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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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