commuted for £180. 10s., of which the vicar of Stottesden receives £95, and the remainder is paid to several impropriators. George Peach Aston, Esq., is the sole proprietor of Newton.
NORTHWOOD is a small township 1½ mile north west of Stottesden, which had, at the census of 1841, three houses and 16 persons. It contains, with the township of Chorley, 1,210A. 2R. 17P. of land, the principal proprietors of which are Thomas Crump, Esq., Mr. John Hincksman, and Lord Sudeley. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £18. 4s. 6d., and the rectorial for £12.
ORETON is a township two miles south of the parish church, containing 68 houses and 275 inhabitants. It contains 580A. 1R. 37P. of land, of which upwards of 300 acres are in common and waste. In this township are extensive lime works and stone quarries. The tithes are commuted for £100. 5s. 8d., of which £38. 10s. are apportioned to the vicar of Stottesden, and £61. 15s. 8d. to the Duke of Cleveland. George Compson, Esq., is lord of the manor and principal landowner. Rev. G. D. Pardoe, Mr. John Page, Mr. Edward Wyer, Mr. Wm. Page, Mrs. Page, Mr. Preston, and Mr. Wm. Wheeler are also small proprietors.
OVERTON is a township and small village 2¾ miles north of the parish church, containing 3 houses and 22 souls. It has, with the townships of Wrickton, Newton, and Walkers Lowe, 2,186A. 1R. 17P. of land. The tithes are commuted for £24. 10s. 11d. Hamilton Tennant, Esq., is sole proprietor of this township.
PICKTHORN is a township, one mile north-west of the parish church, containing 560A. 0R. 37P. of land, and had at the census of 1841 four houses and 16 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £61, of which £19 is apportioned to the Vicar of Stottesden, and £42 to William Henry Cresswell, Esq.
PRESCOT township, situated two miles south of Stottesden, contains, with the townships of Walton and Bagginswood, 804A. 2R. 34P. of land. The tithes are commuted for £47, of which £44. 19s. is apportioned to the vicar, and £2. 1s. to Mrs. Botfield. Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Botfield are the principal landowners.
WALTON is a township, one mile and a half south-east of the church, containing 804A. 2R. 34P. of land, with the townships of Prescot and Bagginswood, and had at the census of 1841 one house and 12 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £47. The Duke of Cleveland is the principal freeholder; W. L. Childe, Esq., is also a proprietor.
WRICKTON is a scattered township, two miles and a half north-west by west from the parish church, having at the census of 1841, 21 houses and 123 inhabitants. It contains, with the townships of Walkerslowe, Overton, and Newton, 2,186A. 1R. 17P. of land. The tithes are commuted for £95. 1s. 4d., namely, from Wrickton township, £33 18s.; Walkerslowe, £26. 14s.; Overton, £24. 10s. 11d.; and Newton, £9. 18s. 5d. The principal freeholders are Mrs. Haynes; Mr. Thomas Lowe; Panton Gardner, Esq.; and Mr. John Maddocks.
CHARITIES.—There was formerly a sum of £30. 6s. 8d. in this parish, called the poors’ stock, the origin of which is unknown, and which, with some additions raised by subscription, made the sum of £45, which was lent to the trustees of the turnpike road from Bewdley to Prescott, and secured by a mortgage on the tolls in the year 1763, at an interest of four per cent., in respect of which two pounds five shillings are annually paid and distributed to the poor of Stottesden on St. Thomas’s day. Thomas Morris, by will, in 1723, bequeathed to the poor of the parish of Stottesden the sum of 20s. yearly, issuing out of his estate at Bardley, in this parish. George Rushbury and Richard Rushbury, in 1703, granted to trustees a piece of land in Stottesden, containing one acre or thereabouts, in trust, for the erection thereon of an almshouse to lodge some of the poor impotent persons of the said parish. An almshouse was accordingly erected, the expense of which, amounting to £35, was defrayed from the poor rates and contributions from the parishioners. The house consists of five distinct dwellings, with a garden to each, which are inhabited by the poor belonging to the parish. James Rushbury, by will, dated 1717, gave the sum of £100, to be laid out by his executor in the purchase of land, the yearly rents and profits thereof to be distributed in the following manner, viz.: £3 yearly towards maintaining an orthodox parson at Wombridge, who should read divine service and preach yearly on the day of the testator’s death; 20s. yearly to the poor of the parish of Wombridge; and 20s. yearly to the poor of the parish of Stottesden. The Rev. Samuel Meredith, by will, dated 1756, devised all his messuages, lands, tenements, and hereditaments whatsoever and wheresoever, to his godson Charles Hinckesman, his heirs and assigns, he and they paying thereout (among other things) the sum of £120 to the minister, churchwardens, and overseers of the poor of the parish of Stottesden, upon trust, that they should place the same out at interest, and apply it in educating and teaching poor children of the said parish to read. This legacy has never been received, the present proprietor of the estate alleging that it is void under the statute of mortmain.
STOTTESDEN DIRECTORY.
Alltree John, farmer, New House
Bytheway Edw., shoemaker, shopkeeper, carrier, and parish clerk
Bytheway John, butcher and farmer
Brookes Joseph, farmer, Woodhouse
Cleeton Edward, farmer
Cleeton Emma, farmer, Hardwick
Elcock John, farmer
Gittins John, farmer, maltster, and wheelwright
Hancox John, joiner
Hyde Mrs., The Hall
Hyde Thomas, farmer, The Hall
Jones Dorothy, blacksmith and victualler, The Cock
Jones John, blacksmith
Jones Mrs.
Lane William, wheelwright
Maddison Rev. Chas. John, The Vicarage
Millichap Richard, farmer
Nott Henry, cooper
Page Thomas, farmer
Price John, beerhouse and shopkeeper
BARDLEY DIRECTORY.
Beach James, shoemaker
Deverell William, farmer, Knowle Bays
Edwards Richard, farmer
Gittins William, wheelwright
Gregory Thomas, shoemaker
Lateward John, farmer, The Hall Orchard
Lateward Mr. Robt., Lambert
Millington Thomas, farmer, Headcroft
Nuth William, schoolmaster
Pugh John, farmer, Ribbly
Smith Thomas, farmer, The Lower Farm
BUTTON OAK DIRECTORY.
Bevan Edward, beer retailer
Giles John, farmer and vict., Button Oak Inn
CHORLEY DIRECTORY.
Those marked * reside at High Green.
Birkin Benjamin, farmer
Birkin Sarah, farmer
* Cooke Thos., beer retailer
* Corfield William, engineer and blacksmith
Crump Thomas, Esq., The Hall
* Downes Henry, shoemaker
Jordin Joseph, farm bailiff
Page John, farmer
Powell William, farmer
* Richards Thos., shopkeeper
Wall Richard, wheelwright
DUDDLEWICK DIRECTORY.
Dorrell William, farmer, The Hall
Hyde Thomas, farmer
Meredith John, miller and farmer
Pugh John, farmer
HARCOURT DIRECTORY.
Benbow Edward, farmer
Deverell William, farm bailiff
HINTON DIRECTORY.
Hyde John, farmer
INGLEWARDINE DIRECTORY.
Amies Edward, farmer
Pardoe Rev. G. D., The Hall
KINGSWOOD DIRECTORY.
Band Richard, miller and farmer
Doolittle James, farmer
Doolittle Samuel, maltster
Doolittle William, farmer
Mole Joseph, farmer
Parkes Thomas, farmer
LOWE DIRECTORY.
Bishop William, farmer
NEWTON DIRECTORY.
Fletcher John, farmer
NORTHWOOD DIRECTORY.
Brown William, farmer
Medlicott William, farmer
ORETON DIRECTORY.
Boddy George, blacksmith
Chatham George, saddler
Clayton Samuel, lime and quarry master
Davies John, farmer, Lower House
Haycocks James, beerhouse and shopkeeper
Jones John, farmer, Middle House
Martin Mary, wheelwright
Martin John, wheelwright
Page Mrs., Stocking House
Page Wm., farmer, Upper House
Page Wm., farmer, Stocking Farm
Preston Thos., lime master and farmer
Trow Edward, beer retailer and shopkeeper
OVERTON DIRECTORY.
Baker William, farmer
Fletcher Thomas, farmer
FICKTHORN DIRECTORY.
Fletcher Thomas, farmer
PRESCOTT DIRECTORY.
Gittins Elizabeth, farmer
Preeton Thomas, miller and farmer
WALKERSLOWE DIRECTORY.
Colebach George, farmer
Wyer Richard, farmer, Manor House
WALTON DIRECTORY.
Farmer George, farmer, The Hall
Oakley Richard, farmer
Page John, farmer, The Heath
WRICKTON DIRECTORY.
Cox John, farmer, The Hall
Haynes Mrs., The New House
Maddocks John, miller and farmer
Passey George, farmer
Wellings Humphrey, blacksmith
TASLEY
is a parish and scattered village in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden hundred, two miles N.W. from Bridgnorth, which contains 1,120 acres of land, and at the census of 1841 had 18 houses and 83 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,243. 13s. Gross estimated rental, £1,328. 7s. The land has an undulating surface, and in some parts a strong soil, which produces tolerable crops of grain; the meadow land is generally of an inferior quality, and cold. The Earl of Shrewsbury is the most considerable landowner, the other principal proprietors are Edward Farrer Acton, Esq.; the Earl of Liverpool; the Executors of the late William Clayton; Mr. Newell; Thomas C. Newport, Esq.; and Edward Edmonds, Esq. Edward Farrer Acton is lord of the manor. In the 18th of Edward II. Reginald de la Leigh gave lands in Tasseley towards the endowment of a chantry in Bruges. The Bridgnorth race course is situated in this parish. THE LEASOWS, the property and residence of Captain Edward Edmonds, is a handsome modern erection of brick, pleasantly situated, and surrounded by rural scenery. THE CHURCH is a small structure rebuilt in 1840, consisting of nave and chancel, with a turret in which are two bells. There is a gallery, the front of which is ornamented with antique oak carvings, and there is a beautiful screen which separates the chancel from the nave. The font is very ancient, and there is a small organ upon the gallery. The living is a rectory in the patronage of Edward Farrer Acton, Esq.; incumbent, Rev. John Postlethwaite. The tithes have been commuted for £212, and there are 8A. 2R. 37P. of glebe land. When the church was rebuilt 115 additional sittings were added to the original number, and in consequence of a grant from the Incorporated Society for building and enlarging churches, 62 of that number were declared free and unappropriated for ever. A handsome tablet remembers Rowland Hill, Esq., who died in 1766. There is also a neat tablet in the chancel in memory of the Rev. William Moore, M.A., late rector, who died in the year 1848.
DIRECTORY.—Samuel Arthur, farmer and vict., Boar’s Head; William Clayton, farmer, Henley; Mr. William Cleaton, Tasley Cottage; John Corbet, farmer; Robert Corbet, farmer, Race-course; Edward Edmonds, Esq., The Leasows; Joseph Giles, farmer, Church Farm; Enoch Gwynn, basket maker; Thomas Lees, farmer, Hundred House; Henry Yapp, butcher.
UPTON CRESSETT
is a parish and village pleasantly situated on an acclivity four miles and a half W.W. by S. from Bridgnorth. The family of Cressett, of ancient and honourable distinction, gave name to the place, and were seated at Cressett Hall, an ancient mansion in the Elizabethan style, built in the year 1580; it was formerly surrounded with a moat, traces of which are still to be seen; several of the rooms are wainscotted with oak. In the old lodge, now converted into a granary, is a spiral stair case, with blocks of solid oak. The parish contains 1,300 acres of land, which is the property of Mrs. Thursby. At the census of 1841 there were 53 inhabitants; 1831, 43, and in 1841 ten houses and a population of 56 souls. THE CHURCH is a small antique structure consisting of nave, chancel, and side chapel, with a small spiral turret in which is two bells; an arch of Norman character separates the nave from the chancel. In the side chapel is a brass memorial in memory of Richard Cressett, his wife, two sons and three daughters, dated 1640. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4 15s. 2½d., now returned at £125; incumbent, Rev. Henry Burton, M.A.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Bishop, farmer, Upper House; Martha Churms, farmer, New House; William Corser, farmer, The Hall; George Giles, farmer, Upton Park; Richard Howells, farmer, Stapeley; Edward Morris, gamekeeper, The Rectory; Richard Porter, farmer, The Lodge.
WHEATHILL
is a small parish and retired village nine miles N.E. by E. of Ludlow, containing 1,094A. 2R. 16P. of land, the rateable value of which is £861. 6s. 5d., and gross estimated rental, £1,179. 12s. 6d. At the census of 1841 there were 24 houses and 140 souls; in 1801, 152, and in 1831, 123 inhabitants. The landowners in the parish are Viscountess Boyne, Mrs. Lucy Botfield, Mr. Richard Haynes, John Onions, Esq., and John Whitefoot, Esq. Wheathall appears to have been a place of importance in former times, for on the 28th of Edward I. Walter Hakett obtained a grant for a market on a Thursday, and of a fair on the eve and feast of the Holy Trinity, and the day after. These have long been obsolete. THE CHURCH, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is a small stone edifice consisting of nave and chancel, in which is a tablet of stone to the memory of Henry Holland, gentleman, dated 1684. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £7. 5s. 7½d., now returned at £277., and enjoyed by the Rev. Bernard Churton.
DIRECTORY.—Samuel Breakwell, shopkeeper, farmer, and carrier to Bridgnorth; Harriett Bradnee, farmer, Townsend; John Bradnee, farmer, Townsend; Thomas Bytheway, beerhouse and blacksmith; Rev. Bernard Churton, The Rectory; Edward Duce, farmer, Weathall Green; William Griffiths, farmer, Lower Bromden; Richard Haines, farmer, Duns Living; John Hardwick, farmer, Wheathill House; Edward Hodnett, farmer, Besam; Richard Sambrook, farmer; and Thomas Thomas, farmer.
FARLOW
is a detached portion of the county of Hereford, but a chapelry annexed to the church of Stottesden, situated three miles S.W. of the parish church. In 1841 here were 301 persons, and in 1831 345 inhabitants. The township contains 1,419A. 3R. 35P. of land, and 20 acres of public roads. The Duke of Cleveland is the lord of the manor. THE CHURCH is an ancient edifice built of stone, with a tower in which are two bells. The living is a perpetual curacy annexed to Stottesden, in the patronage of the vicar, and incumbency of the Rev. David Williams, B.A. The tithes are commuted for £127. 14s. 11½d. There are three acres of glebe land. The Parsonage House, a short distance south of the church, is a modern erection, built of brick, in the year 1847, at the sole expense of the late Thomas Botfield, Esq., of Hopton Court, who also bequeathed by will the sum of £800 the interest to be invested in the three per cents., the interest thereof to be applied towards the augmentation of the salary of the curate of Farlow, on condition that there should be divine service performed twice every Sunday in the church.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Bowen, wheelwright; Joseph Dolphin, farmer and vict., Maypole Inn; James Hauslow, blacksmith; William Harris, beerhouse keeper; George Hancox, shopkeeper and wheelwright; Charlotte Humphry, farmer; William Jones, farmer and corn miller; Mary Jordin, shoemaker; James Lane, farmer; Rev. John David Williams, B.A., curate, The Parsonage House.
THE OVERS HUNDRED
Is bounded on the west and north by Stottesden, and on the east and south by Worcestershire. A detached part of it is bounded on the west by Munslow, and on the east and south by Stottesden. It contains the parishes of Bitterley, Burford, Greet, Milson, Neen Solars, and Silvington; and at the census of 1841 had a population of 2.637 souls.
BITTERLEY,
an extensive parish in the hundred of Overs, comprises the chapelry of Middleton, and the townships or Cleeton, Henley, Hill-upon-Cot, and Snitton, which together contain 5,718 acres of land; of which 197 acres are woods, plantations and public roads, and 26 acres in common lands. Rateable value, £6,494. 10s. 10d. At the census of 1801 there were 1,083 inhabitants; 1831, 1,194; 1841, 1,098; at the latter period there were 191 houses. The soil is mostly strong and fertile. On the summit of the Clee hill are vestiges of a Roman encampment; the prospect from this lofty eminence is most extensive and delightful; coal and ironstone are found in abundance, but the mines at present are but little worked. On the lofty height of Titterstone hill a stately and elegant pillar has been erected to the memory of the late Duke of Sutherland. Sir William E. R. Broughton, Bart., is a considerable proprietor of land, and lord of the manor. Sir Charles Corley, Rev. Charles Walcot, Mr. P. Jones, Captain Horton and others are also landowners. BITTERLEY COURT is a good residence, delightfully situated at the foot of the range of Clee hills. The Kington Canal intersects the parish. The houses in Bitterley are scattered, but pleasantly situated four miles north-east by east from Ludlow. The township at the census of 1841 contained 40 houses and 204 inhabitants. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, stands in a sequestered locality, and consists of nave and chancel, with a tower, in which are three bells. It was rebuilt in 1667, and repaired in 1761. The south transept was built in 1848–9, by subscriptions and a grant from the Church Building Society. The church contains some interesting memorials, some of which are of very elaborate workmanship. Among the families remembered are those of Powys, Pardoe, Rocke, Walcot and others. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £16. 16s. 3d.; in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Walcot, M.A. The tithes are commuted for £740; and there are 88 acres of glebe land.
CHARITIES.—THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL was founded by Sir John Newborough in 1711, who bequeathed £400, in trust, to purchase an estate in fee simple for the benefit of the master. The property now belonging to the school consists of 38A. 2R. 20P. of land, which produces a yearly income of £42. Sergeant Powis left £50, which was laid out in the purchase of a rent charge of 50s. per annum, issuing out of certain lands, called “The Hales,” now the property of the Rev. Charles Walcot. This sum, with other monies, is distributed to the poor on St. Thomas’s-day. The poor have 8s. a year, as the interest of £10, left by Richard Page. Ann Shephard, of Middleton, left by her will the sum of £500, which has been invested in government stock; the dividends are distributed on St. Thomas’s-day.
CLEETON is a township in the parish of Bitterley, three miles east from the church, having in 1841 fourteen houses and seventy inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is the principal landowner. Mrs. Lewis, Rev. G. D. Pardoe, and Mr. Crowther are also freeholders.
HENLEY township in 1841 had six houses and fifty two inhabitants, and is situated two miles south from the church. The Rev. S. J. Knight is the chief landowner.
MIDDLETON is a chapelry and township in the parish of Bitterley, two and a half miles north-east from Ludlow, having 31 houses and 198 souls at the census of 1841. Sir W. E. R. Broughton, Bart., is lord of the manor and owner of the land. The chapel is an ancient structure, built of rubble stone, with a tower of wood. An antique oak screen which divides the nave from the chancel has the date of 1582.
SNITTON township lies about two and a half miles east from Ludlow. At the census of 1841 it had 118 houses, chiefly cottages, and 564 inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is the landowner and lord of the manor. A chapel of ease was built here in 1839. The Rev. John Burleigh James, M.A., is the officiating minister.
BITTERLEY DIRECTORY.
Beddoes William, Warthill Farm
Carter John, Astbach Farm
Cross Miss, boarding school proprietor
Froggatt John, Luppencot Farm
Gardner George, farmer
Green James Haynes, schoolmaster, Endowed Schools
Horton Captain
Nott William, shoemaker
Price Mrs., The Villa
Tomkins Harriet, school teacher
Tomkins William, shoemaker
Vaughan John, Lowbridge Farm
Walcot Rev. Charles, The Rectory
CLEETON DIRECTORY.
Edwards Charles, farmer, Clee Hill
George Anne, vict., Angel Inn
Glover Richard, farmer, Clee Hill
Nash Saml., farmer, Clee Hill
Onslow Thos., Gold Thorn Farm
Pardoe, Rev. G. D., Cleeton Hall
Powell William, farmer
Tunks Richard, farmer
HENLEY DIRECTORY.
Cuyler Sir Chas., The Hall
Hardwick Thos., blacksmith
Knight Rev. S. J., The Villa
Walker Charles, farmer
MIDDLETON DIRECTORY.
Adney John, farmer
Adney William, farmer
Braithwaite Stephen, farmer
Fletcher Edwd., Crow Leasow Farm
Hammonds Thomas, tailor
Hardwick Benjamin, joiner and cabinet maker
Hardwick Wm., wheelwright
Meyrick Samuel, blacksmith
Patrick William, farmer
Ricketts Wm., Torgrove Farm
Swift Joseph, Brookhouse Farm
Wall John, Meason’s Farm
Wilcox Joseph, Hill’s Farm
SNITTON DIRECTORY.
Beniams Edwd., shoemaker
Bray Benjamin, West Farm
Butcher Thos., South Farm
Pardoe Rev. G. D., Longhouse Farm
Reynolds Saml., Hall Farm
BURFORD
is an extensive parish in the Overs hundred, comprising the townships of Burford, Buraston with Whetmore, Nash, Tilsop, Weston, and Whitton, Greet, and Stoke, which have an area of 8,537A. 2R. 19P. of land, of which 312 acres are in hop grounds. Rateable value, £9,875. 18s. 9d. At the census of 1841 there were 212 houses and 1,031 inhabitants; population in 1801, 819; and in 1831, 1,086 persons. The parish is bounded on the south by the river Teme, which is here crossed by a handsome stone bridge of six arches; the river here separates Salop from Worcestershire. The township of Burford is situated one mile west of Tenbury, and contains 1,510A. 2R. 1P. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,683. 3s. 3d. In 1841 here were 67 houses and 297 persons; population in 1801, 215; in 1831, 365. George Rushout, Esq., M.P., is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. In 1839 springs of strongly impregnated saline water were discovered in the immediate locality of this place. The water is similar to that of Cheltenham, except that there appears to be double the quantity of saline matter in the fluid, one pint of which, on slow evaporation in a shallow vessel, produced an ounce of crystalline salt. The analysis of one of the springs is as follows:—Chloride of sodium 923.52 grains, of calcium 461.9, of potassum 38.63, of magnesium 41.81; sulphate of magnesia 1.57, protoxide of iron 4.82; silica 4.54, and bromine and iodine .84;—total, 1,476.89 grains. Convenient and elegant buildings have been erected for the accommodation of the numerous visitors who frequent the baths. In the immediate vicinity of the baths are several good inns. The situation is remarkably salubrious, and the scenery beautifully picturesque and varied. Coaches from Ludlow to Bewdley, Kidderminster, Dudley, and Birmingham, pass and repass twice a day, calling at the Swan Inn and the Royal Oak Hotel.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is a handsome stone edifice with a square tower. It contains some interesting tombs and monumental tablets. On the north wall of the chancel is a very elegant tryptych to the memory of Edmund Cornwall, Baron of Burford, who was sheriff of Shropshire in 1580; on the outer part are the representations of the apostles, and in the inner compartment are the figures of Edmund Cornwall, his father and mother, and below a representation of the baron in his winding sheet. He is said to have been 7 feet 8 inches in height. The triptych was painted in 1588, by Melchior Salaboss, better known by the name of Gherardino Milanese. This very beautiful work of art is in admirable preservation, and with two others in different parts of the kingdom are the only triptychs in England. There is a recumbent figure, beautifully carved in oak, to the memory of the Princess Elizabeth, daughter of John of Gaunt, and sister of Henry IV., who died and was buried at Burford in the year 1426. There is also a recumbent figure of wood to the memory of Edmundas Cornewalle. An ancient tomb remembers Elizabeth Devroke, daughter of Sir Walter Devroke, Knight, who lived to see seventeen score and more children raised from her body, she died in 1508; besides which there are various memorials which our limits will not allow us to notice. In the chancel are two beautiful stained glass windows. The organ was the gift of the Misses Rushout, in 1846. The tithes have been commuted for £1,644. 18s. 11½d. The bishop of the diocese has recently divided the parish into three divisions, and assigned to each rector a separate districts, namely—Buraston and Nash chapelry to the rector of the first portion, Whitton chapelry to the second, and the district of the Mother Church to the rector of the third portion. Handsome residences have recently been built for the rectors of the second and third portions. BURFORD HOUSE is a beautiful and commodious structure, the seat and property of George Rushout, Esq., M.P.
CHARITIES.—John Turner, by will, dated 1753, bequeathed £100, the interest thereof to be distributed to the poor of the parish. John Knowles, by a codicil to his will proved in 1814, bequeathed £200, the interest of which was to be distributed to the poor in bread at Christmas and Whitsuntide annually.
BORASTON is a township, chapelry, and pleasant village one mile and a half N.E. of Burford, which in 1841 had 41 houses and 199 residents. In this chapelry are the townships of Boraston and Whetmore, which have an area of 1,386A. 0R. 36P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,765. 6s. The principal landowners are John Dalleyway, Esq., Mr. Edward Good, Rev. H. Mac Laughlin, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Edmund Edwards, Mr. John Benbow, and several others. Boraston Chapel is an ancient edifice with a short tower. The tithes are commuted for £470, of which £250. 14s. 4d. is apportioned to the rector of the second portion, and the remainder to the rector of the first portion, Hubert Mac Laughlin, M.A., is the incumbent of the first portion of the parish.
GREET is a small township three miles N.W. by W. of Burford, containing seven houses and 115 persons in 1841. The principal landowners are J. H. Hope, Esq., and Thomas Hodgkiss, Esq.
NASH is a township and chapelry two and a half miles north of Burford, which in 1841 had 23 houses and 115 persons. The chapelry comprises the townships of Nash, Tilsop, and Weston, which have an area of 2,377A. 2R. 35P. of land. THE CHURCH is a small structure with a square tower surmounted by a wooden spire. The south window is beautified with stained glass. The tithes are commuted for £560. NASH COURT is a handsome brick mansion, the seat and property of George Pardoe, Esq. It is surrounded by beautiful pleasure grounds, and the park is richly timbered. COURT OF HILL, the ancient seat of the family of Hill, is now the residence of Major Arthur Charles Lowe.
STOKE is a small township four miles N.W. of Burford, containing 23 houses and 115 inhabitants. The principal landowner is P. P. Williams, Esq. STOKE HALL is a handsome residence surrounded with park-like grounds, the seat and property of Philip Penrey Williams, Esq.
TILSOP, a scattered township three and three quarter miles north of Bridgnorth, in 1841 had 61 houses and 226 inhabitants. The principal freeholders are Mr. Benjamin Bridgman and Mr. John Pugh. Tilsop and Nash school was erected in 1846 by voluntary subscriptions; about forty scholars attend.
WESTON township, three miles N.W. by W. of Burford, at the census of 1841 had ten houses and 41 residents. The tithes are commuted for £46. 11s. Major A. C. Lowe is the sole landowner.
WHETMORE, or WHATMORE, is a small town containing seven houses and 24 persons. The principal freeholders are Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Wilks, and George Pardoe, Esq. Captain Rushout, Mrs. Mary Beddoes, and Mr. Foxall, are also proprietors.
WHITTON, a chapelry four miles N.W. by N. of Tenbury, embraces the townships of Greet, Stoke, and Whitton, which have an area of 1,582 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £674. 10s. The principal landowners are Mrs. Lucy Botfield, the Ludlow Corporation, and the Rev. Charles Adams. THE CHURCH is a plain structure with a square tower. The Rev. Caleb Whiteford, M.A., is the incumbent. The tithes are commuted for £327. WHITTON COURT, a fine old mansion in the Elizabethan style of architecture, was formerly the seat of the Charlton family. It contains some fine specimens of carved oak.
BURFORD DIRECTORY.
Berrington John, farmer, Venns
Davies and Edwards, brick and tile makers
Davies William, Dean Park
Edwards Edmund, farmer
Edwards Jno., miller & farmer
Giles William, farmer
Grove William Henry, vict., Swan Inn
Holmes Thomas, gentleman, Park Villa
Jones George, Bank Farm
Joyce Rev. J. W., rector
Morris John, farmer, The Lodge
Rushout George, Esq., M.P., Burford House
Smallman Hy., vict., Rose & Crown
Tenbury, Gas Co.’s Office
Tranter John, wine & spirit merchant, vict., Royal Oak Hotel, Commercial and Posting House
Wall Mary, Rockhill Mill
Weaver Wm., Wall House
Webb John, fly waggon proprietor, from Ludlow and Worcester daily.
Williams Philip Penrey, Esq., Stoke Hall
BORASTON DIRECTORY.
Bowden Thomas, cooper
Down Thomas, blacksmith
Good Edmund, miller
Good Edward, farmer
Howells William, mason
Mac Laughlin Rev. Hubert, The Rectory
Meakin Thomas, farmer
Reynolds William, farmer
Rudge Rev. William
Sayer Benjamin, farmer
Smallman Esau, farmer and vict., Peacock Inn
Smallman William, farmer
GREET DIRECTORY.
Griffiths John, farmer
Grove Joseph, farmer
NASH DIRECTORY.
Brown William, wheelwright
Cork John, farmer
Hardwick Vincent, farmer, Hartall
Holt Letitia, farmer, Underhill
Hotchkiss Samuel, farmer
Jones John, farmer, Batch
Jones Thomas, farmer, The Shire
Lowe James, farmer, Greenway-head
Lowe Major Arthur Charles, Court of Hill
Morris Joseph, farmer, Shirebourne
Nott Mrs., Hartall
Pardoe George, Esq., Nash Court
Price Wm., farmer, Cliffords
Quaterman John, schoolmr.
STOKE DIRECTORY.
Wall Mary, farmer
Williams Philip Penrey, Esq., The Hall
TILSOP DIRECTORY.
Bridegman Benj., farmer
Pugh John, farmer
Ricketts George, farmer, The Wood
Robinson George, farmer, Cottrills
WESTON DIRECTORY.
Godfrey Benjamin, farmer, The Court
Tantram Thomas, farmer, Old Furnace
WHATMORE DIRECTORY.
Farmers.
Beddoes Mary
Brown Richard
Meakin Richard
Mytton James, & miller
Potts George
Powell William, carpenter
Weaver Joseph
Wilks Mary
WHITTON DIRECTORY.
Adams Rev. Charles
Amies Francis, wheelwright
Bill James, farmer, Whiteway Head
Bill John, farmer
Swift John, farmer, Whitton Court
Town Benjamin, shopkeeper and parish clerk
Whiteford Rev. Caleb, The Rectory
Whiteman Saml., wheelwrt.
GREET
is a small but pleasant village and parish, five miles south-east from Ludlow, which contains 1,041 acres of land, of which fourteen acres are in woods and plantations, and 8A. 2R. 15P. in roads and waste. At the census of 1801 there was a population of 90 persons; 1831, 93; and in 1841, 22 houses and 112 inhabitants. Rateable value of the parish, £1,276. 14s. The principal landowners are J. H. Hope, Esq.; P. P. Williams, Esq.; Devisees of the late Mr. Mason; and the Trustees of Ludlow Charities. THE CHURCH is a small structure, of unpretending appearance (built of rubble stone), having a small turret. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £5, now returned at £170. The patronage is vested in the Hope family; incumbent, Rev. J. C. Bradney, M.A. The tithes of this parish have been commuted, and £161. 5s. 8d. apportioned to the rector of Greet, and £24. 1s. 6d. to the rector of Whetton. THE RECTORY is a good house, of modern erection, pleasantly situated a short distance from the church. It was built by the present incumbent, on the site of the old rectory, about three years ago. The cost of the structure was upwards of £1,400. The rector has 6A. 2R. 13P. of glebe land. The Rev. Francis Edwards, who died in 1767, left £10 for the benefit of the poor of this parish, the interest of which was formerly paid by the tenant of the Court Farm, at Greet; but it does not appear to have been a charge upon the estate. A voluntary donation of 10s. yearly is now distributed by the Hope family in lieu of it.
DIRECTORY.—John Berrington, farmer; Rev. Joseph C. Bradney, M.A., The Rectory; Mrs. Elizabeth Griffin; John Griffin, farmer; John Hardwicke, wheelwright; Richard Mason, farmer, Brick House; Thomas Morgan, farmer, Rock Hill; William Morgan, farmer; Samuel Price, blacksmith; Mary Rawlins, farmer, Stoke; Lydia Smith, farmer, Longlands; Mary Wall, corn miller, Rock Hill; Richard Whiteman, farmer, Bower.
MILSON
is a parish and small rural village, three miles south-west of Cleobury Mortimer, and one mile north-west of Neen Sollars, which in 1851 had 31 houses and 170 inhabitants. Population in 1801, 134; and in 1831, 156; 1841, 160. The parish contains 1,102A. 2R. 39P. of land, the rateable value of which is £934. 13s. 4d. Gross estimated rental, £1,028. 3s. 6d. The principal landowners in Milson are H. G. Mytton, Esq.; Thomas Perry, Esq.; Mr. William Lowe; and Mr. Thomas Jones; besides whom are several smaller proprietors. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. George, is a small structure, consisting of nave, chancel, and small square tower, surmounted by a turret. On the south side of the church-yard is a fine old yew tree. The living is a perpetual curacy, annexed to the rectory of Neen Savage. Incumbent, Rev. Thos. Hardwicke, D.D.
DIRECTORY.—Rev. Thomas Hardwicke, D.D., rector, The Rectory; William Barker, farmer; John Cox, farmer; William English, blacksmith; John Evans, tailor; Thomas Jones, farmer, Upper Langley; William Lowe, farmer, Church House; Edward Palmer, farmer; Francis Penny, farmer, Lay Fields; John Radnor, farmer, Little Down; Edward Smallman, carpenter and wheelwright; John Watters, farmer, Hill House.
NEEN SOLLARS
is a parish and pleasant rural village, in the Hundred of Overs, situated three miles south-west from Cleobury Mortimer, and ten miles east by south from Ludlow. It is intersected by the river Rea, which is crossed a short distance below the village by a brick bridge. In this parish are several hop plantations. It contained at the census of 1851, 40 houses and 218 persons. Population in 1801, 197; and in 1831, 208; 1841, 190. There are 1,916A. 1R. 31P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,732. 14s. The principal landowners are Sir Edward Blount, Bart.; Mr. John Cooke; Mrs. Ann Wall; Mrs. Lucy Botfield; Charles Wickstead, Esq.; Mr. Joseph Mantle; and Mr. Richard Hall; besides whom are several smaller proprietors. The family of the Conynsbys were formerly lords of this manor and residents in the parish. In the church is a monument to the memory of Humphrey Conynsby, Esq., who was born about the year 1567, and commenced his travels in 1594, and for four years remained on the continent, when he returned home a little while, and then took his journey again into Bohemia, Polonia, and Hungary, where for the defence of the Christian faith, he put himself under the banner of Rodulph, the second emperor of the Romans, and was at the siege of Stregonium, in Hungary, against the Turks. Afterwards he visited most of the ancient cities of Greece, and from thence he went to Constantinople, in the reign of Mahomet, the third emperor of the Turks, who, to do him honour, gave him a Turkish gown of cloth and gold; and his mother, the Sultana Ebrita, gave him another rich gown of cloth and silver, and fifty chequins in gold. After a twelvemonths sojourn there, he returned to England; where, after staying a while, he went into Spain, and came back in safety: and again, the fourth time, took his journey from London to Venice, in October, 1610; from which time he was never seen by any of his acquaintances, nor any certainty known of his death. Thomas Hearne, speaking of the descent of the family of Coningsby, informs us that an ancient parchment is preserved by them as a precious relic, on which is written:—
“William de Coningsby Came out of Brittany, With his wife Tiffany, And his maid Manifras, And his dog Hardigras.”
THE CHURCH, dedicated to All Saints, is a cruciform structure, built of stone, with a spire of wood, in which are three small bells. In the south transept is a monument to Humphrey Conynsby, which has already been noticed. In the chancel are two marble tablets to the memories of the Rev. Edward Baugh, M.A., late rector of this parish, dated 1813, and to Margaret Baugh, dated 1802. The living is a rectory, with the curacy of Milson annexed, valued in the king’s book at £13. 2s. 3d., now £550; in the patronage of the Provost and Fellows of Worcester College, Oxford, and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas Hardwicke, D.D. The church was formerly annexed to one of the abbeys of Gloucester. There are ninety-eight acres of glebe land.
DIRECTORY.—William Bishop, farmer and corn miller; John Cooke, farmer, New House; Benjamin Crow, blacksmith; Thomas Griffiths, tailor; Richard Hall, farmer; Thomas Harris, farmer; Jane Mantle, beerhouse and shopkeeper; Joseph Mantle, carpenter and joiner; John Massey, shoemaker; Pattronella Morris, farmer, Haughton; Thomas Morris, farmer, The Bank; Thomas Moss, farmer; Ann Palmer, farmer; Geo. Parker, farmer; Ann Wall, farmer, Hill Top; James Williams, farmer; William Yates, farmer.
SILVINGTON,
a parish and village in a sequestered situation, between Titterstone and Clee Hills, eight miles north-east of Ludlow, contains 1,120 acres of land, and at the census of 1801 had fifty-eight inhabitants; 1831, thirty; 1841, forty-six; at the latter period there were nine houses. Of the land 170 acres are arable, 254 meadow and pasture, 36 woods, 655 moor land and hills, and 4A. 3R. 20P. in public roads. Richard Betton, Esq., is the principal landowner and lord of the manor. The Rev. John Hayton is also a proprietor. This locality has a bold undulating surface, and the soil for the most part is of an inferior quality. THE CHURCH is an ancient structure, dedicated to St. Michael, consisting of nave and chancel, and has a square tower, in which are two bells. There is an antique font. The altar was the gift of Edward Mytton, Esq., in 1676: he died in 1683, and was interred in the chancel. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £3. 6s. 8d.; now returned at £120; in the patronage of Richard Betton, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. John Hayton. The tithes have been commuted for £50, and there are 31 acres of glebe land.
The principal residents are Richard Betton, Esq.; George Boddy, blacksmith; Thomas Green, farmer; John Hammond, parish clerk; Rev. John Hayton; Richard Palmer, farmer; William Powell, farmer.
THE FORD HUNDRED
is bounded on the north by the Oswestry and Pimhill hundreds, on the west by Montgomeryshire, on the south by those of Purslow and Chirbury, and on the east by the Condover hundred and the liberty of Shrewsbury. It is divided into the Ford and the Pontesbury divisions. The Ford division contains the parishes of Ford, Cardiston, Minsterley, and Westbury; and part of the parishes of Alberbury, St. Alkmund, St. Chad, and St. Julian; and at the census of 1841 had 5,669 inhabitants. The Pontesbury division contains the parishes of Habberley and Pontesbury, and at the same period had a population of 3,436 souls.
ALBERBURY
is an extensive parish, comprising the townships of Alberbury, Benthal with Shrawardine, Amaston, Bulthey, Eyton, Ford (part of), Rowton, Stanford, Trefnant, Wattlesborough (part of), Winnington, Woolaston, which are situated in Shropshire; and Bausley, Coydway, Crew Green, Criggion, upper and lower, Middleton and Uppington, which are in Montgomeryshire. The entire parish contains 10,780A. 2R. 2P. of land, the rateable value of which is £7,731. This parish is beautifully diversified with picturesque scenery, and watered by the river Severn. At the census of 1841 there were 472 houses, and 1,861 inhabitants. Population in 1801, 1,204: and in 1831, 1,799, Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., Henry Lyster, Esq., and others are joint lords of the manor. ALBERBURY is a township and pleasant rural village eight miles west of Shrewsbury. In this quarter or district are the townships of Alberbury, Amaston, Benthal with Shrawardine, Eyton, Rowton, and part of the township of Ford, which have an area of 3,104A. 2R. 27P. of land; of which 1,277A. 1R. 20P. are arable, 1,532A. 0R. 16P. are meadow and pasture, 116A. 3R. 13P. are woods, and 67 acres are roads and water. The township, at the census of 1841, had 130 houses and 638 inhabitants. Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., is the principal landowner. John Lloyd, Esq., and All Souls College are also freeholders. A fair is held on the 8th of August.
THE ABBEY, of which but little now remains, is situated near the village, and called the White Abbey. It was founded by Fulk, the son of Warine, in the reign of Henry II., and was subject to the Black Monks of Grandmorst, in Limosin. At the suppression of the alien priories it was bestowed on Queen Joan, widow of Henry IV., and after passing through several hands it was granted to the fellows of All Souls College, Oxford. There were formerly a chapel within the site of this abbey, dedicated to St. Stephen, in which were interred the remains of Fulk Warine, its founder.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is a venerable structure, with a square tower, in which is a peal of five bells. The interior consists of nave, chancel, and side aisles. The south compartment belongs to the estate of Loton. On the walls are various monuments and tablets to various deceased members of the Leighton family: to Dame Dorothy Leighton, who died in 1638; and to General Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., who died in 1828. The chancel is separated from the body of the church by one arch, and was rebuilt in the year 1845. On removing a tomb-stone in the south wall, the skeleton of a man was found quite perfect, but the coffin and grave clothes all gone. It was placed in a coffin, and interred in the same place. Several of the windows are ornamented with stained glass, and the altar is very beautiful. The patronage of the church is vested in the fellows of All Souls College, Oxford: incumbent, Rev. Richard Webster Huntley, B.A. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s books at £5. 10s. The tithes are commuted for £2,624, and apportioned to the fellows of All Souls College, Oxford, to the dean and chapter of Hereford, and the vicar of Alberbury. THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL was founded and endowed with £3. 6s. 8d. per annum, by the fellows of All Souls College, Oxford: it is principally supported by the neighbouring gentlemen. LOTON PARK is a handsome brick mansion, the seat and property of Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., surrounded by a park well stocked with deer, and richly diversified with sylvan beauty.
CHARITIES.—On the table of benefactions in the church are the names of twelve several donors, who left £169 for the use of the poor of this parish. This sum is supposed to have been applied in building a school or workhouse, and the yearly sum of £8. 5s. is paid as the interest thereof, which is distributed to the poor on Christmas day. Richard Lyster bequeathed the sum of £100, the interest thereof to be given to the poor. John Asterley in his lifetime gave £10 for the use of the poor of the township of Wattlesborough. John Morgan also left £10, the interest to be given in bread to the poor of this parish.
AMASTON is a small township three miles south; BENTHAL is a township two miles north-east; and LITTLE SHRAWARDINE is a small township two miles and a half north-east, of Alberbury. BULTHEY is a scattered township one and a half mile north-west by north of Woolaston, which contains 711A. 3R. 19P. of land; of which 371A. 3R. 19P. are arable, and 340 acres are pasture. Robert Gardner, Esq., is the sole landowner.
BAUSLEY, or BALASLEY, is a scattered township and district, ten miles north-east of Welshpool, which comprises Upper and Lower Criggion, Crew Green, and Coydway, and has an area of 4,309 acres of land. Rateable value, £1,954. 17s. 7d. The principal landowners are the Rev. F. K. Leighton, who is lord of the manor; John Asterly, Esq.; Mr. Eddowes; Mr. Edward Bufton; Dr. Crawford; Sir Edward Desbrowe, Knt.; Rev. Edward Humphrey; Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart.; Isaac Swaine; Mr. John Ruscoe; and Mr. Williams. The township contains 1,684 acres of land, and at the census of 1841 there were 78 houses and 352 inhabitants. On the enclosure of Bausley Common, in 1832, the Vicar of Alberbury had allotted to him eleven acres of land, in lieu of small tithes. There are 31 acres of glebe land.
CRIGGION is a township and chapelry, one mile east of Llandrinio, which at the census of 1851 had 35 houses and 189 inhabitants. It contains 2401A. 2R. 17P. of land, the rateable value of which is £874. 12s. 2d. The tithes are commuted for £220, of which £176 are appropriated to the Fellows of All Souls College, and £44 to the vicar. On the summit of Breidden hill, 1,004 feet above the Severn, is “Rodney’s Pillar,” erected in memory of that brave naval commander. Near the Breidden is the range of hills called Moel-y-Golfa, on which are the traces of an encampment. In this district is a fine bed of coal. THE CHAPEL is a neat structure, built of brick, with a square tower. The Rev. Leicester Darnwell, M.A., is the perpetual incumbent.
EYTON is a small township, one mile east of Alberbury. The Hon. and Rev. R. W. Hill is the proprietor of the land.
MIDDLETON is a township, two miles south-west of Woolaston, which contains 269½ acres of pasture, 426 acres of arable, 43 acres of woods, five acres of roads, and 230 acres of common land, the rateable value of which is £620. 10s. Panton Corbett, Esq., is lord of the manor, and the principal freeholder. Mrs. Williams and Captain Close are also landowners.
ROWTON AND AMASTON is a pleasant township and small rural village, seven miles and a half west of Shrewsbury. At the census of 1811 here were 225 inhabitants, and in 1821 227 inhabitants. Henry Lyster, Esq., is lord of the manor, and principal landowner. Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., is also a small landowner. Camden says this is the Rutunium described by Antonious. Rowton was anciently in the possession of the Corbets, and afterwards of the Le Estranges, from whom it passed to William Lyster, who was styled Lord of Rowton. In the year 1482 Rowton Castle was razed to the ground by Prince Llewellyn, at the time the Le Estranges possessed this manor.
STANFORD is a township, one mile and a half west of Alberbury. Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart., is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. Mr. Asterley and Mr. Edmund Phillips are also proprietors. TREFNANT is a township and small village, two miles and a half south-west by south of Woolaston, which contains 518 acres of land. Rateable value £171. The principal landowners are Miss Oldnall, Mr. Thomas Vincent Potter, Mr. William Meredith, and the Rev. Mr. Cureton. UPPINGTON is a scattered township, three miles and a half south-west by west of Woolaston, containing 968 acres of land, of which 308 acres are in common and woodlands. In 1841 here were 123, and in 1851 167 inhabitants. The principal landowner is Miss Oldnall. WATTLESBOROUGH is a township, partly situated in this parish and partly in the parishes of Cardiston and Westbury. Roger Corbet de Watlesburg, in the 56th Henry III. had the grant of a market on Tuesday and a fair on the eve, the day, and the day after the feast of St. James the Apostle, to be held at this manor. There was formerly a castle here, little of which now remains. WINNINGTON is a township, one mile and a half south-west by south of Woolaston, which contains 1,605A. 3R. 10P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,146. 3s. 10d. Winnington is celebrated as the birth place of Old Parr, who was born at the Glyn, in this township, in the year 1483. When eighty years old he married his first wife, and in the space of thirty-two years had two children, both of whom died young. Being aged 120 years, he became enamoured of Catherine Mitton, whom he married, and had children by her. At the age of 130, a prosecution was entered against him in the Spiritual Court for bastardy, and Parr did penance in Alberbury Church. He lived in ten reigns, and died at Westminster on the 15th of November, aged 152 years. The cottage in which he lived stands in a sequestered spot, near the Shrewsbury and Welshpool road. Mrs. Oldnell and others are landowners.
WOOLASTON is a township and chapelry, pleasantly situated eight miles north-east by east of Welshpool, which comprehends the townships of Woolaston, Bulthey, Trefnant, Winnington, Middleton, and Uppington, which have an area of 5,274A. 1R. 17P. of land, the rateable value of which is £4,432. 6s. 6d. This chapelry at the census of 1841 had 126 houses and 609 persons. Woolaston township contains 496 acres of land. The principal landowners are Sir Richard Jenkins, Mrs. H. S. Taber, and Mr. Smith. Smythe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor. THE CHAPEL was built in 1783 of rubble stone, and endowed with a grant from Queen Anne’s Bounty, which amounts to £46. 16s. 7d. per annum. There are 20 acres of glebe land. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Vicar of Alberbury, and incumbency of the Rev. J. H. A. Harries, M.A. Elizabeth Collins left £10, the interest thereof to be given to the poor of this chapelry. Owen George bequeathed £50, 40s. of the interest thereof to pay for six sermons, and 20s. to be given in bread to the poor.
POST OFFICE.—At Wm. Rogers, Letters arrive at 8 A.M. and are despatched at 5 P.M.
ALBERBURY DIRECTORY.
Barrett John, farmer & vict., Cross Gates
Bennett John, farmer & vict., Windmill Inn, posting House, Rowton
Bromley Rd., farmer, Eyton
Brown Thomas, farmer and vict., The Dragon
Bruce Donald, butler, Loton Hall
Cooper William, farmer and lime master, Loton
Crane Geo., farmer, Benthall
Davenport Benj., farmer
Davies Mr., farmer, Whattlesborough
Derwas Thos., farmer, Hays
Evans Edward, farmer, Braggington
Evans Griffiths, tailor
Fox William, blacksmith
Gell Daniel, park keeper, Loton
Gittins James, farmer, The Wood
Gittins Jn., farmer, Amaston
Gittins R., frmer, Lower Wood
Huntley Rev. Rd. Webster, vicar, Bloxwell
Jenner Rev. Mr., M.A., curate, Vicarage
Jones Mary, housekeeper, Loton Hall
Kempster Richard, farmer, Little Woolaston
Lee Mrs. Francis, farmer, Rowton
Leighton Sir Baldwin, Bart., J.P., and chairman of Montgomery quarter sessions, Loton Park
Lyster Henry, Esq., Rowton Castle
Mansell Stephen, farmer, Little Shrawardine
Onions William, basket mkr
Parry Thomas, farmer, Whattlesborough
Plunley John, farmer, Hilly House
Plunley Samuel, farmer
Pearce John, police constable
Powlter Richard, grocer & blacksmith, Rowton
Price John, traveller
Rogers Elizth., shopkeeper
Rogers William, postmaster
Teece John, farmer, Red Abbey
Tullock David, farmer
Wilde John, farmer, White Abbey
Wilde Wm., farmer, Hays
BAUSLEY DIRECTORY.
Derwas John, farmer
Derwas Richard, farmer
Evans John, basket maker
Evans Thomas, farmer, Pecknall
France John, farmer, Brimpoeth
Jones John, carpenter and builder
Pritchard Mrs., Brook Cot.
Speake Thomas, farmer, The Hill
Swaine Isaac, farmer, Hill
Wilde John, butcher and farmer
Wilde Richard, farmer, Plas-y-Court
BULTHEY DIRECTORY.
Burley Thomas, farmer
Swaine John, farmer, The Bank
Williams Richard, farmer, The Hall
COYDWAY DIRECTORY.
Brown Thomas, grocer and beer retailer
Harris Sarah, farmer
Jones Thomas, vict., Hand and Diamond
Jones Thomas, maltster and farmer
Richard George, shoemaker
Richards Thomas, saddler
Swaine Samuel, farmer
Wynne Thos., wheelwright
CREW GREEN DIRECTORY.
Briscoe John, farmer
Davies David, farmer
Downes Richard, farmer
Everall John, farmer
Mansell Mrs.
Payne Charles, farmer and maltster
Pritchard John, farmer
Pugh William, farmer
Ruscoe Abrahm., shopkeeper and beerhouse
Ruscoe Abraham, junior, farmer
Swaine Robert, blacksmith
Turner Joshua, blacksmith
Vaughan Samuel, shoemakr
Vaughan Thomas, saddler & harness maker
Watkin Evan, cooper
Williams John, grocer and provision dealer, & beerhouse, Glen, Newtown
Williams John, cooper and shopkeeper
CRIGGION DIRECTORY.
Brentnall Mrs., The Hall
Brentnall Samuel, farmer
Darwell Rev. Leicester, M.A., Parsonage
Davies Richard, farmer
Ford John, farmer
Gregory Richard, farmer and butcher
Jones John, farmer, Brinford
Morris John, farmer
Morris Mrs., Upper Farm
Owens John, farmer, Coppice
Ridge Francis, farmer
Vaughan William, farmer
Williams Richard, farmer
MIDDLETOWN DIRECTORY.
Harris Rev. John Henry Acton, M.A.
Hughes Mr. Thomas
Jones Isaac, farmer & beerhouse, Bell Isle
Morris Edward, farmer
Parry Thomas, farmer
Parry William, farmer
Poole Robert, machineman
Pritchard Miss, Doves Cot.
Pritchard Srh., vict., New Inn
Thomas Benjamin, gent.
Thomas Stephen, bricklayer and beer retailer
STANFORD DIRECTORY.
Harris James, farmer
Middle John, farmer
Turner Edward, blacksmith
TREFNANT DIRECTORY
Brown John, farmer
Edwards John, farmer
UPPINGTON DIRECTORY.
Dickin Arthur, farmer
Henley Thomas, farmer
Meredith William, miller and farmer
Rogers Thomas, farmer
WINNINGTON DIRECTORY.
Brown Thomas, farmer
Davies William, vict., Rose and Crown, farmer and blacksmith
Jasper James, carrier
Jones Evan, farmr., Hargreave
Rogers Ths. Hall, Mill Farm
Rogers William, farmer
WOOLASTON GREAT DIRECTORY.
Pigford Chas., wheelwright
Clemson Thomas, farmer
Cooper Joseph, wheelwright
Eddowes Thomas, farmer
Jones Elizabeth, farmer
Jones Henry, timber merchant, registrar of births and deaths for the Alberbury district
Marsh Walter, tailor
Turner Edward, blacksmith
BICTON AND CALCOTT,
a township and village with a scattered population, three miles and a half west from Shrewsbury, at the census of 1841 had 107 houses and 560 inhabitants, The principal landowners are Sir Richard Jenkins; John Lloyd, Esq.; Hon. H. W. Powyes; Dr. Crawford; Colonel Wingfield; Mr. R. B. Blakemore; Mr. T. Wall; and Mr. Matthews; besides whom Mr. Richard Russ, Mr. Samuel Roberts, and others, are proprietors. THE CHAPEL of Bicton is a small structure, dedicated to the Holy Trinity; in the patronage of the vicar of St. Chad, and enjoyed by the Rev. Edward Sandford. BICTON HALL is a neat stuccoed house; the residence of the Misses Cotes. There is a school, chiefly supported by voluntary subscriptions. BICKTON HEATH was enclosed about forty years ago, and is now covered with luxuriance and fertility. THE NEW CONNEXION METHODISTS have a chapel here, and a site had been chosen for a new church when our agent visited this township. The COTTAGE BUILDINGS are a number of cottages on the road leading to the Isle. Several scattered residences near to Montford Bridge are in this township, where there is a small METHODIST CHAPEL. UP AND DOWN ROSSAL contains upwards of 1,200 acres of land. THE ISLE is a compact estate of 645 acres; the property of the Rev. Humphrey Sandford. The Severn here makes a great bend, and forms a peninsula, with so very narrow an isthmus as to occasion to be called the Isle of Up Rossal. It acquired the name of Rossal from the circumstance of a family of that name formerly owning the property. The estate was granted by Queen Elizabeth to Richard Sandford, Esq., an officer of the crown, and ancestor of the present proprietor: a family long before possessed of other estates in this neighbourhood. THE ISLE HOUSE is a good residence on elevated ground, commanding pleasing views of the country, occupied by the Rev. H. Sandford, the owner of the estate. ROSSAL, an ancient brick residence, built in 1077, stands in a sequestered situation, and is the seat of the Dowager Countess Fielding.
THE LUNATIC ASYLUM for the counties of Salop and Montgomery, situated at Bicton Heath, is a spacious and handsome structure in the Tudor style of architecture, consisting of centre and wings. It is a brick edifice, with stone finishings, and was built under the provisions of an act of parliament obtained in the 9th of George IV. The buildings and airing yards occupy about four acres of land; and there are eleven acres of gardens and pleasure grounds, laid out with admirable taste, and cultivated by the patients. A terrace has been raised round the kitchen garden, where the females are allowed to walk, which affords a cheerful prospect of the country, and contributes to the comfort and gratification of the patients. The men are employed in useful mechanical trades, attention being paid to diversify the modes of employment and the means of amusement, so as to excite agreeable emotions, and to soften the unavoidable severity of confinement. The establishment will accommodate 220 inmates, and the cost of the structure, with the site and various alterations up to October, 1849, has been £33,537. 16s. 7½d. The interior arrangements are admirably contrived for the convenience and comfort of the inmates, and the whole has a clean, orderly, and well-regulated appearance. The establishment is under the able superintendence of Richard Oliver, M.D.
BICTON AND CALCOTT DIRECTORY.
Bowlker Frances, schoolmistress
Breese Mary, boarding school, Lower Calcott
Cotes the Misses, Bicton Hall
Cotton William, farmer, Montford Bridge
Crawford William, D.D., Bicton House
Edwards Mr. John, Udlington
Edwards Thomas, clerk
Evans John, bricklayer, Calcott
Hill Rev. Francis, Montford Bridge
Hilton Ann, farmer
Jellicoe Christiana Ann, boarding school, Bicton Cottage
Jenkins Miss Frances, Lower Calcott
Lloyd John, Esq.
Lloyd Richard, vict., Four Crosses
Millman John, nurseryman, Calcott
Oliver Richard, M.D., Bicton Asylum
Peters Martha, farmer
Pritchard Mrs. Mary
Roberts Samuel, farmer
Rowlands Philip, blacksmith
Russ Richard, farmer
Wall Thomas, farmer, Upper Calcott
Whitehorn Jno., Nag’s Head, Montford Bdge.
Wilkinson Mr. Robert, Lower Calcott
UP AND DOWN ROSSAL DIRECTORY.
Fielding Ann Catherine, Dowager Countess Ross, Hall
Hilton Robert, farmer, Down Rossal
Sandford Folliott, Esq., solicitor, The Isle Hse.
Sandford Rev. Humphrey, incumbent of Bicton and Edgton, The Isle House
Sandford Humphrey, Esq., barrister-at-law, The Isle House
Spearman Andrew, Esq., Udlington
Tomkies Richard, farmer, The Isle
Whitfield Thomas, farmer, Down Rossal
Williams Robert, corn miller, Isle Mill
Wood Henry, farmer, Isle Park Farm
CROW MEOL,
a township in the parish of St. Chad, on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, two miles west from the former town, at the census of 1841 had 24 houses and 120 inhabitants. The township contains 200A. 3R. 11P. of land, about one half of which is the property of Thomas Brocas, Esq., and the remainder is held by upwards of twenty freeholders. COPTHORNE HOUSE, the residence and property of Thomas Brocas, Esq., is pleasantly situated, and commands a pleasing view of the country. Adjoining the hall a neat chapel has been built by Mr. Brocas, where the ministers of the Wesleyan New Connexion officiate. The principal residents are Thomas Brocas, Esq., Copthorne Hall; Robert Phillips, Esq., Bowbrook House; William Adams, farmer; John Bowdler, tailor; and Francis Pool, farmer.
ONSLOW is a township four miles west from Shrewsbury, having 10 houses and 76 inhabitants at the census of 1841. The land is the property of Colonel Wingfield, who resides at ONSLOW HALL, a handsome stuccoed mansion, partly in the parish of St. Chad and partly in that of Pontesbury. A pillar in the kitchen of the hall is the point of separation between the two parishes. The principal residents are Colonel Wingfield, Onslow Hall, and Charles Edward Boore, Richard Vaughan, and John Wood, farmers.
WHITLEY AND WELBACH is a township in the parish of St. Chad; four miles west by south from Shrewsbury, having in 1841, 21 houses and 113 inhabitants. A short distance from the bridge at Nobold, the parishes of St. Chad, Condover, and Brace Meole converge. HOOKER GATE is a hamlet in this township, consisting of a few cottages and a small BAPTIST CHAPEL, near to which collieries were worked till within the last few years. The land is the property of George Jonathan Scott, Esq. The principal residents are Thomas Savage, farmer, Whitley; John Mason, farm bailiff to G. J. Scott, Esq.; John Croft, shopkeeper; and William Juckes, beerhouse.
WOODCOTE AND HORTON, a township in the parish of St. Chad, three miles and a half from Shrewsbury, at the census of 1841 had 11 houses and 78 inhabitants. The chief landowners are Colonel Wingfield; John Walton, Gent.; Rev. John Yardley; and Mr. Thomas Woodward. The principal residents are Edward Kynaston, farmer; James Large, farmer; Thomas Lloyd, farmer; William Sherratt, farmer; John Walton, Gent.; John Wilding, blacksmith and wheelwright.
CARDISTON,
a parish containing the township of Cardiston and part of Wattlesborough, is situated six miles and a half west of Shrewsbury. It comprises 2,548A. 2R. 13P. of land, of which 2,395 acres are titheable. Rateable value of the parish, £2,692. 5s. Sir Baldwin Leighton is lord of the manor, and the principal landed proprietor; the Rev. Francis Leighton, bart.; Henry Lyster, Esq.; John Lloyd, Esq.; and the representatives of the late John Vaughan are also freeholders. At the census of 1841 here were 76 houses and 372 inhabitants. The parish is bounded on the south by the river Severn, and is intersected by the Shrewsbury and Welshpool road. The remaining part of Wattlesborough township is situated in Alberbury parish. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, was rebuilt of stone in the year 1749. The tower and windows were re-edified in 1844, at the expense of Sir Baldwin Leighton, bart., who is patron of the living. Rector, the Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A. The tithes are commuted for £392, of which £267 are apportioned to the Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A.; £120 to Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart.; and £5 to the small impropriators. A yearly sum of 10s. is paid to the churchwardens of this parish on account of Morgan’s Charity, which is distributed among the poor. On the table in the church three other benefactions, amounting to £25, are mentioned, which have been long lost.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Bromley, farmer; Richard Dyas, farmer; Thomas Hordley, wheelwright, and shopkeeper; Thomas Evans, coachman; John Lamb, shopkeeper; John Lee, farmer; Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A., The Rectory; John Netherway, painter and glazier; Captain Owen; Thomas Poole, farmer, The Park; Richard Poulter, shopkeeper and blacksmith; Ann Thomas, housekeeper; Richard Weaver, butler.
FORD
is a parish and township, in the hundred to which it gives name, five miles west by north of Shrewsbury, containing 2,140 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £2,040. 10s. At the census of 1841 here were 66 houses and 309 inhabitants. Population in 1801, 349; and in 1831, 263. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is lord of the manor, and a considerable landowner; the Rev. Robert L. Burton; Henry Gardner, Esq.; Mr. Henry Leey; and Mr. John Baldwin, are also proprietors. The river Severn and the Watling street intersect the parish. Earl Edwin held Ford in the Confessor’s time; and Earl Roger in the time of the Conqueror. In the 14th of Henry III. Henry Andele had a grant of the manor of Ford; and in the 37th year of Henry III. James Aldithele had a grant of free warren here, as had also Thomas Boterel some time after. The manor of Ford continued in the Talbot family, Earls of Shrewsbury, until the year 1824, when the same was sold to Sir Henry Wakeman, Bart., in whose family it now continues. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is a small structure, built of rubble stone. The interior is neatly pewed with oak. The chancel is separated from the nave by a screen of oak of antique carving. There is also an ancient stone font. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of G. E. W. Tomline, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. John Wason, M.A. It was valued in the king’s book at £3. 6s. 8d., now £138. In the taxation of Pope Nicholas, A.D. 1291, Ford chapel is estimated at £10. In the parliamentary returns of 1786 it is stated that Joseph Waring, by will, in 1726, gave to the poor of this parish £10., which produces 10s. yearly.
DIRECTORY.—John Baldwin, farmer, Shoot Hill; John Barrett, farmer, maltster, and victualler, Cross Gates; Hy. Brayne, wheelwright; Ths. Breese, shoemaker; Edw. Bufton, shopkeeper and draper; Edwd. Bufton, jun., farmer; Rchd. Clayton, blacksmith; David Evans, farmer; Jno. Gittins, farmer, Ford heath; Joseph Gough, farmer, Ford heath; Rchd. Hughes, shoemaker; Thomas Humphreys, farmer, Chavel; Wm. Jones, shoemaker; Wm. Pugh, shopkeeper; John Quay, shoemaker; George Rogers, farmer; Thomas Rogers, tailor; William Wall, farmer; Joseph Waring, shopkeeper; Rev. John Wason, M.A., The Rectory; William Weaver, carpenter and parish clerk.
POST OFFICE—At Mary Bishop’s. Letters arrive at 5.30 A.M., and are despatched at 6.30 P.M.
HANWOOD GREAT
is a parish and pleasantly situated village four miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 415A. 2R. 21P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,066. 10s. 5d. Gross estimated rental, £1,122. 12s. Sir Offley P. Wakeman is lord of the manor. The principal freeholders are Francis Harris, Esq., R. and W. Blakeway, Rev. Edward Warter, Mr. Nicholl, Joseph Sheppard, Esq., Messrs. Marshalls, Eleanor Hill, and H.D. Warter, Esq. In 1841 here were 43 houses and 167 residents; population in 1801, 264; and in 1831, 288. There are bleach grounds and mills in this parish carried on by Messrs. Marshalls and Co. THE CHURCH is built of brick, and has a small wooden turret, in which are two bells. At the east end is a handsome stained glass window, the gift of Henry Diggory Warter, Esq., the patron of the living. There is a stone font dated 1683. The church-yard is nearly surrounded by venerable yew trees. The parish register bears date from the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The tithes are commuted for £237, and there are 32A. 1R. of glebe land. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £3, in the incumbency of the Rev. Edward Warter, M.A., who resides at the rectory, a commodious residence near the church. Mrs. B. M. A. Harries, by will, in 1833, bequeathed to the rector and churchwardens for the time being of this parish the sum of £100, the interest thereof to be distributed amongst the poor inhabitants.
Alltree John, whitesmith, shopkeeper, and parish clerk
Blakeway, Richard, corn miller and farmer
Blakeway Wm., corn miller
Bridge Joseph, grocer and provision dealer
Bromley Mary, gentlewoman
Cotton John, bleach mill manager
Crane John, shoemaker
Edwards Thomas, higgler
Harries Francis Blythe, Esq.
Harrison Rev. Wm., M.A., Bank house
Hayward Rd., blacksmith
Higginson William, tailor
Hill Mrs. Eleanor
Hullen Eliza, boarding sch.
Jones Ann, vict., The Cock Inn
Jones Thomas, wheelwright
Jones Thomas, shoemaker
Jones Wm., basket maker
Littlehales John, wheelwrt.
Littlehales Rd., blacksmith and shopkeeper
Lloyd Mr. John
Matthews John, farmer
Oakey William, farm bailiff
Phillips Thomas, tailor and draper
Rydar Robert, gentleman
Ward John, shoemaker
Warter Rev. Edward, The Rectory
Yallowley Mary, gentlewmn.
HABBERLEY
is a parish and village in the hundred of Ford, nine miles S.W. from Shrewsbury, pleasantly situated in a bold undulating district, the scenery of which is pleasingly diversified with romantic beauty. The parish comprises 754A. 2R. 19P. of land having mostly a fertile soil, and 335A. 1R. 21P. in hills and common land. 485 acres of the titheable land are arable, 231 acres meadow, 38 woods and water, and five acres in public roads. William Henry Sparrow, Esq., is the principal landowner and lord of the manor; there are also a few smaller freeholders. Population—1801, 104; 1831, 128; and in 1841 there were 27 houses and 125 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,108. 15s.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is an ancient gothic fabric consisting of nave and chancel, having a wooden turret. It was partly rebuilt and made parochial in the year 1558. The chancel window was restored by the late rector; the floor is covered with encaustic tiles. Among the memorials is a tomb to William Mytton, Esq., who died in 1747. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4. 0s. 2½d. in the patronage of W. H. Sparrow, Esq., and enjoyed by the Rev. Richard White, M.A. The tithes are commuted for £132, and there are 23 acres of glebe land. The parish register dates from the year 1599.
Edward Corbett, in 1654, charged a messuage and certain land with the payment of 20s. yearly, and directed the interest to be distributed among the poor, especially orphans and poor widows. Only 6s. is now received as Corbett’s benefaction. John Gittins, who died in 1808, left £20, and his widow, Elizabeth, who died in 1819, a like sum, the interest to be given away among the poor of the parish. The produce of these two legacies are now in the Savings’ Bank.
DIRECTORY.—Ann Bromley, farmer; Martha Evans, farmer and corn miller; John Everall, farmer; Thomas Highley, blacksmith, wheelwright, and parish clerk; John Onions, beerhouse keeper; Richard Lewis, blacksmith; Mr. Morris, farmer, The Hall; Thomas Pearce, agent to W. H. Sparrow, Esq.; Thomas Rogers, farmer; Rev. Richard White, M.A., The Rectory.
MINSTERLEY
is a parish, nine miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, containing 2,875A. 3R. 7P. of land, the rateable value of which is £3,165. At the census of 1841 there were 168 houses and 914 persons. Population in 1811, 705; and in 1831, 809. Half a century ago Minsterley consisted of only a few farm houses; but since the lead mines have been extensively worked it has greatly increased. The lead ore of this place is found enclosed or covered with a spar, over which is a kind of blue stone or slate, and contains a great quantity of red lead, and a small portion of silver. The Snailbeach mines are situated about a mile from Minsterley, and have been worked for 60 years in a most efficient and profitable manner, without experiencing any stoppage. The shafts are from 300 to 360 yards in depth, and the engine and machinery for crushing the ore are on an extensive scale. There are about 500 miners daily at work, besides others engaged in washing and smelting the ore. Upwards of £2,000 per month is paid in wages. The mines are the property of Messrs. Lovett, Jones, and Company, and under the management of Mr. John Harrison. In the year 1851 a Roman pig of lead was found by some workmen in sinking through a slag heap of smeltings, on which appears the following inscription in raised letters:—
IMP. HADRIANI. AVG.
It is in length twenty inches, and the girth is twenty inches, weighing 173 pounds.
Some years ago, an act of parliament was obtained by several landed proprietors to form a canal to carry the surplus water from Marton Pool to the Severn, which covered upwards of 200 acres of land for several months in the year. Since the cutting of the canal a great part of the land has been reclaimed, and brought into a state of cultivation. The Marquis of Bath is lord of the manor, and principal landowner. The Fair, or “Gentlemen’s Meet,” at Minsterley, is held on July 25th.
THE CHURCH is a brick fabric, built about the latter end of the 16th century. It consists of nave, chancel, and has a small wooden tower, in which is one bell. It is neatly pewed with oak, and the reading desk and sounding board are elaborately carved. In the chancel is a tablet, erected by the Snailbeach Company to the memory of their late agent, Mr. John Nealor. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Marquis of Bath, and the rector of the first portion of Westbury, and enjoyed by the Rev. Emilius Nicholson, M.A. The incumbent has a rent charge, derivable from the Cause Castle estate, amounting to £60 per annum. THE METHODISTS have a neat brick chapel here, which was built in 1833. THE FREE SCHOOL was erected in 1843, at the joint expense of the Marquis of Bath and several gentlemen belonging to the Snailbeach Company, in compliance with the requisitions expressed in the will of the late John Johnson, Esq., who provided an endowment to establish and perpetuate a day-school for the education of all children resident in the parish. The Snailbeach Mining Company have endowed the school with £40 yearly, and ordered that every miner shall pay to the schoolmaster sixpence every quarter. The school will accommodate one hundred children. The average attendance of the scholars is eighty. Joshua Williams, by will, in 1819, bequeathed an annuity of £20 for the education of poor children in the parish of Minsterley.
Adams Wm., maltster, farmer and vict., Miners’ Arms
Beady George, shoemaker
Beady Tryphena, milliner and dressmaker
Bowen Wm., underground assistant bailiff
Brumbil Thomas, victualler, Angel Inn
Clarke William, wheelwright
Croft Richard, perpl. overseer, Hawkstowbank
Davies David, engineer and mineral draftsman
Davies John, grocer & draper
Dolphin John Lloyd, druggist, draper, grocer, and maltster
Dorrcott Edward, schoolteacher and barber
Dyas Richard, blacksmith
Eddowes Edward, Hockstow Corn Mills and farmer
Eddowes Mrs. Judith, Reabrooks
Evans William, farmer
Everall William, farmer
Griffiths Mrs. Ann, ladies’ boarding school
Harrison John, gentleman, Snailbeach
Hincks Mary, dressmaker
Hincks Thomas, mason
Hughes Thomas, beer retailer
Hughes Vincent, engineer
Hughes Wm., linen weaver, and parish clerk
James Joseph, blacksmith
Jones Edward, shopkeeper
Jones George, tailor
Jones John, schoolmaster
Jones John and Co., Snailbeach Mines
Kempster John, Park Farm
Lee William, saddler and harness maker
Nealor Mr. Edwd., The Hall
Nealor William, Esq.
Nicholson Rev. Emilius, The Rectory
Philpot Jno. & Son, engineers
Powell Thomas, beer retailer
Robinson Thomas, tailor
Speake John, Wood Farm
Thomas Arthur, tailor
Turner John, grocer and draper
Vaughan Edwd., shoemaker
Whitefoot Richd., shoemaker
Whitefoot Thos., shoemaker
Woodhouse Samuel, farmer
Woodhouse Thomas, farmer
PONTESBURY
is an extensive parish containing the townships of Arscott, Asterley, Boycott, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Edge, Farley, Halston, Hanwood (Little), Hinton, Lea, Longden, Newnham, Oakes, Onslow, Plealey, Pontesbury, Pontesford, Sascott, and Siberscott, with the hamlets of Exford’s Green, Ford Heath, Horton, Lea Cross, Longden Wood, Moathall, Pansom, Polmer, Malehurst, Shorthill, and Woodhall, which together comprehend an area of 10,635A. 2R. 13P. of land, the rateable value of which is £14,513. 10s. At the census of 1841, here were 697 houses and 3,311 inhabitants; population in 1801, 2,053; and in 1831, 2,936 persons. Edward William Smythe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor. A great portion of the labouring population find employment in the extensive lead and coal works of this parish. The township of Pontesbury is situated seven and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, and fifteen and a half miles N.N.E. of Montgomery, and, with the hamlet of Malehurst, contains 1,119A. 1R. 30P. of land. Francis Harries, Esq., is the principal landowner. Sir Joseph Hawley, Bart., H. D. Warter, Esq., Colonel Wingfield, Henry Gardener, Esq., T. H. Hope, Esq., and Sir Offley P. Wakeman, and others are also proprietors. The turnpike road from Shrewsbury, which joins the Montgomery road at Brockton, passes through this township. In May, 1811, Pontesbury was visited by a most terrific tempest, when “a cloud burst upon the Stiperstone hill,” and the waters rushed down the acclivities with irresistible force, sweeping away cottages, mills, cattle, and trees, and drowning nine persons. The water being in many places from thirteen to seventeen feet deep.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, was formerly collegiate, having a dean and two prebendaries. The old structure was taken down in 1825, except the chancel, and was rebuilt of rubble stone in the year 1829. At the west end is a lofty square tower containing a peal of five bells. The interior consists of nave, lofty north and south aisles, and chancel. The living is a rectory divided into three portions, the first portion is in the patronage of the present incumbent, the Rev. William Harrison, M.A. The tithes of this portion are commuted for the sum of £780. 6s. There are 21A. 3R. 21P. of glebe land. The second portion is in the gift of Brazen-nose College, and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Drury, M.A., the tithes of which amount to £774. 11s. 10d., and there are 58A. 2R. 3P. of glebe land. The third portion is in the gift of the present rector, the Rev. William Vaughan, who purchased it from Smythe Owen, Esq., for his life and ten years after. The tithes are commuted for £571. 6s. 4d., and there are 59A. 2R. 36P. of glebe land. The Rev. William Harrison, M.A., also receives £129. 9s. as the impropriator. THE INDEPENDENTS have a neat brick chapel, built in 1839, which will accommodate 200 hearers. The Baptists have also a small chapel here. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is a spacious brick structure. CHARITIES—It is stated on the table of benefactions that Thomas Davies left £200, John Peers £10, Eleanor Peers £10, and Thomas Higgins, D.D., left £10 the interest thereof to be distributed to the poor. This sum, amounting to £230, was expended in the purchase of 21A. 3R. 2P. of land in 1716, the rent of which is distributed to eight poor widows of this parish.
ARSCOTT is a small township and sequestered village situated two and a half miles N.E. by E. of Pontesbury, which contains 463A. 3R. 5P. of land. The soil is mostly strong. Coal is got in the township. In 1841 here were 24 houses and 127 persons. The tithes are commuted for £93. 15s. 6d., and apportioned to the rector of the second portion. Francis Harries, Esq., is the sole landowner.
ASTERLEY and INWOOD is a township and pleasant village, one mile and a half west of the parish church, which at the census of 1841 had 61 houses and 305 residents. The township contains 535A. 3R. 31P. of land. The tithes are commuted, and apportioned to the rector of the third portion, for the sum of £90. 15s. 6d. The principal landowners are Henry Gardner, Esq.; William Gardner, Esq.; and Mr. Everall. Extensive coal works are carried on here. The PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a small chapel.
BOYCOTT is a small township, three quarters of a mile N.W. by N. of Pontesbury, containing 344A. 2R. 9P. of land. In 1841 here were three houses and 33 persons. The tithes are commuted for £75. 2s. Thomas Baycott, Esq., and Henry Warren, Esq., are the principal freeholders.
CRUCKMEOLE is a township and pleasant rural village four and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 512A. 0R. 13P. of land. At the census of 1841 here were 33 houses and 136 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for the sum of £114. 17s. The township is intersected by the Reabrook and the Shrewsbury and Minsterley turnpike road. H. D. Warter, Esq., and Francis Harries are the principal freeholders. Cruckmeole Hall is a handsome brick mansion, the property and residence of Henry Diggory Warter, Esq.
CRUCKTON is a township, chapelry, and pleasant village four and a half miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 900A. 1R. 28P. of land. In 1841 here were 27 houses and 155 persons. The tithes are commuted, and £76. 4s. 4d. is paid to the rector of the first portion, to the Rev. Wm. Harrison, as impropriator, £10. 9s. 4d., and to Geo. Tomline, Esq., £7. Francis Harries, Esq., is sole landowner. THE CHAPEL, dedicated to St. Thomas, was built in the year 1839. On the entrance door are two figures of angels carved in oak. It will accommodate 180 persons. This chapel was built for the district comprising the townships and hamlets of Arscott, Sibberscott, Shorthill, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Sascott, Horton, Nox, Onslow, Woodhall, Moathill, Panson, and Little Hanwood, so much of the township of Newnham as is north of Yockleton brook, and for the places on Ford’s Heath. The Rev. Charles Drury, M.A., is patron and incumbent. THE HALL, a commodious and handsome mansion in the early English style of architecture, is built of brick, with stone facings, and is the seat and property of Francis Harries, Esq.
EDGE township, situated two miles N.W. by W. of Pontesbury, contains 422 acres of land. In 1841 here were 15 houses and 68 persons. The tithes are commuted for £95. 11s. 6d. The executors of the late Mr. Thornes are the principal landowners.
FARLEY is a small township one mile N.W. by N. of Pontesbury, which contains 172A. 0R. 10P. of land. At the census of 1841 here were three houses and 19 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 3s. 3d. The principal proprietors are Mr. Thomas Inions, and Mr. John Hughes.
HALSTON is a small township to the S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 275A. 0R. 39P. of land. In 1841 there were three houses and 17 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £78 17s. 9d. W. L. Childe, Esq., is the sole landowner. HANWOOD LITTLE is a small scattered township four miles south of Shrewsbury, which contains the hamlets of Moathall, Woodhall, and Pansom, and comprehends an area of 667A. 2R. 37P. of land. In 1142 here were 11 houses and 60 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £133. 13s. 9d. The principal landowners are Miss Oldnell, John Berrington, Esq., and Francis Harries, Esq. Coal is got here in considerable quantities.
MOOTHALL, an ancient half timbered mansion the property of John Berrington, Esq., is still surrounded by a moat filled with water. The interior of the house is of curious workmanship, and has some fine specimens of elaborate oak carving. It is now occupied as a farm residence. WOODHALL was built in the year 1684, on the site of a more ancient structure; it is now occupied as a farm house. HINTON is a small rural township one and a half mile north of Pontesbury, which contains 339A. 3R. 13P. of land. In 1841 here were 12 houses and 59 persons. The tithes are commuted for £80. 18s. 3d. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is the sole landowner.
LEA is a small township pleasantly situated on the turnpike road from Pontesbury to Shrewsbury, which comprehends the hamlets of Crosshouses and Shorthill. In 1841 here were 27 houses and 132 inhabitants. There are 481A. 3R. 21P. of land. The tithes are commuted for £143. 6s. 3d., of which £33. 15s. 8d. is apportioned to the rector of the first portion of Pontesbury, and £109 10s. 7d. to the Rev. William Harrison, as impropriator. The principal landowners are Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., and William Henry Nicholls, Esq. There are several collieries at Shorthill. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, situated at Shorthill, was built in the year 1842. It is supported by voluntary contributions and a small charge from each scholar. About ninety scholars attend.
LONGDEN is a chapelry and township six and a half miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, which contains 1,604 acres of land, of which Sir Joseph Hawley, Bart., is the principal landowner. John Walton, Esq., Rev. George Jewdwyne, Samuel Harris, Captain Parr, and Robert Hesketh, Esq., are also proprietors. In 1841 there were 80 houses and 371 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £330. 19s. 2d., one half of which is apportioned to the rector of the second and the other half to the rector of the third portion of Pontesbury. THE CHAPEL is a small structure consisting of nave and chancel. The living is a donative curacy in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Edward Homfray, M.A. THE INDEPENDENTS have a chapel here built of brick. THE BRITISH SCHOOL is held in the chapel. About forty children attend.
NEWNHAM is a small township six miles west of Shrewsbury, which with the hamlets of Polmer and Ford’s Heath contains 345A. 2R. 6P. of land. In 1841 here was one house and nine inhabitants. The rent charge is commuted for £79. 14s. 5d. The principal landowners are W. H. Nicholls, Esq., Francis Harries, Esq., and the Rev. F. D. Dimmock.
NOX is a hamlet in Newnham township, situated five and a half miles west of Shrewsbury, which contains five houses and 22 inhabitants. Mr. Richard Lloyd is the sole landowner in this hamlet.
OAKES is a township and scattered village three miles west of Pontesbury, which contains 630A. 2R. 25P. of land. In 1841 here were nine houses and 42 inhabitants. H. D. Warter, Esq., is lord of the manor and sole landowner. The tithes are commuted for £110. 12s. 3d., and £97. 10s. are apportioned to the rector of the first portion, and £13. 2s. 3d. to the rector of the second portion.
ONSLOW is a small hamlet three and a half miles W.W. by N. of Shrewsbury, which contains 251A. 3R. 20P. of land. In 1841 here were two houses and twelve persons. The tithes are commuted for £54. 4s. 8d. Colonel John Wingfield is lord of the manor and sole landowner.
PLEALEY is a pleasant rural township and village seven miles S.W. of Shrewsbury. It contains 664A. 2R. 12P. of land. This township had in 1841 43 houses and 212 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £134. 11s. The principal landowners are Dr. Griffiths, Mr. Thomas Wilkinson, Joseph Phillips, Esq., Rev. Mr. Phillips, Mr. Richard France, and Mrs. Cross. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a neat chapel here.
PONTESFORD is a township seven miles south of Shrewsbury, containing 387A. 2R. 38P. of land, and at the census of 1841 had 67 houses and 283 inhabitants. The tithe is commuted for £82. 12s. 2d. There are coal, lime, and lead works in this township. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a small chapel here.
SASCOTT, a small township five miles west of Shrewsbury, containing 221A. 2R. 28P. of land, in 1841 had 24 persons and three houses. The tithes are commuted for £52. 6s. 6d. Francis Harris, Esq., is the sole landowner.
SIBBERSCOTT is a township five and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, having 147A. 3R. 6P. of land, and in 1841 had one house and nine inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 18s. 1d. H. W. Meredith, Esq., is the sole landowner.
POST OFFICE.—At Mr. Samuel Griffith’s. Letters arrive at 6 A.M. and are despatched at 7 P.M.
PONTESBURY & PONTESFORD DIRECTORIES.
Bennett Isaac, inland revenue officer
Birkenshaw Mr.
Chapman Miss
Croft Mr. Richard, registrar
Deakin William, farrier
Drury Rev. Charles, M.A., The Rectory
Eddowes William, surgeon
Harrison Rev. Wm., M.A., The Rectory
Heighway Miss, gentlewmn., Upper House
Jones Frederick, Esq., Pontesford Hall
Jones John and Company, Pontesford Works
Jones Mrs. Sarah
Jones Rev. Thomas, Independent minister
Jones Robert Corbet, gentleman
Jones The Misses
Jones Wm., land surveyor
Nicholls Thomas, parish & vestry clerk
Philpot Charles, mine agent
Plimmer Mrs.
Preece Richard, engineer
Rogers Robert, agent, lead works
Rogers Thomas, schoolmr.
Vaughan Mr. John
Vaughan Rev. William, M.A., The Rectory
Ward and Co., Shorthill Colliery
Agents.
Jones William, (land)
Philpots Charles, (coal)
Rogers Robert, (lead)
Blacksmiths.
Elks William
Griffiths John
Boot and Shoemakers.
Breeze John
Hughes John
Bricklayer.
Barber John, and builder
Butchers.
Cross Forrester
Blackmore William
Broxton William
Coal Merchants.
Harries Francis
Jones Frederick
Snailbeach Co., Nagshead Colliery
Whitegrit Co., Shorthill Colliery
Cooper.
Griffiths Edward
Corn Millers.
Blakeway Richard and Wm.
Edwards Patience
Evans Thomas
Farmers.
Croft William, Pontesford
Inions Edward, Red House
Jones Frederick
Jones Henry, New House
Jones John and Company
Morris Edward, Nills
Morris Thomas, Woodhouse
Price Widow
Ward and Company
Wilde Samuel, White Hall
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Griffiths Samuel
Owens Owen & Son, drapers, outfitters, shoemakers, & leather cutters
Roderick John, and druggist
Innkeepers.
Breese Mary, vict., Red Lion
Croft Mary, vict., Seven Stars
Langford John, vict., Nag’s Head Inn
Beerhouses.
Evans Ann
France John
Tipton Edward
Wilde Samuel
Lead Merchants, Miners, and Smelters.
Snailbeach Company
White Gritmines Company
Shopkeepers.
Davies Mary
Jones Hugh
Shevlin John
Saddler.
Brazanor Samuel
Tailors.
Davies Richard
Littlehales Mr.
Powell William
Tomlins William
ARSCOTT DIRECTORY.
Bearcroft Rev. Thos., M.A.
Bridgeman John, farmer
Deakin Thomas, farmer
Nicholls Henry, butcher
ASTERLEY DIRECTORY.
Breese John, blacksmith
Chapman Richd., vict., Wind Mill
Everall Richard, farmer
Gardner Hry, Esq., The Hall
Gardner Messrs., coal masters and farmers
Jones Robert, beerhouse
Lewis William, shopkeeper and joiner
Marsh Henry, shopkeeper
Pritchard John, farmer
Tipton Jacob, mine agent
Wheelding John, wheelwrt.
BOYCOTT DIRECTORY.
Andrews Thomas, farmer
Jones Edward, farmer
CRUCKMEOLE DIRECTORY.
Cumpson Joseph, miller & farmer
Pugh William, farmer
Warter Henry Diggery, Esq., The Hall
Weaver William, farmer
Whittall Thomas, miller
Wilding James, farmer
CRUCKTON DIRECTORY.
Bates John, farmer
Crump Thos., vict., Hare and Hounds, maltster & farmer
Harries Fras., Esq., the Hall
Wilding Henry, Holly Bank
Shepherd Mr. Jph., the Lodge
EDGE DIRECTORY.
Jackson George, assistant overseer and collector
Pugh William, farmer
Thornes George, gentleman, The Grove
FARLEY DIRECTORY.
Briscoe John, farmer
Inions Thomas, farmer
HALSTON DIRECTORY.
Bennett Thos., underground bailiff
Blowet Benj., Shorthill farm
Glover Joseph, farm bailiff
Lee Mr. farmer
Ward & Company, farmers
HANWOOD LITTLE DIRECTORY.
Crapper and Proctor, coal-masters, Moathall colliery
Gibbs William, farmer
Passant Jas., Woodhall farm
Savage Thos., Moathall farm
HINTON DIRECTORY.
Everall John, farm bailiff to Sir O. P. Wakeman, Bart.
Parry John, Esq.
LEA DIRECTORY.
Baldwin John, farmer, Shorthill
Bowen John, farmer
Davies Richard, wheelwright
Diggery John, machine mkr.
Edwards John, machine mkr.
Hudson William, vict., the Cross, and farmer
Lashbrook Richard, National Schoolmaster
Rowland David, blacksmith
LONGDEN DIRECTORY.
Bowers William, parish clerk
Casewell Richard, beer retailer, Exford’s green
Crisp Alfred, school teacher
Davies Thos., beer retailer
Deakin Edward, farmer
George Samuel, joiner
Gittins Adams, blacksmith
Harris Mr. Samuel, farmer and maltster
Higley William, wheelwright and beer retailer
Homfray Rev. Edward, M.A.
Jewdwyne Rev. George
Jones Edward, saddler and harness maker
Jones Richard, vict., Tankerville Arms Inn, & farmer
Jones Richard, farmer
Jones William, farmer
Littlehales Rd., blacksmith
Matthews John, vict., Red Lion, the Wood
Morgan Thomas, Hall farm
Munslow Join, farmer, the Wood
Nicholls Henry, butcher
Preece Joseph, tailor
Richards Edward, bricklayer
Roberts William, cowleech
Sutton John Hart, surgeon
Thomas John, farmer
Thompson Wm., farm bailiff
Timmis Rd., grocer & draper
Tipton Wm., pump maker
Whittall Edward, beerseller
Woodcock Samuel, farmer
MALEHURST.
Issard Thomas, farmer
NEWNHAM AND POLMER DIRECTORY.
Niccolls Wm. Henry, Esq., Newnham house
Skyrinsher John Mytton, Polmer farm
NOX DIRECTORY.
Dillow William, blacksmith
Lloyd Richard, gentleman
Nicholls Thomas, farmer
Tomlins Thomas, wheelwright
OAKS DIRECTORY.
Howells Wm., gamekeeper
Lewis Jeremiah, farmer
Perks Thomas, farmer
Whitehurst Jn., the Hall Farm
Woodcock John, farmer
ONSLOW DIRECTORY.
Vaughan Richard, farmer
Wingfield Col. John, the Hall
PLEALEY DIRECTORY.
Bowers James, shoemaker
Bromley Edward, blacksmith
Bromley Richard, farmer
Cross Mrs., the Villa
France Richard, farmer
Hall Mary, farmer
Little Thomas, wheelwright
Peacock George, farmer
Phillips Joseph, farmer
Phillips Mrs., the Cottage
Phillips William, glazier
Wilkinson Thomas, farmer
SASCOTT DIRECTORY.
Evans Robert, farmer
Higginson Thomas, farmer
SIBBERSCOTT DIRECTORY.
France Richard, farmer
France Samuel, farmer
PRESTON MONTFORD, AND DINTHILL
is a township in the parish of St. Alkmund, returned in 1841 as containing 17 houses and 76 inhabitants. Preston Montford is situated four miles N.W. from Shrewsbury, and consists of a few scattered houses leading to Montford Bridge. Dinthill is completely severed from Montford, and lies about three and a half miles S.W. from Shrewsbury, near the Shrewsbury and Welshpool road. It is considered as a distinct township by the parochial officers. Mr. Thomas Hawkins, farmer, Dinthill Hall, is the only resident. The chief inhabitants of Preston Montford are John Bowen, police officer; William Jones, farmer and vict., Swan; John Randles, blacksmith and machine maker; John Thomas, grocer and general dealer; George Whitehorn, vict., Nag’s Head; George Whitehorn, Jun., fish net and shoemaker; Miss Wingfield, The Cottage; Mrs. Wingfield, The Hall.
WESTBURY
is a parish and considerable village situated on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, nine miles S.W. by S. of the former place, and twelve miles N.E. of the latter. It comprises the townships of Marsh district, Newton, Stretton, Vennington, Wallop, Westbury, Westley, Whitton, Wigmore, Winsley, and Yockleton, which have an area of 18,347 acres of land. Rateable value, £10,810. The woodlands are 197 acres, and roads 67½ acres. Edward William Pembroke Smithe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. Colonel John Wingfield and John Michael Severne, Esq., are also considerable proprietors. The rent charge is £1,459. 16s. 5d. Population in 1801, 1,991; 1831, 2,228; and in 1841 there were 314 houses and 2,412 persons. Westbury, anciently written Wesberie, was held in the reign of the Confessor by Ernui, and was free. Roger, the son of Corbet, held of Earl Roger most of that tract of land lying in the hundred of Ford, with parts of Chirbury and Condover hundreds, which in the whole consisted of 39 manors or hamlets, and for his seat he built the Castle of Cause. It is thought that Roger Corbet or his son espoused the cause of his patron, Robert de Belesme, against Henry the I., and upon incurring the king’s displeasure, forfeited his inheritance, which was given to Pain Fitz John. In 2nd Henry III. the king commanded the Earl of Chester to restore to Thomas Corbet the Castle of Cause and all his lands. In 30th Henry III. the said Thomas Corbet had a grant of free warren in Cause and two years after, the grant of a fair to be kept on the eve, the day, and the day after, the translation of Thomas the martyr. The site of the castle is lofty and commanding; it stood on an isolated ridge, rising abruptly from a deep ravine on one side, and sloping towards a vast valley bounded by the Stiperstones on the other. The castle is in a state of complete dilapidation. There is a colliery in this township, and bricks and tiles are also made near the village.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, has a square tower, in which are five bells. The interior is neatly pewed, and consists of nave, side aisles, and chancel. There are many neat tablets in the church. The living is a rectory divided into the two portions of Westbury in Dextra and Westbury in Sinistra. The former portion is rated in the king’s book at £13. 9s. 4½d., now returned at £643, and the latter at £11. 12s. 8½d., is now returned at £556.
CHARITIES.—John Topp, by deed, dated 1716, left a yearly rent charge of £30 issuing out of certain lands in Vennington, upon trust, to dispose of the same yearly in the education of poor children of the parish of Westbury, and in putting out such children apprentices. Letitia Barnster, by indenture, dated 1726, left for the benefit of the poor of the parish a small parcel of land fourteen yards in length and six yards eight inches in breadth. On this land a school was built in 1736, and a residence for the master has since been built upon land belonging to E. W. P. S. Owen, Esq.
On the tables of benefactions in the church are noticed charities left by twenty several donors for the benefit of the poor, amounting to the sum of £153. 13s. 4d. This sum, with an additional £6. 6s. 8d., was expended in the year 1710 in the purchase of three parcels of land in the parish of Worthen, containing about 17 acres, the rent of which amounted to £43. 10s. per annum at the time the Charity Commissioners published their reports. One-fourth of these rents are distributed in bread to the poor of the parish on Good Friday, and the residue given away on St. Thomas’s day in clothing, fuel, and money, as is most advisable.
NEWTON is a small township in Westbury parish, one and a half mile N.E. by E. of Westbury, containing twenty inhabitants. Robert Corbet Jones, Esq., is the sole landowner. MARSH is one and a half mile N.E. by N. of Westbury. The principal landowners are Mr. William Howells, Mr. John Turner, and John Wood, Esq. STRETTON AND THE HEATH is situated two miles N.E. of Westbury, and contains 290 inhabitants. The landowners in this township are Mr. J. Cadwallader, Mr. S. Dovaston, Mr. R. James, Mr. William Millman, Mr. Timothy Oakley, Mr. Rd. Evans, Mr. Rd. Hughes, and Mr. R. H. Gwynn. VENNINGTON is a township 1½ miles S.W. by W. of Westbury, which contains 313 persons. The Rev. Mr. Parr is the principal landowner. WALLOP is a small township containing 77 inhabitants, situated two miles west of Westbury. John Michael Severne, Esq., is the sole landowner. WESTLEY, a township two and a half miles east of Westbury, contains 88 persons. The principal landowners are Mr. R. Butler, Mr. E. Butler, Richard Gardner, Esq., Mr. John Gardner, Mr. John Smith, and Mr. Rogers. WHITTON has a population of 38 persons, and Mrs. Topp is the sole landowner. WIGMORE township lies two miles N.W. of Westbury, and contains 63 inhabitants. The freeholders are Mr. Edward Davies, Mr. John Davies, Mr. John Dorricott, Mr. Richard Hillhouse, and Mr. Thomas Randles. WINSLEY township is situated two miles from Westbury, and contains 15 inhabitants. Mr. John Blakeway Tipton and Mr. John Phillips are the principal landowners. YOCKLETON is a township containing 231 inhabitants, and situated two miles N.E. of Westbury. The principal landowners are Colonel Wingfield and Thomas Nichols, Esq.
POST OFFICE.—At Thomas Clark’s. Letters arrive at 8 A.M. and are despatched at 6 P.M.
WESTBURY DIRECTORY.
Bebb Thos., farmer, Wigmore
Birch Benj., farmer, Forest of Hayes
Corfield Richard, farmer
Clarke Thos., farmer & vict., Red Lion Inn
Clemson Thomas, farmer, Perton Woods
Cureton Rev. William, M.A., Chaplain to the Queen
Darrell Geo., undergrd. agent
Davies Richard, blacksmith and parish clerk
Dickenson Joseph, Esq.
Evans John, farmer, Wigmore
Hanley Wm., pump-maker
Harrison William, farmer and beerhouse, The Wood
Hayman Elzbth., shoemaker
Hayman William, shoemaker
Inions John, frmr., The Hall
Jasper Jas., carrier to Shrewsbury
Jones Sarah, grocer & draper
Mason Richard, stone-mason
Meredith Mrs.
Owen Jeremh., frmr., Sightly
Parr Rev. Thos., The Rectory
Perry Joseph, farmer, Wigmore Hill
Phillips John, Esq., Winsley Hall
Preece John, farmer, Wigley
Pugh John, farmer, Cause Castle
Randalls Thomas, victualler, The Bear, Wigmore
Reese Edward, farmer
Reeves Rev. J. Somerville, M.A., curate
Roberts Jos., farmer, Marsh
Sambrook Chas., mine agent
Sambrook Mrs., The Cottage
Smith John, frmr., Radbrook
Smout Richard, shoemaker
Smout Thomas, linen weaver
Smout Thomas, butcher and farmer
Trantham Edward, tailor
Webster Thomas, shoemaker
Wood John, Esq., Marsh Hall
MARSH DIRECTORY.
Davies Edward, farmer
Davies John, farmer
Dolphin Edward, farmer and butcher
Dorricott John, farmer
Edwards Thomas, maltster
Hills Wm., farmer, Irongate
Howell William, blacksmith
Kempster Richard, farmer, Woolaston Little
Perry Thos., beerhouse and shopkeeper
Turner Jno., victualler, Half-way House
Turner John, jun., farmer
Wilde George, shopkeeper
Wilde Sml., farmer, Wattlesborough Heath
Wood John, farmer
NEWTON DIRECTORY.
Pitchard Thomas, farmer
Williams William, farmer
STONEY STRETTON DIRECTORY.
Brazenor Thomas, victualler, Elephant and Castle
Beddoe Robert, blacksmith
Cadwallader John, farmer, Heath
Cooper James, shoemaker
Griffiths Mrs., beerhouse and shopkeeper
Jones Elizabeth, shopkeeper
Morgan John, farmer
Nicholls Richard, glazier
Oakley Timothy, farmer
Padduck Robert, tailor
Parry John, farmer, Hinton
Pugh George, farmer
Richards Richard, shopkeepr
Tomkins Thomas, farrier
Tomlins Wm., wheelwright
VENNINGTON DIRECTORY.
Dorricott Richard, farmer
Evans William, blacksmith
Gittins Samuel, farmer
Habberley George, wheelwright
Hanley John, shopkeeper and carrier
Knight George, farmer
Maddocks John, farmer
Mason Thomas, corn miller, farmer, and beerhouse kpr.
WALLOP DIRECTORY.
Davies John, farmer
Gittins Samuel, blacksmith
Marsh Joseph, farmer, Napps
Morris Wm., farmer, Broomhill
Rydar Richard, farmer, Tilled House
Severne John Michael, Esq., The Hall
WESTLEY DIRECTORY.
Gardner John, farmer
Gardner Richard, coalmaster and farmer
WHITTON DIRECTORY.
Brayton Edward, farmer
Dickinson Joseph, farmer
Edwards Thos., frmr., Grange
Palmer Thomas, shoemaker
Parry Joseph, Field Farm
Topp Mrs., Whitton Court
Wilding Matthew, farmer and wheelwright
WINSLEY DIRECTORY.
Corfield William, farmer
Eddowes William, farmer, The Lakes
Morris David, farmer, Forest of Hayes
Nevett William, farmer, The Hem
Parry William, farmer, The Hurst
YOCKLETON DIRECTORY.
Beddoe Edward, shoemaker
Bland Joseph, blacksmith
Bromley Thomas, farmer, Lynches
Bromley William, butcher
Bromley William, farmer
Broughall Richard, farmer
Broughall Richd., grocer, &c.
Gittins George, butcher
Gittins Richard, farmer
Meredith John, Bank Farm
Nichols Thomas, Esq., The Hall
Tudor Mrs., The Villa
SHELTON AND OXON,
a small township and pleasant village, with some neat villa residences, two miles west from Shrewsbury, partly in St. Chad, and partly in the parish of St. Julian, at the census of 1841 had twenty-three houses and 100 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Robert Burton, Esq.; Edward Morris, Esq.; and Sir Richard Jenkins. At this place stands the celebrated SHELTON OAK, famed from the tradition that Owen Glendower, in 1403, ascended its branches to ascertain the event of the battle of Shrewsbury. The interior is hollow, and capable of holding a dozen persons. This venerable monarch of the forest, although much decayed, and many of the branches broken off, yet shows vigorous signs of life. The girth, five feet from the ground, is 34 feet 4 inches; and at the base, 44 feet 3 inches.
DIRECTORY. Those with * affixed are at Bicton Heath. Miss Ann Burton; * Samuel Cookson, shoemaker; * Stephen Davies, blacksmith and shopkeeper; William Davies, farmer; * George Evans, vict., The Grapes; Edward Evans, pig dealer; William Evans, cow keeper; * Mr. Joseph Lakelin; * Joseph Lloyd, shopkeeper; * Thomas Mansell, tailor; James Martin, butcher, Little Oxon; * Magdalene Morgan, beerhouse; John Morris, Esq., Oxon; Thomas Norton, Esq., solicitor; * John Roberts, joiner and wheelwright; * John Rowlands and Sons, iron and brass founders, engineers, millwrights, and agricultural implement makers; * Mr. William Smith, Zion Villa; * Mrs. Mary Urwick; Francis Walford, Esq.; * John Williams, shoemaker.
THE HUNDRED OF CHIRBURY
is bounded on the north by the hundred of Ford, on the south and west by Montgomeryshire, and on the east by the hundred of Ford and Purslow. It is divided into the upper and lower divisions; the former containing 1,783 inhabitants, and the latter 2,956, at the census of 1841. The upper division contains the parish of Chirbury, and part of Church Stoke; and the lower division the parishes of Shelve, Worthen, and part of Hyssington.
CHIRBURY
is an extensive parish and considerable village in the upper division of the hundred of Chirbury, comprising the several townships of Chirbury, Dudston, Hockleton, Marrington, Marton, Middleton, Priestweston, Rorrington, Stockton, Tunberth, Walcot, Wilmington, Winsbury, and Wotherton, which together embrace an area of 11,041A. 1R. 27P. of land. Gross estimated rental, £12,648. 15s. 5d. Rateable value, £11,442. 12s. 6d. Population in 1801, 1,391; 1831, 1,576; 1841, 1,593; 1851, 1,533; at the latter period there were 303 houses. The most considerable landowners are the Earl of Powis; Sir Offley Pembury Wakeman, Bart; George Pritchard, Esq.; Rev. R. H. M. Price; Edward Humphries, Esq.; William Rubbathan, Esq.; and John Davies, Esq. The former owns the whole township of Chirbury, which contains 1,125A. 1R. 16P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,606. 10s. At the census of 1841 there were 56 houses and 278 inhabitants. The village of Chirbury is pleasantly situated in a fertile valley on the confines of Montgomeryshire, eighteen miles and a half south-west from Shrewsbury, and two miles and a half east from Montgomery. Petty Sessions are held here the first Wednesday in each month. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. Some few, however, are employed in the lead mines and stone quarries in the immediate vicinity. The village is watered by the Camlad stream, which is noted for the excellency of its trout. It is presumed that the place was at one time of more consequence than it is at present, as it gives name to the hundred in which it is situated, and had a castle, erected in the tenth century by Ethelfleda, Queen of the Mercians, with a view to repel the incursions of the Welsh. It is said to have been a strong and stately structure, but no vestiges of it now remain. Chirbury is celebrated as having given the title of Baron to Edward, Lord Herbert. He was made Knight of the Bath at the coronation of James I., and subsequently appointed ambassador to Louis XIII., King of France, to mediate for the Protestants. On his return he was made Lord Herbert, of Castle Island, in Ireland, where he had a large estate. He greatly assisted his majesty in council and arms, and on that account was created a baron of England by the title of BARON HERBERT, of Chirbury. He was author of several publications, among which is a life of Henry VIII. CHIRBURY PRIORY was of the order of St. Bennett, and founded in the time of King John. In the 9th of Edward I. the prior and convent removed to Snede, the place of their first institution and abode; for Chirbury it seems was represented as a situation not so convenient for celebrating divine mysteries: the religious were to continue the same good offices to the parishioners, and the right of burials and christenings was reserved to the church at Chirbury. This monastery had a grant of the tithes of Montgomery Wood, and of the mill there. At a subsequent period the chapel of Hyssington was given to the prior of Chirbury. On the dissolution of religious houses, King Henry VIII. granted the house, and lands on which it stood, to Edward Hopton and his heirs forever. In the 13th of Elizabeth, the rectory and parsonage of Chirbury, belonging to the late priory, was given to augment the income of the grammar school of Shrewsbury, where it remains at present.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, consists of nave, chancel and side aisles, and was formerly a portion of the conventual church of Chirbury priory. It is a commodious structure, having on each side of the nave six pointed arches rising from circular pillars. There is a fine tower at the west end, surmounted by an open-worked battlement, and eight pinnacles. It contains six musical bells, set up in 1808, and partly re-cast from the fine deep-toned priory bell which was formerly used for ringing the curfew. The living is a vicarage, rated in the king’s book at £9. 6s. 8d., now returned at £180.; in the patronage of the corporation of Shrewsbury: incumbent, Rev. James Wilding, M.A. The tithes have been commuted, and £1000 apportioned to the Free School of Shrewsbury.
CHARITIES.—The Free School was founded and endowed by the Rev. Edward Lewis in 1765. The trust property consists of a farm at Hem, in the county of Montgomery, comprising 38 acres of land, and producing a yearly rental of £65. A farm at Meadow Town, in the parish of Worthen, consisting of 41A. 3R. 23P., with suitable premises, let for £35 a year. The school premises consist of a school and residence for the teacher, with a small garden attached, and the master has a salary of £20 per annum. After paying for repairs and other contingencies, the residue of the rent is distributed among ten poor widows, as directed by the donor.
Thomas Edwards, of Rorrington, gave by will 20s. yearly, to be given in bread on St. Thomas’s-day. There are two other bequests recorded on the table of benefactions, one a sum of £10, and the other a rent charge of 20s. per annum, which have long been lost to the poor.
DUDSTON, a township and small village, is situated about a mile and a half west from Chirbury, and at the census of 1851 had twelve houses and 96 inhabitants. There are 679A. 3R. 12P. of land, the rateable value of which is £786. The Earl of Powis is owner of the land in this township. Rent charge, £93. 11s. 2d.
HOCKLETON township comprises 487A. 2R. 9P. of land, and is situated about a mile N.E. of Chirbury. The rateable value is £422. 15s. At the last census there were seven houses and a population of 38 souls. The Earl of Powis is owner of the land. The small stream of the Camlad intersects the township. The tithes have been commuted for £49. 10s. 8d.
MARRINGTON, a small rural village a mile and a half south from Chirbury, is situated in a picturesque glen, watered by a small stream. The hills on each side rise to a considerable altitude, and being richly covered with foliage, it forms one of the most romantic dingles in the county of Shropshire, and is the admiration of every visitor. The township contains 1,002A. 3R. 37P. of land, and at the census of 1851 had 15 houses and 77 inhabitants. Rateable value, £801. The Earl of Powis and John Davies, Esq., are the landowners. Rent charge, £65. 14s. 11d. Merrington Hall is an antique structure composed of timber, the property of John Davies, Esq., and residence of Mrs. Helena Forbes.
MARTON is a township and pleasant village situate on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, three miles N.E. from Chirbury. The township contains 1,318A. 2R. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,419. The village contains several good residences, and at the census of 1841 there were 64 houses and 273 inhabitants. Rent charge, £133. 11s. 7d. Marton Pool covers 40A. 2R. 37P., of which 27A. 2R. 35P. are in this township, and the rest in that of Wilmington. It is well stocked with various kinds of fish, and is the frequent resort of wild fowl. John Hamer, Esq., is the principal landowner in this township. A neat INDEPENDENT CHAPEL was built some years ago by William Nevitt, Esq., of Marton Villa.
MIDDLETON is a village, township, and chapelry, three miles S.E. from Chirbury, comprising 1,247A. 3R. 33P. of land, and at the last census had 31 houses and 156 inhabitants. Rent charge, £55. 14s. 7d. THE CHURCH is a neat structure, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, consisting of nave, chancel, and transepts, and has 280 sittings, of which 262 are free and unappropriated. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the vicar of Chirbury; incumbent, Rev. Robert Edward Warren, M.A. On Middleton hill are some druidical remains, which no doubt originally consisted of twelve upright stones; vestiges of eleven are still to be seen, in an upright position, and about six feet above the surface of the ground. The diameter of the circle is about ninety feet. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL was built in 1843, and enlarged in 1848. The average attendance of children is about fifty. The principal landowners in Middleton are George Pritchard, Esq., and Mrs. Stokes.
PRIESTWESTON is a township in the parish of Chirbury, comprising 1,107A. 2R. 26P. of land, the rateable value of which is £847. 12s. 1d. The village of Priestweston, pleasantly situated three miles S.E. from Chirbury, contains fifty houses and a population of 222 souls. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis, Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., George Pritchard, Esq., David Lloyd, Esq., John Beeman, Esq., and Edward Smith, Esq. Rent charge, £82. 17s. 2d. THE CALVINISTIC METHODISTS have a small chapel, built in the year 1845.
RORRINGTON, a small village and township in the parish of Chirbury, four and a half miles east from the church, contains 969A. 0R. 9P. of land, and at the census of 1851 had 23 houses and 111 persons. Rateable value, £532. 12s. 6d. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is the sole landowner in this township.
STOCKTON township is situated two and a half miles N.E. from Chirbury, and has 404A. 3R. 14P. of land, the rateable value of which is £547. 15s. It contains eleven houses and 53 inhabitants. Rent charge, £35. 2s. 9d. The Rev. H. Mostyn Pryse and Edward Humphries, Esq., are the landowners.
TIMBERTH township has 257A. 1R. 27P. of land, seven houses and 31 inhabitants, and lies about a mile and a half S.W. from Chirbury. Rateable value, £258. 5s. 6d. Rent charge, £24. 11s. 8d. The land is the property of Earl Powis.
WILMINGTON is a township with a few scattered houses, pleasantly situated four miles N.E. from Chirbury, and has 693A. 1R. 16P. of land, the rateable value of which is £777. 10s. At the census of 1851 there were nine houses and 37 inhabitants. Rent charge, £85. 13s. 10d. A fine sheet of water called Marton Pool covers upwards of forty acres, of which 13A. 0R. 2P. are in this township. The landowners are J. Medlicott, Esq., and Mr. William Rubbathan.
WALCOT, a township situated on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, and about half a mile N.E. from Chirbury, contains 345A. 2R. 1P. of land, and has three houses and a population of 18 souls. Rateable value, £459. Rent charge, £56. 7s. 1d. Edward Humphries, Esq., is the landowner.
WINSBURY, a small township a mile and a quarter west from Chirbury, intersected by the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, contains 658A. 1R. 4P. of land, and at the census of 1851 had six houses and 41 inhabitants. Rateable value, £850. Rent charge, £96. 7s. 1d. The land in this township is the property of the Earl of Powis
WOTHERTON, a small village and township, at the census of 1841 had 18 houses and 95 inhabitants. Rateable value, £756. 13s. 4d.
POST OFFICE.—At Mr. William Gough’s. Letters arrive at 9 A.M. and are despatched at 4 30 P.M.
CHIRBURY DIRECTORY.
Bower Edward, blacksmith
Bridgewaters Benjamin, registrar of births, deaths, and marriages
Bridgewaters Saml., blacksmith
Cotterell Richard, shoemakr
Davies Thomas, shoemaker
Evans Samuel, tailor
Fletcher Mr. Geo., assistant overseer
Gough William, shopkeeper and postmaster
Groves Samuel, farmer
Harris Ann, schoolmistress
Langford Jane, farmer, The Hall
Price John, farmer
Pugh Jno. Frederick, schoolmaster (endowed)
Sneade Mrs. Margaret, vict., The Cross
Watts Thomas, farmer
Whittingham Wm., shoemkr
Wilding Rev. James, M.A., vicar, The Vicarage
Williams Henry, shopkeeper, auctioneer, and butcher
Wood Edward, wheelwright
DUDSTON DIRECTORY.
Gardner Humphrey, farmer, Little Moat
Groves Robert, farmer
Harris John, farmer, Great Moat
Jones Matthew Edwd., farmr
Powell Jeremiah, farmer
Smith Philip, farmer
HOCKLETON DIRECTORY.
Hughes Richard, maltster and farmer
Robinson Joseph, farmer
MARRINGTON DIRECTORY.
Bemand John, farmer
Benson Thomas, shoemaker
Farmer Thomas, farmer
Forbes Mrs. Helena, the Hall
Gittins Thomas, miller
Hurdley Francis, farmer
Makelin William, farmer
Pearce John, farmer, Kingswood
Reynolds William, farmer
Thomas John, farmer, The Bank
MARTON DIRECTORY.
Bemand Richard, farmer
Edwards Matthew, wheelwrt.
Gardner John, blacksmith
Gough Joseph, shopkeeper
Griffiths John, maltster and beerhouse keeper
Griffiths John, farmer
James William, beerhouse and shopkeeper
Jones Rev. John Peter (Independent)
Lewis Richard, farmer
Meddings John, farmer
Morgan Richard, victualler, The Sun Inn
Oliver John, cooper, shopkeeper, and carrier
Phillips Richard, farmer
Preece Mary, farmer
Roberts Samuel, blacksmith
Wilcox Richard and Evan, shoemakers & shopkeepers
MIDDLETON DIRECTORY.
Bromley William, farmer
Gittins John, farmer, Kinton
Mellings Jane & Sons, frmrs.
Preece Vincent, farmer
Price Charles, schoolmaster (national)
Rogers Richard, blacksmith
Warren Rev. Robert Edwd., M.A., incumbent
PRIESTWESTON DIRECTORY.
Davies Wm., farmer, Little Weston
Francis John, farmer, Rudge
Gough Thomas, blacksmith
Holloway John, victualler, Red Lion
Mountford John, farmer, Stapeley
Pearce Saml., farmer, Rudge
Poulton Thos., farmer, Over House
Powell Mary, farmer, Lower Aldrees
Prince Thos., farmer, Brook House
Richards Samuel, shopkpr.
Rolands John, farmer
Taylor George T. R., surgeon
Thomas John, farmer, Upper Aldrees
Thomas William, tailor
Ward John, farmer, Little Weston
Ward Thomas, farmer, New House
Williams Thomas, farmer, Hagley
RORRINGTON DIRECTORY.
Bowen William, shoemaker
Corfield John, miller
Gittins Edward, farmer
Parry William, farmer, Rorrington Hall
Powell John, farmer
Roberts Mary Ann, farmer
Stokes John, shoemaker
Whettall John, blacksmith
Whettall Martha, farmer
STOCKTON DIRECTORY.
Croft Richard, blacksmith
Jones William, farmer
M’Cape Rev. Alex., curate of Chirbury
Morris John, miller
Williams Thomas, farmer
TIMBERTH DIRECTORY.
Davis Edward, farmer
WALCOT DIRECTORY.
Humphries Edward, Esq.
WILMINGTON DIRECTORY.
Miller Samuel, farmer
Rubbathan William, farmer
Whettall Thomas, farmer
WINSBURY DIRECTORY.
Farmer Thomas, farmer
WOTHERTON DIRECTORY.
Blockley Edwd., stone mason and quarry master
Chelmick Edward, farmer
Evans David, farmer
Titley William, farmer and gamekeeper
Whettall John, farmer
BROMPTON-WITH-RISTON, OR RHISTON,
is a township in the parish of Church Stoke, six miles north-west by west of Bishop’s Castle, containing 1,560 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,168. 18s. 4d. At the census of 1841 there were 22 houses and 119 persons returned as in Brompton, and 10 houses and 71 persons in Riston. Church Stoke parish is situated in the hundred of Cawrse, in Montgomeryshire, excepting the above township. There is a good Inn in the village, called the Blue Bell, situated on Offa’s Dyke, at the junction of the Montgomery, Newtown, Bishop’s Castle and Shrewsbury turnpike roads. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis; Rev. Richard John Davies, M.A.; Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart.; Mr. George Montford: Mr. Lloyd; and Thomas Brown, Esq.
BROMPTON DIRECTORY.—Thomas Barrs, farmer; Samuel Beamond, wheelwright; Richard Blaney, farmer, The Ditches; Edward Davies, farmer, Penyllan; William Davies, farmer and vict., Blue Bell; William Ellis, farmer; Edward Evans, blacksmith; William Lockley, mason; George Montford, farmer, Pentra-heylin; William Pugh, farmer, Wellingwern farm; Evan Watkin, miller and farmer; Stephen Williams, farmer, Lock. RISTON DIRECTORY.—David Blaney, farmer, Gwarthlow; Richard Griffiths, wheelwright; Samuel Groves, farmer, Rockley; Richard Lewis, farmer, Gwarthlow; Edward Price, farmer, Cœprion Farm.
MUCKLEWICK is a township in the parish of Hyssington, in the Chirbury hundred, the rest of the parish being comprised within the bounds of the county of Montgomery. The village of Mucklewick lies in a valley five miles north of Bishop’s Castle, and at the census of 1851 had 13 houses and 64 inhabitants. The township contains 296 acres of land, exclusive of common lands, the rateable value of which is £292. 18s. 6d. The principal landowners are Richard Tibby, Esq.; R. B. More, Esq.; and Mr. William Llewellyn; besides whom there are several other smaller proprietors. An act of parliament has recently been obtained for the enclosure of the common lands in this township.
The principal residents are Thomas Evevall, farmer; William Llewellyn, farmer; William Mellings, farmer; John Preece, farmer; and Robert Preece, farmer.
SHELVE
is a sequestered parish, situated in the lower division of the hundred of Chirbury, six miles north of Bishop’s Castle, containing about 587 acres of enclosed land, 200 acres of common, and 18¾ acres of glebe; the rateable value of which is £456. 6s. 10d., and gross estimated rental, £507. 4s. Robt. Bernard More, Esq. is lord of the manor and sole landowner. At the census of 1841 there were 14 houses and 69 persons; population in 1801, 71; and in 1831, 71. This manor formerly belonged to the Corbets of Caux Castle, though it is not mentioned in Doomsday book. In the 45th Henry III., Thomas Corbet had the grant of a market here on a Friday, and a fair on the vigil, the day, and the day after the Invention of the Cross. On the Lords Corbet of Caux dying without male issue, in the 24th Edward III., Robert de Harley paid twenty-five marks relief to the king for the fourth part of the barony of Caux, of which Shelve was a parcel. The White Grit and the Bog lead mines are near this township. It is supposed that these mines were worked by the Romans in the time of Adrian; a pig of lead having been found, on which was a Roman inscription. Messrs. Edward Lloyd, Ward, and Company are the proprietors, and Mr. Edward Dickin, manager. THE CHURCH, dedicated to All Saints, is a stone edifice, with square tower, in which is one bell. It was built in the year 1839 by Robert Bernard More, Esq. The Rev. Thomas Frederick More, M.A., is the incumbent. A NATIONAL SCHOOL was built in the same year by the same benevolent individual, by whom it is also munificently supported.
DIRECTORY.—John Beamond, farmer, Benree; William Bennett, underground steward; Edward Dickin, manager, The Lead Works; John Higgins, schoolmaster; Jeremiah Powell, farmer; Thomas Powell, farmer; Thomas Price, farmer, Squilva Farm; William Rawson, farmer; Messrs. Ward and Co., White Grit Lead Mine proprietors and smelters.
WORTHEN
is an extensive parish twelve miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains the townships of Aston Pigott, Aston Rogers, Beachfield, Brockton, Bromlow, Bynweston, Grimmer, Habberley Office, Hayes, Heath (Upper and Nether), Hope, Leigh, Meadow Town, Walton, Worthen, Leighton, Rhos Goch, and Trelystan,—the last three townships are partly in Montgomeryshire. The townships of Grimmer, Habberley Office, Hayes, Upper and Nether Heath, and part of Hope, are in the Ford hundred. The entire parish comprehends an area of 14,798A. 3R. 31P. of land, the rateable value of which is £11,520. Population in 1801, 1,602; in 1831, 2,290; in 1841, 3,195; and in 1851 here were 701 houses and 3,227 inhabitants. The parish is divided into five parts or districts, namely—Bynweston district, which comprehends the townships of Bynweston, Walton, and Beachfield; Worthen, comprehending the townships of Worthen, Brockton, Aston Rogers, and Aston Pigott; Bromlow district, containing Bromlow, Meadow Town, Leigh, Grimmer, and Hope; the Heath division comprehends Upper and Lower Heath and Habberley Office; and Trelystan district, Trelystan, Rhos Goch, and Leighton. The township of Worthen is situated nine miles N.E. of Montgomery, and contains 707A. 1R. 39P. of land, the rateable value of which is £755. 16s. 6d. In 1841 there were 223 inhabitants, and in 1851 had 48 houses and 240 persons. This division of the parish contains the townships of Worthen, Aston Rogers, Aston Pigott, and Brockton, which together have an area of 3,300 acres of land. The rent charge apportioned to the rector is £461. 2s. 10d. The principal landowner in the township is Sir John Roger Kynaston, Bart., who is also lord of the manor; the Rev. Charles Awdry, Mr. Joseph Bunts, the Venerable Archdeacon Clive, Mr. Thomas Hughes, Mr. John Inions, Baldwin Francis Leighton, Esq., John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., Mr. Thomas Morris, Mr. Thomas Vaughan, and Mr. Robert Woodward, are also proprietors. The name of Worthen is derived from Worth, an old Saxon word, signifying an habitation. This manor was part of the portion that fell to Roger Corbet at the conquest. In 30th Henry III. Thomas Corbet had a grant of free warren here, and in the 54th year of the same reign he had a market on Wednesday, and a grant of two fairs, one on the eve, day, and day after the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the other on the eve, day, and day after the exaltation of the Holy Cross. Fairs are now held on April 7th, July 7th, and October 6th, for the sale of cattle and merchandise, and on the 2nd of May for the hiring of servants. The fairs are well attended with all kinds of stock.
THE CHURCH is an ancient stone edifice, dedicated to All Saints, having a square tower in which is a clock and a peal of six bells. The interior consists of nave, side aisles, and chancel, the various compartments are neatly pewed with oak. The chancel was rebuilt in the year 1761, at the expense of the then rector, and the arch which separates it from the body of the church by the parish. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £28. 14s. 7d., now returned at £1,495 in the patronage of the New College, Oxford, and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Awdry, B.C.L. The tithes of the whole parish amount to £1,194. 14s. 4d., and there are 160 acres of glebe land. There is a free school now building, chiefly at the expense of the rector.
CHARITIES.—Martha Scarlett, by will, dated 1725, bequeathed £100, the interest thereof to be paid annually to six poor widows. Besides the above there are nine other pecuniary gifts recorded on the benefaction table, amounting to £160, making in the whole £260. There are no deeds or documents relative to these bequests in the parish, but it is understood that about £160 was laid out many years ago in the purchase of a farm in Chirbury, which was sold in 1793 for £375, which, with £100 then on private security, was soon after placed out on the Pool and Montgomery House of Industry. The interest of this sum is distributed among the poor at St. Thomas’s-day.
Robert Nicholson left a house and yard in Aston for the benefit of the poor of Worthen parish for ever. In the year 1793 they were sold for £211. 2s., which, after paying the solicitor’s bill, left £204. 11s. clear. This sum was taken by the overseers of the parish (to defray an expense incurred by a new survey and valuation), who pay an annual sum of £10 as interest, which is distributed to the poor on St. Thomas’s-day.
Peter Scarlett also left a rent charge of £3 per annum for the benefit of the poor of the parish of Worthen. John Powell, by will, in 1774, bequeathed to the minister and churchwardens £150, in trust, to distribute the interest amongst the poor of the parish.
ASTON PIGOTT is a small township and pleasant village eleven miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, containing 541A. 0R. 16P. of land, the rateable value of which is £495. At the census of 1841 here were 14 houses and 82 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Mr. John Leech Rowlands, Mr. Kennedy Smith, Mr. George Griffiths, and Mr. John Inions. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a small chapel here.
ASTON ROGERS is a small rural township and village ten and a half miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, which had at the census of 1851 35 houses and 140 persons. It contains 807A. 1R. 31P. of land, the rateable value of which is £747. 15s. The principal landowners are Captain Clutton, Mrs. Platt, Mr. Kennedy Smith, and Mr. Phillips.
BEACHFIELD is a small township two and a half miles west of Worthen, which contains 597A. 2R. 4P. of land, the rateable value of which is £604. 13s. 9d. At the census of 1851 here were five houses and 23 inhabitants. The principal freeholder is Thos. Nicholls, Esq.
BROCKTON is a township and well built village thirteen miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, containing 1,114A. 1R. 21P. of land, the rateable value of which is £914. 3s. 6d. Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., is the principal landowner; Baldwin Francis Leighton, Esq., Mr. Benjamin Broston, Mr. Aaron Davies, Mr. John Evans, Mr. Alexander Hughes, Mr. Joseph Hickman, Mr. Evan Stephen, and several others are also proprietors. In 1851 here were 72 houses and 295 persons.
BROMLOW is a scattered township two miles S.W. of Worthen, situated in a bold undulating district, containing at the census of 1851 96 houses and 406 residents. The township contains 864A. 3R. 6P. of land, the rateable value of which is £557. 0s. 6d. The principal freeholders are Mr. B. Betton, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Richard Betton, Mr. John Blakemore, Mr. Thomas Blakemore, Mr. Thomas Bromley, Mr. Job Davies, and John Eddowes, Esq. Bromlow district comprehends the townships of Bromlow, Grimmer, Hope, Leigh, and Meadow Town, and contains 3,406A. 2R. 19P. of land, the rent charge on which is £282. 2s.
BYNWESTON is a township and small well built village fourteen and a half miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury. It contains 998A. 0R. 28P. of land, the rateable value of which is £835. 11s. 6d. At the census of 1851 here were eleven houses and eighty persons. John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., is lord of the manor and sole proprietor. Bynweston district comprises the townships of Bynweston, Walton, Beachfield, and the Forest of Hayes, and contains 2,112 acres of land, the rent charge on which is paid to the rector of Worthen, and amount to £229. 7s. 3d. annually.
GRIMMER is a small township one and a half mile south of Worthen, which in 1851 had eight houses and 39 persons. It contains 382A. 2R. 31P. of land, the landowners of which are the Venerable Archdeacon Clive, M.A., and the Marquis of Bath.
HABBERLEY OFFICE is a scattered township three miles S.E. by S. of Worthen, containing 61 houses and 313 inhabitants in 1841, and 58 houses and 302 persons in 1851. The township contains 1,779A. 2R. 1P. of land, the rateable value of which is £895. 17s. 3d. The Marquis of Bath is the principal landowner. The Earl of Tankerville and the Venerable Archdeacon Clive, M.A., are also proprietors. There are lead mines in this township worked by a company of shareholders.
HAYES, a small township two and a half miles S.W. of Worthen, contains two houses and 13 residents at the census of 1851. The landowners in this township are Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., and the trustees of the late John Edwards, Esq.
HEATH UPPER AND NETHER are townships situated about three miles S.E. of Worthen, containing 1,679A. 0R. 32P. of land, a great portion of which is heath and moor land. At the census of 1851 here were 142 houses and 719 persons. The principal landowners are the Marquis of Bath, Earl Tankerville, and Mr. John Rogers. The Batholes and Stiperstone lead mines are in this district. The lead ore obtained at these mines is of a superior quality, and got in large quantities. The works are carried on by Messrs. Jones and Company, who are erecting new offices and powerful engines for the purpose of extending their mining operations. Mr. William Baratt is the resident manager. The Heath division of the parish comprises the townships of Upper and Nether Heath, and Habberley Office, which together contain 4472A. 2R. of land, the tithes of which are commuted for £158. 19s. 6d.
HOPE is a chapelry and township in Worthen parish, eight miles and a half N.E. by N. of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 664A. 3R. 30P. of land, the rateable value of which is £425. 12s. At the census of 1851 here were 78 houses and 355 inhabitants. THE CHAPEL is a small structure, erected in 1843, and consists of nave and chancel, having a small turret. It is neatly pewed with open benches, and will accommodate 280 persons. In consequence of a grant from the Incorporated Society, 230 sittings are free and unappropriated. The Hope school was built in 1844, by means of a government grant and private subscription. The average attendance of scholars is 80. The principal freeholders are Mr. James Davies, Mr. William Eddowes, and John Arthur Lloyd, Esq.
LEIGH is a small township, one mile from Worthen, which contains 868A. 3R. 6P. of land, the rateable value of which is £559. 9s. In 1851 there were seven houses and 29 persons. The Venerable Archdeacon Clive is sole proprietor of the township.
LEIGHTON is a township and well built village, one mile and a half S.E. by S. of Welshpool, containing 1,568 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,792. 8s. 4d. John Naylor, Esq., is the sole proprietor of this township. In 1841 here were 44 houses and 220 persons. The village is situated on the eastern bank of the river Severn, which is crossed by a stone bridge. This estate was purchased a few years ago by its present owner, who has at a great expense drained the land, and erected new homesteads and farm buildings, and is now engaged in building a magnificent mansion. In July, 1851, the worthy proprietor commenced building a new district church, and a parsonage house for the minister. The tithes of this township are commuted for £172, of which sum £100 is given to the incumbent of Leighton. This township is in the county of Montgomery.
MEADOWTOWN is a scattered township, situated between the Hope and Shelve hills, having a population of 131 persons at the census of 1851 and 27 houses. It contains 264A. 2R. 26P. of land, the rateable value of which is £151. 13s. 6d. Mr. J. M. Edwards, Mrs. Wildblood, Mr. Morris, the Trustees of Chirbury School, and Mr. Edward Parry are the principal landowners in this township.
RHOS GOCH is a small township, in the parish of Worthen and the county of Montgomeryshire, eight miles and a half north-east of Montgomery. At the census of 1841 here were six houses and 38 inhabitants. It contains 851 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,060. The tithes are commuted for £57. 15s., and apportioned to the Rector of Worthen. John Naylor, Esq., is the principal landowner. Rhos Goch is celebrated for its mineral springs, which are efficacious in the cure of scorbutic complaints. The Beacon Ring, or mountain, is in this township, on the summit of which are the remains of a Roman encampment.
TRELYSTAN is a chapelry and district in Worthen, comprising the townships of Rhos Goch, Trelystan, and Leighton, which comprehend an area of 3,528 acres of land, the rent charge of which is £292. 10s. The township contains 21 houses and 113 inhabitants, and has an area of 1,109 acres of land. Trelystan is situated in the county of Montgomery.
WALTON is a small township, two miles and a half west of Worthen, which had at the census of 1851 three houses and twenty three persons. The principal freeholders of this township are Mr. Wm. Thomas, Miss M. Shuker, Sir J. R. Kynaston, Bart., Thos. Howell, Esq., and Mr. Edward Menlove. The township contains 953A. 0R. 3P. of land, the rateable value of which is £601.
POST OFFICE at Miss Woodward’s. Letters arrive at 9 A.M., and are despatched at 5 P.M.
WORTHEN.
Awdry Rev. Chs., The Rectory
Bennett Jsh., farmer, Scantley
Bryan Edw., farmer, Leighton
Bunce William, shoemaker
Butler Jno., farmer, The Hall
Downes Arthur, saddler and harness maker
Downes Mr. William
Downes Rd., grocer & draper
Downes Rchd., jun., relieving officer & carrier to Shrewsbury, Wednsy. & Saturday
Gough Geo., c. police const.
Gorner Rbt. plumber & glazier
Green Rev. Mr., B.A., P. C. Trelystan
Howells Thomas, shoemaker
Hughes Alx. farmer, Leighton
Hughes Susannah, farmer, Trelystan
Jacks Job, farmer, Rhos Goch
James David, farmer, Red House, Trelystan
Jones Jno. contractr. & buildr.
Jones Thos. farmer, Trelystan
Maddox Thomas, carpenter
Menlove John, Bank Farm
Morris Mr. Thomas
Naylor John, Esq., Leighton Hall
Passant Wm., Rowens Farm
Poston Rbt. farmer, Shelfield
Preece Philip, farmer, Capsill
Speake William, farmer, Minsterley Bank
Thomas William, joiner
Tomlins Edwd. farmer, Rhos Goch
Tomlinson Rev. Edward, B.A., curate
Trantem Edward, tailor
Vaughan Evan, farmer, Grove Trelystan
Weaver Mr. John
Weaver Wm., farmer & vict., Kynaston’s Arms
Williams Wm., shoemaker
Woodhouse Edward, farmer, Hogstow
Woodward Robt., grocer, draper, maltster, porter agent, and vict., White Horse
Young Alexander, vict. and maltster, Plough, Little Worthen
ASTON PIGOTT.
Cumpston John, farmer
Evans John, farmer
Home Samuel, wheelwright
Kempster Thomas, farmer
Meredith John, wheelwright
Randle Ths. maltster & farmer
Williams John, miller
ASTON ROGERS.
Bromley Thomas, farmer
Croft Thomas, blacksmith
Done Richard Sutton, farmer
Lloyd John, maltster and beer retailer
Owen Richard, farmer
Parry Jno. farmer, The Hurst
Platt Sarah, farmer
BEACHFIELD.
Groves Sarah, farmer
BROCKTON.
Braxton Benjn., wheelwright
Broston Benjamin, farmer
Davies Aaron, shopkeeper
Davies Mr. William
Evans Mr. John
Evans William, wheelwright
Hickman Joseph
Lloyd Edward, wheelwright
Menlove John, farmer, The Bank
Savage Richard, farmer
Stevan Evan, farmer
Timmis Thos. the Hall Farm
Wall William, farmer
Young Thomas, blacksmith
BROMLOW.
Bright Samuel, farmer
Butler John, blacksmith
Eddowes Edwd. Betton Farm
Eddowes John, farmer
Edwards Edwd., shopkeeper
Ellis Thomas, farmer
Hammons Jane, farmer
Jones Thos., farmer, Mincop
Rogers John, victualler, Sun Inn, and shopkeeper
Watkin Evan, farmer
BYN WESTON.
Davies John, farmer
Eddowes Richard, farmer
Jebb Thomas, farmer
Wall Robert, farmer
GRIMMER.
Eddowes John, farmer
Morris John, farmer
HABBERLEY OFFICE.
Bromley William, farmer, Lord’s Hill
Cadwalader Thomas, farmer
Johnson Wm., wood bailiff
Powell Hannah, farmer
Speake William, farmer
Vaughan John, farmer
Williams William, farmer
HAYES.
Corfield Jno. farmer, The Has
Jones Saml., farmer, Hampton Hall
HEATH UPPER AND NETHER.
Rarratt Wm., mine steward, Batholes
Davies Thos., farmer, Snailbeach
Horton, Johnson, Stainsby and Jones, lead mine proprietors, Batholes and Stiperstones
Lakin Jos. farmer, Crow Nest
Passant John, shoemaker, Gravells
Rawson Arthur, mine manager, Snailbeach
Rogers Edward, victualler, Tankerville Arms
Rogers John, victualler and shopkeeper, Gravel mine
Rogers Richard, blacksmith
Rogers Wm. farmer, Batholes
HOPE.
Dorricott Richard, carrier
Eddowes Edward, Hogster Farm and Mill
Gough Ths. farmer, Ivy House
Lindley Wm., farmer, Hope’s Gate
Rogers Mary Ann, dress mkr.
Rogers Sarah, school teacher
Williams John, farmer
LEIGH.
Jebb Thos. farmer, The Hall
MEADOWTOWN.
Clare Thos., miner & farmer
Evans Evan, frmr., Whitchley
Gwynne David, cooper
Harrison John, lead mine manager
Higginson Thomas, farmer
Jones William, shoemaker
Powlter Abrm. tailor & carrier
Quilt John, farmer
Reece Cornelius, farmer
Titley Richard, farmer
WALTON.
Brown Richard, farmer
Hilton William, farmer
Menlove Edward, farmer
Menlove John, farmer
Smout Richard, farmer
THE PURSLOW HUNDRED
is divided into the Bishop’s Castle and Stow divisions; the former of which contains the parishes of Bishop’s Castle, Lydbury North, Lydham (part of), Mindtown, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, and Wentnor; and the latter, Bedstone, Bucknell (part of), Clunbury, Clungunford, Edgton, Hopesay, Hopton Castle, Sibdon Carwood, Stowe, and Wistanstow. At the census of 1841 the two divisions of the hundred contained a population of 9,016 persons.
BEDSTONE
is a parish and township, situated six miles north-east of Knighton, which contains 737 acres, the rateable value of which is £926. 17s. At the census of 1851 here were 28 houses and 151 persons. This place was part of the inheritance which Isabel de Say, Lady of Clun, brought to William Fitzallen, her husband, in King Stephen’s time. Edward Bennett, Esq., is lord of the manor, and sole proprietor of the land. THE CHURCH is a small structure, consisting of nave and chancel, and dedicated to St. Mary. It is undergoing a complete reparation, at the expense of the rector and the lord of the manor. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., in the patronage of Benjamin Brown, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. James R. Brown. The tithes are commuted for £135, and there are 68 acres of glebe land.
DIRECTORY.—John Abley, wheelwright; Edward Bennett, Esq., Bedstone House; William Bryan, blacksmith; James Chandler, tailor; Mrs. Rosannah Edwards; John Gittins, stone mason and well sinker: Rev. Thomas Green, The Rectory; Thos. Jones, carpenter; Richard Pitchford, shopkeeper; William Plant, carrier to Ludlow and Knighton on market days; Edward Tilley, farmer; William and John Smith, farmers; William Steadman, farmer, Bedstone Hall.
BISHOP’S CASTLE
is a parish, borough, and market town, twenty miles south-west of Shrewsbury and seventeen miles north-west from Ludlow. It contains the townships of Bishop’s Castle, Broughton, Colebatch, Lea and Oakley, and Woodbatch, which comprehend an area of 5,630 acres, the rateable value of which is £9,220. 10s. The town is pleasantly situated on a declivity, near the course of the Clun, and the houses are irregularly built. In the 20th Edward I. the Bishop of Hereford claimed for his tenants of Bishop’s Castle an exemption from attending the county or hundred court, and the privilege of keeping a market every Friday, and a fair on the eve and feast of the Decollation of St. John the Baptist, and the day following. A market is still held every Friday, and fairs on the Friday before February 13th, March 26th and 27th, the first Friday after May day, on the second Monday in June, on July 5th, September 9th, and November the 13th. Bishop’s Castle, prior to the passing of the Reform Bill, returned two members to parliament. The government of the town is vested in fifteen burgesses, inclusive of a bailiff, justice, and recorder, whose jurisdiction is co-extensive with the borough. The property at their disposal produces an annual income of £38. John Beddoes, Esq., is the present bailiff; Richard Wollaston, Esq., justice; and Richard Beddoes, Esq., recorder. On the site of the Castle Inn formerly stood a castle, belonging to and a residence of the Bishop of Hereford, from whence arises the name of Bishop’s Castle. The township of Bishop’s Castle contains 1,717 acres of land. At the census of 1841 here were 373 houses and 1510 inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis and R. H. Kinchant, Esq. The bailiff of the town for the time being is lord of the manor. In 1801 the parish had a population of 1313; 1831, 2,007; 1841, 1,781. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. John, is a cruciform structure, with a fine old Norman tower of massive proportions. On the south side is an entrance of beautiful Norman workmanship. On a board in the church is the following inscription:—“This church being burned in ye civil wars, Walter Waring, Esq., of Owlbury, gave ye timber yt rebuilt it, and ye rest of ye charge was defrayed by contributions of ye parishioners.” The living is a vicarage, in the patronage of the Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. William M. Rowland. There are two small chapels in the town, one belonging to the Independents, and the other to the Primitive Methodists. The NATIONAL SCHOOL is built of stone, in the Elizabethan style, and was erected to commemorate the majority of Viscount Clive, on November 5th, 1839.
THE COUNTY COURT, for the recovery of debts not exceeding £50, is held at the Town Hall. The jurisdiction of the court embraces the following parishes, viz:—Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Clunbury, Clungunford, Church Stoke, Hopton Castle, Hyssington, Hopesay, Lydbury North, Lydham, Mainstone, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, Sneade, Shelve, and Wentnor. Judge, Uvedale Corbet, Esq., Aston Hall, near Shiffnal: Clerk, Frederick Pardoe, Esq.: Bailiff, Mr. Edward Griffiths.
THE UNION HOUSE is a brick structure faced with stone, which was built in 1844, and is capable of accommodating 240 inmates. The union embraces the parishes of Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Clunbury, Clungunford, Edgton, Hopesay, Hopton Castle, Hyssington, Lydbury North, Lydham, Mainstone, Myndtown, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, Shelve, Sneade, and Wentnor. The Medical Officers are Henry Brook, Robert Jones, Robert D. Shield, and Richard G. Wollaston: Master and Matron, Mr. and Mrs. Hamar.
CHARITIES.—Mary Morris, by will, dated 1785, left £1000 to be placed out at interest, and applied in the support of a charity school; and she also bequeathed £200 for the purpose of erecting a schoolhouse, to be called Mr. Wright’s Charity School, in remembrance of her first husband, John Wright, Esq. The testatrix further directed, that if her estate should exceed £1000, the further sum of £200 should be invested, and the interest applied to the benefit of the school. The property belonging to this charity consists of £1,598. 13s. 1d. three per cent. consols, which produce an annual dividend of £47. 19s. 2d. There is a house in Bishop’s Castle, called the Stone House, the rent of which was formerly applied in teaching poor children to read. The rent now amounts to £6. 6s., and is distributed by the churchwardens to the poor. George Baxter, by will, in 1658, left 20s. a year for ever to the poor of this parish. John Tanner, by will, dated 1677, bequeathed an annuity of £6 a year for ever, in trust, to dispose of the same as follows; viz.:—52s. yearly to be distributed in bread to twelve poor people of Bishop’s Castle; 4s. 4d. to be given to the clerk in bread annually; 20s. to be paid to the vicar of Bishop’s Castle for preaching a sermon on the second day of June, yearly; and the remaining 43s. 8d. to be given to the poor persons of the town that attend divine service on the aforesaid day. Walter Wollaston, in 1818, gave 40s. yearly for the benefit of the poor of this parish. George Bostock left £5, the interest to be given to the poor. Thomas Jones bequeathed £20 to the poor of Bishop’s Castle. The poor also participate in Mousell’s Charity, the particulars of which have been already given. Ann Gwilliam also left £100, the interest to be given to poor housekeepers resident in the out liberties of the town.
BROUGHTON is a township one mile north-west of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 850 acres of land. Rateable value, £848. 10s. At the census of 1841 there were nine houses and seventy inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis; Rev. Arthur Oakeley; John Coates, Esq.; William Summonds, Esq.; and Isaac Maddox, Esq.
COLEBATCH is a township one mile and a half south-west by south of Bishop’s Castle, containing 1,119 acres, the rateable value of which is £1,171. 10s. The principal landowners are Beriah Botfield, Esq.; Earl of Powis; Miss E. Sayce; Samuel Home, Esq.; and Joseph F. Spencer, Esq. At the census of 1841 there were 22 houses and 104 persons.
LEA AND OAKELEY is a township two miles north-east of Bishop’s Castle, containing 1,060A. 10P. of land. Rateable value, £1,171. 10s. In 1841 there were six houses and 48 persons. The land is the property of the Rev. Arthur Oakeley. There are some small remains of a castle here.
WOODBATCH is a township containing 886A. 0R. 24P. of land, the rateable value of which is £838. 10s. In 1841 there were seven houses and 49 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Beriah Botfield, Esq.; T. Hunt, Esq.; and Robert Chester, Esq.
BISHOP’S CASTLE DIRECTORY.
Anstey Jno. vict., Three Tuns
Bailey Thomas, shopkeeper
Beddoes Mr. Jno. Green Fields
Beddoes Rd. maltster & farmer
Bird John, blacksmith
Bird Martha, dress maker
Bond Henry C., watch maker
Bowen John, registrar of birth and deaths
Bowen Ths. painter, plumber and glazier
Bowyer Richard, butcher
Bluck Ths. vict. White Horse
Bright Edward, chair maker
Bright John, carpenter, and carrier to Shrewsbury
Bright Samuel, manager of North & South Wales Bank
Brook Henry, surgeon
Butler Mary Ann, tea dealer
Cooke George, shoemaker
Davies, Legge & Co, drapers and grocers
Davies Edward, chemist and druggist, & agent for Shropshire & North Wales Fire Office
Davies John, shoemaker
Davies Jno. vict. The Plough
Davies Thomas, hair dresser
Davies Agnes, dressmaker
Dubber William, printer, stationer and bookseller
Edwards George, butcher
Edwards Thomas, butcher
Farmer George N., solicitor
Green Charles, skinner
Green John, butcher
Green Richd., beerseller and chair maker
Greenhouse Howard, carrier to Shrewsbury & Ludlow, and vict., Boar’s Head
Griffiths Mr., postmaster, stationer and printer
Griffiths James, saddler and harness maker
Griffiths Thomas, solicitor
Griffiths Wm. H. watchmaker
Hammonds Charles, farmer
Hebet Mary, shopkeeper
Holl George, ironmonger
Home Edward, shopkeeper
Home Fanny, dressmaker
Home George, tea dealer
Home Hannah, dressmaker
Home Levi, vict., Red Lion
Howells Rebecca, shopkpr.
James Elizabeth, staymaker
Jenkins George, painter, plumber and glazier
Johnston John, grocer
Jones and Norton, wine and spirit merchants. (Henry H. Jones & Wm. Norton)
Jones Samuel, glass & china dealer
Knill Thomas, grocer
Lewis Richard, saddler
Lewis Thomas, blacksmith
Matthews John, watchmaker
Medlicott Jeremiah, surgeon
Meredith Richard, Academy
Minton Andrew, boot and shoe maker
Newbery, James, vict., The Castle, Excise Office and Posting House
Newell Elizbh., Stamp Office
Nicholas Edwd. stone mason
Nicholas Jno. painter & glazr.
Nicholas Richd. stone mason
North & South Wales Banking Company, Samuel Bright, Esq., manager
Nightingale John, carrier to Shrewsbury
Norton Charles, carpenter
Norton John, butcher
Norton John, tailor & woollen draper
Norton John, tanner, currier, maltster, butcher & farmer
Norton Robert, ironmonger
Norton Robert, farmer
Norton William, draper
Onians John, vict., The Harp
Palmer Francis, tailor
Pardoe Frederick, solicitor
Partridge John, blacksmith
Phillip Jno. & Co. ironmngrs.
Phillips George, shoemaker
Playfair Thomas, shopkeeper
Pugh Edward, beerseller
Pugh Thomas, carpenter
Pugh Willm. tailor & draper
Richards Thos., turner, &c.
Rimboult Rev. Samuel F., Independent
Robinson Jas. vict., The Bull
Robinson Wm., blacksmith
Rowland Rev. Wm. M., vicar
Sayce James, beerseller
Sayce John, shoemaker
Sayce John, stone mason
Thomas George, tailor and woollen draper
Tomlins Edward, shoemaker
Vickers John, cooper
Watters John, cooper
Woodhouse James, farmer
Wollaston Richard, surgeon
Williams John, baker
BROUGHTON DIRECTORY.
Bailey Thomas, farmer
Beddoes John, farmer
Maddox Isaac, farmer
COLEBATCH DIRECTORY.
Carden William, farmer
Harris William, farmer
Howard Richard, farmer
Mason Hamar, farmer
Owen John, carpenter
Thomas Edward, farmer
LEA AND OAKELEY DIRECTORIES.
Davies Wm. farmer, The Lea
Harris Jerh. farmer, The Lea
Oakeley Rev. Arthur, rector of Lydham, Oakeley House
WOODBATCH DIRECTORY.
Morris Edward, farmer
Thomas Richard, farmer
BUCKNELL
is a parish, partly in the hundred of Wigmore, in Herefordshire, and partly in that of Purslow, in Salop. That portion which is situated in Shropshire contains 2,976A. 0R. 14P. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,079. 7s. 6d. At the census of 1841 here were 85 houses and 416 persons. The village is pleasantly situated five miles N.W. of Knighton. W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq., is lord of the manor; Samuel Hotchkiss, Esq., James Steadman, Esq., P. M. Matthews, Esq., and Mr. Thomas Jones, are also proprietors. THE CHURCH is a small edifice mantled with ivy, and dedicated to St. Mary. The body of the church was repewed in the year 1684. There are three bells, one of which is dated 1639. The living is a rectory valued in the kings book at £5. 6s. 8d., in the patronage of the Grocers’ Company, London, and incumbency of the Rev. Joseph Richard Coope.
CHARITIES.—Joseph Freemantle, by will, in 1635, left a rent charge of 40s. to the poor of the parish. There is a sum of £321. 10s. 6d., three per cent. consols, standing in the names of John Stedman and Thomas Edwards, who were churchwardens about the year 1812. Of this sum £200 is supposed to have been given by John Davies, in 1745, and £50 was probably the gift of — Gretton, who is stated to have left that sum, in the Parliamentary returns of 1786. The dividends of this money are distributed to the poor of the parish. Edward Jones, by will, in 1815, left a rent charge of 20s. per annum, to be distributed to the poor in bread.
Beavan William, farmer, The Lye
Botwood Chas., shopkeeper
Coope Rev. Joseph Richard
Crow Richard, shoemaker
Davies John, builder and cabinet maker
Evans Richard, shopkeeper
Ford Thomas, agent to W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq.
George Joseph, wheelwright
Green Bine, vict., Sitwell Arms
Hotchkiss Samuel, farmer, New House
Hull Edward, beerseller and blacksmith
Jerdan William, wheelwright
Jones Richard, house agent to W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq.
Jones Thomas, farmer, Woodside
Lello Edward, farmer, Mynde
Mason John, miller
Matthews Philip Morris, Esq. Turkey Hall
Pitch Mary Ann, shopkeeper
Price William, land surveyor
Probert John, butcher
Powell Joseph, schoolmaster
Rogers Samuel, shoemaker
Sitwell Wm., G. H., Esq.
Steadman Edward, woollen draper and tailor
Steadman Miss Margaret, New House
Steadman Richard, farmer, The New Farm House
Williams John, miller
CLUNBURY
is a parish, comprising the townships of Clunbury and Causton, Clunton, Kempton, Obley, and Purslow, which at the census of 1841 had a population of 994 persons. The township of Clunbury is pleasantly situated 7 miles south-east of Bishop’s Castle, and contains with Causton 1,661A. 3R. 36P. of land, the principal owners of which are Edward Turner, Esq.; Captain Gordon; John Morris, Esq.; John Rocke, Esq.; and Charles Meteyard, Esq. In 1841 here were 66 houses and 279 persons. THE CHURCH is dedicated to St. Swithin. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. T. J. Hogg. The tithes are commuted for £179. CAUSTON township in 1841 had five houses and 21 inhabitants. CLUNTON lies about two miles east of Clun, and contains 1,974A. 3R. 33P. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,436. 5s. The tithes are commuted for £173. In 1841 here were 69 houses and 304 persons. The principal landowners are Philip Morris, Esq.; Rowland Statham, Esq.; and Rocke, Eyton, and Co. KEMPTON, a small village and township, one mile west of Clunbury, contains 1,885A. 3R. 33P. of land. Rateable value, £2,095. 10s. In 1841 here were 43 houses and 216 inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is sole landowner. OBLEY is a township on the south-western extremity of the parish, containing 1,025A. 3R. 33P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,023. 1s. The tithes are commuted for £110. In 1841 here were 30 houses and 164 inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is the sole landowner. PURSLOW is a small township in this parish, containing five houses and 31 persons.
CHARITIES.—THE PARISH SCHOOL of Clunbury was built on the waste, by subscription, and is partly supported by the rents of two closes of land. In the parliamentary returns of 1686 it is stated that Mr. Tankard left £12, the interest thereof to be given to the poor.
DIRECTORY.—Clunbury: Thomas Anthony, shopkeeper; Richard Hints, beerseller; Rev. Thomas J. Hogg, curate; Edward Jones, victualler, Purslow Hundred House; Charles Meteyard, surgeon; John Morris, farmer; John Rudd, farmer; Edward Turner, Esq., Causton Hall; Edward Tomkins, schoolmaster; John Woolley, farmer; Thomas Taylor, farmer, Causton; Thomas Weyman, farmer, Purlow Hall. Clunton: Richard Brown, farmer; John Farmer, victualler, Crown; George Hamar, farmer; Richard Williams, beerseller. Obley: James Edwards, farmer, The Combs; Joseph Edwards, farmer, Pool House; Richard Edwards, farmer; Richard Jones, farmer, New House; John Palfrey, farmer, Llanadevey. Kempton: Samuel Bright, farmer; and Francis Southern, farmer.
CLUNGUNFORD
is an extensive parish, comprising the townships of Abcott, Beckjay, Broadward, Clungunford, and Shelderton, which have an area of 3,397 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £3,054. 13s. 2d. In 1841 here were 107 houses and 554 persons. Population in 1801, 436: and in 1831, 488. The township is situated nine miles north-east of Knighton. This manor was part of the ancient inheritance of the Fitzalans, Earls of Arundel, who were also patrons of THE CHURCH, which is dedicated to St. Cuthbert. It is in the Gothic style of architecture. In the interior are some fine specimens of stained glass. The living is a rectory, in the patronage of John Rocke, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas O. Rocke. The tithes are commuted for £538. 12s. 1d., and there are 51 acres of glebe land. The principal landowners are John Rocke, Esq.; Mr. John Bridgewater; Mr. John Langslow; and Mr. John Howells. There is an Endowed School here for the benefit of the children of this parish and Broom, in Hopesay. It is endowed with 25A. 2R. 29P. of land, the rent of which is paid to a schoolmaster. There is the sum of £150 three per cent. consols, standing in the name of the Rev. John Rocke, the dividends of which are given to the poor and the school.
ABCOTT is a small township, half a mile from Clungunford, which contained at the census of 1841, 17 houses and 87 persons. The principal landowners are John Rocke, Esq.; Mr. John Langslow; Rev. John Knight; Mr. Thomas Bird; and the Trustees of Clungunford School. BECKJAY AND BROADWARD is a scattered township, two miles from Clungunford, containing 15 houses and 91 persons. The principal landowners are the Rev. S. J. Knight and George Bright, Esq. SHELDERTON is a township, two miles from the parish church. W. W. Sitwell, Esq., and the Rev. Henry Cowdell are the principal landowners.
DIRECTORY.—Clungunford: William Anslow, victualler, Cross Keys; Timothy Bishop, farmer, Rowton; John Bridgewater, farmer; Samuel Eyre, schoolmaster; John Howells, farmer; Edward P. Langslow, butcher; John Rocke, Esq., Clungunford House; Rev. Thomas O. Rocke, rector; Richard Yapp, blacksmith. Abcott: Thomas Bird, tailor; John Greenhouse, victualler, The Bird on the Rock; John Langslow, farmer, Abcott Cottage; Aaron Woolley, farmer; Thomas Woolley, farmer. Beckjay: Samuel Urwick, farmer. Shelderton: Rev. Henry Cowdell, and Charles Blakeway, farmer.
EDGTON BRUNSLOW AND HORDERLEY
is a parish situated five miles S.E. by E. of Bishop’s Castle, comprehending an area of 1,645A. 1R. 30P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,304. 0s. 9d. In 1841 here were 47 houses and 214 inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Rev. Humphrey Sandford, George Beddoes, Esq., and the Earl of Craven. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is a small structure consisting of nave and chancel, with a tower in which are three bells. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the Rev. Humphrey Sandford, and incumbency of the Rev. Folliett Sandford.
HORDERLEY is an Extra Parochial Liberty eight miles east of Edgton, which is included in that parish by the population returns. There is only one house here, called Horderley Hall, the property of Thomas Hotchkiss, Esq., and residence of John Hotchkiss, farmer.
CHARITIES.—It is stated in the parliamentary returns of 1786 that Edward James, in 1620, left £5, Humphrey Sandford, in 1735, £5, and Charles Lucas, in 1728, £2, the interest thereof to be given to the poor of this parish.
DIRECTORY.—George Beddoes, Esq.; William Bird, farmer; John Brown, farmer; Elizabeth Herbert, farmer; Thomas James, farmer; William Lucas, farmer; Charles Luther, farmer; Mary Norncott, shopkeeper; Thomas Poundley, parish clerk; and Roger Wellings, farmer.
HOPESAY
is an extensive parish and rural village situated six miles S.E. by E. of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 3,857A. 1R. 18P. of land. Rateable value, £4,430 8s. 8d. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor. The principal landowners are William M. Beddoes, Esq., Captain Henry Beddoes, James Baxter, Esq., Mr. Samuel Griffiths, and Mr. Francis Davies. In 1841 there were in this parish 160 houses and 660 inhabitants. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, comprises nave, chancel, and a massive square tower. The living is a rectory in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Philip P. Adams.
ASTON is a township and considerable village on the Ludlow and Bishop’s Castle turnpike road, seven miles S.E. of the latter place. In 1841 here were 70 houses and 292 persons. The principal landowners are Richard Marston, Esq., Mrs. Margaret Nicholls, Mr. John Cadwallader, and John Whitefoot, Esq. There is a small Baptist chapel in this village. BARLOW township is returned as having one house and eight inhabitants. BROOM and ROWTON is partly in Hopesay parish and partly in Clungunford; in the former in 1841 there were 25 houses and 96 inhabitants, and in the latter parish two houses and fifteen persons. The principal landowners are George Bright, Esq., Miss A. M. Tunstall, and Ralph Benson, Esq. CARWOOD township is returned as having seven houses and 29 inhabitants at the census of 1841. LITTLE BROMPTON is a township four miles east of Clun, which contains eleven houses and 44 persons. The Earl of Powis is sole landowner. Thomas Parks, by will, dated 1726, left £50, in trust, to be placed out at interest and given to a schoolmaster to teach six poor children of this parish. Dennis Harris left a rent charge of 10s. per annum to be given to the poor. Elizabeth Newnham, by will, dated 1750, bequeathed £30, the interest to be given to the poor of Hopsay. Jane Pugh, by will, dated 1808, bequeathed an annuity of £10, for the benefit of the poor of this parish.
DIRECTORY.—Hopesay: The Rev. Philips B. Adams, rector; William Bedell, stone mason; John Childe, shopkeeper; John Cruckson, farmer; Francis Davies, farmer; William Evans, farmer, Barlow; Samuel Griffiths, farmer; Joseph Price, vict., New Inn; The Rev. Folliett Sandford, P.C., of Edgton. Aston: John Beddoes, vict., Kangaroo; John Cadwallader, tailor; Thomas Childe, farmer; Charles Childe, farmer; James Dislee, blacksmith; Martha Griffiths, shopkeeper; Edward Jacks, farmer; Edward Lewis, corn miller; George Proctor, farmer; William Pugh, postmaster; Sarah Weyman, farmer, The Hall; John Whitefoot, Esq. Broom: George Bright, farmer; William Jacks, farmer. Little Brompton: Richard Smith, wheelwright; John Weyman, farmer.
HOPTON CASTLE
is a parish and pleasantly situated village nine miles south of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 2,366A. 3R. 5P. of land, exclusive of the hills, the rateable value of which is £1,730. At the census of 1841 here were 31 houses and 164 persons. Population in 1801, 138; and in 1831, 145. Thomas Salway Beale, Esq., is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. This manor was anciently the possession of Roger Lord Mortimer, who obtained a charter of free warren in the 14th of Edward I. In this township are the remains of a castle, from which this parish takes its name. Camden mentions Hopton Castle as being given to Walter de Clifford by Henry II. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is a small structure consisting of nave and chancel. The living is a rectory in the patronage of T. S. Beale, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. George D. Pardoe. The tithes are commuted for about £280. There are eighty acres of glebe land.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Filer, steward to T. S. Beale, Esq.; Thomas Harley, joiner; Thomas Mansell, Esq.; Rev. George D. Pardoe, rector; John Sawyer, shopkeeper; and Edward Tanner, farmer.
LYDBURY NORTH
is an extensive parish and considerable village, two and a half miles south-east from Bishop’s Castle. The parish includes the townships of Acton, Brockton, Lower Down, Eaton and Choulton, Eyton and Plowden, North Lydbury, and Totterton, which together in 1841 had a population of 908 souls; 1801, 829; 1831, 955. The township of North Lydbury contains 2,253A. 0R. 35P. of land, and in 1841 had 84 houses and 337 inhabitants. Rateable value £2,651. 7s. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is a plain substantial structure with a massive tower. The living is a vicarage, with the perpetual curacy of Norbury annexed, in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. John Bright. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £486, and the rectoral for £439. 8s., of which £411. 8s. have been apportioned to W. Plowden, Esq., £11 to the parish clerk, for the time being, and £17 to the rector of Pontesbury. The church contains many elegant monuments to the Plowden and Walcott families. The chief landowners are Earl Powis, and William Plowden, Esq. WALCOTT HALL is a spacious and elegant mansion, the occasional seat of the Earl of Powis. It contains a fine collection of paintings and Indian curiosities, collected by the first Lord Clive. The pleasure grounds are very beautifully laid out, and the park is richly wooded. At Tangley Hill are prominent vestiges of a British encampment, called the Bury Ditches. The interest of £200, bequeathed by John Shipman, in 1662, is applied in the support of the national school, another £100 has been raised by the liberality of the parishioners and the Earl of Powis for the same object, in addition to which a considerable sum is raised by annual subscriptions. The school, a substantial stone building, has been built about six years. The Poor’s Estate produces a yearly sum of £27. 10s., out of which £7 per annum is paid for educational purposes, and the residue applied in a general distribution among the poor. Richard Sayce, in 1754, left a rent charge of £2. 12s. per annum, to be given in bread.
The following are the out-townships of this parish, namely: ACTON, situated two miles south-west from Lydbury, having 816 acres of land, and in 1841, 23 houses and 108 inhabitants. BROCTON township lies about a mile from Lydbury, and has 694 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,102. 4s. In 1841 there were 30 houses and 137 inhabitants. LOWER DOWN, a small village and township, lies to the south west of Lydbury, and contains 1,207 acres, the rateable value of which is £875; population in 1841, 116; at which period there were 25 houses. EYTON AND PLOWDEN township has 872 acres, and in 1841 had 11 houses and 59 inhabitants. Rateable value £747. 13s. EATON AND CHOULTON in 1841 had 16 houses and 87 inhabitants, and contains 699 acres of land. TOTTERTON township is distant about a mile from Lydbury, and contains 775 acres of land. In 1841 there were 11 houses and 64 inhabitants; William Plowden, Esq., and the Earl of Powis, are the landowners in the above townships.
LYDBURY NORTH DIRECTORY.
Beddoes Geo. farm., Brunslow
Brereton John, farmer
Brown John, schoolmaster
Colgan Rev. Rd. (Rom. Cathol.)
Gwilt Rd., farmer, The Folly
Hodgkiss John, farmer
Lane Thomas, farmer
Lawrence John, blacksmith
Mason William, farmer
Newell Joseph, agent to the Earl of Powis
Norncott Rd. farmr. & shopkpr
Owens John, farmer
Phillips William, farmer
Southern William H., farmer
Statham John, farmer
Whitefoot Mrs. E. the Vicarage
Williams John, parish clerk
ACTON DIRECTORY.
Gwilt Richard, farmer
Luther Robert, farmer
Price George, farmer
Robinson Joseph, farmer and blacksmith
BROCKTON DIRECTORY.
Bluck William, beerseller
Blayney Thos., vict., New Inn
Bore Mr., vict., Wheat Sheaf
Davies Jane, farmer
Hamar Thomas, miller
Evans Samuel, farmer
James Mr. Thomas
Marston Richd., wheelwright
Mountford Edward, farmer
Powell James, blacksmith
Powell John, farmer
Tomlins John, farmer
CHOULTON DIRECTORY.
Edwards Ann, farmer
Gwilt Evan, farmer
Gethyn, Thomas, farmer
Wood Thomas, blacksmith
EATON DIRECTORY.
Watkins Joseph, farmer
EYTON AND PLOWDEN DIRECTORIES.
Amies Samuel, farmer
Evans Gabriel, miller & farmr
Gwilt William, farmer
Hacock Thomas, farmer
Watts Thomas, farmer
Williams John, farmer
LOWER DOWN DIRECTORY.
Farmer George, farmer
Hamar Thomas, farmer
Titley John, farmer
Whittall John, farmer
Whittall Thomas, farmer.
TOTTERTON DIRECTORY.
Bright Rev. John, vicar of Lydbury
Everall Jph. farmer, Friezland
Hodges William, farmer
Shuker William, farmer
LYDHAM
is a parish, two miles north-east from Bishop’s Castle, partly in Salop and partly in Montgomeryshire. In this county are 1,760 acres of land. Rateable value, £2,319. 5s. Gross estimated rental, £2,535. 5s. In 1841 here were 19 houses and 128 inhabitants. The Rev. Arthur Oakeley is the sole landowner and lord of the manor. The river Camlad has its source in this parish. THE CHURCH is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and the living is a rectory, rated at £10. Gross income, £462. Patron and incumbent, Rev. Arthur Oakeley.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Bright, farmer; William Davies, farmer; Edward Gwilliam, farmer, The Lodge; Thos. Mapp, farmer, Heblands; Rev. Arthur Oakeley, The Rectory; Edward Rogers, blacksmith; Edward Williams, miller.
MORE
is a parish and township, situated two miles north of Bishop’s Castle, containing 3,511 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £2,124. In 1841 here were 46 houses and 246 persons in the parish. Population in 1801, 288; and in 1831, 272. R. B. More, Esq., is the principal landowner in this parish. This place takes its name from the family of More, who have been settled here since the thirteenth century. THE CHURCH is a handsome Gothic structure, consisting of nave and chancel, in which is a beautiful stained glass window. The living is a rectory, in the patronage of R. B. More, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas F. More. The tithes are commuted for £242.
LINLEY is a township three miles N.E. of More, containing 26 houses and 123 persons. R. B. More, Esq., is sole landowner. LINLEY HALL is a handsome mansion in the Grecian style of architecture, the seat and property of R. B. More, Esq. CHARITIES.—The Rev. Edward Rogers left £35. 13s., the interest to be distributed amongst the poor. This sum, £15. 13s. of the parish stock, and £8. 14s. which was borrowed, were laid out in the purchase of land, the rent of which is now paid to a schoolmaster to teach eight poor children. MOREWOOD township at the census of 1841 had ten houses and 63 inhabitants.
DIRECTORY.—More and Morewood: Martha Burgess, farmer; James Harris, farmer; John Hill, carpenter; Robert James, farmer; Richard Jones, farmer; William Medlicott, farmer; John Mellings, farmer; Margaret Mellings, farmer; Thomas Morris, farmer; John Thomas, farmer; Thomas Wardman, farmer; John Wardman, farmer; John Wilks, farmer. Linley: Evan Abley, carpenter and wheelwright; William Jones, farmer: Robert B. More, Esq., Linley Hall; Benjamin Perkin, gardener; Richard Poulter, blacksmith; Rd. Pugh, farmer; Ed. Tomlins, shoemaker; and Joseph Whittall, mine agent.
DINMORE is an Extra Parochial Liberty two miles from Bishop’s Castle, containing about 100 acres of land, the property of William Plowden, Esq. Mr. Richard Guilt is the resident farmer.
MYNDTOWN
is a small parish five miles north east of Bishop’s Castle, on the western side of the Longmynds. It contains 906A. 3R. of land, including 347A. of common. Rateable value £425. 10s. William Plowden, Esq., is sole landowner and lord of the manor. The church is a small structure, dedicated to St. John. The living is a rectory in the patronage of Earl Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. John Rogers. The tithes are commuted for £52. 11s. 9d. There are 33 acres of glebe land.
DIRECTORY.—Edward Hammonds, farmer; John Lewis, farmer, The Hall; and Philip Shukar, farmer.
NORBURY
is a parish 4 miles N.N.E. of Bishop’s Castle, which comprises the townships of Asterton, Norbury, Whitcott, and Hardwick, and has an area of 2,685A. 2R. 25P. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,600. 3s. 8½d. The principal landowners of the township of Norbury are Robert Scott, Esq., and Thomas Harris, Esq. In 1841 there were 33 houses and 174 persons. THE CHURCH, dedicated to All Saints, is a neat structure, consisting of nave and chancel, and has a tower, in which are three bells. The living is a perpetual curacy, annexed to North Lydbury. The tithes are commuted, and £180 has been apportioned to the vicar, and £145 to William H. Plowden, Esq.
ASTERTON is a township in this parish, one mile and a half from Norbury, which had at the census of 1841 had 37 houses and 164 persons. The principal landowners are Wm. Plowden, Esq.; Edward Medlicott, Esq.; Ralph Benson, Esq.; and Edward Home, Esq. There is a small Primitive Methodist Chapel in this township.
WHITCOTT AND HARDWICK is a scattered township, containing 14 houses and 82 persons. The principal landowners are Mr. Thomas W. Ambler; James Wilkes, Esq.; and Edward Home, Esq. CHARITY.—Thomas Jacks left £10, the interest thereof to be given in bread to the poor of this parish.
DIRECTORY.—Norbury: Thomas Beamond, farmer; William Bowen, farmer; John Cook, beerseller; Thomas Cook, farmer; John Dewin, farmer; John Everall, farmer; Thomas Harris, farmer; Joseph Jones, farmer; Charles Morris farmer; Jeremiah Pugh, maltster and victualler, The Red Lion; Thomas Williams, farmer. Asterley: John Pincher, farmer; and William Pincher, farmer. Whitcott and Hardwick: Thomas W. Ambler, farmer; William Davies, miller and farmer; Edward Dewin, farmer; William Marston, farmer and beerseller; William Morris, farmer; James Wilks, farmer.
RATLINGHOPE
is a parish comprising the townships of Ratlinghope, Stitt, and Gatten, which have an area of 3,690 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,901. 8s. At the census of 1841 there were 50 houses and 315 inhabitants. The township is pleasantly situated 13 miles south-west of Shrewsbury, and comprises 1,269 acres of land, exclusive of common. Rateable value, £750. 12s. Ratlinghope township in 1841 contained 25 houses and 162 persons. Robert Scott, Esq., is lord of the manor, and the sole landowner. This place, at the Doomsday survey, was in the possession of Robert, the son of Corbet, one of whose descendants gave it to the canons regular of St. Augustine. There was anciently a priory here, in which were placed a few black canons. THE CHURCH is dedicated to St. Margaret. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s books at £3. 6s. 8d., in the patronage of Robert Scott, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Edward Homfray.
STITT AND GATTEN is a township in this parish, ten miles south-west of Shrewsbury, which contains 2,421 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,151. 8s. In 1841 there were 25 houses and 153 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Samuel Smith, Esq., and the Hon. H. W. Powys. James Rowson, in 1746, left £20 for the benefit of the poor of this parish.
DIRECTORY.—Ratlinghope: Thomas Cooke, farmer, The Coppice; John Elison, farmer; Thomas Jones, farmer; Thomas Lello, farmer; Mary Partridge, blacksmith and victualler, The Bridges; Randolph Poston, miller; Emanuel Preece, farmer. Stitt and Gatten: Edward Andrews, farmer, The Stitt; William Groves, farmer, The Stitt; Samuel Medlicott, farmer, Gatten; William Mellings, farmer, Gatten; and John Munslow, farmer, Gatten.
SIBDON CARWOOD
is a small parish eight miles S.S.E. of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 754 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £858. 12s. 6d.: gross estimated rental, £869. 13s. James Baxter, Esq. is the sole landowner, and lord of the manor. At the census of 1841 there were 12 houses and 59 persons. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is a neat edifice, rebuilt in 1741. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of James Baxter, Esq. and incumbency of the Rev. W. E. Lumb, M.A. SIBDON CASTLE is an ancient castellated mansion, situated in a picturesque position, commanding extensive and varied views of the surrounding country, and is the property of James Baxter, Esq.
DIRECTORY.—James Baxter, Esq., the Castle; Thomas Cooper, farmer; Richard Dawes, farmer; William Griffiths, farmer.
STOWE
is a parish and small village about two miles north-east by east from Knighton, which contains 2,724A. 0R. 11P. of land. At the census of 1841 there were 38 houses and 135 souls. The township of Stowe contains 748A. 2R. 25P. of land, the rateable value of which is £531. The village is romantically situated, and surrounded by lofty hills. Edward Rogers, Esq., is the landowner in this township. THE CHURCH is dedicated to St. Michael, and the living a vicarage, in the patronage of the crown: incumbent, Rev. Thomas Green. The tithes are commuted for £250, of which £45 is apportioned to Clun Hospital. There is also glebe land of the annual value of £20. DIRECTORY.—Sarah Baldwin, miller and farmer, William Langford, stone mason, and Caleb Steadman, farmer.
LURKINHOPE is a township in Stowe parish, containing 1,265A. 1R. 26P. of land, the rateable value of which is £586. 15s. The principal landowner is Charles Edwards, Esq. Sarah Bright is the resident farmer.
WESTON is a small township in the parish of Stowe, containing 710 acres, the rateable value of which is £475. 10s. Edward Rogers, Esq., is sole owner in this township. DIRECTORY.—Charles Steadman, farmer, and Edward Turner, cattle dealer.
WENTNOR
is an extensive parish comprising the townships of Adston, Home, Kinnerton, and Ritton, Medlicott and Wentnor, which have an area of 4,190 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £2,978. The village of Wentnor is pleasantly situated five and a half miles N.E. of Bishop’s Castle, and in 1841 had 43 houses and 200 inhabitants. There is a small woollen manufactory in this parish, worked by water power. THE CHURCH is dedicated to Saint Michael. The living is a rectory in the patronage of the dean and canons of Christ Church, Oxford, and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas Hunt. The tithes are commuted for £212. 10s. The principal landowners are the Rev. John Bright, Rev. G. D. Pardoe, Robert Scott, Esq., Thomas Downes, Esq., and Mrs. Sarah Medlicott. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor.
ADSTON is a township situated to the north of Wentnor, the principal landowners of which are the Rev. John Bright, Jeremiah Medlicott, Esq., Francis Norton, Esq., John Whitehurst, Esq., and H. Walters, Esq. In 1841 here were 19 houses and 100 inhabitants.
HOME is a small township containing three houses and 24 persons. The land is the property of the Rev. John Rogers.
KINNERTON AND RITTON is a township and village three miles from Wentnor, which contains 58 houses and 322 persons. Henry Lyster, Esq., is the proprietor of the land and lord of the manor.
MEDLICOTT is a township one mile from Wentnor, containing 14 houses and 60 inhabitants. John Medlicott, Esq., is lord of the manor and chief landowner; Mrs. Sarah Medlicott and Mr. Thomas Bright are also owners.
CHARITIES.—Rev. Edward Rogers, by will, dated 1788, left £50, the interest to be applied in teaching poor children of the parish to read. This sum, with the surplus of a subscription raised for building a school, to which Charles Rogers, Esq., contributed £100, was invested in the purchase of £100 stock new four per cents., and the dividends paid to a schoolmaster who teaches twelve poor children. Dr. Price bequeathed £10, and Edward Redrobe gave £10, the interest to be given to the poor on St. Thomas’s-day.
WENTNOR DIRECTORY.
Beamond John, farmer
Jones Richard, farmer
Hotchkiss William, farmer
Humphrey Rev. Thos., curate
Mapp Richard, farmer
Medlicot John, woollen manufacturer
Medlicot Sarah, beerseller
Morris John, farmer and maltster
Kirkham Edward, farmer
ADSTON DIRECTORY.
Andrews Edward, farmer
Evans John, farmer and miller
Harding John, farmer
Jameson George, farmer
Kirkham George, farmer
Kirkham Samuel, farmer
HOME DIRECTORY.
Gething John, farmer
Rogers Rev. John, rector of Myndtown
KINNERTON AND RITTON DIRECTORY.
Beamond Robert, farmer
Blockley William, farmer
Davies John, farmer
Davies William, farmer
Hotchkiss Francis, farmer
Mountford John, farmer
Potter John, farmer
Potter Jonathan, farmer
Pugh John, farmer
Walters Edward, farmer
MEDLICOTT DIRECTORY.
Bright Thomas, farmer
Hotchkiss Jeremiah, farmer
Maddox Thomas, farmer
WISTANSTOW
is an extensive parish, partly in this hundred and partly in that of Munslow, pleasantly situated ten miles north-west of Ludlow, and intersected by the Shrewsbury and Ludlow turnpike road, the Shrewsbury and Hereford railway, and the Watling street, which here divides the hundreds of Munslow and Purslow. The township contains 728A. 2R., the rateable value of which is £1,126. 1s. In 1841 the parish contained 227 houses and 1051 persons. Population in 1801, 586; and in 1851, 989. THE CHURCH, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is a cruciform structure, with a massive square tower. The living is a rectory, in the incumbency of the Rev. Christopher Swainson, and patronage of the Earl of Craven. The principal landowners are the Rev. Christopher Swainson; James Cartwright, Esq.; Thomas D. Duppa, Esq.; Mr. Thomas Owens; Mr. Edward Lewis; and Mr. William Potter.
CHENEY LONGVILLE is a township, ten miles north-west of Ludlow, containing 805A. 1R. 21P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,144, 6s. 10½d. The principal landowners are W. M. Beddoes, Esq.; Thomas D. Duppa, Esq.; and Mr. Joseph Humphreys. In 1841 here were 24 houses and 125 persons. There is a METHODIST CHAPEL in the township. A pack of hounds has been kept here for upwards of 80 years.
FELHAMPTON AND THE GROVE is a township, one mile and a half north-east of Wistanstow, containing 1,524A. 2R. 19P. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,015, 13s. the principal owners of which are the Earl of Craven; Mrs. Thursby; and Francis Marston, Esq. STREFFORD is a small village and township, ten miles north-west of Ludlow, which contains 372A. 2R. 24P. of land, the rateable value of which is £532. The Earl of Craven is the sole landowner. WITTINGSLOW is a township, one mile and a half north-west of Wistanstow, containing 536A. 2R. 12P. of land. Rateable value, £608. 4s. The chief landowners are W. M. Beddoes, Esq.; John Mier, Esq.; Mr. J. Broom; and Mr. Thomas Beman. WOOLSTON is a small village, one mile from Wistanstow, which contains 772A. 0R. 13P. of land, the rateable value of which is £721. 3s. The principal landowner is the Rev. S. J. Knight.
WISTANSTOW DIRECTORY.
Cartwright James, farmer, The Hall
Cox Thomas, butcher
Cox William, farmer
Davies Mrs. Jane
Edwards Mrs. Sarah
Ellis Rev. John S., curate
Home Richard, shopkeeper and postmaster
Jones John, farmer
Oliver Thomas, victualler, The Plough
Owens Thomas, victualler, White Horse
Owens Thomas, farmer, The Corner
Potter Mr. William
Rogers William, shopkeeper
Wilding James, draper and grocer
Williams William, saddler and harness maker
CHENEY LONGVILLE DIRECTORY.
Back Edward, farmer
Beddoes Francis, farmer
Duppa Thomas D., Esq.
Harris Elizabeth, farmer
Humphreys Joseph, tanner and shoemaker
Lucas George, farmer, Newington
Speake Joseph, schoolmaster
STREFFORD DIRECTORY.
Davies Henry, vict., The Boot
Jones John, veterinary surgn.
Jones Robert, surgeon
Rickards James, farmer
Rickards Richard, Esq.
FELHAMPTON & THE GROVE.
Blockley Edward, farmer
Bowen Richard, miller
Goode Thomas, blacksmith
Hancocks George, miller
Oakes John, Esq., Affcott
Marston Francis, Esq.
Martin John, vict., The Rest
Poole Richard, cooper
Thomas William, miller
Tomlinson John, farmer, The Marsh
Urkick Richard, farmer
WITTINGSLOW DIRECTORY.
Beman Thomas, farmer
Clare Peter, farmer
Falkingham Wm., beerseller
Harris Edward, farmer
Hotchkiss Wm., victualler, Cross Pipes
Howells John, farmer
WOOLSTON DIRECTORY.
Broom John, farmer
Martin Benjamin, farmer
Venables Thomas, farmer
THE CLUN HUNDRED
lies on the south-western verge of the county, and is bounded by Radnorshire on the west and Montgomery on the north; by the hundred of Purslow on the east and Radnorshire on the south. It is divided into the Clun and Mainstone divisions, the former having in 1841 a population of 2,077, and the latter 1,331 inhabitants. The Clun division contains the parish of Clun, and the Mainstone division the parish of Llanvair-Waterdine, part of Mainstone, and part of Bettwys-y-Crwyn.
CLUN
is an extensive parish and market town twenty-six miles S.S.W. of Shrewsbury, containing the townships of Bicton, Clun, Edicliffe, Guilden Down, Hopebendrid, Mannutton, Newcastle, Obarras, Pentrehodrey, Peerlogne, Shadwell, Spoad, Treverward, Whitcott-Evan, and Whitcott-Keysett, which together comprehend an area of about 22,000 acres, inclusive of common; of this number there are 11,882 acres subject to tithe. At the census of 1841 there were 424 houses and 2,077 persons, and in 1851 here were 2,119 inhabitants. The rent charge paid to the vicar is £802. 2s. and that to lay impropriators £415. In the township of Clun there are 3,075A. 2R. 12P. of land, the rateable value of which is £3,505. 5s., and at the census of 1841 there were 191 houses and 913 inhabitants; population in 1811, 734; and in 1831, 930 persons. The principal landowner is the Earl of Powis, who is also lord of the manor; Philip Morris, Esq., Rev. Christopher Swainson, P. M. Matthews, Esq., Thomas Evans, Esq., Mr. Thomas Hamer, Mr. Charles Bright, Mr. Edward Chelmick, Mr. John Law, and Mrs. Elizabeth Jones are also proprietors, besides whom are a number of smaller freeholders. Clun takes it name from the river Colun or Clun, which rises six miles east of the town, and flows through it, dividing it in two parts, and thence pursuing its course to the west. The town is romantically situated on a gentle eminence surrounded by lofty hills, and consists principally of one irregular street on the northern bank of the river, over which is an ancient stone bridge of five pointed arches, leading to that part of the town where the church stands. The borough of Clun, now greatly declined from its ancient station, appears from Dugdale to have been of sufficient importance, in the age immediately succeeding the Norman Conquest, to have conferred a title on the celebrated family of “Fitz-Allan.” It remained in the possession of this family till the reign of Elizabeth, when by the marriage of Mary Fitz-Allan with Philip Howard, son of Thomas Duke of Norfolk, the estate became vested in that family. From them it passed to the Walcotts, and afterwards by purchase to the family of its present possessor, the Earl of Powis, who is lord of the manor, though the Duke of Norfolk still retains the title of Baron Clun. The castle was built about the reign of Stephen by William Fitz-Allan Earl of Arundel, and being exposed to the ravages of the Welsh, it was well fortified in the 8th of King Stephen. In Richard the First’s time, the king being in the Holy Land, this castle was taken by Rees Prince of Wales, who laid all the country around waste. Prince Llewellyn in the year 1234 advanced with an army against the town, burnt the suburbs, but could not take the castle; this damage was fully revenged A.D. 1264, by an entire rout of the Welsh army at the battle of Clunne. Lewis says, “Within a quarter of a mile to the north-west of the town is a single entrenchment, said to have been raised by Owen Glendwr, as a shelter for his troops during their attack on the castle, and within half a mile to the south is Walls Castle, from which it was battered.” We are informed by Leland that this castle was “somewhat in ruins” in his time. The remains now present an interesting and picturesque object, consisting of lofty walls, the keep, and the banquet hall, and considerable masses of the ruin mark out both the ancient form and extent of this once stately pile. About two miles and a half to the N.E. is the camp of Ostorious, and five miles S.E., near the confluence of the river Clun and Teme, are the Caer or Bury Ditches, the station of that British hero, Caractacus, and the scene of his last effort against the Roman powers. The camp is of an elliptic form, comprehending an area of three or four acres of land, on the summit of a lofty eminence, commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country. The steep acclivities of the hill are defended by a triple entrenchment, which after the lapse of so many centuries is still entire.
Clun was formerly a lordship in the Marches, and was first incorporated by the Lords Marches, whose charter was confirmed by Edmund Earl of Arundel in the reign of Edward II., at which time its prescriptive right was admitted, but the charter not having been enrolled in Chancery, and all the records of the Lords Marches having been destroyed, its being an incorporate borough was proved by parole evidence. In the sixth year of King John, William Fitz Allan had a charter for a fair to be kept here for three days at Martlemas, which was the 11th of November and two days after. Fairs are now held on the last Friday in January, May 11th, June 15th, September 23rd, and November 22nd, and a market is held every Tuesday. The poor-law union of Clun comprises nineteen parishes, seventeen of which are in Shropshire, and contains a population of 10,024 persons.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. George, is an ancient structure in the early style of Norman architecture, and has evidently been of greater extent than it is at present. It has a low tower of great strength with a pyramidal roof, from the centre of which rises another tower of similar form, but of smaller dimensions; there is a peal of six bells. The most ancient part of the building is the nave, which no doubt existed prior to the Norman Conquest. The arch under the tower forming the western entrance bears a strong resemblance to the Saxon style. The northern entrance is under a highly ornamented Norman arch, on the east side of which is an arched recess, richly cinquefoiled. This church was partly destroyed in Oliver Cromwell’s time by Fleetwood, one of his generals. The living is a vicarage valued in the king’s book at £18. 10s. 5d., now £680, in the patronage of the Earl of Powis and incumbency of the Rev. Christopher Swainson. THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a neat stone chapel at Clun, built in 1834, which will accommodate 150 persons. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have also a chapel here.
CHARITIES.—Henry Earl of Northampton, by will, dated 1614, founded Clun Hospital (dedicated to the Holy Trinity), and endowed it with tithes now producing a revenue of £1,600 per annum, for the support of thirteen poor brethren, including a master or warden. The buildings comprise a quadrangle forty yards in length and the same in breadth, which were extended in the year 1845, by the erection of a chapel, and a dining hall, and a house for the warden. The management of the hospital is vested in the bailiff, vicar, and churchwardens, the steward of the lordship, the rector of Hopesay, and the warden. The Bishop of Hereford is visitor of the hospital, which now consists of 18 poor brethren, who receive 10s. per week, and a warden who receives £80 per year, with a house rent free, and firing. The chapel is beautified with a handsome window ornamented with the arms of the founder, the Earl of Powis and the Bishop of Hereford.
Sarah Like, by will, 1725, left £60, and directed that the interest thereof should be expended in teaching 15 poor children to read English.
William and Elizabeth Stirchley, by indenture, dated 1730, bequeathed nine acres of land at Hopebendrid township, in this parish, in trust, to apply the rents and profits thereof for the benefit of the poor inhabitants of Clun, to be distributed to them every Sunday in bread.
Francis Brown, who died in 1795, left £100 for the benefit of the poor of Clun, the interest thereof to be distributed in bread every Sunday. There is a sum of money in the hands of the present vicar amounting to £80, the origin of which is unknown, but it is probable that the sums of £50 stated in the returns of 1786 to have been given by Peter Meredith, and £20 by William Acton, form part of it. Interest is paid for this sum at the rate of five per cent., and what is not required for the weekly supply of bread, is given away in clothing. Randle Tonna, who died in 1799, left £100, and directed the interest thereof to be distributed among twenty poor people, in such sums as the vicar and churchwardens should appoint.
BICKTON AND WESTON is a township in Clun parish, one and a half mile N.W. by N. of that place, which in 1841 had seven houses and forty persons. It contains 1,787A. 1R. 25P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,138. 18s. 4d., and gross estimated rental, £1,208. The rent charge of this township paid to the vicar is £79. 1s. 2d., and to the lay impropriators £6. 15s. 9d. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor and the principal landowner.
EDICLIFF is a township two miles north of Clun, containing 1,028A. 2R. 9P. of land, the rateable value of which is £944. 10s., and gross estimated rental £1,037. 5s. At the census of 1841 there were 35 houses and 157 persons. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis, John and Thomas Price, Esqrs., and Mr. John Luther.
GUILDER DOWN is a small township, one mile north of Clun, containing 919A. 2R. 10P. of land, the rateable value of which is £944. 10s. The Earl of Powis is sole landowner. The rent charge paid to the vicar is £37. 8s. In 1841 here were eight houses and fifty persons.
HOPEBENDRID is a township, four miles south of Clun, containing 1,727A. 2R. 35P. of land, the rent charge of which is £53. 11s. 8d. paid to the vicar, and £29. 16s. 6d. to the lay impropriators. At the census of 1841 here were 25 houses and 138 persons. The principal landowners are Mrs. Middleton, Mr. John Hamer, and Mr. Thomas Galliers. In this township is the village of CHAPEL LAWN, where stands a chapel of ease to Clun, which was erected in the year 1844. There are 232 sittings, of which 162 are declared free and unappropriated for ever, in consequence of a grant from the incorporated society. The chapel is in the early English style of architecture. In the chancel is a richly stained glass window representing the Crucifixion.
MANUTTON is a township, one mile and a half south-west by west of Clun, containing 302A. 2R. 37P. of land, the rent charge on which is £37. 11s. 8d. The principal landowners are Mr. Thomas Jones and Mr. William Edwards. In 1841 this township contained 10 houses and 39 persons.
NEWCASTLE is a village, three miles and a half south-west by west of Clun, which contained in 1841, 32 houses and 176 inhabitants. The township has 2,989 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,066. 6s. 8d. The rent charge paid to the vicar amounts to £85. 12s. 8d., and that to the lay impropriators £22. 13s. 1d. The principal landowners are John Oakes, Esq.; the Earl of Powis; Mrs. Beaumond; Mrs. Ann Richards; and Mr. Thomas Owen. There is a Chapel of Ease here annexed to Clun parish.
OBARRIS is a township in the parish of Clun, contains 622A. 2R. 32P. of land, the rateable value of which is £308. 10s. Rent charge paid to the vicar, £19. 16s., and that to the lay impropriators is £16. 12s. 3d. In 1841 here were 17 houses and 67 inhabitants. The principal landowners are William Hamer, Esq.; Thomas Whettall, Esq.; and Mr. Thomas Middleton.
PENTREHODREY township lies about four miles south west from Clun, and consists of two farm houses and a few cottages. There are 670A. 2R. 10P. of land, the rateable value of which is £439. 12s. 6d. The small tithes paid to the vicar amount to £27. 12s. 4d., the tithes paid to the impropriators amount to £29. 12s. 10d. The principal landowners are Richard Edwards, Esq.; B. J. E. Williams, Esq.; and Richard Matthews, Esq.
PEERLOGUE, a township three miles south-west of Clun, containing 1,009A. 2R. 24P. of land. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £39. 16s. 2d., and the rectoral for £29. 11s. 4d. Rateable value of the township, £439. 12s. 6d. The principal landowners are the Rev. Christopher Swainson; Mr. Samuel Pugh; Mrs. Clark; and Mr. Thomas Jones.
SHADWELL is a small township, four miles from Clun, containing 813A. 1R. 3P. of land, the rateable value of which is £709, and the small tithes are commuted for £47. 12s. 11d., and the rectoral for £31. 13s. 8d. In 1841 here were nine houses and 59 persons. The principal landowners in this township are William Botfield, Esq., and Mr. John Luther.
SPOAD, a township three miles south-west by west of Clun, contains 12 houses and 31 persons, and has an area of 1,251A. 3R. 26P. of land, the rateable value of which is £592. 15s. 10d. Rent charge paid to the vicar, £43. 10s. 5d., and that to the lay impropriators £20. 2s. The principal landowners are Thomas Brown, Esq.; Thomas Moore, Esq.; Mr. Thomas Owen; Rev. Christopher Swainson; and Edwd. Morris, Esq.
TREVERWARD is a small township, two miles and a quarter from Clun, and contains 1,025A. 2R. 4P. of land, the rateable value of which is £315. 5s. 10d. Of the rent charge £25. 1s. 5d. is apportioned to the vicar of the parish, and £12. 2s. 1d. to the lay impropriators. In 1841 here were 20 houses and 94 persons. The principal landowners are Thomas Jones, Esq.; Trustees of T. B. Davies, Esq.; Mr. Thomas Middleton; and Mr. Richard Turner.
WHITCOTT-EVAN is a township in the parish of Clun, two miles west of the church, situated in a beautiful vale, and has an area of 426A. 1R. 11P. of land, the rateable value of which is £326. 5s The vicarial tithes are commuted for £22. 1s. 1d., and the amount paid to the lay impropriators is £13. 12s. In 1841 here were six houses and 38 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Roger Bryan, Esq., and Edward Rogers, Esq.
WHITCOTT-KEYSETT is a village and township two miles west of Clun, divided from Whitcott-Evan by the river Clun. It contains 2,303A. 0R. 24P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,267. 18s. 8d. The rent charge paid to the vicar is £81. 8s., and that to the lay impropriators £56. 13s. 5d. In 1841 here were 51 houses and 225 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Rev. John Rogers; Richard Bright, Esq.; Francis Brown, Esq.; Richard Parry, Esq.; John Wellings, Esq.; William Jones, Esq.; the Earl of Powis; Rev. Christopher Swainson; and several others. There is a small Baptist Chapel in this township.
POST OFFICE at Mrs. Thomas. Letters arrive at 11 A.M., and are despatched at 2 P.M.
CLUN DIRECTORY.
Addis John, shoemaker
Addis Richard, tailor
Baker John, baker
Beaumond Mrs. Sarah
Beaumond Wm., hairdresser
Bradley Mrs. Mary, Cromfryd
Braze Mary, baker
Bright Jeremh. vict., Buffalo
Bright Margaret, dressmaker
Bright Thomas, maltster
Bowen John, carrier to Salop
Carter Rev. William, curate
Chelmick Edwd., shoemaker
Chelmick William, beerseller
Childe Joseph, farmer
Cooke John, joiner
Coombs Lawrence, inland revenue officer
Cullis Mrs. Dorothy
Davies Ann, stationer
Davies Benjamin, stone and marble mason
Davies John, beerseller
Davies John, carpenter
Davies John, cooper
Davies Margaret, academy
Davies Mary, baker
Davies Thomas, butcher
Davies Thomas, glazier and ironmonger
Davies Wm., relieving officer
Dear Wm., supervisor, Villa
Evans Daniel, beerseller
Evans Mrs. Elizbth. Cottage
Evans Ths. Esq. Castle Cttge.
Faulkner John, mason
Farmer William, beerseller
Francis John, shoemaker
Francis John, wheelwright
Francis William, shoemaker
Gwilliam Benjamin, farmer
Hamer Jas. grocer & ironmgr.
Hamer John, farmer
Hamer Ths. frmr., Woodside
Harris Thomas, farmer
Haynes John, joiner
Heighway Thomas P. farmer, Cock’s Hall
Hinckman Walter, carrier to Ludlow
Howells Mrs. Elizabeth
Hughlings Mrs. Martha
Jones James, shoemaker
Jones Jeremiah, blacksmith
Jones Richard, tailor
Jones, William and Harley, drapers and grocers
Jones William, warden, Clun Hospital
Langford Jno. frmr. the Villa
Lewis Rev. Lewis, curate
Luther Mr. Richard
Luther William, beerseller and maltster
Matthews Thomas, farmer
Moore Jane, draper & grocer
Morgan Rev. Jenkin, curate
Morris Philip, Esq. the Hurst
Morris Thomas, butcher
Oldbury Charles, vict., White Horse
Parry Thomas, saddler
Poston Samuel, shopkeeper
Price Edward, shoemaker
Rawlings Francis, shoemaker
Rawlings John, draper and grocer
Roberts John, skinner
Rogers Mrs. Ann
Sheild Robert D., surgeon
Smith Mrs Martha
Speake Samuel, stone mason
Swainson Rev. Chrisr., vicar
Taylor Edwin, vict. Six Bells
Thomas Eliza, grocer
Thomas Richard, druggist
Vaughan Rich., stone mason
Walters Edward, weaver
Whiston John, vict. the Sun
Whittall Thomas, shoemaker
Williams Morgan, saddler and harness maker
BICTON DIRECTORY.
Collings John, farmer
Hamar Henry, farmer
Luther Martin, farmer
Statham Rowland, farmer
EDICLIFFE DIRECTORY.
Adams Richard, beerseller
Gough Thomas, farmer
Gwillian James, farmer
Thomas Edward, farmer
GUILDEN DOWN DIRECTORY.
Gwilliam Richard, farmer
Luther Thomas, farmer
HOPEBENDRID DIRECTORY.
Baldwin Saml., maltster and victualler, the Woodcock
Bright Richard, farmer
Jones John, blacksmith, Chapel Lawn
Lloyd William, farmer, Lyne-y-ven
Williams Jno. farmer, Chapel Lawn
MANUTTON DIRECTORY.
Edwards William, farmer
Matthews Isaac farmer, Wear
NEWCASTLE DIRECTORY.
Beaumond William, farmer, Fron End
Beddows Geo., farmer, Garn
Evans John, blacksmith
Hamar Henry, farmer
Hamar Thomas, farmer
Jones Richard, beerseller and shopkeeper
Southern Robert, miller
OBARRIS DIRECTORY.
Edwards Thomas, farmer
Gittins Wm. frmr. Penywarne
Hamar William, Esq.
Middleton Thomas, farmer
PENTREHODREY DIRECTORY.
Davies John, farmer
Edwards Richard, farmer, Bryncalled
PURLOGUE DIRECTORY.
Bevan Francis, farmer
Bright Charles, farmer
Jones Thomas, farmer
Mason Edward, farmer
Lewis Thomas, farmer
SHADWELL DIRECTORY.
Jones Thomas, farmer, Llanhedrick
Luther John, farmer and corn miller
Sankey John, farmer
SPOAD DIRECTORY.
Brown Thomas, farmer
Hamar Henry, farmer
Hudson Stephen, farmer
Wooley Thomas, farmer
TREVERWARD DIRECTORY.
Davies Mr. William, Upper Treverward
WHITCOTT-EVAN DIRECTORY.
Bryan Roger, Esq. Little Hall
Owens Richard, farmer
WHITCOTT-KEYSETT DIRECTORY.
Bright Richard, farmer
Brown Francis, farmer
Edwards John, farmer
Miles John, farmer
Francis John, wheelwright
Gough John, farmer
Hamar Henry, farmer
Jones James, blacksmith
Parry Richard, farmer
Wellings John, farmer
BETTWS-Y-CRWYN, OR BETTWS,
is an extensive parish, near the south-western verge of the county, nine miles north-west from Kington, comprehending the townships of Kevancalanog, Rugantine, and Trebrodier, which together comprise an area of 8,664 acres of land, of which 5,950 are in common lands. The tithes are commuted for £214. 2s. Rateable value of the parish, £2,037. 2s. 6d. At the census of 1841 there were 308 inhabitants; 1851, 452.
KEVANCALANOG township has a scattered population, and in 1841 had 232 inhabitants, at which period 19 persons were returned as resident in Clun parish. This township contains 4,800 acres of land, the tithes of which have been commuted for £67. 5s. The Earl of Powis is the principal landowner and lord of the manor. Michael Jones, Esq., and others are also proprietors.
RUGANTINE township lies on the western borders of the county, and contains 1,970 acres of land, separated from Radnorshire by the river Teme, which adds beauty and fertility to this delightful valley. One thousand three hundred and fifty acres of the land in this township are in open common. The principal owners are the Earl of Powis; John Lloyd, Esq.; William Price, Esq.; and George Green, Esq. At the census of 1841 there were 19 houses and 100 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £66. 7s.
TREBRODIER, a township in the parish of Bettws-y-Crwyn, is situated on the south-west verge of the county, on the borders of Wales. In 1841 there were 26 houses and 139 inhabitants. The chief landowners are the Earl of Powis; Edward Jones, Esq.; Thomas Hamer, Esq.; Michael Jones, Esq.; Mr. Francis Howells; and Mr. Charles Lloyd. At the MOAT, in this township, the residence of E. Jones, Esq., is a lofty mound, or barrow of the ancient Britons, which is surrounded by a deep moat. THE CHURCH is an irregular built structure of considerable antiquity, in an isolated position, and surrounded by uninclosed lands. It consists of nave and chancel, and has a belfry with one bell, which can only be heard at one house in the whole parish. The ceiling of the church is of timber, beautifully carved. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. R. N. Kinchant.
DIRECTORIES.—Kevancalanog: John Brown, farmer, Dyfryn; William Davies, farmer, Brook House; Richard Gough, farmer; Mary Hamer, farmer, Dyfryn; Richard Hudson, farmer, Black Mountain; Edward Jones, farmer, Moar Hall; Edward Owen, farmer, Hall of the Forest; John Price, farmer, Upper Lawn; William Pritchard, farmer, New House.
Rugantine: Joseph and Thomas Chandler, farmers; John Davies, farmer; George Lloyd, farmer; John Lloyd, farmer; William Price, farmer.
Trebrodier: George Hamer, farmer; William Hughes, farmer; Edward Jones, farmer, The Moat: Mr. Chas. Lloyd, Bettws; John Lloyd, farmer, Bettws; John Morris, farmer, Hambly-cot-farm; William Richards, farmer, Cross House.
LLANVAIR-WATERDINE
is an extensive parish on the extreme south western borders of Shropshire, divided from Radnorshire by the river Teme. It contains the townships of Clewilsey, Funnanvair, Llanvair, Maneythesney, Selley, Skyborry, and Trebert, which had at the census of 1841 108 houses and 603 inhabitants; population in 1801, 466; and in 1831, 566. The village of Llanvair is pleasantly situated on the northern banks of the river Teme, four miles N.W. of Knighton, and has an area of 280A. 1R. 20P. of land, the rateable value of which is £312. 0s. 6d. The principal landowners are the trustees of Millington’s charity, Shrewsbury; George Davies, Esq., and Edward Griffiths, Esq. The township had at the census of 1841 twenty houses and 102 persons.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, consists of nave, chancel, and south aisle, which is separated from the body of the church by a row of oak pillars, beautifully carved. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the Earl of Powis and incumbency of the Rev. John R. N. Kinchant. The tithes are commuted for £375. Previous to the year 1714 several donors left sums of money, amounting in the whole to £40, for the benefit of the poor, which was expended in 1714 in the purchase of about three acres of ground, the rent of which is now given to the poor. The Rev. John Davies, D.D., by will, left the sum of £100 for the benefit of the poor. This sum was lost in 1772, by the insolvency of the person in whose hands it was placed out at interest.
DIRECTORY.—Richard Bright, vict., Red Lion; Benjamin Brown, blacksmith; George Davies, farmer, Black Hall; Richard Davies, wheelwright; John Griffiths, shoemaker; Joseph Miles, shoemaker; Mary Price, farmer, Meadow Cottage; Edward Trudge, farmer, Llanvair Hall.
CLEWILSEY is a township three miles N.W. of Llanvair, containing 1,167A. 3R. of land, the rateable value of which is £825. 6s. The principal landowners are Mrs. Conway, Edward Price, Esq., Mrs. Maria Rutter, Mrs. Ann Richards, and the Earl of Powis. The village contains 32 houses and 306 persons. DIRECTORY.—Martha Bowen, farmer; James Edwards, farmer, Brynbeddow; Edward Price, farmer, The Runnis; Richard Thomas, farmer.
FUNNANVAIR is a township in Llanvair-Waterdine parish, which contains 432 acres of land. Rateable value, £321. 18s. In 1841 there were fifteen houses and 74 inhabitants. The principal landowners are C. L. Duppa Duppa, Esq.; Edward Griffiths, Esq.; and Mr. John Griffiths, besides whom are a number of smaller freeholders. DIRECTORY.—Evan Davies, farmer, Blain-y-dree; John Lyre, farmer, Cwm Brain.
MANEYTHESNEY is a township one and a half mile S.W. of Llanvair, which contains 712 acres of land. Rateable value, £685. 7s. 6d. The township at the census of 1841 had eleven houses and 52 inhabitants. The principal landowners are the trustees of Millington’s charity, Shrewsbury; and Thomas Jones, Esq. DIRECTORY.—Edward Griffiths, farmer, Melling-y-groge; Thomas Jones, farmer, and Jonathan Swancott, farmer.
SELLEY is a township two and three quarter miles N.E. of Llanvair, which contains 516 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £285. 6s. 8d. The principal landowners are Henry Powell, Esq.; Walter Lander, Esq.; and Edward Hamar, Esq. At the census of 1841 here were three houses and 25 persons. DIRECTORY.—Richard Edwards, farmer, Garbett; John Collins, farmer, Little Selley; and Penry Powell, farmer, Selley Hall.
SKYBORRY is a township one mile N.W. of Knighton, which has a population of 98 persons and 21 houses. It comprehends an area of 839 acres, the rateable value of which is £775. 3s. 4d. The principal landowners are John Davies, Esq.; John Edwards, Esq.; Michael Jones, Esq.; Henry Powell, Esq.; and Mr. Thomas Bright. DIRECTORY.—John Bevan, farmer, Monach-ty; Charles Edwards, farmer; Michael Jones, Esq., Nether Skyborry; and William Parr, farmer.
TREBERT is a small township containing 662A. 2R. of land, the rateable value of which is £422. 6s. 8d. The principal landowners are the trustees of Millington’s charity, Shrewsbury; the Rev. John R. N. Kinchant; and James Lee, Esq. The parsonage house is situated in this township. DIRECTORY.—Charles Davies, Esq., The Craig; Mrs. Jane Davies, Landinshup; the Rev. John R. N. Kinchant, incumbent, of Llanvair-Waterdine; and Ann Price, farmer, The Veddw.
MAINSTONE
is a parish partly in this county and partly in that of Montgomery, which comprises the townships of Mainstone, Edenhope, Knuck and Reilth. At the census of 1801 the parish had 406 inhabitants; in 1831, 462; 1841, 449; of whom 276 persons were returned as in this county, and the remainder in Montgomeryshire. “The village of Mainstone is situated in a hilly district, four miles south-west by west from Bishop’s Castle. The township contains 362A. 1R. 38P. of land, and in 1841 had 17 houses and 91 inhabitants. Rateable value £306. 12s. 6d. The principal landowners are the Misses Beck, Rev. John Harrison, and Mr. Benjamin Beddoes. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor. THE CHURCH is an antique structure of unpresuming appearance, dedicated to St. John. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., in the patronage of the lord chancellor: the incumbent is a non-resident. The tithes are commuted for £343. This parish is intersected by Offas Dyke.
CHARITIES.—Lewis Reynolds, John Price, Hugh Edwards, John Daniel, William Farmer and John Lateward, left in the whole £25. 10s., of which £23. 10s. was laid out in the purchase of about an acre of land, called Comb-y-Llan, which is let for £1. 10s. per annum. Catherine Thomas in 1722 left a rent charge of 12s. issuing out of a meadow in Mainstone, and directed it to be distributed among the poor not receiving parochial relief. Nathaniel Shuker in 1735 conveyed a piece of land called the Little Meadow, in trust, for the benefit of the poor; it now produces a yearly rent of 25s. The several sums above mentioned, amounting to £3. 7s. per annum, are divided into two parts, and one part is distributed on the north side, which is in the county of Montgomery, and the other on the south side, in the county of Salop. Humphrey Bird left £10 to the poor of the Shropshire part of the parish of Mainstone. John Edwards in 1722 left £5 for the benefit of the poor. The sum of 10s. was annually paid by the donor’s grandson up to the time of his death, in 1806, and he requested his executor to pay 10s. a year in addition to the 5s. a year left by his grandfather. Since Mr. Edwards’ death, the sum of 10s. only has been received; but it appears evident that 15s. yearly ought to be paid in respect of these charities, according to the intentions of the donors.
EDENHOPE, a township and small village in the parish of Mainstone, six miles north-west from Clun, comprises 1,673A. 1R. 1P. of land, the rateable value of which is £764. 7s. The tithes are commuted for £86. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis; Henry Lyster, Esq.; John Coates, Esq.: there are also a few smaller proprietors.
KNUCK, a small township with a few cottage residences, is situated about a mile south from Mainstone, contains 594 acres of land, and in 1841 had five houses and 26 inhabitants. The chief landowners are the Misses Beck, Earl Powis, and John Sankey, Esq. Rateable value of the township, £355. 18s. 6d.
REILTH, a township in Mainstone parish, comprising 717A. 3R. 13P. of land, the rateable value of which is £484. 0s. 6d. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis; Richard Sankey, Esq.; Beriah Botfield, Esq.; and the Rev. R. Browne. In 1841 there were 10 houses and 64 inhabitants. DIRECTORY.—Mainstone: Benjamin Beddoes, farmer; John Lewis, farmer; George Morris, blacksmith; John Powell, schoolmaster, Churchtown; Thomas Powell, shoemaker. Edenhope: Edward Davies, farmer; Richard Hudson, farmer, Helfield; Edward Jones, farmer; John Thomas, farmer. Reilth: Richard Sankey, Esq., The Reilth.
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PRINTED BY SAMUEL HARRISON, BOOKSELLER, &C., 5, HIGH STREET, SHEFFIELD
FOOTNOTES.
{ii} Unfortunately this was not present in the copy transcribed and so has had to be omitted in this transcription.—DP.
{32} The errata has been applied in the transcription. However, the page 445 has not because Charles Nowell Hill name occurs on other pages where it is not corrected.—DP.