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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..631cf59 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #62274 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62274) diff --git a/old/62274-0.txt b/old/62274-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 77ada77..0000000 --- a/old/62274-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4144 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Stranger in Shrewsbury, by Thomas Howell - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: The Stranger in Shrewsbury - or, an historic and descriptive view of Shrewsbury - - -Author: Thomas Howell - - - -Release Date: May 29, 2020 [eBook #62274] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STRANGER IN SHREWSBURY*** - - -Transcribed from the 1824 (second) edition by David Price, email -ccx074@pglaf.org - - [Picture: Public domain book cover] - - [Picture: Shrewsbury Castle from river] - - - - - - THE - STRANGER - IN - SHREWSBURY: - OR, - _AN HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE_ - VIEW - OF - SHREWSBURY - AND - _ITS ENVIRONS_. - - - * * * * * - - _BY THOMAS HOWELL_. - - * * * * * - - SECOND EDITION. - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ - - A lovely spot - For all that life can ask! Salubrious! mild! - Its hills are green: its woods and prospects fair! - Its meadows fertile! And to crown the whole - In one delightful word—it is our Home— - Our Native Place. - - COTTLE’S ALFRED. - - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ - - Shrewsbury: - _PRINTED AND SOLD BY THE AUTHOR_, - And by the Booksellers in the County. - - 1824. - - * * * * * - -THE author cannot permit a second edition of the Stranger to issue from -the press, without acknowledging the lasting obligation he is under to -his fellow-townsmen, for the friendly patronage bestowed on its first -appearance. - -Shrewsbury, - _May_ 18, 1824. - - * * * * * - - - - -_HISTORY_. - - -THE carelessness which in many instances is evident in the orthography of -our ancestors, frequently renders it matter of extreme difficulty to fix, -with accuracy and precision, the etymology of places which in early times -were conspicuous for the parts they bore in our national transactions. - -This is in some measure the situation of Shrewsbury, which by the ancient -Welsh was called Ymwithig, or “the Delight;” by the Britons Pengwern; and -by the Saxons Scrobbesbyrig; the two latter names signifying nearly the -same, “the Head of the Alder Groves.” But it is probable that the -Normans after their conquest of the Island, either from inability to -pronounce the harsher Saxon words, or from the spirit of innovation on -the names and manners of the inhabitants, generally possessed by -conquerors, were induced to soften the term into Shrobbesburie and -Sloppesburie, from whence were derived the modern names of Shrewsbury and -Salop, in latin Salopia. Some are inclined to think the latter name was -formed from the two Saxon words _sel_, signifying pleasant, and _hope_, -the side of a hill, which certainly accords with its situation. - -Leland, the antiquary and poet, in his description of the town, thus -accounts for its name:— - - Built on a hill, fair Salop greets the eye, - While Severn forms a crescent gliding by; - Two bridges cross the navigable stream, - And British Alders gave the town a name. - -Although much doubt remains relative to the founder of Shrewsbury, it is -certain that “it was repaired about the year 552 by Maelgwyn, king of -North Wales;” and the most probable conjecture is, that it was erected -between the years 520 and 594 by the Britons, in order to protect -themselves from the bloody ravages and harrassing incursions of the -Saxons who had previously levelled the Roman Uriconium (the present -Wroxeter) and its fortress with the ground, and forced them to retreat -beyond the Severn, which then became the boundary of the kingdom of -Mercia. - -The Britons having established themselves on the hill Pengwerne, founded -a city, which became the metropolis of that part of Wales called Powis, -one of the princes of which, Brochwell Ysithroc, had his residence here -in 617, and thence it was named Pengwerne Powis.—The blood-thirsty spirit -of their Saxon invaders still pursued them: after several dreadful and -sanguinary contests with the merciless Offa, the British Prince was at -length compelled to abandon the patrimony of his ancestors and retire to -Mathrafal, amidst the mountains of Montgomeryshire, after witnessing the -destruction of his princely mansion, which stood on the spot lately -occupied by the church of St. Chad; and finally, in 777, to surrender -that part of the country situated between the Severn and a deep dyke and -high rampart, extending 100 miles over roads and mountains and across -deep vallies and rivers, which Offa threw up as a new boundary between -them and Mercia. - -In the reign of Alfred, Shrewsbury was numbered among the British cities, -by the name of Caer Pengwerne; and during that of Edward the elder, a -mint was established here, as appears from a piece of coin now in -preservation, with this inscription, _Edward Rex Angliæ_, and on the -reverse _Aelmaer on Scrobe_. - -Ethelred, with his court, kept the Christmas of 1006 at Shrewsbury, and -being unable to resist the perpetual attacks of the Danes, then invading -England under Swaine, he summoned a council here, by whose advice he paid -£30,000, to procure a temporary and inglorious peace. About the same -time Alfhelm, a prince of the blood, was invited to a banquet here by -Edric, duke of Mercia and whilst hunting in the neighbourhood was -murdered by one Godwin Porthund, a butcher, at the instigation of Edric, -and from whence it is supposed arose the custom, recited in Doomsday -Book, that whenever the king was here, twelve of the chief citizens -should guard his person during his residence in the city, and attend him -when he enjoyed himself with the pleasures of the chase. - -In the year 1016, the inhabitants having revolted to Canute, Edmund, -afterwards, when king surnamed Ironside, marched quickly hither from the -north, and having taken the city, exercised every species of cruelty on -them as a punishment for their revolt. - -No material transactions appear to have occurred in the annals of -Shrewsbury for nearly half a century, from the last named date until the -conquest of England by the Normans under William. The city was then -granted, together with nearly the whole of the county and a great -proportion of land in other parts of the kingdom, to Roger de Montgomery, -a Norman chief related to William, and by whom he was attended in his -English expedition. Roger was no sooner put in possession of his newly -acquired property, than being sensible of the advantages resulting from -the situation of the town, he constituted it the capital of his earldom, -and fixed his abode in it as lord paramount of the county; and having -judiciously built a castle on the isthmus, for the purpose of protecting -his residence from the attack of his enemies, with the assistance of -inferior barons of his court, administered various solemn and kingly acts -of justice, donation, and investiture within its walls. Earl Roger was, -however, not suffered to enjoy the immense possessions bestowed on him by -the Norman conqueror without molestation: Owen Gwynedd, a spirited Welsh -chieftain, excited either by hopes of plunder or a desire to dispossess -the invaders, of a place which was capable of being rendered a great -annoyance to his countrymen in the hands of powerful enemies, attacked it -with a considerable body of Welsh; and so important was his attack -considered by William, that he marched with a numerous army from the -north, for the purpose of repelling the daring disturber; nor did his -usual good fortune desert him in this instance, Owen being defeated and a -great portion of his followers slain. As a suitable acknowledgment to -divine providence for his good fortune and the splendid triumphs of his -arms, the Earl founded the benedictine Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul. -A short time previous to his death he was shorn a monk. He died July -27th, 1094, and was buried in the chapel of the Abbey; over his tomb was -placed an armed knight in stone. - -Robert de Belesme, son of Roger de Montgomery, who succeeded his brother -Hugh the Red in the earldom of Shrewsbury, united with the party who -wished to seat Robert, duke of Normandy, on the throne, in lieu of Henry -the First; and on the coronation of that monarch, openly rebelled against -his authority, placing the castle under the command of Roger de Corbet, -and garrisoning it with 80 soldiers. Henry immediately marched for -Shrewsbury at the head of 60,000 men, and threatening, if the town was -not delivered up to him in three days, to hang all he should find -therein, Robert surrendered, and sent the keys to the king by Ralph, -abbot of Seez, imploring his clemency: this was granted, but Robert was -banished to Normandy, his immense estates forfeited, and the splendour of -his baronial house for ever extinguished. Henry then took the government -of the town into his own hands, and granted the inhabitants their first -charter.—The restless disposition of Robert however still incited him to -fresh acts of rebellion, but being taken prisoner, he was brought over to -England, and being sentenced to perpetual imprisonment, he at length died -a miserable death in Wareham castle. - -In 1116, the nobility of the realm did homage to William, Henry’s son, at -Shrewsbury, and swore allegiance to his father. - -The conquest of Wales had always been a leading object in the politics of -England, not only from the desire of more extensive dominion, but as a -means of preventing in future the devastation and misery which the -animosity of a warlike and injured people had occasioned on the English -borders. The utility likewise of employing in foreign enterprises a -martial nobility, inclined the Norman princes to encourage, by every -incitement of advantage and honour, the dangerous designs of subduing or -of making settlements in Wales. The consequence of the attacks of the -rapacious Norman barons on the Welsh was, that Shrewsbury was continually -subject to the ravages and injuries of the contending parties. Besides -this, its natural strength and situation on the borders, or as they were -then termed the Marches of Wales, rendered it extremely eligible for the -rendezvous of the army employed in the Principality, and it was therefore -frequently honoured with the presence of those who swayed the sceptre of -Britain. - -During the struggles between Stephen and the empress Maud, William Fitz -Alan, governor of the castle of Shrewsbury, espoused the cause of the -latter, and being joined by several noblemen and gentlemen in these -parts, left his castle in the care of a deputy, from whom he exacted an -oath that he would not deliver up his charge to the king. Stephen having -taken the castle, and hanged several of the garrison for the obstinacy of -their defence, Alan was forced to fly, leaving his castle and estates in -the possession of the king; but on the accession of Henry II. he was -restored to all his honours and estates, for his faithful adherence to -the fortunes of the family. - -In the beginning of the reign of king John, a royal council was assembled -in Shrewsbury for the purpose of devising means to put a stop to the -continual and harrassing incursions of the Welsh. Gwenwynwyn, prince of -Powis, offered terms of reconciliation, but, without any apparent cause, -he was detained a prisoner.—The Welsh shortly after attempted to recover -their liberties; on this occasion John assembled a large army at -Oswestry, and released Gwenwynwyn and several other Welsh chieftains, who -immediately repaired to his standard with all the forces they could -muster. Llewellin ap Jorwerth, who then governed Wales, was obliged to -retire before this powerful army of the British monarch, and delivered -hostages to answer for the rectitude of his conduct. But Llewellin, -fired with the idea of rescuing his countrymen from the yoke of foreign -government, once more broke the truce which had been concluded. - -When intelligence of this event reached John, his heart was so steeled -against the feelings of humanity that he ordered the immediate execution -of the hostages, 28 in number, and chiefly children allied to the first -families in Wales—a deed which renders his name worthy to be recorded on -the same page, in the annals of cruelty, with that of Nero. Nottingham -was the place in which this tragical drama was acted, and from thence -John marched with his army for the purpose of chastising the Welsh; but -fear and distrust took possession of his mind, and learning that the Pope -had dissolved the allegiance of his subjects, he dismissed his army on a -sudden and returned to London. Llewellin soon after suddenly appeared -before Shrewsbury, which he now entered without opposition; nor did a -long period elapse before the Welsh took ample vengeance for the -cruelties committed on their countrymen. An insurrection having broke -out in England, in consequence of the unpopular ministry of Peter de -Roche bishop of Winchester, in the 17th of Henry III. many of the barons -joined Llewellin, and having united their forces, laid waste the Marches, -and entering Shrewsbury, after having plundered and burnt the town, in -which were considerable riches, they put many of the inhabitants to the -sword. Notwithstanding peace was established between the contending -monarchs, the national jealousies and deep rooted hatred of the two -nations were the fruitful source of perpetual conflicts, to repress -which, Henry marched with his array to Shrewsbury, where, in 1269, peace -was again restored, through the mediation of the Pope’s legate; and the -town and castle of Shrewsbury were placed under the care of Edward, the -king’s eldest son, afterwards the celebrated Edward I. - -On the death of his father, Edward succeeded to the throne, and -determined to exert every effort which his power and talents afforded, to -obtain what had long been the object of his ambition, the entire conquest -of Wales. Soon after Easter, 1277, Edward left London to regulate the -measures of the ensuing campaign; and that the administration of justice -might not be delayed, by the absence of the king and the length of the -war, he removed the Court of Exchequer and the Court of King’s Bench to -Shrewsbury. - -In the general accommodation made with the vanquished followers of Simon -de Montfort, earl of Leicester, in 1264, Llewellin ap Gryffydd was -included; but he saw that a blow was meditating by the English king, -which though suspended for a time, would be the more severe, and fall -with greater weight on his country. Llewellin thought it prudent to -secure the support of the adherents of the house of Montfort, of whom -many yet remained in England by solemnizing his marriage with the -daughter of the late earl. He therefore demanded the young lady from the -French king, to whose court on the demise of her father she had retired, -but on her passage to Wales she was taken by some of the English vessels -and detained at the court of Edward. Llewellin demanded the fulfilment -of a treaty made between Henry III. and himself and the release of his -bride from Edward, while the latter required Llewellin to appear and do -homage for his kingdom, which he refused to perform unless hostages were -delivered for the safety of his person. This was the ostensible cause of -the war undertaken by Edward, and the pretext for attempting an entire -conquest of the principality. Edward cautiously avoided putting to the -test the well known valour of a nation inflamed with a just sense of -their wrongs and proud of their ancient independence.—Llewellin unable to -face an enemy pressing on by slow, cautious, and decisive operations, -returned to the mountains of Snowdon, and Edward not choosing to enter -the recesses of that difficult country, calmly awaited the result of his -policy. The prospect of a famine seconded his prudential schemes, and -Llewellin had no better alternative than to implore the clemency of the -English monarch. Little generosity or pity was to be expected in the -terms granted by Edward, and accordingly Llewellin agreed to pay 5000 -marks as a fine; to do homage for his crown; to relinquish all the -country between Chester and the river Conway; and to deliver hostages for -his future submission. - -On his return to London, Edward was attended by the Welsh prince and a -numerous retinue of chieftains, for the purpose of swearing fealty to -their conqueror. During their stay they were continual subjects of -derision to the populace, who treated them as savages and laughed at -their foreign garb and unusual appearance. To a people proud and -irascible, and who, though vanquished, were still alive to injury and -insult—to a sense of their own valour, and to the fond idea of their -native independence, this treatment could not be pleasing. They -therefore, privately entered into an agreement to revolt on the first -opportunity; resolving to die in their own country as freemen, rather -than come any more as vassals into England, to be the sport of a haughty -and contemptuous nation. Accordingly they flew to arms. Edward, -surprised to find himself again attacked by the Welsh prince, determined -to crush effectually the rebellious spirit of the Welsh, and advanced -from Shrewsbury with a considerable army. The progress of the king was -at first slow, in consequence of several advantages gained over him by -Llewellin, but the latter being at length surprised near Builth, in -Brecknockshire, he was defeated, and together with 2000 of his soldiers, -slain. Gratitude could pay no tribute to his memory so expressive, as -the tears which his country shed upon the tomb of their prince, who, -after many efforts to preserve the freedom of the land which gave him -birth, fell in the conflict, and found an honorable grave in its ruins. - -David who had previously forgotten the feuds which disturbed the peace of -his family and country, assumed, on the death of his brother, the -sovereignty of North Wales; but after various unsuccessful struggles, he -was basely betrayed into the hands of Edward, who confined him in -Rhuddlan castle, and soon after sent him in chains to Shrewsbury. - -Edward now (1283) summoned a parliament to meet at Shrewsbury, for -“consulting what course to take with David prince of Wales,” whence, in a -few days it was removed to Acton Burnell. David, whilst at the English -Court had been made a baron of the realm, and it was in consequence -determined to proceed against him as a subject of the crown. His judges, -deaf to the claims of humanity and justice, and influenced, no doubt, by -their desire to gratify the implacable and vindictive spirit of their -master, condemned him to die as a traitor. For this act of revenge, new -tortures were invented.—He was sentenced to be drawn at a horse’s tail -through the town—to be hanged—his heart and bowels to be burnt—his head -to be cut off, and exposed at the tower of London, and his body quartered -and hung up in different parts of the kingdom. On the death of this -prince, the Welsh every where submitted to the victorious arms of the -conqueror. - -The tragical and cruel death of David closed the only sovereignty which -remained of the ancient British empire: an empire which through various -changes of fortune, had opposed the disciplined legions of imperial Rome; -and for more than eight hundred years, had valiantly withstood the most -strenuous efforts of their Saxon and Norman invaders. - -The conquest of Wales by the English monarch was of great importance to -Shrewsbury, the inhabitants of which had now time for breathing, after -having been for nearly 800 years in the scene of continual warfare. - -Edward II. visited Shrewsbury in 1322, on his march to subdue the barons -who had justly banished the Spencers and was met by the burgesses in -armour, who escorted him into the town. About this period, John, one of -the sons of the famous Roger Mortimer, earl of March, was slain in a -tournament held here. In 1326, Edmund Fitz Alan, earl of Arundel, who -had been a faithful adherent of the weak and unfortunate Edward, was -apprehended in the neighbourhood of this place by the partizans of the -abandoned Queen and her paramour Roger Mortimer. - -Richard II. who appears to have been particularly attached to the -inhabitants of these marches, summoned a parliament to assemble at -Shrewsbury in 1397, and which is called by Speed the “great parliament,” -in consequence of the extraordinary number of peers who assembled here. -The king was sumptuously entertained, and the parliament too much devoted -to his interests, passed several very oppressive acts. One of the -articles of accusation on which he was afterwards deposed, charges him -with “procuring the many oppressive acts passed in the parliament of -Shrewsbury, and with intimidating the judges and other persons whom he -caused to come before him there.” - -In the following reign the Welsh made another attempt to recover their -freedom under the celebrated Owen Glyndwr. Twice were Henry and his -generals obliged to retire from their meditated attack of Owen without -bringing him to any action, and his rebellion assumed a more serious -appearance from the support which he received from the earls of -Northumberland and Worcester, and the earl of Douglas, who were disgusted -with the treatment which they had received from Henry. At the -commencement of the war, Northumberland was suddenly taken ill at -Berwick—Hotspur his son accordingly took the command of the troops, -amounting to about 12,000 chosen men, and marched towards Shrewsbury to -unite his forces with those of the Welsh chieftain. The king aware of -the importance of every moment, also hurried to Shrewsbury, and -interposed himself between Hotspur and Glyndwr. This moment saved his -crown; and the prudence of the one leader and the impetuosity of the -other induced them to hasten a general engagement. - -Previous to the engagement, Henry sent Thomas Presbury, abbot of -Shrewsbury, with offers of pardon to Percy’s army if they would disperse, -but this message being misrepresented to Percy by the earl of Worcester, -the former sent a manifesto into the royal army in which he renounced his -allegiance to Henry and enumerated at length various grievances and -indignities of which he conceived the nation in common with his own -family had to complain. This manifesto tended to inflame the passions of -both parties; and the ability of the respective commanders, the valour of -the soldiers and their equality in point of numbers, gave reason to -expect a dreadful and doubtful contest. The battle was fought at -Oldfield or Bullfield, now Battlefield, about 3 miles north of -Shrewsbury, on St. Magdalene’s eve, July 22, 1403. The onset commenced -near Berwick with a terrible discharge of arrows from both lines. The -Scots rushed with impetuous fury upon the front of the royal army, which -began to give way, but the king arriving with reinforcements they again -rallied and recovered their ground. Henry exposed his person in the -thickest of the fight and combated with an ardour worthy the crown he was -defending. His valiant son whose military achievements in France were -afterwards so renowned and whose wild youthful excesses are so -beautifully pourtrayed by our great dramatic bard, here performed his -noviciate in arms, signalized himself on his father’s footsteps, and -regained his good opinion. The gallant Percy supported that brilliant -fame he had acquired in so many bloody engagements, and Douglas, - - Whose high deeds, - Whose hot incursions, and great name in arms - Holds from all soldiers chief majority, - -the ancient enemy of Percy but now his friend, still appeared his rival -amidst the horror and confusion of the day. This nobleman performed -feats of valour which are almost incredible. He seemed determined that -the king of England should that day fall by his arm: and as Henry either -to elude the attacks of the enemy on his person, or to encourage his own -men by the belief of his presence every where, had accoutred several -captains in the royal garb; the sword of Douglas rendered this proud -distinction fatal to many. Having dispatched sir Walter Blount, the -king’s standard bearer, he assailed Henry with such fury that it was with -difficulty he escaped to another part of the field. But while the armies -were contending in this furious manner, the death of Percy by an unknown -hand, decided the fate of the day and the royalists prevailed. On this -memorable day, which is immortalized by the genius of Shakspeare, it is -supposed that 7000 men were slain. A great number of persons of -distinction were killed on both aides, and the earls of Douglas and -Worcester, taken prisoners; the latter was after beheaded at Shrewsbury. - -This battle, which fixed the house of Lancaster on the throne during -three reigns, is among those of the first importance recorded in ancient -English history, and may be named as the first of those conflicts between -the white and red roses, which some years after deluged the nation with -some of its best blood, and filled it with intestine ravages and -divisions. - -Owen Glyndwr had the mortification to be obliged to remain inactive at -the head of his troops at Oswestry, from whence he retired on hearing of -Percy’s defeat: and although he afterwards attempted, he was unable to -regain the independence of his native country.—He died in Herefordshire -in 1414. Henry returned thanks to heaven for this brilliant victory, and -founded the collegiate church at Battlefield on the spot where it is -probable most of the slain were buried. - -During the fatal quarrel between the houses of York and Lancaster, which -is computed to have cost the lives of eighty princes of the blood, and to -have almost entirely annihilated the ancient nobility of England, -Shrewsbury remained steadily attached to the Yorkists, and previous to -the battle of St. Albans, Richard Plantagenet, duke of York wrote to his -“right worshipful friends the bailiffs, burgesses and commoners of the -good town of Shrewsbury,” requesting assistance in his enterprise for the -recovery of his throne. After his defeat and death at Wakefield, his son -Edward, earl of March, appeared in Shrewsbury, entreating a supply of men -to revenge his father’s death. With an army of 23,000 men chiefly raised -in this neighbourhood, he obtained a decisive victory at Mortimer’s Cross -in Herefordshire, from whence advancing rapidly to London he was shortly -afterwards proclaimed king. Edward, duly sensible of the strength and -inviolable attachment of Shrewsbury to his cause, committed the care of -his queen to its inhabitants, and during her residence here she twice lay -in at the convent of the Black Friars, and was delivered of Richard and -George Plantagenet, the former of whom was murdered in the Tower through -the cruelty of his uncle Richard III. and the latter died young. - -In 1484, Henry Stafford, duke of Buckingham, having entered into a -conspiracy for the purpose of depriving Richard of a throne which he had -acquired by such manifold injustice, and his endeavours being frustrated, -fled to the house of one Bannister, at Shinewood, near Wenlock, in order -to concealment, but notwithstanding Bannister was indebted to the duke -for the property he enjoyed, unable to withstand the temptation of so -large a reward as £1000, basely betrayed him to John Mitton, esq. then -sheriff of the county, who conducted him to Shrewsbury, where Richard -shortly after arrived, and feasted his eyes with the execution of his -enemy. - -The crimes of Richard were so horrid and so shocking to humanity that the -natural sentiments of men, without any political or public views, were -sufficient to render his government unstable; and every person of probity -and honour, earnest to prevent the sceptre from being any longer polluted -by the bloody and faithless hand which held it, at length united in -favour of the earl of Richmond. This nobleman set sail from Harfleur, in -France, on the 7th of August, 1484, and landed at Milford Haven, in -Pembrokeshire, without opposition, with about 2000 followers. He -directed his course to that part of the kingdom in hopes that the Welsh, -who regarded him as their countryman, and who had been already -prepossessed in favour of his cause by means of the late duke of -Buckingham, would join his standard. Richard, not knowing where to -expect his antagonist, took post at Nottingham, and purposed to fly on -the first alarm to the place exposed to danger. He had appointed sir -Rice ap Thomas and sir Walter Herbert to defend the coasts of Wales; but -the former joined Richmond, and the latter made scarcely any resistance. -The earl advanced towards Shrewsbury, which was the only convenient place -at which he could cross the Severn, but very unexpectedly found the gates -shut against him; and on his demanding entrance by his herald, he was -refused, “the head bailey, Maister Myttoon, being a stoute wyse -gentilman,” saying, “that he knew no kynge, but only kynge Richard, whose -lyffetenants he and hys fellows were; and before he should entir there, -he should go over hys belly, meaninge thereby, that he would be slayne to -the ground, and that he protested vehementlye on the othe he had tacken; -but on better advice, Maister Myttoon permitted the kynge to pass; but to -save his othe, the sayd Myttoon lay alonge the grounde, and his belly -upwardes, and soe the sayd erle stepped over hym and saved hys othe.” -Previous to his reaching Shrewsbury his army scarcely deserved that name, -from their wretched appearance and small numbers; but being joined by sir -Gilbert Talbot with 2000 of the tenants of his nephew, the earl of -Shrewsbury, together with several gentlemen of rank, his cause began to -wear a favourable aspect, and marching on with his army, now amounting to -about 6000 men Richmond gained the brilliant and decisive victory of -Bosworth; Richard perishing by a fate too mild and honourable for his -multiplied and detestable enormities. - -It is supposed by some that that plague, the sweating sickness, which -broke out here in 1485, originated among Henry’s foreign levies; it -afterwards infested the kingdom at different periods for 60 years: and, -according to Mr. Pennant, Shrewsbury particularly felt its ravages, 1000 -nearly dying per day at one period. - -Henry was not unmindful of the reception he met with here, and, when -quietly seated on the throne, several times visited the town, -particularly in 1495, when he was sumptuously entertained in the castle -by the corporation. - -Nothing worthy of note in the history occurs from this period until the -struggle between the Parliament and Charles I.; the former for their -privileges and the rights of the people, and the latter for arbitrary -power as a despotic monarch. Charles, determined to try the force of -arms, erected the royal standard at Nottingham, the open signal of -discord and civil war throughout the kingdom. Whilst many of the large -towns and corporate bodies took part with the parliament, a great -proportion of the nobility and gentry sided with the king; the latter was -the case with the Salopians. Not meeting with the support which he -expected in the vicinity of Nottingham, Charles after a little hesitation -pursued his march to Shrewsbury “in regard of the strong and pleasant -situation of it, one side being defended by the Severn, the other having -secure passage into Wales;” having received information that the place -was entirely devoted to him. - -At Wellington the king passed one night, and on the following morning -made a rendezvous of all his forces on the plain beneath the Wrekin. His -orders having been read at the head of each regiment, he placed himself -in the midst of his army, and that he might bind himself by reciprocal -ties, he solemnly made the following declaration in their presence; “I do -promise, in the presence of Almighty God, and as I hope for his blessing -and protection, that I will, to the utmost of my power, defend and -maintain the true reformed protestant religion, established in the church -of England, and by the grace of God, in the same will live and die. I -desire that the laws may ever be the measure of my government, and that -the liberty and property of the subject may be preserved by them with the -same care as my own just rights. And if it please God by his blessing on -this army raised for my necessary defence to preserve me from the present -rebellion, I do solemnly and faithfully promise in the sight of God, to -maintain the just privileges and freedom of parliament, and to govern to -the utmost of my power, by the known statutes and customs of the kingdom, -and particularly to observe inviolably the laws to which I have given my -consent this parliament. Mean while, if this emergency and the great -necessity to which I am driven, beget any violation of law, I hope it -shall be imputed by God and man to the authors of this war; not to me, -who have so earnestly laboured to preserve the peace of the kingdom. -When I willingly fail in these particulars, I shall expect no aid or -relief from man, nor any protection from above; but in this resolution I -hope for the cheerful assistance of all good men, and am confident of the -blessing of Heaven.” Had Charles previously acted up to this -declaration, he would not now have been placed in such a critical -situation. - -Although the tyrannical proceedings of the king had induced many of the -Salopians to look upon his cause in an unfavourable light, yet his mild -and amiable behaviour won on the inhabitants generally, so much so that a -considerable number enrolled themselves as volunteers in his service. In -order to give efficiency to his troops and maintain his cause, a mint was -established here for the purpose of coining the plate which had been -presented to him by various public bodies and private individuals; but at -such a low ebb were the mechanic arts at this period, that scarcely £1000 -per week could be coined. - -However despicable the royal army appeared when it marched from -Nottingham, its improvement was rapid on its arrival in Shrewsbury, so -that in about twenty days it mustered 12000 men, chiefly persons of -considerable property, from the neighbouring parts. But they were -exceedingly ill equipped, for says Clarendon; “In the whole body not a -pikeman had a corselet, and very few musketeers had swords.”—Add to this, -that there was not a single tent, and very few waggons attached to the -whole train. With this ill accoutred but high spirited body, Charles -took his leave of Shrewsbury, on the 12th of October, 1642. - -On the departure of the king, a garrison was left in town, of which Lord -Capel was appointed governor, and a fort was erected on an eminence above -Frankwell, to secure that quarter from attack. Capel was severally -succeeded by Sir Fulke Hunkes (a relative of the celebrated Baxter, the -non-conformist,) Sir Richard Otteley, and Sir Michael Earnley. This -gentleman was in a very declining state of health, in consequence of -which many disorders crept in among the garrison, and gave the commanders -of the parliamentary forces in the neighbourhood, opportunity to attempt -the conquest of so important a post. After two unsuccessful attempts by -Colonels Mitton, and Langhorne, two enterprising officers, they at length -attained the object of their wishes. Having arrived before the town with -fifteen hundred picked men of the garrisons of Wem and Oswestry, they -contrived to convey eight carpenters up the river, who were landed within -a breast work on the east side of the castle hill, and notwithstanding -they were fired on by the centinels, they continued to cut down a -sufficient quantity of palisadoes to enable the troops to enter. After -storming a rampart beneath the Council House, a large body of troops -entered by St. Mary’s Water-Lane, where the guard, having been -intoxicated or bribed, made no resistance. Having opened the north gate, -the horse immediately marched in, commanded by Cols. Mitton and -Bowyer.—The consternation of the inhabitants may be easily imagined. The -preceding night they had retired to rest, confident in their supposed -security, but by daylight in the morning they were in the hands of their -enemies; and, notwithstanding the humane exertions of Col. Mitton, the -soldiery were not to be restrained from plundering the peaceably disposed -of their private property. The first intimation which the governor -received of the surprise of the town, was the entrance of some of his -enemies into his chamber, where he fell covered with wounds, repeatedly -refusing quarter, being determined not to outlive the disgrace of the -day. The English part of the garrison were suffered to march to Ludlow, -but the Irish were left to the discretion of Col. Mitton. The fort at -Frankwell bravely held out till night, but finding resistance useless, at -length surrendered at discretion. A number of prisoners of rank were -taken, besides 15 pieces of cannon, a large stand of arms, and the whole -of prince Maurice’s magazine. Nor did the plate and valuable effects of -many of the surrounding gentry, placed in the castle for security, during -the turbulence of the times, meet a better fate: the whole of it to a -vast amount, falling into the hands of the victors. For this important -achievement, Colonel Mitton received the thanks of Parliament. The fall -of Shrewsbury was a death blow to Charles’s expectations in this quarter; -for besides its being the key to North Wales, it caused the dissolution -of a formidable confederacy between the counties of Salop, Worcester, -Chester and Flint, then on the eve of assembling to defend the falling -fortunes of their king. - -After the battle of Worcester, so fatal to the royal cause, a commission -was sent to Chester by the Parliament, to try the Earl of Derby, and -other gentlemen on charges of treason and rebellion; or in other words, -for having borne arms in defence of Charles. One of these was Colonel -John Benbow, who, in the beginning of the contest, had united with the -parliamentary army, and distinguished himself at the surprise of -Shrewsbury. Afterwards, disgusted with the violent proceedings against -the king, and perceiving that the object of the leaders of his party was -private aggrandizement, and not the welfare of their country, he left -them and repaired to the royal standard. This was a crime which could -not be pardoned; he was therefore condemned to death. That his -punishment might be rendered most bitter, the sentence was pronounced by -Colonel Mackworth, once his friend and fellow soldier; and it was ordered -to be executed at his native town of Shrewsbury, that a terrible -impression might be made on the inhabitants of that loyal place. He was -shot on the green before the castle, October 15, 1651, and suffered with -great intrepidity. This respectable officer was uncle to the celebrated -admiral Benbow. - -An unsuccessful attempt was made to surprise the castle, in order to -favour the restoration of Charles the second, in 1654, but it ended -merely in plunging the king’s friends still deeper in misery and ruin: -among the most active in this enterprise was Sir Thomas Harris, who -suffered most severely for his well intended zeal. After Cromwell’s -death, and the restoration of the long parliament, upon Sir George -Booth’s rising in Cheshire for the king, the venerable Sir Thomas -Middleton, then 80 years of age, proclaimed him at Wrexham, which so much -encouraged the royalists of Shropshire and Denbighshire, that they -immediately sent a party to seize Shrewsbury, but though the friends of -monarchy were very numerous in it, Captain Edmund Waringe of Oldbury, the -governor, prevented their design, and secured the place for the -parliament. In 1683, when the nation was thrown into a ferment, by the -discovery of the Rye House Plot, this town was one of those which the -conspirators, presuming on its general disaffection to the government of -Charles the second, proposed to have seized. Such at least was the -deposition of the infamous Colonel Romsey, a wretch on whose head lies -the blood of the virtuous and patriotic Russel—who adds, in his -narrative, that there were in the castle 38 barrels of powder, 138 pounds -in the barrel, with arms for 300 men and great guns. “The castle,” he, -observes, “is strong by situation, and lies so conveniently, that either -from the north or west, or Midland, or Wales, the rebellious party might -easily resort thither.” - -The last royal visit paid to this town was by the bigotted James the -second, who passed the 25th of August, 1687, here, and kept his court at -the Council House. The sentiments of loyal attachment, for which -Shrewsbury has ever been conspicuous, burst forth on this occasion, with -chivalrous enthusiasm.—They blazed in bonfires and illuminations, and -literally ran through the streets in torrents of wine, the public -conduits being charged with this royal liquid. - -Having brought down the general history of Shrewsbury to a late date, we -shall now proceed to view its local character. There is no doubt that -its Trade was formerly very considerable, and though its importance in -this respect may have been eclipsed by the more eligible situation of -numerous other places for the manufacture of various articles, it has -never ceased to enjoy a considerable share of internal commerce. Heylyn -speaks of it as “a fair and goodly town, well traded and frequented by -all sorts of people, both Welsh and English, by reason of the _trade of -cloth_, and other Merchandise; it being the common mart or emptory -between Wales and England,” and Mr. Pennant, who wrote his account of -Shrewsbury above 40 years ago, gives the following account of its trade -in Welsh woollens: “From very early days this place possessed almost -exclusively the trade with Wales in a coarse kind of woollen cloth called -Welsh webs, which were brought from Merioneth and Montgomeryshires to a -market held here weekly on Thursday. They were afterwards dressed, that -is, the wool raised on one side, by a set of people called Shearmen. At -the time of Queen Elizabeth, the trade was so great, that not fewer than -600 persons maintained themselves by this occupation. The cloth was sent -chiefly to America to clothe the negroes, or to Flanders; where it is -used by the peasants. At present the greatest part of this traffic is -diverted into other channels, and not more than 4 or 5000 yards are -brought to the ancient mart.” This market is now entirely done away, -through an unfortunate disagreement between the manufacturers of these -articles and the drapers of Shrewsbury, and the market is now held at -Welsh Pool every other Thursday. The mode of raising the wool on one -side, described by Mr. Pennant, being found to be injurious to the -texture of the cloth, the number of shearman has considerable declined, -insomuch that there are only a few in the town at this time. Beside, its -trade in Welsh flannels and webs, a brewery appears to have been -established here in 1618; and in the reign of Henry VIII. and Elizabeth -it was famous for its glove and shoe manufactory. - -Nor is the trade carried on in Shrewsbury at this period -inconsiderable—being the capital of a large and populous county, its -vicinity to the principality of Wales, and the facility with which -articles of every description are forwarded either by land or water -carriage, render it an extensive mart for the disposal of goods. Here -are two very large linen factories, besides manufactories for starch, -soap, flannels, cotton goods, an extensive iron and brass foundry, two -ale and porter breweries, a spirit distillery, &c. which will be noticed -under their proper heads, as well as various mechanical trades which are -common to all other large towns, and which contribute in no small degree -to the accumulation of wealth, to the enjoyment of the conveniences of -life, and to the power of benevolent actions by the inhabitants. - -Shrewsbury is also famed for its excellent brawn and a kind of sweet flat -cake, whose good qualities are celebrated by the elegant pen of -Shenstone, - - “For here each season do those cakes abide, - Whose honoured names the inventive city own, - Rend’ring thro’ Britain’s isle, Salopia’s praises known.” - -With the increase of trade and riches we must also connect that of its -population and its consequent extension of buildings. In the reign of -Edward the Confessor there were only 252 houses here, and the earliest -calculation of the number of inhabitants on record is in 1695; the town -then contained 7383 persons—in 1750, there were 8141 inhabitants and 1884 -houses. In the years 1801, 1811, and 1821, enumerations were made, -agreeable to orders of the House of Commons, and which are here -subjoined: - - 1801. 1811. 1821. - _Inhabit_. _Houses_. _Inhabit_. _Houses_. _Inhabit_. _Houses_. - 13,479. 2,861. 15,542. 3,024. 18,242. 3,463. - -From these statements it appears that an increase of 2063 persons took -place in the first 10 years, and 2700 in the second, but it should be -observed that as each parish extends more or less into the surrounding -country, it is probable that the town does not contain more than 16,000 -inhabitants. - -Although much remains to be done in order to put Shrewsbury on an -equality, with respect to elegance and convenience, with many other -places not its superiors in size, wealth, or situation, numerous -praise-worthy improvements have taken place during the last 60 years. -Previous to that period there was but one Inn (the Raven) of any extent -for the accommodation of strangers, no stage coach; neither cart nor -waggon was employed for the conveyance of goods, packhorses being only in -use; and such persons as had occasion to travel were obliged to perform -their journies on horseback, postchaises being unknown.—At length about -1761 the first stage coach made its appearance in Shrewsbury, and since -that period by the indefatigable perseverance of the late Mr. Robert -Lawrence, of the Lion Inn, in completing the communications and bettering -the roads: a noble and substantial Guildhall, two beautiful stone bridges -over the river Severn, together with two new and elegant churches, and a -great number of charitable and benevolent erections have given additional -beauty to this interesting and venerable town. Its suburbs have been -materially enlarged and improved, many obstructions in the principal -streets removed, and the facilities for travelling have been -astonishingly increased. - -The government and police of Shrewsbury have the next claim on our -attention. It is a corporation by prescription, and charters have been -granted to it by almost every king of England since William the Norman. -The first regular charter was granted by Henry I.; this was confirmed by -John, who in addition empowered the burgesses to chuse two prœpositi of -bailiffs removeable only on bad behaviour; but it was not until Edward -III. that the bailiffs were constituted magistrates and authorised to -hold a session for the trial of causes. The institution of aldermen is -supposed have taken place in the 12th of Richard II. for “about the year -1390, the earl of Arundel being commissioned by the king to end certain -disputes among the Burgesses, awarded that for the good government of the -town for the future, the commonalty should elect out of themselves twelve -of the most sufficient persons who should continue in their office for -two years from the feast of St. Giles.” - -By the charter of Charles I. granted in 1638, the corporation was new -modelled changing the offices of bailiffs into that of a mayor, recorder, -steward, town clerk, 24 aldermen, 48 assistants or common councilmen, two -chamberlains, a sword bearer, serjeants at mace, &c. &c.; and that the -mayor, bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, recorder, steward, 3 senior -aldermen, and the alderman who last served the office of mayor, should -act as Justices within the town and liberties of Shrewsbury. In this -form it now exists. The right of electing the corporate officers is -vested in the common council by whom the mayor is chosen annually on the -Friday after St. Bartholomew. The general session is held quarterly by -the justices of the peace for the borough; and the mayor or some of the -aldermen and justices attend the Exchequer every Tuesday to transact -public business. A court of requests, for the recovery of debts under -the value of forty shillings, is held in the town hall every other -Wednesday. The number of its commissioners is about 30, the eligibility -for election to which office consists in residence in the town and the -possession of freehold property of the value of £30 per annum, or a -personal estate of £600 value clear of all deductions. - -Notwithstanding the corporation is empowered to enact laws for the most -effectual administration of the police of the town, this branch of -internal government is in a very disorganized state; yet the many useful -regulations which have been established, and the strict and impartial -manner in which they are enforced, reflect the greatest credit on the -magistrates and conduce to the peaceable demeanour of the inhabitants and -the order and respectability of the town. But the most impartial -observer will see that much remains to be done for the prevention of -immorality; and though it is impossible that the most enlightened, active -and persevering magistracy, aided by the continued exertions of the -inhabitants can prevent individual delinquency, something may yet be -achieved for the preservation of public morals, some plan devised which -may foster the sparks of pure and proper feeling as an antidote to that -national dereliction of manners in which Shrewsbury in common with most -other large towns participates too much. - -In addition to the Corporation here are sixteen chartered companies, -consisting of various trades, to exercise any of which, within the -liberties, no person is admitted who has not either served a legal -apprenticeship or paid a sum of money, entitled, “a foreigner’s fine”, -which is of various amount in the several fraternities.—An ancient -ceremony, called the Show, used by these, deserves to be recorded, as -perhaps, (with the exception of Coventry) it is the only one of the kind -now existing in the kingdom. On the second Monday after Trinity Sunday -the various companies assemble in front of the castle, with their -wardens, flags, devices, &c. &c., each having at their head some person -gaudily dressed; some in representation perhaps of the monarchs who -granted their respective charters, whilst others display devices and -insignia emblematical of the trades which they practise. The procession -being arranged, moves over the Welsh bridge to a piece of ground, on the -west side the river, and adjoining the town, called Kingsland, where each -company has its arbour, in which is a cold dinner provided for the -entertainment of the mayor and corporation, who visit the various arbours -with their attendants, decorated in all “the pomp and circumstance” of -office. After spending the evening in festivity and mirth, the several -companies retire from Kingsland, much invigorated with the essence of -barley corn, and return into town over the English bridge. - -This ancient pageant is now fast approaching its dissolution. During the -few last years, the master tradesmen have entirely ceased to walk in -procession to the ancient spot, and the ceremony is now continued only by -the apprentices of the chartered companies most numerous in the town. -The custom originated in the celebration of the feast of Corpus Christi, -one of the most splendid feasts of the Romish Church. After the -reformation, the religious part of the ceremony was discontinued, but one -day was still set apart for the express purpose of idleness, jollity and -merriment. - -The first return of Members of Parliament to represent the town of -Shrewsbury appears to have been in the 26th of Edward the first. The -right of election is vested in the resident burgesses, paying scot and -lot, and not receiving alms: the mayor being the returning officer. The -burgesses who polled at the contested election, in 1819, were 688 in -number.—The freedom of Shrewsbury (with respect to voting) is acquired by -serving seven years apprenticeship to a burgess residing within the -liberties, or by birth within the liberties on paying the sum of £7 4s. -0d.; every male child of a burgess, who may be born after his father has -been sworn in, can claim his burgesship on the payment of £1 6s., whether -born in the town or not. Honorary freedoms may be also given by the body -corporate. The members who represent the town of Shrewsbury in the -British Parliament, are two in number. - -Considered as a place of residence, Shrewsbury has the advantage of a -salubrious air and mild temperature. At a short distance from the town -in a N.E. aspect, a very accurate observer found the mercury in the -thermometer down at 8° in January 1814.—By observations on the variations -of the thermometer for one year, the same gentleman found that the mean -temperature of the same year was 46°, and that the variations, during the -course of the year amounted to 77°, varying from 8° to 83°. In South -Carolina, the annual variation has extended to 83°. The winter of this -year, it may be recollected, was much colder and the summer hotter than -is common at Shrewsbury, and yet the highest degree to which the mercury -rose was 85°. In the East Indies, the mercury is frequently at 104°. -From accurate observation it appeared, that the medium of the daily -variations was nearly regular in its increase till June, and from the -close of that month till the end of December was again almost uniformly -diminishing. The medium of the daily variations was no more than 6°, -whereas in some places they reach 30°. From these statements it appears -that we are free from those sudden changes of the atmosphere which -generally very much affect, and often prove fatal to, the human frame. - -That this is a fact may be inferred from the similar temperature of -Shrewsbury with that of Sidmouth, in Devonshire, one of the most healthy -places perhaps in this kingdom: In the year 1814, the mean temperature -was 47°, only one degree above that of Shrewsbury. This observation is -also supported by the tables published by Dr. Price, on Reversionary -Payments, in which he proves, from the Bills of Mortality that out of -1000 persons born, there were alive - - _Age_ _London_. _Northampton_. _France_. _Vaud_, _Shrewsbury_. - _Switzerland_. - 18 334 459 621 618 555 - 54 125 218 406 367 326 - 85 7 13 36 17 41 - -The relative degrees of vitality are thus shewn in a more perspicuous -manner than by any other method and from the above table it is evident -that the temperature of Shrewsbury is in most instances nearly equal, and -in some superior, to the warm climates of France and Switzerland, and -extremely favourable to longevity. - -The elevation of the town, together with the purity of its atmosphere and -the excellence of its water, renders its situation extremely salubrious. -Contagious diseases are very rare. The scarlet fever, measles, hooping -cough, &c. are usually very mild. The residents in the immediate -vicinity of the Severn are most liable to illness, and in these cases the -inflammatory symptoms generally run high. Many parts of the town and its -environs may justly be recommended as eligible residences for invalids, -who visit Shrewsbury from Ireland, Wales, and various parts of the United -Kingdom, to avail themselves of the able medical assistance which the -town affords. - -Shrewsbury is built on two hills, of easy ascent, which for the most part -gently slope to the river Severn; by this stream the ground on which the -town stands is formed into a peninsula, the castle being judiciously -placed on the isthmus, and thus commanding the entrances to the town. - -Like most ether places not of Roman origin, its streets are extremely -irregular; nor had its buildings, until within these few years, any claim -to superiority, the ancient houses being chiefly built with projections -into the public streets—an inconvenience very properly remedied by the -elegance of modern erections. Its suburbs have of late years very much -increased, and, in conjunction with this, many excellent improvements -have been made in removing obstructions from the entrances to the town: -but, notwithstanding the natural advantages it possesses, the bad state -of its pavement and the filthy picture continually presented by its -streets, is a source of poignant regret. - -The plain of Shropshire, in which the town is situated, is of -considerable extent, divided by the Severn into two unequal portions, and -though flat, when compared with the surrounding hills, of a very varied -surface. Its greatest length from N. to S. is about 30 miles, -comprehending the space between Whitchurch and Church Stretton; its -breadth from Oswestry to Coalbrookdale, is about 28 miles. Shrewsbury, -when viewed from any of its adjacent eminences, presents a beautiful and -interesting scene, and the eye of the spectator is led to survey the most -extensive amphitheatre of mountains which perhaps the island can boast. -The Wrekin is connected by the gentle hills of Acton Burnel and -Frodesley, (over which the gigantic summit of Brown Clee is conspicuous,) -with the Lawley and Coredock, generally called the Stretton Hills, from -whence the Longmynd, Stiperstones, and Long Mountain, from an -uninterrupted chain, with the bold and precipitous cliffs of the Kefn y -Castyr, Moel y Golfa, and Breyddin, surmounted by an obelisk in honour of -the late gallant Lord Rodney; thence the horizon is bounded by the -stupendous Berwin range, losing their blue summits in the clouds; while -the northern view is terminated by the humbler but beautiful eminences of -Grinshill, Pymhill, Hawkstone, Haughmond, &c., round to the Wrekin. The -whole of this vast circle incloses a finely wooded and beautifully -diversified champaign country, of gentle hill and dale, studded with -numerous gentlemen’s seats—watered with various streams—eminently fertile -in arable, meadow, and pasture; and amply justifying the eulogium of an -ancient British poet, who, after gazing, as he tells us, on the plain of -Shropshire, from the height of Charlton Hill, calls it the paradise of -_Cymru_. {33} The glittering rays of the Sun gilding the lofty spires of -the town—the bold and ancient appearance of its ivy-mantled castle—the -lovely pleasure and garden grounds which nearly surround it and gently -slope from the mouldering ruins of its once warlike walls to the majestic -Severn, which, fringed with lofty tufts of trees of various foliages, -“proudly rolls its crystal stream along;” altogether form one of the most -picturesque and enchanting prospects any where to be met with. Added to -this, the well known salubrity of its air, and the many agreeable -promenades which on every side of the town present themselves; and the -compiler thinks he will not be esteemed too vain in asserting, that his -native town is not surpassed, (though, for aught he knows, it may be -equalled,) in point of situation, wholesomeness, and picturesque scenery, -by any place of equal size in Great Britain. - -The general character and manners of the inhabitants of Shrewsbury, as -they assume no characteristic sufficient to distinguish them from those -of other towns similarly circumstanced and situated, will not long detain -the attention of the visitor. He will not often be disgusted with the -petty assumptions of office clothed with a “little brief authority,” nor -will he be displeased in perceiving, in a large majority of the -inhabitants, a considerable portion of civility, hospitality, social -intercourse, and liberality of opinion; and if great refinement of -manners do not characterise them in the aggregate, the stranger will have -employed his leisure to little advantage, who does not soon discover in -the town a very extensive share of that frankness, benevolence, and -warmth which is a prominent feature in the old-British character. -Numbers in the different ranks of society are to be met with whose lives -are adorned with the honours due to industry, integrity and virtue; and -if we add the munificence with which the various public charities are -supported by Salopians in general—who - - — Learn the luxury of doing good, - -in the diffusion of a part of these superfluities with which a benignant -Providence has crowned their labours, the writer thinks he is not saying -too much when he observes that benevolence is strongly marked in the -general portrait. The different churches and chapels are, on the whole, -well attended; and in few towns of equal size is there a more decent and -orderly observance of the Sabbath. It is, however, to be regretted that -many of its residents are destitute of that urbanity and politeness which -should ever be displayed to strangers; but it is probable this -circumstances to be attributed chiefly to the pride of nobility and -ancestry, which looks down with half averted eyes on supposed -inferiority; and to the want of an enlarged commixture with mankind, -producing a generosity of disposition, and moderation of principle which -are the natural results of extensive commercial pursuits. - -Difference of opinion on the actions of public men,—on the measures -pursued by persons holding the first political situations in the state, -and on religious subjects; are compatible with the purest loyalty and -most fervent patriotism, and will be readily acknowledged by those who -possess any share of liberality add reflection. - -To the infinite credit of Shrewsbury, its population has not been led to -the perpetration of any of those acts of violence and atrocity which have -disgraced other places, and which are caused by the difference of -religious opinion, of the political effervescence of the times in which -such outrages may have taken place. This observation, however, is not -intended to impute to the inhabitants any thing like a state of passive -obedience or wilful ignorance—far otherwise. This judicious conduct by -which the welfare and good order of the town have been so essentially -promoted, is perhaps rather attributable to the candour and prudence of -the leaders of the various political parties, or to the virtue of mutual -forbearance happily exercised by the inhabitants at large. - -On subjects, however connected with the safety and prosperity of the -British Empire, and the welfare of the illustrious house of Brunswick, -Shrewsbury has ever been among the foremost in displaying its patriotic -spirit and affectionate attachment. The loyalty of the inhabitants has -long been pre-eminent, so much so, that it is celebrated by the elegant -pen of Shenstone. - - Admir’d Salopia, that with venial pride - Eyes her bright form in Severn’s ambient wave; - Fam’d for her cares in loyal perils try’d, - HER DAUGHTERS LOVELY AND HER STRIPLINGS BRAVE. - -As early as the year 1715, this town displayed its consequence and -attachment to the present royal family in a very spirited manner. A -considerable body of horse and foot was raised by Lord Newport, Sir C. -Lloyd, Bart., W. Kynaston, T. Gardner, and J. Fownes, Esquires, for the -protection of Shrewsbury; the walls were put in a state of defence, new -gates, &c. made, and brigadier Dormer’s regiment, then lying in this -town, received orders to march to Preston, Shrewsbury being deemed secure -from the strength of its _own_ garrison. In 1745, also, the earl of -Powis raised a regiment here, for the service of the state, into which -many gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood entered as volunteers. -During the war with the French republic two regiments were raised in -Shrewsbury, one by colonel Cuyler, (the present 86th) and the other by -colonel, now general Williams, and the inhabitants contributed very -liberally towards the crusade against French revolutionary principles. - -The maturer efforts of Shrewsbury have not been unworthy the zeal of its -youth. When the tocsin of invasion was sounded through the vast -dominions of France, and the existence of Britain as an independent -nation, was threatened with extinction, the inhabitants of Shrewsbury -stepped forward with a noble enthusiasm, in defence of their lives, their -liberty and, laws: - - Types of a race, who shall th’ invader scorn - As rocks resist the billows round their shore: - Types of a race who shall to time unborn - Their country leave unconquer’d as of yore. - -A regiment of foot, called the Shrewsbury Volunteers, was formed. It -consisted of seven companies of eighty men each, chiefly tradesmen, -clothed at an expence of about £3,000, raised by voluntary contribution -in the town. Besides this corps, which was commanded by Sir Charles -Oakley, Bart., two companies were raised in the town by B. Benyon, and J. -Sutton, esq.’s which were attached to that fine regiment the Shropshire -Volunteers, under the command of colonel Kynaston Powell, M.P.; and three -troops of Cavalry commanded by the honourable William Hill. And had an -allwise Providence permitted the invader to set his unhallowed foot on -the shores of Britain, there is no doubt but each individual was -determined that the spot on which he contended in defence of the noble -institutions of his country should have been the throne of his triumph or -his grave. - -The promptitude with which these associations and others of the same -nature throughout the empire, united in the hour of public danger—the -fatigues they underwent in acquiring a knowledge of the use of arms—the -readiness evinced in the abandonment of their private concerns for the -public safety—and the inconveniences and expenses which they incurred on -the occasion, surely demanded some other reward than to have their ardour -damped by the change in the system of national defence; for to whom in -the hour of battle could the protection of their homes and their -families, the independence of their country, the sepulchres of their -fathers, and the sanctuary of their God, be better entrusted than to -those whose courage was animated and strengthened by the most endearing -recollections? But such sacrifices, even when the necessity of them was -superseded, will not be forgotten—the remembrance of them will live in -the minds of their grateful and admiring countrymen, and their services -will form a splendid, monument on the page of history. - -Nor have the inhabitants been insensible to the miseries attendant on -those whose relatives have fallen sacrifices to the heroism and devotion -which they displayed during the sanguinary battles of the last twenty -years, having very largely contributed to alleviate the wants of their -widows and orphans. - -The affection and loyalty of the inhabitants of Shrewsbury to their -venerable Sovereign was most conspicuously displayed on the National -Jubilee, the 25th of October, 1809, the fiftieth anniversary of his -Majesty’s accession to the crown. On this occasion, liberal -subscriptions were entered into for the purpose of discharging the debts -of persons in the court of conscience—for relieving the distresses of the -sick poor, &c. &c. Joy beamed in every countenance, and gratitude filled -every heart. A congratulatory address had been previously voted -unanimously, in a general meeting of the inhabitants convened by the -mayor.—We give the following abridged account of the celebration of the -day from the SHREWSBURY CHRONICLE of October 27:— - - Never, perhaps, has any national occurrence taken place which can - afford in retrospect so rich and amiable a gratification as that of - Wednesday last. If we contemplate that a general amnesty was - proclaimed to all delinquents in our army—that a national banquet was - ordered for the brave fellows in our navy—that the prisons in many - places were thrown open to the debtors—that there was no such thing, - perhaps in the land, as an hungry honest man—and, lastly, that our - places of worship were thronged by a people, who, like sons and - daughters, had assembled to give thanks to the Almighty for the - preservation of the life of their political parent: scarcely could - the imagination conceive a happier variety of circumstances from - which the mind may derive such sublime enjoyment. How conspicuous on - this event has been the attribute of Englishmen—GENEROSITY! And let - us also reflect, how much good had been omitted to be done, and how - much evil had been produced, if the sums voluntarily subscribed by - the people of this kingdom had been squandered in acts of sensuality, - and riotous illuminations. Instead of which, the hungry have been - filled, the moneyless relieved, and the captive set free. - - In deeds of this description, the inhabitants of THIS TOWN have never - been deficient. The subscriptions amount to between £400 and £500, - and the committee has been indefatigable in proposing, and in - executing, the best plans in the distribution of it. - - The mode of distribution, fixed upon at a Meeting of the Subscribers, - is as follows:—A sum not exceeding 50 Guineas to be applied in the - discharge of persons now in the court of conscience, under the - direction of a committee.—The like sum to be applied by the same - committee in discharging or compounding debts of other poor persons - within the town.—A like sum to be applied in the relief of poor sick - persons within the town, under the direction of a committee.—The - distribution of these sums to take place on or before the 25th of - December next.—The Directors of the House of Industry to be - recommended to make what addition they shall think proper, on the - 25th instant, to the ordinary allowance of the poor and aged people - under their care.—Five Guineas to be given to the ringers; and 7_s._ - to each housekeeper in St. Chad’s, St. Mary’s, and St. Giles’s - almshouses.—The remainder given on Tuesday evening (the 24th) to - proper persons—one half to St. Chad’s parish, and the remaining half - in the other four parishes.—Each subscriber to have a right to - recommend two persons for each guinea subscribed. - - The dawning of Wednesday morning was saluted by ringing of bells; - while, from the barges on the Severn, decorated with laurels and - flags, which were suspended from their yard-arms and top-masts, the - bellowing of cannon was incessantly heard. Shops were closed, and - business seemed suspended. At eleven, the mayor and corporation, - preceded by their officers, and the wardens and many members of every - company of tradesmen, accompanied by their flags and streamers, - walked in procession to the church of St. Chad, the band playing God - save the King. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Nunn, from - the 11th Nehemiah, 3d verse, “Let the king live for ever;” and the - service concluded by singing “God save the King.” Sermons were also - delivered to crowded congregations at every place of worship in the - town. The doors of many of the principal in habitants were - ornamented with laurel; at night, fire-works were exhibited from the - gardens of Benyon, Esq. and Dr. Evans, and bonfires distinctly - descried on the remote eminences of the Wrekin, Haughmond Hill, - Grinshill, &c. - - We shall conclude by repeating the sentiment, that the future - historian, dwelling upon the character of HIS MAJESTY, will, by this - day, be released from the trouble of much prolixity. The character - of George the Third has been drawn by his people in this spontaneous - expression of their sentiments. After a reign of half a century, - they rose with one accordant voice, and desired with prayer and - praise, with thanks and rejoicings, with deeds of benevolence and - charity to all their fellow subjects, to express their gratitude to - GOD for having given them so good a King, and for having spared his - life so long. - - One remark will surely occur to every person who reads this and other - accounts of the universal spirit that has pervaded the bosoms of - Englishmen on this occasion:—If the strength of a state center in the - virtue of its people; the virtue of a people in affection for their - sovereign, and a reciprocal love, link both together, then is England - powerful indeed! ‘What shall subdue this spirit?’ - - - - -Description of the Town. - - -PUBLIC BUILDINGS. - - -IN entering on our general description of the town, its public buildings -naturally claim the first share of attention. They will be found classed -under the heads of Public, Religious, and Charitable erections, and -noticed under that order: and whether we consider them in the -accommodation which they present for the transaction of the business -respectively carried on in them, for the antiquity of some, or for the -elegance of their erection, they will no doubt prove sources of -recreation to, and well worthy the inspection of, the stranger. - - -The Castle - - -Is supposed to have been founded by Roger de Montgomery, about the year -1068. It continued in his family until the reign of Henry I, when by the -rebellion of earl Robert de Belesme it was forfeited to the king, who -committed the care of it to a constable, usually the sheriff, it being -then extremely useful for the defence of the adjacent country. - -This ancient fortress is built of red stone, on the N.E. part of the -isthmus on which the town stands, and being erected on a commanding -eminence, was admirably calculated to “roll back the tide of war” and to -defend Shrewsbury from the frequent incursions of the neighbouring Welsh, -who were continually devastating the surrounding country. When the -incorporation of the principality with the English dominions took place, -it ceased to enjoy the importance which its situation on the Welsh border -had previously given to it; and after experiencing a variety of changes -in its masters, it was granted by Charles II. to lord Newport, afterwards -earl of Bradford; since which period it became the property of the late -venerable sir William Pulteney, bart. who greatly repaired and rendered -it a comfortable residence. Sir William at his death bequeathed it to -the right honourable the earl of Darlington, its present possessor. - -The history of the Town and the Castle are so intimately connected, that -we shall content ourselves with giving a brief description of its ancient -and present appearance. According to Leland, it was fast hastening to -decay in the reign of Henry VIII. and indeed it has suffered so much from -the ravages of time, rather than from those of war, that it is doubtful -what idea to form of its original size; but it is at least probable, when -its importance as a border fortress is considered, that it occupied a -much larger space than that marked out by its existing walls. - -The only buildings remaining are the keep, the walls of the inner court, -and the great arch of the interior gate; they are built of red stone, and -the former has been converted into a commodious and pleasant dwelling, -and is at present occupied by J. C. Pelham, esq. It consists of two -round towers of equal diameter, embattled and pierced, connected by a -square building about 100 feet in length and about the same in height, in -which are many spacious and excellent rooms. At the entrance, which -opens on a newly-erected grand staircase, is a statue of Roger de -Montgomery. The arch of the gateway is about 18 feet high, semicircular, -and with plain round facings. Its walls appear to have sustained a -tower, from whence hung the portcullis. The area of the court has -latterly been cleared of its buildings, and is now formed into a -beautiful garden. On the circular grass-plot in front of the castle, the -newly-elected knights of the shire are girt with their swords by the -sheriff, which, as it is an ancient custom, is still permitted, although -the castle and its grounds are private property. - -In the south corner of this court is a lofty mount, on which is erected a -watch tower, now converted into a pleasant summer room, from which is -commanded a grand and diversified prospect of uncommon richness and -beauty. The mount, rising abruptly from the margin of the Severn, -crowned with its venerable tower, its bold and abrupt bank being richly -clothed with the foliage of various species of trees and skirled by the -majestic stream which rolls at its base, has also, when viewed from a -distance, a beautiful and picturesque appearance. Shrewsbury, though the -most important station on the Welsh border, and though frequently thrown -into possession of its enemies, never sustained more than two sieges. -Its natural and artificial strength might probably deter an adverse army -from investing it in a regular way, for it was protected not only by its -castle, but by - - -Walls, - - -fenced with towers which completely surrounded it. - -The first stone rampart extended only across the isthmus to the river on -each side, and was raised by Robert de Belesme. In the reign of Henry -III. the inhabitants of this place having suffered greatly during the -rebellion of the earl of Pembroke, were exhorted to secure themselves by -building a wall entirely round the town, which, by the aid of the royal -bounty, was accomplished in 32 years. An additional rampart, by order of -Oliver Cromwell, was constructed, as it is said, from the materials of -Shrawardine castle, and extended from the wall of earl Robert at the -river’s brink to the Welsh bridge: though now ruinous it forms a -tolerable connecting path between the northern and western ends of the -town.—Of the old ramparts, those on the northern and eastern sides of the -town have long since disappeared; their foundations, which are easy to be -traced, form the groundwork of modern houses. On the south, a -considerable portion remains, and part of it is kept in repair as a -public walk; but it retains little of its original appearance, having -been considerably lowered, and entirely stripped of its battlements. The -towers have been all taken down except one, which stands on this wall, -between the bottom of Swan Hill and Belmont. It is square and embattled, -and has two stories, the entrance of the higher being from the top of the -wall, through a small pointed arch, which does not appear of older date -than the time of Henry IV. The town, according to Leland, who beheld its -fortifications entire, was more than a mile in compass; which extent may -probably be a third more in modern computation. There were formerly -three principal - - -Gates - - -to Shrewsbury; one near the Castle called the North Gate, and one on each -of the bridges; that on the east called the Abbey Gate, and that on the -west the Welsh Gate. A part of the southern tower of the north gate is -the only remain of these once formidable fortifications. - - -The Town Hall - - -Is situated in High Street, and was erected in 1785 from a design by Mr. -Haycock of this town, at an expense of £11,000, which was raised by a -county rate. - -It is an elegant structure of free stone, presenting a handsome front to -the street. On the front of the pediment, which is supported by four -lofty columns of the Ionic order, is a fine figure of Justice in _bas -relief_, seated on a rock, beneath which, over the centre door, are the -arms of the town handsomely ornamented with appropriate emblems. - -The ground floor consists of a vestibule and two courts, in which the -assizes for the county are held. Under the one appropriated to the crown -bar, is a cell, for the reception of prisoners. A beautiful spiral stone -staircase leads to the higher story, where is a large room intended for -county meetings, one for the use of the grand jury of the county, with -record and other offices for the use of the county and town. - -The grand jury room is decorated with portraits of George I. given by Mr. -Edward Elisha; of George II. given by Thomas Wingfield, esq.; of George -III. and queen Charlotte, given by sir Thomas Jones, bart.; and one of -the gallant and celebrated admiral Benbow, given by his sister, Mrs. -Elizabeth Hind. - -Immediately adjoining is - - -The Market House. - - -From an inscription over the northern arch it appears that - - “The XVth day of June was this building begun, William Jones and - Thomas Charlton, Gent. then Bailiffs, and was erected and covered in - their time 1595.” - -It is built entirely of free stone, and is one of the largest of similar -erections in the kingdom. In the centre of the principal front, which -faces the west, is a spacious portal, over which are the arms of queen -Elizabeth in high relief. Attached to the imposts of the great arch are -pillars, supporting each the figure of a lion bearing a shield on its -breast. Above are two stories, with large square mullioned windows. On -each side this portal is an open arcade, consisting of three spacious -round arches, which form the main building, over which is a range of -square windows with mullions, and a very rich parapet, consisting of a -series of embrazures carved like the Ionic volute, between which at -alternate distances, are a kind of grotesque pinnacles in the same style. -At the north and south ends are large open arches, the whole edifice -being finished above by sharp pointed gables. - -The ground floor of this building is appropriated to the corn market, and -is 105 feet long by 24 feet wide. A room over of similar size was -formerly rented by the company of drapers, and used by them for a flannel -market on Thursdays; but the sale of that staple article of Welsh -manufacture having been removed to Welsh Pool, it has been rented of late -as an ironmonger’s warehouse. Over the northern arch is placed the -statue of Richard duke of York, removed hence from the old bridge in -1791, as appears by the inscription at his right hand: on his left are -the arms of the town finely sculptured in relief. - -Its spacious area is a useful promenade for the inhabitants in bad -weather, and its architecture is a fine specimen of the fantastic style -of the 16th century. - - -Lord Hill’s Column. - - -The splendid achievements of the British army in Spain and Portugal from -1808 to 1814, together with the disastrous retreat of Napoleon from his -Russian campaign, and the subsequent occupation of France by the allied -troops, having produced a general peace, a proposition appeared in the -Shrewsbury Chronicle of December the 17th, 1813, by the Proprietor of -that paper, to erect some suitable memorial of the prominent part lord -Hill had acted throughout the whole of those eventful campaigns.—At a -meeting in the News Room on the following day, nearly £400 was subscribed -to carry this intention into effect. Subsequently, however, it was -determined to extend the original plan, a meeting of the inhabitants of -the town was called, and it was resolved to solicit subscriptions -generally from all who participated in the triumphs of their country, or -who felt any respect for the brilliant and varied services of the gallant -general. - -After a variety of plans had been proposed it was at length determined to -erect the column now under notice. The first stone was laid on the 27th -of December, 1814, agreeably to masonic rule, by Richard Phillips, esq. -master of the Salopian Lodge, and at that time mayor of Shrewsbury. The -foundation stone, which weighed four tons and a half, is of the following -dimensions, viz: length 11 feet 3 inches, breadth 3 feet, and 2 feet -thick. In a cavity underneath, a bottle was deposited, containing gold -and silver coins of George III. accompanied with the SHREWSBURY CHRONICLE -of the preceding Friday. Over the cavity was a plate bearing the -following - - _INSCRIPTION_ - - Of this Column, intended to be erected to commemorate the brilliant - achievements of Lieutenant-General ROWLAND LORD HILL, Knight of the - Bath, and Knight of the Tower and Sword. - - The first Stone was laid by RICHARD PHILLIPS, Esquire, Mayor of - Shrewsbury, and Matter of the Salopian Lodge of free and accepted - Masons, assisted by the Chaplain, Wardens, the Brethren of this and - Deputies from other Lodges, upon the 27th Day of December, in the - year of our Lord, 1814, and in the year of Masonry—5814, being the - _Festival of St. John_. The funds for this beautiful Memorial, in - honour of splendid talent and private worth, were furnished by a - public Subscription, raised chiefly by the inhabitants of the town - and county of Salop. - -The column is situated on a rising ground, at the entrance of this town -from the London and Bath roads. From its insulated and lofty situation, -it is seen from many parts of the town, and is conspicuous at a -considerable distance in the country. - - _FT._ _IN._ -The height of the pedestal is 13 0 -shaft and capital 91 6 -pedestal supporting the statue 11 6 -statue 16 0 -The whole height 132 6 - -Solidity and durability have been particularly attended to in its -construction, the stones with which it has been built, being as large as -could conveniently be raised, from an excellent quarry at Grinshill, in -the neighbourhood of Shrewsbury. - -The pedestal is square, standing upon two steps, having a large pier or -buttress at each angle, upon which are placed Lions couchant. The piers -are formed of three stones in each, the top one of each on which the -lions are placed, being 10 feet 6 inches long, 4 feet 3 inches wide, and -3 feet 3 inches deep, and their weight 10 tons. The lower diameter of -the column is 15 feet, and the masonry 2 feet 3 inches in thickness; the -top diameter 10 feet 6 inches, by 1 foot 6 inches in thickness. Each -course of stones is 3 feet high, six stones form the course. There are -326 stones in the whole structure, and the top stone immediately under -the statue, weighs two and a half tons. There are 17,993 cubic feet in -the whole, and its weight is 1120 tons. There is a beautiful staircase -up the shaft, the view of the surrounding country from the top, being -most extensive. The expense was about £5,500. - -The proportion of this column is half a diameter higher than those in the -portico of the celebrated Parthenon at Athens, and is THE LARGEST GREEK -DORIC COLUMN IN THE WORLD. The figure is designed and executed by -Messrs. Coade and Sealy, of London, in their artificial stone, which is -so well calculated to resist the action of the weather. The lions are -worked in Grinshill stone, by Mr. Carline of this place. The contractors -were the late Mr. Simpson, and Mr. Lawrence: owing to the death of the -former the contract devolved upon his successor Mr. Straphen. The -original design is by Mr. Edward Haycock, architect, of this town, with -some alterations in the pedestal by Mr. Harrison, of Chester. - - -The Town & County Goal. - - -This building, a pleasant and admirably constructed brick edifice, was -finished in 1793, at the expense of about £30,000, on a plan furnished by -Mr. Haycock, architect, of this town. It was erected in consequence of -the light diffused on the subject of prisons by the later philanthropic -Mr. Howard, the old gaol being (says Mr. Howard) “both wretched in its -accommodations, and a complete school of vice.” - -The prison is situate on the banks of the river, on a dry gravelly soil -on the south-east side of the town, in the immediate vicinity of the -castle, and is spacious, airy, well supplied with water, and as -comfortable as these abodes of human misfortune and depravity possibly -can be. - -The entrance is through a free stone gateway, having a lodge on each -side, over the arch of which is a fine bust of Howard, presented by the -late Rowland Hunt, and Thomas Knight, esquires, two county magistrates. -There are reception cells in the lodges for the examination of the -persons by the surgeon previous to their being lodged in the different -apartments; during their continuance in the prison, criminals wear a -woollen jacket, waistcoat and cap, composed of blue and yellow stripes -before conviction, after which the dress is changed for one of brown and -yellow. All executions take place on the flat roof of the northern -lodge, when all the criminals are brought into the area before the -governor’s house to witness the awful scene. This house, in which is an -apartment for the magistrates, faces the entrance gate, in the centre of -the west front of the prison. The chapel, which is a neat octagonal -structure, well calculated for the important purposes of its erection, -stands in the centre of the whole building, and is so arranged that every -class of prisoners is separated and hid from each other, though all may -see the officiating clergyman. The prison, the boundary wall of which -encloses two acres of ground, and is 16 feet high, is divided into four -principal courts, besides smaller ones, and not only are the sexes -separated, but each description of prisoners are subdivided, into -classes, which have each their respective courts and day rooms. The -debtor’s rooms are airy and comfortable, commanding many pleasing views -of the adjacent country. At the eastern extremity is the infirmary, near -which the under keeper resides, who has constantly for sale various -articles manufactured by the prisoners, the profits of which are applied -for their benefit. - -Closely allied to the superior construction of the prison are the -excellent and judicious regulations for its internal management, which, -whilst they tend to ameliorate the condition of the unhappy sufferers, -are calculated to reclaim their vicious habits; and should they return to -the bosom of society, stimulate them to atone for their depredations on -their fellow-creatures, by their honest and exemplary deportment in -future. Prayers are read every Thursday, and a sermon preached every -Sunday by the chaplain, and the justices appointed at the quarter -sessions visit the different apartments of the prison when they please, -and have the power of making any alteration in the mode of treating the -criminals which to them may appear judicious. - -Convinced that the design of punishment is to prevent the commission of -crimes, and to repair the injury that has thereby been done to society or -the individual, and that it is the duty of every good government to -_reform_ rather than _exterminate_ offenders, the exertions of the late -Rowland Hunt, esq. were directed to the formation of the following -excellent plan, which was instituted in 1797. - - _First_—To enable debtors to gain a livelihood while in confinement; - to reward their industry and good behaviour while there; and to - furnish them with some implements or materials on quitting prison, - the better to support themselves and their families on their return - to society. - - _Secondly_—To encourage industry, penitence, and orderly behaviour in - criminal prisoners; and to furnish with clothes and implements those - who on quitting prison receive a certificate of good behaviour. - - _Thirdly_—To provide all those who are dismissed, with a small sum - for immediate maintenance, to prevent the great temptation of - committing a crime for that purpose. - -This praiseworthy charity, the subscriptions to which from the county at -large amount to about £80 yearly; also distributes bibles and prayer -books to the wretched objects of its bounty, and thus endeavours to -impress on the minds of these outcasts of society, the sacred lessons of -divine wisdom. The benevolent stranger will perceive in the large outer -gate of the prison, two small apertures, and on the other side two boxes -are affixed, into one of which he may drop his mite, “to prisoners in a -state of reformation,” and in the other “to debtors in a state of -industry.” - - -The Military Depot, - - -Is a very handsome brick edifice, erected by government in the year 1806, -from a design by Mr. Wyatt, at an expense of about £10,000. It stands in -a piece of ground near St. Giles’s Church, at the east end of the -Abbeyforegate. - -The principal building is 135 feet by 39, in two stories, and is capable -of containing 25,000 stand of arms. Within the enclosure are two -magazines for ammunition, and a small neat house at each angle for the -storekeeper, armourer, and subalterns’ guard.—It was intended for the -reception of the arms of the volunteer corps of Shropshire and the -adjoining counties, but until lately very few arms of any description -have been deposited here—in fact it has been a complete sinecure. Mr. -Linton is the present governor. - - -The English, or East Bridge, - - -Called also the Stone Bridge, which connects the suburb of Abbey-foregate -with the town, was finished in 1774, from a plan produced by Mr. Gwyn, at -an expense of £16,000 raised by public subscription. This bridge, which -is 400 feet in length, is built of Grinshill free stone, on seven -semicircular arches, and crowned with a fine balustrade. The central -arch is 60 feet in width, and 40 in height from the bed of the river, the -two arches at the extremities being 35 feet wide and 20 high. The -breadth between the balustrades is 20 feet.—On the northern front is the -head of Sabrina in bas relief and the date of its erection. Its -ornaments are tasteful, and it may justly be classed among the most -elegant modern erections in the empire. Some persons, probably, may -conceive that the elevation of the centre is too great, but when they are -informed that in the memorable flood of 1795, even the great arch was not -more than capacious enough to admit the torrent, they will no doubt be -inclined to praise rather than censure the artist, who was actuated by a -desire to blend the useful with the ornamental. - - -The Welsh Bridge, - - -Built in the opposite direction to the before named structure, and which -received its name as being the grand route into Wales, was finished in -1795, from a design by Messrs. Tilly and Carline of this place. It -consists of five spacious arches with balustrades above, and is 266 feet -in length, with a driving road 20 feet wide, and paved on each side, for -the convenience of foot passengers, 5 feet. It is a plain though neat -erection, and has a remarkably solid and substantial appearance. - - -Public Subscription Library, - - -Situated on St. John’s Hill, is a plain brick edifice, formerly a private -house, and has been lately purchased by the Committee of the above -institution, and fitted up for the purpose of lodging the books belonging -to the Society. The number of subscribers is about 140, who pay annually -£1. 11s. 6d. and 2 guineas entrance; but their shares are transferable. -The managers of the society are a president, a treasurer, a committee of -twelve, who sit gratuitously, and a librarian at a stipend. The -following are some of the principal laws and regulations:—The library is -open for the free use of subscribers five hours every day at the rooms, -with the right of having several books at one time at their own houses, a -certain number of days. Forfeits are established and rigorously enforced -for detaining and damaging of books.—The method of admitting books is, -for any member to write down the title, size and price at the library, -with his signature, one clear week before the monthly meeting, at which -period it will be ordered, if the majority of the subscribers present are -agreeable. - -The society which has been instituted about forty years, now possesses -5000 volumes—a valuable mass of general literature in every department. -Neither divinity nor law has been permitted to _load_ the shelves; and in -the matter of that great stumbling block of mixed associations, -_politics_, a due regard to that invaluable maxim “audi alteram partem,” -has never been forgot or violated, and diversity of opinion has only -promoted the successful progress of the establishment. - - -Subscription Coffee Room - - -Is attached to the county-hall, and is supplied with several London and -provincial papers. - - -Chronicle News-Room. - - -This is situate on St. John’s Hill, and forms part of the Library House. -It is furnished not only with a very extensive variety of London and -Provincial Newspapers and the Gazette, but also with Reviews, Magazine, -Army and Navy Lists, and the best Pamphlets of the day, &c. - -To each of these institutions strangers are admitted on being introduced -by a subscriber. - -Beside these institutions there are several private READING SOCIETIES in -the town. - - -New Church of St. Chad. - - -This church, situated near that beautiful promenade the Quarry, is -erected in a style highly ornamental, from a design by Mr. Stuart, an -architect from London. The admirable execution of the masonry, and the -beauty of the stone, have an extremely elegant appearance. The first -stone was laid on the 2d of March, 1790, and the building was consecrated -on the 28th of August, 1792. The body of the church is a rotunda, 100 -feet in diameter, having a fine steeple at its south-east end. In the -steeple is an octagonal belfry, containing a melodious peal of twelve -bells, surmounted by a small dome, supported on eight Corinthian pillars. - - [Picture: St. Chad’s church] - -The principal entrance is through the large door under the steeple, to -the lower division of which is attached a portico, elevated on a flight -of steps, and supported by four Doric columns. The interior has a rich -and noble appearance, especially since its recent painting, which in some -measure has corrected that light and theatrical effect hitherto -complained of. The gallery which encircles the whole of the church, -except the chancel, is supported by a double circular range of short -pillars with Ionic capitals. From its front rises a series of columns -which support the roof, intended to imitate the Corinthian order. The -chancel is separated from the church by two insulated Corinthian-columns, -with highly enriched architraves. Beside the usual appendages of a -chancel, the Creed, Commandments, and Lord’s Prayer—a fine painted -window, executed by Eginton, and removed here from Lichfield cathedral, -was erected in the large window, in 1807, at the expense of the -parishioners.—The subject is the resurrection of our Saviour, from a -design by West. In the gallery is a good organ. - -Notwithstanding the objections which have been made to the architectural -plan of this church, it is possessed of one advantage, which, it is -presumed tends to obviate all of them, namely convenient accommodation -for a congregation of 2000 persons, which should be the object -principally kept in view in all similar erections. It was built at an -expense of about £18,000: £15,000 of which remains as a debt, on the -church at this period. - -The patron of the living is the king—the present vicar, the Rev. Thomas -Stedman, M.A. Organist Mr. John Wynne. - -From the dome of this church there is a most beautiful panoramic view of -the town, and a very extensive range of the fertile plain of Shropshire. - - -The Abbey of St. Peter & St. Paul. - - -The present church once formed part of a magnificent and richly endowed -abbey, founded by Roger de Montgomery, soon after the Norman conquest. -Here that powerful baron, in the decline of his life, retired, -relinquishing his warlike habits for the severities of the Benedictine -monks, and adopting the custom mentioned by Milton, of those - - who, to be sure of Paradise, - Dying, put on the weeds of Dominic, - Or in Franciscan think to pass disguised. - -Originally it was of very considerable extent, comprehending within its -enclosure nearly nine acres, now used as gardens and pleasure grounds to -the adjoining mansions, together with a spacious fish-pond. - -This once celebrated structure, in common with others similar in their -institution, suffered considerable dilapidations in the reign of Henry -the eighth. In consequence of this and the mouldering waste of time, a -small portion only remains, and what does exist has been cruelly -mutilated in its repairs; its nave, western tower and northern porch, -being the only fragments left to tell the history of its pristine -magnificence and grandeur. The tower is a finely proportioned structure; -its portal has a round Norman arch deeply recessed, and another of a -pointed form, inserted within it at some subsequent period. Above this -is one of the noblest windows in the kingdom, its height being 46 feet by -22 feet wide. It is divided by its mulliens into seven “days”, or -compartments below, of which there are two tiers, and its arched head is -sharp pointed, and filled with a profusion of the most delicate tracery. -On each side is a mouldering nich, in one of which was a statue of St. -Peter, and in the other St. Paul. Between the double bell windows in -front, is the figure of an armed knight within a nich, supposed from its -surrounding decorations and ornaments, to represent that celebrated -warrior, Edward III. The tower contains eight bells. Within the arch -which once led to the south wing of the transept, is an ancient figure -clad in mail, supposed by some, to be intended to perpetuate the memory -of earl Roger, the munificent patron of the abbey, and to this effect an -inscription was placed within the tomb, by the heralds at their -visitation of this county, in 1633. Others suppose it to belong to some -other warrior of subsequent times, monuments of this description not -being known at such an early period. - -The ravages which this venerable pile has suffered are, perhaps, more -strikingly visible in its interior than its exterior; but it still -presents a solemn and majestic appearance, and whilst it proudly reminds -us of its ancient grandeur, awfully forewarns us of “another and a better -world.”—The altar-piece is in the style of the last century, with -paintings of Moses and Aaron, and finishes the east end. - -There are several monuments and inscriptions in memory of the Prynces, -Baldwins, Reckes, and many other ancient and respectable Salopian -families. The armorial bearings in the great west window, were restored -A.D. 1815, from an ancient drawing in the Herald’s Office. The east -window is also adorned with painted glass. In the center compartment, -under gothic canopies, are large figures of St. Peter and St. Paul, with -their appropriate symbols; above are the arms of England, the see of -Lichfield, the Founder of the Abbey, and of Lord Berwick, the munificent -donor of the window; on each side are escutcheons of the vicars from the -year 1500. The bones of St. Winyfred were deposited in this abbey with -great splendour, in the reign of Stephen. - -The organ and the handsome gothic screen on which it stands, were erected -in 1806. It is a very fine instrument, made by Mr. Gray, of London, and -cost 365 guineas. On the screen are the arms of the principal -benefactors. - -In the parish chest are two small oval seals exactly similar in their -dimensions, impresses and legends. Two clothed arms issue from the -opposite sides of the area, one bearing a crosier, the other a naked -sword; in the centre, a wand or staff of office. Inscription, “Sigillum -commune de Fforyate Monachor”—the common seal of Monks Foregate. Some of -our most skilful antiquaries are unable to give a sufficient reason why -Monks Foregate came to have a common seal. Some of them have supposed -that the parish might have obtained a charter of incorporation, while -others think that it might have been assumed without authority. Neither -of the two seals appear much older than the 15th century. - -The patron of the living is Lord Berwick—the Rev. H. Burton, vicar, and -Mr. John Amott, organist. - -But the remain of this abbey which has most excited the attention of -antiquaries, is a beautiful little structure on the south side of the -gardens. Its plan is octagon, 6 feet in diameter. Some broken steps -which did not belong to it originally, lead through a narrow flat arched -door on the east, to the inside. The south part stands on a fragment of -the ruins. The corresponding side projects considerably from the wall, -resting upon a single corbel, terminating in a head. From this point it -gradually swells, bound with a multitude of delicate ribbed mouldings, -until it forms the basement under the floor. An obtuse dome of stone is -suspended over the whole, at about eight feet from the base, supported on -six narrow pointed arches, rising from pillars similar to the mullions of -the windows. One of the remaining sides of the octagon is a solid blank -wall, and in the other is a door. The roof within is vaulted on eight -ribs, which spring from the wall immediately under the cavity of the -dome. At their crossing in the centre is a boss, bearing a -representation of the crucifixion, considerably relieved. The spaces -between the divisions of the three northern arches, four feet above the -bottom, are filled up with stone pannels, over which they are entirely -open, a circumstance which, by permitting the light, is productive of a -beautiful effect. On the centre pannel are two small figures in elegant -tabernacles; in one of these is the figure of an angel, in the other, -that of a woman, whom he is addressing; the whole seems intended to -represent the annunciation. The right hand pannel is embellished with -images of St. Peter and St. Paul bearing their respective symbols, with -similar enrichments, and that on the left has two figures in monastic -habits, one of them a female, probably St. Winyfred, the other a monk; -the height of every figure is eighteen inches. The arches on the -southern side are without ornaments, and are now quite open two feet from -the floor. - -In forming a garden on the site of the Abbey Cloisters, a great variety -of fragments were met with, consisting of painted tiles with various -devices, rich gothic tracery, window mullions, &c. and a very beautiful -part of the pavement of the refectory; this, from its situation, being -about 23 feet from the line of the outer refectory wall, and being part -of the border of a pavement, satisfactorily proves the use to which this -beautiful Gothic pulpit was applied, it being a custom in Benedictine -monasteries, for one monk to read to the others during their meals in the -refectory. In a parallel line, and at 12 feet distance from the wall of -the dormitory, a considerable number of small Norman capitals and bases -were found, strongly bedded in cement, and forming a foundation to some -superstructure. As the west side of the cloisters must have occupied -this situation, it may be presumed that there were cloisters of more -ancient architecture, than these destroyed at the Reformation, to which -the fragments found in the garden belonged. - - [Picture: The pulpit] - - -St. Marys Church. - - -This venerable church is situated on a parallel with Castle-street, at -the north-east part of the town, in a small area; and with the exception -of St. Giles’, is the only structure of this place, which has been handed -down to the present time in an entire state. It is built in the form of -a cross, consisting of a nave side isles, transept, choir and its -chapels, with a west steeple. The exterior presents various styles of -ancient architecture. The basement of the tower is of red stone, and -contains the small round-headed windows of the early Norman era. From -the bell story the pointed style takes place, and is of the grey free -stone of Grinshill quarry, as is also the greatest part of the fabric. -The tower is large, but low. The upper story has on every side handsome -double windows. From the tower rises a lofty and beautiful spire. The -windows of the lower parts bear the remains of rich spiring canopies and -pinnacles. The height of the tower is 76 feet, of the spire 140. - -Upon the south side of the church is a stone porch of early Norman -architecture. Its outward arch is circular, with diagonal or zig-zag -mouldings, the inner rib obtusely pointed. The small pointed windows on -each side are curious specimens of the very earliest rudiments of the -mullioned window. The ceiling also presents an example of the most -ancient kind of groined vault, and consists of four round massive ribs -crossing each other in the centre, without any boss or ornament. The -semicircular arch of the interior door is a good specimen of the style of -building in fashion from the conquest to the days of Henry II. The north -door is an elegant example of this ancient kind of building. Formerly it -was an unsightly wooden porch, which was removed in 1801. The arches of -the north and south doors of the transept are in the same early style. -The decorations of the latter are rather uncommon, having lozenge pannels -placed alternately, and each filled with an embossed flower. The side -aisles, with the upper story of the nave and choir, have pointed windows -with mullions, while those of the transept are long and lancet shaped, -without any. The higher walls of the nave were, in the repair of 1786, -very injudiciously raised some feet above their original level, which -altogether destroys the ancient proportions, and gives the whole building -a top-heavy appearance. Formerly the church was crowned with pinnacles, -which issued from the spaces between each window and the corner -buttresses of the transept and choir, but now, excepting those on the -chapel, not one remains. - -Within, the church is spacious, lofty, interesting, and from its -venerable and solemn appearance, admirably adapted to the purposes of -religious meditation. - - As chanced, the portal of the sacred pile - Stood open, and we entered. On my frame, - At such transition from the fervid air, - A grateful coolness fell, that seem’d to strike - The heart, in concert with that temperate awe - And natural reverence which the place inspired. - - WORDSWORTH. - -The walls of the nave are supported on each side by four semicircular -arches, with moulding peculiar to the pointed style, and these spring -from finely clustered pillars, their shafts having the small flat rib -which belongs to the 13th century. The capitals are highly enriched with -foliage, and, as is usual in ancient churches, are all of different -designs. Above the arches is a clere-story, with a high range of short -windows on both sides, running the whole length of the church. These are -irregularly ranged in couplets, and have heads very obtusely pointed, -each divided by a single mullion. The ceiling of the nave, which is of -oak, rises into an extremely flat arch, separated by its principal beams -into square pannels, including circles richly adorned with quatrefoils -and foliage. The ribs and bosses at their intersections, are carved, -with double roses, devices and knots; those attached to the centre beam -having pendant ornaments, pelicans, angels with musical instruments, and -grotesque sculptures. The chancel is considerably elevated by two -ascents of steps. On each side is a pointed arch, blocked up, resting -upon imposts similar to the clustered pillars in the nave. Several - - — marble monuments are here displayed - Upon the walls: and on the floor beneath - Sepulchral stones appear, with emblems graven - And foot-worn epitaphs, and some with small - And shining effigies of brass inlaid, - -belonging to the Lyster, Morhall, Lloyd, Gardner, and Sandford families. -On the north side, near the altar, is a beautiful triple window, with -arches remarkably sharp pointed, the centre rising much higher than those -of each side and supported upon slender insulated columns, whose capitals -are adorned with foliage, busts, and grotesque heads. The ceiling of oak -pannelling, was in this part quite plain. The interstices between the -beams have been plastered over and painted with trefoil and other -appropriate enrichments, and the intersections adorned with carved roses -and devices, collected from the ruins of St. Chad’s and St. Alkmond’s. -In the chancel, is an altar tomb, upon which is a recumbent figure of a -cross legged knight, in linked armour, the sides adorned with rich -foliated niches, once containing figures. This monument is supposed to -belong to John de Leyborne, of Berwick Leyborne, last of the family. In -the vestry, under a low pointed arch, is a plain altar tomb, which has -formerly been ornamented with shields; on the massy alabaster slab which -covers it, are engraven the figures of a man in armour, bareheaded, with -his wife, both in the act of prayer. From the inscription which is -somewhat defaced, we learn, that it was erected to — Stafford and -Catherine his wife, in 1463. In the transept and nave there are some -singular monumental figures, brought here from the ruins of St. Chad’s -and St. Alkmond’s, but to whom they belonged has not been ascertained. - -The lower divisions of the great window which terminates the chancel, is -occupied by some ancient painted glass brought from old St. Chad’s, -representing the root of Jesse: the arch or head is made up with ancient -coats of arms and modern stained glass. The altar piece is a rich -Grecian design. The altar is a fine slab of Sienna marble bordered with -jasper, and was the gift of the Rev. Hugh Owen, vicar of St. Julian’s, -when curate here in 1789. In the gallery at the west end of the nave, is -a very handsome organ, made by John Harris and John Byfield, and as this -church, with the exception of St. Lawrence, at Ludlow, is the handsomest -in the county, so the organ with a like exception, is the most powerful -and best toned. In the tower is a musical peal of ten bells, the harmony -of which is not exceeded by that of any other peal in the town. - -On the south-west side of the church-yard is a tomb-stone erected to the -memory of Thomas Anderson, a lieutenant in Ligonier’s regiment of light -horse, who was tried at Worcester for desertion, in the first German war -of George II. and removed here for execution. He was shot on Kingsland, -near this town, on the 11th of December, 1752, and met his fate with -calmness and fortitude. At the foot of the tower is a stone in memory of -Robert Cadman, who in January, 1740, in an attempt to descend from the -top of the spire by means of a rope affixed to it, the other end of which -was placed in the fields on the opposite side of the river, fell lifeless -in St. Mary’s Friars, through the breaking of the rope, amidst an immense -number of spectators. The inscription is quaint:— - - Let this small monument record the name - Of Cadman, and to future times proclaim, - How from a bold attempt to fly from this high spire, - Across the Sabrine stream, he did acquire - His fatal end: ’Twas not for want of skill - Or courage to perform the task, he fell, - No, no, a faulty cord being drawn too tight, - Hurried his soul on high to take her flight, - Which bid the body here beneath, good night. - -The right of presentation to this living is vested in the Corporation of -Shrewsbury at large; and in the choice of a minister, (who must at least -be a M.A.) the son of a burgess who has been brought up at the Free -Schools; or one born in the parish of Chirbury, is to have the -preference. The church is a royal peculiar, the Official having -cognizance of all ecclesiastical matters arising within the parish and -its subordinate chapelries. He is stiled “Ordinary and Official, -Principal of the peculiar and exempt jurisdiction of the Free Royal -Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” The present minister, who is also -official, is the Rev. John Brickdale Blakeway, M.A.—Organist, Mr. Thomas -Tomlins. - - -St. Julian’s Church, - - -Situated at the top of Wyle Cop, originally of Saxon election, is a plain -substantial structure of brick and stone, rebuilt in 1750, at an expense -of £2000. At the west end is the square tower of the old church; the -lower part being of red stone and in a more ancient style than the higher -story, which is of the 16th century. It is furnished with six bells. In -the east wall of the chancel is a small female figure within a foliated -tabernacle, preserved from the reins of the old church, and probably -representing St. Juliana, the patroness. - -The form of this church is an oblong square, 83ft. by 48ft. the roof -being supported by four Doric columns on each side. The ceiling is -ornamented with the fret work of the old church. The altar-piece is -adorned with Ionic pilasters, supporting a rich cornice and architrave. -The east window is filled with fine painted glass, consisting chiefly of -a large ancient figure of St. James, bearing the Scriptures in his hand, -purchased in 1804, from the splendid collection of glass brought from -Rouen, in Normandy, during the French Revolution, and is extremely well -executed. Above the Apostle are escutcheons of the arms of France and -England, quarterly, and those of the corporation, and see of Lichfield. -The arms of the present and ancient patrons of the church, Earl -Tankerville, Sir John Astley, and Prince, together with those of the -families of Rocke, Powys, Bowdler, &c. &c. are exhibited in various -situations in the edifice, which is likewise beautified with a variety of -painted and stained glass. The only ancient monument in this church -which is worthy the attention of the antiquarian, is a slab of coarse -alabaster, lately removed from the church-yard into the chancel. It is -nearly a foot in thickness and as hard as flint; and besides a modern -epitaph which has been inserted in the centre of it, it contains round -the edge this inscription, in Longobardic capitals, now nearly -obliterated, but capable of being read, EASMONYND TROVMWYN GIST ICI DIEV -DE SA ALME EN EYT MERCI AMEN. i.e. Edmund Trowmwyn lieth here, may God -have mercy on his soul. Amen. - -There is an organ in the gallery. - -The Earl of Tankerville is the patron. The present incumbent is the Rev. -Hugh Owen, F.A.S. Archdeacon of Salop, portionary of Bampton, -Oxfordshire, and prebendary of Salisbury. - - -Old St. Chad’s Church - - -Is situated at the top of Belmont. - -This once venerable pile was founded previous to the Norman conquest, by -one of the kings of Mercia, soon after the expulsion of the Britons, on a -site of a palace belonging to one of the princes of Powis, which was -destroyed during the wars between the Britons and their Saxon invaders. -In 1393, a considerable part of the structure was burnt down through the -carelessness of a plumber, then repairing the lead on the roof, who, -frightened at beholding the edifice in flames, endeavoured to escape over -the ford of the Severn, near the eastern gate, but was drowned in the -attempt. In the early part of the year 1788, the church was observed to -be decaying fast, and a respectable architect, who was employed to survey -it, advised that the tower should be taken down, in order to relieve the -mouldering pillars of their vast weight. Unfortunately, this salutary -advice was not acted upon; in lieu thereof, partial repairs were -undertaken, and the attempt to remove a shattered pillar, that a firmer -one might be erected in its place, completed its ruin. On the second day -after the workmen had commenced their destructive operations, the decayed -pillar gave way, and in consequence, the tower fell about four o’clock -the following morning, July 9, 1788, on the roof of the church, and -overwhelmed the greater part of the sacred edifice in ruinous desolation. - -About a month previous to this occurrence, the church had been thronged -with thousands, who had assembled to witness the interment of an officer -with military honours. - -Although a considerable part of old building remained, it was not deemed -advisable to rebuild the church on its ancient site. The present -fragment of it, which was formerly the Bishop’s chancel, was fitted up -for the purpose of performing the rites of sepulture in, and at this time -it is used as a charity school. - -It is worthy of remark, that the light of the reformation first dawned in -Shrewsbury in this church. - - -St. Alkmond’s Church, - - -Situate immediately adjoining St. Julian’s, was originally founded by -Elfrida, daughter of Offa, king of Mercia; and like some others in -Shrewsbury, was erected at different periods and in different styles of -architecture in the form of a cross. At the destruction of St. Chad’s -church, the parishioners, alarmed for the safety of their ancient -structure, caused it to be thoroughly examined, and in consequence of -some symptoms of decay exhibited in the roof, they determined on the -demolition of the old church and the erection of a new one on a part of -its site. The present building was accordingly opened for divine worship -in November, 1795, at an expence of about £3000, one half of which might -have been saved by a judicious repair of the original erection, and thus -preserved for ages. The beautiful spire-steeple at the west end, is the -only part which escaped the general devastation. It is 184 feet in -height, and is highly ornamental to the town, especially when seen from -the adjacent country. It contains a musical peal of eight bells. - -The plan of the church is an oblong square, 84 feet by 44, with a small -recess for the altar, over which is a handsome painted window, by -Eginton; the subject is emblematical of Faith, kneeling on a cross, with -the eyes elevated and arms extended towards a celestial crown which -appears amidst the opening clouds. “Be faithful unto death, and I will -give thee a crown of life,” is the motto. - -Previous to the demolition of the old church, there were a variety of -ancient inscriptions, few of which are now visible. In the church-yard -is a monument to the memory of Alderman William Jones and his wife, the -former of whom died in 1612. It formerly stood in the chantry north of -the chancel; and about sixteen years ago it was munificently repaired by -the late Sir Thomas Tyrwhit Jones, Bart, M.P. the worthy and respected -representative of the family. - -The living is in the gift of the crown. Its present incumbent the Rev. -J. Wightman. - - -St. Giles’s Church, - - -Of the origin of which no authentic account is known, stands at the -eastern extremity of the Abbey Foregate, and bears marks of considerable -antiquity. By some it has been thought to be the earliest parochial -foundation in Shrewsbury; but others, with more semblance of truth, give -the palm in this respect to the Abbey, to which St. Giles’s is now -attached, merely as a convenience for the performance of funeral -ceremonies; public worship being only celebrated within its walls, twice -every year. - -It is a small plain building, consisting of a nave, chancel, and north -aisle, with a small turret for the reception of a bell. Its interior -presents several varieties of architecture, whilst its antique and -worm-eaten benches, its homely pavement, and its almost altogether -unadorned state, combine to give it a simply interesting appearance. - -The church-yard contains the tombs of various inhabitants of the town; -among others is one raised to the memory of Cheney Hart, M.D. a native of -Warrington, and an eminent physician of this town for thirty-three years, -on the pedestal of which, crowned with a handsome urn is a Latin -inscription. On the north side the yard is a tomb in memory of William -Congreve, esq. formerly lieutenant-colonel of the 17th foot, and his -relict Jane. This gentleman was a descendant of the ancient family which -gave birth to our celebrated dramatic writer, while his lady, a Waller, -was sprung from that of elegant poet of Beaconsfield. The grave stone of -William White, who was a quarter-master of horse in the reign of William -III. bears the following lines: - - In Irish wars I fought for England’s glory; - Let no man scoff at telling of the story: - I saw great Schomberg fall, likewise the brave St. Ruth, - And here I come to die, not there in my youth. - Thro’ dangers great I’ve passed many a storm; - Die we must all as sure as we are born. - - - -_PROTESTANT DISSENTERS_. - - -IT is always painful to men of sober and moderate principles, to recur to -the Act of Uniformity, which in Bartholomew’s day, 1662, drove from their -livings at least 2000 clergymen, “many of them distinguished by their -abilities and zeal,” to seek subsistence from the charity of friends, and -consolation in times of oppression from the calm testimony of a good -conscience. To this act however, Shrewsbury is indebted for its first -regular dissenting church. The place where they assembled is called - - -The Presbyterian Chapel. - - -This congregation was founded by Mr. Bryan and Mr. Tallents, the -ministers ejected from St. Chad’s and St. Mary’s. It was destroyed in -1715, by a mob, soon after the accession of the House of Hanover, and was -rebuilt by government. It stands on the north side of the High Street, -and is a plain building of brick, neatly fitted up. It is now used by a -respectable congregation of Unitarian Dissenters. Minister, the Rev. G. -Case. - -In the year 1766, a disagreement took place among the congregation -frequenting the Presbyterian chapel, relative to the choice of a -minister, in consequence of which, they separated, and a part of them -erected a new chapel. It is called - - -The Independent Chapel, - - -Situate on Swan Hill, and is a commodious brick erection of an oblong -form. It has a numerous and very respectable society. On the north side -is a vestry. A neat stone tablet on the front bears the following -inscription: - - THIS BUILDING WAS ERECTED - IN THE YEAR 1767, - FOR THE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF GOD - AND IN DEFENCE OF THE - RIGHTS OF MAJORITIES - IN PROTESTANT DISSENTING CONGREGATIONS - TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN MINISTERS. - - Minister, the Rev. T. Weaver. - - - -The Methodist Chapel, - - -Called also St. John’s Chapel, is situate on St. John’s Hill, and -previous to the erection of a house in front of part of it, was a great -ornament to the street. It is a neat and extensive brick building of an -oblong form, and is calculated to accommodate a large congregation. -Behind the chapel is a vestry, in which are placed the stairs leading to -the pulpit, which in consequence, has rather a novel appearance to a -stranger, no steps being visible in the chapel. The congregation is -numerous and respectable. - - -The Baptist Chapel - - -Is in Dog Lane; with a well-finished interior, it is, perhaps, from the -awkward situation of the pulpit and its extreme lowness, one of the most -unpleasant chapels in the town, especially when crowded, which is often -the case on particular occasions. It is a plain respectable brick -building, and has a numerous congregation. The Baptists were established -here in 1780. - - -The Quaker’s or Friends Meeting House - - -Is situate on St. John’s Hill, and, like the respectable body who -assemble within its walls, is a plain unadorned building. - -The SANDEMANIANS and WELSH METHODISTS, also have Chapels in Hill’s Lane; -and the ROMAN CATHOLICS a neat one near the Town Walls at the back of the -Lion Inn. - - - -CHARITABLE ERECTIONS & INSTITUTIONS. - - -The Free Schools. - - -EDUCATION is, in the British empire, an object of national concern. Our -various universities and public schools are splendid monuments of the -attention paid by our ancestors to the important object of training and -enlightening the youthful mind. The provision made for the support of -these establishments, especially in England and Ireland, is, generally -speaking, munificent. At the same time, it is not sufficient to afford a -temptation to the indulgence of idleness, by the conversion of -respectable offices into sinecures. The dignity hence accruing to their -teachers and professors, invests them with high authority, and imparts -additional weight to their instructions; while the respect in which they -are habitually held by long established prescription, gives a powerful -sanction to the system of their discipline. - -This observation applies with peculiar force to the munificent edifice of -the Royal Free School of King Edward VI. which is situate at the northern -extremity of Castle Street. Its erection was completed in 1630, the -ancient school-room, which was composed of timber, having been removed in -order to the completion of the present spacious and convenient structure -of free-stone. The building surrounds two sides of the court with a -square pinnacled tower in the angle. In the centre of the front is a -gateway, adorned on each side with a Corinthian column, very rudely -designed, upon which stand the statues of a scholar and a graduate, -bareheaded, and in the dress of the times. Over the arch is a Greek -sentence from Isocrates, - - ’Εὰν ῆς φιλομαθὴς ἔσῃ πολυμαθής. - -Importing that a love of literature is necessary to the formation of a -scholar. Above are the arms of Charles I. The ground floor on one side -the gateway, contains a room originally used as an accidence school; on -the other the third master’s house, now given to the head master, who -places his assistant in it. In the middle story are comprised the -lodging rooms of the assistant’s house, and the lower master’s apartment, -which for many years has been converted into a writing school. The -principal school room, which occupies the upper story, is 80 feet by 21. - -The chapel is on the ground floor of the other part of the building, and -is divided from the anti-chapel by a handsome open screen of oak, richly -embellished with grotesque carving, as are the pulpit and bible stand. -The ceiling is adorned with a variety of foliage, devices, and rebusses, -preserved from the ruins of St. Alkmond’s Church. The arms of the first -and present masters are placed along the middle. Prayers are read here -twice on school days, by the head master, who is chaplain and catechist, -for which he has a distinct salary of £20 a year. - -Over the chapel, and of the same size, is the library, which contains a -most valuable collection of books, and in size and decoration is in no -respect inferior to the majority of those in the Universities. A half -length of Henry VIII. and his son Edward VI. when a boy; a full length of -an Admiral in the dress of Charles II. reign, probably Benbow, together -with five portraits of head masters, ornament the walls. In this room -are also preserved three sepulchral stones discovered at Wroxeter. - -A small museum is separated from the lower end of the room, in which are -some Roman antiquities, chiefly from Wroxeter, with a few fossils and -other natural curiosities. Among the latter, is the dried body of a -sturgeon, caught in 1802, in a weir adjoining the island, a quarter of a -mile below the castle. When alive, it weighed 192 pounds, and was 9 feet -long and 3 feet 4 inches round. - -In front of the schools on the town side, is a play ground enclosed from -the street by iron railing, and a considerable piece of ground is used -for a similar purpose at the back, which opens to the country and is -entirely secluded from the town. Two large houses most delightfully -situated contiguous, belong to the masters, with every accommodation for -boarders. The revenues are very handsome, and are derived chiefly from -the tithes of a number of townships in the parishes of St. Mary and St. -Chad, and the whole rectory of Chirbury, which were granted by King -Edward VI. and Queen Elizabeth. - -This seminary has been long celebrated for the erudition of its scholars. -Under the “excellent and worthie” Thomas Ashton, it flourished eminently. -At one period he had 290 pupils, among whom we notice Sir Henry Sydney, -whose son, the heroic Sir Philip Sydney, laid here the seeds of that -exemplary friendship with the celebrated Sir Fulk Greville, Lord Brook, -which he maintained through the whole of his short but splendid career. -Beside these, the noted Jeffries, Lord Chief Justices Jones and Price; -Drs. Bowers and Thomas, Bishops of Chichester and Salisbury; the Rev. -John Taylor, L.L.D. and the celebrated Dr. Waring, received their -education here. Nor does the present character of the school fall short -of that distinguished pre-eminence which it formerly sustained. Under -the judicious direction of the learned Dr. Butler, it is in a flourishing -state. Not only do the children of the principal families in the -adjacent counties and North Wales, receive the rudiments of their -learning here, but also those of many families of distinction from -distant parts of the empire. The appointment of master rests solely in -the fellows of St. John’s College, Cambridge; that of ushers and the mode -of instruction is vested in the head master. - - -The House of Industry. - - -This handsome brick building, situated on the opposite side of the river -to the Quarry, was erected in 1765, as a Foundling Hospital, at an -expence of £12,000. Numbers of children were sent here from London, and -placed out at nurse during their infancy with the neighbouring cottagers, -under the superintendance of the surrounding gentry. When arrived at a -proper age, they were brought into this house and employed in various -branches of a woollen manufactory, and afterwards apprenticed to various -individuals. About 1774, however, the governors finding their funds -inadequate to the support of the charity, the house was shut up; and a -few years after was rented by government, who in the American war used it -as a place of confinement for Dutch prisoners. - -In 1784, an act of parliament was obtained to incorporate the five -parishes of Shrewsbury and Meole Brace, as far as related to their poor, -and to erect a general House of Industry. The governors of the Foundling -Charity were glad of an opportunity to dispose of their erection at a -considerably reduced rate, and the building was accordingly purchased, -together with about twenty acres of land, for about £5,500, and it was -opened for the reception of paupers in December in that year. For a -short period they were employed in the fabrication of woollen cloths, but -this being found injurious to the pecuniary resources of the house, it -was discontinued, and at present their employment chiefly consists in -manufacturing the various articles of their clothing. They breakfast, -dine, and sup in the dining hall, a very long room, the men, women, boys -and girls, being each placed at separate tables. Divine service is -performed twice each Sunday, in a neat chapel parallel with the hall. -There is also an infirmary, where the sick and infirm are lodged in -proper wards, and attended to by nurses and the apothecary belonging to -the house. The whole is under the management of twelve directors, chosen -from persons assessed in the associated parishes at £15. or possessed of -property to the amount of £30. per ann. who appoint a governor and -matron, to superintend the domestic economy of the establishment. - -Mr. Nield, the worthy disciple of the philanthropic Howard, remarks of -this place, which he visited in 1807, “This House of Industry is -certainly a house of plenty, for the books every where, bear record of -good living, and the famous beef slaughtered here. The average number in -the house is 340; the children delicate and pampered, from being -accustomed to abundance and variety of provisions, and comfortable rooms, -very dissimilar to the hardy peasant, and therefore ill calculated to -rear up useful assistances in the employments of agriculture, or to make -useful servants in this agricultural county. They would prefer a race of -hardy lads, inured from their infancy to combat weather and temporary -want; whose nerves are strong by early exertions, and their -understandings furnished with some knowledge of rural life.”—Mr. Nield’s -extensive observation and experience, qualified him to judge of the most -proper aliment and employment of this class of persons, far better than -most of the directors and governors of similar institutions can -reasonably be expected to do; and as indulgence and plenty cannot be -supposed to be the portion of the children of the poor in their progress -through life, we may indulge a hope that the directors will speedily -devise some plan for the initiation of their young dependants into habits -of judicious labour and healthy abstinence. - -Along the north front of the house is a beautiful gravel walk, from -whence the town is seen to great advantage. On the right, the -Abbey-foregate, with its two venerable churches, various manufactories, -Lord Hill’s Column, and a great extent of fertile land, are seen backed -by the Wrekin, Haughmond Hill, &c. In front, the river Severn flowing -close underneath, the beautiful verdure of the quarry, and the town, -present themselves; whilst on the left are descried a large portion of -this extremely fertile county, together with the distant Montgomeryshire -and Denbighshire hills. This extensive prospect over the neighbouring -country, with the endless variety of scenes that present themselves to -the spectator are finely described in the following lines: - - Ever charming, ever new, - When will the landscape tire the view? - The fountain’s fall, the river’s flow, - The wooded vallies warm and low; - The windy summits wild and high - Roughly rushing on the sky! - The pleasing seat, the ruin’d tow’r, - The naked rock, the shady bow’r - The town and village dome and farm - Each give each a double charm, - As pearls upon an Ethiop’s arm. - - DYER. - -It was from this house, that the benevolent but eccentric Mr. Day, -deluded by the fascinating eloquence Rosseau, selected two girls on whom -to try an experiment on female education, in which he proposed to unite -the delicacy of a modern female, with the bold simplicity of a Spartan -virgin, which should despise the frivolity and dissipation of the present -corrupted age. - -Having obtained the object of his wishes, he repaired with them to -France, taking no English servant, in order that they might receive no -ideas but those which he chose to instil. After spending about eight -months in France, he placed the one in a respectable situation in London, -and with his favourite actually proceeded some years in the execution of -his project; but experience and mature reflection at length convinced -him, that his theory of education was impractible, and he renounced all -hope of moulding his protegee after the model his fancy had formed. He -therefore placed her in a boarding school at Sutton Coldfield, in -Warwickshire; and after completing her education, she resided some years -in Birmingham, and subsequently at Newport, in this county: and by her -amiable deportment secured a large circle of friends. Mr. Day frequently -corresponded with her parentally. In her 26th year she married Mr. -Bicknell, a gentleman who accompanied Mr. D. to Shrewsbury, at the -commencement of this singular experiment. - - -Salop Infirmary. - - -This noble asylum, situated in St. Mary’s Churchyard, was formed in the -memorable year 1745, for the accommodation and relief of the diseased and -indigent poor. The munificence with which this excellent institution has -been supported by the inhabitants of the county at large, has enabled its -conductors to proceed upon the most liberal principles. Admission is -given to the diseased from whatever quarter they may come, provided they -are recommended by a subscriber; but in case of sudden accident, this -recommendation is dispensed with. - -It was opened in 1747, and has the honour of being one of the earliest of -similar erections, those of Bristol, Northampton, Winchester, and Exeter, -being the only provincial ones established prior thereto. The building -is of brick with a stone portal, and the back windows, which look into -the country, command a varied and extensive prospect. Considered with -respect to its internal cleanliness and economical management, and the -humane and skilful attentions of the medical gentlemen of the town, its -advantages are such as will vie with those of any similar provincial -institution, and are calculated to excite in the minds of the benevolent -and reflecting, feelings of the most compassionate regard and generous -sensibility. - -Since its foundation, £126,671. 9_s._ 10_d._ in voluntary subscriptions -and benefactions, has been contributed for its maintenance and support. -By the last report it appears, that up to June 1822, 33,589 in-patients -have been received into the house, 18,373 have been cured, and 3,481 -relieved; also 52,142 out-patients, of whom 37,720 have been cured, and -4,877 relieved. - -Besides the physicians and surgeons of the town who attend gratuitously, -a surgeon resides in the house, in order that medical aid may not be -wanting in cases of emergency. The domestic economy is superintended by -a matron. The pecuniary concerns are managed by a secretary, under the -inspection of a Board of Directors and deputy Treasurer. A Treasurer -also is appointed annually from among the subscribers of five guineas and -upwards, and on the Friday in the Shrewsbury race week, a sermon is -preached by the chaplain, and a collection made for the benefit of the -charity, the plates being held by two ladies, supported by two gentlemen -of distinguished rank or opulence. The clergy of the established church, -residing in the town, officiate in rotation weekly; two of the -subscribers also resident in Shrewsbury, are weekly appointed as house -visitors. - - -Millington’s Hospital - - -Stands in the suburb of Frankwell, and is so called from its benevolent -founder, the late Mr. James Millington, draper of Shrewsbury, who in -1734, bequeathed nearly the whole of his property to its erection. - -The hospital is a respectable building of brick. Over the pediment, in -the centre, is a turret, in which is a clock. In this part is a chapel, -used also for a school room, and houses for the master and mistress. On -each side are six small houses for the poor. - -The will of Mr. Millington appointed a schoolmaster and mistress, who -have each a house and £40. per annum, and the master £10. additional for -keeping the accounts. A chaplain, with a stipend of £25. Twelve poor -men or women chosen from the single housekeepers of Frankwell, or the -part of St. Chad’s parish nearest to it, to each of whom is allotted an -apartment in the hospital, consisting of two comfortable rooms, a small -garden, a gown or coat, given on St. Thomas’s day, a load of coals on All -Saints’ day, and an allowance of £6. per annum. Gowns or coats and -40_s._ each, are also dispensed every year to ten poor single -housekeepers resident in Frankwell, and when a vacancy happens in the -hospital, the person who has longest received the garments is elected to -it. The hospitallers and out-pensioners have also two twopenny loaves -weekly. Twenty poor boys and as many poor girls, born in Frankwell, are -completely clothed twice annually, and receive their education in the -hospital. When arrived at the age of fourteen, the boys are apprenticed, -£7. 10_s._ is given with each, and £2. 10_s._ is expended in cloathing: -£5. is also presented to those, who at the expiration of their first -year’s apprenticeship, can bring a certificate of their good behaviour. -The girls are allowed £5. on going out apprentices. - -Two exhibitions of £40. a year each are founded for students of St. -Magdalen’s College, Cambridge. Those who have been originally scholars -on the hospital foundation, claim the preference, or one born in -Frankwell, and educated in the free grammar school is most eligible. - - -Allatt’s School - - -Was erected in 1800, at the bottom of Swan Hill, pursuant to the will of -the late Mr. John Allatt, formerly chamberlain to the corporation of -Shrewsbury. - -The structure is of free-stone, and contains two houses for the master -and mistress, connected with the school rooms by arcades. It cost about -£2000, erected from a plan by Mr. Haycock. The interest of the residue -of Mr. Allatt’s property, maintains a schoolmaster and mistress, and -educates twenty poor boys, and as many girls, whose parents have not -received parochial relief. The children are taught reading, writing, and -arithmetic, and the girls sewing; they are cloathed once a year, and at a -proper age apprenticed. Twenty coats and eighty good stuff gowns are -also distributed annually, to that number of poor old men and women. - - -Bowler’s School, - - -In the Back Lane, near the Wyle Cop, is a plain brick building, founded -in 1724, pursuant to the will of Mr. Thomas Bowdler, alderman and draper, -for instructing, cloathing, and apprenticing poor children, of the parish -of St. Julian. The dress is blue. - - -Public Subscription Charity School - - -Was erected near the Abbey church, in 1778. The institution is supported -by voluntary subscription, and children from every part of the town, boys -as well as girls are admissible. The system of instruction pursued is -that of Dr. Bell, the master having a salary of £40. and the mistress -£30. The dress of the children is brown, and hence it is sometimes -called the brown school. The number in the school at the date of the -last report, June 1822, were, boys 190—girls 150. - - -Royal Lancasterian School. - - -This edifice was built in 1812, in consequence of a lecture delivered on -the subject of Education, by the celebrated Joseph Lancaster, at the Town -Hall, in Shrewsbury. As its name imports, the system of instruction is -that of Mr. Lancaster. There is one apartment for boys and one for -girls, to each of which children are admitted, on being recommended by -subscribers. It is supported by voluntary subscriptions and donations. -Number of boys 260; girls 217. - - -St. Chad’s Alms-Houses. - - - “This yeare 1409, one Bennett Tupton, being a common Beere Bruar, and - dwellinge in St. Chadd’s Churche Yarde in Shrousberie, now called the - Colledge, founded the Almeshouses in the sayde St. Chadd’s Churche - Yarde in Shrousberie, beinge then a man at that tyme of 60 yeares of - age.” - -Originally they were 13 in number, but not having any funds, two are -fallen to decay. The present allowance to the poor is about 16s. per -annum, including 2_s._ 2_d._ paid by the company of mercers. - - -St. Mary’s Alms-Houses, - - -Situate at the western end of St. Mary’s church-yard, were founded 1460, -by Degory Watur, draper. They are 16 in number, extremely wretched and -filthy in appearance, and dangerous and unwholesome from their smallness, -each having only a single apartment 11 feet by 8, without any outlet. -The centre house, originally inhabited by the founder, and called the -hall, is larger than the others, and has a wooden porch, on which is a -painting of Watur and his wife, and on the front is the effigy of King -Edward IV. The poor people, who must be parishioners of St. Mary’s, have -each £2. 6_s._ 10½_d._ allowed them annually, by quarterly payments from -the draper’s company, and an upper garment once in two years. - - -St. Giles’ Alms-Houses, - - -Near St. Giles’ church, in the Abbey Foregate. The houses are four in -number. The residents in them are nominated by the earl of Tankerville, -who allows them 1_s._ 6_d._ per week, with a quantity of coals and an -upper garment annually. - - -Sick Man’s Friend and Lying-In Charity. - - -The objects of this Institution, which was begun in 1810, are the relief -of the diseased, and of poor married women in childbed, at their own -houses; who not only receive medical assistance, if necessary, but the -use of bed linen, food and every other necessary that their situation -requires. The meetings of the Committee are held at the Independent -Chapel, on Swan-hill. - - -Samaritan Society & Lying-In Charity, - - -Is similar in its objects and institution to the former. Its operations -commenced in 1814, and the meetings of its Committee are held in the -vestry of St. John’s Chapel. - - -Ladies’ Charity, - - -Was instituted in 1814, by some benevolent females, solely for the -purpose of assisting poor married women with cloathing, food, and other -necessaries requisite for their situation. The meetings of the Committee -are held in the vestry of St. Chad’s church. - -The extensive scale on which the three last named charities are -conducted, and the liberality with which their benefits are dispensed, to -the deserving poor, place them among the first charitable institutions -which so much distinguish the town of Shrewsbury. Their operations are -confined to no sect or party, and they design nothing but the purest -philanthropy. Their laudable plans are promoted by the individual -exertions and charitable subscriptions of the members, each of whom pay -2_s._ per quarter and upwards. The number of the members is about 300. -No public buildings are connected with these praise-worthy -establishments, the present mode of relief being considered superior to -those of an hospital. - - -Shrewsbury General Sunday School - - -Is held in the large room in the linen manufactory in Coleham. The order -and regularity observed in this institution has been noticed by strangers -from distant parts of the kingdom. Its numbers according to the last -report were boys 215, girls 247. In addition to this, a separate room is -allotted to the instruction of Adult scholars, whose number is 44. The -whole are taught reading and writing. - - -Swan Hill Sunday School - - -Is a similar institution and similarly conducted. The number of scholars -are, boys 96, girls 104. - -Besides this, St. Chad’s Boys Sunday School, has about 100 boys, under -the superintendance of its committee. - - -St. Mary’s Sunday and Day School - - -Is held in the chapel of St. Mary’s church. The children are taught -reading and writing; their number is about 162. - - -St. Chad’s Ladies’ School. - - -This is carried on in that part of St. Chad’s old church which escaped -entire destruction. It is a most praise-worthy establishment, and is -superintended by many respectable ladies of St. Chad’s parish, who devote -a considerable portion of their time in furtherance of this object of -their anxious solicitude. - -The latter institutions deserve the close inspection of the benevolent -and humane. The recurrence of stated days, on which the well-ordered -artizan and peasant, emerging from the dirt and impurities of their -vocations, to practice the virtue of cleanliness, produces an easy -association between a sense of self-decency, and the reverence due to the -service for which the sabbath is set apart. To strengthen this feeling -and principle, becomes therefore an important object to all those -interested in the good order, peace and happiness of the people of the -British empire; and to enfix it as deeply as possible, the impression -cannot be made too early. - - -Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. - - -In conjunction with this excellent institution, a District Society has -been established here for the purpose of co-operating with the Society at -Bartlett’s Buildings, in the distribution of Bibles, Testaments, Prayer -Books, and other religious books and tracts. The praise-worthy objects -of the Society are supported by some of the most respectable and opulent -residents in the county.—Secretary, the Rev. Archdeacon Owen, M.A., -F.A.S. - - -Shropshire Bible Society - - -An auxiliary Bible Society, to co-operate with the British and Foreign -Bible Society, in London, was instituted here on the 11th of November, -1811. The late Rev. Francis Leighton, explained to the meeting, summoned -on this occasion, the nature and objects of this charity. A number of -liberal donations were offered, and an extensive annual subscription -entered into. The important object of this society, as its name imports, -is, the gratuitous distribution of the scriptures among the poor -inhabitants, and also by its contributions, to aid the noble design of -the parent society in translating the Bible into all languages which are -represented by letters, and to circulate them throughout the earth. The -Rev. Archdeacon Corbett is the president, and the annual meeting is held -on the first Wednesday in July. - - - -REMAINS OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS. - - -The Council House - - -Received its name from having been the residence of the Court of the -Marches of Wales; for though their principal abode was at Ludlow, they -were accustomed to hold one term in the year at this place, for the -convenience of suitors, and another at Bewdley, and sometimes at -Hereford. - -The house is in the immediate vicinity of the castle (in the outer court -of which, it is supposed to have been built,) on a steep bank overhanging -the river. The entrance to it from the town is by a venerable timber -gate-house, the ornaments of which have lately been plastered over. The -great hall and chamber, which were the only apartments not _modernized_, -have just (1815) been pulled down and rebuilt, and the rich old -chimney-piece which stood in the hall, in the centre of which were the -arms of Owen of Condover, has been removed to that venerable mansion. -Charles I. kept his court here, as also did James II. in 1687. - - -St. Nicholas’s Chapel - - -Is still standing in part on the left hand entrance to the council house, -and is now used as a stable. The building consisted of a nave and -chancel without aisle; the former is nearly perfect, and there is no -doubt, but that its erection is of great antiquity. The whole length is -50 feet, the breadth 19 feet. - - -Austin’s Friars. - - -The convent of the Eremites of St. Augustine, stood at the bottom of -Barker-Street {89}, near the river. A small part only remains, little of -it being to be seen excepting the shell of a large building of red stone, -with two pointed arched door ways. It is now used as a tan-house. - - -Franciscan Friary. - - -The house of the Franciscan or Grey Friars, stood under the Wyle Cop, on -the banks of the Severn. A part of this friary still remains, converted -into houses. A large stone coffin lies in the garden of an old timber -house, erected soon after the dissolution. - - -Dominican Friary. - - -Scarcely a fragment of this friary now remains. It is supposed to have -occupied nearly the whole of the meadow between the Water-lane-gate and -the English Bridge. - -The lady of king Edward IV. twice lay in at this convent, and was -delivered of Richard and George Plantagenet. The former perished in the -tower with his unfortunate elder brother, in the subsequent reign, by the -machinations of his cruel uncle Richard. Prince George died young. - - - -PLACES OF AMUSEMENT. - - -The Theatre. - - -THIS building, if we may credit the affirmation of Phillips, is part of -the ancient palace of the princes of Powisland; who in their frequent -transactions with the sovereigns of England, often resided at Shrewsbury. -John de Charlton, who married an heiress of the line of Powis, obtained a -license in 1308, to embattle this mansion, and hence it acquired the name -of Charlton Hall. In 1445, Henry Gray, Earl of Tankerville and of Powis, -granted the premises to Thomas Bromley; from whom, twenty-five years -after, they were demised to Nycholas Warynge, of Salop, merchant of the -staple of Calais. After various changes and transfers, it became the -property of the Waring family. - -The ancient boundary walls of this mansion, inclosed all the space -contained between Cross Hill, St. John’s Hill, Murivance, or Swan Hill, -and Shoplache. The house doubtless formed one, if not two quadrangles, -which may still be traced. The most considerable remnant is a building -of red stone, in length 100 feet, and in breadth 31 feet, which is the -present Theatre. The side next the street has been plastered and washed -with stone colour, to give it the semblance of a modern front; but -surely, nothing was ever so disgraceful to the town as its present -appearance, especially when considered as a public building. The other -side exhibits the original walls with some blocked-up pointed arches, and -other features of high antiquity. It is probable, that in the old -edifice, this part was the great chamber, appointed according to the -usage of the times, for receiving company, and occasionally for -exhibiting shows and interludes. The interior being now fitted up as a -modern Theatre, retains few of its original appurtenances, except the -remains of a small spiral stone staircase. It consists of a pretty roomy -pit, a ground tier of boxes, with upper side boxes, and a tolerably -spacious gallery. The stage is well adapted to the size of the place, -and the decorations are in the usual style of provincial playhouses. The -same remark may apply to the performers, who are, generally of that -middling class, which consists of persons in their first career to -excellence, and of others that have got half-way, and remain stationary. -The taste of the Salopians being rather of the retired kind, which -delights most in domestic society, does not contribute much to encourage -dramatic exhibitions, and the house is scarcely ever crowded, except -during the race week, and in the summer visits of the London performers. -The audiences, however, if not numerous, are select; and it may be -mentioned to their honour, that they never tolerate any thing that -borders on buffoonery and indecorum. One of their most favourite plays, -for obvious reasons, is the first part of Henry IV. and when Jack -Falstaff talks of having fought Hotspur “a full hour by Shrewsbury -clock,” he never fails to draw down a thunder of applause. - - -Assembly Room. - - -An elegant apartment erected for this polite amusement, at the back of -the Lion inn, and is extremely commodious, having a gallery for the -musicians at the northern end. The dancing and card assemblies commence -in the month of September, and are held generally once a month. The town -and neighbourhood of Shrewsbury furnishing a variety of genteel society, -they are generally attended by a very numerous and respectable company. -They are supported by subscription. - - -The Circus - - -Is a spacious brick erection, near the Welsh Bridge. It was built in -1821 by Mr. Newton, and as its name imports, is used principally as a -Theatre for the display of Equestrian performances. It is spacious and -commodious, and well calculated for Pantomimical exhibitions. - - -Races. - - -The Horse Races continue for three days, and take place in the month of -September. On these days a great number of plates, sweepstakes and -matches are run for; the course is at Bicton Heath, about two miles west -of the town, where booths are erected for the use of spectators. The -gentlemen who are annually appointed stewards, generally being persons of -property and influence, the races are well attended, not only by the -population of the neighbourhood, but also by many families of the first -respectability from distant parts of the kingdom. - - -Fishing. - - -The Severn is celebrated for the excellency of its salmon, which was -formerly in such abundance at Shrewsbury, that it was made an article in -the indentures of apprentices, that they were not to be obliged to eat it -oftener than two days in a week. Of its superabundance the inhabitants -cannot at least now complain, little being to be purchased under 2s. 6d. -per pound, and that but seldom. - -Besides Salmon, the river Severn contains twenty-one other sorts of fish, -the chief of which are flounders, pike, trout, perch, eels, shad, carp, -lamperns, and lampreys. The two latter are found in many other rivers, -but none are so much valued as those taken out of the Severn, from whence -they are sent to many parts of England. Lampreys are a delicious dish, -but unwholesome if eaten in great quantities: of which we have an -instance in the death of Henry I. who died in consequence of eating too -plentifully of this fish. - -Nor is it in the Severn alone that the angler will find amusement, Meole -and Condover brooks affording excellent trout, and the river Tern, a -great variety of delicate fish. Each of these streams are within a short -distance of the town. - - -Bowling Greens. - - -Of this most healthful species of amusement Shrewsbury cannot boast; -however, the pleasant villages of Meole, distant one mile, and Uffington, -distant three miles and a half, furnish two very excellent greens, and -where the pedestrian will be well accommodated and attended to, after the -fatigues of his walk. - - [Picture: Image of house with lawn in front] - - - -PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS. - - -Water. - - -WITH this most necessary article Shrewsbury is abundantly supplied, and -it is also of a most excellent quality. The first we shall notice, is -that which is chiefly used for drinking, and is obtained from the - - -Conduits, - - -which are placed in several situations about the town for the general -convenience of the inhabitants. The spring which supplies these -fountains, rises at _Broadwell_, in a field near Crow-Meole, about two -miles from the town. The work of conducting it to town in leaden pipes, -was completed about 1574; a reservoir was placed under a shop in the -Butcher Row in 1743, but was afterwards removed to Claremont Hill, and on -the demolition of the town-walls, for the purpose of erecting the new -church of St. Chad on its site, the lodge opposite the Quarry-keeper’s -house, at the top of the centre walk of that beautiful promenade, was -built for this purpose. - - -Severn Water. - - -The reservoir for this water is in a large cistern near the butter -market, from whence it is conveyed to almost all the inhabitants by means -of lead pipes, for which they pay in proportion to the quantity of water. -The water is forced up to this reservoir by means of a large wheel placed -at the English or East Bridge, but in consequence of the frequent -fluctuations of the Severn, it is probable that six months out of the -twelve, the town is destitute of this supply, and whatever quantity may -be wanted for culinary and other purposes is carried from the river. It -is much to be wished, that the present waterworks were removed, not only -on account of the deformity which they give to the noble appearance of -the bridge; but the water which is sent to the reservoir after running -nearly round the town and receiving all its filth, would by the removal -of the works to Cotton Hill, and the erection of a steam engine, be -distributed to the inhabitants in a more regular manner, and in a much -purer state. - - -Baths. - - -There are two cold baths, one in Kingsland and the other in the suburb of -Abbey Foregate, but neither of them can be recommended as possessing -suitable accommodations, especially when compared with those of other -places. - - -The Quarry. - - -This beautiful walk is on the western side of the town near the church of -St. Chad; it occupies a rich meadow of about twenty acres gradually -sloping to the river, and is supposed to have obtained its name from a -small quarry of soft red sand-stone, which was formerly procured here, -and with which some of the ancient buildings were no doubt erected. The -lower walk which skirts the river, is 540 yards in length, shaded with -lime trees, planted by Henry Jenks, Esq. in the year of his mayoralty, -1719. Three walks lead from the town to that on the bank of the Severn, -and two others formerly crossed the entrance. - -Few promenades in the kingdom can vie with the Quarry, particularly in -the spring of the year, when it displays all its pride of beauty. Its -spacious fields carpeted with grass, thickly studded with the golden hue -of the butter cup, and the silvery tinge of the modest daisy—its noble -trees clothed with leafy verdure of various hues, and protecting the -pedestrian from the piercing rays of the sun—the Severn rolling its broad -and majestic stream along—whilst the feathered songsters carol their -notes to the God of nature, altogether present a lovely picture of rural -happiness. Nor is the Quarry at “the fall of the leaf” when nature -unburdens herself of her lovely mantle, unworthy the contemplation of the -reflecting mind. - - The fading foliage of th’ embrowning grove, - (Which oft has listened to the voice of love,) - In mournful junction with the shortning day, - Reminds us of the circling year’s decay: - While the fleet, whistling winds, dismantling, tear - Each tree’s green honours to the chilling air, - Thence to descend, and in man’s footsteps lie - A just memento of mortality. - -In the 16th century, it appears that Shrewsbury was the scene of -theatrical representations. Julian the apostate, was performed here in -1565, and two years afterwards, the Passion of Christ, to see which queen -Elizabeth is said to have come as far as Coventry, but on learning that -its representation was over, returned to London. The particular spot -which formed the rural theatre, was at the top of the rope walk in the -Quarry. The ground which forms a gentle acclivity, was cut into the form -of an amphitheatre, the seats of which may still be traced in the bank. - -Beside this, which is the chief walk, the town and neighbourhood furnish -such a variety of picturesque and pleasing promenades as are equalled -perhaps by few in the kingdom. - - - -MANUFACTORIES. - - -ALTHOUGH Shrewsbury is not distinguished by its spirit of commercial -enterprise, its contiguity to the Principality, the facilities which it -possesses for the importation and exportation of goods, by means of its -noble river and canals, and its situation as the capital of an extensive -and populous county, combine to give to it many advantages over a variety -of places equally insular. Its fabrication of threads, linen cloths, &c. -&c. stand unrivalled; whilst the more common articles of domestic life -are executed in a stile of neatness, certainly equal, if not superior, to -those of any other place of similar size. The following are the -principal, which we can do little more than enumerate. - -Messrs. BENYONS’ MANUFACTORY is built on the north bank of the Severn, -near the prison. The articles manufactured here consist of linen yarns, -cloths, canvas, and threads. The building was erected in 1804. The -process of making the various articles, is carried on by upwards of 400 -hands, and the whole machinery, which is of wonderful construction, is -worked by the solemn and stupendous action of a steam engine of 55 horse -power, which keeps in continual motion upwards of 3000 spindles. - -A short distance from the former stands the FACTORY of Messrs. MARSHALL -and Co. who manufacture similar articles, the whole of whose machinery is -also worked by the powerful agency of steam. - -Of a like description is that also of Mr. BAGE, in Coleham. The other -establishments are HAZLEDINE’s, and GITTINS and CARTWRIGHT’s IRON -FOUNDRIES, the BREWERY of JOHN HEATHCOTE and Co.—the FLANNEL FACTORIES of -Mr. BAKER and Mr. RAMSBOTHAM—and Mr. HILL’s SPIRIT DISTILLERY. - -Nor will it be improper under this head, to mention some others, which, -although not strictly speaking, manufactures, do honour to the town, and -are worthy the early attention of strangers. Among the first of these, -may be named BROCAS’s CHINA and GLASS REPOSITORY, in the Castle-street. -The splendid collection here exhibited of antique and foreign china, -together with the no less beautiful and admired specimens of the same -article, from the first manufactories of this kingdom, and the rich and -superb display of glass in an endless variety of patterns, as well for -use as ornament, cannot fail to prove a rich treat to the stranger. - -BETTON and EVANS’s STAINED GLASS MANUFACTORY, where great improvements -have been made in that beautiful art. The perfection at which they have -arrived, is truly astonishing, and they have the merit of approaching -nearest (and in some colours even surpassing) the brilliant tints of the -ancients. That this eulogium is not undeserved, may be ascertained by -viewing the splendid windows executed by them for Lichfield cathedral, as -well as the specimens which may be inspected at their warehouse on Wyle -Cop. - -The MARBLE ROOMS of Mr. CARLINE, sculptor, modeller, and marble mason, -Abbey Foregate; where a variety of marble chimney-pieces are exhibited, -in the Egyptian, Grecian, Gothic, and modern tastes, and in various -species of the most beautiful foreign and British marbles. Marble tables -for halls, sideboards, &c. various figures in marble, bronze, artificial -stone, to support dials and lamps; statues, busts, &c. of excellent -execution. - - [Picture: Decorative image of a vase with flowers] - - - -MARKETS. - - -THE markets of Shrewsbury are plentifully supplied with the luxuries and -conveniences of life. They are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The -first is small; that on Saturday is, perhaps, not surpassed in the -display of eatables, by the market of any town of a similar size in the -kingdom. Butcher’s meat is sold at the single and double rows on Pride -Hill, and at the Shambles in Fish-street. Butter, Eggs, and Poultry of -every description at the Butter Market. The green market is held in the -square before the town-hall, where there is generally a luxuriant supply -of vegetables, and of extremely early production. Wheat and all sorts of -grain are disposed of in the market-house. With milk the inhabitants are -tolerably well supplied by persons of the town who keep cows expressly -for the purpose; but “art, ever jealous of nature, and benevolently -careful of the stomachs of the inhabitants, has, by the application of a -certain useful element, wisely deprived it of its luxuriant richness.” - -The Fish market is well supplied. Not only the Severn salmon, which is -caught at their doors, but a very considerable quantity of different -descriptions of the finny tribe from Wales, are regularly exposed for -sale at tolerably moderate prices. For its excellent brawn, Shrewsbury -has long been distinguished. - - -Fairs. - - -Fairs are held here on the second Tuesday and Wednesday in every month. - - - -MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES AND REFERENCES. - - -Inns and Taverns. - - -THE LION INN, on Wyle Cop, is kept by Mr. Tompkins. For elegant -accommodation and the greatest attention, it is not surpassed. The -London, Holyhead, Newtown, and Ludlow mails run to this house; also -coaches regularly from hence to London, Holyhead, Worcester, Hereford, -Bath, Cheltenham, Birmingham, Chester, Liverpool, Manchester, and all -parts of the kingdom. - -THE TALBOT INN, in Shoplatch, is kept by Mr. Jobson. Extensive premises -with requisite accommodations. Coaches run from this house similarly to -those from the Lion. - -THE RAVEN INN, in Castle-street. A spacious and convenient house, with -excellent accommodation. As a house frequented by commercial gentlemen, -it ranks first in the town. - -THE RAVEN AND BELL INN, on the Wyle Cop, has extensive and good -accommodations for travellers, and is well frequented. - -THE CROWN INN, near the Butter Cross, is centrically situated, and -travellers meet with civility and attention. - -Besides these, there are numerous others, which cannot here be detailed, -but in all of them of respectable name, the stranger will experience a -civility and attention which in houses of this description are not in all -places to be met with. - - -Public Offices. - - -THE POST OFFICE is kept in Dogpole. It opens at seven in the morning and -closes at nine at night, and is shut during divine service on Sundays. -To London the mail goes out daily at eleven o’clock (except Saturday.) To -Holyhead and Ireland every evening at three o’clock. To Ludlow, -Hereford, and South Wales every morning at eleven. To Chester, through -Ellesmere and Wrexham every evening at three o’clock. To Pool, and all -Merionethshire, (except Bala and Corwen) Aberystwith, every evening about -half past three o’clock, and to Whitchurch, Wem, Hawkstone, Prees, and -Malpas, every evening by horse post, soon after the arrival of the London -mail. THE STAMP OFFICE is kept in the Corn Market, as is also the SALOP -FIRE OFFICE. The COLLECTOR’S OFFICE for the receipt of the excise -duties, is held in Barker Street. The CLERK OF THE PEACE’S OFFICE is at -the Town Hall. - - -Bankers. - - -Messrs. Beck, Dodson, Eatons and Beck, draw on Masterman and Co. - -Messrs. Burton, Lloyd, Lloyd, and Salt, draw on Stephenson, Remmington, -and Co. - -Messrs. Rocke, Eyton, Campbell, and Bayley, draw on Robarts, Curtis, and -Co. - -The banks are open every day from ten o’clock till four. - - -Newspapers. - - -Two weekly Newspapers are published here. - -_Wednesday_,—The Salopian Journal, at the Office in the Corn Market. - -_Friday_,—The Shrewsbury Chronicle, at the Office on St. John’s Hill. - - -Stage Coaches. - - -The number of coaches precludes our specifying each particularly, nor -indeed would it be of much avail for any length of time, as they change -so frequently. The following directions, however, give every necessary -information to the stranger in the choice of his conveyance to any part -of the kingdom. - - _From the LION COACH OFFICE_. - -_Mail Coaches_ to London, Holyhead, Hereford, Chester, Newtown, and all -the intermediate places. _Stage Coaches_ to London, Holyhead, -Manchester, Liverpool, Hereford, Bristol, Bath, Birmingham, Cheltenham, -Aberystwith, and the towns and villages on the road, daily. - - _The TALBOT INN_. - -_Stage Coaches_ run from this house to the places named before. - - _The BRITANNIA INN_. - -_Stage Coaches_ to London, Birmingham, and Aberystwith. - - -Stage Waggons. - - -_Waggons_ to London, Wolverhampton, Machynlleth, Dolgelley, and -Montgomeryshire, from _Crowley and Co._ Mardol. - -_Waggons_ to Chester; Manchester, Ludlow, and Leominster, from _Maxon’s -Warehouse_, Mardol. - -_Waggons_ to Aberystwith, Llangollen, Bala, Wem Wharf, (from whence goods -are conveyed by water to Liverpool, &c.) Holyhead, &c. from _Newton’s -General Waggon and Barge Warehouse_, Mardol Quay. - - -Water Conveyance. - - -_Barges_ go frequently (two or three in a week) for Bridgnorth, -Worcester, Gloucester, Chepstow, and Bristol, days uncertain, from the -warehouses of Owners _Harwood_, _Bratton_ and _J. Jones_, on Mardol Quay, -also from the _Union Wharf_, St. Mary’s Water Lane. - - -Hackney Chairmen. - - -_Hackney Chairs_, or as they are sometimes called _Sedans_, are to be had -for conveyance within the town at a moderate rate. - - -Friendly and Benefit Societies - - -Of these there are a great number in Shrewsbury, which assemble agreeably -to their rules at different public houses, and would be far too many for -enumeration here. Suffice it to say that, the MASONIC SOCIETY, the most -respectable of them, assembles monthly on Mondays, at the Crown Inn. - - -Inland Navigation. - - -The Severn has its source from a chalybeate spring on the eastern side of -Plinlimmon, a mountain in Montgomeryshire, in North Wales, from whence -rushing down with a swift current, and being joined by many smaller -torrents, it presently appears considerable, and passing by Llanidloes -and Newtown, becomes navigable at Pool Quay, where the Vyrniew joins it -with a stream little inferior to its own; from thence proceeding gently -forward to Shrewsbury, which it surrounds nearly in the form of an -horseshoe, it flows on through a rich vale with many extensive windings, -till it comes to Benthall Edge, by the way receiving into it the river -Tern, which waters all the north of Shropshire. Here the Severn begins -to be rapid, being pent up between two opposite hills, both very lofty -and steep; and from thence to Bridgnorth and Bewdley, the channel is -confined by high woody banks and rocky cliffs, which afford a variety of -beautiful prospects. Afterwards it again glides pleasantly on through -the fertile plains of Worcestershire, visiting in its way the city -itself, and a little below is considerably augmented by the influx of the -river Teme. This addition, however, is much inferior to that which it -receives from its junction with the river Avon, at Tewkesbury. These two -rivers thus united, pursue their course to Gloucester, and about fifty -miles below that city are lost in the Bristol Channel. - -This river, justly esteemed the second in Britain, is of great -importance, being navigated by vessels of large burden, more than 160 -miles from the sea, without the assistance of any lock. Upwards of -100,000 tons of coal are annually shipped from the collieries about -Madeley and Broseley, for the cities and towns situate on its banks, and -thence conveyed into the adjacent counties. Great quantities of grain, -pig and bar iron, iron manufactures, Coalport china and earthenware, as -well as wool, hops, cyder, and provisions, are likewise continually sent -to Bristol and other places, from whence various kinds of goods are -brought in return. In May, 1756, the number of Barges and Trows on the -river Severn navigating from Shrewsbury downwards to Bristol amounted to -376, and since that time, by the addition of the inland canals from the -Trent, the Mersey and the Thames, into the Stroud navigation, it may -fairly be calculated that not less than double that number are now -employed. - - -Shrewsbury Canal. - - -This canal commences on the north-east side of Shrewsbury, and winding -with the Severn passes Uffington, where it runs parallel with the river -Tern and passes Upton Forge, Withington, Roddington, where it crosses the -river Roden, also the river Tern, at Long Mill; passes Long, Eyton, -crosses Ketley Brook at Wrockwardine Wood, and there joins the Donnington -Wood and the Shropshire Canals. The total length is 17½ miles; with 147 -feet rise in the five miles between Long and Wombridge; the rest is -level.—The principal use of this canal is the conveyance of coals for the -consumption of Shrewsbury and the intermediate places, from the numerous -coal works in the eastern part of Shropshire, which furnish that article -of an excellent quality. The best are delivered in Shrewsbury at about -15s. per ton. - - - - -_ENVIRONS OF THE TOWN_. - - -Sutton Spa. - - -QUITTING Shrewsbury by the suburb of Coleham, and proceeding for about a -mile along a narrow lane, we reach Sutton Spa. Few countries in Europe -can boast of more medicinal or mineral waters than England, the virtues -of which have been well established, not from vulgar experience only, but -from the repeated examinations of the most skilful physicians. The -uncommon frequency of the healing springs may rationally be attributed to -the lixivious quality of our rain water, to the variety of rich soils, -with the spoils of which, from their property of dissolving, they must be -fraught, and to the wonderful and inimitable chemistry of nature by which -they are so happily impregnated as to become the easiest and surest -remedies of the most grievous and otherwise incurable diseases. - -For the following account of this Spa the author is indebted to a paper -drawn up by Dr. Evans, (now of Llwynygroes,) and inserted in the -Agricultural Survey of Shropshire by the Rev. Archdeacon Corbett: - - “Sutton Spa is situated about two miles south of Shrewsbury, on the - slope of a gentle eminence, and close to a village of the same name. - The spring issues from a rocky stratum of ash coloured clay, or - argillaceous schistus, containing (as appears by its effervescence - with nitrous acid) a small portion of lime. Fresh from the spring, - the Sutton water is clear and colourless, and exales a slightly - sulphureous smell; which is most perceptible in rainy weather. It - sparkles little when poured into a glass, having no _uncombined_ - carbonic acid in its composition. When first drawn its strong salt - taste is evidently mixed with a chalybeate flavour; but the latter is - wholly lost on exposure for a few hours, bubbles of air separating - slowly, and a reddish sediment lining the sides and bottom of the - vessel. - - “The Sutton water has by many been compared with that of Cheltenham, - and supposed to contain nearly the same ingredients. It bears, - however, a much closer resemblance to sea-water, and has accordingly - been found most beneficial in those cases for which sea-water is - usually recommended. - - “In the case of scrophula, the superior merits of sea-water has been - uniformly and universally acknowledged. A similarity of ingredients - would naturally lead us to expect similar effects from the Sutton - water; and I am happy to bear testimony, that a twenty years practice - at the Salop Infirmary, as well as in private practice, has furnished - me with abundant proofs of its success in the treatment of - scrophulous affections; and in addition to the properties possessed - by the Sutton-spring in common with sea-water, it enjoys one evident - advantage in containing iron. {108} - - “The air of Sutton, as might be expected from its open elevated - situation, is dry and wholesome. The site commands a rich and highly - variegated prospect, bounded on one side by the magnificent group of - Breyddin and Moel y Golfa, with a long range of Welsh mountains - rising in full majesty behind them; and on the other by their no mean - rivals, the Wrekin and Stretton Hills. The view of Shrewsbury, - betwixt the branches of the adjoining wood, particularly when the - setting sun gilds every object with his mellowest light, is greatly - and most deservedly admired. The walk from Shrewsbury is pleasant - and picturesque; and the neighbourhood of a reasonable and abundant - market, can be considered as no trifling object, when compared with - the extravagant prices and scanty accommodations of many of our - remote watering-places.” - -Since the before-named estimable and respectable physician drew up the -account (about 1801) of the Spa, from which the above is extracted, a -neat cottage and baths for hot and cold bathing have been erected by the -noble proprietor, provided with comfortable accommodations for invalids. -We cannot help thinking, that “while almost every fishing village on the -coast is preparing conveniences for sea-bathing, how desirable would it -be to extend similar advantages to the interior parts of the island, -where poverty or infirmity render it impossible to visit the distant -sea.” - -The town is regained by a pleasant walk along the lane above the Spa, -which leads the tourist into the Abbey Foregate, very near to the column -erected in honour of Lord Hill. - - - -Shelton Oak, - - -Stands about one mile and a half from Shrewsbury, just where the Pool -road diverges from that which leads to Oswestry. This oak is remarkable, -as well for its size as its traditional history. Owen Glyndwr is said to -have ascended it at the battle of Shrewsbury to reconnoitre; but finding -that the king had a numerous army, and that Northumberland had not joined -his son Hotspur, he fell back to Oswestry, and, immediately after the -battle, retreated precipitately into Wales. - -The tree is now in a complete state of decay, even its larger -ramifications; and within the hollow of it at bottom six persons at least -may sit down and partake of refreshment. - - - -Excursion to Haughmond Abbey and Uffington. - - -The pedestrian may, in this walk proceed either along the turnpike road -or by the side of the river; we shall make choice, however, of the -former, on account of its facility for the description of several -interesting objects which present themselves on the route. - -Proceeding from the town through the suburb of Castle Foregate, we leave -the extensive linen factory of Messrs. Marshall, and Co. on the left, the -monotonous noise from the machinery of which is very agreeably relieved -by the pleasant and extensive view that presents itself, in conjunction -with the bleaching fields belonging to Messrs. Benyons’ factory on the -right, and renders the prospect extremely interesting. At the distance -of one mile from the town, on the left, is the Old Heath. Previous to -the erection of the present excellent prison, all condemned malefactors -expiated their offences by the sacrifice of their lives to the offended -laws of their country in a field which adjoins the road at this place. -Continuing our jaunt to the turnpike, and keeping to the right, at the -distance of about 2½ mites from Shrewsbury we reach Sundorn Castle, the -residence of Mrs. Corbet. The landscape in travelling along this road is -exquisitely beautiful; rich corn fields and pastures demonstrate the -fertility of the soil, watered by the majestic stream of the Severn, with -a great number of rivulets which, descending from the uplands, pour their -tributary streams into that river; while the pleasant seats and farm -houses, thickly scattered through the scene in contemplation, and -surrounded by clumps of trees and copse wood, satisfy the spectator that -nature has not in this neighbourhood lavished her treasures in vain. - -The elegant mansion of Sundorn was erected in the castellated style by -the late John Corbet, Esq.: Its site in a beautiful lawn, the venerable -appearance of the castle, the sloping banks which surround the large -sheet of water covered with plantations, the rich verdure of the -adjoining woods, numerous corn fields and pasture grounds tufted with -trees, the hedgerows and walks happily arranged, the bold appearance of -the castle on the adjoining hill, diversify the scene and render the -_tout ensemble_ extremely interesting. - -Within the demesne of Sundorn, the remains of Haughmond Abbey are -situated. Of the foundation of this once venerable pile there is now no -entire trace. Of the Abbey-church, nothing remains but the south door of -the nave, a most beautiful and highly adorned round arch, resting on -slender shafts, between which on each side have been inserted a Gothic -tabernacle, inclosing statues of St. Peter and St. Paul. The -chapter-house is entire; it is oblong, with the upper end forming two -sides of a hexagon. The roof is of fine oak, and above has been another -story. The entrance is by a richly decorated round arch, with a window -on each side, divided into two round arched compartments, by slender -short pillars. The spaces between the shafts of these arches have Gothic -niches, and statues of the Virgin Mary, Gabriel, St. Catherine, St. John, -&c. South of the chapter house, and opposite the site of the church, are -remains of the Refectory, and beyond a large building, consisting of a -spacious hall, eighty-one feet by thirty-six, lighted by Gothic windows -on each side, and a large one, once filled with tracery, at the west end. -On the north side is a curious antique fire-place. Communicating with -this, at the eastern extremity, and at right angles, is another apartment -of nearly the same size, once evidently in two rooms. At the south end -is an elegant bay window. It is conceived this building formed the -abbot’s lodgings and hall. The situation of the Abbey on a rising -ground, backed by a noble distant forest, commands a very rich and -extensive view of the great plain of Shrewsbury, with the town and -castle, enriched by mountainous tracts. - -Proceeding from the Abbey along the bottom of the wood, and ascending the -hill, we reach a shooting box, erected in the form of an ancient turret, -by the late Mr. Corbet. Near it Lord Douglas, in the battle of -Shrewsbury, was taken prisoner, in attempting to precipitate himself down -the steep, when his horse fell under him, and he received a severe -contusion on the knee. On reaching the summit of this hill, the -traveller will enjoy a beautiful prospect. His attention is lost in -variety; and his imagination for a while suspends its powers in -contemplating indiscriminately the vast but diversified assemblage. In -this situation he will recollect with pleasure the animated lines of -Thomson, whose descriptive genius must continue to do honour to his -country, as long as taste and elegance are regarded. - - “Meantime you gain the height, from whose fair brow - The bursting prospect spreads immense around, - And snatch’d o’er hill, and dale, and wood, and lawn, - And verdant fields, and darkening heath between, - And villages embosom’d soft in trees, - And spiring towns, by surging columns mark’d - Of household smoke, your eye excursive roams, - Wide stretching from the hall, {113} in whose kind haunt - The hospitable genius lingers still, - To where the broken landscape, by degrees - Ascending, roughens into rigid hills.” - -The spectator, if he has any taste for the sublime and beautiful in -nature, will find himself abundantly repaid for the labour of the ascent. -His eyes will wander with pleasure over the beautiful villas, the retreat -of the rich and affluent, diversified with woods and corn-fields, that -present themselves on the fertile plain adjoining the hill. Immediately -before him, he will discover the ancient town of Shrewsbury, with its -lofty spires, its noble river and canal, whilst in the distance a range -of green mountains, interspersed with woods, that seem to be carelessly -scattered on their sloping sides, form a suitable background to this -picturesque and interesting scene. - -Descending from the hill, we immediately reach the pleasant village of -Uffington, situated on the banks of the Severn, where at the Bowling -Green excellent accommodations will be met with. From hence the canal -and river side afford a pleasant walk, which reconducts us to our -starting place—Shrewsbury. - - - -Attingham Hall, - - -Distant about four miles on the London road, is built of beautiful free -stone, and is situated in a very extensive lawn on the banks of the river -Tern, over which is a handsome bridge erected by the late lord Berwick. -The south front, which is upwards of 365 feet in length, has an extremely -grand appearance; being decorated with lofty Ionic pilasters and a -magnificent portico. The interior of the house has much to recommend it, -particularly its lofty and spacious hall, the entablature of which is -supported by Verd Antique Scaglioni columns, with statuary capitals and -bases. The picture gallery is a spacious room 78 feet 6 inches long, by -25 feet 6 inches wide, and 24 feet high. It contains many _chef -d’œuvres_ of the old masters, particularly some valuable ones by -Raffaello—Parmigiano—Paolo Veronese—Annibal -Caracci—Rubens—Vandyck—Poussin—Kuyp—the Ostade’s—Murillo—Salvator -Rosa—Berchem. The walls of this elegant room are of a deep lake colour; -the ceiling supported by porphyry columns of the Corinthian order, the -capitals and bases of which are beautifully gilded. Underneath the -cornice of this extensive room is a gold fringe of great depth. The -floor is inlaid with rich Mosaic work, and the grand staircase is -finished in a corresponding style of magnificence. The suite of drawing -rooms is superbly furnished with immense plate glasses and burnished gold -furniture, and the ceilings are richly gilt. The boudoir is a beautiful -small circular room, the pannels of which are decorated by the pencil of -one of our first artists. The library is in the west wing, and is a very -extensive and lofty room, the cornice is supported by rich Corinthian -pilasters; and besides a very valuable collection of books, it contains -several rare specimens of sculpture from the antique. Among those most -worthy notice is a font {115} from Hadrian’s Villa; on the basso relievo -on its exterior the story of Narcissus is beautifully told. A rich -candelabra from the antique, of exquisite workmanship, near ten feet -high—a fine colossal statue of Apollo Belvidere—a beautiful -Esculapius—with a splendid collection of Etruscan vases from Herculaneum, -busts, chimeras, &c. &c. The rooms on the first floor correspond in the -grandeur and magnificence of their furniture with those on the ground -floor. - -The house was built originally from a design by Mr. Stewart, but it has -lately undergone a very extensive alteration, under the superintendance -of Mr. Nash; the rich and costly carvings and ornamental furniture, were -executed by Mr. Donaldson, of Shrewsbury, whose correct taste in that -fine art is too well appreciated to need any eulogium here. - -The situation of the house is healthy and delightful; and the grounds -contiguous thereto have lately been much improved. The view of this -elegant seat, from the public road near the before-mentioned bridge has a -fine effect: its beautiful front—the extensive shrubberies—with the park -richly clothed with fine timber on the back ground, rising to a -considerable height above the mansion; whilst in the distance on the left -will be seen the pleasing village of Atcham—its parish church—and bridge, -present, even to the passing stranger, a very pleasing scene. The -gardens, walks and pleasure grounds, are laid out with taste, and display -some very fine scenery. - - - -Hawkstone, - - -The seat of the noble and celebrated family of the Hills, is situated on -the eastern border of the county, about 14 miles from Salop, and though -with regard to the surrounding country it may be said to stand on an -extensive plain, it in itself consists of a group of prominent and -astonishingly romantic rocks, forming by far one of the most attractive -features, not only of this, but perhaps, taken altogether, of any other -county. To attempt a particular or even a general description, would -very far exceed the limits of our whole book, as a cursory inspection of -its wonders occupies a walk of several days. General Paoli, who visited -this place before the late improvements, publicly declared that in all -his extensive travels, not even excepting Italy or Switzerland, there -were some scenes here that surpassed in grandeur any thing he had seen.—A -slight notice of some of its principal beauties will best become our -humble efforts in so limited a work. The house, though spacious and -elegant, and not of very ancient erection, notwithstanding it is -embellished with some fine specimens of sculpture and painting, forms but -a small part of what is sought after here; the attractive powers of -Hawkstone consisting entirely in the enchantment of the surrounding -scenery. Three or four massive rocks irregularly grouped, with their -fine wooded sides disclosing at intervals abrupt crags, towers, and -shelving precipices, with intermediate vallies of still seclusion and -spreading lawns of verdant freshness, together with many a broad expanse -of park, studded with luxuriant trees either grouped in groves, or single -in feathery fullness, the whole enlivened by inhabitants appropriate, -picture to the sight both at once and successively—scenes only equalled -and seldom surpassed, even in the poetic regions of luxuriant -romance.—The Grotto is approached through a stupendous natural chasm of -great length, and narrowing till but one person at a time can pass, while -over head the sky is just seen at a great height; a dark cavern is then -passed, and the sky is again for a moment seen, when entering another -cavern of complete darkness and gradual ascent, the grotto is, after -considerable, though perfectly safe wandering, entered: the first -appearance of this spacious cavern is truly sublime, as it is seen by the -glimmering light of variously stained glass, throwing its lurid and -sepulchral faintness on the massive pillars, till at length the grotto is -entered with all its brilliance: It consists of a very extensive -excavation, finely fretted to its termination with a profusion of rich -petrifactions, shells, and marine productions. In one of its awful -recesses, through an iron grate, is seen the figure of a British Druid, -in complete costume, passing amid the massy pillars, in a dim and green -light.—After various windings, a door suddenly opens in the summit of the -precipice, where, over the shelving rocks below, and far above the -highest forests, a scene of magnificence bursts on the eye exceeding -almost conception. This height is with some difficulty descended by -innumerable winding steps cut in the solid rock. - -A SCENE in SWITZERLAND is presented here on the heathy summit of one of -the mountains, where a narrow plank bridge crosses a deep chasm, and -connects two rocks of terrific height and cragginess. - -The terrace formed on the ridge of one of the hills, finely wooded, is -terminated by an octagon summer-house, that commands a prospect of -astonishing extent, from whence the bordering mountains of Wales, with -parts of no less than 13 counties, are distinctly enumerated.—Near this -place is a Column, 112 feet high, surmounted with a colossal statue of -sir Rowland Hill, the first protestant lord mayor of London, in 1550, the -3rd year of Edward VI. In a most romantic glen, near this place, is an -Urn, erected by the late sir Richard Hill, purporting that it was the -hiding-place of one of his ancestors, during the civil wars of Edward I. -while his house was ravaged by the parliament soldiers; but that his son -speedily came to his assistance: the approach to and from it now is much -facilitated, without destroying the wildness of the scene, by extensive -passages and steps. Beyond this is a well-stocked Menagerie of living -Animals, principally birds.—From hence, round the sudden and abrupt -corner of a rock, and through the cleft body of an old oak, is entered -one of the sweetest vallies imagination can tint, and most properly -called ELYSIUM: It is bounded completely by wooded and inaccessible -rocks, and can only be entered at this narrow passage, or at the extreme -termination of its extent, about half a mile.—On the most western of this -group of rocks are the remains of RED CASTLE, built in the reign of Henry -III., though it is mentioned by this name in a grant as ancient as -William the Conqueror. It is now in awful ruins; but lofty fragments of -its walls form some of the most picturesque beauties of this romantic -place; and fling on the mind, if such scenes needed it, the additional -charm of that strange feeling that antiquity and fallen grandeur never -fail to excite. Amid these towers is a well of surprising depth; called -now the GIANT’S WELL. The site of this castle is ascended and descended -(as is usual amid most of the strange scenes here) by steps cut in the -rocks; and very frequently through caverns, sometimes natural, but always -surprising. At the bottom of one of these is suddenly seen a Lion in his -den, which, though assuredly a trifling toy amid such scenery, never -fails to astonish the generality of visitors.—Here is also a SCENE in -OTAHEITE, consisting chiefly of a Hut, built exactly on the model of what -our lamented countryman, Captain Cook witnessed in that happy island, and -ornamented accordingly: the scene wherein it is erected first pointed out -the propriety. - -To enumerate, much more to describe, all, or even the principal -attractions of this wonderful place, would, as we before stated, very far -exceed the limits we have allotted thereunto: yet before we close, as we -would willingly please readers of every description, it may not be amiss -to notice what is not improperly called NEPTUNE’S WHIM, a spot no doubt -most largely applauded by the generality of visitors here. It is very -properly detached at a tolerable distance from the principal scenery of -Hawkstone; and consists of a cottage ornamented with shell-work and -cinders, amid ponds of fish; behind which is a mighty figure of the -marine god, with a profuse current gushing through his urn; he is -accompanied, of course, by his Tritons and Nereids, spouting water -through their leaden shells. This is acknowledgedly _a whim_ of his -godship, whereof he partakes with mortals; nor can these trifles, or even -some of the inscriptions, tend to lessen the august grandeur of this most -magnificent spot, wherein art has had little more to do than clear a -path, for the votaries of nature to have access to her most sportive and -astonishing charms. - - What skill, what force divine, - Deep felt in these appear! a simple train, - Yet so delightful mix’d, with such kind art, - Such beauty and beneficence combin’d; - Shade, unperceiv’d, so softening into shade; - And all so forming an harmonious whole; - That as they still succeed they ravish still. - - THOMSON. - -At the entrance to the Park is erected a very handsome and commodious -Inn, capacious enough for the reception of a number of families; many of -which frequently spend a considerable part of the summer in this -delightful spot. The attention of the worthy host and the excellence of -the accommodations, provisions and wines, must be experienced to be duly -appreciated. - - [Picture: Decorative graphic of building with tree, and houses with - church in background] - - Howell, Printer. - - * * * * * - - - - -FOOTNOTES. - - -{33} The Welsh word for the principality of Wales. - -{89} A great quantity of human bones have from time to time been dug up -in the grounds which surrounded this ancient friary, from which it -appears probable that it was once used as a burying place for those who -died of the plague, which frequently and severely visited this town. -Phillips says that after the battle of Battlefield, between Henry IVth -and Hotspur, “many persons of note were buried in the Black and Austin’s -Friars in Shrewsbury.” - -{108} Sutton-spring water: - - _Grains_. -A wine gallon of Sutton-water 1082 6 -contains of muriate of soda -Ditto of lime, with an 226 0 -admixture of muriated soda -Carbonate of iron 0 5 -Clay and silex 11 5 - Total of solid contents 1320 0 - _Cubic - Inches_. -Carbonic acid 1.805 -Common air, contaminated with 12.635 -azote and sulphurated hydrogen gas - Total of volatile contents 14.440 - -{113} The hospitable and truly old English mansion of Mrs. Corbet, which -is seen on the right hand. - -{115} When the French took possession of Rome, this font was undergoing -a repair at the statuary’s, and was considered so valuable an antique, -that the French Commissary priced it at 2000 guineas. Being claimed -however by the statuary as his own property, he was allowed to retain it, -and afterwards he contrived to convey it to Lord B. to whom it belonged. - - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STRANGER IN SHREWSBURY*** - - -******* This file should be named 62274-0.txt or 62274-0.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/2/2/7/62274 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: The Stranger in Shrewsbury - or, an historic and descriptive view of Shrewsbury - - -Author: Thomas Howell - - - -Release Date: May 29, 2020 [eBook #62274] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STRANGER IN SHREWSBURY*** -</pre> -<p>Transcribed from the 1824 (second) edition by David Price, -email ccx074@pglaf.org</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/cover.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Public domain book cover" -title= -"Public domain book cover" - src="images/cover.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/fpb.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Shrewsbury Castle from river" -title= -"Shrewsbury Castle from river" - src="images/fps.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<h1><span class="GutSmall">THE</span><br /> -STRANGER<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">IN</span><br /> -SHREWSBURY:<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">OR,</span><br /> -<span class='gutoutline'><i>AN HISTORICAL AND -DESCRIPTIVE</i></span><br /> -VIEW<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">OF</span><br /> -<span class='gutoutline'>SHREWSBURY</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">AND</span><br /> -<i>ITS ENVIRONS</i>.</h1> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>BY THOMAS HOWELL</i>.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>SECOND EDITION</b>.<br /> -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> - -<blockquote><p> A -lovely spot<br /> -For all that life can ask! Salubrious! mild!<br /> -Its hills are green: its woods and prospects fair!<br /> -Its meadows fertile! And to crown the whole<br /> -In one delightful word—it is our Home—<br /> -Our Native Place.</p> -<p style="text-align: right"><b>COTTLE’S ALFRED</b>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>Shrewsbury:</b><br /> -<i>PRINTED AND SOLD BY THE AUTHOR</i>,<br /> -And by the Booksellers in the County.</p> -</blockquote> -<p style="text-align: center">1824.</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><a name="pageiii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. iii</span>THE -author cannot permit a second edition of the Stranger to issue -from the press, without acknowledging the lasting obligation he -is under to his fellow-townsmen, for the friendly patronage -bestowed on its first appearance.</p> -<p>Shrewsbury,<br /> - <i>May</i> 18, -1824.</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<h2><a name="page1"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -1</span><i>HISTORY</i>.</h2> -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> carelessness which in many -instances is evident in the orthography of our ancestors, -frequently renders it matter of extreme difficulty to fix, with -accuracy and precision, the etymology of places which in early -times were conspicuous for the parts they bore in our national -transactions.</p> -<p>This is in some measure the situation of Shrewsbury, which by -the ancient Welsh was called Ymwithig, or “the -Delight;” by the Britons Pengwern; and by the Saxons -Scrobbesbyrig; the two latter names signifying nearly the same, -“the Head of the Alder Groves.” But it is -probable that the Normans after their conquest of the Island, -either from inability to pronounce the harsher Saxon words, or -from the spirit of innovation on the names and manners of the -inhabitants, generally possessed by conquerors, were induced to -soften the term into Shrobbesburie and Sloppesburie, from whence -were derived the modern names of Shrewsbury and Salop, in latin -Salopia. Some are inclined to think the latter name was -formed from the two Saxon words <a name="page2"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 2</span><i>sel</i>, signifying pleasant, and -<i>hope</i>, the side of a hill, which certainly accords with its -situation.</p> -<p>Leland, the antiquary and poet, in his description of the -town, thus accounts for its name:—</p> -<blockquote><p>Built on a hill, fair Salop greets the eye,<br /> -While Severn forms a crescent gliding by;<br /> -Two bridges cross the navigable stream,<br /> -And British Alders gave the town a name.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Although much doubt remains relative to the founder of -Shrewsbury, it is certain that “it was repaired about the -year 552 by Maelgwyn, king of North Wales;” and the most -probable conjecture is, that it was erected between the years 520 -and 594 by the Britons, in order to protect themselves from the -bloody ravages and harrassing incursions of the Saxons who had -previously levelled the Roman Uriconium (the present Wroxeter) -and its fortress with the ground, and forced them to retreat -beyond the Severn, which then became the boundary of the kingdom -of Mercia.</p> -<p>The Britons having established themselves on the hill -Pengwerne, founded a city, which became the metropolis of that -part of Wales called Powis, one of the princes of which, -Brochwell Ysithroc, had his residence here in 617, and thence it -was named Pengwerne Powis.—The blood-thirsty spirit of -their Saxon invaders still pursued them: after several dreadful -and sanguinary contests with the merciless Offa, the British -Prince was at length compelled to abandon the patrimony of his -ancestors and retire to Mathrafal, amidst the mountains of -Montgomeryshire, after witnessing the destruction of his princely -mansion, which stood on the spot lately occupied by the church of -St. Chad; and finally, in 777, to surrender that part of the -country situated between the Severn and a deep dyke and high -rampart, extending <a name="page3"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -3</span>100 miles over roads and mountains and across deep -vallies and rivers, which Offa threw up as a new boundary between -them and Mercia.</p> -<p>In the reign of Alfred, Shrewsbury was numbered among the -British cities, by the name of Caer Pengwerne; and during that of -Edward the elder, a mint was established here, as appears from a -piece of coin now in preservation, with this inscription, -<i>Edward Rex Angliæ</i>, and on the reverse <i>Aelmaer on -Scrobe</i>.</p> -<p>Ethelred, with his court, kept the Christmas of 1006 at -Shrewsbury, and being unable to resist the perpetual attacks of -the Danes, then invading England under Swaine, he summoned a -council here, by whose advice he paid £30,000, to procure a -temporary and inglorious peace. About the same time -Alfhelm, a prince of the blood, was invited to a banquet here by -Edric, duke of Mercia and whilst hunting in the neighbourhood was -murdered by one Godwin Porthund, a butcher, at the instigation of -Edric, and from whence it is supposed arose the custom, recited -in Doomsday Book, that whenever the king was here, twelve of the -chief citizens should guard his person during his residence in -the city, and attend him when he enjoyed himself with the -pleasures of the chase.</p> -<p>In the year 1016, the inhabitants having revolted to Canute, -Edmund, afterwards, when king surnamed Ironside, marched quickly -hither from the north, and having taken the city, exercised every -species of cruelty on them as a punishment for their revolt.</p> -<p>No material transactions appear to have occurred in the annals -of Shrewsbury for nearly half a century, from the last named date -until the conquest of England by the Normans under William. -The city was then granted, together with nearly the whole of <a -name="page4"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 4</span>the county and -a great proportion of land in other parts of the kingdom, to -Roger de Montgomery, a Norman chief related to William, and by -whom he was attended in his English expedition. Roger was -no sooner put in possession of his newly acquired property, than -being sensible of the advantages resulting from the situation of -the town, he constituted it the capital of his earldom, and fixed -his abode in it as lord paramount of the county; and having -judiciously built a castle on the isthmus, for the purpose of -protecting his residence from the attack of his enemies, with the -assistance of inferior barons of his court, administered various -solemn and kingly acts of justice, donation, and investiture -within its walls. Earl Roger was, however, not suffered to -enjoy the immense possessions bestowed on him by the Norman -conqueror without molestation: Owen Gwynedd, a spirited Welsh -chieftain, excited either by hopes of plunder or a desire to -dispossess the invaders, of a place which was capable of being -rendered a great annoyance to his countrymen in the hands of -powerful enemies, attacked it with a considerable body of Welsh; -and so important was his attack considered by William, that he -marched with a numerous army from the north, for the purpose of -repelling the daring disturber; nor did his usual good fortune -desert him in this instance, Owen being defeated and a great -portion of his followers slain. As a suitable -acknowledgment to divine providence for his good fortune and the -splendid triumphs of his arms, the Earl founded the benedictine -Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul. A short time previous to -his death he was shorn a monk. He died July 27th, 1094, and -was buried in the chapel of the Abbey; over his tomb was placed -an armed knight in stone.</p> -<p>Robert de Belesme, son of Roger de Montgomery, <a -name="page5"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 5</span>who succeeded -his brother Hugh the Red in the earldom of Shrewsbury, united -with the party who wished to seat Robert, duke of Normandy, on -the throne, in lieu of Henry the First; and on the coronation of -that monarch, openly rebelled against his authority, placing the -castle under the command of Roger de Corbet, and garrisoning it -with 80 soldiers. Henry immediately marched for Shrewsbury -at the head of 60,000 men, and threatening, if the town was not -delivered up to him in three days, to hang all he should find -therein, Robert surrendered, and sent the keys to the king by -Ralph, abbot of Seez, imploring his clemency: this was granted, -but Robert was banished to Normandy, his immense estates -forfeited, and the splendour of his baronial house for ever -extinguished. Henry then took the government of the town -into his own hands, and granted the inhabitants their first -charter.—The restless disposition of Robert however still -incited him to fresh acts of rebellion, but being taken prisoner, -he was brought over to England, and being sentenced to perpetual -imprisonment, he at length died a miserable death in Wareham -castle.</p> -<p>In 1116, the nobility of the realm did homage to William, -Henry’s son, at Shrewsbury, and swore allegiance to his -father.</p> -<p>The conquest of Wales had always been a leading object in the -politics of England, not only from the desire of more extensive -dominion, but as a means of preventing in future the devastation -and misery which the animosity of a warlike and injured people -had occasioned on the English borders. The utility likewise -of employing in foreign enterprises a martial nobility, inclined -the Norman princes to encourage, by every incitement of advantage -and honour, the dangerous designs of subduing or of making -settlements <a name="page6"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -6</span>in Wales. The consequence of the attacks of the -rapacious Norman barons on the Welsh was, that Shrewsbury was -continually subject to the ravages and injuries of the contending -parties. Besides this, its natural strength and situation -on the borders, or as they were then termed the Marches of Wales, -rendered it extremely eligible for the rendezvous of the army -employed in the Principality, and it was therefore frequently -honoured with the presence of those who swayed the sceptre of -Britain.</p> -<p>During the struggles between Stephen and the empress Maud, -William Fitz Alan, governor of the castle of Shrewsbury, espoused -the cause of the latter, and being joined by several noblemen and -gentlemen in these parts, left his castle in the care of a -deputy, from whom he exacted an oath that he would not deliver up -his charge to the king. Stephen having taken the castle, -and hanged several of the garrison for the obstinacy of their -defence, Alan was forced to fly, leaving his castle and estates -in the possession of the king; but on the accession of Henry II. -he was restored to all his honours and estates, for his faithful -adherence to the fortunes of the family.</p> -<p>In the beginning of the reign of king John, a royal council -was assembled in Shrewsbury for the purpose of devising means to -put a stop to the continual and harrassing incursions of the -Welsh. Gwenwynwyn, prince of Powis, offered terms of -reconciliation, but, without any apparent cause, he was detained -a prisoner.—The Welsh shortly after attempted to recover -their liberties; on this occasion John assembled a large army at -Oswestry, and released Gwenwynwyn and several other Welsh -chieftains, who immediately repaired to his standard with all the -forces they could muster. Llewellin ap Jorwerth, who then -governed Wales, was obliged to <a name="page7"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 7</span>retire before this powerful army of -the British monarch, and delivered hostages to answer for the -rectitude of his conduct. But Llewellin, fired with the -idea of rescuing his countrymen from the yoke of foreign -government, once more broke the truce which had been -concluded.</p> -<p>When intelligence of this event reached John, his heart was so -steeled against the feelings of humanity that he ordered the -immediate execution of the hostages, 28 in number, and chiefly -children allied to the first families in Wales—a deed which -renders his name worthy to be recorded on the same page, in the -annals of cruelty, with that of Nero. Nottingham was the -place in which this tragical drama was acted, and from thence -John marched with his army for the purpose of chastising the -Welsh; but fear and distrust took possession of his mind, and -learning that the Pope had dissolved the allegiance of his -subjects, he dismissed his army on a sudden and returned to -London. Llewellin soon after suddenly appeared before -Shrewsbury, which he now entered without opposition; nor did a -long period elapse before the Welsh took ample vengeance for the -cruelties committed on their countrymen. An insurrection -having broke out in England, in consequence of the unpopular -ministry of Peter de Roche bishop of Winchester, in the 17th of -Henry III. many of the barons joined Llewellin, and having united -their forces, laid waste the Marches, and entering Shrewsbury, -after having plundered and burnt the town, in which were -considerable riches, they put many of the inhabitants to the -sword. Notwithstanding peace was established between the -contending monarchs, the national jealousies and deep rooted -hatred of the two nations were the fruitful source of perpetual -conflicts, to repress which, Henry marched with his array <a -name="page8"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 8</span>to Shrewsbury, -where, in 1269, peace was again restored, through the mediation -of the Pope’s legate; and the town and castle of Shrewsbury -were placed under the care of Edward, the king’s eldest -son, afterwards the celebrated Edward I.</p> -<p>On the death of his father, Edward succeeded to the throne, -and determined to exert every effort which his power and talents -afforded, to obtain what had long been the object of his -ambition, the entire conquest of Wales. Soon after Easter, -1277, Edward left London to regulate the measures of the ensuing -campaign; and that the administration of justice might not be -delayed, by the absence of the king and the length of the war, he -removed the Court of Exchequer and the Court of King’s -Bench to Shrewsbury.</p> -<p>In the general accommodation made with the vanquished -followers of Simon de Montfort, earl of Leicester, in 1264, -Llewellin ap Gryffydd was included; but he saw that a blow was -meditating by the English king, which though suspended for a -time, would be the more severe, and fall with greater weight on -his country. Llewellin thought it prudent to secure the -support of the adherents of the house of Montfort, of whom many -yet remained in England by solemnizing his marriage with the -daughter of the late earl. He therefore demanded the young -lady from the French king, to whose court on the demise of her -father she had retired, but on her passage to Wales she was taken -by some of the English vessels and detained at the court of -Edward. Llewellin demanded the fulfilment of a treaty made -between Henry III. and himself and the release of his bride from -Edward, while the latter required Llewellin to appear and do -homage for his kingdom, which he refused to perform unless -hostages were delivered for <a name="page9"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 9</span>the safety of his person. This -was the ostensible cause of the war undertaken by Edward, and the -pretext for attempting an entire conquest of the -principality. Edward cautiously avoided putting to the test -the well known valour of a nation inflamed with a just sense of -their wrongs and proud of their ancient -independence.—Llewellin unable to face an enemy pressing on -by slow, cautious, and decisive operations, returned to the -mountains of Snowdon, and Edward not choosing to enter the -recesses of that difficult country, calmly awaited the result of -his policy. The prospect of a famine seconded his -prudential schemes, and Llewellin had no better alternative than -to implore the clemency of the English monarch. Little -generosity or pity was to be expected in the terms granted by -Edward, and accordingly Llewellin agreed to pay 5000 marks as a -fine; to do homage for his crown; to relinquish all the country -between Chester and the river Conway; and to deliver hostages for -his future submission.</p> -<p>On his return to London, Edward was attended by the Welsh -prince and a numerous retinue of chieftains, for the purpose of -swearing fealty to their conqueror. During their stay they -were continual subjects of derision to the populace, who treated -them as savages and laughed at their foreign garb and unusual -appearance. To a people proud and irascible, and who, -though vanquished, were still alive to injury and insult—to -a sense of their own valour, and to the fond idea of their native -independence, this treatment could not be pleasing. They -therefore, privately entered into an agreement to revolt on the -first opportunity; resolving to die in their own country as -freemen, rather than come any more as vassals into England, to be -the sport of a haughty and contemptuous nation. Accordingly -they flew to arms. <a name="page10"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 10</span>Edward, surprised to find himself -again attacked by the Welsh prince, determined to crush -effectually the rebellious spirit of the Welsh, and advanced from -Shrewsbury with a considerable army. The progress of the -king was at first slow, in consequence of several advantages -gained over him by Llewellin, but the latter being at length -surprised near Builth, in Brecknockshire, he was defeated, and -together with 2000 of his soldiers, slain. Gratitude could -pay no tribute to his memory so expressive, as the tears which -his country shed upon the tomb of their prince, who, after many -efforts to preserve the freedom of the land which gave him birth, -fell in the conflict, and found an honorable grave in its -ruins.</p> -<p>David who had previously forgotten the feuds which disturbed -the peace of his family and country, assumed, on the death of his -brother, the sovereignty of North Wales; but after various -unsuccessful struggles, he was basely betrayed into the hands of -Edward, who confined him in Rhuddlan castle, and soon after sent -him in chains to Shrewsbury.</p> -<p>Edward now (1283) summoned a parliament to meet at Shrewsbury, -for “consulting what course to take with David prince of -Wales,” whence, in a few days it was removed to Acton -Burnell. David, whilst at the English Court had been made a -baron of the realm, and it was in consequence determined to -proceed against him as a subject of the crown. His judges, -deaf to the claims of humanity and justice, and influenced, no -doubt, by their desire to gratify the implacable and vindictive -spirit of their master, condemned him to die as a traitor. -For this act of revenge, new tortures were invented.—He was -sentenced to be drawn at a horse’s tail through the -town—to be hanged—his heart and bowels to be -burnt—his head to be cut off, and exposed at the tower of -<a name="page11"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 11</span>London, -and his body quartered and hung up in different parts of the -kingdom. On the death of this prince, the Welsh every where -submitted to the victorious arms of the conqueror.</p> -<p>The tragical and cruel death of David closed the only -sovereignty which remained of the ancient British empire: an -empire which through various changes of fortune, had opposed the -disciplined legions of imperial Rome; and for more than eight -hundred years, had valiantly withstood the most strenuous efforts -of their Saxon and Norman invaders.</p> -<p>The conquest of Wales by the English monarch was of great -importance to Shrewsbury, the inhabitants of which had now time -for breathing, after having been for nearly 800 years in the -scene of continual warfare.</p> -<p>Edward II. visited Shrewsbury in 1322, on his march to subdue -the barons who had justly banished the Spencers and was met by -the burgesses in armour, who escorted him into the town. -About this period, John, one of the sons of the famous Roger -Mortimer, earl of March, was slain in a tournament held -here. In 1326, Edmund Fitz Alan, earl of Arundel, who had -been a faithful adherent of the weak and unfortunate Edward, was -apprehended in the neighbourhood of this place by the partizans -of the abandoned Queen and her paramour Roger Mortimer.</p> -<p>Richard II. who appears to have been particularly attached to -the inhabitants of these marches, summoned a parliament to -assemble at Shrewsbury in 1397, and which is called by Speed the -“great parliament,” in consequence of the -extraordinary number of peers who assembled here. The king -was sumptuously entertained, and the parliament too much devoted -to his interests, passed several very <a name="page12"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 12</span>oppressive acts. One of the -articles of accusation on which he was afterwards deposed, -charges him with “procuring the many oppressive acts passed -in the parliament of Shrewsbury, and with intimidating the judges -and other persons whom he caused to come before him -there.”</p> -<p>In the following reign the Welsh made another attempt to -recover their freedom under the celebrated Owen Glyndwr. -Twice were Henry and his generals obliged to retire from their -meditated attack of Owen without bringing him to any action, and -his rebellion assumed a more serious appearance from the support -which he received from the earls of Northumberland and Worcester, -and the earl of Douglas, who were disgusted with the treatment -which they had received from Henry. At the commencement of -the war, Northumberland was suddenly taken ill at -Berwick—Hotspur his son accordingly took the command of the -troops, amounting to about 12,000 chosen men, and marched towards -Shrewsbury to unite his forces with those of the Welsh -chieftain. The king aware of the importance of every -moment, also hurried to Shrewsbury, and interposed himself -between Hotspur and Glyndwr. This moment saved his crown; -and the prudence of the one leader and the impetuosity of the -other induced them to hasten a general engagement.</p> -<p>Previous to the engagement, Henry sent Thomas Presbury, abbot -of Shrewsbury, with offers of pardon to Percy’s army if -they would disperse, but this message being misrepresented to -Percy by the earl of Worcester, the former sent a manifesto into -the royal army in which he renounced his allegiance to Henry and -enumerated at length various grievances and indignities of which -he conceived the nation in common with his own family had to -complain. This manifesto <a name="page13"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 13</span>tended to inflame the passions of -both parties; and the ability of the respective commanders, the -valour of the soldiers and their equality in point of numbers, -gave reason to expect a dreadful and doubtful contest. The -battle was fought at Oldfield or Bullfield, now Battlefield, -about 3 miles north of Shrewsbury, on St. Magdalene’s eve, -July 22, 1403. The onset commenced near Berwick with a -terrible discharge of arrows from both lines. The Scots -rushed with impetuous fury upon the front of the royal army, -which began to give way, but the king arriving with -reinforcements they again rallied and recovered their -ground. Henry exposed his person in the thickest of the -fight and combated with an ardour worthy the crown he was -defending. His valiant son whose military achievements in -France were afterwards so renowned and whose wild youthful -excesses are so beautifully pourtrayed by our great dramatic -bard, here performed his noviciate in arms, signalized himself on -his father’s footsteps, and regained his good -opinion. The gallant Percy supported that brilliant fame he -had acquired in so many bloody engagements, and Douglas,</p> - -<blockquote><p> Whose -high deeds,<br /> -Whose hot incursions, and great name in arms<br /> -Holds from all soldiers chief majority,</p> -</blockquote> -<p>the ancient enemy of Percy but now his friend, still appeared -his rival amidst the horror and confusion of the day. This -nobleman performed feats of valour which are almost -incredible. He seemed determined that the king of England -should that day fall by his arm: and as Henry either to elude the -attacks of the enemy on his person, or to encourage his own men -by the belief of his presence every where, had accoutred several -captains in the royal garb; the sword of Douglas rendered this -proud distinction fatal <a name="page14"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 14</span>to many. Having dispatched sir -Walter Blount, the king’s standard bearer, he assailed -Henry with such fury that it was with difficulty he escaped to -another part of the field. But while the armies were -contending in this furious manner, the death of Percy by an -unknown hand, decided the fate of the day and the royalists -prevailed. On this memorable day, which is immortalized by -the genius of Shakspeare, it is supposed that 7000 men were -slain. A great number of persons of distinction were killed -on both aides, and the earls of Douglas and Worcester, taken -prisoners; the latter was after beheaded at Shrewsbury.</p> -<p>This battle, which fixed the house of Lancaster on the throne -during three reigns, is among those of the first importance -recorded in ancient English history, and may be named as the -first of those conflicts between the white and red roses, which -some years after deluged the nation with some of its best blood, -and filled it with intestine ravages and divisions.</p> -<p>Owen Glyndwr had the mortification to be obliged to remain -inactive at the head of his troops at Oswestry, from whence he -retired on hearing of Percy’s defeat: and although he -afterwards attempted, he was unable to regain the independence of -his native country.—He died in Herefordshire in 1414. -Henry returned thanks to heaven for this brilliant victory, and -founded the collegiate church at Battlefield on the spot where it -is probable most of the slain were buried.</p> -<p>During the fatal quarrel between the houses of York and -Lancaster, which is computed to have cost the lives of eighty -princes of the blood, and to have almost entirely annihilated the -ancient nobility of England, Shrewsbury remained steadily -attached to the Yorkists, and previous to the battle of St. -Albans, <a name="page15"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -15</span>Richard Plantagenet, duke of York wrote to his -“right worshipful friends the bailiffs, burgesses and -commoners of the good town of Shrewsbury,” requesting -assistance in his enterprise for the recovery of his -throne. After his defeat and death at Wakefield, his son -Edward, earl of March, appeared in Shrewsbury, entreating a -supply of men to revenge his father’s death. With an -army of 23,000 men chiefly raised in this neighbourhood, he -obtained a decisive victory at Mortimer’s Cross in -Herefordshire, from whence advancing rapidly to London he was -shortly afterwards proclaimed king. Edward, duly sensible -of the strength and inviolable attachment of Shrewsbury to his -cause, committed the care of his queen to its inhabitants, and -during her residence here she twice lay in at the convent of the -Black Friars, and was delivered of Richard and George -Plantagenet, the former of whom was murdered in the Tower through -the cruelty of his uncle Richard III. and the latter died -young.</p> -<p>In 1484, Henry Stafford, duke of Buckingham, having entered -into a conspiracy for the purpose of depriving Richard of a -throne which he had acquired by such manifold injustice, and his -endeavours being frustrated, fled to the house of one Bannister, -at Shinewood, near Wenlock, in order to concealment, but -notwithstanding Bannister was indebted to the duke for the -property he enjoyed, unable to withstand the temptation of so -large a reward as £1000, basely betrayed him to John -Mitton, esq. then sheriff of the county, who conducted him to -Shrewsbury, where Richard shortly after arrived, and feasted his -eyes with the execution of his enemy.</p> -<p>The crimes of Richard were so horrid and so shocking to -humanity that the natural sentiments of men, without any -political or public views, were sufficient <a -name="page16"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 16</span>to render his -government unstable; and every person of probity and honour, -earnest to prevent the sceptre from being any longer polluted by -the bloody and faithless hand which held it, at length united in -favour of the earl of Richmond. This nobleman set sail from -Harfleur, in France, on the 7th of August, 1484, and landed at -Milford Haven, in Pembrokeshire, without opposition, with about -2000 followers. He directed his course to that part of the -kingdom in hopes that the Welsh, who regarded him as their -countryman, and who had been already prepossessed in favour of -his cause by means of the late duke of Buckingham, would join his -standard. Richard, not knowing where to expect his -antagonist, took post at Nottingham, and purposed to fly on the -first alarm to the place exposed to danger. He had -appointed sir Rice ap Thomas and sir Walter Herbert to defend the -coasts of Wales; but the former joined Richmond, and the latter -made scarcely any resistance. The earl advanced towards -Shrewsbury, which was the only convenient place at which he could -cross the Severn, but very unexpectedly found the gates shut -against him; and on his demanding entrance by his herald, he was -refused, “the head bailey, Maister Myttoon, being a stoute -wyse gentilman,” saying, “that he knew no kynge, but -only kynge Richard, whose lyffetenants he and hys fellows were; -and before he should entir there, he should go over hys belly, -meaninge thereby, that he would be slayne to the ground, and that -he protested vehementlye on the othe he had tacken; but on better -advice, Maister Myttoon permitted the kynge to pass; but to save -his othe, the sayd Myttoon lay alonge the grounde, and his belly -upwardes, and soe the sayd erle stepped over hym and saved hys -othe.” Previous to his reaching Shrewsbury his army -scarcely <a name="page17"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -17</span>deserved that name, from their wretched appearance and -small numbers; but being joined by sir Gilbert Talbot with 2000 -of the tenants of his nephew, the earl of Shrewsbury, together -with several gentlemen of rank, his cause began to wear a -favourable aspect, and marching on with his army, now amounting -to about 6000 men Richmond gained the brilliant and decisive -victory of Bosworth; Richard perishing by a fate too mild and -honourable for his multiplied and detestable enormities.</p> -<p>It is supposed by some that that plague, the sweating -sickness, which broke out here in 1485, originated among -Henry’s foreign levies; it afterwards infested the kingdom -at different periods for 60 years: and, according to Mr. Pennant, -Shrewsbury particularly felt its ravages, 1000 nearly dying per -day at one period.</p> -<p>Henry was not unmindful of the reception he met with here, -and, when quietly seated on the throne, several times visited the -town, particularly in 1495, when he was sumptuously entertained -in the castle by the corporation.</p> -<p>Nothing worthy of note in the history occurs from this period -until the struggle between the Parliament and Charles I.; the -former for their privileges and the rights of the people, and the -latter for arbitrary power as a despotic monarch. Charles, -determined to try the force of arms, erected the royal standard -at Nottingham, the open signal of discord and civil war -throughout the kingdom. Whilst many of the large towns and -corporate bodies took part with the parliament, a great -proportion of the nobility and gentry sided with the king; the -latter was the case with the Salopians. Not meeting with -the support which he expected in the vicinity of Nottingham, -Charles after a little hesitation pursued his march to <a -name="page18"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 18</span>Shrewsbury -“in regard of the strong and pleasant situation of it, one -side being defended by the Severn, the other having secure -passage into Wales;” having received information that the -place was entirely devoted to him.</p> -<p>At Wellington the king passed one night, and on the following -morning made a rendezvous of all his forces on the plain beneath -the Wrekin. His orders having been read at the head of each -regiment, he placed himself in the midst of his army, and that he -might bind himself by reciprocal ties, he solemnly made the -following declaration in their presence; “I do promise, in -the presence of Almighty God, and as I hope for his blessing and -protection, that I will, to the utmost of my power, defend and -maintain the true reformed protestant religion, established in -the church of England, and by the grace of God, in the same will -live and die. I desire that the laws may ever be the -measure of my government, and that the liberty and property of -the subject may be preserved by them with the same care as my own -just rights. And if it please God by his blessing on this -army raised for my necessary defence to preserve me from the -present rebellion, I do solemnly and faithfully promise in the -sight of God, to maintain the just privileges and freedom of -parliament, and to govern to the utmost of my power, by the known -statutes and customs of the kingdom, and particularly to observe -inviolably the laws to which I have given my consent this -parliament. Mean while, if this emergency and the great -necessity to which I am driven, beget any violation of law, I -hope it shall be imputed by God and man to the authors of this -war; not to me, who have so earnestly laboured to preserve the -peace of the kingdom. When I willingly fail in <a -name="page19"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 19</span>these -particulars, I shall expect no aid or relief from man, nor any -protection from above; but in this resolution I hope for the -cheerful assistance of all good men, and am confident of the -blessing of Heaven.” Had Charles previously acted up -to this declaration, he would not now have been placed in such a -critical situation.</p> -<p>Although the tyrannical proceedings of the king had induced -many of the Salopians to look upon his cause in an unfavourable -light, yet his mild and amiable behaviour won on the inhabitants -generally, so much so that a considerable number enrolled -themselves as volunteers in his service. In order to give -efficiency to his troops and maintain his cause, a mint was -established here for the purpose of coining the plate which had -been presented to him by various public bodies and private -individuals; but at such a low ebb were the mechanic arts at this -period, that scarcely £1000 per week could be coined.</p> -<p>However despicable the royal army appeared when it marched -from Nottingham, its improvement was rapid on its arrival in -Shrewsbury, so that in about twenty days it mustered 12000 men, -chiefly persons of considerable property, from the neighbouring -parts. But they were exceedingly ill equipped, for says -Clarendon; “In the whole body not a pikeman had a corselet, -and very few musketeers had swords.”—Add to this, -that there was not a single tent, and very few waggons attached -to the whole train. With this ill accoutred but high -spirited body, Charles took his leave of Shrewsbury, on the 12th -of October, 1642.</p> -<p>On the departure of the king, a garrison was left in town, of -which Lord Capel was appointed governor, and a fort was erected -on an eminence above Frankwell, to secure that quarter from -attack. Capel <a name="page20"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -20</span>was severally succeeded by Sir Fulke Hunkes (a relative -of the celebrated Baxter, the non-conformist,) Sir Richard -Otteley, and Sir Michael Earnley. This gentleman was in a -very declining state of health, in consequence of which many -disorders crept in among the garrison, and gave the commanders of -the parliamentary forces in the neighbourhood, opportunity to -attempt the conquest of so important a post. After two -unsuccessful attempts by Colonels Mitton, and Langhorne, two -enterprising officers, they at length attained the object of -their wishes. Having arrived before the town with fifteen -hundred picked men of the garrisons of Wem and Oswestry, they -contrived to convey eight carpenters up the river, who were -landed within a breast work on the east side of the castle hill, -and notwithstanding they were fired on by the centinels, they -continued to cut down a sufficient quantity of palisadoes to -enable the troops to enter. After storming a rampart -beneath the Council House, a large body of troops entered by St. -Mary’s Water-Lane, where the guard, having been intoxicated -or bribed, made no resistance. Having opened the north -gate, the horse immediately marched in, commanded by Cols. Mitton -and Bowyer.—The consternation of the inhabitants may be -easily imagined. The preceding night they had retired to -rest, confident in their supposed security, but by daylight in -the morning they were in the hands of their enemies; and, -notwithstanding the humane exertions of Col. Mitton, the soldiery -were not to be restrained from plundering the peaceably disposed -of their private property. The first intimation which the -governor received of the surprise of the town, was the entrance -of some of his enemies into his chamber, where he fell covered -with wounds, repeatedly refusing quarter, being determined not to -outlive the disgrace <a name="page21"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 21</span>of the day. The English part of -the garrison were suffered to march to Ludlow, but the Irish were -left to the discretion of Col. Mitton. The fort at -Frankwell bravely held out till night, but finding resistance -useless, at length surrendered at discretion. A number of -prisoners of rank were taken, besides 15 pieces of cannon, a -large stand of arms, and the whole of prince Maurice’s -magazine. Nor did the plate and valuable effects of many of -the surrounding gentry, placed in the castle for security, during -the turbulence of the times, meet a better fate: the whole of it -to a vast amount, falling into the hands of the victors. -For this important achievement, Colonel Mitton received the -thanks of Parliament. The fall of Shrewsbury was a death -blow to Charles’s expectations in this quarter; for besides -its being the key to North Wales, it caused the dissolution of a -formidable confederacy between the counties of Salop, Worcester, -Chester and Flint, then on the eve of assembling to defend the -falling fortunes of their king.</p> -<p>After the battle of Worcester, so fatal to the royal cause, a -commission was sent to Chester by the Parliament, to try the Earl -of Derby, and other gentlemen on charges of treason and -rebellion; or in other words, for having borne arms in defence of -Charles. One of these was Colonel John Benbow, who, in the -beginning of the contest, had united with the parliamentary army, -and distinguished himself at the surprise of Shrewsbury. -Afterwards, disgusted with the violent proceedings against the -king, and perceiving that the object of the leaders of his party -was private aggrandizement, and not the welfare of their country, -he left them and repaired to the royal standard. This was a -crime which could not be pardoned; he was therefore condemned to -death. That his punishment <a name="page22"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 22</span>might be rendered most bitter, the -sentence was pronounced by Colonel Mackworth, once his friend and -fellow soldier; and it was ordered to be executed at his native -town of Shrewsbury, that a terrible impression might be made on -the inhabitants of that loyal place. He was shot on the -green before the castle, October 15, 1651, and suffered with -great intrepidity. This respectable officer was uncle to -the celebrated admiral Benbow.</p> -<p>An unsuccessful attempt was made to surprise the castle, in -order to favour the restoration of Charles the second, in 1654, -but it ended merely in plunging the king’s friends still -deeper in misery and ruin: among the most active in this -enterprise was Sir Thomas Harris, who suffered most severely for -his well intended zeal. After Cromwell’s death, and -the restoration of the long parliament, upon Sir George -Booth’s rising in Cheshire for the king, the venerable Sir -Thomas Middleton, then 80 years of age, proclaimed him at -Wrexham, which so much encouraged the royalists of Shropshire and -Denbighshire, that they immediately sent a party to seize -Shrewsbury, but though the friends of monarchy were very numerous -in it, Captain Edmund Waringe of Oldbury, the governor, prevented -their design, and secured the place for the parliament. In -1683, when the nation was thrown into a ferment, by the discovery -of the Rye House Plot, this town was one of those which the -conspirators, presuming on its general disaffection to the -government of Charles the second, proposed to have seized. -Such at least was the deposition of the infamous Colonel Romsey, -a wretch on whose head lies the blood of the virtuous and -patriotic Russel—who adds, in his narrative, that there -were in the castle 38 barrels of powder, 138 pounds in the -barrel, with arms for 300 men and great guns. <a -name="page23"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 23</span>“The -castle,” he, observes, “is strong by situation, and -lies so conveniently, that either from the north or west, or -Midland, or Wales, the rebellious party might easily resort -thither.”</p> -<p>The last royal visit paid to this town was by the bigotted -James the second, who passed the 25th of August, 1687, here, and -kept his court at the Council House. The sentiments of -loyal attachment, for which Shrewsbury has ever been conspicuous, -burst forth on this occasion, with chivalrous -enthusiasm.—They blazed in bonfires and illuminations, and -literally ran through the streets in torrents of wine, the public -conduits being charged with this royal liquid.</p> -<p>Having brought down the general history of Shrewsbury to a -late date, we shall now proceed to view its local -character. There is no doubt that its Trade was formerly -very considerable, and though its importance in this respect may -have been eclipsed by the more eligible situation of numerous -other places for the manufacture of various articles, it has -never ceased to enjoy a considerable share of internal -commerce. Heylyn speaks of it as “a fair and goodly -town, well traded and frequented by all sorts of people, both -Welsh and English, by reason of the <i>trade of cloth</i>, and -other Merchandise; it being the common mart or emptory between -Wales and England,” and Mr. Pennant, who wrote his account -of Shrewsbury above 40 years ago, gives the following account of -its trade in Welsh woollens: “From very early days this -place possessed almost exclusively the trade with Wales in a -coarse kind of woollen cloth called Welsh webs, which were -brought from Merioneth and Montgomeryshires to a market held here -weekly on Thursday. They were afterwards dressed, that is, -the wool raised on one side, by a set of people called -Shearmen. At the time of <a name="page24"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 24</span>Queen Elizabeth, the trade was so -great, that not fewer than 600 persons maintained themselves by -this occupation. The cloth was sent chiefly to America to -clothe the negroes, or to Flanders; where it is used by the -peasants. At present the greatest part of this traffic is -diverted into other channels, and not more than 4 or 5000 yards -are brought to the ancient mart.” This market is now -entirely done away, through an unfortunate disagreement between -the manufacturers of these articles and the drapers of -Shrewsbury, and the market is now held at Welsh Pool every other -Thursday. The mode of raising the wool on one side, -described by Mr. Pennant, being found to be injurious to the -texture of the cloth, the number of shearman has considerable -declined, insomuch that there are only a few in the town at this -time. Beside, its trade in Welsh flannels and webs, a -brewery appears to have been established here in 1618; and in the -reign of Henry VIII. and Elizabeth it was famous for its glove -and shoe manufactory.</p> -<p>Nor is the trade carried on in Shrewsbury at this period -inconsiderable—being the capital of a large and populous -county, its vicinity to the principality of Wales, and the -facility with which articles of every description are forwarded -either by land or water carriage, render it an extensive mart for -the disposal of goods. Here are two very large linen -factories, besides manufactories for starch, soap, flannels, -cotton goods, an extensive iron and brass foundry, two ale and -porter breweries, a spirit distillery, &c. which will be -noticed under their proper heads, as well as various mechanical -trades which are common to all other large towns, and which -contribute in no small degree to the accumulation of wealth, to -the enjoyment of the conveniences of life, and to the power of -benevolent actions by the inhabitants.</p> -<p><a name="page25"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -25</span>Shrewsbury is also famed for its excellent brawn and a -kind of sweet flat cake, whose good qualities are celebrated by -the elegant pen of Shenstone,</p> -<blockquote><p>“For here each season do those cakes -abide,<br /> -Whose honoured names the inventive city own,<br /> -Rend’ring thro’ Britain’s isle, Salopia’s -praises known.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>With the increase of trade and riches we must also connect -that of its population and its consequent extension of -buildings. In the reign of Edward the Confessor there were -only 252 houses here, and the earliest calculation of the number -of inhabitants on record is in 1695; the town then contained 7383 -persons—in 1750, there were 8141 inhabitants and 1884 -houses. In the years 1801, 1811, and 1821, enumerations -were made, agreeable to orders of the House of Commons, and which -are here subjoined:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td colspan="2"><p style="text-align: center">1801.</p> -</td> -<td colspan="2"><p style="text-align: center">1811.</p> -</td> -<td colspan="2"><p style="text-align: center">1821.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>Inhabit</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>Houses</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>Inhabit</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>Houses</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>Inhabit</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>Houses</i>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: right">13,479.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2,861.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">15,542.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">3,024.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">18,242.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">3,463.</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p>From these statements it appears that an increase of 2063 -persons took place in the first 10 years, and 2700 in the second, -but it should be observed that as each parish extends more or -less into the surrounding country, it is probable that the town -does not contain more than 16,000 inhabitants.</p> -<p>Although much remains to be done in order to put Shrewsbury on -an equality, with respect to elegance and convenience, with many -other places not its superiors in size, wealth, or situation, -numerous praise-worthy improvements have taken place during the -last 60 years. Previous to that period there was but one -Inn (the Raven) of any extent for the accommodation of strangers, -no stage coach; neither cart nor waggon was employed for the -conveyance of goods, <a name="page26"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 26</span>packhorses being only in use; and -such persons as had occasion to travel were obliged to perform -their journies on horseback, postchaises being unknown.—At -length about 1761 the first stage coach made its appearance in -Shrewsbury, and since that period by the indefatigable -perseverance of the late Mr. Robert Lawrence, of the Lion Inn, in -completing the communications and bettering the roads: a noble -and substantial Guildhall, two beautiful stone bridges over the -river Severn, together with two new and elegant churches, and a -great number of charitable and benevolent erections have given -additional beauty to this interesting and venerable town. -Its suburbs have been materially enlarged and improved, many -obstructions in the principal streets removed, and the facilities -for travelling have been astonishingly increased.</p> -<p>The government and police of Shrewsbury have the next claim on -our attention. It is a corporation by prescription, and -charters have been granted to it by almost every king of England -since William the Norman. The first regular charter was -granted by Henry I.; this was confirmed by John, who in addition -empowered the burgesses to chuse two prœpositi of bailiffs -removeable only on bad behaviour; but it was not until Edward -III. that the bailiffs were constituted magistrates and -authorised to hold a session for the trial of causes. The -institution of aldermen is supposed have taken place in the 12th -of Richard II. for “about the year 1390, the earl of -Arundel being commissioned by the king to end certain disputes -among the Burgesses, awarded that for the good government of the -town for the future, the commonalty should elect out of -themselves twelve of the most sufficient persons who should <a -name="page27"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 27</span>continue in -their office for two years from the feast of St. -Giles.”</p> -<p>By the charter of Charles I. granted in 1638, the corporation -was new modelled changing the offices of bailiffs into that of a -mayor, recorder, steward, town clerk, 24 aldermen, 48 assistants -or common councilmen, two chamberlains, a sword bearer, serjeants -at mace, &c. &c.; and that the mayor, bishop of Lichfield -and Coventry, recorder, steward, 3 senior aldermen, and the -alderman who last served the office of mayor, should act as -Justices within the town and liberties of Shrewsbury. In -this form it now exists. The right of electing the -corporate officers is vested in the common council by whom the -mayor is chosen annually on the Friday after St. -Bartholomew. The general session is held quarterly by the -justices of the peace for the borough; and the mayor or some of -the aldermen and justices attend the Exchequer every Tuesday to -transact public business. A court of requests, for the -recovery of debts under the value of forty shillings, is held in -the town hall every other Wednesday. The number of its -commissioners is about 30, the eligibility for election to which -office consists in residence in the town and the possession of -freehold property of the value of £30 per annum, or a -personal estate of £600 value clear of all deductions.</p> -<p>Notwithstanding the corporation is empowered to enact laws for -the most effectual administration of the police of the town, this -branch of internal government is in a very disorganized state; -yet the many useful regulations which have been established, and -the strict and impartial manner in which they are enforced, -reflect the greatest credit on the magistrates and conduce to the -peaceable demeanour of <a name="page28"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 28</span>the inhabitants and the order and -respectability of the town. But the most impartial observer -will see that much remains to be done for the prevention of -immorality; and though it is impossible that the most -enlightened, active and persevering magistracy, aided by the -continued exertions of the inhabitants can prevent individual -delinquency, something may yet be achieved for the preservation -of public morals, some plan devised which may foster the sparks -of pure and proper feeling as an antidote to that national -dereliction of manners in which Shrewsbury in common with most -other large towns participates too much.</p> -<p>In addition to the Corporation here are sixteen chartered -companies, consisting of various trades, to exercise any of -which, within the liberties, no person is admitted who has not -either served a legal apprenticeship or paid a sum of money, -entitled, “a foreigner’s fine”, which is of -various amount in the several fraternities.—An ancient -ceremony, called the Show, used by these, deserves to be -recorded, as perhaps, (with the exception of Coventry) it is the -only one of the kind now existing in the kingdom. On the -second Monday after Trinity Sunday the various companies assemble -in front of the castle, with their wardens, flags, devices, -&c. &c., each having at their head some person gaudily -dressed; some in representation perhaps of the monarchs who -granted their respective charters, whilst others display devices -and insignia emblematical of the trades which they -practise. The procession being arranged, moves over the -Welsh bridge to a piece of ground, on the west side the river, -and adjoining the town, called Kingsland, where each company has -its arbour, in which is a cold dinner <a name="page29"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 29</span>provided for the entertainment of the -mayor and corporation, who visit the various arbours with their -attendants, decorated in all “the pomp and -circumstance” of office. After spending the evening -in festivity and mirth, the several companies retire from -Kingsland, much invigorated with the essence of barley corn, and -return into town over the English bridge.</p> -<p>This ancient pageant is now fast approaching its -dissolution. During the few last years, the master -tradesmen have entirely ceased to walk in procession to the -ancient spot, and the ceremony is now continued only by the -apprentices of the chartered companies most numerous in the -town. The custom originated in the celebration of the feast -of Corpus Christi, one of the most splendid feasts of the Romish -Church. After the reformation, the religious part of the -ceremony was discontinued, but one day was still set apart for -the express purpose of idleness, jollity and merriment.</p> -<p>The first return of Members of Parliament to represent the -town of Shrewsbury appears to have been in the 26th of Edward the -first. The right of election is vested in the resident -burgesses, paying scot and lot, and not receiving alms: the mayor -being the returning officer. The burgesses who polled at -the contested election, in 1819, were 688 in number.—The -freedom of Shrewsbury (with respect to voting) is acquired by -serving seven years apprenticeship to a burgess residing within -the liberties, or by birth within the liberties on paying the sum -of £7 4s. 0d.; every male child of a burgess, who may be -born after his father has been sworn in, can claim his burgesship -on the payment of £1 6s., whether born in the town or -not. Honorary freedoms may be also given <a -name="page30"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 30</span>by the body -corporate. The members who represent the town of Shrewsbury -in the British Parliament, are two in number.</p> -<p>Considered as a place of residence, Shrewsbury has the -advantage of a salubrious air and mild temperature. At a -short distance from the town in a N.E. aspect, a very accurate -observer found the mercury in the thermometer down at 8° in -January 1814.—By observations on the variations of the -thermometer for one year, the same gentleman found that the mean -temperature of the same year was 46°, and that the -variations, during the course of the year amounted to 77°, -varying from 8° to 83°. In South Carolina, the -annual variation has extended to 83°. The winter of -this year, it may be recollected, was much colder and the summer -hotter than is common at Shrewsbury, and yet the highest degree -to which the mercury rose was 85°. In the East Indies, -the mercury is frequently at 104°. From accurate -observation it appeared, that the medium of the daily variations -was nearly regular in its increase till June, and from the close -of that month till the end of December was again almost uniformly -diminishing. The medium of the daily variations was no more -than 6°, whereas in some places they reach 30°. -From these statements it appears that we are free from those -sudden changes of the atmosphere which generally very much -affect, and often prove fatal to, the human frame.</p> -<p>That this is a fact may be inferred from the similar -temperature of Shrewsbury with that of Sidmouth, in Devonshire, -one of the most healthy places perhaps in this kingdom: In the -year 1814, the mean temperature was 47°, only one degree -above that of Shrewsbury. This observation is also -supported by the tables published by Dr. Price, on Reversionary -Payments, <a name="page31"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -31</span>in which he proves, from the Bills of Mortality that out -of 1000 persons born, there were alive</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>Age</i></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>London</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>Northampton</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>France</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>Vaud</i>,<br /> -<i>Switzerland</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>Shrewsbury</i>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: right">18</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">334</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">459</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">621</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">618</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">555</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: right">54</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">125</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">218</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">406</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">367</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">326</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: right">85</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">7</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">13</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">36</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">17</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">41</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p>The relative degrees of vitality are thus shewn in a more -perspicuous manner than by any other method and from the above -table it is evident that the temperature of Shrewsbury is in most -instances nearly equal, and in some superior, to the warm -climates of France and Switzerland, and extremely favourable to -longevity.</p> -<p>The elevation of the town, together with the purity of its -atmosphere and the excellence of its water, renders its situation -extremely salubrious. Contagious diseases are very -rare. The scarlet fever, measles, hooping cough, &c. -are usually very mild. The residents in the immediate -vicinity of the Severn are most liable to illness, and in these -cases the inflammatory symptoms generally run high. Many -parts of the town and its environs may justly be recommended as -eligible residences for invalids, who visit Shrewsbury from -Ireland, Wales, and various parts of the United Kingdom, to avail -themselves of the able medical assistance which the town -affords.</p> -<p>Shrewsbury is built on two hills, of easy ascent, which for -the most part gently slope to the river Severn; by this stream -the ground on which the town stands is formed into a peninsula, -the castle being judiciously placed on the isthmus, and thus -commanding the entrances to the town.</p> -<p>Like most ether places not of Roman origin, its streets are -extremely irregular; nor had its buildings, until within these -few years, any claim to superiority, <a name="page32"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 32</span>the ancient houses being chiefly -built with projections into the public streets—an -inconvenience very properly remedied by the elegance of modern -erections. Its suburbs have of late years very much -increased, and, in conjunction with this, many excellent -improvements have been made in removing obstructions from the -entrances to the town: but, notwithstanding the natural -advantages it possesses, the bad state of its pavement and the -filthy picture continually presented by its streets, is a source -of poignant regret.</p> -<p>The plain of Shropshire, in which the town is situated, is of -considerable extent, divided by the Severn into two unequal -portions, and though flat, when compared with the surrounding -hills, of a very varied surface. Its greatest length from -N. to S. is about 30 miles, comprehending the space between -Whitchurch and Church Stretton; its breadth from Oswestry to -Coalbrookdale, is about 28 miles. Shrewsbury, when viewed -from any of its adjacent eminences, presents a beautiful and -interesting scene, and the eye of the spectator is led to survey -the most extensive amphitheatre of mountains which perhaps the -island can boast. The Wrekin is connected by the gentle -hills of Acton Burnel and Frodesley, (over which the gigantic -summit of Brown Clee is conspicuous,) with the Lawley and -Coredock, generally called the Stretton Hills, from whence the -Longmynd, Stiperstones, and Long Mountain, from an uninterrupted -chain, with the bold and precipitous cliffs of the Kefn y Castyr, -Moel y Golfa, and Breyddin, surmounted by an obelisk in honour of -the late gallant Lord Rodney; thence the horizon is bounded by -the stupendous Berwin range, losing their blue summits in the -clouds; while the northern view is terminated by the humbler but -beautiful eminences of Grinshill, Pymhill, Hawkstone, Haughmond, -&c., round to the Wrekin. The <a -name="page33"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 33</span>whole of this -vast circle incloses a finely wooded and beautifully diversified -champaign country, of gentle hill and dale, studded with numerous -gentlemen’s seats—watered with various -streams—eminently fertile in arable, meadow, and pasture; -and amply justifying the eulogium of an ancient British poet, -who, after gazing, as he tells us, on the plain of Shropshire, -from the height of Charlton Hill, calls it the paradise of -<i>Cymru</i>. <a name="citation33"></a><a href="#footnote33" -class="citation">[33]</a> The glittering rays of the Sun -gilding the lofty spires of the town—the bold and ancient -appearance of its ivy-mantled castle—the lovely pleasure -and garden grounds which nearly surround it and gently slope from -the mouldering ruins of its once warlike walls to the majestic -Severn, which, fringed with lofty tufts of trees of various -foliages, “proudly rolls its crystal stream along;” -altogether form one of the most picturesque and enchanting -prospects any where to be met with. Added to this, the well -known salubrity of its air, and the many agreeable promenades -which on every side of the town present themselves; and the -compiler thinks he will not be esteemed too vain in asserting, -that his native town is not surpassed, (though, for aught he -knows, it may be equalled,) in point of situation, wholesomeness, -and picturesque scenery, by any place of equal size in Great -Britain.</p> -<p>The general character and manners of the inhabitants of -Shrewsbury, as they assume no characteristic sufficient to -distinguish them from those of other towns similarly -circumstanced and situated, will not long detain the attention of -the visitor. He will not often be disgusted with the petty -assumptions of office clothed with a “little brief -authority,” nor will he be displeased in perceiving, in a -large majority of the <a name="page34"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 34</span>inhabitants, a considerable portion -of civility, hospitality, social intercourse, and liberality of -opinion; and if great refinement of manners do not characterise -them in the aggregate, the stranger will have employed his -leisure to little advantage, who does not soon discover in the -town a very extensive share of that frankness, benevolence, and -warmth which is a prominent feature in the old-British -character. Numbers in the different ranks of society are to -be met with whose lives are adorned with the honours due to -industry, integrity and virtue; and if we add the munificence -with which the various public charities are supported by -Salopians in general—who</p> -<blockquote><p>— Learn the luxury of doing good,</p> -</blockquote> -<p>in the diffusion of a part of these superfluities with which a -benignant Providence has crowned their labours, the writer thinks -he is not saying too much when he observes that benevolence is -strongly marked in the general portrait. The different -churches and chapels are, on the whole, well attended; and in few -towns of equal size is there a more decent and orderly observance -of the Sabbath. It is, however, to be regretted that many -of its residents are destitute of that urbanity and politeness -which should ever be displayed to strangers; but it is probable -this circumstances to be attributed chiefly to the pride of -nobility and ancestry, which looks down with half averted eyes on -supposed inferiority; and to the want of an enlarged commixture -with mankind, producing a generosity of disposition, and -moderation of principle which are the natural results of -extensive commercial pursuits.</p> -<p>Difference of opinion on the actions of public men,—on -the measures pursued by persons holding the first political -situations in the state, and on religious <a -name="page35"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 35</span>subjects; are -compatible with the purest loyalty and most fervent patriotism, -and will be readily acknowledged by those who possess any share -of liberality add reflection.</p> -<p>To the infinite credit of Shrewsbury, its population has not -been led to the perpetration of any of those acts of violence and -atrocity which have disgraced other places, and which are caused -by the difference of religious opinion, of the political -effervescence of the times in which such outrages may have taken -place. This observation, however, is not intended to impute -to the inhabitants any thing like a state of passive obedience or -wilful ignorance—far otherwise. This judicious -conduct by which the welfare and good order of the town have been -so essentially promoted, is perhaps rather attributable to the -candour and prudence of the leaders of the various political -parties, or to the virtue of mutual forbearance happily exercised -by the inhabitants at large.</p> -<p>On subjects, however connected with the safety and prosperity -of the British Empire, and the welfare of the illustrious house -of Brunswick, Shrewsbury has ever been among the foremost in -displaying its patriotic spirit and affectionate -attachment. The loyalty of the inhabitants has long been -pre-eminent, so much so, that it is celebrated by the elegant pen -of Shenstone.</p> -<blockquote><p>Admir’d Salopia, that with venial pride<br -/> - Eyes her bright form in Severn’s ambient -wave;<br /> -Fam’d for her cares in loyal perils try’d,<br /> - <span class="smcap">Her Daughters lovely and her -Striplings brave</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>As early as the year 1715, this town displayed its consequence -and attachment to the present royal family in a very spirited -manner. A considerable body of horse and foot was raised by -Lord Newport, Sir C. Lloyd, Bart., W. Kynaston, T. Gardner, and -J. <a name="page36"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 36</span>Fownes, -Esquires, for the protection of Shrewsbury; the walls were put in -a state of defence, new gates, &c. made, and brigadier -Dormer’s regiment, then lying in this town, received orders -to march to Preston, Shrewsbury being deemed secure from the -strength of its <i>own</i> garrison. In 1745, also, the -earl of Powis raised a regiment here, for the service of the -state, into which many gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood -entered as volunteers. During the war with the French -republic two regiments were raised in Shrewsbury, one by colonel -Cuyler, (the present 86th) and the other by colonel, now general -Williams, and the inhabitants contributed very liberally towards -the crusade against French revolutionary principles.</p> -<p>The maturer efforts of Shrewsbury have not been unworthy the -zeal of its youth. When the tocsin of invasion was sounded -through the vast dominions of France, and the existence of -Britain as an independent nation, was threatened with extinction, -the inhabitants of Shrewsbury stepped forward with a noble -enthusiasm, in defence of their lives, their liberty and, -laws:</p> -<blockquote><p>Types of a race, who shall th’ invader -scorn<br /> - As rocks resist the billows round their shore:<br /> -Types of a race who shall to time unborn<br /> - Their country leave unconquer’d as of -yore.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>A regiment of foot, called the Shrewsbury Volunteers, was -formed. It consisted of seven companies of eighty men each, -chiefly tradesmen, clothed at an expence of about £3,000, -raised by voluntary contribution in the town. Besides this -corps, which was commanded by Sir Charles Oakley, Bart., two -companies were raised in the town by B. Benyon, and J. Sutton, -esq.’s which were attached to that fine regiment the -Shropshire Volunteers, under the command of colonel Kynaston -Powell, M.P.; and three troops <a name="page37"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 37</span>of Cavalry commanded by the -honourable William Hill. And had an allwise Providence -permitted the invader to set his unhallowed foot on the shores of -Britain, there is no doubt but each individual was determined -that the spot on which he contended in defence of the noble -institutions of his country should have been the throne of his -triumph or his grave.</p> -<p>The promptitude with which these associations and others of -the same nature throughout the empire, united in the hour of -public danger—the fatigues they underwent in acquiring a -knowledge of the use of arms—the readiness evinced in the -abandonment of their private concerns for the public -safety—and the inconveniences and expenses which they -incurred on the occasion, surely demanded some other reward than -to have their ardour damped by the change in the system of -national defence; for to whom in the hour of battle could the -protection of their homes and their families, the independence of -their country, the sepulchres of their fathers, and the sanctuary -of their God, be better entrusted than to those whose courage was -animated and strengthened by the most endearing -recollections? But such sacrifices, even when the necessity -of them was superseded, will not be forgotten—the -remembrance of them will live in the minds of their grateful and -admiring countrymen, and their services will form a splendid, -monument on the page of history.</p> -<p>Nor have the inhabitants been insensible to the miseries -attendant on those whose relatives have fallen sacrifices to the -heroism and devotion which they displayed during the sanguinary -battles of the last twenty years, having very largely contributed -to alleviate the wants of their widows and orphans.</p> -<p>The affection and loyalty of the inhabitants of Shrewsbury to -their venerable Sovereign was most <a name="page38"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 38</span>conspicuously displayed on the -National Jubilee, the 25th of October, 1809, the fiftieth -anniversary of his Majesty’s accession to the crown. -On this occasion, liberal subscriptions were entered into for the -purpose of discharging the debts of persons in the court of -conscience—for relieving the distresses of the sick poor, -&c. &c. Joy beamed in every countenance, and -gratitude filled every heart. A congratulatory address had -been previously voted unanimously, in a general meeting of the -inhabitants convened by the mayor.—We give the following -abridged account of the celebration of the day from the <span -class="smcap">Shrewsbury Chronicle</span> of October -27:—</p> -<blockquote><p>Never, perhaps, has any national occurrence taken -place which can afford in retrospect so rich and amiable a -gratification as that of Wednesday last. If we contemplate -that a general amnesty was proclaimed to all delinquents in our -army—that a national banquet was ordered for the brave -fellows in our navy—that the prisons in many places were -thrown open to the debtors—that there was no such thing, -perhaps in the land, as an hungry honest man—and, lastly, -that our places of worship were thronged by a people, who, like -sons and daughters, had assembled to give thanks to the Almighty -for the preservation of the life of their political parent: -scarcely could the imagination conceive a happier variety of -circumstances from which the mind may derive such sublime -enjoyment. How conspicuous on this event has been the -attribute of Englishmen—<span -class="smcap">Generosity</span>! And let us also reflect, -how much good had been omitted to be done, and how much evil had -been produced, if the sums voluntarily subscribed by the people -of this kingdom had been squandered in acts of sensuality, and -riotous illuminations. Instead of which, the hungry have -been filled, the moneyless relieved, and the captive set -free.</p> -<p><a name="page39"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 39</span>In -deeds of this description, the inhabitants of <span -class="GutSmall">THIS TOWN</span> have never been -deficient. The subscriptions amount to between £400 -and £500, and the committee has been indefatigable in -proposing, and in executing, the best plans in the distribution -of it.</p> -<p>The mode of distribution, fixed upon at a Meeting of the -Subscribers, is as follows:—A sum not exceeding 50 Guineas -to be applied in the discharge of persons now in the court of -conscience, under the direction of a committee.—The like -sum to be applied by the same committee in discharging or -compounding debts of other poor persons within the town.—A -like sum to be applied in the relief of poor sick persons within -the town, under the direction of a committee.—The -distribution of these sums to take place on or before the 25th of -December next.—The Directors of the House of Industry to be -recommended to make what addition they shall think proper, on the -25th instant, to the ordinary allowance of the poor and aged -people under their care.—Five Guineas to be given to the -ringers; and 7<i>s.</i> to each housekeeper in St. Chad’s, -St. Mary’s, and St. Giles’s almshouses.—The -remainder given on Tuesday evening (the 24th) to proper -persons—one half to St. Chad’s parish, and the -remaining half in the other four parishes.—Each subscriber -to have a right to recommend two persons for each guinea -subscribed.</p> -<p>The dawning of Wednesday morning was saluted by ringing of -bells; while, from the barges on the Severn, decorated with -laurels and flags, which were suspended from their yard-arms and -top-masts, the bellowing of cannon was incessantly heard. -Shops were closed, and business seemed suspended. At -eleven, the mayor and corporation, preceded by their officers, -and the wardens and many members of every company of tradesmen, -accompanied by their flags and streamers, walked in procession to -the church of St. Chad, the band playing God save the King. -The sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Nunn, from the 11th -Nehemiah, 3d verse, “Let the king live for ever;” and -the service concluded by singing “God save the -King.” Sermons were also delivered to crowded -congregations at every place of worship in the town. The -doors of many of the principal in <a name="page40"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 40</span>habitants were ornamented with -laurel; at night, fire-works were exhibited from the gardens of -Benyon, Esq. and Dr. Evans, and bonfires distinctly descried on -the remote eminences of the Wrekin, Haughmond Hill, Grinshill, -&c.</p> -<p>We shall conclude by repeating the sentiment, that the future -historian, dwelling upon the character of <span class="smcap">his -Majesty</span>, will, by this day, be released from the trouble -of much prolixity. The character of George the Third has -been drawn by his people in this spontaneous expression of their -sentiments. After a reign of half a century, they rose with -one accordant voice, and desired with prayer and praise, with -thanks and rejoicings, with deeds of benevolence and charity to -all their fellow subjects, to express their gratitude to <span -class="smcap">God</span> for having given them so good a King, -and for having spared his life so long.</p> -<p>One remark will surely occur to every person who reads this -and other accounts of the universal spirit that has pervaded the -bosoms of Englishmen on this occasion:—If the strength of a -state center in the virtue of its people; the virtue of a people -in affection for their sovereign, and a reciprocal love, link -both together, then is England powerful indeed! ‘What -shall subdue this spirit?’</p> -</blockquote> -<h2><a name="page41"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -41</span>Description of the Town.</h2> -<h3>PUBLIC BUILDINGS.</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> entering on our general -description of the town, its public buildings naturally claim the -first share of attention. They will be found classed under -the heads of Public, Religious, and Charitable erections, and -noticed under that order: and whether we consider them in the -accommodation which they present for the transaction of the -business respectively carried on in them, for the antiquity of -some, or for the elegance of their erection, they will no doubt -prove sources of recreation to, and well worthy the inspection -of, the stranger.</p> -<h4>The Castle</h4> -<p>Is supposed to have been founded by Roger de Montgomery, about -the year 1068. It continued in his family until the reign -of Henry I, when by the rebellion of earl Robert de Belesme it -was forfeited to the king, who committed the care of it to a -constable, usually the sheriff, it being then extremely useful -for the defence of the adjacent country.</p> -<p>This ancient fortress is built of red stone, on the N.E. part -of the isthmus on which the town stands, and being erected on a -commanding eminence, was <a name="page42"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 42</span>admirably calculated to “roll -back the tide of war” and to defend Shrewsbury from the -frequent incursions of the neighbouring Welsh, who were -continually devastating the surrounding country. When the -incorporation of the principality with the English dominions took -place, it ceased to enjoy the importance which its situation on -the Welsh border had previously given to it; and after -experiencing a variety of changes in its masters, it was granted -by Charles II. to lord Newport, afterwards earl of Bradford; -since which period it became the property of the late venerable -sir William Pulteney, bart. who greatly repaired and rendered it -a comfortable residence. Sir William at his death -bequeathed it to the right honourable the earl of Darlington, its -present possessor.</p> -<p>The history of the Town and the Castle are so intimately -connected, that we shall content ourselves with giving a brief -description of its ancient and present appearance. -According to Leland, it was fast hastening to decay in the reign -of Henry VIII. and indeed it has suffered so much from the -ravages of time, rather than from those of war, that it is -doubtful what idea to form of its original size; but it is at -least probable, when its importance as a border fortress is -considered, that it occupied a much larger space than that marked -out by its existing walls.</p> -<p>The only buildings remaining are the keep, the walls of the -inner court, and the great arch of the interior gate; they are -built of red stone, and the former has been converted into a -commodious and pleasant dwelling, and is at present occupied by -J. C. Pelham, esq. It consists of two round towers of equal -diameter, embattled and pierced, connected by a square building -about 100 feet in length and about the same in height, in which -are many spacious and <a name="page43"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 43</span>excellent rooms. At the -entrance, which opens on a newly-erected grand staircase, is a -statue of Roger de Montgomery. The arch of the gateway is -about 18 feet high, semicircular, and with plain round -facings. Its walls appear to have sustained a tower, from -whence hung the portcullis. The area of the court has -latterly been cleared of its buildings, and is now formed into a -beautiful garden. On the circular grass-plot in front of -the castle, the newly-elected knights of the shire are girt with -their swords by the sheriff, which, as it is an ancient custom, -is still permitted, although the castle and its grounds are -private property.</p> -<p>In the south corner of this court is a lofty mount, on which -is erected a watch tower, now converted into a pleasant summer -room, from which is commanded a grand and diversified prospect of -uncommon richness and beauty. The mount, rising abruptly -from the margin of the Severn, crowned with its venerable tower, -its bold and abrupt bank being richly clothed with the foliage of -various species of trees and skirled by the majestic stream which -rolls at its base, has also, when viewed from a distance, a -beautiful and picturesque appearance. Shrewsbury, though -the most important station on the Welsh border, and though -frequently thrown into possession of its enemies, never sustained -more than two sieges. Its natural and artificial strength -might probably deter an adverse army from investing it in a -regular way, for it was protected not only by its castle, but -by</p> -<h4>Walls,</h4> -<p>fenced with towers which completely surrounded it.</p> -<p>The first stone rampart extended only across the isthmus to -the river on each side, and was raised by <a -name="page44"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 44</span>Robert de -Belesme. In the reign of Henry III. the inhabitants of this -place having suffered greatly during the rebellion of the earl of -Pembroke, were exhorted to secure themselves by building a wall -entirely round the town, which, by the aid of the royal bounty, -was accomplished in 32 years. An additional rampart, by -order of Oliver Cromwell, was constructed, as it is said, from -the materials of Shrawardine castle, and extended from the wall -of earl Robert at the river’s brink to the Welsh bridge: -though now ruinous it forms a tolerable connecting path between -the northern and western ends of the town.—Of the old -ramparts, those on the northern and eastern sides of the town -have long since disappeared; their foundations, which are easy to -be traced, form the groundwork of modern houses. On the -south, a considerable portion remains, and part of it is kept in -repair as a public walk; but it retains little of its original -appearance, having been considerably lowered, and entirely -stripped of its battlements. The towers have been all taken -down except one, which stands on this wall, between the bottom of -Swan Hill and Belmont. It is square and embattled, and has -two stories, the entrance of the higher being from the top of the -wall, through a small pointed arch, which does not appear of -older date than the time of Henry IV. The town, according -to Leland, who beheld its fortifications entire, was more than a -mile in compass; which extent may probably be a third more in -modern computation. There were formerly three principal</p> -<h4>Gates</h4> -<p>to Shrewsbury; one near the Castle called the North Gate, and -one on each of the bridges; that on the east called the Abbey -Gate, and that on the west the Welsh Gate. A part of the -southern tower of the <a name="page45"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 45</span>north gate is the only remain of -these once formidable fortifications.</p> -<h4>The Town Hall</h4> -<p>Is situated in High Street, and was erected in 1785 from a -design by Mr. Haycock of this town, at an expense of -£11,000, which was raised by a county rate.</p> -<p>It is an elegant structure of free stone, presenting a -handsome front to the street. On the front of the pediment, -which is supported by four lofty columns of the Ionic order, is a -fine figure of Justice in <i>bas relief</i>, seated on a rock, -beneath which, over the centre door, are the arms of the town -handsomely ornamented with appropriate emblems.</p> -<p>The ground floor consists of a vestibule and two courts, in -which the assizes for the county are held. Under the one -appropriated to the crown bar, is a cell, for the reception of -prisoners. A beautiful spiral stone staircase leads to the -higher story, where is a large room intended for county meetings, -one for the use of the grand jury of the county, with record and -other offices for the use of the county and town.</p> -<p>The grand jury room is decorated with portraits of George I. -given by Mr. Edward Elisha; of George II. given by Thomas -Wingfield, esq.; of George III. and queen Charlotte, given by sir -Thomas Jones, bart.; and one of the gallant and celebrated -admiral Benbow, given by his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Hind.</p> -<p>Immediately adjoining is</p> -<h4>The Market House.</h4> -<p>From an inscription over the northern arch it appears that</p> -<blockquote><p><a name="page46"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -46</span>“The XVth day of June was this building begun, -William Jones and Thomas Charlton, Gent. then Bailiffs, and was -erected and covered in their time 1595.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>It is built entirely of free stone, and is one of the largest -of similar erections in the kingdom. In the centre of the -principal front, which faces the west, is a spacious portal, over -which are the arms of queen Elizabeth in high relief. -Attached to the imposts of the great arch are pillars, supporting -each the figure of a lion bearing a shield on its breast. -Above are two stories, with large square mullioned windows. -On each side this portal is an open arcade, consisting of three -spacious round arches, which form the main building, over which -is a range of square windows with mullions, and a very rich -parapet, consisting of a series of embrazures carved like the -Ionic volute, between which at alternate distances, are a kind of -grotesque pinnacles in the same style. At the north and -south ends are large open arches, the whole edifice being -finished above by sharp pointed gables.</p> -<p>The ground floor of this building is appropriated to the corn -market, and is 105 feet long by 24 feet wide. A room over -of similar size was formerly rented by the company of drapers, -and used by them for a flannel market on Thursdays; but the sale -of that staple article of Welsh manufacture having been removed -to Welsh Pool, it has been rented of late as an -ironmonger’s warehouse. Over the northern arch is -placed the statue of Richard duke of York, removed hence from the -old bridge in 1791, as appears by the inscription at his right -hand: on his left are the arms of the town finely sculptured in -relief.</p> -<p>Its spacious area is a useful promenade for the inhabitants in -bad weather, and its architecture is a fine specimen of the -fantastic style of the 16th century.</p> -<h4><a name="page47"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 47</span>Lord -Hill’s Column.</h4> -<p>The splendid achievements of the British army in Spain and -Portugal from 1808 to 1814, together with the disastrous retreat -of Napoleon from his Russian campaign, and the subsequent -occupation of France by the allied troops, having produced a -general peace, a proposition appeared in the Shrewsbury Chronicle -of December the 17th, 1813, by the Proprietor of that paper, to -erect some suitable memorial of the prominent part lord Hill had -acted throughout the whole of those eventful campaigns.—At -a meeting in the News Room on the following day, nearly -£400 was subscribed to carry this intention into -effect. Subsequently, however, it was determined to extend -the original plan, a meeting of the inhabitants of the town was -called, and it was resolved to solicit subscriptions generally -from all who participated in the triumphs of their country, or -who felt any respect for the brilliant and varied services of the -gallant general.</p> -<p>After a variety of plans had been proposed it was at length -determined to erect the column now under notice. The first -stone was laid on the 27th of December, 1814, agreeably to -masonic rule, by Richard Phillips, esq. master of the Salopian -Lodge, and at that time mayor of Shrewsbury. The foundation -stone, which weighed four tons and a half, is of the following -dimensions, viz: length 11 feet 3 inches, breadth 3 feet, and 2 -feet thick. In a cavity underneath, a bottle was deposited, -containing gold and silver coins of George III. accompanied with -the <span class="smcap">Shrewsbury Chronicle</span> of the -preceding Friday. Over the cavity was a plate bearing the -following</p> -<blockquote><p style="text-align: center"><i>INSCRIPTION</i></p> -<p>Of this Column, intended to be erected to commemorate the -brilliant achievements of Lieutenant-General <span -class="smcap">Rowland Lord Hill</span>, Knight of the Bath, and -Knight of the Tower and Sword.</p> -<p><a name="page48"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 48</span>The -first Stone was laid by <span class="smcap">Richard -Phillips</span>, Esquire, Mayor of Shrewsbury, and Matter of the -Salopian Lodge of free and accepted Masons, assisted by the -Chaplain, Wardens, the Brethren of this and Deputies from other -Lodges, upon the 27th Day of December, in the year of our Lord, -1814, and in the year of Masonry—5814, being the -<i>Festival of St. John</i>. The funds for this beautiful -Memorial, in honour of splendid talent and private worth, were -furnished by a public Subscription, raised chiefly by the -inhabitants of the town and county of Salop.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The column is situated on a rising ground, at the entrance of -this town from the London and Bath roads. From its -insulated and lofty situation, it is seen from many parts of the -town, and is conspicuous at a considerable distance in the -country.</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>FT.</i></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><i>IN.</i></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>The height of the pedestal is</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">13</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>shaft and capital</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">91</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>pedestal supporting the statue</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">11</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>statue</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">16</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>The whole height</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">132</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p>Solidity and durability have been particularly attended to in -its construction, the stones with which it has been built, being -as large as could conveniently be raised, from an excellent -quarry at Grinshill, in the neighbourhood of Shrewsbury.</p> -<p>The pedestal is square, standing upon two steps, having a -large pier or buttress at each angle, upon which are placed Lions -couchant. The piers are formed of three stones in each, the -top one of each on which the lions are placed, being 10 feet 6 -inches long, 4 feet 3 inches wide, and 3 feet 3 inches deep, and -their weight 10 tons. The lower diameter of the column is -15 feet, and the masonry 2 feet 3 inches in thickness; the top -diameter 10 feet 6 inches, by 1 foot 6 inches in thickness. -Each course of stones is 3 <a name="page49"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 49</span>feet high, six stones form the -course. There are 326 stones in the whole structure, and -the top stone immediately under the statue, weighs two and a half -tons. There are 17,993 cubic feet in the whole, and its -weight is 1120 tons. There is a beautiful staircase up the -shaft, the view of the surrounding country from the top, being -most extensive. The expense was about £5,500.</p> -<p>The proportion of this column is half a diameter higher than -those in the portico of the celebrated Parthenon at Athens, and -is <span class="smcap">the largest Greek doric column in the -world</span>. The figure is designed and executed by -Messrs. Coade and Sealy, of London, in their artificial stone, -which is so well calculated to resist the action of the -weather. The lions are worked in Grinshill stone, by Mr. -Carline of this place. The contractors were the late Mr. -Simpson, and Mr. Lawrence: owing to the death of the former the -contract devolved upon his successor Mr. Straphen. The -original design is by Mr. Edward Haycock, architect, of this -town, with some alterations in the pedestal by Mr. Harrison, of -Chester.</p> -<h4>The Town & County Goal.</h4> -<p>This building, a pleasant and admirably constructed brick -edifice, was finished in 1793, at the expense of about -£30,000, on a plan furnished by Mr. Haycock, architect, of -this town. It was erected in consequence of the light -diffused on the subject of prisons by the later philanthropic Mr. -Howard, the old gaol being (says Mr. Howard) “both wretched -in its accommodations, and a complete school of vice.”</p> -<p>The prison is situate on the banks of the river, on a dry -gravelly soil on the south-east side of the town, in the -immediate vicinity of the castle, and is spacious, airy, <a -name="page50"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 50</span>well supplied -with water, and as comfortable as these abodes of human -misfortune and depravity possibly can be.</p> -<p>The entrance is through a free stone gateway, having a lodge -on each side, over the arch of which is a fine bust of Howard, -presented by the late Rowland Hunt, and Thomas Knight, esquires, -two county magistrates. There are reception cells in the -lodges for the examination of the persons by the surgeon previous -to their being lodged in the different apartments; during their -continuance in the prison, criminals wear a woollen jacket, -waistcoat and cap, composed of blue and yellow stripes before -conviction, after which the dress is changed for one of brown and -yellow. All executions take place on the flat roof of the -northern lodge, when all the criminals are brought into the area -before the governor’s house to witness the awful -scene. This house, in which is an apartment for the -magistrates, faces the entrance gate, in the centre of the west -front of the prison. The chapel, which is a neat octagonal -structure, well calculated for the important purposes of its -erection, stands in the centre of the whole building, and is so -arranged that every class of prisoners is separated and hid from -each other, though all may see the officiating clergyman. -The prison, the boundary wall of which encloses two acres of -ground, and is 16 feet high, is divided into four principal -courts, besides smaller ones, and not only are the sexes -separated, but each description of prisoners are subdivided, into -classes, which have each their respective courts and day -rooms. The debtor’s rooms are airy and comfortable, -commanding many pleasing views of the adjacent country. At -the eastern extremity is the infirmary, near which the under -keeper resides, who has constantly for sale various articles -manufactured <a name="page51"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -51</span>by the prisoners, the profits of which are applied for -their benefit.</p> -<p>Closely allied to the superior construction of the prison are -the excellent and judicious regulations for its internal -management, which, whilst they tend to ameliorate the condition -of the unhappy sufferers, are calculated to reclaim their vicious -habits; and should they return to the bosom of society, stimulate -them to atone for their depredations on their fellow-creatures, -by their honest and exemplary deportment in future. Prayers -are read every Thursday, and a sermon preached every Sunday by -the chaplain, and the justices appointed at the quarter sessions -visit the different apartments of the prison when they please, -and have the power of making any alteration in the mode of -treating the criminals which to them may appear judicious.</p> -<p>Convinced that the design of punishment is to prevent the -commission of crimes, and to repair the injury that has thereby -been done to society or the individual, and that it is the duty -of every good government to <i>reform</i> rather than -<i>exterminate</i> offenders, the exertions of the late Rowland -Hunt, esq. were directed to the formation of the following -excellent plan, which was instituted in 1797.</p> -<blockquote><p><i>First</i>—To enable debtors to gain a -livelihood while in confinement; to reward their industry and -good behaviour while there; and to furnish them with some -implements or materials on quitting prison, the better to support -themselves and their families on their return to society.</p> -<p><i>Secondly</i>—To encourage industry, penitence, and -orderly behaviour in criminal prisoners; and to furnish with -clothes and implements those who on quitting prison receive a -certificate of good behaviour.</p> -<p><i>Thirdly</i>—To provide all those who are dismissed, -with a small sum for immediate maintenance, to prevent the great -temptation of committing a crime for that purpose.</p> -</blockquote> -<p><a name="page52"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 52</span>This -praiseworthy charity, the subscriptions to which from the county -at large amount to about £80 yearly; also distributes -bibles and prayer books to the wretched objects of its bounty, -and thus endeavours to impress on the minds of these outcasts of -society, the sacred lessons of divine wisdom. The -benevolent stranger will perceive in the large outer gate of the -prison, two small apertures, and on the other side two boxes are -affixed, into one of which he may drop his mite, “to -prisoners in a state of reformation,” and in the other -“to debtors in a state of industry.”</p> -<h4>The Military Depot,</h4> -<p>Is a very handsome brick edifice, erected by government in the -year 1806, from a design by Mr. Wyatt, at an expense of about -£10,000. It stands in a piece of ground near St. -Giles’s Church, at the east end of the Abbeyforegate.</p> -<p>The principal building is 135 feet by 39, in two stories, and -is capable of containing 25,000 stand of arms. Within the -enclosure are two magazines for ammunition, and a small neat -house at each angle for the storekeeper, armourer, and -subalterns’ guard.—It was intended for the reception -of the arms of the volunteer corps of Shropshire and the -adjoining counties, but until lately very few arms of any -description have been deposited here—in fact it has been a -complete sinecure. Mr. Linton is the present governor.</p> -<h4>The English, or East Bridge,</h4> -<p>Called also the Stone Bridge, which connects the suburb of -Abbey-foregate with the town, was finished in 1774, from a plan -produced by Mr. Gwyn, at an expense of £16,000 raised by -public subscription. <a name="page53"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 53</span>This bridge, which is 400 feet in -length, is built of Grinshill free stone, on seven semicircular -arches, and crowned with a fine balustrade. The central -arch is 60 feet in width, and 40 in height from the bed of the -river, the two arches at the extremities being 35 feet wide and -20 high. The breadth between the balustrades is 20 -feet.—On the northern front is the head of Sabrina in bas -relief and the date of its erection. Its ornaments are -tasteful, and it may justly be classed among the most elegant -modern erections in the empire. Some persons, probably, may -conceive that the elevation of the centre is too great, but when -they are informed that in the memorable flood of 1795, even the -great arch was not more than capacious enough to admit the -torrent, they will no doubt be inclined to praise rather than -censure the artist, who was actuated by a desire to blend the -useful with the ornamental.</p> -<h4>The Welsh Bridge,</h4> -<p>Built in the opposite direction to the before named structure, -and which received its name as being the grand route into Wales, -was finished in 1795, from a design by Messrs. Tilly and Carline -of this place. It consists of five spacious arches with -balustrades above, and is 266 feet in length, with a driving road -20 feet wide, and paved on each side, for the convenience of foot -passengers, 5 feet. It is a plain though neat erection, and -has a remarkably solid and substantial appearance.</p> -<h4>Public Subscription Library,</h4> -<p>Situated on St. John’s Hill, is a plain brick edifice, -formerly a private house, and has been lately purchased by the -Committee of the above institution, and fitted up for the purpose -of lodging the books belonging <a name="page54"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 54</span>to the Society. The number of -subscribers is about 140, who pay annually £1. 11s. 6d. and -2 guineas entrance; but their shares are transferable. The -managers of the society are a president, a treasurer, a committee -of twelve, who sit gratuitously, and a librarian at a -stipend. The following are some of the principal laws and -regulations:—The library is open for the free use of -subscribers five hours every day at the rooms, with the right of -having several books at one time at their own houses, a certain -number of days. Forfeits are established and rigorously -enforced for detaining and damaging of books.—The method of -admitting books is, for any member to write down the title, size -and price at the library, with his signature, one clear week -before the monthly meeting, at which period it will be ordered, -if the majority of the subscribers present are agreeable.</p> -<p>The society which has been instituted about forty years, now -possesses 5000 volumes—a valuable mass of general -literature in every department. Neither divinity nor law -has been permitted to <i>load</i> the shelves; and in the matter -of that great stumbling block of mixed associations, -<i>politics</i>, a due regard to that invaluable maxim -“audi alteram partem,” has never been forgot or -violated, and diversity of opinion has only promoted the -successful progress of the establishment.</p> -<h4>Subscription Coffee Room</h4> -<p>Is attached to the county-hall, and is supplied with several -London and provincial papers.</p> -<h4>Chronicle News-Room.</h4> -<p>This is situate on St. John’s Hill, and forms part of -the Library House. It is furnished not only with a very -extensive variety of London and Provincial <a -name="page55"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 55</span>Newspapers -and the Gazette, but also with Reviews, Magazine, Army and Navy -Lists, and the best Pamphlets of the day, &c.</p> -<p>To each of these institutions strangers are admitted on being -introduced by a subscriber.</p> -<p>Beside these institutions there are several private <span -class="smcap">Reading Societies</span> in the town.</p> -<h4>New Church of St. Chad.</h4> -<p>This church, situated near that beautiful promenade the -Quarry, is erected in a style highly ornamental, from a design by -Mr. Stuart, an architect from London. The admirable -execution of the masonry, and the beauty of the stone, have an -extremely elegant appearance. The first stone was laid on -the 2d of March, 1790, and the building was consecrated on the -28th of August, 1792. The body of the church is a rotunda, -100 feet in diameter, having a fine steeple at its south-east -end. In the steeple is an octagonal belfry, containing a -melodious peal of twelve bells, surmounted by a small dome, -supported on eight Corinthian pillars.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p55b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"St. Chad’s church" -title= -"St. Chad’s church" - src="images/p55s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>The principal entrance is through the large door under the -steeple, to the lower division of which is attached a portico, -elevated on a flight of steps, and supported by four Doric -columns. The interior has a rich and noble appearance, -especially since its recent painting, which in some measure has -corrected that light and theatrical effect hitherto complained -of. The gallery which encircles the whole of the church, -except the chancel, is supported by a double circular range of -short pillars with Ionic capitals. From its front rises a -series of columns which support the roof, intended to imitate the -Corinthian order. The chancel is separated from the church -by two insulated Corinthian-columns, with highly enriched <a -name="page56"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -56</span>architraves. Beside the usual appendages of a -chancel, the Creed, Commandments, and Lord’s Prayer—a -fine painted window, executed by Eginton, and removed here from -Lichfield cathedral, was erected in the large window, in 1807, at -the expense of the parishioners.—The subject is the -resurrection of our Saviour, from a design by West. In the -gallery is a good organ.</p> -<p>Notwithstanding the objections which have been made to the -architectural plan of this church, it is possessed of one -advantage, which, it is presumed tends to obviate all of them, -namely convenient accommodation for a congregation of 2000 -persons, which should be the object principally kept in view in -all similar erections. It was built at an expense of about -£18,000: £15,000 of which remains as a debt, on the -church at this period.</p> -<p>The patron of the living is the king—the present vicar, -the Rev. Thomas Stedman, M.A. Organist Mr. John Wynne.</p> -<p>From the dome of this church there is a most beautiful -panoramic view of the town, and a very extensive range of the -fertile plain of Shropshire.</p> -<h4>The Abbey of St. Peter & St. Paul.</h4> -<p>The present church once formed part of a magnificent and -richly endowed abbey, founded by Roger de Montgomery, soon after -the Norman conquest. Here that powerful baron, in the -decline of his life, retired, relinquishing his warlike habits -for the severities of the Benedictine monks, and adopting the -custom mentioned by Milton, of those</p> - -<blockquote><p> who, -to be sure of Paradise,<br /> -Dying, put on the weeds of Dominic,<br /> -Or in Franciscan think to pass disguised.</p> -</blockquote> -<p><a name="page57"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -57</span>Originally it was of very considerable extent, -comprehending within its enclosure nearly nine acres, now used as -gardens and pleasure grounds to the adjoining mansions, together -with a spacious fish-pond.</p> -<p>This once celebrated structure, in common with others similar -in their institution, suffered considerable dilapidations in the -reign of Henry the eighth. In consequence of this and the -mouldering waste of time, a small portion only remains, and what -does exist has been cruelly mutilated in its repairs; its nave, -western tower and northern porch, being the only fragments left -to tell the history of its pristine magnificence and -grandeur. The tower is a finely proportioned structure; its -portal has a round Norman arch deeply recessed, and another of a -pointed form, inserted within it at some subsequent period. -Above this is one of the noblest windows in the kingdom, its -height being 46 feet by 22 feet wide. It is divided by its -mulliens into seven “days”, or compartments below, of -which there are two tiers, and its arched head is sharp pointed, -and filled with a profusion of the most delicate tracery. -On each side is a mouldering nich, in one of which was a statue -of St. Peter, and in the other St. Paul. Between the double -bell windows in front, is the figure of an armed knight within a -nich, supposed from its surrounding decorations and ornaments, to -represent that celebrated warrior, Edward III. The tower -contains eight bells. Within the arch which once led to the -south wing of the transept, is an ancient figure clad in mail, -supposed by some, to be intended to perpetuate the memory of earl -Roger, the munificent patron of the abbey, and to this effect an -inscription was placed within the tomb, by the heralds at their -visitation of this county, in 1633. Others <a -name="page58"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 58</span>suppose it to -belong to some other warrior of subsequent times, monuments of -this description not being known at such an early period.</p> -<p>The ravages which this venerable pile has suffered are, -perhaps, more strikingly visible in its interior than its -exterior; but it still presents a solemn and majestic appearance, -and whilst it proudly reminds us of its ancient grandeur, awfully -forewarns us of “another and a better -world.”—The altar-piece is in the style of the last -century, with paintings of Moses and Aaron, and finishes the east -end.</p> -<p>There are several monuments and inscriptions in memory of the -Prynces, Baldwins, Reckes, and many other ancient and respectable -Salopian families. The armorial bearings in the great west -window, were restored A.D. 1815, from an ancient drawing in the -Herald’s Office. The east window is also adorned with -painted glass. In the center compartment, under gothic -canopies, are large figures of St. Peter and St. Paul, with their -appropriate symbols; above are the arms of England, the see of -Lichfield, the Founder of the Abbey, and of Lord Berwick, the -munificent donor of the window; on each side are escutcheons of -the vicars from the year 1500. The bones of St. Winyfred -were deposited in this abbey with great splendour, in the reign -of Stephen.</p> -<p>The organ and the handsome gothic screen on which it stands, -were erected in 1806. It is a very fine instrument, made by -Mr. Gray, of London, and cost 365 guineas. On the screen -are the arms of the principal benefactors.</p> -<p>In the parish chest are two small oval seals exactly similar -in their dimensions, impresses and legends. Two clothed -arms issue from the opposite sides of the area, one bearing a -crosier, the other a naked sword; in the centre, a wand or staff -of office. Inscription, <a name="page59"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 59</span>“Sigillum commune de Fforyate -Monachor”—the common seal of Monks Foregate. -Some of our most skilful antiquaries are unable to give a -sufficient reason why Monks Foregate came to have a common -seal. Some of them have supposed that the parish might have -obtained a charter of incorporation, while others think that it -might have been assumed without authority. Neither of the -two seals appear much older than the 15th century.</p> -<p>The patron of the living is Lord Berwick—the Rev. H. -Burton, vicar, and Mr. John Amott, organist.</p> -<p>But the remain of this abbey which has most excited the -attention of antiquaries, is a beautiful little structure on the -south side of the gardens. Its plan is octagon, 6 feet in -diameter. Some broken steps which did not belong to it -originally, lead through a narrow flat arched door on the east, -to the inside. The south part stands on a fragment of the -ruins. The corresponding side projects considerably from -the wall, resting upon a single corbel, terminating in a -head. From this point it gradually swells, bound with a -multitude of delicate ribbed mouldings, until it forms the -basement under the floor. An obtuse dome of stone is -suspended over the whole, at about eight feet from the base, -supported on six narrow pointed arches, rising from pillars -similar to the mullions of the windows. One of the -remaining sides of the octagon is a solid blank wall, and in the -other is a door. The roof within is vaulted on eight ribs, -which spring from the wall immediately under the cavity of the -dome. At their crossing in the centre is a boss, bearing a -representation of the crucifixion, considerably relieved. -The spaces between the divisions of the three northern arches, -four feet above the bottom, are filled up with <a -name="page60"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 60</span>stone -pannels, over which they are entirely open, a circumstance which, -by permitting the light, is productive of a beautiful -effect. On the centre pannel are two small figures in -elegant tabernacles; in one of these is the figure of an angel, -in the other, that of a woman, whom he is addressing; the whole -seems intended to represent the annunciation. The right -hand pannel is embellished with images of St. Peter and St. Paul -bearing their respective symbols, with similar enrichments, and -that on the left has two figures in monastic habits, one of them -a female, probably St. Winyfred, the other a monk; the height of -every figure is eighteen inches. The arches on the southern -side are without ornaments, and are now quite open two feet from -the floor.</p> -<p>In forming a garden on the site of the Abbey Cloisters, a -great variety of fragments were met with, consisting of painted -tiles with various devices, rich gothic tracery, window mullions, -&c. and a very beautiful part of the pavement of the -refectory; this, from its situation, being about 23 feet from the -line of the outer refectory wall, and being part of the border of -a pavement, satisfactorily proves the use to which this beautiful -Gothic pulpit was applied, it being a custom in Benedictine -monasteries, for one monk to read to the others during their -meals in the refectory. In a parallel line, and at 12 feet -distance from the wall of the dormitory, a considerable number of -small Norman capitals and bases were found, strongly bedded in -cement, and forming a foundation to some superstructure. As -the west side of the cloisters must have occupied this situation, -it may be presumed that there were cloisters of more ancient -architecture, than these destroyed at the Reformation, to which -the fragments found in the garden belonged.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p60b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"The pulpit" -title= -"The pulpit" - src="images/p60s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<h4><a name="page61"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 61</span>St. -Marys Church.</h4> -<p>This venerable church is situated on a parallel with -Castle-street, at the north-east part of the town, in a small -area; and with the exception of St. Giles’, is the only -structure of this place, which has been handed down to the -present time in an entire state. It is built in the form of -a cross, consisting of a nave side isles, transept, choir and its -chapels, with a west steeple. The exterior presents various -styles of ancient architecture. The basement of the tower -is of red stone, and contains the small round-headed windows of -the early Norman era. From the bell story the pointed style -takes place, and is of the grey free stone of Grinshill quarry, -as is also the greatest part of the fabric. The tower is -large, but low. The upper story has on every side handsome -double windows. From the tower rises a lofty and beautiful -spire. The windows of the lower parts bear the remains of -rich spiring canopies and pinnacles. The height of the -tower is 76 feet, of the spire 140.</p> -<p>Upon the south side of the church is a stone porch of early -Norman architecture. Its outward arch is circular, with -diagonal or zig-zag mouldings, the inner rib obtusely -pointed. The small pointed windows on each side are curious -specimens of the very earliest rudiments of the mullioned -window. The ceiling also presents an example of the most -ancient kind of groined vault, and consists of four round massive -ribs crossing each other in the centre, without any boss or -ornament. The semicircular arch of the interior door is a -good specimen of the style of building in fashion from the -conquest to the days of Henry II. The north door is an -elegant example of this ancient kind of building. Formerly -it was an unsightly wooden porch, which was removed in -1801. <a name="page62"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -62</span>The arches of the north and south doors of the transept -are in the same early style. The decorations of the latter -are rather uncommon, having lozenge pannels placed alternately, -and each filled with an embossed flower. The side aisles, -with the upper story of the nave and choir, have pointed windows -with mullions, while those of the transept are long and lancet -shaped, without any. The higher walls of the nave were, in -the repair of 1786, very injudiciously raised some feet above -their original level, which altogether destroys the ancient -proportions, and gives the whole building a top-heavy -appearance. Formerly the church was crowned with pinnacles, -which issued from the spaces between each window and the corner -buttresses of the transept and choir, but now, excepting those on -the chapel, not one remains.</p> -<p>Within, the church is spacious, lofty, interesting, and from -its venerable and solemn appearance, admirably adapted to the -purposes of religious meditation.</p> -<blockquote><p>As chanced, the portal of the sacred pile<br /> -Stood open, and we entered. On my frame,<br /> -At such transition from the fervid air,<br /> -A grateful coolness fell, that seem’d to strike<br /> -The heart, in concert with that temperate awe<br /> -And natural reverence which the place inspired.</p> -<p style="text-align: right"><span -class="smcap">Wordsworth</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The walls of the nave are supported on each side by four -semicircular arches, with moulding peculiar to the pointed style, -and these spring from finely clustered pillars, their shafts -having the small flat rib which belongs to the 13th -century. The capitals are highly enriched with foliage, -and, as is usual in ancient churches, are all of different -designs. Above the arches is a clere-story, with a high -range of short windows on both sides, running the whole length of -the church. These are irregularly ranged in couplets, <a -name="page63"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 63</span>and have -heads very obtusely pointed, each divided by a single -mullion. The ceiling of the nave, which is of oak, rises -into an extremely flat arch, separated by its principal beams -into square pannels, including circles richly adorned with -quatrefoils and foliage. The ribs and bosses at their -intersections, are carved, with double roses, devices and knots; -those attached to the centre beam having pendant ornaments, -pelicans, angels with musical instruments, and grotesque -sculptures. The chancel is considerably elevated by two -ascents of steps. On each side is a pointed arch, blocked -up, resting upon imposts similar to the clustered pillars in the -nave. Several</p> -<blockquote><p>— marble monuments are here displayed<br /> -Upon the walls: and on the floor beneath<br /> -Sepulchral stones appear, with emblems graven<br /> -And foot-worn epitaphs, and some with small<br /> -And shining effigies of brass inlaid,</p> -</blockquote> -<p>belonging to the Lyster, Morhall, Lloyd, Gardner, and Sandford -families. On the north side, near the altar, is a beautiful -triple window, with arches remarkably sharp pointed, the centre -rising much higher than those of each side and supported upon -slender insulated columns, whose capitals are adorned with -foliage, busts, and grotesque heads. The ceiling of oak -pannelling, was in this part quite plain. The interstices -between the beams have been plastered over and painted with -trefoil and other appropriate enrichments, and the intersections -adorned with carved roses and devices, collected from the ruins -of St. Chad’s and St. Alkmond’s. In the -chancel, is an altar tomb, upon which is a recumbent figure of a -cross legged knight, in linked armour, the sides adorned with -rich foliated niches, once containing figures. This -monument is supposed <a name="page64"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 64</span>to belong to John de Leyborne, of -Berwick Leyborne, last of the family. In the vestry, under -a low pointed arch, is a plain altar tomb, which has formerly -been ornamented with shields; on the massy alabaster slab which -covers it, are engraven the figures of a man in armour, -bareheaded, with his wife, both in the act of prayer. From -the inscription which is somewhat defaced, we learn, that it was -erected to — Stafford and Catherine his wife, in -1463. In the transept and nave there are some singular -monumental figures, brought here from the ruins of St. -Chad’s and St. Alkmond’s, but to whom they belonged -has not been ascertained.</p> -<p>The lower divisions of the great window which terminates the -chancel, is occupied by some ancient painted glass brought from -old St. Chad’s, representing the root of Jesse: the arch or -head is made up with ancient coats of arms and modern stained -glass. The altar piece is a rich Grecian design. The -altar is a fine slab of Sienna marble bordered with jasper, and -was the gift of the Rev. Hugh Owen, vicar of St. Julian’s, -when curate here in 1789. In the gallery at the west end of -the nave, is a very handsome organ, made by John Harris and John -Byfield, and as this church, with the exception of St. Lawrence, -at Ludlow, is the handsomest in the county, so the organ with a -like exception, is the most powerful and best toned. In the -tower is a musical peal of ten bells, the harmony of which is not -exceeded by that of any other peal in the town.</p> -<p>On the south-west side of the church-yard is a tomb-stone -erected to the memory of Thomas Anderson, a lieutenant in -Ligonier’s regiment of light horse, who was tried at -Worcester for desertion, in the first German war of George II. -and removed here for execution. He was shot on Kingsland, -near <a name="page65"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 65</span>this -town, on the 11th of December, 1752, and met his fate with -calmness and fortitude. At the foot of the tower is a stone -in memory of Robert Cadman, who in January, 1740, in an attempt -to descend from the top of the spire by means of a rope affixed -to it, the other end of which was placed in the fields on the -opposite side of the river, fell lifeless in St. Mary’s -Friars, through the breaking of the rope, amidst an immense -number of spectators. The inscription is quaint:—</p> -<blockquote><p>Let this small monument record the name<br /> -Of Cadman, and to future times proclaim,<br /> -How from a bold attempt to fly from this high spire,<br /> -Across the Sabrine stream, he did acquire<br /> -His fatal end: ’Twas not for want of skill<br /> -Or courage to perform the task, he fell,<br /> -No, no, a faulty cord being drawn too tight,<br /> -Hurried his soul on high to take her flight,<br /> -Which bid the body here beneath, good night.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The right of presentation to this living is vested in the -Corporation of Shrewsbury at large; and in the choice of a -minister, (who must at least be a M.A.) the son of a burgess who -has been brought up at the Free Schools; or one born in the -parish of Chirbury, is to have the preference. The church -is a royal peculiar, the Official having cognizance of all -ecclesiastical matters arising within the parish and its -subordinate chapelries. He is stiled “Ordinary and -Official, Principal of the peculiar and exempt jurisdiction of -the Free Royal Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” -The present minister, who is also official, is the Rev. John -Brickdale Blakeway, M.A.—Organist, Mr. Thomas Tomlins.</p> -<h4>St. Julian’s Church,</h4> -<p>Situated at the top of Wyle Cop, originally of Saxon election, -is a plain substantial structure of brick and <a -name="page66"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 66</span>stone, -rebuilt in 1750, at an expense of £2000. At the west -end is the square tower of the old church; the lower part being -of red stone and in a more ancient style than the higher story, -which is of the 16th century. It is furnished with six -bells. In the east wall of the chancel is a small female -figure within a foliated tabernacle, preserved from the reins of -the old church, and probably representing St. Juliana, the -patroness.</p> -<p>The form of this church is an oblong square, 83ft. by 48ft. -the roof being supported by four Doric columns on each -side. The ceiling is ornamented with the fret work of the -old church. The altar-piece is adorned with Ionic -pilasters, supporting a rich cornice and architrave. The -east window is filled with fine painted glass, consisting chiefly -of a large ancient figure of St. James, bearing the Scriptures in -his hand, purchased in 1804, from the splendid collection of -glass brought from Rouen, in Normandy, during the French -Revolution, and is extremely well executed. Above the -Apostle are escutcheons of the arms of France and England, -quarterly, and those of the corporation, and see of -Lichfield. The arms of the present and ancient patrons of -the church, Earl Tankerville, Sir John Astley, and Prince, -together with those of the families of Rocke, Powys, Bowdler, -&c. &c. are exhibited in various situations in the -edifice, which is likewise beautified with a variety of painted -and stained glass. The only ancient monument in this church -which is worthy the attention of the antiquarian, is a slab of -coarse alabaster, lately removed from the church-yard into the -chancel. It is nearly a foot in thickness and as hard as -flint; and besides a modern epitaph which has been inserted in -the centre of it, it contains round the edge this inscription, in -Longobardic capitals, now nearly obliterated, <a -name="page67"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 67</span>but capable -of being read, EASMONYND TROVMWYN GIST ICI DIEV DE SA ALME EN EYT -MERCI AMEN. i.e. Edmund Trowmwyn lieth here, may God have mercy -on his soul. Amen.</p> -<p>There is an organ in the gallery.</p> -<p>The Earl of Tankerville is the patron. The present -incumbent is the Rev. Hugh Owen, F.A.S. Archdeacon of -Salop, portionary of Bampton, Oxfordshire, and prebendary of -Salisbury.</p> -<h4>Old St. Chad’s Church</h4> -<p>Is situated at the top of Belmont.</p> -<p>This once venerable pile was founded previous to the Norman -conquest, by one of the kings of Mercia, soon after the expulsion -of the Britons, on a site of a palace belonging to one of the -princes of Powis, which was destroyed during the wars between the -Britons and their Saxon invaders. In 1393, a considerable -part of the structure was burnt down through the carelessness of -a plumber, then repairing the lead on the roof, who, frightened -at beholding the edifice in flames, endeavoured to escape over -the ford of the Severn, near the eastern gate, but was drowned in -the attempt. In the early part of the year 1788, the church -was observed to be decaying fast, and a respectable architect, -who was employed to survey it, advised that the tower should be -taken down, in order to relieve the mouldering pillars of their -vast weight. Unfortunately, this salutary advice was not -acted upon; in lieu thereof, partial repairs were undertaken, and -the attempt to remove a shattered pillar, that a firmer one might -be erected in its place, completed its ruin. On the second -day after the workmen had commenced their destructive operations, -the decayed pillar gave way, and in consequence, the <a -name="page68"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 68</span>tower fell -about four o’clock the following morning, July 9, 1788, on -the roof of the church, and overwhelmed the greater part of the -sacred edifice in ruinous desolation.</p> -<p>About a month previous to this occurrence, the church had been -thronged with thousands, who had assembled to witness the -interment of an officer with military honours.</p> -<p>Although a considerable part of old building remained, it was -not deemed advisable to rebuild the church on its ancient -site. The present fragment of it, which was formerly the -Bishop’s chancel, was fitted up for the purpose of -performing the rites of sepulture in, and at this time it is used -as a charity school.</p> -<p>It is worthy of remark, that the light of the reformation -first dawned in Shrewsbury in this church.</p> -<h4>St. Alkmond’s Church,</h4> -<p>Situate immediately adjoining St. Julian’s, was -originally founded by Elfrida, daughter of Offa, king of Mercia; -and like some others in Shrewsbury, was erected at different -periods and in different styles of architecture in the form of a -cross. At the destruction of St. Chad’s church, the -parishioners, alarmed for the safety of their ancient structure, -caused it to be thoroughly examined, and in consequence of some -symptoms of decay exhibited in the roof, they determined on the -demolition of the old church and the erection of a new one on a -part of its site. The present building was accordingly -opened for divine worship in November, 1795, at an expence of -about £3000, one half of which might have been saved by a -judicious repair of the original erection, and thus preserved for -ages. The beautiful spire-steeple at the west end, is the -only part which escaped the general <a name="page69"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 69</span>devastation. It is 184 feet in -height, and is highly ornamental to the town, especially when -seen from the adjacent country. It contains a musical peal -of eight bells.</p> -<p>The plan of the church is an oblong square, 84 feet by 44, -with a small recess for the altar, over which is a handsome -painted window, by Eginton; the subject is emblematical of Faith, -kneeling on a cross, with the eyes elevated and arms extended -towards a celestial crown which appears amidst the opening -clouds. “Be faithful unto death, and I will give thee -a crown of life,” is the motto.</p> -<p>Previous to the demolition of the old church, there were a -variety of ancient inscriptions, few of which are now -visible. In the church-yard is a monument to the memory of -Alderman William Jones and his wife, the former of whom died in -1612. It formerly stood in the chantry north of the -chancel; and about sixteen years ago it was munificently repaired -by the late Sir Thomas Tyrwhit Jones, Bart, M.P. the worthy and -respected representative of the family.</p> -<p>The living is in the gift of the crown. Its present -incumbent the Rev. J. Wightman.</p> -<h4>St. Giles’s Church,</h4> -<p>Of the origin of which no authentic account is known, stands -at the eastern extremity of the Abbey Foregate, and bears marks -of considerable antiquity. By some it has been thought to -be the earliest parochial foundation in Shrewsbury; but others, -with more semblance of truth, give the palm in this respect to -the Abbey, to which St. Giles’s is now attached, merely as -a convenience for the performance of funeral ceremonies; public -worship being only celebrated within its walls, twice every -year.</p> -<p><a name="page70"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 70</span>It is a -small plain building, consisting of a nave, chancel, and north -aisle, with a small turret for the reception of a bell. Its -interior presents several varieties of architecture, whilst its -antique and worm-eaten benches, its homely pavement, and its -almost altogether unadorned state, combine to give it a simply -interesting appearance.</p> -<p>The church-yard contains the tombs of various inhabitants of -the town; among others is one raised to the memory of Cheney -Hart, M.D. a native of Warrington, and an eminent physician of -this town for thirty-three years, on the pedestal of which, -crowned with a handsome urn is a Latin inscription. On the -north side the yard is a tomb in memory of William Congreve, esq. -formerly lieutenant-colonel of the 17th foot, and his relict -Jane. This gentleman was a descendant of the ancient family -which gave birth to our celebrated dramatic writer, while his -lady, a Waller, was sprung from that of elegant poet of -Beaconsfield. The grave stone of William White, who was a -quarter-master of horse in the reign of William III. bears the -following lines:</p> -<blockquote><p>In Irish wars I fought for England’s -glory;<br /> -Let no man scoff at telling of the story:<br /> -I saw great Schomberg fall, likewise the brave St. Ruth,<br /> -And here I come to die, not there in my youth.<br /> -Thro’ dangers great I’ve passed many a storm;<br /> -Die we must all as sure as we are born.</p> -</blockquote> -<h4><i>PROTESTANT DISSENTERS</i>.</h4> -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> is always painful to men of -sober and moderate principles, to recur to the Act of Uniformity, -which in Bartholomew’s day, 1662, drove from their livings -at least 2000 clergymen, “many of them distinguished <a -name="page71"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 71</span>by their -abilities and zeal,” to seek subsistence from the charity -of friends, and consolation in times of oppression from the calm -testimony of a good conscience. To this act however, -Shrewsbury is indebted for its first regular dissenting -church. The place where they assembled is called</p> -<h5>The Presbyterian Chapel.</h5> -<p>This congregation was founded by Mr. Bryan and Mr. Tallents, -the ministers ejected from St. Chad’s and St. -Mary’s. It was destroyed in 1715, by a mob, soon -after the accession of the House of Hanover, and was rebuilt by -government. It stands on the north side of the High Street, -and is a plain building of brick, neatly fitted up. It is -now used by a respectable congregation of Unitarian -Dissenters. Minister, the Rev. G. Case.</p> -<p>In the year 1766, a disagreement took place among the -congregation frequenting the Presbyterian chapel, relative to the -choice of a minister, in consequence of which, they separated, -and a part of them erected a new chapel. It is called</p> -<h5>The Independent Chapel,</h5> -<p>Situate on Swan Hill, and is a commodious brick erection of an -oblong form. It has a numerous and very respectable -society. On the north side is a vestry. A neat stone -tablet on the front bears the following inscription:</p> -<blockquote><p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">THIS BUILDING WAS ERECTED</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">IN THE YEAR 1767,</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">FOR THE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF GOD</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">AND IN DEFENCE OF THE</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">RIGHTS OF MAJORITIES</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">IN PROTESTANT DISSENTING -CONGREGATIONS</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN MINISTERS.</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Minister, the Rev. T. Weaver.</p> -</blockquote> -<h5><a name="page72"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 72</span>The -Methodist Chapel,</h5> -<p>Called also St. John’s Chapel, is situate on St. -John’s Hill, and previous to the erection of a house in -front of part of it, was a great ornament to the street. It -is a neat and extensive brick building of an oblong form, and is -calculated to accommodate a large congregation. Behind the -chapel is a vestry, in which are placed the stairs leading to the -pulpit, which in consequence, has rather a novel appearance to a -stranger, no steps being visible in the chapel. The -congregation is numerous and respectable.</p> -<h5>The Baptist Chapel</h5> -<p>Is in Dog Lane; with a well-finished interior, it is, perhaps, -from the awkward situation of the pulpit and its extreme lowness, -one of the most unpleasant chapels in the town, especially when -crowded, which is often the case on particular occasions. -It is a plain respectable brick building, and has a numerous -congregation. The Baptists were established here in -1780.</p> -<h5>The Quaker’s or Friends Meeting House</h5> -<p>Is situate on St. John’s Hill, and, like the respectable -body who assemble within its walls, is a plain unadorned -building.</p> -<p>The SANDEMANIANS and WELSH METHODISTS, also have Chapels in -Hill’s Lane; and the ROMAN CATHOLICS a neat one near the -Town Walls at the back of the Lion Inn.</p> -<h3><a name="page73"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -73</span>CHARITABLE ERECTIONS & INSTITUTIONS.</h3> -<h4>The Free Schools.</h4> -<p><span class="smcap">Education</span> is, in the British -empire, an object of national concern. Our various -universities and public schools are splendid monuments of the -attention paid by our ancestors to the important object of -training and enlightening the youthful mind. The provision -made for the support of these establishments, especially in -England and Ireland, is, generally speaking, munificent. At -the same time, it is not sufficient to afford a temptation to the -indulgence of idleness, by the conversion of respectable offices -into sinecures. The dignity hence accruing to their -teachers and professors, invests them with high authority, and -imparts additional weight to their instructions; while the -respect in which they are habitually held by long established -prescription, gives a powerful sanction to the system of their -discipline.</p> -<p>This observation applies with peculiar force to the munificent -edifice of the Royal Free School of King Edward VI. which is -situate at the northern extremity of Castle Street. Its -erection was completed in 1630, the ancient school-room, which -was composed of timber, having been removed in order to the -completion of the present spacious and convenient structure of -free-stone. The building surrounds two sides of the court -with a square pinnacled tower in the angle. In the centre -of the front is a gateway, adorned on each side with a Corinthian -column, very rudely designed, upon which stand the statues of a -scholar and a graduate, bareheaded, and in the dress of the <a -name="page74"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 74</span>times. -Over the arch is a Greek sentence from Isocrates,</p> -<blockquote><p style="text-align: -center">’Εὰν ῆς -φιλομαθὴς -ἔσῃ -πολυμαθής.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Importing that a love of literature is necessary to the -formation of a scholar. Above are the arms of Charles -I. The ground floor on one side the gateway, contains a -room originally used as an accidence school; on the other the -third master’s house, now given to the head master, who -places his assistant in it. In the middle story are -comprised the lodging rooms of the assistant’s house, and -the lower master’s apartment, which for many years has been -converted into a writing school. The principal school room, -which occupies the upper story, is 80 feet by 21.</p> -<p>The chapel is on the ground floor of the other part of the -building, and is divided from the anti-chapel by a handsome open -screen of oak, richly embellished with grotesque carving, as are -the pulpit and bible stand. The ceiling is adorned with a -variety of foliage, devices, and rebusses, preserved from the -ruins of St. Alkmond’s Church. The arms of the first -and present masters are placed along the middle. Prayers -are read here twice on school days, by the head master, who is -chaplain and catechist, for which he has a distinct salary of -£20 a year.</p> -<p>Over the chapel, and of the same size, is the library, which -contains a most valuable collection of books, and in size and -decoration is in no respect inferior to the majority of those in -the Universities. A half length of Henry VIII. and his son -Edward VI. when a boy; a full length of an Admiral in the dress -of Charles II. reign, probably Benbow, together with five -portraits of head masters, ornament the walls. In this room -are also preserved three sepulchral stones discovered at -Wroxeter.</p> -<p><a name="page75"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 75</span>A small -museum is separated from the lower end of the room, in which are -some Roman antiquities, chiefly from Wroxeter, with a few fossils -and other natural curiosities. Among the latter, is the -dried body of a sturgeon, caught in 1802, in a weir adjoining the -island, a quarter of a mile below the castle. When alive, -it weighed 192 pounds, and was 9 feet long and 3 feet 4 inches -round.</p> -<p>In front of the schools on the town side, is a play ground -enclosed from the street by iron railing, and a considerable -piece of ground is used for a similar purpose at the back, which -opens to the country and is entirely secluded from the -town. Two large houses most delightfully situated -contiguous, belong to the masters, with every accommodation for -boarders. The revenues are very handsome, and are derived -chiefly from the tithes of a number of townships in the parishes -of St. Mary and St. Chad, and the whole rectory of Chirbury, -which were granted by King Edward VI. and Queen Elizabeth.</p> -<p>This seminary has been long celebrated for the erudition of -its scholars. Under the “excellent and worthie” -Thomas Ashton, it flourished eminently. At one period he -had 290 pupils, among whom we notice Sir Henry Sydney, whose son, -the heroic Sir Philip Sydney, laid here the seeds of that -exemplary friendship with the celebrated Sir Fulk Greville, Lord -Brook, which he maintained through the whole of his short but -splendid career. Beside these, the noted Jeffries, Lord -Chief Justices Jones and Price; Drs. Bowers and Thomas, Bishops -of Chichester and Salisbury; the Rev. John Taylor, L.L.D. and the -celebrated Dr. Waring, received their education here. Nor -does the present character of the school fall short of that -distinguished pre-eminence which it formerly sustained. -Under the judicious direction of the <a name="page76"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 76</span>learned Dr. Butler, it is in a -flourishing state. Not only do the children of the -principal families in the adjacent counties and North Wales, -receive the rudiments of their learning here, but also those of -many families of distinction from distant parts of the -empire. The appointment of master rests solely in the -fellows of St. John’s College, Cambridge; that of ushers -and the mode of instruction is vested in the head master.</p> -<h4>The House of Industry.</h4> -<p>This handsome brick building, situated on the opposite side of -the river to the Quarry, was erected in 1765, as a Foundling -Hospital, at an expence of £12,000. Numbers of -children were sent here from London, and placed out at nurse -during their infancy with the neighbouring cottagers, under the -superintendance of the surrounding gentry. When arrived at -a proper age, they were brought into this house and employed in -various branches of a woollen manufactory, and afterwards -apprenticed to various individuals. About 1774, however, -the governors finding their funds inadequate to the support of -the charity, the house was shut up; and a few years after was -rented by government, who in the American war used it as a place -of confinement for Dutch prisoners.</p> -<p>In 1784, an act of parliament was obtained to incorporate the -five parishes of Shrewsbury and Meole Brace, as far as related to -their poor, and to erect a general House of Industry. The -governors of the Foundling Charity were glad of an opportunity to -dispose of their erection at a considerably reduced rate, and the -building was accordingly purchased, together with about twenty -acres of land, for about £5,500, and it was opened for the -reception of paupers <a name="page77"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 77</span>in December in that year. For a -short period they were employed in the fabrication of woollen -cloths, but this being found injurious to the pecuniary resources -of the house, it was discontinued, and at present their -employment chiefly consists in manufacturing the various articles -of their clothing. They breakfast, dine, and sup in the -dining hall, a very long room, the men, women, boys and girls, -being each placed at separate tables. Divine service is -performed twice each Sunday, in a neat chapel parallel with the -hall. There is also an infirmary, where the sick and infirm -are lodged in proper wards, and attended to by nurses and the -apothecary belonging to the house. The whole is under the -management of twelve directors, chosen from persons assessed in -the associated parishes at £15. or possessed of property to -the amount of £30. per ann. who appoint a governor and -matron, to superintend the domestic economy of the -establishment.</p> -<p>Mr. Nield, the worthy disciple of the philanthropic Howard, -remarks of this place, which he visited in 1807, “This -House of Industry is certainly a house of plenty, for the books -every where, bear record of good living, and the famous beef -slaughtered here. The average number in the house is 340; -the children delicate and pampered, from being accustomed to -abundance and variety of provisions, and comfortable rooms, very -dissimilar to the hardy peasant, and therefore ill calculated to -rear up useful assistances in the employments of agriculture, or -to make useful servants in this agricultural county. They -would prefer a race of hardy lads, inured from their infancy to -combat weather and temporary want; whose nerves are strong by -early exertions, and their understandings furnished with some -knowledge of rural life.”—<a name="page78"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 78</span>Mr. Nield’s extensive -observation and experience, qualified him to judge of the most -proper aliment and employment of this class of persons, far -better than most of the directors and governors of similar -institutions can reasonably be expected to do; and as indulgence -and plenty cannot be supposed to be the portion of the children -of the poor in their progress through life, we may indulge a hope -that the directors will speedily devise some plan for the -initiation of their young dependants into habits of judicious -labour and healthy abstinence.</p> -<p>Along the north front of the house is a beautiful gravel walk, -from whence the town is seen to great advantage. On the -right, the Abbey-foregate, with its two venerable churches, -various manufactories, Lord Hill’s Column, and a great -extent of fertile land, are seen backed by the Wrekin, Haughmond -Hill, &c. In front, the river Severn flowing close -underneath, the beautiful verdure of the quarry, and the town, -present themselves; whilst on the left are descried a large -portion of this extremely fertile county, together with the -distant Montgomeryshire and Denbighshire hills. This -extensive prospect over the neighbouring country, with the -endless variety of scenes that present themselves to the -spectator are finely described in the following lines:</p> -<blockquote><p>Ever charming, ever new,<br /> -When will the landscape tire the view?<br /> -The fountain’s fall, the river’s flow,<br /> -The wooded vallies warm and low;<br /> -The windy summits wild and high<br /> -Roughly rushing on the sky!<br /> -The pleasing seat, the ruin’d tow’r,<br /> -The naked rock, the shady bow’r<br /> -The town and village dome and farm<br /> -Each give each a double charm,<br /> -As pearls upon an Ethiop’s arm.</p> -<p style="text-align: right"><span class="smcap">Dyer</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -<p><a name="page79"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 79</span>It was -from this house, that the benevolent but eccentric Mr. Day, -deluded by the fascinating eloquence Rosseau, selected two girls -on whom to try an experiment on female education, in which he -proposed to unite the delicacy of a modern female, with the bold -simplicity of a Spartan virgin, which should despise the -frivolity and dissipation of the present corrupted age.</p> -<p>Having obtained the object of his wishes, he repaired with -them to France, taking no English servant, in order that they -might receive no ideas but those which he chose to instil. -After spending about eight months in France, he placed the one in -a respectable situation in London, and with his favourite -actually proceeded some years in the execution of his project; -but experience and mature reflection at length convinced him, -that his theory of education was impractible, and he renounced -all hope of moulding his protegee after the model his fancy had -formed. He therefore placed her in a boarding school at -Sutton Coldfield, in Warwickshire; and after completing her -education, she resided some years in Birmingham, and subsequently -at Newport, in this county: and by her amiable deportment secured -a large circle of friends. Mr. Day frequently corresponded -with her parentally. In her 26th year she married Mr. -Bicknell, a gentleman who accompanied Mr. D. to Shrewsbury, at -the commencement of this singular experiment.</p> -<h4>Salop Infirmary.</h4> -<p>This noble asylum, situated in St. Mary’s Churchyard, -was formed in the memorable year 1745, for the accommodation and -relief of the diseased and indigent poor. The munificence -with which this excellent institution has been supported by the -inhabitants <a name="page80"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -80</span>of the county at large, has enabled its conductors to -proceed upon the most liberal principles. Admission is -given to the diseased from whatever quarter they may come, -provided they are recommended by a subscriber; but in case of -sudden accident, this recommendation is dispensed with.</p> -<p>It was opened in 1747, and has the honour of being one of the -earliest of similar erections, those of Bristol, Northampton, -Winchester, and Exeter, being the only provincial ones -established prior thereto. The building is of brick with a -stone portal, and the back windows, which look into the country, -command a varied and extensive prospect. Considered with -respect to its internal cleanliness and economical management, -and the humane and skilful attentions of the medical gentlemen of -the town, its advantages are such as will vie with those of any -similar provincial institution, and are calculated to excite in -the minds of the benevolent and reflecting, feelings of the most -compassionate regard and generous sensibility.</p> -<p>Since its foundation, £126,671. 9<i>s.</i> 10<i>d.</i> -in voluntary subscriptions and benefactions, has been contributed -for its maintenance and support. By the last report it -appears, that up to June 1822, 33,589 in-patients have been -received into the house, 18,373 have been cured, and 3,481 -relieved; also 52,142 out-patients, of whom 37,720 have been -cured, and 4,877 relieved.</p> -<p>Besides the physicians and surgeons of the town who attend -gratuitously, a surgeon resides in the house, in order that -medical aid may not be wanting in cases of emergency. The -domestic economy is superintended by a matron. The -pecuniary concerns are managed by a secretary, under the -inspection of a Board of Directors and deputy Treasurer. A -Treasurer also is appointed annually from among the <a -name="page81"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 81</span>subscribers -of five guineas and upwards, and on the Friday in the Shrewsbury -race week, a sermon is preached by the chaplain, and a collection -made for the benefit of the charity, the plates being held by two -ladies, supported by two gentlemen of distinguished rank or -opulence. The clergy of the established church, residing in -the town, officiate in rotation weekly; two of the subscribers -also resident in Shrewsbury, are weekly appointed as house -visitors.</p> -<h4>Millington’s Hospital</h4> -<p>Stands in the suburb of Frankwell, and is so called from its -benevolent founder, the late Mr. James Millington, draper of -Shrewsbury, who in 1734, bequeathed nearly the whole of his -property to its erection.</p> -<p>The hospital is a respectable building of brick. Over -the pediment, in the centre, is a turret, in which is a -clock. In this part is a chapel, used also for a school -room, and houses for the master and mistress. On each side -are six small houses for the poor.</p> -<p>The will of Mr. Millington appointed a schoolmaster and -mistress, who have each a house and £40. per annum, and the -master £10. additional for keeping the accounts. A -chaplain, with a stipend of £25. Twelve poor men or -women chosen from the single housekeepers of Frankwell, or the -part of St. Chad’s parish nearest to it, to each of whom is -allotted an apartment in the hospital, consisting of two -comfortable rooms, a small garden, a gown or coat, given on St. -Thomas’s day, a load of coals on All Saints’ day, and -an allowance of £6. per annum. Gowns or coats and -40<i>s.</i> each, are also dispensed every year to ten poor -single housekeepers resident in Frankwell, and when a vacancy -happens in the hospital, the person <a name="page82"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 82</span>who has longest received the garments -is elected to it. The hospitallers and out-pensioners have -also two twopenny loaves weekly. Twenty poor boys and as -many poor girls, born in Frankwell, are completely clothed twice -annually, and receive their education in the hospital. When -arrived at the age of fourteen, the boys are apprenticed, -£7. 10<i>s.</i> is given with each, and £2. -10<i>s.</i> is expended in cloathing: £5. is also presented -to those, who at the expiration of their first year’s -apprenticeship, can bring a certificate of their good -behaviour. The girls are allowed £5. on going out -apprentices.</p> -<p>Two exhibitions of £40. a year each are founded for -students of St. Magdalen’s College, Cambridge. Those -who have been originally scholars on the hospital foundation, -claim the preference, or one born in Frankwell, and educated in -the free grammar school is most eligible.</p> -<h4>Allatt’s School</h4> -<p>Was erected in 1800, at the bottom of Swan Hill, pursuant to -the will of the late Mr. John Allatt, formerly chamberlain to the -corporation of Shrewsbury.</p> -<p>The structure is of free-stone, and contains two houses for -the master and mistress, connected with the school rooms by -arcades. It cost about £2000, erected from a plan by -Mr. Haycock. The interest of the residue of Mr. -Allatt’s property, maintains a schoolmaster and mistress, -and educates twenty poor boys, and as many girls, whose parents -have not received parochial relief. The children are taught -reading, writing, and arithmetic, and the girls sewing; they are -cloathed once a year, and at a proper age apprenticed. -Twenty coats and eighty good stuff gowns are also distributed -annually, to that number of poor old men and women.</p> -<h4><a name="page83"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -83</span>Bowler’s School,</h4> -<p>In the Back Lane, near the Wyle Cop, is a plain brick -building, founded in 1724, pursuant to the will of Mr. Thomas -Bowdler, alderman and draper, for instructing, cloathing, and -apprenticing poor children, of the parish of St. Julian. -The dress is blue.</p> -<h4>Public Subscription Charity School</h4> -<p>Was erected near the Abbey church, in 1778. The -institution is supported by voluntary subscription, and children -from every part of the town, boys as well as girls are -admissible. The system of instruction pursued is that of -Dr. Bell, the master having a salary of £40. and the -mistress £30. The dress of the children is brown, and -hence it is sometimes called the brown school. The number -in the school at the date of the last report, June 1822, were, -boys 190—girls 150.</p> -<h4>Royal Lancasterian School.</h4> -<p>This edifice was built in 1812, in consequence of a lecture -delivered on the subject of Education, by the celebrated Joseph -Lancaster, at the Town Hall, in Shrewsbury. As its name -imports, the system of instruction is that of Mr. -Lancaster. There is one apartment for boys and one for -girls, to each of which children are admitted, on being -recommended by subscribers. It is supported by voluntary -subscriptions and donations. Number of boys 260; girls -217.</p> -<h4>St. Chad’s Alms-Houses.</h4> -<blockquote><p>“This yeare 1409, one Bennett Tupton, being -a common Beere Bruar, and dwellinge in St. Chadd’s Churche -Yarde in Shrousberie, now called the Colledge, founded the -Almeshouses in the sayde <a name="page84"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 84</span>St. Chadd’s Churche Yarde in -Shrousberie, beinge then a man at that tyme of 60 yeares of -age.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Originally they were 13 in number, but not having any funds, -two are fallen to decay. The present allowance to the poor -is about 16s. per annum, including 2<i>s.</i> 2<i>d.</i> paid by -the company of mercers.</p> -<h4>St. Mary’s Alms-Houses,</h4> -<p>Situate at the western end of St. Mary’s church-yard, -were founded 1460, by Degory Watur, draper. They are 16 in -number, extremely wretched and filthy in appearance, and -dangerous and unwholesome from their smallness, each having only -a single apartment 11 feet by 8, without any outlet. The -centre house, originally inhabited by the founder, and called the -hall, is larger than the others, and has a wooden porch, on which -is a painting of Watur and his wife, and on the front is the -effigy of King Edward IV. The poor people, who must be -parishioners of St. Mary’s, have each £2. 6<i>s.</i> -10½<i>d.</i> allowed them annually, by quarterly payments -from the draper’s company, and an upper garment once in two -years.</p> -<h4>St. Giles’ Alms-Houses,</h4> -<p>Near St. Giles’ church, in the Abbey Foregate. The -houses are four in number. The residents in them are -nominated by the earl of Tankerville, who allows them 1<i>s.</i> -6<i>d.</i> per week, with a quantity of coals and an upper -garment annually.</p> -<h4>Sick Man’s Friend and Lying-In Charity.</h4> -<p>The objects of this Institution, which was begun in 1810, are -the relief of the diseased, and of poor <a -name="page85"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 85</span>married women -in childbed, at their own houses; who not only receive medical -assistance, if necessary, but the use of bed linen, food and -every other necessary that their situation requires. The -meetings of the Committee are held at the Independent Chapel, on -Swan-hill.</p> -<h4>Samaritan Society & Lying-In Charity,</h4> -<p>Is similar in its objects and institution to the former. -Its operations commenced in 1814, and the meetings of its -Committee are held in the vestry of St. John’s Chapel.</p> -<h4>Ladies’ Charity,</h4> -<p>Was instituted in 1814, by some benevolent females, solely for -the purpose of assisting poor married women with cloathing, food, -and other necessaries requisite for their situation. The -meetings of the Committee are held in the vestry of St. -Chad’s church.</p> -<p>The extensive scale on which the three last named charities -are conducted, and the liberality with which their benefits are -dispensed, to the deserving poor, place them among the first -charitable institutions which so much distinguish the town of -Shrewsbury. Their operations are confined to no sect or -party, and they design nothing but the purest philanthropy. -Their laudable plans are promoted by the individual exertions and -charitable subscriptions of the members, each of whom pay -2<i>s.</i> per quarter and upwards. The number of the -members is about 300. No public buildings are connected -with these praise-worthy establishments, the present mode of -relief being considered superior to those of an hospital.</p> -<h4>Shrewsbury General Sunday School</h4> -<p>Is held in the large room in the linen manufactory in -Coleham. The order and regularity observed in this <a -name="page86"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 86</span>institution -has been noticed by strangers from distant parts of the -kingdom. Its numbers according to the last report were boys -215, girls 247. In addition to this, a separate room is -allotted to the instruction of Adult scholars, whose number is -44. The whole are taught reading and writing.</p> -<h4>Swan Hill Sunday School</h4> -<p>Is a similar institution and similarly conducted. The -number of scholars are, boys 96, girls 104.</p> -<p>Besides this, St. Chad’s Boys Sunday School, has about -100 boys, under the superintendance of its committee.</p> -<h4>St. Mary’s Sunday and Day School</h4> -<p>Is held in the chapel of St. Mary’s church. The -children are taught reading and writing; their number is about -162.</p> -<h4>St. Chad’s Ladies’ School.</h4> -<p>This is carried on in that part of St. Chad’s old church -which escaped entire destruction. It is a most -praise-worthy establishment, and is superintended by many -respectable ladies of St. Chad’s parish, who devote a -considerable portion of their time in furtherance of this object -of their anxious solicitude.</p> -<p>The latter institutions deserve the close inspection of the -benevolent and humane. The recurrence of stated days, on -which the well-ordered artizan and peasant, emerging from the -dirt and impurities of their vocations, to practice the virtue of -cleanliness, produces an easy association between a sense of -self-decency, and the reverence due to the service for which the -sabbath is set apart. To strengthen this <a -name="page87"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 87</span>feeling and -principle, becomes therefore an important object to all those -interested in the good order, peace and happiness of the people -of the British empire; and to enfix it as deeply as possible, the -impression cannot be made too early.</p> -<h4>Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.</h4> -<p>In conjunction with this excellent institution, a District -Society has been established here for the purpose of co-operating -with the Society at Bartlett’s Buildings, in the -distribution of Bibles, Testaments, Prayer Books, and other -religious books and tracts. The praise-worthy objects of -the Society are supported by some of the most respectable and -opulent residents in the county.—Secretary, the Rev. -Archdeacon Owen, M.A., F.A.S.</p> -<h4>Shropshire Bible Society</h4> -<p>An auxiliary Bible Society, to co-operate with the British and -Foreign Bible Society, in London, was instituted here on the 11th -of November, 1811. The late Rev. Francis Leighton, -explained to the meeting, summoned on this occasion, the nature -and objects of this charity. A number of liberal donations -were offered, and an extensive annual subscription entered -into. The important object of this society, as its name -imports, is, the gratuitous distribution of the scriptures among -the poor inhabitants, and also by its contributions, to aid the -noble design of the parent society in translating the Bible into -all languages which are represented by letters, and to circulate -them throughout the earth. The Rev. Archdeacon Corbett is -the president, and the annual meeting is held on the first -Wednesday in July.</p> -<h3><a name="page88"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -88</span>REMAINS OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS.</h3> -<h4>The Council House</h4> -<p>Received its name from having been the residence of the Court -of the Marches of Wales; for though their principal abode was at -Ludlow, they were accustomed to hold one term in the year at this -place, for the convenience of suitors, and another at Bewdley, -and sometimes at Hereford.</p> -<p>The house is in the immediate vicinity of the castle (in the -outer court of which, it is supposed to have been built,) on a -steep bank overhanging the river. The entrance to it from -the town is by a venerable timber gate-house, the ornaments of -which have lately been plastered over. The great hall and -chamber, which were the only apartments not <i>modernized</i>, -have just (1815) been pulled down and rebuilt, and the rich old -chimney-piece which stood in the hall, in the centre of which -were the arms of Owen of Condover, has been removed to that -venerable mansion. Charles I. kept his court here, as also -did James II. in 1687.</p> -<h4>St. Nicholas’s Chapel</h4> -<p>Is still standing in part on the left hand entrance to the -council house, and is now used as a stable. The building -consisted of a nave and chancel without aisle; the former is -nearly perfect, and there is no doubt, but that its erection is -of great antiquity. The whole length is 50 feet, the -breadth 19 feet.</p> -<h4><a name="page89"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -89</span>Austin’s Friars.</h4> -<p>The convent of the Eremites of St. Augustine, stood at the -bottom of Barker-Street <a name="citation89"></a><a -href="#footnote89" class="citation">[89]</a>, near the -river. A small part only remains, little of it being to be -seen excepting the shell of a large building of red stone, with -two pointed arched door ways. It is now used as a -tan-house.</p> -<h4>Franciscan Friary.</h4> -<p>The house of the Franciscan or Grey Friars, stood under the -Wyle Cop, on the banks of the Severn. A part of this friary -still remains, converted into houses. A large stone coffin -lies in the garden of an old timber house, erected soon after the -dissolution.</p> -<h4>Dominican Friary.</h4> -<p>Scarcely a fragment of this friary now remains. It is -supposed to have occupied nearly the whole of the meadow between -the Water-lane-gate and the English Bridge.</p> -<p>The lady of king Edward IV. twice lay in at this convent, and -was delivered of Richard and George Plantagenet. The former -perished in the tower with his unfortunate elder brother, in the -subsequent reign, by the machinations of his cruel uncle -Richard. Prince George died young.</p> -<h3><a name="page90"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 90</span>PLACES -OF AMUSEMENT.</h3> -<h4>The Theatre.</h4> -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> building, if we may credit the -affirmation of Phillips, is part of the ancient palace of the -princes of Powisland; who in their frequent transactions with the -sovereigns of England, often resided at Shrewsbury. John de -Charlton, who married an heiress of the line of Powis, obtained a -license in 1308, to embattle this mansion, and hence it acquired -the name of Charlton Hall. In 1445, Henry Gray, Earl of -Tankerville and of Powis, granted the premises to Thomas Bromley; -from whom, twenty-five years after, they were demised to Nycholas -Warynge, of Salop, merchant of the staple of Calais. After -various changes and transfers, it became the property of the -Waring family.</p> -<p>The ancient boundary walls of this mansion, inclosed all the -space contained between Cross Hill, St. John’s Hill, -Murivance, or Swan Hill, and Shoplache. The house doubtless -formed one, if not two quadrangles, which may still be -traced. The most considerable remnant is a building of red -stone, in length 100 feet, and in breadth 31 feet, which is the -present Theatre. The side next the street has been -plastered and washed with stone colour, to give it the semblance -of a modern front; but surely, nothing was ever so disgraceful to -the town as its present appearance, especially when considered as -a public building. The other side exhibits the original -walls with some blocked-up pointed arches, and other features of -high <a name="page91"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -91</span>antiquity. It is probable, that in the old -edifice, this part was the great chamber, appointed according to -the usage of the times, for receiving company, and occasionally -for exhibiting shows and interludes. The interior being now -fitted up as a modern Theatre, retains few of its original -appurtenances, except the remains of a small spiral stone -staircase. It consists of a pretty roomy pit, a ground tier -of boxes, with upper side boxes, and a tolerably spacious -gallery. The stage is well adapted to the size of the -place, and the decorations are in the usual style of provincial -playhouses. The same remark may apply to the performers, -who are, generally of that middling class, which consists of -persons in their first career to excellence, and of others that -have got half-way, and remain stationary. The taste of the -Salopians being rather of the retired kind, which delights most -in domestic society, does not contribute much to encourage -dramatic exhibitions, and the house is scarcely ever crowded, -except during the race week, and in the summer visits of the -London performers. The audiences, however, if not numerous, -are select; and it may be mentioned to their honour, that they -never tolerate any thing that borders on buffoonery and -indecorum. One of their most favourite plays, for obvious -reasons, is the first part of Henry IV. and when Jack Falstaff -talks of having fought Hotspur “a full hour by Shrewsbury -clock,” he never fails to draw down a thunder of -applause.</p> -<h4>Assembly Room.</h4> -<p>An elegant apartment erected for this polite amusement, at the -back of the Lion inn, and is extremely commodious, having a -gallery for the musicians at the northern end. The dancing -and card assemblies commence in the month of September, and are -held <a name="page92"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -92</span>generally once a month. The town and neighbourhood -of Shrewsbury furnishing a variety of genteel society, they are -generally attended by a very numerous and respectable -company. They are supported by subscription.</p> -<h4>The Circus</h4> -<p>Is a spacious brick erection, near the Welsh Bridge. It -was built in 1821 by Mr. Newton, and as its name imports, is used -principally as a Theatre for the display of Equestrian -performances. It is spacious and commodious, and well -calculated for Pantomimical exhibitions.</p> -<h4>Races.</h4> -<p>The Horse Races continue for three days, and take place in the -month of September. On these days a great number of plates, -sweepstakes and matches are run for; the course is at Bicton -Heath, about two miles west of the town, where booths are erected -for the use of spectators. The gentlemen who are annually -appointed stewards, generally being persons of property and -influence, the races are well attended, not only by the -population of the neighbourhood, but also by many families of the -first respectability from distant parts of the kingdom.</p> -<h4>Fishing.</h4> -<p>The Severn is celebrated for the excellency of its salmon, -which was formerly in such abundance at Shrewsbury, that it was -made an article in the indentures of apprentices, that they were -not to be obliged to eat it oftener than two days in a -week. Of its superabundance the inhabitants cannot at least -now complain, little being to be purchased under 2s. 6d. per -pound, and that but seldom.</p> -<p><a name="page93"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 93</span>Besides -Salmon, the river Severn contains twenty-one other sorts of fish, -the chief of which are flounders, pike, trout, perch, eels, shad, -carp, lamperns, and lampreys. The two latter are found in -many other rivers, but none are so much valued as those taken out -of the Severn, from whence they are sent to many parts of -England. Lampreys are a delicious dish, but unwholesome if -eaten in great quantities: of which we have an instance in the -death of Henry I. who died in consequence of eating too -plentifully of this fish.</p> -<p>Nor is it in the Severn alone that the angler will find -amusement, Meole and Condover brooks affording excellent trout, -and the river Tern, a great variety of delicate fish. Each -of these streams are within a short distance of the town.</p> -<h4>Bowling Greens.</h4> -<p>Of this most healthful species of amusement Shrewsbury cannot -boast; however, the pleasant villages of Meole, distant one mile, -and Uffington, distant three miles and a half, furnish two very -excellent greens, and where the pedestrian will be well -accommodated and attended to, after the fatigues of his walk.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p93b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Image of house with lawn in front" -title= -"Image of house with lawn in front" - src="images/p93s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<h3><a name="page94"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 94</span>PUBLIC -ACCOMMODATIONS.</h3> -<h4>Water.</h4> -<p><span class="smcap">With</span> this most necessary article -Shrewsbury is abundantly supplied, and it is also of a most -excellent quality. The first we shall notice, is that which -is chiefly used for drinking, and is obtained from the</p> -<h4>Conduits,</h4> -<p>which are placed in several situations about the town for the -general convenience of the inhabitants. The spring which -supplies these fountains, rises at <i>Broadwell</i>, in a field -near Crow-Meole, about two miles from the town. The work of -conducting it to town in leaden pipes, was completed about 1574; -a reservoir was placed under a shop in the Butcher Row in 1743, -but was afterwards removed to Claremont Hill, and on the -demolition of the town-walls, for the purpose of erecting the new -church of St. Chad on its site, the lodge opposite the -Quarry-keeper’s house, at the top of the centre walk of -that beautiful promenade, was built for this purpose.</p> -<h4>Severn Water.</h4> -<p>The reservoir for this water is in a large cistern near the -butter market, from whence it is conveyed to almost all the -inhabitants by means of lead pipes, for which they pay in -proportion to the quantity of water. The water is forced up -to this reservoir by means of a large wheel placed at the English -or East Bridge, but in consequence of the frequent fluctuations -<a name="page95"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 95</span>of the -Severn, it is probable that six months out of the twelve, the -town is destitute of this supply, and whatever quantity may be -wanted for culinary and other purposes is carried from the -river. It is much to be wished, that the present waterworks -were removed, not only on account of the deformity which they -give to the noble appearance of the bridge; but the water which -is sent to the reservoir after running nearly round the town and -receiving all its filth, would by the removal of the works to -Cotton Hill, and the erection of a steam engine, be distributed -to the inhabitants in a more regular manner, and in a much purer -state.</p> -<h4>Baths.</h4> -<p>There are two cold baths, one in Kingsland and the other in -the suburb of Abbey Foregate, but neither of them can be -recommended as possessing suitable accommodations, especially -when compared with those of other places.</p> -<h4>The Quarry.</h4> -<p>This beautiful walk is on the western side of the town near -the church of St. Chad; it occupies a rich meadow of about twenty -acres gradually sloping to the river, and is supposed to have -obtained its name from a small quarry of soft red sand-stone, -which was formerly procured here, and with which some of the -ancient buildings were no doubt erected. The lower walk -which skirts the river, is 540 yards in length, shaded with lime -trees, planted by Henry Jenks, Esq. in the year of his mayoralty, -1719. Three walks lead from the town to that on the bank of -the Severn, and two others formerly crossed the entrance.</p> -<p>Few promenades in the kingdom can vie with the Quarry, -particularly in the spring of the year, when <a -name="page96"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 96</span>it displays -all its pride of beauty. Its spacious fields carpeted with -grass, thickly studded with the golden hue of the butter cup, and -the silvery tinge of the modest daisy—its noble trees -clothed with leafy verdure of various hues, and protecting the -pedestrian from the piercing rays of the sun—the Severn -rolling its broad and majestic stream along—whilst the -feathered songsters carol their notes to the God of nature, -altogether present a lovely picture of rural happiness. Nor -is the Quarry at “the fall of the leaf” when nature -unburdens herself of her lovely mantle, unworthy the -contemplation of the reflecting mind.</p> -<blockquote><p>The fading foliage of th’ embrowning -grove,<br /> -(Which oft has listened to the voice of love,)<br /> -In mournful junction with the shortning day,<br /> -Reminds us of the circling year’s decay:<br /> -While the fleet, whistling winds, dismantling, tear<br /> -Each tree’s green honours to the chilling air,<br /> -Thence to descend, and in man’s footsteps lie<br /> -A just memento of mortality.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>In the 16th century, it appears that Shrewsbury was the scene -of theatrical representations. Julian the apostate, was -performed here in 1565, and two years afterwards, the Passion of -Christ, to see which queen Elizabeth is said to have come as far -as Coventry, but on learning that its representation was over, -returned to London. The particular spot which formed the -rural theatre, was at the top of the rope walk in the -Quarry. The ground which forms a gentle acclivity, was cut -into the form of an amphitheatre, the seats of which may still be -traced in the bank.</p> -<p>Beside this, which is the chief walk, the town and -neighbourhood furnish such a variety of picturesque and pleasing -promenades as are equalled perhaps by few in the kingdom.</p> -<h3><a name="page97"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -97</span>MANUFACTORIES.</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">Although</span> Shrewsbury is not -distinguished by its spirit of commercial enterprise, its -contiguity to the Principality, the facilities which it possesses -for the importation and exportation of goods, by means of its -noble river and canals, and its situation as the capital of an -extensive and populous county, combine to give to it many -advantages over a variety of places equally insular. Its -fabrication of threads, linen cloths, &c. &c. stand -unrivalled; whilst the more common articles of domestic life are -executed in a stile of neatness, certainly equal, if not -superior, to those of any other place of similar size. The -following are the principal, which we can do little more than -enumerate.</p> -<p>Messrs. BENYONS’ MANUFACTORY is built on the north bank -of the Severn, near the prison. The articles manufactured -here consist of linen yarns, cloths, canvas, and threads. -The building was erected in 1804. The process of making the -various articles, is carried on by upwards of 400 hands, and the -whole machinery, which is of wonderful construction, is worked by -the solemn and stupendous action of a steam engine of 55 horse -power, which keeps in continual motion upwards of 3000 -spindles.</p> -<p>A short distance from the former stands the FACTORY of Messrs. -MARSHALL and Co. who manufacture similar articles, the whole of -whose machinery is also worked by the powerful agency of -steam.</p> -<p><a name="page98"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 98</span>Of a -like description is that also of Mr. BAGE, in Coleham. The -other establishments are HAZLEDINE’s, and GITTINS and -CARTWRIGHT’s IRON FOUNDRIES, the BREWERY of JOHN HEATHCOTE -and Co.—the FLANNEL FACTORIES of Mr. BAKER and Mr. -RAMSBOTHAM—and Mr. HILL’s SPIRIT DISTILLERY.</p> -<p>Nor will it be improper under this head, to mention some -others, which, although not strictly speaking, manufactures, do -honour to the town, and are worthy the early attention of -strangers. Among the first of these, may be named -BROCAS’s CHINA and GLASS REPOSITORY, in the -Castle-street. The splendid collection here exhibited of -antique and foreign china, together with the no less beautiful -and admired specimens of the same article, from the first -manufactories of this kingdom, and the rich and superb display of -glass in an endless variety of patterns, as well for use as -ornament, cannot fail to prove a rich treat to the stranger.</p> -<p>BETTON and EVANS’s STAINED GLASS MANUFACTORY, where -great improvements have been made in that beautiful art. -The perfection at which they have arrived, is truly astonishing, -and they have the merit of approaching nearest (and in some -colours even surpassing) the brilliant tints of the -ancients. That this eulogium is not undeserved, may be -ascertained by viewing the splendid windows executed by them for -Lichfield cathedral, as well as the specimens which may be -inspected at their warehouse on Wyle Cop.</p> -<p>The MARBLE ROOMS of Mr. CARLINE, sculptor, modeller, and -marble mason, Abbey Foregate; where a variety of marble -chimney-pieces are exhibited, in the Egyptian, Grecian, Gothic, -and <a name="page99"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 99</span>modern -tastes, and in various species of the most beautiful foreign and -British marbles. Marble tables for halls, sideboards, -&c. various figures in marble, bronze, artificial stone, to -support dials and lamps; statues, busts, &c. of excellent -execution.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p99b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Decorative image of a vase with flowers" -title= -"Decorative image of a vase with flowers" - src="images/p99s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<h3><a name="page100"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -100</span>MARKETS.</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> markets of Shrewsbury are -plentifully supplied with the luxuries and conveniences of -life. They are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The -first is small; that on Saturday is, perhaps, not surpassed in -the display of eatables, by the market of any town of a similar -size in the kingdom. Butcher’s meat is sold at the -single and double rows on Pride Hill, and at the Shambles in -Fish-street. Butter, Eggs, and Poultry of every description -at the Butter Market. The green market is held in the -square before the town-hall, where there is generally a luxuriant -supply of vegetables, and of extremely early production. -Wheat and all sorts of grain are disposed of in the -market-house. With milk the inhabitants are tolerably well -supplied by persons of the town who keep cows expressly for the -purpose; but “art, ever jealous of nature, and benevolently -careful of the stomachs of the inhabitants, has, by the -application of a certain useful element, wisely deprived it of -its luxuriant richness.”</p> -<p>The Fish market is well supplied. Not only the Severn -salmon, which is caught at their doors, but a very considerable -quantity of different descriptions of the finny tribe from Wales, -are regularly exposed for sale at tolerably moderate -prices. For its excellent brawn, Shrewsbury has long been -distinguished.</p> -<h4>Fairs.</h4> -<p>Fairs are held here on the second Tuesday and Wednesday in -every month.</p> -<h3><a name="page101"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -101</span>MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES AND REFERENCES.</h3> -<h4>Inns and Taverns.</h4> -<p><span class="smcap">The Lion Inn</span>, on Wyle Cop, is kept -by Mr. Tompkins. For elegant accommodation and the greatest -attention, it is not surpassed. The London, Holyhead, -Newtown, and Ludlow mails run to this house; also coaches -regularly from hence to London, Holyhead, Worcester, Hereford, -Bath, Cheltenham, Birmingham, Chester, Liverpool, Manchester, and -all parts of the kingdom.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">The Talbot Inn</span>, in Shoplatch, is -kept by Mr. Jobson. Extensive premises with requisite -accommodations. Coaches run from this house similarly to -those from the Lion.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">The Raven Inn</span>, in -Castle-street. A spacious and convenient house, with -excellent accommodation. As a house frequented by -commercial gentlemen, it ranks first in the town.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">The Raven and Bell Inn</span>, on the Wyle -Cop, has extensive and good accommodations for travellers, and is -well frequented.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">The Crown Inn</span>, near the Butter -Cross, is centrically situated, and travellers meet with civility -and attention.</p> -<p>Besides these, there are numerous others, which cannot here be -detailed, but in all of them of respectable <a -name="page102"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 102</span>name, the -stranger will experience a civility and attention which in houses -of this description are not in all places to be met with.</p> -<h4>Public Offices.</h4> -<p><span class="smcap">The Post Office</span> is kept in -Dogpole. It opens at seven in the morning and closes at -nine at night, and is shut during divine service on -Sundays. To London the mail goes out daily at eleven -o’clock (except Saturday.) To Holyhead and Ireland every -evening at three o’clock. To Ludlow, Hereford, and -South Wales every morning at eleven. To Chester, through -Ellesmere and Wrexham every evening at three o’clock. -To Pool, and all Merionethshire, (except Bala and Corwen) -Aberystwith, every evening about half past three o’clock, -and to Whitchurch, Wem, Hawkstone, Prees, and Malpas, every -evening by horse post, soon after the arrival of the London -mail. <span class="smcap">The Stamp Office</span> is kept -in the Corn Market, as is also the <span class="smcap">Salop Fire -Office</span>. The <span class="smcap">Collector’s -Office</span> for the receipt of the excise duties, is held in -Barker Street. The <span class="smcap">Clerk of the -Peace’s Office</span> is at the Town Hall.</p> -<h4>Bankers.</h4> -<p>Messrs. Beck, Dodson, Eatons and Beck, draw on Masterman and -Co.</p> -<p>Messrs. Burton, Lloyd, Lloyd, and Salt, draw on Stephenson, -Remmington, and Co.</p> -<p>Messrs. Rocke, Eyton, Campbell, and Bayley, draw on Robarts, -Curtis, and Co.</p> -<p>The banks are open every day from ten o’clock till -four.</p> -<h4><a name="page103"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -103</span>Newspapers.</h4> -<p>Two weekly Newspapers are published here.</p> -<p><i>Wednesday</i>,—The Salopian Journal, at the Office in -the Corn Market.</p> -<p><i>Friday</i>,—The Shrewsbury Chronicle, at the Office -on St. John’s Hill.</p> -<h4>Stage Coaches.</h4> -<p>The number of coaches precludes our specifying each -particularly, nor indeed would it be of much avail for any length -of time, as they change so frequently. The following -directions, however, give every necessary information to the -stranger in the choice of his conveyance to any part of the -kingdom.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>From the </i><span -class="smcap"><i>Lion Coach Office</i></span>.</p> -<p><i>Mail Coaches</i> to London, Holyhead, Hereford, Chester, -Newtown, and all the intermediate places. <i>Stage -Coaches</i> to London, Holyhead, Manchester, Liverpool, Hereford, -Bristol, Bath, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Aberystwith, and the towns -and villages on the road, daily.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>The </i><span -class="smcap"><i>Talbot Inn</i></span>.</p> -<p><i>Stage Coaches</i> run from this house to the places named -before.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>The </i><span -class="smcap"><i>Britannia Inn</i></span>.</p> -<p><i>Stage Coaches</i> to London, Birmingham, and -Aberystwith.</p> -<h4><a name="page104"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -104</span>Stage Waggons.</h4> -<p><i>Waggons</i> to London, Wolverhampton, Machynlleth, -Dolgelley, and Montgomeryshire, from <i>Crowley and Co.</i> -Mardol.</p> -<p><i>Waggons</i> to Chester; Manchester, Ludlow, and Leominster, -from <i>Maxon’s Warehouse</i>, Mardol.</p> -<p><i>Waggons</i> to Aberystwith, Llangollen, Bala, Wem Wharf, -(from whence goods are conveyed by water to Liverpool, &c.) -Holyhead, &c. from <i>Newton’s General Waggon and Barge -Warehouse</i>, Mardol Quay.</p> -<h4>Water Conveyance.</h4> -<p><i>Barges</i> go frequently (two or three in a week) for -Bridgnorth, Worcester, Gloucester, Chepstow, and Bristol, days -uncertain, from the warehouses of Owners <i>Harwood</i>, -<i>Bratton</i> and <i>J. Jones</i>, on Mardol Quay, also from the -<i>Union Wharf</i>, St. Mary’s Water Lane.</p> -<h4>Hackney Chairmen.</h4> -<p><i>Hackney Chairs</i>, or as they are sometimes called -<i>Sedans</i>, are to be had for conveyance within the town at a -moderate rate.</p> -<h4>Friendly and Benefit Societies</h4> -<p>Of these there are a great number in Shrewsbury, which -assemble agreeably to their rules at different public houses, and -would be far too many for enumeration here. Suffice it to -say that, the MASONIC SOCIETY, the most respectable of them, -assembles monthly on Mondays, at the Crown Inn.</p> -<h4><a name="page105"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -105</span>Inland Navigation.</h4> -<p>The Severn has its source from a chalybeate spring on the -eastern side of Plinlimmon, a mountain in Montgomeryshire, in -North Wales, from whence rushing down with a swift current, and -being joined by many smaller torrents, it presently appears -considerable, and passing by Llanidloes and Newtown, becomes -navigable at Pool Quay, where the Vyrniew joins it with a stream -little inferior to its own; from thence proceeding gently forward -to Shrewsbury, which it surrounds nearly in the form of an -horseshoe, it flows on through a rich vale with many extensive -windings, till it comes to Benthall Edge, by the way receiving -into it the river Tern, which waters all the north of -Shropshire. Here the Severn begins to be rapid, being pent -up between two opposite hills, both very lofty and steep; and -from thence to Bridgnorth and Bewdley, the channel is confined by -high woody banks and rocky cliffs, which afford a variety of -beautiful prospects. Afterwards it again glides pleasantly -on through the fertile plains of Worcestershire, visiting in its -way the city itself, and a little below is considerably augmented -by the influx of the river Teme. This addition, however, is -much inferior to that which it receives from its junction with -the river Avon, at Tewkesbury. These two rivers thus -united, pursue their course to Gloucester, and about fifty miles -below that city are lost in the Bristol Channel.</p> -<p>This river, justly esteemed the second in Britain, is of great -importance, being navigated by vessels of large burden, more than -160 miles from the sea, without the assistance of any lock. -Upwards of 100,000 tons of coal are annually shipped from the -collieries about Madeley and Broseley, for the cities and towns -<a name="page106"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 106</span>situate -on its banks, and thence conveyed into the adjacent -counties. Great quantities of grain, pig and bar iron, iron -manufactures, Coalport china and earthenware, as well as wool, -hops, cyder, and provisions, are likewise continually sent to -Bristol and other places, from whence various kinds of goods are -brought in return. In May, 1756, the number of Barges and -Trows on the river Severn navigating from Shrewsbury downwards to -Bristol amounted to 376, and since that time, by the addition of -the inland canals from the Trent, the Mersey and the Thames, into -the Stroud navigation, it may fairly be calculated that not less -than double that number are now employed.</p> -<h4>Shrewsbury Canal.</h4> -<p>This canal commences on the north-east side of Shrewsbury, and -winding with the Severn passes Uffington, where it runs parallel -with the river Tern and passes Upton Forge, Withington, -Roddington, where it crosses the river Roden, also the river -Tern, at Long Mill; passes Long, Eyton, crosses Ketley Brook at -Wrockwardine Wood, and there joins the Donnington Wood and the -Shropshire Canals. The total length is 17½ miles; -with 147 feet rise in the five miles between Long and Wombridge; -the rest is level.—The principal use of this canal is the -conveyance of coals for the consumption of Shrewsbury and the -intermediate places, from the numerous coal works in the eastern -part of Shropshire, which furnish that article of an excellent -quality. The best are delivered in Shrewsbury at about 15s. -per ton.</p> -<h2><a name="page107"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -107</span><i>ENVIRONS OF THE TOWN</i>.</h2> -<h3>Sutton Spa.</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">Quitting</span> Shrewsbury by the suburb -of Coleham, and proceeding for about a mile along a narrow lane, -we reach Sutton Spa. Few countries in Europe can boast of -more medicinal or mineral waters than England, the virtues of -which have been well established, not from vulgar experience -only, but from the repeated examinations of the most skilful -physicians. The uncommon frequency of the healing springs -may rationally be attributed to the lixivious quality of our rain -water, to the variety of rich soils, with the spoils of which, -from their property of dissolving, they must be fraught, and to -the wonderful and inimitable chemistry of nature by which they -are so happily impregnated as to become the easiest and surest -remedies of the most grievous and otherwise incurable -diseases.</p> -<p>For the following account of this Spa the author is indebted -to a paper drawn up by Dr. Evans, (now of Llwynygroes,) and -inserted in the Agricultural Survey of Shropshire by the Rev. -Archdeacon Corbett:</p> -<blockquote><p>“Sutton Spa is situated about two miles -south of Shrewsbury, on the slope of a gentle eminence, and close -to a village of the same name. The spring issues from a -rocky stratum of ash coloured clay, or argillaceous schistus, -containing (as appears by its effervescence with nitrous acid) a -small portion of lime. Fresh from the spring, the Sutton -water is clear and colourless, and exales a slightly sulphureous -smell; which is most perceptible in rainy weather. It -sparkles little when poured into a glass, having no <a -name="page108"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -108</span><i>uncombined</i> carbonic acid in its -composition. When first drawn its strong salt taste is -evidently mixed with a chalybeate flavour; but the latter is -wholly lost on exposure for a few hours, bubbles of air -separating slowly, and a reddish sediment lining the sides and -bottom of the vessel.</p> -<p>“The Sutton water has by many been compared with that of -Cheltenham, and supposed to contain nearly the same -ingredients. It bears, however, a much closer resemblance -to sea-water, and has accordingly been found most beneficial in -those cases for which sea-water is usually recommended.</p> -<p>“In the case of scrophula, the superior merits of -sea-water has been uniformly and universally acknowledged. -A similarity of ingredients would naturally lead us to expect -similar effects from the Sutton water; and I am happy to bear -testimony, that a twenty years practice at the Salop Infirmary, -as well as in private practice, has furnished me with abundant -proofs of its success in the treatment of scrophulous affections; -and in addition to the properties possessed by the Sutton-spring -in common with sea-water, it enjoys one evident advantage in -containing iron. <a name="citation108"></a><a href="#footnote108" -class="citation">[108]</a></p> -<p><a name="page109"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -109</span>“The air of Sutton, as might be expected from its -open elevated situation, is dry and wholesome. The site -commands a rich and highly variegated prospect, bounded on one -side by the magnificent group of Breyddin and Moel y Golfa, with -a long range of Welsh mountains rising in full majesty behind -them; and on the other by their no mean rivals, the Wrekin and -Stretton Hills. The view of Shrewsbury, betwixt the -branches of the adjoining wood, particularly when the setting sun -gilds every object with his mellowest light, is greatly and most -deservedly admired. The walk from Shrewsbury is pleasant -and picturesque; and the neighbourhood of a reasonable and -abundant market, can be considered as no trifling object, when -compared with the extravagant prices and scanty accommodations of -many of our remote watering-places.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Since the before-named estimable and respectable physician -drew up the account (about 1801) of the Spa, from which the above -is extracted, a neat cottage and baths for hot and cold bathing -have been erected by the noble proprietor, provided with -comfortable accommodations for invalids. We cannot help -thinking, that “while almost every fishing village on the -coast is preparing conveniences for sea-bathing, how desirable -would it be to extend similar advantages to the interior parts of -the island, where poverty or infirmity render it impossible to -visit the distant sea.”</p> -<p>The town is regained by a pleasant walk along the lane above -the Spa, which leads the tourist into the Abbey Foregate, very -near to the column erected in honour of Lord Hill.</p> -<h3><a name="page110"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -110</span>Shelton Oak,</h3> -<p>Stands about one mile and a half from Shrewsbury, just where -the Pool road diverges from that which leads to Oswestry. -This oak is remarkable, as well for its size as its traditional -history. Owen Glyndwr is said to have ascended it at the -battle of Shrewsbury to reconnoitre; but finding that the king -had a numerous army, and that Northumberland had not joined his -son Hotspur, he fell back to Oswestry, and, immediately after the -battle, retreated precipitately into Wales.</p> -<p>The tree is now in a complete state of decay, even its larger -ramifications; and within the hollow of it at bottom six persons -at least may sit down and partake of refreshment.</p> -<h3>Excursion to Haughmond Abbey and Uffington.</h3> -<p>The pedestrian may, in this walk proceed either along the -turnpike road or by the side of the river; we shall make choice, -however, of the former, on account of its facility for the -description of several interesting objects which present -themselves on the route.</p> -<p>Proceeding from the town through the suburb of Castle -Foregate, we leave the extensive linen factory of Messrs. -Marshall, and Co. on the left, the monotonous noise from the -machinery of which is very agreeably relieved by the pleasant and -extensive view that presents itself, in conjunction with the -bleaching fields belonging to Messrs. Benyons’ factory on -the right, and renders the prospect extremely interesting. -At the distance of one mile from the town, on the <a -name="page111"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 111</span>left, is -the Old Heath. Previous to the erection of the present -excellent prison, all condemned malefactors expiated their -offences by the sacrifice of their lives to the offended laws of -their country in a field which adjoins the road at this -place. Continuing our jaunt to the turnpike, and keeping to -the right, at the distance of about 2½ mites from -Shrewsbury we reach Sundorn Castle, the residence of Mrs. -Corbet. The landscape in travelling along this road is -exquisitely beautiful; rich corn fields and pastures demonstrate -the fertility of the soil, watered by the majestic stream of the -Severn, with a great number of rivulets which, descending from -the uplands, pour their tributary streams into that river; while -the pleasant seats and farm houses, thickly scattered through the -scene in contemplation, and surrounded by clumps of trees and -copse wood, satisfy the spectator that nature has not in this -neighbourhood lavished her treasures in vain.</p> -<p>The elegant mansion of Sundorn was erected in the castellated -style by the late John Corbet, Esq.: Its site in a beautiful -lawn, the venerable appearance of the castle, the sloping banks -which surround the large sheet of water covered with plantations, -the rich verdure of the adjoining woods, numerous corn fields and -pasture grounds tufted with trees, the hedgerows and walks -happily arranged, the bold appearance of the castle on the -adjoining hill, diversify the scene and render the <i>tout -ensemble</i> extremely interesting.</p> -<p>Within the demesne of Sundorn, the remains of Haughmond Abbey -are situated. Of the foundation of this once venerable pile -there is now no entire trace. Of the Abbey-church, nothing -remains but the south door of the nave, a most beautiful and -highly adorned round arch, resting on slender shafts, between -which on each side have been inserted a <a -name="page112"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 112</span>Gothic -tabernacle, inclosing statues of St. Peter and St. Paul. -The chapter-house is entire; it is oblong, with the upper end -forming two sides of a hexagon. The roof is of fine oak, -and above has been another story. The entrance is by a -richly decorated round arch, with a window on each side, divided -into two round arched compartments, by slender short -pillars. The spaces between the shafts of these arches have -Gothic niches, and statues of the Virgin Mary, Gabriel, St. -Catherine, St. John, &c. South of the chapter house, -and opposite the site of the church, are remains of the -Refectory, and beyond a large building, consisting of a spacious -hall, eighty-one feet by thirty-six, lighted by Gothic windows on -each side, and a large one, once filled with tracery, at the west -end. On the north side is a curious antique -fire-place. Communicating with this, at the eastern -extremity, and at right angles, is another apartment of nearly -the same size, once evidently in two rooms. At the south -end is an elegant bay window. It is conceived this building -formed the abbot’s lodgings and hall. The situation -of the Abbey on a rising ground, backed by a noble distant -forest, commands a very rich and extensive view of the great -plain of Shrewsbury, with the town and castle, enriched by -mountainous tracts.</p> -<p>Proceeding from the Abbey along the bottom of the wood, and -ascending the hill, we reach a shooting box, erected in the form -of an ancient turret, by the late Mr. Corbet. Near it Lord -Douglas, in the battle of Shrewsbury, was taken prisoner, in -attempting to precipitate himself down the steep, when his horse -fell under him, and he received a severe contusion on the -knee. On reaching the summit of this hill, the traveller -will enjoy a beautiful prospect. His attention is lost in -variety; and his imagination for a <a name="page113"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 113</span>while suspends its powers in -contemplating indiscriminately the vast but diversified -assemblage. In this situation he will recollect with -pleasure the animated lines of Thomson, whose descriptive genius -must continue to do honour to his country, as long as taste and -elegance are regarded.</p> -<blockquote><p>“Meantime you gain the height, from whose -fair brow<br /> -The bursting prospect spreads immense around,<br /> -And snatch’d o’er hill, and dale, and wood, and -lawn,<br /> -And verdant fields, and darkening heath between,<br /> -And villages embosom’d soft in trees,<br /> -And spiring towns, by surging columns mark’d<br /> -Of household smoke, your eye excursive roams,<br /> -Wide stretching from the hall, <a name="citation113"></a><a -href="#footnote113" class="citation">[113]</a> in whose kind -haunt<br /> -The hospitable genius lingers still,<br /> -To where the broken landscape, by degrees<br /> -Ascending, roughens into rigid hills.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The spectator, if he has any taste for the sublime and -beautiful in nature, will find himself abundantly repaid for the -labour of the ascent. His eyes will wander with pleasure -over the beautiful villas, the retreat of the rich and affluent, -diversified with woods and corn-fields, that present themselves -on the fertile plain adjoining the hill. Immediately before -him, he will discover the ancient town of Shrewsbury, with its -lofty spires, its noble river and canal, whilst in the distance a -range of green mountains, interspersed with woods, that seem to -be carelessly scattered on their sloping sides, form a suitable -background to this picturesque and interesting scene.</p> -<p>Descending from the hill, we immediately reach the pleasant -village of Uffington, situated on the banks of the Severn, where -at the Bowling Green excellent accommodations will be met -with. From <a name="page114"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -114</span>hence the canal and river side afford a pleasant walk, -which reconducts us to our starting place—Shrewsbury.</p> -<h3>Attingham Hall,</h3> -<p>Distant about four miles on the London road, is built of -beautiful free stone, and is situated in a very extensive lawn on -the banks of the river Tern, over which is a handsome bridge -erected by the late lord Berwick. The south front, which is -upwards of 365 feet in length, has an extremely grand appearance; -being decorated with lofty Ionic pilasters and a magnificent -portico. The interior of the house has much to recommend -it, particularly its lofty and spacious hall, the entablature of -which is supported by Verd Antique Scaglioni columns, with -statuary capitals and bases. The picture gallery is a -spacious room 78 feet 6 inches long, by 25 feet 6 inches wide, -and 24 feet high. It contains many <i>chef -d’œuvres</i> of the old masters, particularly some -valuable ones by Raffaello—Parmigiano—Paolo -Veronese—Annibal -Caracci—Rubens—Vandyck—Poussin—Kuyp—the -Ostade’s—Murillo—Salvator -Rosa—Berchem. The walls of this elegant room are of a -deep lake colour; the ceiling supported by porphyry columns of -the Corinthian order, the capitals and bases of which are -beautifully gilded. Underneath the cornice of this -extensive room is a gold fringe of great depth. The floor -is inlaid with rich Mosaic work, and the grand staircase is -finished in a corresponding style of magnificence. The -suite of drawing rooms is superbly furnished with immense plate -glasses and burnished gold furniture, and the ceilings are richly -gilt. The boudoir is a beautiful small circular room, the -pannels of which are decorated by the pencil of one of <a -name="page115"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 115</span>our first -artists. The library is in the west wing, and is a very -extensive and lofty room, the cornice is supported by rich -Corinthian pilasters; and besides a very valuable collection of -books, it contains several rare specimens of sculpture from the -antique. Among those most worthy notice is a font <a -name="citation115"></a><a href="#footnote115" -class="citation">[115]</a> from Hadrian’s Villa; on the -basso relievo on its exterior the story of Narcissus is -beautifully told. A rich candelabra from the antique, of -exquisite workmanship, near ten feet high—a fine colossal -statue of Apollo Belvidere—a beautiful -Esculapius—with a splendid collection of Etruscan vases -from Herculaneum, busts, chimeras, &c. &c. The -rooms on the first floor correspond in the grandeur and -magnificence of their furniture with those on the ground -floor.</p> -<p>The house was built originally from a design by Mr. Stewart, -but it has lately undergone a very extensive alteration, under -the superintendance of Mr. Nash; the rich and costly carvings and -ornamental furniture, were executed by Mr. Donaldson, of -Shrewsbury, whose correct taste in that fine art is too well -appreciated to need any eulogium here.</p> -<p>The situation of the house is healthy and delightful; and the -grounds contiguous thereto have lately been much improved. -The view of this elegant seat, from the public road near the -before-mentioned bridge has a fine effect: its beautiful -front—the extensive shrubberies—with the park richly -clothed with fine timber on the back ground, rising to a -considerable height above the mansion; whilst in the distance on -<a name="page116"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 116</span>the left -will be seen the pleasing village of Atcham—its parish -church—and bridge, present, even to the passing stranger, a -very pleasing scene. The gardens, walks and pleasure -grounds, are laid out with taste, and display some very fine -scenery.</p> -<h3>Hawkstone,</h3> -<p>The seat of the noble and celebrated family of the Hills, is -situated on the eastern border of the county, about 14 miles from -Salop, and though with regard to the surrounding country it may -be said to stand on an extensive plain, it in itself consists of -a group of prominent and astonishingly romantic rocks, forming by -far one of the most attractive features, not only of this, but -perhaps, taken altogether, of any other county. To attempt -a particular or even a general description, would very far exceed -the limits of our whole book, as a cursory inspection of its -wonders occupies a walk of several days. General Paoli, who -visited this place before the late improvements, publicly -declared that in all his extensive travels, not even excepting -Italy or Switzerland, there were some scenes here that surpassed -in grandeur any thing he had seen.—A slight notice of some -of its principal beauties will best become our humble efforts in -so limited a work. The house, though spacious and elegant, -and not of very ancient erection, notwithstanding it is -embellished with some fine specimens of sculpture and painting, -forms but a small part of what is sought after here; the -attractive powers of Hawkstone consisting entirely in the -enchantment of the surrounding scenery. Three or four -massive rocks irregularly grouped, with their fine wooded sides -disclosing at intervals abrupt crags, towers, and shelving -precipices, with intermediate vallies of <a -name="page117"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 117</span>still -seclusion and spreading lawns of verdant freshness, together with -many a broad expanse of park, studded with luxuriant trees either -grouped in groves, or single in feathery fullness, the whole -enlivened by inhabitants appropriate, picture to the sight both -at once and successively—scenes only equalled and seldom -surpassed, even in the poetic regions of luxuriant -romance.—The Grotto is approached through a stupendous -natural chasm of great length, and narrowing till but one person -at a time can pass, while over head the sky is just seen at a -great height; a dark cavern is then passed, and the sky is again -for a moment seen, when entering another cavern of complete -darkness and gradual ascent, the grotto is, after considerable, -though perfectly safe wandering, entered: the first appearance of -this spacious cavern is truly sublime, as it is seen by the -glimmering light of variously stained glass, throwing its lurid -and sepulchral faintness on the massive pillars, till at length -the grotto is entered with all its brilliance: It consists of a -very extensive excavation, finely fretted to its termination with -a profusion of rich petrifactions, shells, and marine -productions. In one of its awful recesses, through an iron -grate, is seen the figure of a British Druid, in complete -costume, passing amid the massy pillars, in a dim and green -light.—After various windings, a door suddenly opens in the -summit of the precipice, where, over the shelving rocks below, -and far above the highest forests, a scene of magnificence bursts -on the eye exceeding almost conception. This height is with -some difficulty descended by innumerable winding steps cut in the -solid rock.</p> -<p>A <span class="smcap">Scene</span> in <span -class="smcap">Switzerland</span> is presented here on the heathy -summit of one of the mountains, where a narrow plank bridge -crosses a deep chasm, and connects two rocks of terrific height -and cragginess.</p> -<p><a name="page118"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 118</span>The -terrace formed on the ridge of one of the hills, finely wooded, -is terminated by an octagon summer-house, that commands a -prospect of astonishing extent, from whence the bordering -mountains of Wales, with parts of no less than 13 counties, are -distinctly enumerated.—Near this place is a Column, 112 -feet high, surmounted with a colossal statue of sir Rowland Hill, -the first protestant lord mayor of London, in 1550, the 3rd year -of Edward VI. In a most romantic glen, near this place, is -an Urn, erected by the late sir Richard Hill, purporting that it -was the hiding-place of one of his ancestors, during the civil -wars of Edward I. while his house was ravaged by the parliament -soldiers; but that his son speedily came to his assistance: the -approach to and from it now is much facilitated, without -destroying the wildness of the scene, by extensive passages and -steps. Beyond this is a well-stocked Menagerie of living -Animals, principally birds.—From hence, round the sudden -and abrupt corner of a rock, and through the cleft body of an old -oak, is entered one of the sweetest vallies imagination can tint, -and most properly called <span class="smcap">Elysium</span>: It -is bounded completely by wooded and inaccessible rocks, and can -only be entered at this narrow passage, or at the extreme -termination of its extent, about half a mile.—On the most -western of this group of rocks are the remains of <span -class="smcap">Red Castle</span>, built in the reign of Henry -III., though it is mentioned by this name in a grant as ancient -as William the Conqueror. It is now in awful ruins; but -lofty fragments of its walls form some of the most picturesque -beauties of this romantic place; and fling on the mind, if such -scenes needed it, the additional charm of that strange feeling -that antiquity and fallen grandeur never fail to excite. -Amid these towers is a well of surprising depth; called now the -<span class="smcap">Giant’s </span><a -name="page119"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 119</span><span -class="smcap">Well</span>. The site of this castle is -ascended and descended (as is usual amid most of the strange -scenes here) by steps cut in the rocks; and very frequently -through caverns, sometimes natural, but always surprising. -At the bottom of one of these is suddenly seen a Lion in his den, -which, though assuredly a trifling toy amid such scenery, never -fails to astonish the generality of visitors.—Here is also -a <span class="smcap">Scene</span> in <span -class="smcap">Otaheite</span>, consisting chiefly of a Hut, built -exactly on the model of what our lamented countryman, Captain -Cook witnessed in that happy island, and ornamented accordingly: -the scene wherein it is erected first pointed out the -propriety.</p> -<p>To enumerate, much more to describe, all, or even the -principal attractions of this wonderful place, would, as we -before stated, very far exceed the limits we have allotted -thereunto: yet before we close, as we would willingly please -readers of every description, it may not be amiss to notice what -is not improperly called <span class="smcap">Neptune’s -Whim</span>, a spot no doubt most largely applauded by the -generality of visitors here. It is very properly detached -at a tolerable distance from the principal scenery of Hawkstone; -and consists of a cottage ornamented with shell-work and cinders, -amid ponds of fish; behind which is a mighty figure of the marine -god, with a profuse current gushing through his urn; he is -accompanied, of course, by his Tritons and Nereids, spouting -water through their leaden shells. This is acknowledgedly -<i>a whim</i> of his godship, whereof he partakes with mortals; -nor can these trifles, or even some of the inscriptions, tend to -lessen the august grandeur of this most magnificent spot, wherein -art has had little more to do than clear a path, for the votaries -of nature to have access to her most sportive and astonishing -charms.</p> -<blockquote><p> <a -name="page120"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 120</span>What skill, -what force divine,<br /> -Deep felt in these appear! a simple train,<br /> -Yet so delightful mix’d, with such kind art,<br /> -Such beauty and beneficence combin’d;<br /> -Shade, unperceiv’d, so softening into shade;<br /> -And all so forming an harmonious whole;<br /> -That as they still succeed they ravish still.</p> -<p style="text-align: right"><span -class="smcap">Thomson</span>.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>At the entrance to the Park is erected a very handsome and -commodious Inn, capacious enough for the reception of a number of -families; many of which frequently spend a considerable part of -the summer in this delightful spot. The attention of the -worthy host and the excellence of the accommodations, provisions -and wines, must be experienced to be duly appreciated.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p120b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Decorative graphic of building with tree, and houses with church -in background" -title= -"Decorative graphic of building with tree, and houses with church -in background" - src="images/p120s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">Howell, -Printer.</span></p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<h2>FOOTNOTES.</h2> -<p><a name="footnote33"></a><a href="#citation33" -class="footnote">[33]</a> The Welsh word for the -principality of Wales.</p> -<p><a name="footnote89"></a><a href="#citation89" -class="footnote">[89]</a> A great quantity of human bones -have from time to time been dug up in the grounds which -surrounded this ancient friary, from which it appears probable -that it was once used as a burying place for those who died of -the plague, which frequently and severely visited this -town. Phillips says that after the battle of Battlefield, -between Henry IVth and Hotspur, “many persons of note were -buried in the Black and Austin’s Friars in -Shrewsbury.”</p> -<p><a name="footnote108"></a><a href="#citation108" -class="footnote">[108]</a> Sutton-spring water:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td colspan="2"><p style="text-align: center"><i>Grains</i>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>A wine gallon of Sutton-water<br /> -contains of muriate of soda</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1082</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Ditto of lime, with an<br /> -admixture of muriated soda</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">226</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Carbonate of iron</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">5</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Clay and silex</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">11</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">5</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: right">Total of solid contents</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1320</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td colspan="2"><p style="text-align: center"><i>Cubic -Inches</i>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Carbonic acid</p> -</td> -<td colspan="2"><p style="text-align: right">1.805</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Common air, contaminated with<br /> -azote and sulphurated hydrogen gas</p> -</td> -<td colspan="2"><p style="text-align: right">12.635</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: right">Total of volatile contents</p> -</td> -<td colspan="2"><p style="text-align: right">14.440</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p><a name="footnote113"></a><a href="#citation113" -class="footnote">[113]</a> The hospitable and truly old -English mansion of Mrs. Corbet, which is seen on the right -hand.</p> -<p><a name="footnote115"></a><a href="#citation115" -class="footnote">[115]</a> When the French took possession -of Rome, this font was undergoing a repair at the -statuary’s, and was considered so valuable an antique, that -the French Commissary priced it at 2000 guineas. Being -claimed however by the statuary as his own property, he was -allowed to retain it, and afterwards he contrived to convey it to -Lord B. to whom it belonged.</p> -<pre> - - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE STRANGER IN SHREWSBURY*** - - -***** This file should be named 62274-h.htm or 62274-h.zip****** - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/2/2/7/62274 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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