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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a8a9001 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63840 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63840) diff --git a/old/63840-0.txt b/old/63840-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 87c7fac..0000000 --- a/old/63840-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12468 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, The History of Oswestry, by William Cathrall - - -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 History of Oswestry - - -Author: William Cathrall - - - -Release Date: November 22, 2020 [eBook #63840] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF OSWESTRY*** - - -Transcribed from the [1855] George Lewis edition by David Price. - - [Picture: The Cross Market] - - - - - - THE - HISTORY OF OSWESTRY, - - - COMPRISING THE - BRITISH, SAXON, NORMAN, AND ENGLISH ERAS; - - THE - TOPOGRAPHY OF THE BOROUGH; - - AND ITS - ECCLESIASTICAL AND CIVIC HISTORY: - - WITH NOTICES OF - BOTANY, GEOLOGY, STATISTICS, ANGLING, AND BIOGRAPHY: - - TO WHICH ARE ADDED - SKETCHES OF THE ENVIRONS. - - * * * * * - - ILLUSTRATED WITH WOOD-ENGRAVINGS, - - By MR. PERCY CRUIKSHANK, after Sketches by MR. ROBERT - CRUIKSHANK. - - [Picture: Ancient seal of Oswestry] - - WRITTEN AND COMPILED - - BY WILLIAM CATHRALL, - - AUTHOR OF “THE HISTORY OF NORTH WALES,” “WANDERINGS - IN NORTH WALES,” &c. - - * * * * * - - OSWESTRY: - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GEORGE LEWIS. - - * * * * * - - ENTERED AT STATIONERS’ HALL. - - * * * * * - - - - -Preface. - - -THE issue of this volume has been “the accident of an accident.” I was -called by commercial business last autumn to Oswestry, where I found, -temporarily located, a man with humour at his finger-ends, and of -“infinite jest” on paper. I allude to Mr. ROBERT CRUIKSHANK, an artist -scarcely inferior to his celebrated brother, Mr. GEORGE CRUIKSHANK—_par -nobile fratrum_, who have both successfully laboured in their vocation to - - —“Shoot folly as it flies, - And catch the living manners as they rise.” - -Mr. Robert Cruikshank, pleased with the rich and diversified scenery of -the neighbourhood of Oswestry, undertook to illustrate the present book. -To be thus pictorially aided was a distinction, and I therefore -cheerfully complied with the wish of the respectable publisher, to try my -“’prentice hand” at a History of the Borough. Mr. Cruikshank has well -executed his task. What may be _my_ portion of merit will be determined -by the judgment, not critically severe, I hope, of my readers. - -The History of Oswestry and its neighbourhood is, however, worthy of a -more elaborate and carefully-wrought volume than that which I now send -forth; and I should have been glad had some pen, abler than my own, been -employed in the completion of so desirable a work. Oswestry is not -deficient in the talent or learning necessary to produce a voluminous -history; but until the historic mantle fall upon some kindred spirit, -that can evoke with magic skill the _dramatis personæ_ and chequered -incidents of bye-gone ages, and beguile his readers with beautiful -delineations of his native hills and vallies, the good citizens of -Oswestry must, I fear, content themselves with the present volume, whose -chief excellence, if it possess any, may be found to consist in supplying -a collection of interesting facts, connected with the town and district, -hitherto dispersed through many publications. - -In preparing this volume for the press much delay has occurred from the -pressure of other and more anxious engagements. In wading, however, -through musty tomes and modern books, I have been instructed and solaced -by the way. The Past reveals little else than vandal darkness and the -pride and pomp of feudal power. Lords and their vassals figure chiefly -in the discordant scene, and ignorant dependence is too commonly seen -prostrate at the feet of favourites, in court or field, of ambitious and -despotic monarchs. The Present has a more genial and encouraging aspect. -Religion, with her gentle handmaids, Literature, Science, and Art, is -shedding its radiance even over this district, so long the theatre of -Border-feuds, strife, and injustice. The Future, therefore, indicates -still more agreeable promise; and those of the present generation who are -co-operating in the good work already begun, of endeavouring to make the -world better than they found it, will have the consolation of leaving to -posterity an inheritance more precious than silver or gold. - -I cannot close these remarks without thankfully acknowledging the -assistance I have derived, from several gentlemen of the town and -neighbourhood, in the prosecution of my labours. If I could have stirred -up many others to the grateful task of elucidating the history of their -native or adopted place of residence, I should have been still more -satisfied. I take this opportunity of mentioning the names of The Rev. -Thomas Salwey, Vicar of Oswestry, Richard Redmond Caton, Esq., F.S.A., -Edward Williams, Esq., of Lloran House, R. J. Croxon, Esq., Charles -Sabine, Esq., and one or two other gentlemen, who, with a becoming -feeling of respect for the ancient borough, have kindly aided me by -various contributions. - -I am sensible of many imperfections in the volume; but I trust, by the -generous support of the Public, I may be enabled, at some not far distant -day, to revise my pages, and render them still more worthy of acceptance. - - WILLIAM CATHRALL. - -_Oswestry_, _October_, 1855. - - - - -LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. - - -ASTERLEY Miss, Willow-street - -Attree R. W., Esq., Plasmadoc - - * * * * * - -BASSETT JOSEPH, Esq., solicitor - -Berry Joseph, Accountant - -Bennion Edward David, Esq., Summer Hill - -Baugh Robert, Llanymynech - -Bull William Isaac, Esq., solicitor - -Bickerton George Morrel, brazier - -Bartlett Charles Archibald, 32, Paternoster Row, London - -Buckley Miss Eliza - -Broughall John, Esq., Fernhill, Whittington - -Barlow Thomas, Esq., postmaster, Worksop - -Barnes William, Osberton Hall, Notts - -Bayley Joseph, Quadrant - - * * * * * - -CASHEL REV. FREDERICK, Incumbent of Trinity Church - -Corbett Vincent, Esq. - -Caton Richard Redmond, Esq., F.S.A. - -Croxon Richard Jones, Esq., Town Clerk - -Crutchloe Henry, Lloran Cottage - -Cooper George, Esq., Salop-road - -Cullis William, Lower Brook-st. - -Corney William, confectioner and spirit merchant - -Churchill Benjamin, Esq., Bellan House - -Cross Thomas, Ornithologist - -Cox J., porter merchant, Birmingham - -Clarke Mrs., 3, Devonshire-terrace, Paddington, London - -Cruikshank Percy, Pentonville, London - -Churchill Miss, Bellan House (2 copies) - -Crippin R., Church-street - -Cross William B., Cross-street - -Cartwright Samuel, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury - - * * * * * - -DONNE REV. STEPHEN, the Schools (12 copies) - -Dovaston John, Esq., Nursery, West Felton - -Davies Henry, Esq., solicitor - -Davies John, draper - -Davies Edward, confectioner - -Davies Captain, Llanymynech - -Dicker Phillip Henry, Esq., surg. - -Davies Messrs. R. & W., Golden Eagle - -Downes Richard, Esq., Haughton Grange - -Davies Edward, Esq., surgeon, Llansilin - -Davies Henry, schoolmaster, Llandrinio - -Duckett Mrs. Tamar, the Lodge - -Davies Mrs. E., Chirk - -Duncan John, Esq., solicitor, 2, New Inn, Strand - -Davies W. M., Waterloo-house - -Davies Giles, Lower Brook-street - -Davies Thomas, Greenwich - -Davies John, Erwallo, Glyn - - * * * * * - -EDWARDS JAMES, Esq., Upper Brook-street (2 copies) - -Edmunds Rev. Edw., M.A., Vicar of St. Michael’s, Southampton - -Eddy Walter, Mine Agent, Fron, Rhuabon - -Evans Edward, auctioneer - -Edwards Thomas, Esq., Cae Glas - -Edwards Ed., Commercial Hotel - -Eyeley Edward, organist - -Evans R. D., Esq., Meifod - -Edwards James Coster, Trefynant - -Edwards Thomas, chandler - -Evans John, ship builder, Morbum, Machynlleth - -Edwards Alfred, Hanwell, Middlesex - -Edmunds Griffith, Albion Hill - -Edisbury James, Esq., Wrexham - -Edisbury J. F., Esq., Holywell - -Ellis Henry, English Walls - -Evans Edward, Liverpool Gas Co. - -Evans William, Glascoed - -Edwards Edward, currier - -Edwards William, Queen’s Head - -Evans John, Church-street - -Ewing John, gardener, Osberton Hall - - * * * * * - -FITZ-WILLIAM, THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL (4 copies) - -Fitz-William, The Hon. Lady Charlotte Wentworth, Wentworth House - -Fitz-William, The Hon. M. S. C. Wentworth - -Fitz-William, The Hon. Lady Dorothy H. Wentworth - -Francis Captain, Aberystwith - -Fallon Rev. J. M., Bailee Rectory, Ireland - -Fuller William, Esq., Salop-road - -Furnin The Rev. J. P., Rode Parsonage, near Lawton, Cheshire - -Faulder F. J., Esq., St. Ann’s-square, Manchester - -Fox John, accountant - - * * * * * - -GORE WILLIAM ORMSBY, Esq., M.P. for North Shropshire - -Grey William, Esq., New Burlington-street, London - -Gray Thos., Esq. architect, Chester - -Greenwood J. W., Esq., London - -Goodwin John, Beatrice-street - -Galloway Charles, Halston - -George Roger, Willow-street - -Giles Henry, Cross-street - -Gornall Mrs. Jane, Swan Inn - -Griffiths William, Esq., solicitor, Dolgelley - - * * * * * - -HILL THE RIGHT HON. THE VISCOUNT, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Salop - -Hales John Miles, Esq., Lower Brook-street - -Hill T. Esq., Upper Brook-street - -Hill T. W., Esq., Upper Brook-st - -Hargraves James, Esq., Whittington (2 copies) - -Hayden Wm. Henry, 17, Warwick-square, London - -Higgins Samuel, draper - -Holland George, Whittington - -Husband Rev. J., Rectory, Selattyn - -Hopwood F. A., Station Master, Gobowen - -Hardman Thomas, 14, Slater-street, Liverpool - -Hughes T., Esq., solr., Wrexham - -Hughes Miss Catherine, Church-street - -Hughes Alexander, Willow-street - -Hughes Miss Anne, Salop-road - -Humphreys Edmund, East Sheen, Richmond (2 copies) - -Hughes John, Savings’ Bank - -Hilditch George, Esq., Salop-road - -Heaton Rev. H. E., M.A., perpetual curate of Llangedwin - -Hodgkinson R., Esq., estate agent, Osberton, Worksop - -Howell David, Willow-Street (2 copies) - -Hughes Thos., Esq., Plasnewydd, Llansilin - - * * * * * - -JONES, REV. LLEWELYN WYNN, M.A., Curate of Oswestry (2 copies) - -Jacob Rev. L. R., Rhuabon - -Jones John, Esq., solicitor - -Jones Miss Harriette, Church-st. - -Jones Thomas, Esq., Boughton, Chester - -Jones Joseph, wine merchant - -Jones Edward, Plas Issa, Rhuabon - -Jones Mrs. Frances, London House - -Jones John, hair dresser - -Jones Edwin, Union-place - -Jones James Thomas, Esq., Brynhafod (2 copies) - -Jones Oswald Croxon, Esq., Enfield, Middlesex - -Jones Mrs. Mary Watkin, Cross-street - -Jacques Edwin William, Esq., Llangollen - -Jones Henry, tobacconist - -Jones Thomas, Esq., Brook-street - -Jones John, Esq., Domgay, Llandisilio - -Jervis Geo. Boot Inn, Whittington - -Jones Rev. D. L., Meifod - -Jones Rev. Walter, Llansilin - -Jones Richard, Cross-street - -Jones Richard, Salop-road - -Jones Thomas, builder, Chester - -Jones Gwen, Cross-street - -Jones Henry, grocer, Cross-street - -Jones John Pryce, Willow-street - -Jones John, Cross - -Jones Richard, Esq., Bellan Place, Rhuabon - -Jones Edward, Mine Agent, Llwynymapsis - - * * * * * - -KENYON JOHN ROBERT, Esq., Recorder of Oswestry - -Kinchant Richard Henry, Esq., Park Hall - -King John Edward, Cross Keys Hotel - -Kilner Richard, Britannia Inn - - * * * * * - -LOVETT JOSEPH VENABLES, Esq., Belmont - -LLoyd, Mrs., Aston Hall - -Longueville Mrs., Pen-y-lan - -Longueville Thomas Longueville, Esq. - -Lloyd Rev. Albany Rosendale, Hengoed - -Large Joseph, Esq., surgeon - -Lewis Richard, Osberton Hall, Notts (4 copies) - -Lloyd David Edward, Cross - -Lloyd David, Wynnstay Arms Hotel - -Lewis Charles Thomas, 38–9, Holloway Head, Birmingham (6 copies) - -Lewis Henry, painter, Beatrice-st. - -Lloyd Rev. David, Trefonen - -Lewis William, Elephant and Castle, Newtown - -Leah John, Esq., Willow-street - -Lewis Henry, building surveyor & contractor, Chester (2 copies) - -Lever William H., Esq., Chirk - -Lewis Miss Margaret, Cross - -Lees S. S., National Schools - -Lyons Aaron, Jeweller, Leg-street - -Lloyd Miss M. A., Willow-street - - * * * * * - -MILTON THE HON. VISCOUNTESS, Osberton, Notts - -Milton The Hon. Selina, Viscountess, Osberton Hall, Notts - -Mickleburgh Chas. Esq., Montgomery (2 copies) - -Minshall Thomas, Esq., solicitor - -Morris Edward, Esq., Salop-road - -Morris William, builder - -M’Kie William Hay, Scybor Issa - -Morgan Captain, 54, Terrace, Aberystwith - -Minett William, Esq., Maesbury - -Meredith Edward, Rednal - -Morris Joseph, Esq., Shrewsbury - -Morgan John, Wynnstay - -Moreton and Son, Cross - -Morgan Thomas, Willow-street - -Mytton John, Church-street - -Manning Benjamin, Esq., Warwick-square, London - -Martin John, Esq., Gold Mine, Dinas Mowddy (3 copies) - -Monk Charles, Llangollen - -Morris George, Porkington - -Morgan R., Aberystwith - -M’Kie William H., Melbourne, Australia - -Morris John, builder (2 copies) - -Morris Thomas, chemist, Worksop, Notts - - * * * * * - -NORFOLK THE MOST NOBLE HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF (Baron of Oswestry), Arundel -Castle, Sussex (4 copies) - -Nicholson J. Esq., Upper Brook-street - - * * * * * - -OSWELL EDWARD, Esq., solicitor - -Owen M. Wynne, Esq., Plas Wilmot - -Owen George, Esq., Park Issa (2 copies) - -Oliver Irwin, Leg-street - -Owen Elizabeth, 5, Upper Parade, Leamington - -Oliver John, druggist, Liverpool - - * * * * * - -POWIS THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF (Lord of the Manor of Oswestry), Powis -Castle - -Portman The Right Hon. Lord, Bryanstone House, Dorset - -Portman The Hon. William Berkeley, M. P. - -Phillips John, Esq., Cross - -Porter Isaac, Esq., Salop-road - -Pryce Thomas, Cross-street - -Powell John Richard, Esq., Preesgwene - -Price William, Esq., Fulford, York - -Phillips the Rev. John Croxon, Tynyrhos - -Pearson Mr. S., clothier, 2, Lamb’s Conduit-street, London - -Penson Richard Kyrke, Esq., Willow-street - -Price Miss Mary, The Cross - -Phillip and Son Messrs., Liverpool - -Penson Thomas Mainwaring, Esq., Chester - -Price Miss Elizabeth, Confectioner, Cross - -Peate Jane, Porkington Terrace - -Pierce Mrs. H., 87, Park Terrace, Green Heys, Manchester - -Perkins Samuel, Bailey Head - -Pearson W., J. Munn and Co., Manchester (4 copies) - -Powell William, Salop Road - -Parry Thomas Price, Willow-st. - -Provis William A., Esq., Cross-street - -Pearce R.A., Esq., Worksop, Notts - - * * * * * - -ROGERS THOMAS, Esq., Stone House - -Roberts Thomas Vaughan, Esq., solicitor - -Roberts Thomas, Esq., Glyndwr, St. Asaph - -Roberts John, Esq., Cross-street - -Roberts Maurice, draper - -Roberts David, Leg-street - -Rogers E., Church-street - -Roberts John Askew, Bailey Head - -Rodenhurst Charles, Whittington - -Roderick William, Esq., surgeon - -Redrobe James, Royal Oak - -Roberts Miss, Brook-st. Cottage - -Roberts R., gas proprietor - -Roberts E., Willow-street - -Roberts William Whitridge, Melbourne, Australia - -Reed Mrs., London - -Ruscoe John, Horse Shoe Inn - - * * * * * - -SALWEY REV. THOMAS, Vicar of Oswestry - -Sabine Charles, Esq., solicitor - -Smith Frederick William, Esq., Ruthin (3 copies) - -Smale William, chemist - -Sharwood Messrs. S. and T., 120, Aldersgate-street, London (2 copies) - -Saunders George James, chemist - -Sage Mrs. Catherine, Middleton-road - -Smith Captain, Dinas Mowddy - -Smith Henry, Supervisor, Inland Revenue - -Savin Thomas, draper - -Stokes Mrs., Rock Ferry - -Sides Miss Sarah, Fron, Rhuabon - -Sissons Henry, stationer, Worksop, Notts - -Shaw Henry, ironmonger, Worksop, Notts - -Smith Benjamin, innkeeper, Norton, Notts - - * * * * * - -TIPTON EDWARD BLAKEWAY, Esq., Distributor of Stamps for Shropshire and -North Wales - -Thomas Edward Wynne, Esq., Cross - -Tomkies John, Esq., Manchester (2 copies) - -Thomas Rev. John, Liverpool - -Thomas John, maltster - -Tucker St. Felix, Esq, H.M.C., West Derby-road, Liverpool - -Taylor John, shoemaker - -Tyley Thomas, Sun Inn - -Thomas Henry, Coney Green - -Thompson John, Leg-street - -Towers Mr., Angel Hotel, Dale-street, Liverpool - -Thompson Thomas, Chester - - * * * * * - -VENABLES ROWLAND JONES, Esq., Oakhurst - -Vaughan Robert Chambre, Esq., Burlton, Shrewsbury - -Venables Mrs. Eliz., Whittington - - * * * * * - -WEST FREDERICK RICHARD, Esq. M.P., Ruthin Castle - -West Frederick Myddleton, Esq. - -Williams Edward, Esq., Lloran House (4 copies) - -Wilding John Powell, Esq., Montgomery - -Whalley George Hammond, Esq., Plasmadoc - -Waite George, Esq., New Burlington-street, London - -Williams Rev. Rt., Rhydycroesau - -Webster Benjamin Esq., Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London - -Wood Richard, Leg-street - -Woods Richard, farmer, Osberton, Worksop - -Williams J. Vincent, Accountant - -Wright Edmund, Esq., Halston - -Wynn Edward, Black-gate - -Williams Edward, Belle Vue, Wrexham - -Williams Rt., draper (2 copies) - -Williams Samuel, The Llys - -Winter John, Chirk - -Webb Miss J. C., Melbourne, Australia - -Windsor William, Babin’s Wood - -Windsor Samuel, Powis Castle - -Wilson William, upholsterer - -Williams G. H., Esq., The Lymes - -Williams William, Esq., 295, Kent-St., Southwark, London - -Williams Michael, Railway Station - -Whitridge Mr., bookseller, Carlisle - - - - -Index. - - Page -Agricultural Statistics 205 -Album Monasterium 3 -Aldermen and Common-Councilmen 166 -Alfred the Great 17 -Ancient Customs 191 -Ancient Houses 185 -Ancient Relics 186 -Angling 209 -Aston Hall 242 -Attack on the town 65 - -Baptist Chapel 155 -Banks 100 -Battle of Oswestry 6 -Belmont 285 -Benevolent Institutions 119 -Bethesda Chapel 157 -Blanc-Minster 3 -Bleddyn ab Cynvyn 14 -Biography 223 -Botany of the Parish 213 -Bray, Dr. Thomas 224 -British Period 4 -British Schools 114 -Broom Hall 289 -Brunswick Dynasty 88 -Brynkinalt 243 - -Cadwaladr’s reign 8 -Cae Nef 6 -Carreg Hofa Castle 257 -Castle of Oswestry 15–172 - Overton 15 -Ceiriog, the 212 -Civil Wars 61 -Charitable Donations 121 -Church or Chapel-Field 6 -Church Grant 30 -Charles I., Character of 62 -Charter, First Royal 33 -Charter of Charles II. 78 -Charter the Third 47 -Chirk 291 -Chirk Castle 244 -Clawdd Coch 259 -Coed Euloe, Battle of 21 -Cranage’s Daring 66 -Crogen, Battle of 23 -Croes-Oswallt (Oswald’s Cross) 3 -Croes Wylan 54 - -Death of Oswald 7 -Derivation of Name, &c. 2 -Derwen 285 -Dispensary and Baths 117 -Dissenting Places of Worship 152 -Dovaston, John Freeman Milward 224 -Drenewydd 289 - -Ecclesiastical History 132 -English Period 21 -Extension Line (Oswestry and Newtown) Railway 198 - -Famine 57 -Felton West 274 -Fernhill 258 -Fitz-Alan, William 15 -Fletcher, Philip Lloyd 16 -Fitz-Gwarine 17 -Free Grammar School 107 -Friendly Societies 131 - -Gas-works 104 -Gates 93 -Genealogical Table 178 -Geology, &c. 221 -Glorious Age 89 -Glyndwr Insurrection 36 - Reverses 49 - Death of 50 -Great Western Railway Company 195 -Greenfield Lodge 274 -Griddle Gate 137 -Grufydd ab Cynan 15 -Guto (y Glyn) 226 - -Halston 249 -Hen Dinas 5 -Hengoed 272 -Hotels 107 -House of Industry 119 -Humphreys, Humphrey, D.D. 227 -Huntington, Execution of 35 -Hywel Dda (the Welsh Justinian) 13 - -Independent Methodist Chapel 157 -Ingratitude of (Common Wealth) Parliament 73 -Invasion of Wales 21 - -Jones, Thomas 227 - -King Oswald 5 -Knockin 253 -Kynaston, Humphrey 228 - -Le Strange, Roger 17 -Lighting 96 -Lodge, the 273 -Llanforda 260 -Llangollen Vale 292 -Llanymynech 254 -Llanyblodwel 262 -Llansilin 261 -Lloyd, Colonel 63 -Lloyd, Bishop 83 -Llynclys (or Llynclis) Pool 211 -Lupus, Hugh 16 -Llwyd, Edward 230 -Llywarch Hen 8 -Llywelyn ab Jorwerth 27 - -Madog 15 -Maelor 15 -Marrow’s Assault 69 -Marches Lordships 17 -Margery Bruce 180 -Markets and Fairs 97 -Markets 102–3 -Maserfield 7 -Mathrafal 9 -Maud Verdon 15 -Maurice, William 231 -Mayors, List of 164 -Mayor’s Blunders 85 -Mediolanum 259 -Montgomery, Roger de 16 -Morda, the 212 -Morlas, the 212 -Morus, Hugh 231 -Monuments within the Church 139 - in the Church-yard 14 - in the New Church-yard 147 -Morva Rhuddlan 113 -Mortimers, the 31 -Mount Pleasant 290 -Municipal and Civil Government 158 - Officers 163 -Murage, the 29 -Myddelton, Sir Thomas 77 -Mytton, Major-General 75 -Mytton, the late John, Esq. 251 - -National Schools 112 -Natural History 205 -Newport, Mr. 68 -Norfolk, Duke of 15 -Norman Period 14 -Notabilia 235 - -Oakhurst 290 -Offa’s Dyke 10 -Old Chapel 152 -Oswald’s Well 189 -Oswestry Race-course 10 - Castle, Burning of 72 - Government of 72 - As it was 92 - recent History of 181 - Castle Hill 177 -Owain Brogyntyn 15 -Oswald and Penda 2 - -Parliament, the Great 32 -Parish Church 132 - Sunday School 114 -Park Hall 263 -Penda, the Mercian King 8 -Pengwern 9 -Pentre Pant 290 -Pentre Poeth 53 -Penylan 290 -Perry, the 212 -Plague, records of 55 -Plot to remove the markets 59 -Poor Rate Return—Oswestry town and parish (1855) 240 -Population 204 -Porkington 266 -Post Office 99 -Powys Vadog 14 -Preesgwene House 273 -Primitive Methodist Chapel 157 -Public Establishments and Institutions 98 - -Quinta, the 274 - -Railway Communication 194 -Restoration, the 76 -Review of Ancient History 7 -Revolution, the 86 -Reynolds, John 232 -Richard II., death of 34 -Rivers 209 -Rhyd-y-croesau 290 -Rhyd-y-croesau Church 150 -Roberts, the Rev. Peter 232 -Rug 15 - -Sacheverell, Dr. 86 -Salter, Mr. Robert 234 -Savings’ Bank 101 -Saxon Period 9 -Selattyn 269 -Shrewsbury, the Battle of 37 -Siarter Cwtta, the Short Charter 24 -Site of the town 91 -Sketches of the Environs of Oswestry 241 -Social Improvement 88 -Society for Bettering the Condition of the Poor 129 -Spot, Dick 233 -St. Martin’s 272 -Stamp Office 101 -Statistics 201 -Streets 95 -Sweeney Hall 291 - -Tenants’ Service 48 -Theatre 104 -Topographical History 90 -Town Walls 184 -Tre’r Cadeiriau 3 -Tre’r Fesen 6 -Trefaldwyn 13 -Trefonen Church 149 -Tre Meredydd 14 -Trevor, Sir John 159 -Trinity Church 144 -Tyn-y-Rhos 278 - -Visit of Baldwin and Giraldus 25 -Vicars, List of 151 - -Walter the Stewart 179 -Watt’s Dyke 11–12–13 -Welsh Cloth Market 51 -Wesleyan Methodist Chapel 156 -Whittington 275 -William the Conqueror 10 -Wood Hill Hall 291 -Wynnstay 286 - -Young Men’s Institute 115 -Zion Chapel 152 - - - - -Illustrations. - - -THE TOWN. - - Page -Beatrice Gate 94 -Church Gate and Avenue 136 -Cross Market and Street Views (facing the Title-page) -Dispensary and Public Baths 118 -Free Grammar School (facing) 107 -Griddle Gate 137 -New Gate 93 -National Schools 113 -Oswestry Castle (from an ancient drawing (facing) 172 -belonging to an inhabitant of Dudleston) -The Old Chapel 155 -Parish Church (facing) 132 -Powis Market, Guildhall, and Bailey Head (facing) 103 -St. Oswald’s Well 190 -Trinity Church 148 - -THE ENVIRONS. - -Brynkinalt (facing) 243 -Chirk Castle (facing) 244 -Halston (facing) 249 -Llanymynech Church 255 -Park Hall (facing) 263 -Porkington (facing) 266 -Selattyn Church 271 -Whittington Castle (facing) 281 -Wynnstay (facing) 287 - - - - -History of Oswestry. - - -A CELEBRATED writer has said, that “History is philosophy teaching by -example.” Local History was doubtless included in the reflection of the -distinguished essayist, when he penned the memorable sentence, which has -for years past been adopted as a national maxim. In Local History we -have handed down to us facts and fiction, both grave and gay; traditions -and customs illustrative of popular habits and manners; records of -national edicts and social laws; municipal mandates, and parochial -practice; doleful notes of superstition and ignorance, with gratifying -statistics of the progress of truth and enlightenment; pleasing reports -of the advancement of science and art, mechanical ingenuity, and -industrial pursuits; and, speaking comprehensively, with a keen glance at -the past, we descry enough, in the chequered examples of byegone times, -to help us on in wisdom’s ways. - -With these preliminaries, let us now lead our readers pleasantly onward -through the devious paths and labyrinths of Oswestry’s varied history, -beguiling them, perchance, by the way, with all that is agreeable -pertaining to the ANCIENT AND LOYAL BOROUGH, which, from its antiquity, -its scenes of martial daring and prowess, the tranquil beauty of its -surrounding landscapes, and its primitive, as well as modern relation to -some of the sweetest spots of CAMBRIA, has commanded the admiration and -homage of historians, painters, and poets. - - - -Derivation of Name, &c. - - -The derivation of the name of the Borough is still, and perhaps ever will -be, involved in obscurity. As a place of retreat for the Cymry, or early -Britons, when chased from the south by the Roman invaders, it is not -unlikely to have had a primitive name that has been lost in the flood of -ages. Pennant, whose industry and historical research have earned for -him lasting fame, dates the commencement of its history in the Saxon -period, not anterior to the celebrated conflict at Oswestry, between -_Oswald_, the Christian King of the Northumbrians, and _Penda_, the Pagan -King of the Mercians, which occurred in the year 642. Other Welsh -biographical and historical writers trace the origin of its name to a -much earlier period, and contend that _Oswal_, a son of Cunedda Wledig, -sovereign of the Stratclyde Britons, and who lived in the early part of -the fifth century, received from his father, as a tribute for special -military services, an extensive grant of land, called from him -_Osweiling_, in which the present town of Oswestry is situated. The -coincidence is extraordinary that two distinguished chieftains should -have flourished—although upwards of two centuries had rolled between -their reigns—bearing names so similar to each other, that from either, it -may be presumed, the town could, not inappropriately, have derived its -present designation. The evidence in favour of Oswald’s right to the -sponsorship of Oswestry is, however, in our opinion, so strong, that we -must accord the honour to the Northumbrian Monarch, until the Cambrian or -British claim shall be more authoritatively established. In the battle -between _Oswald_ and _Penda_, history informs us that the former was -defeated and fell; that the barbarian victor ordered that the body of the -slain monarch should be cut in pieces, and “stuck on stakes dispersed -over the field as so many trophies; or, according to the ancient verses -that relate the legend, his head and hands only were thus exposed:— - - ‘Three crosses, raised at _Penda’s_ dire command, - Bore _Oswald’s_ royal head and mangled hands.’” - -After this battle the Welsh, or Cymry, (who seemed to have possessed for -some time the district including Oswestry,) had called it _Croes-Oswallt_ -(Oswald’s Cross), in allusion to Penda’s ignominious exposure of Oswald’s -slaughtered body. The spot where the battle was fought is said to have -borne the name of _Maeshir_ (the long field), as marking the length and -obstinacy of the conflict. In the fulness of the Saxon period the town -was known as _Oswald’s Tree_, in evident reference to Oswald’s death, and -subsequently, to the present day, “without let or impediment,” by the -name of OSWESTRY. - -Industrious and talented antiquarian writers have given to the town other -names and derivations. For instance, we are told that it was termed by -the Saxons _Blanc-Minster_, _White-Minster_, _Album-Monasterium_, from -its “fair and white Monastery,” whilst the Cymry, or “Old Britons,” as -Williams denominates them, “called the town _Tre’r Fesen_, _Tre’r -Cadeiriau_, the Town of the Oak Chairs,” or, as another writer has it, -“the Town of Great Oaks.” These terms bear special allusion to Oswald’s -unfortunate arrival in this district; for the ancient seal of the town, -cut in brass, represents King Oswald sitting in his robes on a chair, -holding a sword in his right hand, and an oak branch in his left, with -the words around, “_De Oswaldestre sigillum commune_.” In repeating the -long and tedious catalogue of names and derivations, it will be proper to -mention that one writer renders the designation _Tre’r Cadeiriau_ as -follows:—“Oswestry was called by the Britons _Tre’r Cadeiriau_, literally -the Town of _Chairs_, or Seats, commanding an extensive view, (as _Cadair -Idris_, the chair of Idris, and others,) as there are several eminences -commanding such views in the neighbourhood.” - -Here is a chapter on civic nomenclature and varied derivation, very -curious, perhaps, to many readers, but little edifying to those who ask -with the poet, “What’s in a name?” And yet, ancient civic names, like -many other ancient relics, have valuable and salutary uses. They are as -finger-posts to the Past; in some instances inviting us to the honest -path of truth and honour; in others deterring us from the rugged ways of -ignorance and error. In almost all respects they enable us to institute -comparisons and form contrasts between men and manners in ancient and -modern days. Whilst looking at such names, we are too frequently -reminded of times when Might overcame Right, and are gently led with -thankful spirits to the Present, when, in our own happy and -highly-privileged age, every Briton can sit “under his vine and under his -fig-tree,” none daring to make him afraid. - - - -REVIEW OF ANCIENT HISTORY. - - -The British Period. - - -FOR ages the site of the town, with the surrounding district, was the -theatre of brutal contention, rapine, and aggrandisement. Here, as in -the Border-Lands of Scotland, it was - - “The good old rule, - * * * the simple plan, - That they should take who have the power, - And they should keep who can.” - -Education had not spread her benign wings over the people, to hush them -into peace; and too commonly they who possessed the strongest physical -power and the wildest barbarism became, in turns, “Lords of the -Ascendant.” There is no record extant that the Roman invaders of Britain -pitched their tents within the Oswestrian district; and yet it is more -than probable that part of the legion, which traversed from the south of -our island, actually touched at Llanymynech Hill (a Roman settlement -beyond doubt), and most likely constituted a portion of the army which, -under Suetonius, found its way along the mountain-passes of North Wales -into Anglesey, may have halted there, if the ground was pre-occupied by -the invaded Britons, or the ancient encampment, _Hen Dinas_, had then -stood. We can produce nothing more than conjectural evidence of such a -visit. There is no Roman architecture in the town, to mark the presence -of the invaders, nor are there Roman relics rich as those discovered at -Llanymynech. If the Britons occupied _Hen Dinas_ during the Roman visit -to the district, the destruction of that encampment may have been -accomplished by the Roman marauders; and yet it is believed by some that -the Britons possessed Oswestry, intact, from before the death of Oswald -to the invasion of Offa. A Roman invasion of Oswestry, and the real -history of Hen Dinas (or Old Oswestry, as it is termed,) are therefore -alike still involved in mystery. - -On this “vexed question” we may add the following:—“Remarking to a -_gentleman_,” says Mr. Hutton, “that I had gleaned some anecdotes -relative to Oswald, he asked me if I had seen Old Oswestry, where, he -assured me, the town had formerly stood. I smiled, and answered him in -the negative. He then told me, ‘that the town had _travelled_ three -quarters of a mile to the place where it had taken up its present abode.’ -This belief, I found had been adopted by others with whom I conversed.” - -The earliest sovereign possession of Oswestry, noted in the Welsh -historic page, was in the beginning of the fifth century, as already -referred to. Oswal, son of Cunedda Wledig, is there represented to have -been its first monarch. The Welsh Chroniclers, however, furnish no -details of his reign; and no event connected with the town is -subsequently recorded, till the memorable one of King Oswald’s attack -upon the Mercian King Penda, August 5th, A.D. 642. Oswald and Oswy were -sons of Adelfrid, the seventh King of Northumberland. These young -Princes had been driven out of the kingdom of their father by Cadwallawn, -who had before been expelled from Wales, his rightful possession, by -Edwin. Oswald, after seventeen years’ exile in Scotland, was restored to -his kingdom by the overthrow and death of Cadwallawn. During his exile -Oswald is said to have been baptized in a Christian church. He brought -with him from Scotland a Christian bishop, Aidan, who preached -Christianity to the people, and Oswald assisted him in his ministrations. -The young Northumbrian King appears to have been zealous in the Christian -cause, both in the pulpit and the field. Penda was a pagan prince, and -had united with Cadwallawn in laying Northumbria waste. Oswald’s -Christianity was not strong enough, it would seem, to subdue his revenge -against Penda. The two monarchs at length met, a bloody conflict ensued, -and Oswald was slain. The site of the closing scene of this memorable -battle is said to have been a field called _Cae Nef_ (Heaven’s Field), -“situated on the left of the turnpike road leading to the Free School.” -The writer from whom we quote mentions, that “Oswald approached with his -army to what is called Maes-y-llan, or Church Field, then open.” “About -four hundred yards west of the church,” he adds, “is a rising ground, -where the battle began. The assailant appears to have driven Penda’s -forces to a field nearer the town, called _Cae Nef_. Here Oswald fell.” -These minute particulars give increased interest to the combat; but the -writer does not state any authority for the details. We suppose it must -have been merely traditionary. At the present time the sites of _Cae -Nef_, and _Church_ or _Chapel Field_, are well known to most of the -inhabitants of the town. Oswald’s remains were first interred in the -monastery of Bradney, in Lincolnshire, and afterwards, in 909, removed to -St. Oswald’s, in Gloucestershire. The memory of the deceased King seems -to have been held in great veneration, for churches, in various parts of -the kingdom, still bear his name, as patron saint. Speed, in his -“_History of Great Britaine_,” with his accustomed quaintness and minute -graphic description, sums up Oswald’s closing scene in the following -language:— - - “But as the sunne hath his shadow, and the highest tide her ebbe, so - _Oswald_, how holy soeuer, or gouernment how good, had emulators that - sought his life, and his Countries mine: for wicked _Penda_ the Pagan - Mercian, enuying the greatnesse that King _Oswald_ bare, raised - warres against him, and at a place then called _Maserfeild_, in - _Shrop-shire_, in a bloudie and sore fought battle slew him; and not - therewith satisfied, in barbarous and brutish immanitie, did teare - him in peeces, the first day of August, and yeere of Christ Iesus six - hundred forty two, being the ninth of his raigne, and the thirty - eighth of his age: whereupon the said place of his death is called to - this day _Oswaldstree_, a faire Market Towne in the same Countie. - The dismembred limmes of his body were first buried in the Monastery - of _Bradney_, in _Lincolnshire_, shrined with his standard of Gold - and Purple erected ouer his Tombe, at the industry and cost of his - neece _Offryd_, Queene of _Mercia_, wife vnto king _Ethelred_, and - daughter to _Oswyn_ that succeeded him. From hence his bones were - afterwards remooued to _Glocester_, and there in the north side of - the vpper end of the Quire in the Cathedrall Church, continueth a - faire Monument of him, with a Chapell set betwixt two pillers in the - same Church.” - -From the death of Oswald to 777, Oswestry is reported, as already -mentioned, to have been in undisputed possession of the Britons. What -its faithful history was during that long period we are unable to state. -If the Britons did really occupy it, no event worthy of record seems to -have occurred. If the Britons were preserved in peace, no chronicle is -handed down to us of their social or industrial habits within the halcyon -time. Whether they improved their land, instructed their minds in arts -useful to their tribe, or were sunk in ignorance, sloth, and selfishness, -there is no voice or pen to inform us. Three centuries later than this -period the domestic architecture of the Cymry was in the lowest state of -rudeness. One of the regal mansions of Hywel Dda, their great law-giver, -was made of peeled rods; the people lived in wattled huts; and a -gentleman’s hall was valued according to the number of posts it -contained. These were filled up with wattled twigs and clay. The only -notice we have of the period is in the Welsh Chronicles, and from them we -learn that Cadwaladr (son of the Cadwallawn who was defeated and slain in -a battle with King Oswald, near Denisbourne, in Northumberland,) the last -of the Welsh Princes who assumed the title of Chief Sovereign of Britain, -reigned over the Britons from A.D. 634 to 703, and was succeeded by Idwal -Iwrch, or the Roe. In one of the Welsh Triads, Cadwaladr is called “one -of the three canonized kings of Britain,” for the protection which he -gave to the primitive Christians when dispossessed by the pagan Saxons; -and his long reign is mentioned as having been peaceable, mainly in -consequence, we are told, of his mother being sister to Penda, the -Mercian king. Rhodri Molwynog, a brave and warlike prince, and grandson -of Cadwaladr, succeeded to the western part of Britain about the year -720, and was engaged in constant hostilities with the Saxons until near -the close of his life, in 755. These dottings from Welsh history show -that the Britons had not peace within their borders during the long -period already mentioned, and that “battles and murders” were still the -constant theme and employment of the Britons and Saxons. It is hardly -probable that the Britons possessed this district peaceably, and not -unlikely that they still had to fight for their lives and property, inch -by inch, and foot to foot. War, even in the present day, is the curse of -nations; it fosters animosities, engenders ignorance and vice, and -brutalizes man. What, then, must have been the effect of constant wars -and incursions upon the British people by their invaders? The Britons -had among them, about this period, their great bard, _Llywarch Hen_, a -man ranked among the wise bards of the Court of Arthur, and whose -poetical effusions display profound talent, if not genius, for so rude an -age; but we have no proofs that they profited much by his vigorous -instructions, although his life was lengthened out to one hundred and -fifty years. The art of printing was unknown in Llywarch’s days, -otherwise his humanizing productions might have wrought peace and harmony -amongst both the oppressors and the oppressed. - -The period had now arrived when the sovereignty of the Britons was so -powerfully disputed that they were compelled to yield to the cohort -strength of the impetuous Offa, King of the Mercians. Mercia was the -largest of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and London was its capital. Offa -passed the Severn with a mighty force, drove the Britons from their -fertile and lovely plains, and limited the princedom of Powys to the -western side of the celebrated ditch still known by the name of _Offa’s -Dyke_. Offa enjoyed a victorious reign, from the year 755 to 794. -During that period the finest part of Powys became a confirmed part of -the Mercian territory, and Shropshire was permanently annexed to England. -Owen and Blakeway, in their invaluable “_History of Shrewsbury_,” remark, -“Though there can be no doubt that the cession of Shropshire was obtained -from the British Prince (_Eliseg_, it is supposed,) only by the military -preponderance of the Saxon, yet it seems equally certain that it must -finally have been the subject of a pacific negociation. A work of so -much labour as Offa’s Dyke, evidently designed, according to his practice -in other places, as the line of demarkation between two kingdoms, could -never have been carried into execution without the concurrence of the -sovereign on each side of that boundary. * * * * The prince, thus -despoiled of the fairest portion of his dominions, retired to Mathrafal, -on the Vyrnwy, five miles beyond Welshpool, while Pengwern, degraded from -the dignity of a metropolis, passed under the yoke of an English -conqueror, and henceforth to be known by the name of Shrewsbury, a name -of Saxon origin.” - -OFFA’S DYKE, called by the Britons _Clawdd_ OFFA, extended nearly a -hundred miles along the mountain border of Wales, from the Clwydian hills -to the mouth of the Wye. Part of the Dyke may be traced at Brachy Hill, -and Leintwardine, in Herefordshire, continuing northward from Knighton, -in Radnorshire, over part of Shropshire, entering Montgomeryshire between -Bishop’s Castle and Newtown. It again appears in Shropshire, near -Llanymynech, crosses Cern-y-bwch (the Oswestry race-course), descends to -the Ceiriog, near Chirk, where it again enters Wales, and terminates in -the parish of Mold, beyond which no traces of it are discovered. Offa -may have imagined that the Clwydian hills, and the deep valley that lies -at their base, would serve as a continuance of the prohibitory line. -Pennant tells us, that in all parts the Dyke was constructed on the Welsh -side, and that there are numbers of small artificial mounts, the sites of -small forts along its course. In the MS. “_Historia Wallica_,” we are -informed, that the work of forming this Dyke, forty feet in height, -occupied a numerous band of men, “able and accustomed to work in the -fields,” more than seven years. This great line of demarcation answered -but little purpose as a line of defence, or even of boundary. The Border -Lands were still the scenes of sanguinary contests, and superior force -alone repelled the Britons. Severe laws were enacted against any that -should transgress the limits prescribed by Offa; and one of these -enactments declared, that “the Welshman who was found in arms on the -Saxon side of the Dyke was to lose his right hand.” These laws, however, -were unheeded by the Britons. They deeply felt their injuries, and -concerted means of revenge, and, as they hoped, emancipation. They -formed an alliance with the kings of Sussex and Northumberland, broke -through the boundary, attacked Offa’s camp, slew great numbers, and the -Mercian king himself narrowly escaped with a small remnant of his army. -On this disaster Offa retired into his own dominions, meditating -vengeance. Hostages having been given to him by the Britons, a short -time before, during a brief period of peace, he now dealt out to them -severe treatment, strictly confining them, and selling, or reserving for -perpetual slavery, their wives and children. Still breathing destruction -he marched into the confines of Wales with a powerful army, but for years -was gallantly repelled by the Britons. At length the contending forces -met on Rhuddlan Marsh (now the scene of peaceful arts, the Chester and -Holyhead Railway passing over it), and the Britons, under the command of -Caradog, were entirely defeated with terrific slaughter, their leader -being slain in the conflict. The fury of the Saxon prince did not cease -with victory. He savagely massacred the men, women, and children who -fell into his hands; and, according to tradition, the remaining Britons, -who had escaped the enemy’s sword, fleeing with haste over the marsh, -perished in the waters by the flowing of the tide. This tragedy has been -carried down to posterity by a plaintive Welsh melody, called _Morva -Rhuddlan_, the notes of which are amongst the most touching and -deeply-pathetic of Cambrian minstrelsy. - -Having traced Offa’s Dyke, it is necessary to describe the course of -WATT’S DYKE, as the space between these two great lines of demarcation -was deemed neutral ground both by the Britons and their invaders, and -subsequently, during the Norman period, became part of what is -denominated the MARCHES, although it is difficult to define correctly the -precise extent of territory they occupied. Watt’s Dyke is supposed by -various writers to have been constructed anterior to the time of Offa. -Its course is marked by Pennant as follows:— - - “It appears at Maesbury, in the parish of Oswestry, and terminates at - the river Dee, below Basingwerk Abbey. The southern end of the line - is lost in morassy grounds; but was probably continued to the river - Severn. It extends its course from Maesbury to the Mile Oak [on the - old road from Oswestry to Shrewsbury]; from thence through a field - [now belonging to Edward Williams, Esq., Solicitor, of Oswestry], - called _Maes-y-garreg-llwyd_, between two remarkable pillars of - unhewn stone [strongly resembling Druidic altar stones]; passes by - the town [below the Shelf-bank’ Field], and from thence to Old - Oswestry, and by Pentreclawdd to Gobowen, the site of a small fort - called _Bryn-y-Castell_, in the parish of Whittington; runs by Prys - Henlle and Belmont; crosses the Ceiriog, between Brynkinallt and - Pont-y-blew Forge, and the Dee, below Nant-y-Bela; from whence it - passes through Wynnstay Park, by another Pentreclawdd, to Erddig, - where there was a strong fort on its course; from Erddig it runs - above Wrexham, near Melin Puleston, by Dolydd, Maesgwyn, Rhos-ddû, - Croes-oneiras, &c.; goes over the Alûn, and through the township of - Llai, to Rhydin, in the county of Flint, above which is _Caer-estyn_, - a British post; from hence it runs by Hope church along the side of - Molesdale, which it quits towards the latter place, and turns to - Mynydd Sychdyn, Monachlog, near Northop, by Northop Mills, Bryn-Moel, - Coed-y-Llys, Nant-y-Flint, Cefn-y-Coed, through the Strand Fields, - near Holywell, to its termination below the Abbey of Basingwerk.” - -The Chester and Shrewsbury Railway intersects these two ancient dykes. -At the junction of the branch line to Brymbo, Minera, &c., the railway -crosses Watt’s Dyke, and continues to run on the left side of it, -travelling from Chester, for about fourteen miles, until Gobowen is -reached, where the line again crosses the dyke; the superintendants of -modern improvements, especially railway engineers and contractors, paying -little if any deference to mere antiquities. By this route the railway -traveller passes a considerable distance on the neutral ground, where -alone, for many years, the trade and commerce of the Britons, the Saxons, -and the Danes, were transacted. Offa’s Dyke at Brymbo is about two miles -to the right, from Chester, and runs parallel with the railway for about -eighteen miles. Churchyard, in his “_Worthies of Wales_,” thus -chronicles, in his quaint verse, the use to which the “free ground” was -applied in early days:— - - “Within two miles, there is a famous thing - Called OFFA’S DYKE, that reacheth farre in lengthe; - All kind of ware the Danes might thither bring; - It was free ground, and called the Britaines’ strength. - WATT’S DYKE, likewise, about the same was set, - Between which two, both Danes and Britaines met.” - -For many years after Offa’s memorable defeat of the Britons on Rhuddlan -Marsh, the history of the district conveys but little information -interesting in the present day. “Wars, and rumours of wars,” are the -only topics on which past historians have filled their pages in reference -to this period. Rhodri Mawr (Rhoderick the Great), one of the most -celebrated warriors and princes of Wales, succeeded to the sovereignty of -North Wales and Powys in 843. In the year of his succession his -territories were invaded by Berthred, King of Mercia, whom he defeated -with great loss. Rhodri left three sons, and, according to the law of -gavel-kind, he divided his dominions among his children. His son Mervyn -had the principality of Powys, with the palace of Mathraval. His three -sons were called _y tri thywsog taleithiog_, or diademed princes, from -their wearing diadems of gold set with precious stones; and Anarawd, his -eldest son, received a yearly tribute from the Prince of Powys. -Contentions still continued, and intestine divisions kept the Britons in -as violent commotion as if they were battling with their avowed enemies -on the border. Mervyn did not long enjoy his dominion, as he was slain -in 892 by his own subjects, headed by his brother Cadell, who took -possession of the throne. The reign of Cadell was also brief, and his -son Hywel Dda (Howel the Good) succeeded him. The Welsh Justinian, as -Hywel has been called, died in 984, deservedly honoured by his subjects, -and leaving four sons, all of whom perished in the desolating wars to -which his country soon after fell a prey. - - - -The Norman Period. - - -Saxon dominance was now rapidly approaching to its close; and the Britons -were about to be exposed to the incursions of a new body of invaders, -under the usurpation of William, surnamed the Conqueror. Bleddyn ab -Cynvyn, with his brother, obtained in 1062 the sovereignty of North Wales -and Powys, through the influence of the Saxon King Edward. Bitter -hostilities subsequently occurred between Bleddyn and his kindred; at -length the succession to the whole principality passed from his children, -but Powys-land devolved to his sons, and came at length entire to -Meredydd, the eldest born, after the contentions and slaughter incident -in those days to such partitions. Oswestry, we are told, was called -_Trefred_ (a contraction of _Tre Meredydd_, Meredydd’s Town), in honour -of this prince, but after his death the name was soon discontinued, and -the town resumed its former appellation of Oswald’s-tree, or Oswestry. -His eldest son, Madog, inherited from his father the tract known by the -name of Powys Vadog, which consisted, according to the division of the -times, of five cantrevs, or hundred townships; and these were subdivided -into fifteen commots, or cwmwds: - - CANTREVS. CWMWDS. COUNTIES. -Y BARWN, Dinmael Denbighshire. - Edeyrnion Merionethshire. - Glyndyfrdwy Ibid. -Y RHIW, Yale, or Ial Denbighshire. - Ystrad Alun, or Mold Flintshire. - Hope Ibid. -UWCHNANT, Merffordd Ibid. - Maelor Gymraeg, or Bromfield Denbighshire. - Maelor Saesnaeg Flintshire. -TREFRED, Croes-Vaen Denbighshire. - Tref-y-Waun, or Chirk Ibid. - CROES-OSWALLT, or Oswestry Shropshire. -RHAIADR, Mochnant-is-Rhaiadr, Cynllaeth, Denbighshire. - &c. - Nanheudwy Ibid. - Whittington Shropshire. - -To Madog is assigned the honour of erecting the Castle of Oswestry. -Whether he is entitled to this distinction it would be difficult now to -prove. Welsh historians assert, that he built also the Castles of -Overton (Flintshire) and Caereinion, and that in the former, which -received the additional name of Madog, he resided. Powell says of him, -that he was “ever the King of England’s friend, and was one that feared -GOD, and relieved the poor.” Madog married Susanna, daughter of Grufydd -ab Cynan, Prince of North Wales, by whom he had two sons, Grufydd Maelor -and Owain ab Madog. To the first he gave the two Maelors, Yale, -Hopedale, Nanheudwy, Mochnant-is-Rhaiadr, &c.: to Owain, the land of -Mechain-is-Coed; and to his natural son, Owain Brogyntyn, a nobleman of -distinguished talents, he granted the lordships of Edeirnion and Dinmael. -The last-named Owain resided at Brogyntyn, near Oswestry, now called -Porkington, whence he assumed his surname. His dagger and cup are still -preserved at Rûg: and many families in Merionethshire and Denbighshire -are directly descended from him. Madog’s second wife was Maud Verdon, an -Englishwoman of noble lineage. He died in 1159 at Winchester, whence his -body was conveyed to Meivod, in Montgomeryshire, where it was deposited -in the Church of St. Mary, which he himself had built some years before. -His widow is stated to have been married to William Fitz-Alan, Lord of -Clun, and he, in right of his wife, obtained the town and castle of -Oswestry. Fitz-Alan was a descendant of Alan, one of the companions of -the Conqueror, and was the first of his name who bore the title of “Baron -of Oswaldestre.” Alan was progenitor of the entire noble family which -from him derived the name of Fitz-Alan, and for many succeeding centuries -were the most distinguished personages in Shropshire. From this powerful -race is descended the present Duke of Norfolk, who holds the title of -“Baron of Oswaldestre,” in addition to his other patrician honours. His -Grace’s ancestor, Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, married Lady Mary, daughter of -Henry, the last Earl of Arundel named Fitz-Alan, 13th Elizabeth, when the -barony of “Oswaldestre” was conveyed to the Duke. - -The Norman conquest was “a heavy blow and great discouragement” to the -impetuous Britons. During that eventful period almost the whole of -Shropshire was parcelled out, and bestowed by William the Conqueror on -his kinsman, Roger de Montgomery, as a reward for his great military -services in the conquest. The Earl of Shrewsbury, whilst thus taking -possession of Powys, among his other newly-acquired lands, brought under -his subjection the town and castle of Trefaldwyn, (from Baldwin, -Montgomery’s lieutenant,) which fortress he strongly fortified, and -afterwards called it after his own family name. Hugh Lupus, Earl of -Chester, (the founder of the Grosvenor family,) likewise did homage for -Englefield and Rhûvoniog, with the country extending along the sea shore -from Chester to the waters of Conway. Ralph Mortimer did the same for -the territory of Elvel; as did Hugh de Lacie for the lands of Eulas; and -Eustace Cruer for Mold and Hopedale. Brady relates out of Domesday, that -William the Conqueror granted to Hugh Lupus North Wales in farm, at the -rent of £40 per annum, besides Rhos and Rhûvoniog. These Norman Barons -erected fortresses on their lands, and, so far as they were able, settled -in them English and Norman defenders. In a MS., relating to the Welsh -Marches, from the library of the late Philip Lloyd Fletcher, Esq., of -Gwernhaylod, in Flintshire, it is stated “that about this time, Bristol, -Gloucester, Worcester, Shrewsbury, and Chester were rebuilt and -fortified, and formed a line of military posts upon the frontiers.” Thus -the last asylum of the Welsh was invested on almost every side, or broken -into by their enemies. The kingdom of North Wales, reduced to the island -of Anglesey, to Merioneth and Caernarvonshire, and to part of the present -counties of Denbigh and Cardigan, still preserved the national character -and importance. The natives of Wales, aided by the virtue and courage of -their Princes, became more formidable than ever to the English; and at -times, as they acquired union with additional vigour from despair, their -invaders, instead of being able to make new conquests, held those which -they had already obtained by a precarious tenure. William’s policy, in -giving to his barons the power to make such conquests in Wales as they -were able, led to the erection of the Marches Lordships, of which -Oswestry formed a part. These lordships consisted of more than a hundred -petty sovereignties, and were the fruitful source of innumerable -disorders, till their partial suppression in the reign of Henry VIII. -Pennant says, that William’s design was, in establishing these seignories -and jurisdictions, to give to those whom he had brought over to England -the power of providing for themselves, and to reduce, at the same time, -the opposition of the Welsh people. The precise extent of the Marches -Lordships it is difficult, as we have already said, to define. During -the Saxon period the Severn was considered the ancient boundary between -England and Wales. The lands conquered by Offa on the western side of -that river were annexed to Mercia, and afterwards incorporated with the -monarchy by Alfred the Great. The term _Marches_ signifies generally the -limits or space between England and Wales, of which the western part of -Shropshire, Oswestry included, formed a principal portion. Of the Norman -Barons, besides the first Earl of Shrewsbury, who did homage for royal -grants of territory, were Fitzalan for Oswestry and Clun; Fitz-Gwarine -for Whittington; and Roger le Strange for Ellesmere. The tenure by which -the _Baronies Marches_ were held, was, that— - - “in case of war the lords should send to the army a certain number of - their vassals; that they should garrison their respective castles, - and keep the Welsh in subjection. In return for these services the - lords had an arbitrary and despotic power in their own domains. They - had the power of life and death, in their respective courts, in all - cases except those of high treason. In every frontier manor a - gallows was erected; if any Welshman passed the boundary line fixed - between the two countries, he was immediately seized and hanged. - Every town within the Marches had a horseman armed with a spear, who - was maintained for the express purpose of taking these offenders. If - any Englishman was caught on the Welsh side of the line, he suffered - a similar fate. The Welsh considered everything that they could - steal from their English neighbours as lawful prize.” - -After the conquest of Wales by Edward I. the Baronies Marches were -continued, but under regulations somewhat different from the former. In -the reign of Edward IV. they were governed by a Lord President and -Council, consisting of the Chief Justice of Chester, and three Justices -of Wales. In cases of emergency other parties were called in. By a -statute passed in the reign of Henry VIII. the principality and dominion -of Wales became formally annexed to England; and all the Welsh laws, and -most of their peculiar customs and tenures, were by this statute entirely -abolished. By this statute also four new counties were formed, -Brecknockshire, Denbighshire, Montgomeryshire, and Radnorshire. The -Marches became annexed partly to England, and partly to the new counties -of Wales. The President and Council of the Marches were however allowed -to continue as before, and their general court was held at Ludlow. A -statute was passed in the reign of William III., by which the government -of the entire principality was divided between two peers of the realm, on -whom was conferred the title of Lords Lieutenant of North and South -Wales. From that period the Lordship Marches were entirely abolished. - -There is another salient point in the history of Wales which it will not -be inappropriate here to mention. Many of our readers have heard or read -of the Royal Tribes of Wales. - - “The five regal Tribes, and the respective representative of each, - were considered as of royal blood. The fifteen common Tribes, all of - North Wales, and the respective representative of each, formed the - nobility, were lords of distinct districts, and bore some hereditary - office in the palace. Grufydd ab Cynan, Prince of North Wales, Rhys - ab Tewdwr, of South Wales, and Bleddyn ab Cynvyn, of Powys, regulated - both these classes, but did not create them; as many of the persons, - placed at their head, lived before their times, and some after. - Their precedence, as it stands, is very uncertain, and not governed - by dates; the last of them were created by Davydd ab Owain Gwynedd, - who began his reign in 1169. We are left ignorant of the form by - which they were called to this rank. Mr. Vaughan, of Hengwrt, - informs us that Grufydd ab Cynan, Rhys ab Tewdwr, and Bleddyn ab - Cynvyn made diligent search after the arms, ensigns, and pedigrees of - their ancestors, the nobility and kings of the Britons. What they - discovered by their pains in any paper or records, was afterwards by - the Bards digested, and put into books, and they ordained five Royal - Tribes, there being only three before, from whom their posterity to - this day can derive themselves, and also fifteen special Tribes, of - whom the gentry of North Wales are for the most part descended!’” - -It will be seen from the foregoing pages that we have abstained from all -minute detail in our description of the continued struggles for mastery -between the Welsh and their own kindred, as well as of the strife for -power and dominion between the Cambrian princes and their foreign -invaders. These scenes in the history of Wales are nothing more, to use -the eloquent language of Warrington, than “a recital of reciprocal -inroads and injuries—a series of objects unvaried and of little -importance, which pass the eye in a succession of cold delineations, like -the evanescent figures produced by the _camera obscura_. The characters -and events are not brought distinctly into view, nor are they -sufficiently explained, to enable the historian to judge of their -proportions, their beauty, or defects; whence he can neither develope the -principles of action, nor trace the connection of causes with effects, by -leading incidents, or by the general springs which govern human affairs.” -“The story of our country under its native princes,” observes another -impartial writer on Welsh history, “is a wretched calendar of crimes, of -usurpations, and family assassinations; and in this dismal detail we -should believe ourselves rather on the Bosphorus than the banks of the -Dee.” The British or Welsh rulers had doubtless much to complain of -against their Roman, Saxon, and Norman invaders; but their own conduct -towards their own people—to those who by affinity claimed their -protection and regard—was quite as guilty as that of their foreign foes. - -Throughout the entire reign of Henry I. we read in the Welsh annals of -nothing but “a series of retaliated injuries arising in regular -succession; evils naturally springing from the passions, where they usurp -the sword of justice.” Henry died about the year 1135, and Stephen -succeeded to the English throne, and was soon embarked in a sea of -troubles. Engaged in continual hostilities, and in supporting a doubtful -title, he prudently concluded a peace with the Welsh, and allowed them to -retain the territories they had lately recovered, free of homage or -tribute. The incidents of Stephen’s reign were marked by no feature of -national interest; and the only reference made to it in connection with -this district is William Fitz-Alan’s espousal of the claim made by the -Empress Maud to the English crown. His union with other noblemen, to -dethrone Stephen, exposed him to danger, and he was compelled to leave -the kingdom, abandoning his lands and other property to the incensed -monarch. Whilst an exile from England he remained faithful to the -interests of the Empress; and on his return to this country on the death -of Stephen, and the accession to the throne of Henry II., he reaped the -reward of his spirit and fidelity, by receiving back all his forfeited -honours and estates, including the Castles of Oswestry and Clun. Of -Oswestry Castle we shall speak particularly in subsequent pages. Of Clun -we may at present say, that it remained in the direct line of William -Fitz-Alan down to the reign of Queen Elizabeth, when the last Earl died. -By the marriage of Mary Fitz-Alan with Philip Howard, the son of Thomas, -Duke of Norfolk, it became vested in that noble family. From them it -passed to the Walcotts, and afterwards, by purchase, to Lord Clive, in -whose family it continues. The Duke of Norfolk still retains the title -of “Baron of Clun,” as well as that of “Baron of Oswaldestre.” - -Henry was an inveterate and formidable enemy to the interests of Wales. -He speedily employed his utmost force in attempting to subjugate the -Cambrian people; and it is recorded of Madog ab Meredydd, Prince of -Powys, who had united with the enemies of his country, that he incited -the English king to an invasion of North Wales. Henry listened to the -solicitations of the Powysian prince, and eagerly exerted every means for -the conquest of the country. He quickly raised a powerful army, and -marched without delay into North Wales. Mathew Paris states that the -levy of Henry, raised at this time, amounted to 30,000 men. Owain -Gwynedd, in this campaign, gallantly led the Welsh, and in one of the -actions, at _Coed Euloe_, near Hawarden, Flintshire, the monarch himself, -who had encamped near the field of battle, escaped from the hands of the -Welsh with the greatest difficulty. The English forces, having been -strengthened, pursued the Welsh, and at length Prince Owain, fearful that -his army would perish for want of provisions, concluded a peace with the -King of England. He himself and his chieftains submitted to do homage to -Henry, and to yield up the castles and districts in North Wales which, in -the last reign, had been obtained from the English. Lord Lyttleton tells -us, that to complete this humiliating position, Owain was obliged to -deliver up two of his sons as pledges of his future obedience. The year -after this important event a general peace took place between England and -Wales; the princes and all the chieftains of South Wales repaired to the -court of England, where Henry granted peace, on the Welsh doing homage -for their own territories, and formally ceding to him the districts -recovered from the English in the last reign. This peaceful state of -things was but of short duration. Rhys, the son of Grufydd ab Rhys, -immediate heir to the sovereign power of South Wales, having been -outraged by several English lords, threw off his allegiance, commenced a -revolt, and rallied around him a numerous force, which perplexed and -baffled the English monarch. Shortly afterwards, fired by the gallant -example of Rhys, the Prince of North Wales (Owain Gwynedd), and all his -sons, his brother Cadwaladr, and the chieftains of Powys, united with -him, in the endeavour to regain their independence and honour. After -some slight skirmishes with the Welsh, Henry gathered together a -formidable force, with which he marched into Powys, breathing slaughter -and extermination against the inhabitants. All the historical writers, -in describing this fearful onslaught, admit that few events of ancient -times were more deeply stained with the blood of innocence. The English -army, formed of the choicest troops, from Normandy, Anjou, Flanders, -Brittany, and other territories which Henry possessed in France, entered -the Welsh confines at Oswestry, where it was encamped for some time. The -forces of North Wales were collected under the command of Owain Gwynedd -and his brother Cadwaladr; the army of South Wales was headed by the -chivalrous Rhys ab Grufydd; and the men of Powys were led by Owain -Cyveiliog, and the sons of Madog ab Meredydd. The combined forces of the -Welsh assembled at Corwen, where they awaited the approach of the -English. Henry, burning with ardour to attack the enemy, marched his -army to the banks of the Ceiriog, near the present village of Chirk, and -at once ordered that the woods on each side of the river be cut down, to -prevent ambuscades and sudden approaches of the enemy. It is related by -some writers, that on the passage of the Ceiriog Henry was in imminent -danger of losing his life: attempting to force a bridge, an arrow aimed -at him by the hand of a Welshman must inevitably have pierced his body, -if Hubert de St. Clare, Constable of Colchester, perceiving the danger, -had not in a moment sprang before his sovereign and received it into his -own bosom, and thereby met with his death-wound. Whilst the English -soldiers were employed in felling the woods, a detachment of the Welsh -forces forded the river, and suddenly attacked the van of Henry’s army, -composed of pikemen, considered to be the most daring and gallant portion -of his soldiers. A fierce battle ensued; many were killed on both sides, -but at length Henry gained the passage, and advanced onward to the Berwyn -mountains, to recruit his troops. There he remained in camp for several -days. The Welsh were posted on the mountain-heights opposite, watching -with lynx-eyed care every movement of the enemy. They succeeded in -cutting off his supplies, and his army was reduced to extreme distress -and privation, for want of food for man and horse. To increase his -difficulties, sudden and heavy rains fell, which rendered the country on -the Berwyn side so slippery and dangerous, that neither men nor horses -could stand on their feet. Torrents of water, from the incessant rains, -poured down from the mountains into the vale where Henry was encamped; -and, unable to maintain his ground amidst all these unexpected disasters, -he retired, with great loss of men, and, what was more annoying to his -vaunting spirit, with defeat and disgrace. Fired with revenge, and urged -by the barbarism which ever marks the tyrant, he commanded that the eyes -of all the hostages which had been placed in his hands should be put out. -The two sons of Rhys ab Grufydd, Prince of South Wales, and the two sons -also of Owain Gwynedd, Prince of North Wales, became the unfortunate -victims of Henry’s cruelty. Holinshead, in his Chronicles, tells us, -that besides these young chieftains, the atrocious monarch caused the -sons and daughters of several Welsh lords to be treated with the same -severity; ordering the eyes of the young striplings to be pecked out of -their heads, and the ears of the gentlewomen to be stuffed. - -In the annals of Wales this battle is ranked among the brightest -achievements of the Welsh, in their long-continued struggles for liberty. -The site is known by the mournful designation of _Adwy’r Beddau_, or the -Pass of the Graves. The conflict is called in most of the ancient books, -“_The Battle of Crogen_.” Yorke observes, “it has been erroneously said -that the term Crogen was used in contempt and derision of the Welsh; but -that was not the truth: the English meant to express by it animosity, and -the desire of revenge.” “Many of the English,” he adds, “were slain, and -buried in Offa’s Dyke, below Chirk Castle, and the part so filled up is -to be seen, and forms a passage over it, called to this day _Adwy’r -Beddau_, or the Pass of the Graves.” The late Mr. William Price, in an -annotated edition of his “History of Oswestry,” published in 1815, has -the following note on the Battle of Crogen:— - - “Owain Gwynedd slept at Tyn-y-Rhos, the present residence of Richard - Phillips, Esq., who has still in preservation the bedstead he at that - time lay upon. Likewise a Deed or Lease of a piece of land, of five - acres, for 2s. 8d. per year; with a cock and hen at Christmas, and a - man a day in the harvest; which still preserves the name.” - -Turning for a moment to the civil government of Oswestry, it may be -mentioned that in the reign of Henry II, the first Charter was granted to -Oswestry, by William, Earl of Arundel. The Welsh called it “_Siarter -Cwtta_,” the Short Charter. It was a Charter of protection, of which -there were many granted about this period. It states, “I have received -in protection my Burgesses of Blanc-Minster. Richard de Chambre was -Constable of White-Minster. Thomas de Rossall held Rossall, of John -Fitz-Alan, in chief, of one knight’s fee at White-Minster.” Guto (y -Glyn), an excellent poet who flourished from 1430 to 1460, a native of -Llangollen, and domestic bard to the Abbot of Llanegwestl, or Valle -Crucis, near that romantic town, speaks of White-Minster in his days. He -says, “I know not of any Convent of Monks superior to White-Minster.” - -About the year 1188, William Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel, gave a sumptous -banquet in the Castle of Oswestry, to Giraldus Cambrensis, and Baldwin, -Archbishop of Canterbury, on their return from Wales, the bleak and -barren mountains of which they had just travelled over, in an attempt to -incite the people to the intended Crusade to the Holy Land. Giraldus -seems to have considered that the entertainment given by the Norman Earl -was too luxurious for saintly personages. He speaks, however, with much -complacency of the comfortable accommodations provided for him and the -Archbishop at Shrewsbury, whither they repaired from this town. “From -Oswestry,” says he, “that Prelate and his retinue came after Easter -(1188) to Slopesbury, where they remained some days to recruit and -refresh themselves, and many assumed the cross in obedience to the -precepts of the Archbishop, and the gracious sermon of the Archdeacon of -St. David’s. Here also they excommunicated Oen de Cevelioc (Owain -Cyveiliog, Prince of Powys), because he alone of all the Welsh princes, -had not advanced to meet the Archbishop.” The visit of Giraldus and -Baldwin to Oswestry might have been induced by a two-fold motive, namely, -to partake of the princely hospitality of Fitz-Alan, in his baronial -castle, and to hold “ghostly communication” with Regner, Bishop of St. -Asaph, who at this period resided in Oswaldestre. - -The succeeding portion of Henry II’s long reign was largely occupied with -plans and movements to subdue the Welsh princes and their people. After -repeated struggles, the English monarch saw, with exulting spirit, that -he had reduced Cambrian independence to a bye-word of contempt, by -seducing them from patriotism and virtue, and rendering them a disunited -and improvident people. When he had accomplished this signal victory -over them, and hoped to enjoy further years of sovereign power in -comparative ease and tranquillity, the fate even of monarchs was dealt -out to him. His mortal career was ended, and he was “gathered to his -fathers:”— - - “The glories of our blood and state are shadows, not substantial - things; - There is no armour against fate; Death lays his icy hand on kings.” - -Henry was succeeded by Richard, his son, surnamed Cœur-de-Lion, whose -reign continued for about ten years, when he was slain at the siege of -Chalons, in France, and John, his brother, ascended the throne. During -Richard’s monarchy the town of Oswestry was not marked by any event -worthy the record of the contemporary historian. - -The reign of John was distinguished by strong enmity to the Welsh. In -1211 he assembled a large army at Oswestry, and was there joined by many -of the Welsh Chieftains, his vassals, with whom he marched to Chester; -resolving to exterminate the people of North Wales. It is revolting to -trace the history of this feeble-minded and capricious king. His -reckless attacks upon Wales, and his inveterate quarrel with his -son-in-law, Prince Llywelyn ab Jorwerth, added to his troubles, and -probably hastened his end. As a last effort against Wales, resenting -Llywelyn’s stern defence of Cambrian independence, John demolished the -castles of Radnor and Hay; and then, proceeding to the Marches, he set -fire to Oswestry Castle, then under the governorship of John Fitz-Alan, -(who had united with the barons of England in renouncing allegiance to -the English Monarch, on his refusal to confirm their constitutional -rights,) and burnt it to the ground. - -In the reign of Henry III. John Fitz-Alan, who was reconciled to the -king, procured for his Manor of Blanc-Minster the grant of a Fair on the -eve, the day, and the day after St. Andrew’s feast. The Bailiffs were -also made clerks of the market, with privilege to imprison any person -detected in forestalling; for which they were paid twenty marks as a -consideration. These petty officers, “dressed in a little brief -authority,” abused their power, and gave occasion to frequent -remonstrances from the inhabitants. Powel, who seems to have paid great -deference to “the powers that be,” concludes, not very logically, we -think, that it was “no wonder that so many of the grievances which the -Welsh so much complained of to Edward I. should originate from this -place.” - -The historic facts recorded subsequent to this period are brief and -meagre. We are told that in 1233 Oswestry was again destroyed by fire. -Llywelyn ab Jorwerth had just made an inroad into the county of -Brecknock, destroying all the towns and fortresses belonging to that -territory; he then invested the castle, lay before it a month, raised the -siege, finding his efforts to be fruitless, set fire to the town, and -pursued his way to the Marches. Conflagration and ruin marked his -progress: he burnt the town of Clun, in Salop, demolished Redde Castle, -in Powys, and laid Oswestry in ashes. A few months afterwards, Llywelyn -and Lord Pembroke, having joined their forces, made another inroad into -the English Marches, and having rendered all that country a scene of -devastation, they finished their fiery career by laying part of the town -of Shrewsbury (Frankwell, it is supposed,) in ashes. - -Early in the reign of Edward I. that monarch was intent on bowing the -stubborn neck of Llywelyn ab Grufydd (the last native sovereign Prince of -Wales). Llywelyn was refractory, and ambitious to maintain his order. -Edward summoned him to a parliament in London, but Llywelyn refused to -comply with the royal command. In reply, he offered (Oct. 14, 1276–7,) -to repair to Montgomery, or to “the White Monastery of John Fitz-Alan,” -as Oswestry was then called, but declined a journey to the metropolis of -England. On the receipt of this answer, by which Edward, resolute to -exact a personal obedience, was, or affected to be, greatly enraged, the -Parliament immediately condemned Llywelyn as a rebel, for his -non-appearance. The melancholy end of the Welsh prince is well known. -“If,” says an elegant historian, “the valour of Llywelyn, his talents, -and his patriotism, had been exhibited upon a more splendid theatre,—on -the plains of Marathon, or in the straits of Thermopylæ,—his name would -have been recorded in the classic page, and his memory revered, as an -illustrious hero, and as a gallant assertor of the rights of nature.” - -Edward did not confine his attention to Wales only, but extended it to -the Borders, and included in his eagle-eyed glance the town of Oswestry. -“Provision was made,” says Pennant, “against future insults; for in the -reign of Edward I. the town (Oswestry) was surrounded with walls. This -happened when that politic monarch meditated the conquest of Wales; he -therefore thought proper to secure this town, one of the keys of the -country, with proper defence.” He commenced the erection of the walls in -1277. They are said to have been about a mile in circumference, with an -intrenchment on the outside, which could be filled with water from the -numerous streams in the vicinity. Edward’s order to put Oswestry into a -state of defence issued from Shrewsbury—the seat of his government for -several months—and his letters patent, directed to the Bailiffs and -Burgesses of the ancient town, are worthy of record, as they show the -mode in which taxation was levied in early days. This curious document -is as follows:— - - “Of the Murage of Oswaldestre. The King to the Bailiffs and - Burgesses, and the other good men of Oswaldestre greeting. - - “Know ye that we have granted in aid of enclosing our town of - Oswaldestre, that from the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle in the - twelvth year of our reign to the end of twenty years thence ensuing, - ye may take in the same Town, to the reparation of the walls of the - same Town, of every horse-load of corn to be sold, one halfpenny; of - every horse and mare, ox and cow sold, one halfpenny; of every hide - of horse and mare, ox and cow, fresh, salt, or tanned, one farthing; - of every cart bringing salted flesh to sell, twopence; of five bacons - sold, one halfpenny; of a salmon fresh sold, one halfpenny; of ten - sheep, goats, or pigs sold, one penny; of ten fleeces of wool, one - penny; of one hundred skins of sheep, goats, stags, hind bucks and - does, one penny; of every hundred skins of lambs, kids, hares, - rabbits, foxes, cats, and squirrels, one halfpenny; of every cart of - salt to sell, one penny; of every horse-load of salt to sell by the - week, one farthing; of every horse-load of cloth to sell, one penny; - of every entire cloth to sell in the town of Gloucester, one penny; - of every cloth of silk brocaded and diapered with gold, one penny; of - every cloth of silk without gold and chef de cendall, one halfpenny; - of every dole of wine to sell, two pence; of every horse-load of - honey to sell, one penny; of every dole of honey to sell, four pence; - of every sack of wool to sell, four pence; of every truss of cloth to - sell brought by cart, four pence; of every horse-load of cloth to - sell, or other diverse and small things coming to be sold in the same - town, one halfpenny; of every cart of iron to sell, one penny; of - every horse-load of iron to sell, one halfpenny; of every carriage of - lead to sell, two pence; of tallow and lard to sell, one farthing; of - every hundred of alum and copperas to sell, one halfpenny; of two - thousand onions, a farthing; of every thousand of herrings to sell, - one halfpenny; of every hundred of boards to sell, one halfpenny; of - every mill sold, one penny; of every thousand of laths sold, one - penny; of every new cart sold, one halfpenny; of every hundred of - faggots to sell, one halfpenny; of every quarter of salt, one - farthing; of every twelve horse-loads of coal sold, one halfpenny; of - every thousand of all manner of nails to sell, except cart nails, one - farthing; of a thousand of cart nails to sell, one halfpenny; of - every hundred of horse shoes and clouts to carts to sell, one - halfpenny; for every truss of any sort of merchandise coming for sale - to the aforesaid town, of the value of two shillings, one farthing; - of every cauldron sold to brew, one penny; of every quarter of - oatmeal to sell, one halfpenny: And we therefore command that ye take - the said custom to the end of the term aforesaid, but the term of the - said twenty years being compleat, the said custom ceases and is done - away. In witness, &c.” - -Pennant states that the walls were begun in the sixth of Edward I., and -that “the murage or toll was granted on the inhabitants of the county, -which lasted for six years, in which time it may be supposed the walls -were completed.” - -Archbishop Peckham visited Oswestry, June 12, 1284. He was received with -great respect by Anian, Bishop of St. Asaph, the clergy, and others. -Anian obtained from the king a confirmation of the rights and privileges -of his church, and received from John Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel, and -Baron of Oswestry and Clun, the grant to his church of one hundred acres -of land at St. Martins, paying yearly at Midsummer, for ever, a pair of -gilt spurs; with the condition, that neither the bishop nor his -successors should alienate the same. This grant is dated at _Album -Monasterium_, 1271. Richard, son of the said John Fitz-Alan, afterwards -confirmed it, and also gave forty-five acres more, with the manor-house -belonging thereto. Anian had a long dispute at Rome respecting the -placing of a vicar in Blanc-Monasterium, the tithes of which his -predecessor had given to the Abbey of Shrewsbury. The issue was, that -the abbot, for the peaceable enjoyment of his tithes, gave the whole of -his lands at St. Martins, upon paying two _Welsh knives_ yearly. These -said knives, if now produced at Sheffield, would doubtless disturb the -risible faculties of the keen knife-manufacturers there. - -Edward II. was much annoyed and harassed in the latter part of his reign, -partly from his want of fidelity to many of his most distinguished -nobles, the two Mortimers, uncle and nephew, among their number. A -revolution broke out against the king, in 1325, concocted, it is said, by -the queen and her favourite, Roger Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore, in which -the French monarch also took part. A strong feeling for and against -Edward was manifested in Shrewsbury, where the Mortimers were well known. -Edmund, Earl of Arundel, was one of the few peers who had preserved their -loyalty to the crown. He assembled a multitude of his Welsh tenantry at -Oswestry, with a view of seizing Shrewsbury for the king. Arundel was, -however, apprehended near Shrewsbury, with certain of his adherents, -after an obstinate struggle. The Earl was taken from that town to -Hereford, where he expiated his loyalty on the scaffold. For this -“service” the “good men of Salop” had all the goods and chattels found -upon him. After his execution, the queen, to show her attachment to her -paramour, Lord Mortimer, obtained the Castle of Oswestry for that -favourite. In 1324, Edmund, Earl of Arundel, granted two shops in -Leg-street, to the burgesses of Oswestry for ever, on payment of 13s. 4d. -yearly. This grant is witnessed by “Lord Richard, Abbot of Haggemon,” -and others, and “dated at Oswaldestre, on the feast of St. Michael, in -the 18th year of the reign of King Edward, the son of King Edward.” - -Edward III.’s reign was long and glorious. It was distinguished by the -ever-memorable battle of Cressy. Part of the inhabitants of this town -doubtless contributed to the victory thus obtained; for in 1346 the king -directed Richard Fitz-Alan to raise two hundred of his vassals from -Oswestry and Clun, to attend him in the French wars. - -In 1397 Richard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey, was attainted and executed, -when Richard II. seized all his lands and manors, and granted them to -William le Scrope, Earl of Wiltshire. In the _Historia Regum Angliæ_ we -find the following bit of superstition entertained at this period. On -this occasion the Earl of Arundel must, of course, have deeply regretted -his contempt of the marvellous stone of which John Ross, the Antiquary, -of Warwick, writes. “The earl,” says this grave author, “kept a raven in -his court; and one day, as he was playing at chess in the garden, the -bird,” or, as Ross suggests, “a spirit in that form, brought up -(_eructavit_) a stone having the virtue of invisibility. The earl set no -value upon it, contrary to the advice of his nobles; and soon after, -being arrested by strong hand, he was committed to ward, and finally -beheaded.” - -The king, having put down all opposition to certain measures which he was -resolved to carry, by the execution of Arundel, and the murder of his -uncle of Gloucester, adjourned his Parliament at Westminster to -Shrewsbury, and from thence to Oswestry. An apprehension of tumult among -the Earl of Arundel’s tenantry in this county, from his violent death, -and the seizure of his estates, was probably the reason for making both -Shrewsbury and Oswestry the scene of that national assembly. The -Parliament met at Shrewsbury Jan. 29, 1397–8, and was designated THE -GREAT PARLIAMENT. In this regal visit he displayed great magnificence, -and entertained the members with a sumptuous banquet, he appearing among -the people in his costly royal robes. Whilst in Shrewsbury Richard made -Chester a Principality, and annexed to it the Castle of Holt, the -lordship of Bromfield and Yale, Chirkland, and various other places in -Wales and on the Borders. During the proceedings in Parliament it was -ascertained that deadly hatred subsisted between the Dukes of Hereford -and Norfolk. These noblemen had been jointly concerned in the -impeachment of Arundel and his fellow-sufferers, at Westminster. -Norfolk, touched by remorse for his share in the ruin of a patriotic -peer, or desirous of ensnaring his late confederate, who had charged -Norfolk with using words disrespectful to the king, fell into open -quarrel with Hereford, who made the matter a subject of public accusation -in the Parliament against his antagonist. The king, unwilling that any -discourse about himself should be made the subject of open discussion, -suddenly closed the proceedings of Parliament, and adjourned to Oswestry. -In the assembly there the dispute between the two Dukes was recommenced, -and the king resolved that it should be ended by a duel between the -belligerent parties at Coventry. The combat did not take place, as the -Duke of Norfolk refused to fight; upon which Norfolk was banished from -the kingdom for ever, and Hereford for ten years. As a mark of the royal -favour, Richard granted, before the Parliament closed, the first Charter -conferred upon Oswestry, by which the town was incorporated by the name -of “_The Bailiffs and Burgesses of Oswestry_, _infra Palatinatum Cestriæ -in Marchia inter Angliam et Walliam_.” The Charter, which was founded -upon the one granted just before at Shrewsbury, exempted the Burgesses -from all contributions and exactions whatsoever, throughout the kingdom, -the city of London excepted. It bears date, August 14, 1399. - -The close of Richard’s kingly rule was near. His love of idle show and -magnificence, his delight in popular applause, the buzzing about him of -parasites and flatterers, and his indulgence in pleasures, were followed -by a brief scene of bitter existence, which ended in degrading -humiliation and painful death. The eyes of Henry of Lancaster, Duke of -Hereford, had long been directed towards the throne, and he actively -employed his agents to place him upon it. The classic historians of -Shrewsbury assure us that, either from the disgust occasioned by outrages -perpetrated upon the Burgesses, by Richard’s body-guard, or disorderly -multitudes brought into the town during the sittings of his Parliament, -“it is certain that the revolution which placed Henry of Lancaster on the -throne had the entire concurrence of the inhabitants of these parts -(Shropshire). When the Duke proceeded into Wales to circumvent the -unhappy Richard, he passed through Ludlow and Shrewsbury, and was joined -here (Shrewsbury) by the Lords Scales and Bardolph, Sir Robert and Sir -John Legh, and other gentlemen of Cheshire.” Richard, after suffering -much indignity, was secured a prisoner in Flint Castle, by the great -conspirator Lancaster, and from thence was led in the Duke’s train to -Chester. Here Bolingbroke delivered the subdued monarch to the Duke of -Gloucester and Thomas, Earl of Arundel, saying, “Here is the murderer of -your father, you must be answerable for him.” He was subsequently -conveyed to Pontefract Castle, where he was basely assassinated by a band -of armed ruffians, four of whom he killed with a battle-axe before he -fell. - -The untimely death of Richard caused an immediate change in the -government of Oswestry. Its newly-created lord, the Earl of Wiltshire, -fell a victim to popular fury, and Thomas, son of the attainted Earl of -Arundel, was restored to the manorial rights and dignities of Oswestry. -The Earl of Huntington, the king’s brother, fled into the county of -Essex; but passing through a village belonging to the Countess of -Hereford (sister of the deceased Richard, Earl of Arundel), he was -discovered, and arrested. The countess apprized the new monarch, Henry, -of the capture, and desired him to send to her the young Earl of Arundel, -her nephew, that he might witness the mode in which she intended to -avenge herself of her brother’s death. The Earl of Arundel posted to the -place where Huntington was prisoner, and loaded him with reproaches. The -countess delivered the captive nobleman, bound with chains, into the -hands of eight thousand of her vassals, whom she called together for the -occasion. The wretched prisoner, struck with terror at the preparations -made to take away his life, sued for mercy, and protested that he had not -committed the foul act of which he was accused. Had the countess -restrained her rage, and listened to reason and justice, she would have -found that Huntington was not a guilty murderer, but that Richard, Earl -of Arundel, was brought to the block mainly by the treachery of the Earl -of Nottingham. Heedless of his protestations and cries for mercy, she -commanded her vassals to cut him to pieces. His assembled executioners -are said to have taken pity upon him; whilst the countess and young earl -strenuously urged his death. Maddened by rage, she exclaimed, “Curse on -ye all, villains; you have not the courage to put a man to death.” This -violent exclamation roused an esquire, who offered himself as -executioner. He seized the hatchet, and approached Huntington, but was -so touched with his tender complaints, that he trembled with emotion; and -returning to the countess, his eyes being filled with tears, he said, “I -would not put the earl to death for all the gold in the world.” The -countess, full of indignation, looking at him “unutterable things,” -exclaimed, “Do what thou hast promised, or thy own head shall be cut -off.” When he heard this he was so afraid that he knew not what to do, -and approaching the earl again said, “Sir, I entreat your pardon; forgive -me your death.” He then struck him a violent blow on the shoulder, which -felled him to the ground. Huntington sprang up again, and said, “Alas, -man, why do you treat me thus? For God’s sake kill me more easily.” The -esquire then struck him eight times on the shoulder, being so terrified -that he could not aim his blows at the neck. Another blow followed, -which fell on the neck, when the wretched nobleman, suffering pain and -agony from his cruel treatment, cried out, “Alas, dear friend, have pity -upon me, and free me from my pain.” The executioner then seized a knife, -and cut the Earl’s throat, separating his head from the body. - -The Glyndwr or Glendower insurrection arose about this period, and the -town of Oswestry greatly suffered from it. Owain Glyndwr was descended -on the mother’s side from Llywelyn, the last sovereign Prince of Wales, -his father, Grufydd Vychan, having married Helen, a grand-daughter of -that puissant chieftain. He studied the law at one of the Inns of Court -in London, and finally was admitted as a barrister. He may have quitted -his profession, for we find he was appointed an esquire to Richard II., -to whom he was devotedly attached, and whose fortunes he followed even to -Flint Castle, and till his royal master’s household was dissolved. He -had been knighted by King Richard, and was married early in life to -Margaret, daughter to Sir David Hanmer, of Hanmer, in Flintshire, one of -the Justices of the Court of the King’s Bench. His resentment against -Henry IV. was strong and implacable. He had suffered deep private wrongs -from the usurpation of the king, and burned with indignation to avenge -himself. - -Owain Glyndwr’s sudden appearance as a military leader of his countrymen -roused their ancient martial spirit, and thousands flocked to his -standard. In the year 1400 the town of Oswestry was burned, the Welsh -having attacked it; and in 1403 Owain Glyndwr assembled his forces in the -town, that he might join Lord Percy (surnamed Henry Hotspur) against the -king. The Welsh leader dispatched to the “tented field” his first -division only, amounting to 4000 men, whose prowess was distinguished on -the day of battle. The great body of his troops, about 12,000 in number, -did not approach nearer than Oswestry, they having been detained at the -siege of Kidweli Castle. It is thought by some writers, that Owain did -not remain inactively at Oswestry. Gough, the historian, mentions, that -about two miles from Shrewsbury, where the Pool road diverges from that -leading to Oswestry, “there stands an ancient decayed Oak Tree, of which -there is a tradition, that Glyndwr ascended it to reconnoitre; but -finding that the king was in great force, and that the Earl of -Northumberland had not joined his son, he fell back to Oswestry, and -immediately afterwards retreated into Wales.” - -In the “_Beauties of England and Wales_,” the Shropshire history edited -by Mr. Rylance, we find the following passage on Glyndwr’s alledged -abandonment of Hotspur “at his utmost need:”— - - “The army of Glyndwr, amounting to twelve thousand men, had remained - inactive at Oswestry during the battle. There is a tradition that he - himself quitted that place in disguise, and hastening to Shrewsbury, - hid himself in a gigantic oak, which commanded a full view of the - field; and that after witnessing the discomfiture of his friends, - returning with speed to Oswestry, he withdrew his forces into Wales, - whither he was pursued by Prince Henry.” - -Hulbert, too, in his “_History of the Town and County of Salop_,” -referring to the famous battle, says, “Owain Glyndwr _beheld_ the battle -of Shrewsbury, instead of _sustaining_, by his arms, the cause of his -ally, the gallant and intrepid Hotspur.” Another writer on this -memorable event declares, that had Glyndwr brought up his reserved troops -when Hotspur by his impetuous onslaughts was within an ace of victory, or -when the brave warrior was slain, the battle would have been won, and the -royal forces entirely routed. Taking these allegements to be truths, -Glyndwr perpetrated a baseness which all faithful men must condemn. - -Many writers have taken pains to solve the question, “Did Owain Glyndwr -act merely as an idle spectator at the battle of Shrewsbury; or did he -actually lead his _corps de reserve_ to Shelton, to aid the gallant -Hotspur?” No author that we have read has settled that doubtful inquiry. -Owain’s hatred of Henry, and his ardent efforts to give freedom to his -countrymen, with his chivalrous bearing in the rebellion he had created, -would suggest no evidence that Glyndwr was pusillanimous; and yet history -furnishes alleged facts strongly reflecting upon his heroic spirit, and -almost charging him with craven cowardice. To conclude that Glyndwr was -actuated by base and unmanly curiosity in perching himself upon a branch -of the Shelton Oak would be to brand his name with infamy; and yet, if he -were espying the battle from that famous tree, his troops being close in -reserve, but not in action, an accusation no less severe must ever rest -upon his character as a chieftain and a man. On this interesting -subject, which will always engage the attention of historical readers, a -poet of bright fancy and manly sentiment—Dovaston of Westfelton—has given -sarcastic expression to an opinion, in a Miltonic sonnet on the Shelton -Oak, that Owain Glyndwr, at the battle of Shrewsbury, was a traitor to -gallantry and faith:— - - “Tradition says, and why not trust Tradition, - When many a haunt breathes, hallowed by her song, - From this Great Oak, backed by twelve thousand men, - Wrung at their country’s wrongs and murdered king, - Glyndwr, the wise, the bountiful, the brave, - _Beheld young Percy fall_: and conquest crown - The perjured Bolingbroke.—‘Bright youth, he cried, - Thy spur is cold. One thoughtless act hath lost - An Empire’s tide. Mark what the great have said— - ‘The better part of valour is discretion,’ - For safe on prudence every good attends.” - -“The Battle of Shrewsbury” is not only “clad,” as the same poet -fancifully describes, “in cold-hearted History’s homely weeds,” but -“garlanded with Avon’s dewy flowers.” The conflict is part of the -history of this district; and the narrative we subjoin, from the able -pens of the historians of Shrewsbury, will attract the attention of all -who value “pure English, undefiled:”— - - “Of the famous and severely-contested battle which ensued under the - walls of our town, the awful prelude to so many more between the - rival houses, through the remainder of the century, we have five - contemporary and perhaps independent narratives; but one of them is a - mass of errors, and another extremely succinct, and of the others - only one is circumstantial: nor is any of them sufficient to satisfy - the minute curiosity of the local historian: but the best account - that can be drawn from a comparison of the whole, supplied in some - instances by a consideration of the ground, and in a few others by - modest conjecture, shall be laid before the reader as the conclusion - of the present chapter. - - “We are unable to trace the progress of Hotspur’s long march from the - North to Shrewsbury, a journey of not less than 250 miles. He - probably set out in the beginning of July; and skirting along the - eastern side of Cheshire, where his army received a considerable - augmentation, passed through Stafford, and was joined there by his - uncle the earl of Worcester. The king, aware of his intention to - gain possession of Shrewsbury, and desirous of cutting off his - junction with Glendower, pursued him with hasty marches. We find his - majesty on the 16th of July at Burton-upon-Trent, and on the 17th at - Lichfield: whence, finding that he could not overtake his enemy, he - hastened on to reach Shrewsbury before him. He would naturally take - the Watling Street road, and enter this town over the Abbey Bridge. - The route of Hotspur was more to the north, in order to keep up a - communication with the Severn, so important for his junction with - Glendower. In all probability he marched through Newport, by High - Ercall and Haghmond Hill; and hoped to gain admittance through the - North or Castle Gate. The king arrived just in time to save the - town: he entered it only a few hours before Hotspur, who reached the - Castle Foregate on the evening of Friday, July 19th, and the king’s - forces could not have advanced from Lichfield before the morning of - that day. They were certainly here before Percy: for, aware of the - intention of that young nobleman, and desirous to save the Castle - from his attack, they set fire to that extensive suburb, and marched - out of the Castle gates to offer him battle. Hotspur, unwilling to - bring his army into action at the close of a toilsome march, and - learning, from the royal banner which waved on the walls, that the - king was in possession of the town, called off his followers from the - attack, and retired to the Bull-field, an extensive common which - stretched from Upper Berwick to the East. He thus protected his rear - by the woody and impervious precipices extending to Leaton shelf, and - had the river not only on his side, but also, if it had not entirely - deserted its ancient channel under Cross-hill, (as there is reason to - believe it had not,) in his front also. This position enabled him - likewise to communicate readily over that stream by the ford of - Shelton with the forces of Glendower, when they should arrive, as he - hoped, on the opposite bank. Here he passed the night in council. - His army consisted of 14,000 chosen men, of whom a considerable part - were of the county of Chester, at that time eminent for its skill in - archery; but, if Hall is correct, the royal army was nearly double - that number; for he writes that above 40,000 men were assembled on - both parts, and every circumstance of the battle proves that the king - was at the head of a very superior force. His situation was, - however, by no means devoid of anxiety. He must have been conscious - how slender the title was which he possessed to the throne: and how - ill-disposed his peerage of the realm were to maintain him upon it. - From the Castle he might view, as the dawn arose, the plain which - stretched to the north glittering with hostile arms: while the - dreadful Glendower was believed to be in full march from Oswestry, to - join the rebels with his Welsh forces. But the difficulties of the - crisis only sufficed to call forth his energies and display his - talents. - - “Henry was himself a distinguished warrior. In earlier life he had, - in company with his princely uncle the duke of Gloucester, travelled - into the north of Europe in quest of martial glory; and under the - banners of the renowned Teutonic order had made a glorious campaign - against the Pagans of Lithuania. He was still in the vigour of life, - being much under forty years of age, and an adversary every way - worthy of the gallant Percy; whom, relying upon the superiority of - his numbers, he determined, if possible, to force to an engagement, - before that nobleman should receive his reinforcements from Wales or - the north. By break of day, therefore, he dispatched, it is - probable, a strong force, under the nominal command, for it could be - no more, of the young prince, the future hero of Agincourt, but then - a youth of fourteen years, to come up with Hotspur at Berwick, if - possible. He himself, with the main body, appears to have marched - out on the Hadnall road, ready to proceed as occasion might demand, - either to the north of Cross Hill and Almond Pool, and close the - rebels between his two divisions; or else to advance further on upon - that road, where it branches off to Shawbury, with the view of - cutting off their retreat, if Hotspur, aware of his design, should - attempt to march to the east. It happened as the king anticipated. - Hotspur, on his advance, broke up in some disorder, and marched by - Harlescot and Abright Hussey to Hately-field, which stretches from - thence eastwards. Here, however, finding it impossible to avoid an - engagement, on account, as we may suppose, of the obstruction to his - retreat presented by the king’s movement above mentioned, he made his - stand in the rear of a field of peas nearly ripe; behind which he - stationed his army, and hoped thereby to deter the king from - advancing over a tract which must necessarily impede his operations. - - “He then addressed his little army in a short harangue, of which - Walsingham has preserved the heads. ‘We must desist,’ said he, ‘from - any further attempt to retreat, and turn our arms on those that come - against us. Ye see the royal banner, nor is there time to seek a - passage even though we wished it. Stand, therefore, with steadfast - hearts: for this day shall either promote us all, if we conquer; or - deliver us from an usurper, if we fall: and it is better to die in - battle for the common wealth, than after battle by the sentence of - our foe:” and with this, to support the courage of his men by proving - his design to fight to the outrance, he dispatched two of his - esquires, Knayton and Salvayn, with that strange defiance, in which - he loads the king with the most horrid crimes. * * * * - - “No one has informed us how the king received this furious manifesto. - He had something else to engage his attention. He proceeded to - marshal his forces, dividing them into two columns, or wedges. Of - one of these he took the command himself, and entrusted the other to - his son. The front rank of his own column was led on by his nephew - the young earl of Stafford, a soldier of conspicuous valour, on whom - he had that morning conferred the high office of constable of - England, recently enjoyed by the earl of Northumberland. Previous to - the final onset, the king, in compliance with the customs of - chivalry, bestowed the honour of knighthood on certain of his most - distinguished esquires. Hotspur, perceiving that an engagement was - unavoidable, called for his favourite sword. His attendants informed - him that it was left behind at Berwick, of which village it does not - appear that he had till then learned the name. At these words he - turned pale, and said, ‘I perceive that my plough is drawing to its - last furrow, for a wizard told me in Northumberland that I should - perish at Berwick: which I vainly interpreted of that town in the - North.’ His courage did not, however, yield to the impressions of - superstition; he rallied his spirits, and arranged his troops with - his usual ability: assigning their respective stations to his uncle - Worcester, the Scottish earl of Douglas, his recent captive at - Halidown, sir Richard Venables, baron of Kinderton, Hugh Brow, Hugh - Vernon, and others. His troops appear to have been chiefly stationed - on the north side of the spot now occupied by the church in a field - still called _the Hateleys_: on the east side of the church is a - field denominated _the King’s croft_, in which, it may be presumed, - were ranged those which the king commanded in person. These - positions exactly agree with the objects which we have assigned above - to the respective leaders; and lend, it is hoped, some confirmation - to the conjectural part of the preceding narration. - - “While the hostile armies, drawn up in battle array facing each - other, waited, with mute expectation, the sound of the trumpet, the - dreadful signal for combat, two venerable divines, Thomas Prestbury, - lord abbot of Salop, and the clerk of the privy seal, advanced out of - the royal army, and proceeded towards that of Percy. The king, - desirous to spare the blood of his subjects, offered him and his - adherents pardon and peace, and redress of all grievances of which - they could justly complain. Hotspur was touched by these unexpected - overtures, made under circumstances of such numerical inequality, and - requested his uncle of Worcester to repair to the royal presence in - company of these holy men, and state the grounds on which he had - taken up arms. The king, we may suppose, was in his turn somewhat - softened by the sight of the earl, who had been so recently engaged - in the domestic office of governor to the prince of Wales; and a - recollection of the obligations he had received from the Percy family - might mix itself with his other reflections. It is certain that to - the remonstrances of Worcester, delivered in a fierce and haughty - tone, he listened with respect, and replied with a condescension - which, in the opinion of the spectators, was somewhat unbefitting the - royal dignity. A contemporary writer has preserved, though with a - mistake of the person, the dialogue supposed to have passed between - them. The king ‘counselled him to put himself on his grace.’ To - which the other replied, ‘I trust not in your grace.’—‘I pray God,’ - rejoined the king, ‘that thou mayest have to answer for the blood - here to be shed this day, and not I. March on standard-bearer!’ and - the battle was set.—It is certain that the stern temper of Worcester - rejected all attempts at conciliation: he was conscious how deeply he - had been engaged in fomenting the quarrel; and, on his return to his - friends, he misrepresented the demeanour of Henry in such a manner to - his nephew, that the latter, with whatever reluctance, was compelled - to relinquish all hopes of accommodation. At length, therefore, much - of the day having been consumed in these fruitless negociations, both - parties flew to arms, and the air was rent with the war-cries of - ‘_St. George_’ on one side, and ‘_Esperance Percy_’ on the other. In - the meanwhile, Glendower had advanced as far as Shelton on the - opposite bank of Severn, where he awaited the issue of the contest, - determined to proceed or retire according to its event. He is said, - by the constant tradition of the country, to have ascended there the - branches of a lofty oak, whose venerable trunk yet remains, for the - purpose of viewing the battle; at least of gaining, from personal - inspection, the earliest intelligence of its event. - - “The fight began by furious and repeated volleys of arrows from - Hotspur’s archers, whose ground, as may be seen, greatly favoured - that kind of warfare: and they did great execution on the royal army. - The king’s bowmen were not wanting in return, and the battle raged - with violence. The military art had not yet attained that perfection - which almost supersedes the effect of individual exertion; and - Hotspur, with his associate Douglas, bent on the king’s destruction, - rushing through the midst of the hostile arrows, pierced their way to - the spot on which he stood. To adopt the vivid language of a - contemporary, ‘in the ardour of his spirit, he assembled a band of - thirty warriors, broke into the royal army, and made a great alley in - the midst thereof,’ (such was the terror which his presence inspired) - ‘even to the stoutest of the king’s guards.’ Monstrelet says, Henry - was thrice unhorsed by the Scottish earl, and would have been taken - or slain had he not been defended and rescued by his own men. And - the fortune of the day would have been forthwith decided, if the - Scottish earl of March had not withdrawn him from the danger; for the - royal standard-bearer was slain, his banner beaten down; and many of - the chosen band appointed to guard it (among whom were the earl of - Stafford and sir Walter Blount,) were killed by these desperate - assailants,—while the young prince of Wales was wounded in the face - by an arrow. In short, notwithstanding all the exertions of the - royalists, victory seemed inclined to favour the rebel army, who - fought with renewed ardour, from an opinion naturally derived from - the overthrow of his standard, that the king himself had fallen, and - animated each other to the combat with cheering and redoubled shouts - of ‘_Henry Percy_, _king_! _Henry Percy_, _king_!’ - - “In this critical moment the gallant Percy, raging through the - adverse ranks in quest of his sovereign, fell by an unknown hand; - alone, and hemmed in by foes. The king lost no time to avail himself - of this event. Straining his voice to the utmost, he exclaimed - aloud, ‘_Henry Percy is dead_!’ The sound was heard by either army: - into those it struck dismay, while these it animated and encouraged. - The rebels fled in every direction, nor could the king, anxious as he - was to terminate the slaughter, restrain the impetuous pursuit of his - own troops, till the flower of Cheshire, two hundred knights and - esquires (besides pages and footmen) were slain. Douglas broke - through, and endeavoured to escape in the direction of Haghmond-hill: - being closely pursued, and leaping from a crag, he experienced a - severe injury, and was captured: but the king, in admiration of his - valour, set him at liberty. The loss in both armies was great. * * * - An ancient manuscript rates the number of gentlemen at two thousand - two hundred and ninety-one, besides commons. They were chiefly - buried, says that authority, in a great pit, the dimensions of which - are there specified, and over which the present church of Battlefield - was afterwards erected: but many are stated to have lain dispersed in - various directions for the space of three miles about the field of - battle: a fact which confirms what has been said above of the - desultory nature of the conflict. Others, of the most distinguished - rank, were interred in the neighbouring town, chiefly in the cemetery - of the Dominican or St. Mary’s Friars. - - “The body of Hotspur was at first delivered to his kinsman lord - Furnival for interment, and it was by him committed to the ground - with the suffrages of the church, and with all the honours which, in - that haste, could be procured as due to his rank. It is painful to - reflect, that the king afterwards repented him of this generous - attention to the remains of deceased valour. He caused the corpse to - be taken out of the tomb in which it had been laid, and to be placed - between two mill-stones in the public street, near the pillory; - where, as if he feared lest the general sympathy should rescue it - from its ignominious situation, it was kept under military guard, - till the head was severed from the body, which was divided into - quarters, and transmitted to several cities in the realm.” - -Thus closes this circumstantial and able description of the celebrated -battle of Shrewsbury; an event so interesting in the annals of the -county, that we make no apology for having transferred so detailed an -account of it to our pages. A nobler theme could not well be conceived -for the lay of a minstrel. “The characters of the leaders, both of the -royal and of the rebel party, the chivalrous spirit of the times in which -they lived, and the magnitude of the cause that roused them to arms, are -circumstances highly susceptible of poetical description, while the train -of incidents from the very origin to the termination of the feud, is of -that romantic cast which requires little embellishment from fiction. -There is indeed one objection which may have deterred our later Poets -from the undertaking; it is, that the ground which Shakspeare has trod is -sacred; but without any violation of the reverence due to his memory, it -may be wished that this magnificent subject had also been celebrated by -the muse that sang the tale of Flodden Field.” - -We have already stated that on the deposition of Richard II. the Earl of -Wiltshire, recently appointed lord of the Manor of Oswestry, fell a -victim to popular fury, and Thomas, son of Richard, Earl of Arundel, was -restored in blood. This last-named nobleman was a liberal supporter of -the Corporation of Oswestry. In 1406 he gave it a release for £100 (a -large sum in those days,) which that body was indebted to him, in -consideration of the distresses which the town had suffered during the -Glyndwr insurrection. He also obtained pardon from the king for his -vassals in Chirk, Bromfield, and the Manor of Oswestry, for the share -they had taken in that rebellion. In the same year with the release he -granted a most extensive Charter to the town, containing many matters -showing the customs of the times. This Charter ordered, that “neither -the lord nor his heirs should confiscate or seize the effects of persons -with or without will in the corporation; that no burgess should be -compelled to be the lord’s receiver-general, but only collector of the -issues arising within the borough; that the burgesses should be -discharged from all fees demanded by the Constable of the castle, or any -of his menial servants, for any felonies or trespasses committed out of -the same liberties, when brought to the prison of the castle; saving that -the Constable might receive one penny at his own election, from every -mansion-house in the town, and a farthing from every cottage, on the -feast of St. Stephen annually; that the burgesses should be free for the -future from all excise of ale, brewed and sold in the town, which had -hitherto been payable at the rate of seven-pence for every _Bracena -cervisiæ_ exposed for sale; that they were to be freed from the duty of -_Amobyr_, or _Lyre-Wyte_; that whoever lived in the house of a burgess, -and happened to die there, the burgess was to have a heriot after his -decease, in the same manner as the _Uchelwyr_, or freeholders residing on -the lands of the lord in the Hundred of Oswestry; that no Shrewsbury ale -should be sold in the town without license, while any ale brewed in the -town was to be had, under the penalty of 6s. 8d.; that none of the -inhabitants of the lordships of Oswestry, Melverley, Kinardsley, -Edgerley, Ruyton, and the eleven towns, should drive or carry any cattle, -corn, or victuals, or other wares, to any foreign fair or market, before -the same had first been exposed for sale in the town of Oswestry, under -the penalty of 6s. 8d.; that none of the lord’s tenants should be -compelled to pay the _redditus advocarii_ for the security of the -castle,” &c. The _Amobyr_ of the Welsh, and the _Lyre-Wyte_ of the -Saxons, were fines paid by the vassal to his lord, to buy off the power -to violate domestic relations. Pennant gives a different interpretation -to the term _Amobyr_, but does not succeed in giving us its literal and -precise meaning. There is one curious fact mentioned in the aforesaid -Charter, and which, even in these days must excite a smile. The -respective _six-and-eightpences_ of the gentlemen who now study “Coke -upon Littleton” was actually prescribed even so far back as the fifteenth -century. It would be a still more curious fact developed, were we -acquainted with the lord of the Manor’s law-adviser when this Charter was -granted, because we might perhaps then be able, from the knowledge of -that fact, to ascribe the origin, if not honour, of lawyers’ -_six-and-eightpences_ to the ancient Borough of Oswestry! - -According to Pennant, “until the time of the above-mentioned Charter, the -lord’s Welsh tenants of the Hundred of Oswestry were accustomed by their -tenure to keep watch and ward, for three days and three nights, at the -four gates of the town, during the fairs of St. Andrew and St. Oswald, -with a certain number of men called _Kaies_; but these treacherously, -with others, ravaged and plundered the place. On this the tenants were -compelled to pay a sum of money as wages to a sufficient number of -Englishmen, as the burgesses should think convenient, for the custody of -the four gates; and the Welsh men were for ever to be discharged from -that duty. The vassals of the Earl of Arundel in these parts were of a -mixed nature; either descendants of the Norman followers of Alan, or of -the native Welsh, who were most numerous, and bore an hereditary dislike -to their co-tenants of foreign stock. The Welsh part was called -_Walcheria_, and lay in the upper part of the parish.” - -Reverting to Owain Glyndwr’s career, we see that his escape from the -Shelton Oak, at the Battle of Shrewsbury, did not deter him from fresh -enterprises. Evidently regardless of the ruin of his allies—they, as -Leland tells us, “whom he promised to unite with” at that battle—he -continued to infest the English borders, where he committed great havoc, -the king being unable, from the want of funds, to resist his aggressions. -Owain’s marauding parties committed serious damage to Shrewsbury and -several of the adjoining townships, and extended their ravages as far as -Buildwas Abbey, which they wasted with fire, so that divine service was -for a time discontinued, and the monks were reduced to the greatest -poverty. At length Henry directed a writ to Edward Charlton, Lord Powys, -to raise forces with which to subdue the renewed rebellion; and similar -orders were sent to Lords Arundel and Grey, and Sir Richard L’Strange, -Lord of Knockin, Ellesmere, and other bordering manors. Glyndwr had -despatched to Shrewsbury two of his best officers, Rhys Ddu and Philipot -Scudamore, to command the insurrectionary party; but Lord Powys, having -promptly obeyed the orders of his sovereign, fortified several castles, -and speedily took as prisoners the above-named two leaders, and they were -both soon afterwards executed in London. Holinshed says, that “Glyndwr -himself in the same year, dreading to show his face to any creature, and -finally lacking meat to sustain nature, for mere hunger and lack of food -miserably pined away and died.” He was living, however, six years later, -but in a state of concealment, chiefly at the house of one of his -daughters, married to a gentleman of Herefordshire named Monnington. In -July, 1415, the new king Henry V., anxious to leave his country in -tranquillity before he engaged in the war with France, offered a pardon -to Glyndwr; and this would probably have been accepted by the Cambrian -chieftain, had not the negotiation been interrupted by his death, which -occurred September 30th, 1415, in the 61st year of his age. It is said -that David Holbetch, Steward of the manors of Oswestry, Bromfield, and -Yale, and founder of the Oswestry Free Grammar School, took a -distinguished part in this negotiation, and obtained the promised pardon -for Glyndwr. Tradition states that he was buried in the churchyard of -Monnington-on-Wye. - -With Glyndwr ceased most of the troubles and calamities which had too -long afflicted the English and Welsh Borders. The superstitious charm -with which Owain’s name had been invested by his countrymen soon faded -away, and his life, though startling in a rude and ignorant age, soon -proved that he was “in the common roll of men!” Shakspere was justified -in creating him, poetically, as self-idolatrous, for his daring -incursions and fiery movements indicate that he believed himself to be of -the meteoric class, to curb oppression and give liberty to the enslaved. -For years after Glyndwr’s fall Oswestry, for aught that history tells us -to the contrary, lay in comparative repose, entirely free from foreign -aggression. Intestine feuds and disorders seem to have been the chief -disturbers. The Welsh were arrayed against the English, and the latter -appear to have had no less enmity against their Cambrian neighbours. To -Pennant’s industrious and accurate research we are indebted for the -scanty notices collected of the history of this period. Among the -records of the Drapers’ Company of Shrewsbury, he tells us there is the -following order:—“25 Eliz. 1513. Ordered, that no Draper set out for -Oswestry on Mondays before six o’clock, on forfeiture of six shillings -and eightpence; and that they wear their weapons all the way, and go in -company—not to go over the Welsh Bridge before the bell toll six.” - -However numerous and fierce marauders were in the days here referred to, -it would seem that peaceful employments were nevertheless pursued by the -inhabitants of Oswestry, and that their manufactured cloth was of so good -a quality as to be held in high repute among the Shrewsbury Drapers. The -“contests, robberies, and disturbances in the Marches of Wales” still -continuing with unabated force, and both Welsh and English seeming to -have considered everything as lawful plunder which they could seize in -each other’s territory, the Stewards, the Constable, and Lieutenant of -Oswestry and Powys entered into covenants in the year 1534, to restrain -these plundering excursions. It was agreed, that “if, after a certain -day then fixed, any person of one lordship committed felony in the other, -he should be taken and sent into the lordship where the offence was -committed, to receive punishment; and that if any goods or cattle were -stolen from one lordship and conveyed into the other, the tenants and -inhabitants of that lordship should either pay for the same within -fifteen days, or otherwise four principal men should remain in bail, a -main-prize, till they were either paid for or recovered.” - -Notwithstanding these rigorous measures, the evil still continued; and so -alarmed were certain of the inhabitants of Shrewsbury, and regardful of -the safety of their fellow-burgesses who had to visit Oswestry market -weekly, that prayers for their preservation were offered up in one of the -churches, on Monday mornings, before they started on their perilous -journey. A timid gentleman, William Jones, Esq., left to the Drapers’ -Company “one pound six-shillings and eight-pence, to be paid annually to -the Vicar of St. Alkmond’s Church, for reading prayers on Monday -mornings, before the Drapers set out for Oswestry market!” Pennant -informs us that at this period “Oswestry was the great emporium for Welsh -cloth; a privilege to which it was well entitled from its vicinity to -those districts of Wales in which that important branch of commerce was -manufactured, at a period when the English trader could not, with any -degree of safety, trust himself in the Principality. To this town -(Oswestry) the Drapers of Shrewsbury repaired every Monday. We learn the -fact from a curious MS. Chronicle of the last-mentioned town, which -relates that ‘on Monday, Dec. 5th, 1575, the Drapers of Shrewsbury had -like to have been robbed, if they had not been privately warned; but the -bailiffs and a great company went, strongly aimed, upon their usual trade -toward Oswestry. The robbers proposed to rob them in the dale between -Shelton and Shrewsbury, and lay over night in Master Sherar’s barn, on -the other side of the water.’ The whole narrative, which is told much at -length in the Chronicle, exhibits the unsettled police of a country -slowly emerging from a state of barbarism, and strongly reminds the -reader of the inimitable scene at Gadshill, so admirably pourtrayed by -our great dramatic bard in the first part of Henry IV.” The same writer -adds, “notwithstanding, however, this and similar proofs of the general -insecurity of the country, the Welsh manufacturer was unwilling to meet -the purchaser even half way with his commodities. ‘Not satisfied,’ says -our countryman Dr. Peter Heylyn, in his _Cosmography_, ‘with having fixed -the market at Oswestry, they sought to draw the staple more into their -own country.’ The MS. quoted above informs us, under the year 1582, that -it would have been removed thence, ‘to the great decay of that town and -of Shrewsbury, yf Sir Thomas Bromley, being Lord Chancelor, had not by -his great wisdom opened the same to the Queen’s Majestie, for which godly -deede theye of the said townes are contynewally bownde to praye daylye.’ -Lord Chancellor Bromley was a Shropshire man, and possessor, by purchase -from the Earl of Arundel, of the Castle and Lordship of Shrawardine; he -was therefore personally interested in the prosperity of the county, and -by his influence at Court enabled to promote it.” It would further -appear, that the market was continued at Oswestry, so that it is likely -that Lord Bromley’s interposition at Court prevailed. In 1585 the Welsh -cloth market was removed from Oswestry to Knockin, the plague having -broken out in this borough, and destroyed “three-score and four persons, -and no more;” according to the parish register. The plague continued -from April to August, when it entirely disappeared, and the market was -held, as before, in Oswestry. - -Oswestry was visited with other calamities some few years before this -period. In 1542 a fire broke out in the town, which was so destructive, -that “two long streets with great riches” were consumed; and in 1567 -there was another fire, which destroyed “seven-score within the walls, -and three-score without.” The suburb still known by the name of -_Pentre-Poeth_ (the burnt end of the town) suffered severely, and may -have derived its designation from this destructive fire; or, as Price -intimates, from the frequent fires that may have occurred there during -the conflicts between the Welsh and English. These accidents were looked -upon, at the time, through astrological telescopes, by Camden, the -historian, and a Dr. Childrey. They both gravely ascribed these events -to astrological phenomena, Camden seriously remarking, “that the eclipses -of the sun in Aries have been very fatal to this place; for in the years -1542 and 1567, when the sun was eclipsed in that sign, it (Oswestry) -suffered much by fire!” After reading such absurdity as this from men -professing to be learned, we have reason to be thankful that we are -living in a more enlightened and scientific age. - -A few years before the conflagration last referred to, the town was -visited by a no less alarming evil. In 1559 pestilence consigned to the -grave, within one year, more than five hundred of the inhabitants. The -disease which thus afflicted the people is stated to have commenced with -profuse perspiration, (from which it was called “the sweating sickness,”) -and to have continued until the death or recovery of the patient. Its -operation was quick and powerful, and cure or death occurred within -twenty-four hours. Those persons who were seized in the day were put to -bed in their clothes to wait the issue; and those seized in the night -were desired to remain in bed, but not to sleep. The desolation of the -town during the long continuance of the plague is described in affecting -language by the writer of the clever historical sketches, on the History -of Oswestry, that appear in Mr. Roberts’s publication, entitled “Oswald’s -Well:”— - - “It was then that Croeswylan received its name. _Croes wylan_, or - the Cross of weeping, was there erected, the base of which still - remains to be seen. To this, with superstitious reverence, all the - people resorted. The diseased and dying sought in grief beneath its - sacred shadow a preparation for the doom to which they were - appointed, and there they languished till that doom was fixed. - Before it, the whole and healthy ones confessed and deplored their - sins, and deprecated the vengeance of heaven. Throughout the - succeeding century this foul contagion lurked on our shores, and at - intervals visited our town, converting it into a vast charnel house. - Its attacks were so insidious and sudden that the glow of health - suffered no process of removal, but instantly fled, as scared and - affrighted on the approach of the fell devourer. During its presence - no sights were to be seen but the wan and sickly visage of those who - were dying, or the panic-stricken gaze of the man yet uninfected, - almost delirious with alarm, and starting from the touch of the - dearest friend of his heart. The air was rent with shrieks and laden - with lamentation. Death alone seemed contented and satisfied, and - sat like a monster unmoved as he banqueted on hundreds of his - victims. All commerce was at a stand-still. Every house was locked, - the inmates scarcely venturing upon a communication with each other, - much less exposing themselves to contact with those without. With - foreboding reluctance they breathed the breath of heaven, pregnant as - it was with the seeds of death. If one of their number was attacked, - no consideration of friendship or kindred spared him the aggravation - of being hurled into the street, there to await the regular arrival - of the dead-cart. That sad accompaniment of the contagion, the - gibbet of the scene, rolled sullenly along the death-smitten streets - upon its gloomy mission, and never returned without the sad evidences - of the rapid progress of the desolating scourge. In the ears of the - expiring it must have sounded like the toll of the passing bell, the - knell of their speedy departure. Upon it, whether dead or just - gasping for life, the diseased victims were heaped, and hurried off - to the brink of a huge pit, dug, probably, in a corner of the Old - Churchyard, into which they were remorselessly thrown. Everything - bespoke the presence and working of a mighty power, in league with - ‘the King of terrors.’ All human ties were forcibly disrupted, every - human sympathy was sacrilegiously immolated, until the people were - reduced to that extremity of sadness, in which life is burdensome for - its sorrows, and death terrible for the grim and ghastly shroud in - which it lies hid.” - -The market was held, during the Plague, at _Croes wylan_, that the people -from the surrounding country-places should not visit the town, and -thereby suffer from the infection. No doubt that with the dreadful -scourge stalked, hand in hand, gaunt poverty. It may be easily imagined -that the poor suffered severely from the sickness, and that many of them -required relief. We have some testimony before us that the public -authorities of the time sympathized with the sufferers. The following -extracts from the “Accompt of Richard ap Lley, Muringer of the town of -Oswestr, for and from the xvj day of September, in the 2nd yere of our -sovraynge Lady Elizabeth,” show how pecuniary aid was rendered to certain -parties:— - -The sayde accomtante doth asc alowaunce for rent bayted to the -Towlers (toll-takers) for one qr. in considracion of the PLAGE: - _s._ _d._ -Fyrst to the executors of John Vyghan xx -Allso, &c. rent bayted to Thomas ap Rc. for xx -Wolyws-gate -Allso, &c. to David Glover the elder, for xiij iiij -Newe-gate -Allso, &c. to Wyling Lloyd, for Betresce-gate x -Allso, &c. to David ap David, for Blak gate iiij ij -Allso, &c. rent of Crofft-pystil, in the hande ij -of Rc. ap Mrdyth, dyssessed -Allso, &c. money payde for wrytinge of a xij -suplycacion to my lord of Arundell -Allso, &c. for Lewys Tayler, and Guttyn Furbur, xiiij -beinge unpayde for setting of stales, by reason -of the Plage -Allso, &c. for Rc. Lewther, for one qr. beinge xx -absent from the towne -_Tanners_. Allso, &c. for a qr. rent unto xiiij - tanners beinge apsent in in - tyme of the plage; and fyrste, - Thomas Baker (2 other similar - items) -_Glovers_. Itm. The sayde accomptaunt xij - dothe asc alowaunce for them - that are deade or fled, and - them that are in decaye; and - fyrst, Thomas ap John Wyling, - beinge a poore man (five - others fled, &c.) -_Buchers_. Imp. the sayde accomtant, &c. v - Lewys, bucher, that is dead - (one for the like and 7 fled) -_Corvsers_. Edward Gorg, fled (2 others iij - fled) -_Backers_. David ap sr. Rc. saythe that vi - he dothe not occupey his - backhowes, and prayth alowance - David Bobyth hathe ben longe iij - secke, and asc alo -_Hucksters_. Jonet vrch. David ap Morys asc x - alowance for a qr. Rent (1 - other) -_Alle Selers_. Edward Lloyd pray the alowance xjj - for a qr. - David Glover the elder, in xiiij - lycke manner - Richard Salter was longe xiijj - sycke, and praythe alowance - Thomas Glover praythe xx - alowaunce for half a yere; - aledginge, that he sold no - alle for that space (3 others) - -Payments for the provision of the genrall Feast unto the Coo-burgesses -according to the aunsient costom, holden the vth day of Desember, in the -thryde yere of the raynge of our sovraynge layde Ellizabeth, by the grace -of God quene of England, &c. at the making of this accompt: - - _s._ _d._ -_Whete_. Fyrste, the saide accomptaunt xj - hathe payde for ii stryckes and - a hoope of whette for brede and - for peys -_Maullt_. Allso payde for iii strycke of xij - maullt -_Boochers_. Allso payde for a qr. and ii vj viij - rybes of byff - Allso payde for mytton for to ij vj - make peys for this feast - . . . for iij_lb._ ressyns xij - . . . s pep v ij -_Cloves_, _&c._ Allso payde for cloves, masses, vj - aud saffrone - Allso payde for synamon and vij - sugr. - Itm. pd. for buttr. spent at viij - this feast -_Chese_. Allso payde for chesses ij ix -_Nyttes_, &c. Allso pd. for appells and nyttes xvj -_Saullt_. Allso payde for a hoope of sallt x - for the byff - -_This Accompt was made before us_, _the persons under-named_, _then -Bailiffe of the said Towne_, JOHN STANNEY, THOMAS EVANS. - - * * * * * - -With these awful calamities the people endured severe privation, both as -to food and clothing. Provisions had risen so enormously in price as to -place even the coarsest food beyond the reach of the poor. We are told -that so deficient were the working-classes of the commonest provision, -that they were glad to resort, for subsistence, to horse-bread, composed -of beans, oats, and bran. “The good old times” are too frequently quoted -as periods of comfort, compared with the present days; but such facts as -have been now related must convince every Englishman of right feeling -that, however humble his lot, he still possesses “a goodly heritage.” - -For a considerable time no event occurred in Oswestry worthy of detailed -notice. In the 42nd of Elizabeth, Coke, Attorney-General, acknowledges -all the liberties and franchises of Oswestry, by an order that all -further proceedings on the part of the Crown, on a writ of _Quo Warranto_ -against the Bailiffs and Burgesses of Oswestry, should wholly cease. In -1603 a dispute took place between the Bailiffs, Burgesses, &c. and the -Earl of Suffolk, then lord and owner of the town and manor, the former -body having, in numerous assembly, resolved to maintain the rights and -privileges granted to them by Richard II., and confirmed by their “late -sovereigne of famous memorye, queene Elizabeth.” A petition setting -forth their grievances, mainly caused by the Earl of Suffolk’s steward, -had been presented by them to the Lord President of the Marches; to which -Lord Suffolk replied as follows:— - - “_To his good freinds_, _the Burgesses and Townesmen of his Towne and - Manor of Oswester_: - - I HAVE of late receaved a Letter from my honble good Lord and freind, - the L. President of Wales, wch declared unto mee, a great desire in - his Lpp to give some satisfaction to you uppon a Peticon given him - from yor Towne, as exceptinge against the Course wch Mr. Lloyd, my - Officer, healde with you. Nowe you must knowe, that I doe, and will - avowe him in such things as he, in his discreation, shall find to bee - profitable for mee wch, perchaunce, may bee displeasinge to you, but - herin you may further wronge yor selves then you are aware off; for - yf you shall deny to yeald mee thoes Rights & Proffits that are due - unto me, as Lord of the Manor, you must then knowe, that I doe look - for at Mr. Lloyds hands such a resistance of yor wills as I may not - bee prejudized thereby: & I knowe his understandinge & discreation is - such, as he would not drawe mee into frivolous and needles - questions.—Therefore I must tell you, that yf you have refused the - duties whch belonge unto mee, that I will execute my remedies as the - lawes of the Land will allowe mee. But, becawse I wolde not be - thought rigorous, and that yt may appeare that my L: President hath - the powre of an honorable & kind ffreind in mee, I am contented that - yf you doe sende upp to the Tearme at Winchester, such as shall have - powre to followe the cawse in the behaulf of you all, that then the - questions wch are risen between the Steward & you shall, yf yt may - be, have an end; by Councill chosen of each syde; wch Course shall - please mee well: but yf yt happen otherwise, the fault shall not be - myne, for I desire not contencons; but then of necessety, Lawe must - determyn them. In the meane tyme, I charge you all to carry yor - selves respectively and duetifully to my Officers; for you must learn - to obey, yf you will desire to be obeyed; wch you, being a Corporate - Towne, should principally desire. And soe I leave you for this tyme, - untill I heare further from you. From the Court at Wylton, this 25th - of October, 1603. - - Yor Lovinge freind & Lord, - SUFFOLKE.” - -James I. in 1616, granted a Charter to the town, thus removing “divers -doubts and ambiguities” which had “arisen concerning the ancient -liberties, francheses, &c., of the town and borough of Oswaldstre,” and -extending their liberties and privileges, as well as confirming them a -body corporate, by the name of “the Bayliff and Burgesses of Oswestry, in -the Countie of Salope.” - -About this period a heavy blow was struck at the commerce of the town, by -the Drapers of Shrewsbury (a reference to whose complaints and -apprehensions has already been made), “who weary,” says Pennant, “of -their weekly journeys to Oswestry, determined to transfer the market to -their own town, from that in which Queen Elizabeth had established it. -But this attempt proved in the first instance abortive. The Lordship of -Oswestry was enjoyed at this time by Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk, to -whom it had been granted by the late queen, in the 43rd year of her -reign. He was in great favour with James, in whose Court he held the -office of Lord Chamberlain, and to whom he had recently recommended -himself by his vigilance and promptitude in the discovery of the -Gunpowder Plot. Possessed of the highest notions of the privileges of -the peerage, and jealous of the infringement of his rights by the traders -of Salop, he issued his mandate to them by one of their own body,—Arthur -Kynaston, merchant of the staple, a younger brother of the house of -Ruyton,—to desist from such attempts in future. Their answer is recorded -in their own books: it is entitled ‘The copy of a letter sent by the -Company to the Earle of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain of his Majestie’s -househoulde, ye 24th June, 1609.’ ‘Right Honerabell,—Your letter bearing -date the second of this June, by the hands of Mr. Kiniston wee have -received: wherein ytt appereth yor Lordship was informed that wee the -Societie of Drapers wentt aboute by underarte and menenesse to withdraw -your markett of Walsh clothe from your towne of Oswester;’ and they -proceed to exculpate themselves from the charge in those phrases of -submission which were in that day the established usage of inferiors in -their addresses to those above them. This was their tone during the -plenitude of the Earl’s power, which, five years after the date of this -letter, received a great increase by his appointment to the exalted post -of Lord High Treasurer of England. During this time we may be sure ‘the -market for frize and cottons continued, where, according to Heylin, it -was originally fixed, at Oswestry.’ But in 1618, the King’s necessities -caused an enquiry into the management of the treasury, and Suffolk, whose -unbounded expenses in his magnificent palace at Audley-End, had brought -him into pecuniary difficulties, was fined by the Court of Star Chamber -in the vast sum of £30,000, and dismissed from all his employments. The -clemency of James mitigated this enormous fine, but the influence of the -Earl of Suffolk was gone; and in 1621 the Shrewsbury Drapers made an -order upon the books of their Company, ‘That they will not buy cloth at -Oswestry, or elsewhere than in Salop.’” - -As we have shewn in a preceding page, the struggles of the Welsh, to -recover the freedom they had lost, terminated with the death of their -last great leader, Owain Glyndwr. “Their wild spirit of independence, -and their enthusiasm for liberty,” says the eloquent historian whom we -have already quoted, “from this period gradually declined. The blood of -their beloved Princes was nearly extinct; and their native bravery was -subdued, or rendered ineffectual, by their intestine divisions and by -their repeated misfortunes. When fierce valour and unregulated freedom -are opposed to discipline, to enlarged views, and to sound policy, the -contest is very unequal: it is not therefore surprising that the genius -of England at length obtained the ascendancy. It was, indeed, an -interesting spectacle, and might justly have excited indignation and -pity, to have seen an ancient and gallant nation, falling the victims of -private ambition, or sinking under the weight of a superior power. But -such emotions, which were then due to that injured people, have lost at -this period their force and their poignancy. A new train of ideas -arises; when we see that the change is beneficial to the vanquished—when -we see a wild and precarious liberty succeeded by a freedom which is -secured by equal and fixed laws—when we see manners hostile and -barbarous, and a spirit of rapine and cruelty, softened down into the -arts of peace, and the milder arts of civilized life—when we see this -Remnant of the Ancient Britons uniting in interests, and mingling in -friendship with their conquerors, and enjoying with them the same -constitutional liberties; the purity of which, we trust, will continue -uncorrupted as long as the British Empire shall be numbered among the -nations of the earth.” - -We now approach a period in our national history which has ever been -viewed, by opposing political parties, in a conflicting spirit. The -turbulent elements of - - - -THE CIVIL WARS - - -were not allayed until Death had silenced the two great actors in the -tragic and murderous drama. The present volume, devoted principally to -local history, is not an appropriate organ in which to discuss the merits -and demerits of Charles I. and his sturdy rival Cromwell. Charles was -doubtless guilty of many gross violations of his prerogative, and plunged -into a reckless course of misgovernment, accompanied with galling -taxation, which the people, beginning to learn the lessons of liberty, -and to understand the genius of the British constitution, would not -tamely submit to. - -The ill-fated monarch, looking at him through the long vista of two -centuries, was greatly to be pitied. The son of a king, who disregarded -the instructions of his wise preceptor, George Buchanan, and who, in his -rule over the English people, was prodigal, unprincipled, and tyrannical, -he ascended the throne with a corrupt education, and urged to despotism -and injustice by his infamous minister Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, he -speedily exhibited in his regal capacity, a passion for power, which, as -Macauley remarks, soon became “a predominant vice; idolatry to his regal -prerogative, his governing principle. The interests of the crown -legitimated every measure, and sanctified in his eye the widest deviation -from moral rule.” Such was the son of a kingly father who was fond of -cockfighting, and the brutal pleasures of inebriation, who utterly -neglected the affairs of state on the plea that “he should not make a -slave of himself;” who sold titles and privileges of all kinds, that his -vices might be fed; and who basely deprived people of their patents, -after having paid for them to himself. These were only a small portion -of the sire’s iniquities. What surprise then can be entertained that -Charles, his son, walked much in the father’s footsteps! Notwithstanding -his despotic and infatuated measures, to which all the evils of the civil -wars may be traced, yet he had many excellencies; and the closing scene -of his unhappy life proved that had he been blessed with a wiser -tutelage, and taught to govern with a just and righteous hand, he might -have descended into the tomb with virtue and honour, embalmed in the -grateful recollections of his country. - -Of his powerful rival and successor much has, and still may be said, in -his praise and condemnation. His character, however, singular and -erratic as it was, was mixed, as that of other men; and whilst he -displayed a religious enthusiasm and sanctity in most of his public acts, -apparently impressed with the conviction that he “was doing GOD service” -in the course in which he had embarked; yet the troublous events of his -life—the fears, anxieties, and weakness of his mortal nature—must have -convinced him, if he sincerely believed in the religion of which he made -so loud and trumpet-tongued a profession, that “he had done many things -which he ought not to have done, and left undone many things he ought to -have done.” Now that we look calmly back upon Cromwell’s life, we can -see much in his administrative policy that elevated the nation during his -transient rule, and that has shed its salutary influences even upon the -present generation; but the deep, dark spot in his escutcheon—the murder -of Charles—a crime which harrows up the feelings, and rouses the -indignation of all right-minded men—that foul murder, with all its cruel -and inhuman associations, blots out any excellency that he ever did -achieve, and stamps his character indelibly as that of a religious, -enthusiastic professor only, and not of a Christian man. Charles may -have been guilty, and deserving of punishment for his misrule; but we -have yet to learn that Cromwell had plenary power to execute the mandate -of JEHOVAH, and to have adopted the inspired exclamation, “VENGEANCE IS -MINE!” - -“At the breaking out of the Civil Wars,” says Pennant, “the whole of -Shropshire, with few exceptions of persons and none of places, adhered to -the cause of royalty. Oswestry, like the rest, was garrisoned for the -king. The town was defended by a new gate and draw-bridge; the castle -was fortified very strongly; and to prevent it from being commanded by -the church, in case of the capture of the town, the steeple was pulled -down, and a part of the sacred edifice was also demolished.” The same -popular author, with his fervid nationality, and strong royalist -principles, adds, with evident pride and delight, “The garrison consisted -chiefly of Welsh (a people almost to a man staunch in the cause of their -sovereign).” The governor of Oswestry Castle at this disturbed period -was a Colonel Lloyd. Edward Lloyd, Esq., of Llanvorda, compounded for -his estates, as a royalist, in the sum of £300; and at the period of -which we write (1643) he was in the prime of life, and therefore -physically able to assume the important command of Governor of the -Castle. Colonel Thomas Mytton, of Halston, near Oswestry, a man well -skilled in military art, and of great personal courage, had united as a -commander with the Parliamentary forces, and first signalized himself in -an assault upon the town of Wem, which he seized and garrisoned; that -place soon became the centre from which attacks were directed against the -royalist garrisons in the neighbouring towns. Mytton’s success at Wem -was achieved in the latter end of August, 1643; and although he actively -assisted the Parliamentary army in its attacks upon other parts of the -country, he frequently visited Wem to concert measures for fresh -conquests. In January of the following year, a plan was there determined -upon for a sudden and covert attack upon Oswestry. The story is on -record that Mytton well knew the _bon vivant_ qualities of the Governor -of Oswestry. It was said of this royalist Commandant, that in the social -circle he was the life and soul of the company, and that when he entered -upon the convivialities of the table, he found it a difficult matter to -interrupt the rosy hours by wending homewards. Colonel Mytton might know -the frailties of his gallant opponent; and, with a strategetic art -unworthy of a modern general, he devised a scheme for capturing the -Governor and seizing the town of Oswestry. The anecdote proceeds to -state, that Colonel Lloyd was to be invited to dinner at the house of a -neighbouring gentleman; and Mytton calculated that no dinner invitation -would be refused by good-humoured Col. Lloyd. The plot included the -spread of further net-work, in which the unsuspecting Governor was to be -surely caught. His gastronomic and vinous attachments were to be -plentifully gratified; and whilst indulging in bacchanalian revels, a -military force, under Mytton’s direction, was to enter the dining room in -which the innocent Governor was carousing, to seize him, _vi et armis_, -take him before his own garrison, in Oswestry, and there compel him to -issue orders to his officers to surrender the town and castle. The plot, -as we have described it, was partly successful, but eventually failed. -Colonel Lloyd accepted the apparently-friendly invitation to dinner; and -all went merrily on with him for a brief period. The detachment of -troops was sent from Wem to take him prisoner, so that the first act of -the drama was nearly completed. Whilst, however, the Parliamentarians -were on their way to surprise him, two of their scouts were seized by -some royalist friends; they confessed their share in the treacherous -plot; the Colonel was apprized of the danger he was in, fled from the -habitation of his Judas-like host, reached the “post of honour” which he -had so improperly abandoned for the pleasures of the table, and secured -from the grasp of his enemies both the town and castle. Colonel Lloyd’s -misconduct was reported, it seems, to the royalist commander-in-chief, -who removed him from his important position, and appointed as his -successor Sir Absetts Shipman. - -The parliamentary leaders were numerous and powerful, and they were all -fired with zeal and enthusiasm in the cause which they espoused. The -town of Oswestry was a military post of distinction in their eyes; and to -possess it was an achievement “devoutly to be wished.” Oswestry stood on -a towering height, vigilantly watching the varied movements of the -parliamentary hosts, and protecting the communication between the town -and Wales. The opposite party were equally active and observant. -Colonel Mytton was well acquainted, from his local connexion, with the -strength and resources of the town, and brought to his aid, in his -meditated attack upon it, Sir Thomas Fairfax, the equal to Cromwell in -military tactics. In the month of March, 1644, Fairfax and Mytton, with -a strong force under their command, made a sudden attack upon the town, -which was gallantly repulsed by Prince Rupert (the King’s nephew), who -commanded the royalist troops in garrison. This triumph was but of short -duration, for the town was attacked in a few months afterwards, and in -this renewed onslaught, the parliamentary forces were victors. The -Battle of Oswestry, if such it may be called, was fought on the 22nd -June. The Earl of Denbigh, a young parliamentary leader of some military -talents, and son of a nobleman who had died in defence of the crown, -suddenly left the main body of his army, and marched, with his “forlorn -hope” upon Oswestry, determined upon taking the town by a _coup de main_. -He reached the vicinity in company with Colonel Mytton, about two o’clock -in the afternoon of June the 22nd, the former probably knowing, from the -“false brethren,” as spies were then called, that the garrison was partly -defenceless, the Governor having imprudently gone to Shrewsbury with -certain parliamentary prisoners. Denbigh’s force consisted merely of two -hundred infantry, and two troops of cavalry. The engagement was short -and sharp. After a hot affair of about two hours, in which Lord -Denbigh’s artillery played fiercely upon the garrison with small and -great shot, a breach was made in the walls of the town, and the infantry -poured in, headed by Major Fraser, with the loss of only one man killed -and three wounded. “The New-gate,” adds Pennant, “was next demolished by -the cannon, when a young fellow, one George Cranage, went with a hatchet, -and cutting down the chains of the draw-bridge, enabled the cavalry also -to enter. The besieged made an attempt to maintain the Church, but soon -finding it untenable, fled to the castle. Hither they were closely -pursued, and the pioneers were quickly called in to undermine its walls; -in which, we are informed, the skill as well as valour of Colonel Mytton -was very conspicuous. He was probably enabled, from his residence in the -neighbourhood, to direct the miners to proceed with most effect. But the -daring valour of Cranage again anticipated these slower operations. He -was persuaded to hang a _Buttar_ (a petard) at the castle-gate! Being -well animated with sack, he undertook this desperate attempt, crept with -the engine from house to house, till he got to that next to the castle, -fastened it to the gate, set fire to it, and escaped unhurt! The gate -was then burst open, and the garrison, finding it impossible to make any -further resistance, surrendered the castle upon promise of quarter for -their lives. * * * It is greatly to the honour of the victorious -commanders that they restrained their soldiers from pillage, at the -expense of a gratuity of £500. One can scarcely err in ascribing this -noble and uncommon act of mercy to Colonel Mytton’s solicitude for the -welfare of his neighbours. The Earl dispatched intelligence of his -success to the Parliament. His letter was read to the House of Commons, -on the 27th June, giving an account of his taking the town and castle of -Oswaldstree, with 400 prisoners and 300 arms. Thanks were voted to him -for this his good service, and former testimonies of affection to the -house.” The circumstantial narrative proceeds to state that “his -Lordship returned, after this exploit, to his main army at Drayton,” and -left Colonel Mytton in defence of the town. The fall of Oswestry was a -severe blow to the royal party. Besides opening a door for the reduction -of North Wales to the power of the Parliament, it lowered them in the -scale of public opinion, a loss, in the declining posture of their -affairs, of incalculable importance. Active and energetic as were both -Lord Denbigh and Colonel Mytton, in their attack upon Oswestry, still -they did not escape the slanders even of their own party. The Earl of -Denbigh seems to have felt their calumnies acutely, for a few months -after the siege his Lordship wrote a letter to Mytton, vindicating the -gallantry of both; which we subjoin:— - - “COLL. MITTON, - - I will not trouble you with the injuries that are offered to you and - myselfe, by the Committe of Wem. I am sure you have deserved more of - the Parliament then the rest of that Committe. Captaine Clive, as I - am informed, reports I was not at the takeing of Oswaldstre, and that - my horse stood att too great a distance; I am sure they entred with - the foote; but the false representations of passages heere shall not - divert me from those occasions that may fully expresse me to be - - Your faithfull frend and servant, - DENBIGH.” - -“Condor, 29th Oct. 1644.” - -At this period the King’s position was critical and alarming. In the -early part of the month he determined to take refuge within the walls of -Shrewsbury, in his march through Worcester and Bewdley. Waller, the -parliamentary leader, hearing of Charles’s movements, broke up from -Oxford, and hastened in the direction of Shropshire. On this -intelligence the King left Shrewsbury, and retraced his steps. The -battle of Copredy Bridge (June 29th) terminated in the defeat of the -parliamentary forces; and in July the Earl of Denbigh, encouraged by his -success at Oswestry, drew his forces towards Shrewsbury, but was repulsed -by the royalist army, with a loss of 120 of his men. The King’s defeat -at Marston Moor (July 3rd) added, however, to his disasters and dangers. -The whole of Shropshire was in arms, and jeopardy and distress stared -every man in the face. - -Among the prisoners taken in the late disaster at Oswestry was Francis -Newport, Esq., who had served both in the short and long Parliaments. -The historians of Shrewsbury have furnished us with an interesting -account of this distinguished man:— - - “Mr. Newport was son and heir of Sir Richard Newport, of High Ercall, - one of the knights of the shire. This young gentleman was but just - eligible to serve in parliament, having arrived at full age only on - the 23rd day of the preceding February. He manifested the same - ardent loyalty which actuated his father: and ventured, with rare but - honourable gallantry, to vote for the acquittal of Lord Strafford, at - a time when such votes exposed those who gave them to no small - personal hazard; the populace, with their usual toleration of - sentiments differing from their own, denouncing all such, fifty-six - in number, as _Straffordians_; and exposing their names to execration - and danger by public placards. Mr. Newport was soon expelled from - the house as a _malignant_; appeared in arms against the parliament; - and was among the prisoners taken at Oswestry, on the capture of that - town by the Earl of Denbigh and Colonel Mytton. It is needless to - say that he suffered very considerably in his estate: being obliged - to compound in the large sum of £5284, in addition to £3287, and £170 - a year extorted from his father for the same crime of loyalty. Yet - though attached to the monarchy, he was friendly to the rights of the - subject; and it is not a little remarkable, that he who had suffered - so deeply for the first Charles, was so much disgusted by the base - and arbitary measures of the two succeeding kings, by the last of - whom he had the honour of being dismissed from the office of lord - lieutenant of this county; that he was a great promoter of the - Revolution, and was excepted, by the abdicated monarch, from his - general pardon. He was created earl of Bradford by king William; and - died Sept., 1708, in the eighty-ninth year of his age.” - -The town of Oswestry was now in the hands of the parliamentarians, under -the temporary Governorship of Colonel Mytton, but was not long permitted -to remain quietly in the power of the victors. Only one short week -elapsed before a formidable attempt was made by part of the royalist -army, under Colonel Marrow, a skilful and intrepid commander, to retake -the town, and drive the parliamentary forces from their position. -Colonel Marrow invested the town with 3,500 infantry, and 1,500 cavalry, -and maintained a close siege for the three following days. This sudden -assault greatly embarrassed Colonel Mytton, whose only hope for relief -was from Sir Thomas Myddleton, his kinsman by marriage, who was then -stationed at Knutsford, in Cheshire, more than fifty miles distant. -Colonel Mytton, however, succeeded in making Sir Thomas acquainted with -his position in less than twelve hours from the commencement of the -royalist attack; and the gallant knight, who was heartily engaged in the -parliamentary cause, immediately mustered three regiments, namely, -Booth’s, Mainwaring’s, and Croxen’s, with Major Lothian at the head of -the reserve, and marching onwards with all speed, reached in two days -within sight of Oswestry—it is supposed between Halston and Whittington. -During this interval of time the royalists had not obtained full -possession of the town, though consisting, as Sir Thomas Myddleton says, -“of the most valiant commanders and soldiers, drawn out of the garrisons -of Chester, Cheshire, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Ludlow, Denbighshire, -Flintshire, and other places.” They had possessed themselves of the -Church, but had made no inroad upon the Castle. Myddleton’s approach -having been made known, Colonel Marrow marched out from the town, -determined to attack him before his troops could recruit themselves after -their long march. “They had taken the passage of water neere to -Whittington,” says Sir Thomas, in his letter to Lenthall, the Speaker, -“and very furiously assaulted and charged us, but were repulsed and -forced to retire, through the courage of our horse, who most courageously -entertained the enemy. Three several times the skirmish was doubtful; -either side being forced so often to retreat. But in the end, our foot -forces, coming up, relieved the horse, beat back the enemy, and pursued -them with such force, that our horse being thereby encouraged, which -indeed was formerly weary, joining with the foot, they put the enemy to -an absolute flight, in which we pursued them five miles towards -Shrewsbury, to a place called ‘Felton Heath,’ and where we remained after -their flight, again masters of the field. In the skirmish with the -enemy, and in the pursuite, we lost several of our horse, some of our -troopers, but never a footman, which I am yet informed of. As for the -enemy they lost several stout men; had many of them taken prisoners, some -of them being of great quality, as the Lord Newport’s eldest son; and -besides, in their flight, such was their haste, that we found in our -pursuite the highway as it were strewed with bread, cheese, bacon, and -other good provisions; clothes, and such necessary appurtenances to an -army, besides some whole veals and muttons, new killed.” Sir Thomas -adds, that “his forces followed up their blow nearly to Shrewsbury, and -that Majors Manley and Whitney were afterwards taken under the walls of -that town, in pursuite of them.” - -This affair closed the struggle between the royalist and parliamentary -forces for the possession of Oswestry. On the very day on which Sir -Thomas Myddleton raised the siege, Prince Rupert was signally defeated at -Marston Moor, with the loss of ten thousand men killed and taken -prisoners. Colonel Mytton must subsequently have delegated his command -as temporary Governor of Oswestry, as we find him soon afterwards -actively engaged in commanding the parliamentary troops in the conquest -of Shrewsbury. That event happened early in 1645, when the town was -placed in the hands of the parliamentarians. At this period we find -Mytton named, in several public documents, as Major-General in the -parliamentary army, and some time afterwards as Commander-in-chief of the -forces in North Wales. - -All the historical records referring to this period give evidence of the -arduous duties of General Mytton, and of the difficulties which he had -suffered in maintaining his hold upon Oswestry. A letter which we here -give indicates the straits he was in, and at the same time the friendly -offers of support made to him in the county. The letter is from a Mr. -Edward Mynshull, of Bearstone, near Drayton:— - - “Honoble Sr, - - I came to Drayton, hearinge you were there, butt unfortunately mist - of you, yor honor lyeinge in Stafforde the night before; I have since - then waited yor retorne from London, haveinge 30 able men in - readiness, and 20 of them well armed, to doe yor honor servise. I - have kepte them together upon my owne charge, and should have bin - glad they might have bin accepted in Ossestrie, to doe duty for - theire free quarters till yor honor had returned. I motioned this to - Major Goldegay, butt itt could nott be granted without an order from - the Comitte. Sr, I am resolved to doe you servise, or no man; and - for my fidelity, I will engage £400, paid in Shropshire, and if you - please, as much in Cheshire; if yor honor please, I could wish to - have a comission sent me by the first, because I only tooke itt in - direction from yor honor, and whether thatt may suporte me in yor - honor’s absence, (should I be questioned) I make a doubte of. Sr, my - request is, I may have order by the first, to martch to Osestree, - where I and my men will doe duty for free quarters, (requireinge noe - pay) till yor honor retorneth; and lett me receive order from Major - Goldegay to thatt purpose, if you soe please, for were I settled in a - garrison, I could have men sufficient. I beseech yor honor retorne - me yor pleasure by the first, and I shall willingly embrace yor - commands; if yor honor send to Hugh Bate, Shoemaker, in Wem, he will - convey yor letter to Mr. Jon. Grosvenor, in Berson, from whence itt - will come safe to me. Sr, I pray for yor honors prosperity and safe - retorne, and whilst I live I shall remaine - - Att yor servise, - EDWARDE MYNSHULL.” - - “Berson, April 25th, 1645.” - -The fall of Shrewsbury into the power of the Parliament was marked by “a -solemn thanksgiving throughout the City of London,” on the 12th March; -Mytton was summoned to appear before the House of Commons on the 29th of -that month, and “Master Speaker, in the name, and by the command of the -whole House, gave him hearty thanks for his many and faithfull services -done to the state; giving him all encouragement to persist in the same: -especially for that gallant service of Shrewsbury; assuring him that he -shall never want the encouragement of the House of Parliament in his -undertakings.” - -General Mytton had evidently embarked all his energies in the -parliamentary cause; yet notwithstanding the tribute paid to him by the -Commons, it does not appear that he obtained from that source any more -substantial honours. This neglect seems to have given him much pain. A -letter to him from the Duke of Northumberland, about this period, shews -that even the Governorship of Oswestry was not actually accorded to him -till late in the year 1645. The letter we subjoin:— - - “Sr, - - By an indisposition in my health, I have not beene able for some - dayes to attend the Committie of both kingdomes, so as I can not give - you so good an account of your businesse as I desired, but I heare - that a commission for your being governor of Oswallds-tree is - alreadie signed; to-morrow I shall make a further enquirie after this - particular, and if it be in my power to contribute any thing towards - your satisfaction, none shall more readily assist you then - - Your very affectionate freind and servant, - - “London, Nov. 21, 1645.” - - NORTHUMBERLAND.” - - “For my very loveing Freind, Col. Mytton.” - -The conquest of Shrewsbury, by the parliamentary troops, is generally -acknowledged to have been achieved by the gallantry and superior tactics -of General Mytton; and having accomplished so signal a service for his -party, he naturally expected, now that the Governorship of that town was -vacant, that the office would he conferred upon him. His ancient -relation to the town, his ancestors having been inhabitants and burgesses -for upwards of four centuries, added strength to his claim. All his -important services to the Parliament were, however, of no weight, and the -Governorship was bestowed upon another man. We are told that “Colonel -Mytton’s politics were getting very fast out of fashion. He had sided -with the Parliament only for the limitation of prerogative, not for the -subversion of the monarchy. The Presbyterians, to whom, it appears, he -belonged, had no insurmountable objections to the office of a king, -provided he was under their controul: or to a national establishment of -religion, if its revenues were at their disposal. But those who commence -important changes in a state have seldom the satisfaction of reaping the -fruit of their labours. Spirits more ardent, with views more extensive, -step in between them and the consummation of their designs.” With Sir -William Waller, another of the ablest and most successful commanders of -the Presbyterian party, he could say, “after the expence of so much blood -and treasure, all the difference between our former and present estate is -this, that before-time, under the complaint of a slavery we lived like -freemen; and now, under the notion of a freedom, we live like slaves, -enforced by continual taxes and oppressions, to maintain and feed on our -miseries.” - -Although General Mytton had been thus ungratefully treated by the -Parliament, he still occupied his military position, for we find that in -1648 he was engaged with Sir Thomas Myddleton in the attack upon -Caernarvonshire and Anglesey. In June of that year the Speaker of the -House of Commons communicated to him a letter, highly approving his “good -and faithfull service” against “Sir John Owen and his rebellious crewe.” -The letter referred to is a curiosity, as it shows the blasphemous -freedom which Cromwell’s parliament took with the holy name of GOD:— - - “Sir, - - I received a letter subscribed by yourself and the Governor of - Conway, wherein you gave an account of the late successe wherewith - God hath beene pleased to blesse the forces under both yor commands - and conductes in yor late expedition into Carnarvonshire, against Sir - John Owen and his rebellious crewe, wch I have imparted to the house, - and hath beene there read. Yor good and faithfull service in that - expedition is soe well represented, that I am comanded, as from the - house and in their name, to returne thanks for the same, wch hereby I - doe, and you are desired to do the like to those officers and - souldiers under the charge and comand wch God hath beene pleased to - make instrumentall in the obteyning of such a seasonable mercy, and - withall to represent to the house what course (like to be effectual) - may bee taken for remunerating ye officers and souldiers for their - good service. This beeing all I have in comand at present, I shall - only add that I am - - Yor assured loveing freind, - WM. LENTHALL, SPEAKER.” - - “June the 13th, 1648.” - -Lenthall, the Speaker, was profuse, as we have shewn, in compliments, but -still no substantial mark of favour upon General Mytton was bestowed. -The Committee to whom the appointment of Governor of Shrewsbury Castle -had been referred had long before found “reasons of weight to put -another” in that office, after having held it in their own hands for some -time. In 1647 the Governorship was filled by Humphrey Mackworth, Esq., -of Betton, a Presbyterian, and Colonel in the army, who occupied the post -till his death, in 1654, and having been one of Cromwell’s Privy Council, -was buried in Henry VII.’s Chapel in Westminster Abbey, on the 26th -December, with great magnificence. He was succeeded in office at -Shrewsbury by Thomas Hunt, Esq., representative of the town in -Parliament, and a Colonel in the army. Mytton retired to London, from -what immediate cause there is no record to show; but some writers assert -that he resigned his command. In 1651 we find that the Parliament again -solicited Major-General Mytton’s services, the following letter having -been forwarded to him by the President Bradshawe. The kingdom was -disturbed at this period by the Scottish Covenanters, under the nominal -command of Charles II.:— - - “Sr, - - The Scotts army being now entred into England, and bending their - course towards those parts where wee know you have a good interest, - wee conceive your presence there may bee of use for the service of - the Commonwealth; wee therefore desire you forthwith to repaire into - the Countie of Salop, and there, with the rest of your fellow - Commissioners, doe your best endeavour, and put out your interest - there for the raiseing of what force of horse and foot you can, for - the service of the Commonwealth in this present exigency of affaires. - - Signed in the name and by order of the Councell of - State, appointed by authority of Parliament, - JO: BRADSHAWE, PRSIDT.” - - “Whitehall, 14th August, 1651.” - - “For Major General Thomas Mytton.” - -Most probably by this time General Mytton had grown tired with the hard -toils of intestine warfare, and become disgusted with the faithlessness -of the men whom he had so ardently and faithfully served; for we do not -find that he complied with Bradshawe’s letter, or took any further part -in public affairs. He died in the metropolis in the year 1656, and his -body was taken down to Shrewsbury, and interred in St. Chad’s Church -there. - - - -THE RESTORATION. - - -It is unnecessary here to do more than merely advert to the unhappy close -of Charles I.’s reign, the triumphs of Cromwell, and the bold and manly -efforts made by Charles II. to obtain the Crown which had been so -violently wrested from his father. Although Cromwell had made himself -Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, yet he reposed not on a -bed of roses. “Every party in the kingdom soon became disgusted with -Cromwell’s dominion. The royalists were indignant to see the ancient -monarchy usurped by an upstart who had no hereditary claim upon their -allegiance; the republicans were mortified to see all their blood and -efforts, which had been spent for the setting-up of the Commonwealth, -lavished only for the support of a government which, in everything but -the name, was a most despotic monarchy; the Presbyterians were chagrined -at the favour of their rivals, the Independents, and at a general -toleration of every religious denomination (except the Church of -England).” Conspiracies and plots were hatched in many parts of the -land; and the Protector was kept on the alert by daily intelligence that -the exiled king would challenge the usurper, and claim the British throne -as soon as a favourable opportunity presented itself for so bold an -enterprise. Cromwell, however, after various struggles with the royalist -forces, was summoned to “the house appointed for all men living.” He was -succeeded, for a brief period, by his son Richard, who speedily retired -from public life. General Monk, who had been an intrepid commander both -of the royalist and the parliamentary forces, and who possessed powerful -influence in the country, on the death of the Protector Cromwell wisely -threw the weight of that influence into the royalist scale, and adopted -measures at once to bring back Charles II. from France to England. Upon -that joyful event all ranks hastened to return to their allegiance, and -on the 29th of May, 1660, Charles II. set his foot again upon British -soil, and immediately assumed the functions of sovereignty. - -During the events to which we have been adverting the town of Oswestry -suffered much privation and distress by the feuds and divisions into -which all classes of men were thrown. A letter from Mr. John Griffith to -Major-General Mytton, dated January 7th, 1650, shows that Oswestry was -enduring much hardship. The letter, which is copied from the Halston -MSS., is as follows:— - - “Honor’d Sir, - - I receaved a note from * * * * to write unto yor honor concerning our - sufferings. I presume yor honor knowes the maner of our sufferings, - and how we may be releeved is better known to you then to us. The - Baylifes and the rest of the sufferinge people of Oswestree depende - much upon your assistance, and hope yor honor will have a fitt - opportunity to doe this poor towne good. * * * I shall make bould to - put yor honor in mind of your promise to draw a petition to the - Parliament wth yor owne handes, wch we all hope you will doe before - yor returne, and then yor honor shall further ingadge the whole towne - ever to pray for yor honor, and especially - - Yor servant, - JOHN GRIFFITH.” - - “Osw., the 7th of January, 1650.” - - “To the Honrable Major Generall Mytton, at London.” - -There are no records extant showing precisely the position of civil and -military affairs, as regards the town of Oswestry, in the struggles of -Charles II. for the Crown. The parliamentary party held firm possession -of all towns which they had taken, and against Charles they fought as -fiercely as against his murdered father. Whatsoever the position of -Oswestry was at the period to which we are referring, that of a valiant -neighbour, Sir Thomas Myddleton, of Chirk Castle, was dangerous and -deeply painful. In 1659, upon the royalists of Cheshire, headed by Sir -George Booth, declaring in favour of Charles, the venerable old man, then -eighty years of age, decided in favour of the ancient constitution, -believing monarchy to be indispensable to the settlement of the nation, -and proclaimed Charles II. at Wrexham. For this act he suffered -severely, but was named afterwards as Commander-in-chief of the Counties -of North Wales, and as Governor of Shrewsbury, although this latter -nomination seems to have embarrassed Sir Edward Hyde, Chief Minister of -Charles II., as likely to clash with the views of his friend Lord -Newport, who had ever been a staunch friend to the royalist cause. - -The events of public interest that occurred in connection with the town -subsequent to the Restoration were “few and far between.” The most -important act in Charles II.’s reign was his grant in 1673 of a Charter, -which, looking at the privileges it confers upon the town, is considered -by some to be the Magna Charta of Oswestry. Its importance to the -borough, as its provisions are still acted upon in the leading Law-Court -of the town, justifies us in giving a correct abridgment of it:— - - - -The Charter - - -was granted - - “to the ancient Borough and Corporation of Oswestry, alias - Oswaldstrey, in the County of Salop: That they be encorporated by the - name of THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN, COMMON-COUNCIL-MEN, AND BURGESSES OF - OSWESTRY; and that they are empowered to purchase lands to them and - their heirs for ever, and to give and bequeath or otherwise dispose - of the same: That the said corporation may have one common seal for - dispatching of all business concerning the said borough; and to - change and make new their same seal, as often as they shall think - convenient: That there be Twelve Aldermen and Fifteen - Common-council-men; whereof one of the said aldermen is to be - Steward: and that whoever is chosen steward, must come in as an - alderman. And that there shall be chosen a discreet person for - Recorder, well learned in the law, who must be one of the - Common-council-men: That the said borough may have one house of - meeting, to be called the Guild-hall of the said town; and that the - mayor, aldermen, common-council-men, steward, and recorder may meet - there, or in any other convenient place within the said borough, for - making, establishing, &c. any laws, orders, &c. for the better - government of the said corporation; and to declare in what manner the - said mayor, &c. may manage themselves in the negociation of the said - borough: and that the said mayor, aldermen, &c. or the greatest part - of them, may imprison the bodies or impose fines or otherwise, upon - all such as shall offend against the said laws, &c. and that the one - moiety of the said fines to be levied for the use of the said mayor, - aldermen, &c.; and the other moiety to the use of the lord of the - manor: provided, such laws, &c. be not repugnant to the laws of the - land, or contrary thereto, or prejudicial to the lord of the manor: - That Richard Pope, first mayor, continue in his mayoralty from the - day of the date hereof, until the next Friday after the feast of St. - Michael, the Archangel, 1674, and until another be sworn in his - stead. Sir John Trevor, knt.; Morgan Wynne, esquire; Edward Owen, - Richard Edwards, Richard Lloyd, the aforesaid Richard Pope, - gentlemen; Gabriel Edwards, woollen-draper; Hugh Price, - woollen-draper; John Jones, mercer; Richard Jones, John Blodwell, - gentlemen; and John Lloyd, mercer, to be the first aldermen; and to - continue in their office during life, unless for just cause any of - them shall be removed by the mayor, aldermen, common-council-men, &c. - or the greatest part of them.—Richard Price, brewer; Richard Jones, - mercer; John Glover, tanner; Richard Jones, glover; Edwd. Evans, - apothecary; John Jones, glover; John Muckleston, shoemaker; Thomas - Edwards, gentleman; Thomas Edwards, baker; Nathaniel Jones, brewer; - Hugh Edwards, shoemaker; Timothy George, mercer; Thomas Vaughan, - chandler; William Price, butcher; and Thomas Felton, brasier, to be - the first common-council-men; and to continue in office during life, - unless removed as aforesaid. The mayor, &c. to meet on the next - Friday after Michaelmas, yearly, and to choose at that time, out of - the common-council-men, a new mayor; and to swear him in then, if - present, or within twenty-one days next after such election, before - the old mayor or (in his absence) before two or more of the aldermen - of the said borough. If the mayor happen to die, or be removed out - of his place for not well demeaning himself, or for any other just - cause, before the expiration of the said year, that then and in such - case, the aldermen, and common-council-men, &c. or the major part of - them, shall elect and choose another mayor for the executing the said - office of mayoralty during the remainder only of the said year. And - upon the decease of any aldermen or common-council-men, to choose - others to make up the number; administering to them their oaths for - the executing of their places: and that they shall be sworn in the - presence of the mayor, or (in case of his absence) of the aldermen, - common-council-men, or the major part of them. In case the mayor be - sick or absent, that the mayor may constitute and appoint one of the - aldermen to be his deputy; and that being duly sworn, he may - officiate the place of mayoralty during such sickness or absence, as - fully and effectually in every respect as the said mayor might or - could have done personally. When Morgan Wynne, the present Recorder, - dies, or should happen to be dismissed, that the mayor, aldermen, - &c., choose another, able and experienced in the law, within one - month after such decease or dismission. The mayor, coroner, steward - and recorder, during the time and term of holding their places, shall - be Justices of the Peace, &c., and that each and every of them are - Clerks of the Market, to settle weights and measures, and all other - laws and ordinances incident thereto; and to officiate the same as - fully and effectually as any other of his Majesty’s justices of the - peace might or could do. Sir John Trevor, knight; Robert Owen, and - Edward Kinaston, esquires, or any of them, to swear the first mayor; - and that the mayor being sworn, he is to swear the coroner, steward, - recorder, &c. That the mayor, steward, and recorder, or any two of - them (whereof the mayor to be one) may keep a Quarter Sessions for - all offences, as fully and effectually as the justices of the said - county of Salop may do; and that any one of them may commit to the - common gaol of the said county any person accused of treason, murder, - man-slaughter, or felony, whatsoever: and that the justices of the - said county have no power to intermeddle with the said borough upon - any cause whatsoever. That the mayor (for the time being), shall - choose any inhabitants of the borough, Constables; and to swear them - in accordingly. The mayor to choose two Sergeants, to attend upon - him or his deputy, when required; and to continue for one year (if - they well demean themselves): and that the said sergeants shall carry - two maces with his Majesty’s and successors’ arms, and the arms of - the lord of the manor thereon, in their hands or upon their shoulders - bare-headed, before the mayor, when required: and that the said - sergeants shall be sworn by the mayor, for the due executing of all - precepts, warrants, &c. The last mayor to be Coroner, who shall have - as full power to officiate as any other coroner in any of his - Majesty’s counties hath, or may have; and not to execute his power - before he be sworn before the mayor or his deputy: and upon the death - of any coroner, the mayor, aldermen, &c., to choose another. A Court - of Record to be kept every Friday, at the guild-hall, before the - mayor or his deputy; and to try all actions and causes whatsoever, as - fully as the bailiffs and burgesses formerly did, or as fully as any - corporation in his Majesty’s kingdom do, or did formerly: and that - the mayor, &c. shall have to their use the one moiety of the issues, - amerciaments, &c.; and the other moiety thereof, to the use of the - lord of the manor. John Morral to be Common Clerk of the Borough, - and Clerk of the Court; and may have a deputy, to be appointed by the - steward: that the common clerk to be nominated by the lord of the - manor, and to be sworn, as well as all other officers by the mayor: - that if he shall not reside in the said borough, then he shall - employ, in his absence, an honest and able attorney of the said - court, to be approved of by the steward: and the said attorney shall - officiate in the time of his absence.—Six Attornies to be of the - court: whereof four to be chosen by the mayor, and two by the - steward. One Marshal, or Crier to be chosen by the mayor. The - mayor, aldermen, &c. to have within the borough a Gaol or Prison, for - detaining of all prisoners, committed by the mayor, steward, or - recorder, or any of them: and that the mayor, recorder, clerk of the - market, common clerk, marshal, keepers of the prison, and sergeants - (for the time being) shall receive such Fees, &c. as the bailiffs, - &c. of Ludlow, and the said borough, have hitherto received. [Ludlow - fees are half of the Common Pleas.] All burgesses and other - inhabitants of the said borough to pay scot and lot, and to be - assessed for the maintenance, good order, and further profit of the - same; and in default of payment, distresses to be laid upon their - goods.—The mayor, &c. to have power to elect persons who have served - seven years’ apprenticeship, or that have been householders (paying - scot and lot) seven years within the said borough, Burgesses: and - with the approbation of the steward, to make any other person burgess - of the said borough; and so continue, unless for any just cause he be - expelled by the mayor, &c. No Stranger or Foreigner shall exercise - any Trade in the borough (except it be in time of fair) unless he be - a burgess; nor keep any shop, without special licence from the mayor, - aldermen, &c. or the major part of them: the mayor, &c. to punish - such foreigners and strangers by fines, and to distress upon their - goods, in default of payment. The mayor and corporation, and - burgesses, Exempt from serving on Juries out of the borough, at - assizes or quarter-sessions. The corporation to have return of - writs; and all which returns to be made by the mayor. No - high-sheriff, or any of his officers, to enter the liberty, unless in - defect of the mayor for the time being. The mayor or clerk to - receive recognizances, according to form of Statute Merchant, or - Acton Burnell; and to make execution, &c. as fully as any other town - can do, by virtue of the said statute: and that there shall be a seal - for the sealing of those recognizances. The mayor and corporation - may purchase lands, &c. not exceeding £50 a year, but such as are not - held _in capite_ or knight’s service. The said borough is to enjoy - two Markets weekly, for ever; that is, one on Wednesday and the other - on Friday. To have a Fair on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days of March, - yearly; and the fairs on the 1st and 2nd of May, the 4th and 5th of - August, and the 29th and 30th of November, to be continued as - heretofore. And if any of the said fairs shall fall upon the - Lord’s-day, then the same to be kept on the Monday following. The - mayor, &c. may hold a Court of Pie-poudre at the time of the fairs; - and to take the usual tolls of markets and fairs—all rights, &c. of - the lord of the manor excepted.” - -The privileges secured to the inhabitants of the borough by this Charter -must, at the time of its being granted, have been very valuable, and no -doubt contributed greatly to the good government and prosperity of the -town, during subsequent times. Some of such privileges have been -superseded by the provisions of the Municipal Corporation Act, 5 & 6, -William 4th, cap. 76, entitled “An Act to provide for the Regulation of -Municipal Corporations in England and Wales,” and other modern -enactments; but others still remain, although the value and convenience -of them appear in some degree to be overlooked. The Charter secures some -peculiar privileges with respect to trade which may not probably -harmonize with modern views and notions; but the privileges of trying at -Quarter Sessions all offences, except felonies, committed within the -borough, and of suing for debts, unlimited in amount, in the Court of -Record, ought not to be regarded otherwise than as precious relics of -byegone times. It is true, that the Court of Quarter Sessions has been -constantly and regularly held by the most able Recorder, J. R. Kenyon, -Esq.; but the Court of Record has of late years been so seldom resorted -to, that on a late occasion, when a cause was tried before it, a local -newspaper referred to it with special wonder, hinting its surprise that, -in a place where the weapons of legal warfare were so easily obtained, -the inhabitants should so long have ceased to use them, and to remain in -peace amongst themselves, without any legal strife in a Court of Record. -Although, however, debts without limit, as regards amount, may be sued -for, the final process of the Court is confined to the borough, and -cannot be put in force beyond its boundary; and this circumstance, -connected also with the facilities for the recovery of debts afforded by -the Small Debts Act, has rendered resort to the Court of Record less -frequent than, under other circumstances, it doubtless would have been; -still, to have it is a privilege, as is also the exemption from serving -on Juries at the Assizes, or County Quarter Sessions, secured by the -Charter. - -The RESTORATION brought with it, of course, the ascendancy of loyal -subjects and monarchical principles in all parts of the realm. Charles, -however, did not make the wisest use of the power and influence he had -newly acquired; and the closing hours of his life proved that his -religious principles, unfixed and vacillating, were ill adapted to the -requirements of the age. Howsoever much other parts of the kingdom were -disturbed during this reign, the town of Oswestry would seem to have -resumed a tranquil position: the injury and damage sustained in it during -the many years of disquietude and war were partially restored; the -ancient Church was gradually repaired; but the Castle, so dilapidated and -broken down, was permitted to lie in ruins; the crown made no effort to -restore it; and by degrees its shattered walls and fallen columns were -carried away by nocturnal depredators, until at length the vestiges of -the fortress consisted of little more than the mound still left in our -sight. - -In 1681, only four years before Charles’s death, a polemic scene was -enacted in Oswestry, which, from the celebrity of the parties engaged in -it, forms no uninteresting feature in the history of the town. Charles’s -reign was marked by odious political intolerance and injustice. He aimed -at absolutism, and was as regardless of religious liberty as of religion -itself. The controversy to which we have alluded occurred in the -Guildhall of Oswestry, in September, 1681, and was conducted throughout -in a spirit of candour and moderation not frequently to be witnessed in -that turbulent period. The leading parties engaged were Dr. Lloyd, -Bishop of St. Asaph (the prelate who preached the first sermon in the -Chapel Royal to William III.), and the distinguished Philip Henry, of -Broad Oak, Flintshire (father of the erudite and evangelical Matthew -Henry, the Commentator on the Bible). Other nonconformist Ministers were -present, and took part in the proceedings, especially Mr. James Owen, -then of Oswestry—but afterwards of Shrewsbury Seminary for the education -of Dissenting Ministers—a man of considerable acquirements and genuine -piety. The Bishop, upon his elevation to the episcopal chair, was -desirous of securing the conformity of those who dissented, and “that he -might do it with the cords of a man, he resolved to reason the matter -with them, and endeavour to effect their conviction by discourse, in -which he had a very great facility both by learning and temper.” The -account from which we derive these particulars goes on to state, that -“one of the most eminent nonconformist ministers in his diocese was Mr. -James Owen, of Oswestry. The Bishop had several interviews with Mr. Owen -in private. At last he appointed a meeting to be held in the Town Hall, -Oswestry, on Tuesday, the 27th of September, 1681, at which he requested -Mr. Owen to give an account ‘by what right he exercised the ministry, not -having episcopal ordination.’ He also directed him to procure any other -ministers he could to assist him, for ‘he would be glad to hear what any -of them had to say for themselves.’ Mr. Owen sought the co-operation of -Mr. Henry, which, after much hesitation, was granted; to whom also was -joined Mr. Jonathan Roberts, ‘a plain man of great integrity, and a very -good scholar.’ On the day appointed the Bishop made his appearance with -the famous Henry Dodwell. In those days of intolerance, some parties had -refrained from engaging in the controversy, ‘lest it might be prejudicial -to their liberty. The Bishop, however, was pleased to promise that no -thing which should be said, by way of argument, should be any way turned -to the prejudice of the disputants, nor advantage taken of it to give -them trouble.’ There was convened a large number of the gentry and -clergy of the neighbourhood, the magistrates of the town, and a great -concourse of people. The discussion lasted from two in the afternoon -till between seven and eight at night. ‘Much was said, pro and con, -touching the identity of bishops and presbyters, the bishoping and -unbishoping of Timothy and Titus, &c. It was managed with a great deal -of liberty, and not under the strict laws of disputation.’ ‘The Bishop -won golden opinions from all parties on account of the gravity, calmness, -and evenness of spirit’ with which he conducted his part; while he seems -to have been so much gratified with the temper of his opponents, as to -have formed from that time a most intimate friendship with Mr. Henry.” -The report does not inform us whether the Bishop was convinced by the -arguments of the nonconformists. That Philip Henry retained his opinions -is undeniable; for he never ceased advocating, with Christian zeal and -moderation, the principles of nonconformity. It is gratifying, however, -to read of so tolerant and well-conducted a disputation in so persecuting -an age; it speaks much in favor of the just and beneficent spirit of -Bishop Lloyd. - -The reign of James II. offers no particular incident in relation to -Oswestry. As a sovereign he was worthless and dangerous. His darling -objects were, the establishment, throughout the land, of the Roman -Catholic religion, and the restriction of popular freedom. During his -brief occupation of the throne he paid a visit to Shrewsbury and -Whitchurch; and on his way from the metropolis sojourned at Ludlow for a -night, and passed through the Strettons. The people of Shrewsbury had -not been favoured with a royal visit for nearly half a century, and were -now disposed to give the monarch a cordial reception. All the public -functionaries were trained and disciplined as to duty, for an incident -had occurred in the royal progress, so ludicrous in character, that the -Shrewsbury corporation resolved it should not be re-enacted amid their -loyal congratulations. The story to which we refer may be true or -fabulous; but it is too good not to be connected with a notice of James’s -reign: and, after all, the mayor of the town where the scene is laid, in -adopting literally the promptings of the learned recorder, was not, to -use a common phrase, “so great a fool as he seemed to be.” If King James -had received those promptings in a wise spirit—mirth-exciting as they -must have been—he might have been a good sovereign, and had around him -loyal and devoted subjects. - -The mayor whose absurdities we are about to describe is said to have been -both illiterate and dull, incapable of reading or remembering an address. -It was settled therefore, says the tale, that the recorder should stand -behind him, to set him right if he happened to be out. When they (the -corporation) were ushered into the royal presence, and the chief -magistrate was about to commence his harangue, as he appeared somewhat -sheepish and embarassed, his friendly monitor whispered in his ear, -“_Hold up your head_, _sir_, _and look like a man_!” Mistaking this for -the beginning of his speech, he boldly stared the king in the face, and -roared out, “_Hold_, _up your head_, _sir_, _and look like a man_!” -Alarmed at the frightful blunder just made, the recorder whispered to the -chief magistrate (who at this moment must have resembled the celebrated -Mayor of Garrat, with two nosegays in his coat), “_What the d—l do you -mean_, _sir_?” The mayor, as stolid as ever, and nothing abashed, -thundered out the recorder’s exclamation as boldly as before. The -recorder, indignant and irritated, muttered, “By heavens, sir, you’ll -ruin us all!” His worship, taking this to be a continuance of the -speech, and still staring his majesty full in the face, with a yet louder -voice repeated, “_By heavens_, _sir_, _you’ll ruin us all_!” Even kingly -patience could bear this no longer, and rising, his majesty in an angry -tone demanded what was the meaning of this jargon? when the recorder laid -before him “the facts of the case,” and the king passed the affair by -with a gracious smile. - - - -THE REVOLUTION. - - -The Revolution of 1688 brought over to England William III.; and his -reign was followed by that of “good Queen Anne.” Her reign has been -termed the Augustan era of English literature, as it was graced with the -polished writings of Sir Isaac Newton, Addison, Steele, Farquar (who laid -the scene of his comedy, “_The Recruiting Officer_,” in Shrewsbury, and -who, in his epistle dedicatory, first used the lively sentiment, “To all -friends round the Wrekin,” now one of the social laws of Salop), of -Vanbrugh, Prior, Pope, Parnell, Garth, Gay, _cum multis aliis_. -Instructed as the nation was by these and other eminent men, still -bigotry and enthusiasm were evidenced by many in matters of religion and -politics. In the year 1709 the nation was thrown into a gentle ferment -by the indiscreet conduct of the government towards an obscure clergyman -named Sacheverell (who had long been starving on a poor curacy in -London), in consequence of his having preached and published two -scurrilous and intemperate sermons, of which red-hot politics were the -staple. He was summoned to the bar of the House of Lords, and impeached. -The Whig ministry viewed his attacks with alarm, and he was sentenced not -to preach for three years. This persecution, as the proceedings of the -government were called at once martyrised Sacheverell, who suddenly found -himself famous. A gentleman residing in the neighbourhood of Oswestry, -Robert Lloyd, Esq., of Aston, sympathized with the suffering Sacheverell, -and became his friend. Mr. Lloyd had been the doctor’s pupil at Magdalen -College, Oxford; and as the rectory of Sylattyn, in his gift, became -vacant at this juncture, he presented it to the high-church meteor. This -was doubtless a god-send to the doctor, who set off from London, to take -possession of his new living, with all the state which a corrupt -popularity could give to him. A Tory writer of Queen Anne’s reign tells -us that “he entered upon his triumphant progress to Shropshire. He was -magnificently entertained at Oxford by the University, and received in -the other great towns he passed through (Shrewsbury and Oswestry -included) with the loud acclamations and joyful congratulations of the -people, upon his deliverance from whig persecution.” In Shrewsbury the -crier was sent about to proclaim his arrival, and the bells were rung in -honour of the event. As he passed through Oswestry, it is related, the -crowd assembled to witness his arrival was so great, that an enthusiastic -old woman, a great dabbler in politics and religion, no doubt, was so -excited in her endeavours to obtain a sight of the distinguished bigot, -that she succeeded only in catching a passing glance at his figure and -periwig. “I could see only part of the holy man,” she exclaimed, “but I -console myself with having had a sight of his ever-blessed wig as he rode -along.” This sort of mummery was not confined to Oswestry. In many -towns people were desirous to have their new-born infants christened with -a name so revered; which, having been transmitted through succeeding -generations, is not yet extinct in this county. On his return to London -he met with nothing but laudations, except at Worcester, where, by the -direction of Bishop Lloyd, a suitable rebuff was administered to him. Of -Dr. Sacheverell nothing more was heard worthy of transcription. Like -most other men whose popularity is created by intolerant doctrines in -religion or politics, he speedily found that his sudden greatness was as -mutable as it was undeserved. - -The death of Queen Anne, in 1714, secured to the kingdom the Brunswick -Dynasty. The Act of Settlement, passed in the reign of William III., -provided that the crown of Great Britain should henceforth be held only -by Protestant Princes. James Stuart, Queen Anne’s brother, known more -popularly as the Pretender, could not reign in England because he was a -Roman Catholic, and George, Duke of Brunswick, and Elector of Hanover, a -Protestant Prince, whose mother was grand-daughter of James I., became -King of Great Britain. The Brunswick succession has continued till the -present time, the united kingdom deriving especial benefits from the -reigns of the three Georges, of William IV., and of Queen Victoria. -Under the sway of George III. enlarged freedom, civil and religious, was -extended to his subjects; arts, science, and commerce flourished, and the -people made rapid advancement in religious and moral improvement. The -memorable wish of the venerable monarch George III., “That every one of -his subjects should read and possess the Bible”—a far more generous -sentiment than that of the French King who desired to see the day when -every one of his subjects should be able to put a fowl into the pot once -a week—was largely realized through the instrumentality of Robert Raikes, -Dr. Bell, and Joseph Lancaster, the great promoters of education in the -land, and by, also, the foundation of the British and Foreign Bible -Society, whose distribution of the Scriptures gave an impulse to -religious and benevolent efforts which have been increasing in usefulness -and efficiency to the present day. Under the auspices of George IV. the -nation derived numerous blessings, deficient as he was of many of the -bright qualities that ought to shine in the moral diadem of a British -King. The reign of William IV.—the Sailor King, as he has been -familiarly but appropriately called—was rendered illustrious by his -intense regard for the interests of the people, and his sanction to the -Second Great Charter of British rights. Under the mild and gracious rule -of our beloved Sovereign QUEEN VICTORIA, the rights and privileges of -Britons are held sacred; literature, arts, and science have acquired “a -more than double sway;” commerce and manufactures, in a multiplicity of -forms, for the comfort and luxury of mankind, have careered onwards with -giant steps, that have astonished and delighted the wisest and the best; -the social comforts of all classes of the British community are rendered -almost boundless by the progress of invention, the ingenuity of -mechanical skill, and the unceasing activity of all industrial pursuits; -the unrighteous laws that prohibited the importation of corn have been -abolished; free trade in bread has been established with all the nations -of the earth; ancient grinding monopolies have been destroyed; national -imposts reduced; the just demands of the people speedily granted; harsh -feudal laws, carrying with them inhuman punishments, have been blotted -out of the Statute-book; “man’s inhumanity to man,” under the sanction of -Acts of Parliament, has been softened if not wholly subdued; the just -principle of national brotherhood, inculcated by divine precept, has -gained vital force; religion has become less sectarian, and more -thoroughly Christian in profession and practice; the helping hand of man -to his brother man, in the hour of necessity, is seen now more actively -at work than ever; the people at large are united as one man, in all -great designs of philanthropy and benevolence, and in all puissant -combinations against injustice and oppression; our QUEEN and her -enlightened and virtuous CONSORT are ever watchful for the country’s -weal. The reign of VICTORIA is thus far the brightest page of regal -history, because it has been pre-eminently the best. We may sum up in -the eloquent language of Dr. Southwood Smith:—“We live in a glorious age. -The rapidity of the progress of liberal opinion, and I will add, of -liberal feeling, within these few years has been unexampled in the -history of our race. Sometimes indeed the tide of improvement like the -tide of the ocean may appear to have receded; but soon, as if deriving -strength from its momentary retreat, slow, majestic, irresistible, it has -rolled beyond its former limit; but, unlike its type, it has not -returned, _and it will not return_, to the boundary it has passed.” - - - - -Topographical History. - - -OSWESTRY is one of the most interesting of the English Border towns, as -we have already endeavoured to show; its early history, in various -conflicting ages, being crowded with incidents to give to it a lasting -renown. In its present state it offers numerous claims to public -attention; and the time does not seem far distant when it will take its -rank among the more flourishing towns of the empire. Having railway -communication direct with the metropolis, the great seats of -manufacturing industry in the northern counties, and by a new line of -conveyance, both of passengers and goods, _via_ the rapidly-rising town -and port of Birkenhead, with the sister kingdom, its importance and -improvement will quickly increase. Nor is the contemplated railway -extension from Oswestry to Welshpool and Newtown to be overlooked, as -that may soon lead to the still further construction of a railway forming -a junction with the projected line from the latter place to the busy town -of Llanidloes, and stretching onward till it reaches the great harbour in -course of formation at Milford Haven. With such “means and appliances” -the trade and commerce of Oswestry are not likely to retrograde; and -although we possess not the poetical and sanguine temperament of Griffith -of Glyn Ceiriog, who, some centuries ago, fancied that “in merchandise it -resembled Cheapside,” in London, yet we have no doubt that Oswestry, -which is now prospering commercially, and diffusing much good, both -morally and religiously, will advance steadily forward in the march of -general and social improvement. We are too gallant not heartily to -concur on another point with the Welsh poet just quoted. In his days, he -says, “The handsomest women, and the most becomingly drest, are those of -Oswestry.” If we did not unhesitatingly applaud this opinion of a -Welshman, we should consider ourselves unworthy the name of Englishmen! - -The site of Oswestry is remarkable. It stands upon more elevated ground -than any other town in Shropshire, being 450 feet above the level of the -sea. Its commanding position freely exposes to the gaze of the delighted -spectator a range of landscape scenery which, for variety, beauty, and -grandeur, cannot be excelled in any part of the kingdom. On the heights -above the town the prospect expands. To the south-east the fertile vale -of Salop displays its diversified charms, the Nesscliff Rock, Hawkstone -(Lord Hill’s beautiful ancestral residence), and the huge and venerable -Wrekin peering forth in the distance; whilst the high ridges of the -Longmynd and Stiperstones form an uninterrupted chain along the Welsh -border, with the bold and abrupt acclivities of Cefn-y-Castell and -Moel-y-Golfa; and the Breidden, crowned with Rodney’s Pillar, completes -the great natural panorama. Towards the east the Macclesfield hills, -dividing Cheshire from Derbyshire, appear. The view on the Welsh side is -equally impressive, and may well be called “the paradise of Cambria.” - -The fullest topographical description of ancient Oswestry that we have -discovered is that of Harrison, who wrote in 1564. He says, - - “Oswester is eighteen miles from Shrewsburie, and containeth a mile - within the walls. It hath in like sort foure suburbs or great - streets, of which one is called Stratlan, another Wuliho, the third - Beterich, wherein are one hundred and forty barns, standing in a row, - belonging to the citizens or burgesses, and the fourth named the - Black Gate-street, in which are thirtie barns maintained for corne - and haie. There is also a brooke running thorough the town by the - crosse, coming from Simon’s well, a bowshot without the wall, and - going under the same, between Thorow-gate and New-gate, running under - the Black-gate. There is another, over whose course the Baderikes or - Baderich-gate standeth, and therefore called Baderich brooke; the - third passeth by Willi-gate or New-gate, and these all fall, together - with the Crosse brooke, a mile lower by south, into the Mordaunt.” - -Leland, the historian, who briefly sojourned in the town in the reign of -Henry VIII., informs us that the northern part, or Beatrice-street, at -that period contained “many barns for corn and hay, to the number of vii -score several barns;” the eastern, or Black-gate, “xxx barns for corn, -with other houses ’longing to the townesmen.” The same writer adds, -“There be within the town iii most notable streates, the Cross-streate, -the Bayly-streate, and New-gate-streate. The houses withyn the town be -of timbre, and slated. There is a castell, sette on a mont be likelihood -made by hand; and ditched by south-west, betwixt Beatrise-gate and -Willow-gate, to the which the wall comith. There be no towers in the -waulles besides the gates. The town is dicked about, and brokettes ren -ynto it.” Camden describes Oswestry in his day as “a place of good -traffic, inclosed with a wall and ditch, and fortified with a castle.” -Pennant’s brief description brings us nearer to the present time. -“Oswestry,” he says, “stands just in Shropshire, on the very border of -the British frontier. It is 17½ miles from Shrewsbury, 11 from -Llangollen, and 179½ from London. The country for several miles round is -delightfully varied with hills, vales, wood, and water, and abounds in -rich scenery. The prospect on the Montgomery side is terminated abruptly -by the august ridge of the prominent mountains of Breiddyn. It is upon -higher ground than any other town in Shropshire.” - -The Walls referred to by these writers were erected, as we have already -stated, by Edward I. (probably under the superintendance of his -celebrated architect Elreton, who built both Conway and Caernarvon -castles), that he might secure Oswestry as a key to his intended conquest -of Wales, and render it less liable to the plundering incursions of the -Welsh. These walls were about a mile in circumference, with a -skilfully-made intrenchment on the outside, which could be filled with -water from the springs in the vicinity. Some remains of this ancient -fortification may still be traced, and part of its boundary-line is -designated, up to the present time, as “the Walls.” - -There were four Gates, the only inlets into the town, and they stood as -strong fortresses in times of disquietude and danger. As the town -advanced in trade and commerce the Gates became exceedingly inconvenient -for the passage of carriages and merchandize, and in 1766, the Black-Gate -was taken down by consent of Earl Powis, the lord of the manor. Rylance -assures us that “Black-Gate was demolished in consequence of its having -become so low in the arch, that loads could scarce go under, having been -rendered so by several pavements being put one over the other to repair -the street, and make a vent for the water, which made the passage through -it bad.” - -[Picture: The New Gate] The convenience rendered to the town by the -removal of the Black-Gate induced the Corporation to obtain the consent -of the lord of the manor to the removal of the three other Gates. In -1782 an arrangement was accordingly made for their demolition, and the -materials were used in the erection of the borough prison. The New-Gate -was erected in the reign of Edward II., and was used as a prison and -guard-room for the soldiers. Over the New-Gate (as is seen in our -engraving) was the figure of a horse in full speed, with an oaken bough -in his mouth. Pennant remarks, “There is a conjecture, but I will not -pretend to say how well warranted, that it alluded to the generous breed -of horses which Powys-land (of which this was part) was famous for, -derived from some fine Spanish stallions introduced by Robert de Belesme, -Earl of Shrewsbury.” - - [Picture: Beatrice Gate] - -Beatrice Gate is said to have been named in compliment to Beatrice, the -Queen of Henry IV., and in all probability was built in that king’s -reign, as his sojourn in this district, during his long onslaughts upon -the Welsh, connected him much with the neighbourhood. The gate was a -handsome building, with a guard-house on each side, and over it the arms -of the Fitz-Alans (a lion rampant). It is said to have been built by -Thomas, Earl of Arundel. - -Willow-Gate, or Wallia-Gate, derived its name from the road, in which the -gate was situate, leading directly into Wales. - -The borough has now assumed, from a number of improvements made in it, a -highly-respectable appearance. Church-Street may vie, in neatness and -public accommodation, with the leading thoroughfare of any -similarly-sized town in the kingdom. Willow-Street is an active business -thoroughfare, the two Banks and the Post-Office being situated there; -Beatrice Street is the only thoroughfare to the Railway Station, and is -therefore, with Leg-Street, the chief street of traffic. Bailey-Street, -principally confined to shops, is a leading approach to the Powys Market, -Guildhall, and public offices; whilst Upper Brook-Street is a pleasant -location, and will doubtless soon become a favourite site for villa -residences; at least, its beautiful situation, and the fine healthy -country to which it is proximate, entitle it to such a distinction, Salop -Road is on the march of improvement, and some good modern houses are -erected in it; but yet its dwellings are irregular in size and -appearance, and some time may elapse before it exhibits much of harmony -or attraction, as a leading thoroughfare, unless the projected railway -extension through the town gives, as may reasonably be expected, a -stimulus to house-building in this district. The innovating hand of -modern improvement has not hitherto effected much change in the central -and more dense portions of the town. Let us “wait a little longer,” and -the unsightly dwellings deemed palaces by our forefathers, but which, -compared with modern domestic houses, are little better than huts or -hovels, will give place to habitations worthy of this age, so properly -distinguished for its sanatory regulations and general progress. Such -ancient and dilapidated buildings are mere figments of days gone past, -and atone not, by their pictorial beauty, for their ruined and desolate -condition. The flagging of the leading public streets, recently -determined upon, and which has been partly carried into effect, will be -one of the greatest improvements already adopted in the borough. The -principal thoroughfares in the entire town will speedily be flagged in -the same style, so that in a short time the inhabitants, ladies -especially, will be able to perambulate the streets, and amuse themselves -“a-shopping,” without paying for it the hard penalty of walking in their -fashionable boots or slippers over a flinty pavement. This improvement -is being effected from the funds of a voluntary subscription, to which a -large number of the professional gentry and trading classes have -liberally subscribed. The various roads leading from the town are wide -and well-constructed, and are generally kept in a good travelling -condition. - -The town is lighted with gas, and has been so for many years past. The -honour of introducing gas-light into Oswestry is due to Mr. Robert -Roberts, civil engineer, a man of much talent in his profession, and of -singular perseverance and industry. The origin of lighting the town with -gas may be told in a few words. In the year 1819 Mr. Charles Stanton, at -that time Manager of the Oswestry Theatre, which had been recently built, -entered into an arrangement with Mr. Roberts to light the Theatre during -the season. Mr. Roberts had been hitherto experimenting on a small -scale, and was not fully prepared to enter upon so important a piece of -work as illuminating the Theatre. His persevering habits prevailed, and -he agreed with Mr. Stanton that the Theatre should be lighted on a -certain evening. To introduce gas into a large public building was -deemed an event of no common magnitude in those days. The appointed -evening, in September 1819, at length arrived, and Mr. Roberts succeeded -in lighting the Theatre with a brilliant gas, which astonished all -beholders. The performances on that evening were for the benefit of Miss -Stanton, the Manager’s daughter. Some tradesmen in the town quickly -availed themselves of this new light; others followed in the wake; and in -the winter season of 1821, the leading streets of the town were for the -first time illuminated with gas. Places of religious worship soon -afterwards adopted gas. The Welsh Methodist Chapel, in Willow-Street, -first used it; the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Salop-Road, followed; and -the Old Parish Church, then and still under the vicarage of the Rev. -Thomas Salwey, was afterwards lighted, forty burners being introduced, -including lights at the entrance doors. The other places of religious -worship quickly followed the example; and in a very few years gas became -the universal light in all public places, private houses, and commercial -and trading establishments. In 1821 the public, or street-lamps, were -only 10 in number; there were 123 private lights; and one chapel lighted -with five lights. In 1854 there were—private lights, 925; public lamps, -66; Church and Chapel lights, 112. The lighting of the borough has been -much improved since gas was first introduced here. It is still under the -superintendence of Mr. Roberts, who, now an octogenarian, is of hale -health, and of as active and bustling habits as he was in the days of his -youth. - -Oswestry is a market-town, and the chief market is held every Wednesday. -It is abundantly supplied from the surrounding highly-cultivated -agricultural country, and the articles brought for sale are generally of -the very best quality. Welsh mutton, poultry, and fruits of rare -delicacy are among the choice morsels which the exquisite _gourmand_ may -ever find, in their due season, in the Oswestry market. Apples and -pears, produced in the vicinity, and offered for sale here, might -successfully vie with the best of those fruits grown in Guernsey, Jersey, -or the sunny orchards of Kent. There is a small market held on the -Saturday, principally for the accommodation of the numerous labouring -classes employed in the neighbourhood. - -Twelve FAIRS are also held in the town, all of which are conducted with -great spirit, and attended by a large class of buyers and sellers. A -Fair is held on the first Wednesday in every month. - - - -Public Establishments and Institutions. - - -Imagine a party of strangers visiting Oswestry, having heard much spoken -in favour of its neatness and beauty, and the picturesque scenery by -which it is surrounded; and stretch forth your imagination, gentle -reader, by supposing that this party have been comfortably supplied with -viands, and perchance “the cup which cheers, but not inebriates,” by mine -host of the Cross Keys or the Wynnstay Arms. Having discussed these good -things, they may perhaps hasten out in quest of “the lions” of the place. -“Let us away to the Museum!” probably exclaims one of the ladies of the -party who is ever in search of the _utile_ as well as the _dulce_. “This -is a charming spot,” she perhaps adds, “for mineralogical and geological -curiosities. The country, we are told, abounds in productive lead, -copper, and coal mines. We shall surely collect much useful information -in this practical and exploratory district, and return home wiser than -when we came.” “Bravissimo!” may be the cry and echo of most of the -party, “Miss Aimwell is ever zealous in good works, and to-day she is -bent upon providing for us no common store of rational pleasure and -information. Let us hasten to the Museum, therefore, at once.” The -party, we suppose—for it is merely a fancy sketch—hie away towards the -imaginary Museum, full of glee, anticipating the pleasure of exchanging -compliments with the Curator, and one Director at least, and of -inspecting a carefully-selected collection of natural curiosities, -comprising, of course, attractive productions in the mineral world; -specimens in ornithology; some of the many wonders and “gems of purest -ray serene,” snatched from the deep caverns of the ocean; rare marbles -and pebbles chiselled out of rocks and caves, mountains and dells; -botanical rarities, and floral, horticultural, native and exotic -products; with gatherings from the realms of art, science, fancy, and -literature. Do the imaginary party discover the Museum, or a Public -Library, or any Institution whatever, in which Lord Bacon’s axiom is -illustrated, that “knowledge is power?” No such thing is in existence. -The fancied party—or fanciful party, as some people would denominate -them—have been in search of “the baseless fabric of a vision.” Like -Puff, in Sheridan’s “_Critic_,” they might say, with a slight -interpolation, - - “The Museum we cannot see, - Because it’s not in sight!” - -Turning from the gay to the grave, we reiterate, there is no Museum in -the town; nor even a Public Library, on a scale worthy of so respectable -a community. We wish it were otherwise; and the day is not far off, we -trust, when the reproach will be wiped away, and Oswestry shall shew an -example in this respect deserving of all praise. - - - -THE POST OFFICE - - -Is situated in Willow-Street. Post-Mistress, Miss Sarah Babington, who -has held her appointment since May, 1831. The Post Office was removed -from Church-Street to Willow-Street, in October, 1839. - - DISPATCH OF LETTERS, &c. - -Lines of Road, and chief Letters can be Posted Letters &c. -Places of Destination. can be - registered - until - Without extra With one - charge, until additional - 1d. stamp, - until -Shrewsbury, Birmingham, P. M. P. M. P. M. -and London taking Letters -for all parts of England, -North and South Wales, -Ireland, Scotland, and -Foreign parts - 6 15 6 55 5 45 -Llanymynech, Llanfyllin, A. M. A. M. P. M. -Llanrhaiadr, & Rural Post - 5 45 7 0 10 0 - - DELIVERY. - -Lines of Road, and chief Places Delivery by Delivery to -from which Mails are received. Letter callers - Carriers begins at - begins at -London, Birmingham, and Shrewsbury, A. M. A. M. -bringing Letters from all parts of -England, North and South Wales, -Ireland, and Foreign parts - 8 0 8 0 -London, Crewe, Liverpool, Chester, P. M. P. M. -Wrexham, &c. - 5 0 4 45 -Llanfyllin and Rural Post 7 15 7 10 - -On Sundays there is only one Delivery by Letter Carriers (commencing at 8 -a.m.), and Letters are delivered at the Window, from 8 until 10 a.m. -only. - - -REGULATIONS. - - -Ordinary Business:—From the beginning of March to the end of October, -this Office is, on Week-days, opened to the Public, for ordinary -Business, at 7 a.m., and during the remaining months at half-past 7. It -is always closed at 10 p.m. On Sunday the Office is open only from 8 -till 10 a.m.; but the Letter Box remains open as on other days. - -The inhabitants of Oswestry have now the privilege of receiving letters -from London, both by the evening and morning mails. The new postal -regulation, by which letters may be posted in London in the evening, -after seven o’clock, and up to eight in the morning, is of great -importance to tradesmen and others in Oswestry, as it enables them to -reply to such letters on the evening on which they are delivered. - - - -THE BANKS. - - -There are two Banks in the town. The OLD BANK, under the firm of -“Croxon, Jones, Longueville, and Co.,” is situated in Willow-Street, and -has been established for upwards of seventy years. The original -co-partners were Messrs. Gibbons, Croxon, and Sheppard. The present -co-partners are Thomas Longueville Longueville, Esq., John Croxon, Esq., -Richard Jones Croxon, Esq., and James Thomas Jones, Esq., who is also -Acting Manager. Mr. Jones’s father (Mr. Charles Thomas Jones) likewise -discharged the duties of Manager of this Bank for the long period of -thirty-five years. In such capacity, also in that of Chief Magistrate, -and as a warm friend to every useful institution in the borough, he -earned the grateful esteem of his fellow-townsmen. This Bank issues £5 -notes, payable here or in London: issue limited by law to £18,470. -Circulation, on an average of the last five years, £10,180.—Draw on -Masterman and Co., Nicholas Lane, London. - -The NORTH AND SOUTH WALES BANK, also situated in Willow-Street, is a -Branch to the Bank bearing that title, established April, 1836, in -Liverpool. The Oswestry Branch was opened June, 1836. There are fifteen -Branches of the North and South Wales Bank established in the -Principality and the Borders. Manager:—Mr. F. Roberts, appointed -September, 1845.—Draw on the London and Westminster Bank. - - -THE SAVINGS’ BANK, - - -On the Bailey Head, was established in 1818; and at the present time it -is in a state of great prosperity, showing the careful and economic -habits of a large portion of the labouring classes in this thriving -district. From the annual account of the Trustees of the Bank, ending -20th November, 1854, it appears, that the balance in favour of the -Depositors amounted to £69,975 18s. 11d. The number of Depositors whose -respective balances, including interest, did not exceed £1 each, was 77; -of those £1, and not exceeding £5, 303; ditto above £5, and not exceeding -£10, 270; ditto above £10, and not exceeding £15, 217; ditto above £15, -and not exceeding £20, 146; ditto above £20, and not exceeding £30, 253; -ditto above £30, and not exceeding £40, 194; ditto above £40, and not -exceeding £50, 113; ditto above £50, and not exceeding £75, 188; ditto -above £75, and not exceeding £100, 89; ditto above £100, and not -exceeding £125, 49; ditto above £125, and not exceeding £150, 23; ditto -above £150, and not exceeding £200, 41; ditto exceeding £200, 2. The -total number of Depositors was 1965; Charitable Societies, 30; and -Friendly Societies, 31. The total number of accounts was 2026. The -affairs of the Bank are conducted by ten Trustees and fourteen Managers. - - Treasurer:—Thomas Longueville Longueville, Esq. - Secretary:—Mr. John Hughes. - -The Bank is open for business every Wednesday, from twelve till two -o’clock. - - - -THE STAMP OFFICE - - -Is situated in Leg-Street. Sub-Distributor, Mr. George Lewis. - - - -THE MARKETS. - - -Until very recently the town of Oswestry had not provided any -market-sites worthy of the name. As the town, however, advanced in -population and trading pursuits, and agriculture and farming in general -progressed in the neighbourhood, the want of new and convenient public -markets began to be seriously felt, and most of the inhabitants, and -gentlemen connected with the neighbourhood, were disposed to contribute -towards the completion of such desirable improvements. A very liberal -spirit was manifested in favour of so excellent a design; a public -subscription was set on foot; and at length the sum of £3202 was raised, -which was laid out towards erecting the Cross Market, as that was -considered to be the most desirable to commence upon. But this sum being -found insufficient to cover the cost even of this Market, it was agreed -by the Town Council to apply to Parliament for an Act, empowering them to -effect further Market Improvements in the borough, and to raise £5000 for -that purpose. Accordingly a Bill was presented to Parliament, in 1848, -entitled “The Oswestry Markets and Fairs Bill,” and in February of that -year Mr. Fowler, Surveying Officer of the Commissioners of Woods and -Forests, attended at Oswestry, to hear evidence upon the proposed -markets. R. J. Croxon, Esq., Town-Clerk, appeared for the promoters, and -having pointed out, in a long address, the evils arising from holding the -Fairs and Markets in the public streets, called several witnesses in -support of his statement. Mr. Fowler reported favourably of the objects -of the promoters; and in the same Session of Parliament the Act received -the royal assent. The measure being so far successful, no time was lost -in carrying out this creditable project; and on June 6th, 1849, the CROSS -MARKET, for the sale of butter, eggs, poultry, fruit and vegetables, was -opened. Part of the market is also used for the sale of butchers’ meat. -The Powis MARKET-HALL, forming one side of the Bailey Square, was opened -on the same day. The chief part of the buildings of which the Powis -Market is composed, as well as the site on which the new portion of the -Market stands, was presented to the town by the late Earl of Powis, Lord -of the Manor and Lordship of Oswestry, his Lordship merely stipulating -that he and his successors should have the use of the new Guildhall when -the same was wanted for holding the Manor Courts. The site on which the -Cross Market was built, being in the centre of the town, had been covered -with shops and dwellings, all of which were purchased at a cost of -upwards of £2,700. Mr. Thomas Penson was the architect employed on this -Market, and Messrs. Griffith and William Morris contracted for its -erection. The market is spacious and convenient, is covered in, and has -three entrances, the main one being from the Cross. The Powis -Market-Hall, in which accommodation is given to farmers and general -dealers in cheese, butter, and grain, is a plain stone-fronted edifice, -with a high clock turret. The front part of the building was formerly -used as the Guild-Hall, at the back of which new buildings have been -erected, in brick, and partly covered with glass. This market has been -found to be exceedingly convenient, especially in the winter season; and -the accommodation thus rendered to buyers and sellers has contributed so -much to increase their number, that a considerable extension to the -market is contemplated. The CATTLE MARKET comprises an extensive piece -of ground, situated between Church-Street and Croxon’s Square, which was -purchased from Mr. George Withers Edwards, at a cost of £1050. It is -exceedingly well attended, and fully justifies the expectations of all -parties engaged in its formation. The HORSE MARKET is situated at the -back of the Powis Market. The site on which it is held, comprising 4256 -square yards, was purchased for £279. Both of these markets were opened -on Wednesday, 4th July, 1849.—Mr. George Cooper is Treasurer of the -Markets; and Mr. John Donald Superintendent. - - [Picture: Guildhall, Powis Market, and Bailey head] - -Most of the leading gentlemen of the town had taken an active interest in -the formation of the new markets, and no one was more zealously engaged -in promoting them than Peploe Cartwright, Esq., to whom, after the -completion of these public improvements, a service of plate, consisting -of a silver salver, tureen, and four corner dishes, was presented on -behalf of the Corporation and a numerous body of the inhabitants of the -town and neighbourhood, as a testimony of their sense of his many “public -services in forwarding the improvements of the town, and in particular -for his able, zealous, and untiring exertions in promoting the -establishment of the fairs and market accommodations.” The presentation -of the plate took place December 26th, 1850, in the Powis Market-Hall, in -the presence of a numerous assembly. The Recorder of the borough, John -Robert Kenyon, Esq., presented the plate, in an appropriate and eloquent -speech; and Mr. Cartwright responded with ability and feeling. On the -same day, as a further testimonial to Mr. Cartwright, a public dinner was -given to him, at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, on which occasion the festive -enthusiasm which distinguishes the Salopian gentry was more than -ordinarily displayed. The entire proceedings of the day passed off with -the utmost satisfaction. - - - -THE GAS-WORKS - - -Were erected in 1842, at the sole expense of Mr. Robert Roberts, the -proprietor, on a piece of land situated near Gallows-tree Bank turnpike -gate, the original works in Willow-Street having long before been found -too small and inconvenient to meet the increasing requirements of the -town. The new works were built on an extended scale, and comprise a -retort-house, purifying house, with a large tank and gasometer. The -apparatus is of the usual character, including condenser, purifier, -scrub, with fire-clay retorts, hydraulic main, &c. The chimney is -square, and spiral in form, tapering to the top, and forms an object of -interest on the approach to the town from Shrewsbury. - - - -THE THEATRE - - -Is a small neat building in Willow-Street, but is not often occupied. It -is the property of William Ormsby Gore, Esq., who, when he built it, -doubtless considered he was providing means of rational entertainment for -the inhabitants. But Melpomene and Thalia have lost their charms in this -district; and the immortal works of Shakspeare, Jonson, Fletcher, -Massinger, Colman, Sheridan, Knowles, Bulwer, and others, are doomed to -shed their fragrance only in the library or study. Thirty years ago the -acted drama was deemed a genial and instructive amusement, and the boxes, -pit, and gallery of Oswestry Theatre were frequently crowded with -fashionable and attentive audiences. About the period to which we refer -the Theatre was under the careful and clever management of Mr. Charles -Stanton, who, with his family, “gained golden opinions,” and a more than -decent competence, by his histrionic labours. During the time he -presided over the Thespian realm, he succeeded in attaching to his _corps -theatrique_ many ladies and gentlemen of talent and high principle, who -afterwards figured with advantage in more extended spheres of their -profession; and whilst he held the reins of government, he deserved and -received the good opinion of his supporters. After having thus briefly -adverted to theatricals in Oswestry, it will not be inappropriate to -mention, that on no occasion, perhaps, in the history of provincial -dramatic performances, were more brilliant and exhilarating scenes -displayed than in 1822, when a number of ladies and gentlemen, most of -them residents of the town or neighbourhood, kindly volunteered their -services as _dramatis personæ_ in a series of dramatic productions. -Three performances were determined upon, that a fund might be raised for -establishing in the town a Public Library. The first took place February -15th, when the comedy of “_Speed the Plough_,” and the afterpiece of -“_The Review_,” were presented. An original Prologue, from the pen of -William Ormsby Gore, Esq., was spoken by the characters. The receipts of -the night were £76 12s. 6d. On the evening of May 23rd, in the same -year, Colman’s comedy of “_The Heir at Law_,” and the afterpiece of “_The -Review_,” were performed. Mr. Alderman Salisbury, a hale octogenarian, -spoke a Prologue to the play, attributed to Garrick. Colman’s Epilogue -was spoken by the characters. The receipts on this occasion were £47. -The third performance, May 25th, consisted of “_Speed the Plough_,” and -the afterpiece of “_High Life below Stairs_.” Receipts £24. The late J. -F. M. Dovaston, Esq., who had taken much interest in these performances, -wrote a Prologue to “_The Heir at Law_,” and it was intended that he -should enact the part of Lord Duberly, and deliver his own witty -effusion. Some differences, however, arose, and he did not therefore -take any part in the performances. Although the total receipts amounted -to the handsome sum of £147 12s. 6d., yet the expense of scenery, &c., -exhausted nearly all the fund, and the original design, of establishing a -Public Library, failed. - -Mr. Dovaston’s Prologue is given in his volume of Poems, published in -1825. It forms part of the literary history of Oswestry, and we -therefore make no apology for transferring it to our pages:— - - “PROLOGUE, - - “To a Play for the Benefit of a PUBLIC LIBRARY; spoken in the - character of - Lord Duberly (formerly Old Daniel Dowlas, the Grocer). - - Oswestry Theatre, 1822. - - “THOUGH here I struts, a lord so great and gay, - I was but tallow-chandler t’other day; - I’ve riches, dress, good dinners, rank, and station, - But what are all these without headication? - If I dines out, and says but aye or no, Sir, - As sure as figs is figs—out peeps the Grocer. - I sees as clear as is in glass or varnish, - Wealth without larnin is—but tawdry tarnish: - Poor men, of Manners, Sense, and Wit all handy, - Are to Society—bright Sugar-candy; - While ev’n in Senate, Bar, Church, Tabernacle, - Brass without Brains is—Brimstone without Treacle. - “I to the Playhouse goes, to see their vainery, - And (tho’ enraptured with their fine new Scenery) - I knows not what their wit or weeping takes there, - Nor what they means by SHERIDAN or SHAKSPEARE. - “We’ve got no Books—and this our show’s all brib’ry - To ax good-natur’d folks to fill our LIBREY. - We gives books to the poor—and all approves them; - Then why not by example shew we loves them? - “Knowledge, in this world’s counting-house’s mass, - Is good store candle, mould, or brilliant gas, - To keep our day-book faithful; which, when furl’d, - Will post us fitter for a future world.” - -It is worthy of notice also, that in the same year in which the -performances were given in behalf of a Public Library, the celebrated -actor, distinguished as “The Young Roscius,” Mr. William Henry West -Betty, appeared on the Oswestry Stage, and played several of his popular -characters. Mr. Betty soon afterwards retired from public life; and for -many years past has been residing in London, having earned a handsome -fortune, enjoying his _otium cum dignitate_. He was a native of -Shrewsbury, and in right of his mother was heir to the extensive estate -of Hopton Wafers, in Shropshire. - - - -THE HOTELS. - - -The principal Hotels in the town are, the Cross Keys, the Wynnstay Arms, -the Queen’s Head, and Osburn’s Commercial. All these Hotels are -well-conducted, and are much frequented by commercial travellers, private -families, and tourists through the Principality and Border Lands. - - - -Educational Institutions. - - -THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL. - - - [Picture: The Free Grammar School] - -This ancient and valuable institution was founded and endowed in the -reign of Henry IV., between 1399 and 1413, by Mr. David Holbetche, “a -lawyer, steward of the towne and lordship,” and who in the same reign was -“made a denizen or free citizen of England.” The munificent founder -granted, for the maintenance of a schoolmaster, and the reparation of the -school-house, certain lands in Sweeney, Treflach, Maesbury, and -Crickheath, in addition to a house on the south-west side of the Parish -Church. By an inquisition under a Commission of charitable uses, taken -at Oswestry, 17th September, 1634, it was found that “how the said lands -were granted, or to whom, or by whom, they were to be let, was not known, -but that the bailiffs of the town of Oswestry had, for the most part, -jointly let the same:” and it was further found, “that upon the granting -of certain leases therein-mentioned, certain sums had been paid to the -bailiffs, or to their use, as a gratuity for making such leases; and that -they had cut timber upon the said estates which they had disposed of for -their own use.” In April, 1635, the Commissioners made a decree, stating -“that they had not found that the bailiffs of Oswestry were trusted by -the founder in ordering and disposing of the said school and -school-lands, but that they had done the same without any just authority; -and that if they had been trusted therein, they had manifestly abused the -trust, in making leases at an under-value, and for secret rewards for -themselves, and in committing great waste upon the timber-trees growing -upon the said premises; the said Commissioners decreed, that the bailiffs -of the said town should be for ever discharged and excluded from any -trust, or intermeddling with the said school and school-lands, or from -anything which should concern the same, otherwise than was thereafter -limited; that the nomination and placing of the schoolmaster should be -left to the bishop of the diocese according to the law; that the -schoolmaster for the time being should let the premises in possession, -and not in reversion, for the term of seven years, at the yearly rents -mentioned in a particular of the lands referred to in the inquisition, or -more, and so as the consent of the bishop and chancellor of the said -diocese, and of the bailiffs of the said town, or any two of them, -whereof the bishop should be one, should be first had in writing, for the -making of such leases; that neither the master nor any of the tenants -should cut or lop any timber-trees growing upon the premises without the -like consent; that the then schoolmaster should, within one year, make a -true terrier of all the school-lands and tenements, whereof one part -should be delivered to the bishop, to be kept in his registrar’s office, -and the other to be delivered to the bailiffs, to be entered in the -town-book. And the said Commissioners further ordered, that the -schoolmaster should always have an usher, and allow him £10 a-year, and -so much more out of the improved rents, as the said bishop for the time -being should think fit; so that the whole stipend of the usher should not -exceed £15; and that the schoolmaster for the time being, should keep the -school-house in repair.” - -A terrier of the school-lands was accordingly taken, and the report was -as follows:—_Crickheath_, 24a. 1r. 37p.; _Treflach_, 20a. 1r. 5p.; -_Sweeney_, 74a. 0r. 10p.; _Maesbury_, 12a. 0r. 29p. The lands in -Treflach mentioned in the terrier had been held for many years at the -ancient rents, without any variation; and the Rev. James Donne, D.D. (the -former master), brought actions of ejectment against the late Lazarus -Venables, Esq., and Mrs. Hilditch, who held the lands, and insisted upon -their right to hold them, paying the accustomed rents. Upon the trial of -these actions verdicts were given in favour of Dr. Donne, and the lands -being very much dispersed and intermixed with those belonging to the -defendants, the judge recommended that lands equal in value, and lying -together, should be given up to the plaintiff, instead of the identical -lands which were the subject of the suits. This recommendation was -cordially adopted by all parties concerned, and further litigation was -therefore avoided. - -Dr. Donne, through whose exertions these valuable properties were -recovered for Oswestry School, may justly be looked upon as its second -Founder. He raised the character of the School from comparative -obscurity to being second to none of the Grammar Schools of England. His -memory is held in affectionate remembrance by his pupils, who, to testify -their feelings, raised a handsome Memorial in Oswestry Parish Church. -The inscription on this Monument speaks deservedly of a revered Master, -and does credit to the elegant scholarship and affectionate feelings of -the distinguished Pupil who composed it. - -Further advantageous exchanges of land have taken place during the time -of the present Master, which have resulted in attaching some of the most -valuable land in the Liberties of Oswestry and Township of Weston to -Oswestry School. - -The Rents of the property accruing to the benefit of the School, -including a payment of £1 12s. 0d. from the receiver of the Crown Rents, -in respect of a sum of £2 charged on the land revenues, amount to £271 -10s. 2d. Some land around the School-House is not included in this -statement, so that the Endowment of the School may be considered to -amount to £300 per annum. - -In 1776 the late Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., gave a piece of land, called _Cae -Groes_, comprising nearly eight acres, upon which the present -School-House was erected, charged with a rent of £12 per annum, to the -heirs of Sir W. W. Wynn; and the sum of £779 4s. 8d. was subsequently -subscribed towards completing the structure, the balance of expenses -having been borne by Dr. Donne. - -The School is open to all boys born in the parish of Oswestry, for -instruction in English, Latin, and Greek; but it is expected that they -should be able to read before they are admitted. For the -before-mentioned studies no payment is demanded from the boys on the -Foundation, except 12s. 6d. for entrance, and 2s. a-year for fire-money. -The present Master is the Rev. Stephen Donne, A.M., who has filled the -office since his appointment in 1833 with singular merit and success, and -who has had the good fortune, during his connexion with the School, to -acquire the esteem and confidence of his pupils, and the warm approval -and regard of their parents and guardians. - -The course of instruction in the School is Classical and Mathematical, -embracing strict attention to Religious knowledge, with History and -Geography, both Ancient and Modern; and whilst pupils are prepared for -the Universities, and Addiscombe, Woolwich, and Sandhurst, boys who have -in view the Profession of the Law or a Commercial life, in addition to -their other studies, are carefully trained in Writing, Arithmetic, and -Book-keeping. The Head Master receives Boarders into his House, who are -treated in a liberal and gentlemanly spirit. Several Pupils from this -School have, during the time of the late and present Master, highly -distinguished themselves at Cambridge, Oxford, Dublin, Addiscombe, and -Woolwich. - -The late Rev. James Donne, D.D., retired from the School in 1833, and -died at Llanyblodwel Vicarage (which he had re-built), January 23rd, -1844. - -The early Masters of the School we are unable to discover. Our list of -appointments commences with the year 1537:— - - - LIST OF HEAD MASTERS, - -— Reynolds, appointed 1537 -David Morris, Vicar of Llansilin 1561 -John Berkley, D.D. 1606 - Rector of Llanddoget 1606. He became Vicar of Llansannan 1611, - Rector of Newtown 1613, Rector of Llanfyllin 1614, Prebendary of - Llanvair Second Comportion 1621, and Rector of Llandyssil 1622. -John Kyffin — -— Lloyd 1624 -Edward Payne, A.M. 1636 - Rector of Cemmaes 1661, Vicar of Kinnerley 1668. This gentleman - was ejected in the time of Oliver Cromwell’s Usurpation. -William Griffiths 1661 -Thomas Clopton 1672 - Rector of Cilken, 1673, Canon 1675, Rector of Llanrwst 1677, - Prebendary of Myfod and Rector of Castle-Careinion 1678, and Rector - of Christleton, Cheshire. -John Evans 1678 - Rector of Newtown 1666, Canon 1681, and Rector of Berriew 1686. -Edward Wicken — -Andrew Guild 1694 -Thomas Jones 1697 -Daniel Poole 1705 -— Lloyd — -Robert Patrick — - Rector of Cemmaes 1717, Canon 1718, and Rector of Mallwyd 1733. -John Skye 1733 - Rector of Berriew 1730, Vicar of Llansilin 1755. -Peter Morris 1763 -Owen Reynolds about 1769 -Charles Anson Tisdale 1772 -Eusebius Edwards, Pembroke College, Oxford 1781 -James Donne, M.A. 1796 - Second Master of the King’s School, Chester, 1794, Minor Canon of - Chester 1796, Vicar of Llanyblodwel 1798, and Rural Dean of Marchia - 1803. -Stephen Donne, M.A., Scholar of St. John’s 1833 -College, Cambridge, January - -NATIONAL SCHOOLS. - - -In the work of benevolence the borough of Oswestry has never acted with a -niggardly hand. When the necessity of national education first engaged -the sympathies of the community at large, Oswestry took a distinguished -part in the good work, and liberally provided education for the children -of the poor, who, until that period, had had none to help them. So early -as the commencement of the last century a Charity School was established -for the benefit of forty children, of whom twenty were clothed, and all -taught by a mistress to read and spell. When the boys were made perfect -in the reading of certain elementary books, they were transferred to a -master; and the girls were fully instructed, besides reading and -spelling, in spinning, knitting, and sewing. It is stated on one of the -tables of benefactions in the Parish Church, that in 1713 Mr. Thomas -Owen, Vicar of Oswestry, left the interest of £20 for the use of this -Charity School; and that in 1716 the Rev. Daniel Poole, chief -Schoolmaster of the town, left the interest of £20 for the like use. In -a minute of vestry, dated July 5th, 1737, it is stated that £32 was laid -out on the Poor-house in Church-Street, which sum, it is added, was paid -out of the legacies of the Rev. T. Owen and the Rev. D. Poole. In -December, in the same year, it was ordered at a vestry, that in lieu of -the money laid out as mentioned in the preceding minute, forty shillings -should be paid yearly toward maintaining the Charity School in the town -of Oswestry. It does not appear what school was intended, or how long -the payment was continued. - -The friends of education in Oswestry, still anxious for the well-being of -the rising generation, united together in the year 1810 to carry out -their benevolent intentions. In July of that year it was agreed, that -the Guildhall should be appropriated for the reception of boys, and the -school-room situated in the church-yard for the reception of girls, until -rooms at the Bailey-Head should be properly fitted up for their -instruction. A public notice was afterwards issued, announcing “That the -Public Charity School, belonging to the town and parish of Oswestry, is -now open for the instruction of boys of the age of five years and -upwards.” In November following, the boys’ school was removed to the -chapel of the House of Industry, the School Committee considering that -such change would afford an opportunity to the children of parents -residing in the country to attend the school. This plan partly failed, -and soon afterwards convenient school-rooms, for boys and girls, were -fitted up at the Bailey-Head, from plans by Mr. T. Jones, Architect. -These schools were supported by general subscription and occasional aid -from the National Society. At length it was deemed necessary to provide -more spacious and convenient school-rooms, for the furtherance of the -great object of education, and arrangements were made for accomplishing -so important a design. A public subscription was entered into, and this -was aided by grants of £338 from the Committee of Council on Education; -£200 from the National Society; and a contribution of £700 from the funds -of the Oswestry Church Sunday School. The present beautiful building was -accordingly erected under the Welsh Walls, sufficient accommodation being -rendered for an Infant School. The structure was designed by Mr. Penson, -and raised by Mr. J. Vaughan, Builder. As a tribute of respect to the -memory of the late Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., the building was commenced on -the 22nd of May, 1841, when his son, the present worthy possessor of -Wynnstay, attained his majority. The sole control of the School is -vested by the trust-deed in the Vicar of the parish for the time being. -The number of children at present educated in the Schools is—Boys, 78; -Girls, 64; Infants, 57.—Master, Mr. S. S. Lees; Mistresses, Miss -Whitfield and Miss Pierce. - - [Picture: National Schools] - - -THE PARISH CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL - - -Was established in 1831. A zealous interest is taken in its prosperity -by the Clergy and many persons of wealth and influence in the town and -neighbourhood. The average attendance at present is 280 Scholars; -Teachers from 30 to 35. - - -THE BRITISH SCHOOLS - - -Were erected in 1841, at a cost, including the site, of about £800; the -builder being Mr. James Vaughan. - -They are held in trust for “the education of children and adults, or -children only, of both sexes, of the labouring, manufacturing, and other -classes, in the town and parish of Oswestry, and in the several parishes -adjoining;” such education to be conducted on the principles of the -British and Foreign School Society. The trust includes permission to use -the premises on week days, prior to and after school hours (i.e. before 9 -a.m. and after 6 p.m.), for “such moral, literary, scientific, or other -purposes,” as shall be allowed in manner therein mentioned. The funds -for the erection of the Schools having been subscribed chiefly by members -of the congregation assembling at the Old Chapel, there is a trust -assigning the use of the building on the sabbath to the Sabbath Schools -connected with that place of worship. - -The system of education on week days being conducted on the principles of -the British and Foreign School Society, it need hardly be said that no -denominational catechism or dogma is permitted to be taught; but the Holy -Scriptures are in daily use. - -The utility of the institution having become much crippled by a debt -remaining on the building and an accumulation of current expenses, a -special effort was made in the year 1854 to throw off the incubus. The -generous efforts and contributions of friends in the town and -neighbourhood, and others in various parts of the kingdom, aided by a -Bazaar, not only effected the “consummation” so “devoutly to be wished,” -but also realized a fund applicable to the substantial repair of the -building, and a needed supply of school materials. - -The present Master and Mistress are—Mr. Farmer and Miss Jones. - - -THE YOUNG MEN’S INSTITUTE - - -Began its course about the year 1838. It was originated by the then -minister of the Old Chapel (the Rev. W. Reeve), and a few members of his -congregation, chiefly young men, who felt the importance of adopting some -means calculated to promote the moral and intellectual advancement of the -young men of the town, and which should offer to them a refuge and -enticement, during the evening hours, from listlessness on the one hand, -and from low and debasing pleasures on the other. - -The meetings were for some time held in the vestry of the Old Chapel. -When the British School-rooms were erected in the year 1841 the -opportunity was taken of endeavouring to extend the benefits of the -Institute, by transferring its meetings to the lower school-room. Still -it was felt by its friends, that it was not so used or supported as they -desired; but, necessity having no choice, no attempt was made for several -years to change its location or enlarge its scope. - -At the School-room the Institute prospered for a considerable time, and -did much good; but afterwards, from one cause or another, it drooped, and -well nigh sank. Deeming it, however, too good a thing to die, and -thinking it possible that many influential parties might have withheld -their sympathy and aid, from an idea (erroneous though it was) that the -Institution, from its antecedents and place of meeting, was not entirely -unsectarian and liberal, its friends made a successful effort in the year -1850 to resuscitate it. The clergy and dissenting ministers of the town, -together with several influential lay gentlemen, formed a committee, -obtained the use of the Guild-Hall for the meetings, and raised very -extended subscriptions. Many excellent lectures, professional and -amateur, were delivered, and new life seemed for a time to flow in the -veins of the Institute. The Guild-Hall being found inconvenient for the -Library and Reading-room, these were removed to rooms over the Shop of -Mr. Richard Jones, Hatter, at the Cross. - -Subsequently, however, the falling-off of the subscriptions, and, it must -be added, the backwardness of the young men generally to avail themselves -of the privileges offered them, obliged the committee to relinquish these -premises, and for more than a year past there seem to have been no -meetings. - -It is said that “all that’s fair must fade.” May we hope that the Young -Men’s Institute is only slumbering, and will not die, or, that dying, it -will rise again to a stronger, happier, better life. - - - - -Benevolent Institutions. - - -DISPENSARY AND BATHS. - - -The establishment of these two institutions is honourable to the -founders, and, we are glad to observe, of great benefit to the poor and -needy afflicted with disease. The origin of both is part of the annals -of the town, and claims especial record in our volume. We find that in -the year 1828 a meeting of the leading gentlemen of Oswestry was held, -for the purpose of endeavouring to establish a Dispensary. That assembly -was presided over by William Ormsby Gore, Esq., and the benevolent -institution was at once founded under most liberal auspices. Donations -amounting to one hundred and sixty guineas were subscribed at the -meeting, and a Committee was appointed, to carry out the objects of the -Charity. At the same time a liberal amount in annual subscriptions was -determined upon, that the new institution should be rendered permanent. -The following parties formed the first Committee, &c. - - _President_: - - WM. ORMSBY GORE, ESQ. - - _Committee of Management_: - -THE HON. THOS. KENYON, ROBT. MORRALL, ESQ., - -T. BULKELEY OWEN, ESQ., T. L. LONGUEVILLE, ESQ., - -J. V. LOVETT, ESQ., T. N. PARKER, ESQ., - -H. P. T. AUBREY, ESQ., REV. THOS. HUNT, - -REV. THOS. SALWEY, REV. C. A. A. LLOYD, - -REV. G. N. K. LLOYD, MR. LUCAS. - - _Honorary Treasurer_:—C. T. JONES, ESQ. - - _Visiting Physician_;—DR. EVANS. - - _Surgeons_: - -MR. MORRIS, MR. E. D. BENNION, - -MR. COCKERELL, MR. CARTWRIGHT. - - _Dispenser and Secretary_:—MR. J. M. HALES. - -The original Dispensary rented for the Charity was situated in Lower -Brook-Street; but the premises being found too limited and inconvenient -for the benevolent objects contemplated, a new building was suggested, -and accordingly, in March, 1852, the Committee adopted a resolution to -the effect, that it was desirable to erect a Dispensary, with Baths -attached to it, for the accommodation of the public, as well as for the -use of the patients of the institution. To carry out this excellent -design a handsome subscription was entered into, amounting to between -seven and eight hundred pounds; to which was added, from the accumulated -fund of the Dispensary, the sum of five hundred pounds. The present -Dispensary and Baths were immediately erected from a design by R. Kyrke -Penson, Esq., on ground near the site of the former Dispensary. The -building is roomy and convenient, containing handsome and suitable rooms -for the Dispensary, with the addition of Warm and Cold Baths, Shower -Baths, a Vapour Bath, and Plunge Baths. - - [Picture: Dispensary and Baths] - -The number of patients who have partaken, within the last three years, of -the benefits which the Dispensary affords, shows the necessity and value -of the institution. From May, 1851, to May, 1852—Patients, 455. In -1853—Patients, 496. In 1854—Patients, 555. - -The Dispensary, with the Baths, was opened May 1st, 1854. Mr. Ormsby -Gore still holds the office of President of the institution, and Mr. -Hales continues to officiate as Secretary and Dispenser. The Committee -and officers are:— - - _Committee of Management_: - -E. WRIGHT, ESQ., REV. S. DONNE, - -REV. G. CAREW, REV. J. LUXMOORE, - -R. K. PENSON, ESQ., J. V. LOVETT, ESQ., - -THOS. MINSHALL, ESQ., ROWLAND J. VENABLES, ESQ., - -THOS. LOVETT, ESQ., E. WILLIAMS, ESQ., - -T. L. LONGUEVILLE, ESQ., JOHN CROXON, ESQ., - - _Treasurer_:—J. T. JONES, ESQ. - - _Surgeons_: - -MR. CARTWRIGHT, MR. BLAIKIE, - -DR. FULLER, DR. WILLIAMS. - -The Trustees to whom the site for the new Dispensary and Baths was -conveyed are, William Ormsby Gore, Esq., Thomas Lovett, Esq., Edmund -Wright, Esq., and Thomas Longueville Longueville, Esq. - -The proposition for building the Dispensary with the addition of Baths -originated with Edward Williams, Esq., of Lloran House; and his efficient -and zealous efforts were used in promoting the benevolent design, which -was most successfully accomplished in the end. In the prosperity of so -valuable an institution all classes in the town and populous -neighbourhood, who are blessed with this world’s goods, should consider -it a Christian privilege to take a lively interest, by contributing to -its funds, and thus extending its usefulness among the labouring poor who -have few to help them. - - - -THE HOUSE OF INDUSTRY, - - -Situated on elevated ground near the river Morda, on the road from -Oswestry to Welshpool, was erected by virtue of an Act of Parliament -obtained in the year 1790, and opened for the reception of inmates April -28th, 1791. The first steward and matron were Mr. Thos. Cooper and Mrs. -Cooper, who held those responsible situations for the long period of -nearly thirty years. Directors were appointed, under the Act, to manage -the affairs of the institution, on behalf of Oswestry town and parish, -and the other parishes also thereby incorporated: namely, Saint Martins, -Selattyn, Whittington, West Felton, Ruyton, Kinnerley, Knockin, and -Llanyblodwel, in the hundred of Oswestry, and county of Salop; that part -of the parish of Llanymynech which lies in the hundred of Oswestry; the -parish of Chirk, in the county of Denbigh; and the parish of Llansilin, -in the counties of Salop and Denbigh. The Directors held their first -meeting on Monday, August 11th, 1791: Chairman, John Lovett, Esq., Mayor -of Oswestry. The building, of red brick, which still looks fresh and -fair, cost £12,000. It has ever excited the attention of strangers, on -account of its imposing stateliness of architecture, the exterior -presenting, at the first view, the appearance of a fine old English -baronial residence. Nicholson, in describing it thirty years ago, says, -“it is a ridiculously-splendid brick building, intended, not for a -purpose which its exterior seems to prompt, but for the abode of the -indigent and wretched.” - -In 1851 a slight sensation was created in the united parishes of Oswestry -by a proposal from Mr. Doyle, Poor-Law Inspector, to admit six additional -parishes into union with the Oswestry Incorporation. The Poor-Law Board -had some time before claimed a general authority over the Incorporation, -to which the Directors, after a slight resistance, submitted. Public -meetings of the rate-payers of the incorporated parishes were held, to -consider Mr. Doyle’s proposal, and one also was convened in the Old -Church, Oswestry, on Saturday, July 21st: Peploe Cartwright, Esq., in the -chair. Mr. Doyle stated that certain alterations in the House of -Industry would have to be made; and in order to effect these improvements -at as small a cost as possible to the incorporated parishes, he suggested -that six other parishes should be united to the present, the expense -being thus spread over a larger number of rate-payers. The proposal was -not favourably entertained, as such a measure would have involved the -immediate dissolution of the Oswestry Incorporation. A resolution was -adopted at the meeting, “That in the absence of proper information and -details, we are at present of opinion that it is not desirable to -dissolve the Oswestry Incorporation.” From that time to the present the -Poor-Law Board exercise only a general authority over the Incorporation, -whose powers, as defined by the Act of Parliament, with the exception -just named, remain intact. - -In 1853 various alterations, suggested by the Poor-Law Board, were made -in the House, at an expense of £1500. The average number of inmates in -the Institution is 174. The number which the House can receive is -limited by the Poor-Law Board to 300. The election of Directors is -independent of the Board; they are nominated by the vestries of the -several parishes, and appointed by the Board of Directors. - -The present officers of the Institution are as follows:—The Rev. J. -Maude, Chairman; the Rev. E. W. O. Bridgman, Vice-Chairman; Mr. John -Hughes, Clerk to the Directors; and Mr. R. Richards, Master. Relieving -Officers:—For the _Upper Division_, comprising Oswestry Town and Parish, -Llanyblodwel, townships of Llwyntidman and Treprenal, Llansilin, and -Selattyn, Mr. Thomas Davies. For the _Lower Division_, consisting of -Chirk, Saint Martins, Whittington, Ruyton, West Felton, Knockin, and -Kinnerley, Mr. Joseph Rogers. - - - -CHARITABLE DONATIONS TO THE POOR. - - -In the present age the good old-fashioned mode of bequeathing some -portion of worldly substance for the education or relief of the poor is -recognized by very few of our wealthier fellow-countrymen. The usual -channels of relief to the poor and needy—the Poor-Law Union, the Night -Asylum, the Good Samaritan Society, and other institutions of like -class—are excellent in their way, and diffuse much benefit and comfort -among the aged and indigent; but still our ancient charities, especially -our schools and almshouses, whilst they secure to their recipients -permanent, not precarious good, shed a brilliant lustre over the land, -and denote the kind and benignant spirit of many of our ancestors. Would -that the old benevolent English spirit were revived among us, and that -all affluent men, who have possessed their money by inheritance, or -obtained it by the force of their talents, or success in trade or -commerce, would, among their testamentary bequests, never fail to -“remember the poor.” Then should we have comfortable asylums for many -hoary-headed men and women, who, reduced by misfortune, or overwhelmed by -the distressing calamities of life, have no place of quiet shelter—no -resting-place in which to pass the residue of their days. - -The following list of Charitable Donations, left for the benefit of the -poor of Oswestry, shows that in days gone by, the weak were not -overlooked by the strong, and that many, imbued with practical Christian -benevolence, deemed it their duty to aid, not only the poor of their own -days, but those also of succeeding generations. The only Aims-Houses in -the town are those situated near the turnpike-gate in Willow-Street. -They are six in number, and were left by Dame Ellen, widow of Sir Francis -Eure. Mrs. Jane Owen, in 1732, bequeathed to the twelve poor persons -(six men and six women), inmates of the alms-houses, the sum of 18s. to -be paid to them yearly, for ever, and also ordered her executor to charge -her real and personal estate with the payment thereof. Mrs. M. Ormsby, -by her will in 1805, requested her daughter (the present Mrs. Ormsby -Gore), and those who should succeed her in the Porkington Estate, would -pay “as she had done,” the poor people in the alms-houses for ever. Mrs. -Ormsby Gore regularly distributes £3 among the inmates on Christmas-Day, -that being the sum her mother had previously given. The alms-houses are -kept in good repair by Mrs. Ormsby Gore, and she selects the inmates. - -Names of By what Nature of When payable. By whom. By whom Time of -Donors. Instrument Property, or directed to be distribution. - created, and Amount. distributed, - Date. and in what - manner. -Owen Morgan Will, 31 March £20 per Annum. 25 March Haberdashers’ Parson and - 1604 Co., London. Churchwardens - of the Parish - of Oswestry, - for the relief - of the poor -Hugh Yale Will, 2nd Jan. Several Rts. payable at Tenants Bailiffs and 1st January. - 1605 messuages and different times Overseers, - lands in amongst the - Oswestry, poor of the - producing at town and 6s. - present £13, of 8d. for a Welsh - thereabouts Sermon -John Morris, & Deed, 24th Ju. £1 10s. per On Feast day of J. W. Eyton. Trustees to be -Wife 1629 annum, on lands Philip & James appointed by - in Crickheath & All-Souls the Burgesses, - to be - distributed in - bread, and for - other purposes -Richard Deed, 23rd Dr. A field in 25 March R. Brayne, Bailiff 52s. -Wycherley 1624 Beatrice St. tenant per annum. for - let for £7 pr. bread and the - annum remainder to - set out an - Apprentice -Dorothy Santley Deed, 18th Ch. £2 12s. per 25 March Roberts, Church-wardens, Every Sunday. - I., 1643 annum issuing Ruthin, Rt. Bailiffs’ and - out of a field Roberts tenant Vicar, in - called Cae bread, to the - Bychan poor of the - town -William Gough Will, 1669 £5 6d. 8d. 25 Decbr. Rd. Hunt, Esq. £2 10s. by the - issuing out of Overseers of - lands in the Parish, and - Treflach the like sum by - the Overseers - of the town, - for the Poor, - and 6s. 8d. to - the Ministers - for a Sermon on - St. Stephen’s - Day - A butt of land Church-wardens - in Beatrice and Overseers - St., for which {124} - 5s. pr. anm. - was pd. -Muckleston 5s. per annum 25 March Reps. of David In bread, but -Allen issuing out of Oliver not stated by - houses in whom to be - Cross-Street distributed -Winifred Will, 20th Ju. £2 10s. issuing 25 March Sir W. W. Wynn Vicar and -Matthews 1709 out of a field, Churchwardens - in Trefonen, to put out an - called Maes y apprentice, - Benglog from Oswestry, - and the - townships of - Trefonen, - Treflach, - Sweeney, and - Treferclawdd, - alternately -Mary Lloyd Will. June 5th £100 secured on Dec. 30th Trustees Vicar, Christmas. - 1727 Willow-Street Church-wardens, - Gate & Road and Overseers, - in putting out - an apprentice, - and in woollen - clothing for - the poor of the - town each - alternate year -— Peacock — 1732. £5 secured with Dec. 30th Ditto To be Christmas. - the above distributed - amongst poor - house-keepers - of the town -Thomas Turner Will, 1777 £20 secured on March 25 Trustees The Christmas. - Llangedwin Church-wardens - Turnpike Road -Richard Will, 20th Jan. £2 per annum March 25 Rev. Jn. Lloyd The Bailiff, Good Friday. -Muckleston 1638 issuing out of Brunant Vicar, & - estates in Church-wardens, - Carmarthenshire in bread, to - the poor of the - Township of - Oswestry -Francis Shore Will, 13 Aug. £1 per annum This has Feast of St. - 1691 issuing out of hitherto been Thomas. - houses in Ch. distributed by - Street, Mr. D. Jones, - belonging to who claims to - Mr. David Jones do so, as the - lineal - descendant of - the surviving - Trustee of the - Testator -Margaret Lloyd Will, 2nd May £1 issuing out Jany. 1st Thomas Allen Mayor and New Year’s Day. - 1794 of her house, Church-wardens, - forge, yard, & amongst 20 poor - dwelling-house labourers or - in Oswestry decayed - aforesaid, with tradesmen - one croft of - land thereunto - belonging, - devised to - Richd. Pryce, - Mercer -Elizabeth Will, 1703. £2 per annum Plm Mon Reps. of James Church-wardens, Palm Monday -Williams. issuing out of Vaughan to the poor, in - Mixon Hall, and 6d. or 1s. to - croft each -Rebecca Lloyd Will, 10th Jan. £1 per annum 25 Decbr. Rv. J. Thomas Vicar, amongst Christmas - 1733 issuing out of the poor - house in - Cross-Street -Sir William Will, Sep. 7th, £200 21 Decbr. Sir W. W. Wynn Vicar, At such time as -Williams 1734 Church-wardens, they shall - and Trustees, please - amongst such - poor persons of - the Parish as - they shall - think fit -Elizabeth Will Croft at Croxon & Co. The tenant of -Williams Croes-Wylan, Penylan has - occupied with hitherto - Penylan, for distributed - which £1 10s. this sum yearly - has hitherto in clothing for - been paid the poor -— Pierce Will A field called Marg. Oliver She distributes - Cae Mark, in 10s. upon - the Parish of All-Saints’ - Llanyblodwel, Day, at Sweeney - occupied by Mountain, to - Margt. Oliver; poor persons of - consists now of Sweeney and - a house and Weston, in - buildings, and money; and also - several small another 10s. in - closes bread -James Phillips Will, 24th Ap. In 1833, £522 Mayor & Church-wardens, Feast of St. - 1661 7s. 10d., Corporation of in flannel Simon and St. - which, after Shrewsbury Jude - certain - deductions, - left £186 8s. - 8d. to be - distributed - between the - Parishes of St. - Chad, - Shrewsbury, - Oswestry, - Ellesmere, and - Whitchurch -Lady Eure Will Porkington Alms Reps. of Mrs. Money to be - houses, and Jane Owen distribtd. at - 18s. per annum Christmas - to poor people - occupying them, - since incrsd. - to £3 -Margaret Deed, 2nd Mar Messuage in If not occupied -Godolphin 1748 Cross St. by the Vicar, - exchanged in then to be let - 1823 for one in and the rents - Brook St. for distributed by - the use of the the _Country_ - Vicar, if Wardens in - actually placing out - resident in the children in the - same _Parish_ whose - Parents’ names - are not in the - Poor’s Books -Sir Nathaniel Will, 1740 Interest of Christmas & Trustees, or Nomination in Christmas and -Lloyd Stock, at Midsummer person the Reps. of Midsummer 12 - present authorized by Sir N. Lloyd, & poor persons of - producing £97 them the Bishop of Oswestry, & 8 - 19s. 8d. per St. Asaph, of Whittington - annum alternately -— Thomas Will £2 12s. Every Su. in Owner of the Ditto St. Thos. Day - annually, out bread Aston property - of lands in — -— Jeffreys ⅓ of an estate Church-wardens St. Thos. Day, - at Osbaston, of lower 4s. out of - which 3rd now division of every 10, to - produces £4 0s. parish the poor in - 8d. per annum Morton; 3s. in - Maesbury and - 3s. in - Crickheath. -*** Swinnerton’s Charity is lost. - -LIST OF CHARITIES FOR THE USE OF THE CHURCHWARDENS, CONSISTING OF SUCH -ONLY AS ARE PAID TO AND DISTRIBUTED BY THEM. - - -CHARITIES RELATING TO THE TOWN ONLY. - - -Yale’s; Morris’s; Witcherley’s; Sontley’s; Donor unknown, (Owen?) Land in -Beatrice Street; Muckleston Allen’s; Lloyd and Peacock’s; Muckleston’s -(Poor of Oswestry); Margaret Lloyd’s; Elizabeth Williams’s (Mixon Hall); -Rebecca Lloyd’s (Freeman). - - -CHARITIES RELATING JOINTLY TO THE TOWN AND PARISH. - - -Morgan’s; Gough’s; Winifred Matthews’s; Turner’s; Sir William Williams’s. - - -CHARITIES RELATING TO THE PARISH ONLY. - - -Elizabeth Williams’s (Croft at Croes-Wylan); Jeffreys’s. - - -THE SOCIETY FOR BETTERING THE CONDITION OF THE POOR, - - -Within the Hundred of Oswestry, was established in or about the year -1812, by the late Rev. C. A. A. Lloyd, Rector of Whittington, and the -late Rev. G. N. K. Lloyd, Rector of Selattyn. The objects of the Society -at its original institution were—the encouragement of schools for the -education of the lower classes; the increase of the comforts of the poor -in their dwellings, by the improvement of cottages; the distribution of -moral and religious books and tracts; the encouragement and promotion of -friendly societies; the establishment of a bank for the poor, paying -interest for small sums; and, finally, the distribution of rewards among -the poor for extraordinary acts of industry. - -During the progress of the Society very much has been done in the -neighbourhood, through its instrumentality, with regard to the above -objects. Several schools were established soon after its commencement, -and a vast number of moral and religious publications have been given as -prizes, from time to time, to the best-informed children, and also as -rewards for proficiency in writing, drawing, sewing, &c. With respect to -the improvement of cottages, the Society issued several small -publications some years ago, directing the attention of owners of -property to this very important social amelioration; some plans were also -engraved, and rules printed, relative to the building of habitations for -the poor. Through the influence of this institution some Friendly -Societies were established, and also (which is well worthy of notice) a -Savings’ Bank for the poor, about four years _before_ the present -excellent institution commenced operations in conformity with an Act of -Parliament passed on the subject. As soon as the Government Savings’ -Bank was opened, the funds of the former were transferred to it. - -Subjoined are specimens of some of the prizes which were offered by the -Society during the year 1854:— - - No. 2.—To the Labouring Cottager who shall be found to occupy the - best-furnished, neatest, and cleanest Cottage, together with the - best-cultivated Garden, the same being not less than a quarter of an - acre in extent: - - £. s. d. -First Prize 1 10 0 -Second ditto 1 0 0 -Third ditto 0 10 0 - - No. 5.—To the most deserving Widow, who under the greatest difficulties - has supported herself by her own unassisted exertions: - - £. s. d. -First Prize 1 0 0 -Second ditto 0 15 0 -Third ditto 0 10 0 - - No. 8.—To the Cottager, or Farming Servant, who shall have accumulated - most money in the Savings’ Bank, the same to have arisen entirely from - his or her own earnings: - - £. s. d. -First Prize 2 0 0 -Second ditto 1 0 0 - -No recipients of parish relief are allowed to become candidates for any -of the prizes. - -It is to be regretted that the Society, since the loss of its benevolent -founders, has been in a declining state; but it is to be hoped that an -institution which has effected so much social and domestic comfort, and -advanced the cause of morality and vital religion, will not, in this -wealthy district, be allowed to expire for want of support. Franklin has -well observed, that “more will be done for the happiness of the poor by -inuring them to provide for themselves, than could be done by dividing -all your estates among them.” To establish principles of self-reliance -among a people is to secure to them respectability and a manly -independence of character. - - -FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. - - -There are several Friendly Societies in Oswestry, all of which are -conducted with prudence and judgment, and are at present in a state of -prosperity. The following is a list of these institutions:— - -Sun Friendly Society, established 1765, consisting of 107 Members. -The Feathers Friendly Society, established 1830, consisting of 150 -Members. -King Oswald Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 603 Manchester Unity; established -1833, consisting of 153 Members. Held at Osburn’s Hotel. -Philanthropic Lodge of ditto, No. 1637, established 1838, having 50 -Members. Held at the George Inn. -Duke of Cornwall Court of Foresters, No. 86, established 1840, consisting -of 86 Members. Held at the Unicorn Inn. - - - - -Ecclesiastical History. - - -THE PARISH CHURCH. - - -THIS ancient fabric, though having no pretensions to beauty of -architecture, externally or internally, yet, from its size and the -massiveness of its ivy-mantled tower, has a venerable and somewhat -imposing aspect. Girded on the west side by noble elm trees, and on the -north by an avenue of limes, its tower presents on every side an object -of much interest in the surrounding country. The eye even of the casual -observer cannot fail to remark how much the fabric has suffered in former -times, little probably of the original structure remaining. The -different styles of architecture in the present building might enable the -antiquary to decide with some probability when each particular part was -restored. The only windows possessing any architectural beauty are those -in St. Mary’s chancel, and it is to be lamented that, when the south side -of the chancel was restored some years ago, the new windows were not made -uniform with these. At present nothing can be more incongruous than the -different styles which present themselves on every side. - - [Picture: The Parish Church] - -There are perhaps few churches, in a parish so large and important as -Oswestry, which contain so meagre a collection of records relating to it. -Doubtless many of the books belonging to it were lost during the -disturbed times which ended in the establishment of the Commonwealth. -The old Vicarage House is supposed to have been burnt down, either at -this time or in some former incursions of the Welsh. It stood on the -north side of the church-yard, and when this site was exchanged with the -late Mr. Lloyd, of Swan Hill, by the then Vicar, for what is now the New -Church-Yard, and which then became the Vicar’s Croft, the row of trees -forming the north side of the avenue, though separated by a wall from the -church-yard, was expressly reserved as belonging to the church; and the -present owner of that property has no right to cut down, or even to lop, -the trees; whilst the Vicar has at all times power to enter upon the -premises to plant new trees, if any of the present ones should be blown -down or injured. The croft which became the Vicar’s, by the above -exchange with Mr. Lloyd, was again exchanged by the late Lord Powis for -what is now the Vicar’s land in Salop Road, and Lord Powis then gave the -croft thus obtained as a free gift to the parish for a new Burial-ground. -This, however, is already nearly filled, and as the Old Church-yard ought -unquestionably to be shut up and disused for burials, another and a -larger Burial-ground is much needed. - -In the year 1748 Mrs. Margaret Godolphin endeavoured to remedy the loss -of the old Vicarage House, by leaving to the Vicar and his successors for -the time being a small tenement at the back of Cross-Street, as a -residence, but coupled with this proviso, that if the Vicar should not -occupy it himself, then it was to be let by the Churchwardens, and the -rent appropriated in putting out apprentices from amongst the poor. It -does not appear that the house so given by Mrs. Godolphin was ever -occupied by any Vicar, and it consequently fell at once under the second -provision of the will, and became a sort of Poor-house for the town. -This continued till the year 1823, when the house was exchanged for more -desirable premises in Brook-Street, which were for many years occupied by -the present Vicar; but in consequence of his non-residence, through ill -health, the property has been given up by him, and has once more reverted -to the second purpose of the charity. - -The antiquity of the church, as we have already intimated, is not clearly -defined in any of the books relating to the history of the county. In -the records of the Augmentation Office the following minutes are made in -reference to the Rectory and Vicarage of Oswestry:— - - “The Church of Oswestry is doubtless of great antiquity. There was - certainly a vicarage here antecedent to the formation of the Valor by - Pope Nicholas IV., A.D. 1291; for in the record, the original of - which is preserved in the Exchequer, Oswestry is thus recorded:— - - “ST. ASAPH. SPIRITUALITIES. - - DEANERY OF MARCHIA. - - _Church of Oswalstræ_: - - £. s. d. -Rectory 26 13 4 -Vicarage 8 13 4 - - “From this it is evident that the vicarial endowment of Oswestry must - be of a date prior to 1291; and in all probability, therefore, so - ancient as to preclude the expectation of its being extant, - - “The Church of Oswestry was, in early times, given to the Monastery - of Shrewsbury, and afterwards appropriated thereto, and the rectory - and tithes converted to the uses of the said monastery. They - continued to belong to the monastery until, as one of the great - religious houses, Shrewsbury was, by force of the statute of 31 Henry - VIII., dissolved, when its tithes and other possessions came into the - hands of the crown.” - -The tithes of Oswestry afterwards became the property of the Earl of -Arundel, Lord of Oswestry, and then of the Earl of Powis, who sold them -in 1819 (excepting the liberties of Oswestry town and Middleton township) -to Mr. W. Lloyd, of Aston, Mr. T. N. Parker, of Sweeney, the Hon. T. -Kenyon, of Pradoe, and others. - -Within the tower of the church are eight silver-toned bells, whose joyous -peals on occasions of festivity give hilarity to all who hear them. A -new clock was substituted for an old one in 1836, the cost of which was -paid by public subscription. - -The church is dedicated to St. Mary. A new organ was erected by -subscription in 1812; and the organist, by the adoption of effective -sacred music, and the choir, by its able execution of the beautiful -psalmody selected, contribute much to the solemnity and effect of public -worship in this venerable church. The present Organist is Mr. Edward -Eyeley. It is stated that the old organ, a fine-toned instrument, is -fixed in one of the metropolitan churches. - -The interior of the church, especially on a Sabbath morning, when a -numerous congregation generally assembles, presents a most delightful -spectacle. The place where, for ages past, divine worship has been held, -and the footsteps of grandsires and great-grandsires have led them to bow -before the “throne of the heavenly grace,” cannot fail to exhibit an -affecting scene to all who understand the frailty and brevity of human -life. - -The church was enlarged and beautified in 1807: and in 1831 a new -entrance door was completed at the east or chancel end. A great -improvement in the interior, both as to comfort and effect, would still -be added, were a new set of pews erected. Many of the present pews are -most unsightly and inconvenient. A new set, formed on the most approved -principle of church seat-accommodation, would be acceptable to all -pew-holders, giving neatness and adding comfort within the fabric which -every member of the congregation would heartily approve. The inhabitants -of the parish have accomplished much, in the way of public improvement, -within the last few years; and the alterations we have now suggested -would be a crowning point to their spirited exertions for the benefit and -honour of the town.. The altar-piece might be removed, and a more -suitable one introduced, at a trifling expense. - -The Communion Plate belonging to the church consists of the following -articles:—A silver cup, bearing the inscription, “Ex Dono Dauidi -Edwards”; another cup, dated 1575, the gift of “Richard Stanni,” “Elder -Mercer”; a silver flagon, the letters “I. H. S.” engraved thereon, with -the inscription, “Given for the use of the Holy Communion, in the Parish -Church of Oswestry, 1707”; and two silver salvers, the gift of Mrs. -Elizabeth Roderick. - -The CHURCH-YARD is no ordinary resting-spot for the dead. As we have -already said, it would be well now to close it as a place of sepulture. -Sanitary motives would urge this change; and the feelings of those whose -departed relatives or friends are about to be consigned to the grave -should be religiously deferred to. The Church-yard may soon be -surrounded by human dwellings, and then the newly-laid dead will lie -amidst the busy living. - - [Picture: The Church Gate and Avenue] - -Its beautiful avenue, rendered still more pleasant in spring, summer, and -autumn, by the lofty row of lime-trees which separates it from the space -appropriated to the tenements of the dead, might be made still more -impressive in character, were a neat lattice-work constructed, extending -from tree to tree, to mark the line of demarcation between the avenue and -church-yard more distinctly. A sketch of the Avenue, with the Alcove at -the west end, is here given, as well as the florid, chastely-designed -Gate leading to it from Church-Street. This gate was put up in 1738, at -the expence of the parish. Country churchyards are always deeply -interesting to the contemplative and thoughtful; and Gray’s truthful and -pathetic Elegy, which appeals so powerfully to the best feelings of our -nature, has invested them, however rude and humble, with an affecting -character that touches the hearts even of the most indifferent. Oswestry -Church-Yard, with its aged elms of more than a century’s growth; its -sombre yews; its stately tombs and humble graves for patrician and -plebeian dust, “the rich and the poor meeting together,” is a scene -conveying monitory lessons to all who will seriously read them. Among -the tombs are several, bearing appropriate inscriptions, containing the -ashes of French prisoners of war, who died in Oswestry on their parole, -between the years 1811 and 1814. The ancient entrance to the Church-yard -from Upper Brook-Street, through the GRIDDLE GATE, is a curious relic of -byegone times. Formerly, on occasions of burial from the south side of -the town, the coffin of a deceased party was placed temporarily on a bier -within the porch of the Griddle Gate, and thence conveyed to the church. -It will be seen from the engraving we give of this Gate that it was -erected in 1631. - - [Picture: The Griddle Gate] - -We may here state that the elm-trees in the church-yard were planted at -the expense of the Rev. Thomas Owen, when Vicar of the Parish, between -the years 1707 and 1713. - - -Monuments and Tablets within the Church. - - -How valuable are Monumental Inscriptions, when they are the records of -truth, and affectionate tributes to departed worth! The tablets on our -church walls are silent, but often effective monitors, reviving drooping -spirits, recalling scenes of sublunary enjoyments, transient as the stay -of the dew-drop in the sun, and suggesting the brevity and uncertainty of -human existence. Within Oswestry Church, as well as in its grave-yard, -most of the Monuments and Inscriptions are simple, chaste, and -impressive. They either plainly mark the spot where lies the departed -body, or touchingly express the natural grief of surviving relatives or -friends. Whilst wandering among the habitations of the dead, and -viewing, with “slow and solemn steps,” the houses, for rich and poor, -“appointed for all men living,” we can sympathize with Salopia’s own -sweet poet, in his beautiful apostrophe: - - “Thou, sainted Memory, art mine, - And smiling Hope, of birth divine, - Ev’n now I feel your mingled pow’r, - Ev’n in this solitary hour.” - -On the north wall, within the church, is an ancient monument exhibiting a -male and female kneeling. - - “In memory of Mr. HUGH YALE, alderman of this town, and DOROTHY his - wife, daughter of Roger Roden, Esq., of Burton, in the county of - Denbigh, whose bodies are interred within ye chancel of this church, - commonly called St. Mary’s, before its demolition in the late wars, - anno 1616. They gave to ye poor of this town the yearly interest and - benefice of one hundred pounds, to continue for ever; besides other - good acts of charity.” - -Beneath this inscription: - - “Underneath are interred the remains of MARGARET, the wife of David - Yale, Esq., daughter and heiress of Edward Morris, of Cae-mor, Gent. - She departed this life, the 20th day of December, 1754, aged 66. - Also lye the remains of DAVID YALE, Esq., who dy’d January the 29th, - 1763, aged 81. This was erected by her son, John Yale, of Plas yn - Yale, Clerk.” - -In 1721 died Edward Yale. There is a monument to him in Wrexham Church, -with the following inscription:— - - “Born in America, and in Europe bred, - In Africa travell’d, and in Asia wed,— - Where long he liv’d and thriv’d—in London died.” - -On marble tablets on the same side: - - “Near this small monument lie the remains of Mrs. MARY GRIFFITHS, the - wife of William Griffiths, Gent., one of the aldermen of this - corporation: she died on the 9th day of August, 1774, in the 70th - year of her age. Likewise the remains of the said WILLIAM GRIFFITHS, - who died the 14th day of November, 1791, in the 81st year of his - age.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of ELIZABETH, the beloved wife of John Jones, - Esq., of Brook Street, who departed this life the 2nd of February, - 1835, aged 68. Also to the memory of the above-named JOHN JONES, who - departed this life the 8th of June, 1846, aged 86.” - - * * * * * - - “VAUGHAN BARRETT, Esq., died 17th October, 1772, aged — years; MARY, - relict of Vaughan Barrett, Esq., daughter of Thomas Kynaston, Esq., - of Maesbury Hall, in the county of Salop, died 28th of May, 1779, - aged — years; ELIZABETH, daughter of Vaughan and Mary Barrett, died - 6th March, 1792, aged 58 years; LETITIA, daughter of Vaughan and Mary - Barrett, died 25th of March, 1803, aged 71 years. This testimony of - affection and regard is erected to their memory by Edward Disbrowe, - Esq., of Walton-upon-Trent, in the county of Derby.” - - * * * * * - - “In memory of ELIZABETH VENABLES, who died July, 1772, aged 39; SARAH - VENABLES, who died June, 1807, aged 70; MARGARET VENABLES, who died - June, 1814, aged 80. Their remains are interred in an adjacent - vault. They lived virtuously, and ‘all died in faith,’ in stedfast - hope of a blessed resurrection.” - - “Likewise in memory of MARY ASHBURN, sister of the above-named, who - died October 14th, 1817, aged 81, beloved and lamented.” - -On mural monuments on the north side of the chancel: - - “M. S. RICHARDUS MAURICE, Arm. Ad pedem Columnæ huic Marm. oppositæ - Exuvias Mortales Uxoris ALICIÆ, Filiæ Thomæ Carpenter, De Home, Com. - Herefordiæ, Arm., cum unica ex eadem Filia Anna, tumulavit, September - 4, A.D. 1700, Ætat. 22. Et MARGARETÆ itidem, Secundis illi Nuptiis - conjunctæ, Filiæ Johannis Price, A.M., ex qua Unum suscepit Filium, - Johannem, cum Matre placide dormientem. Denat. September 4, A.D. - 1716, Ætat. 32. In Uxorum et Liberorum Memoriam, H. M. R. MAURICE, - P.C., in eodem Tumulo et suos aliquando Cineres depositurus, Æterna - Requie fruiturus, si erga Deum Pietas, erga Pauperes Benignitas, erga - Omnes summa Benevolentia illam Requiem afferre valeant. Obiit Primo - die Junii, An. Salutis 1749, et suæ Ætatis 84.” - - * * * * * - - “MDCCCXII. In memory of LEWIS JONES, Esq., for fourteen years - town-clerk of Oswestry: he died June 5th, in the 56th year of his - age. This tablet was erected by the corporation of this town, in - token of their affectionate remembrance of a man, who was remarkable - for his knowledge of the laws of his country, and for his readiness - in imparting that knowledge, with a view to prevent litigation among - his neighbours.” - - * * * * * - - “To the memory of ELIZABETH, the wife of Mr. Lewis Jones, who died - 26th of September, 1801, in the 38th year of her age. This small - tribute of affectionate regard, as a testimony of her worth, and an - expression of his own deep regret, is placed by her surviving - husband.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of Captain ROBERT WATKIN LLOYD, of - major-general Gwynne’s regiment of cavalry, only son of Robert Lloyd, - Esq., of Swan Hill, aged 17. He fell a victim to the yellow fever, - on the 26th of June, 1794, at Port au Prince, in Saint Domingo, - having survived the capture of that place. In him were united a mind - firm and vigorous; a disposition kind and benevolent; manners - engaging and mild, giving promise of a character which might one day - have added lustre to his profession; have adorned the circle of - polished society, and have sweetened the enjoyments of domestic - life.” “Sacred also to the memory of ROBERT LLOYD, Esq., of Swan - Hill, father of the above-named Robert Watkin Lloyd, who departed - this life on the 3rd day of October, 1803, aged 58. By that event, - his family lost an affectionate husband and father; the county an - upright magistrate; and the public an amiable man.” - -A monument at the north end of the chancel: - - “ROBERT POWELL LLOYD, son of Robert Lloyd, of Swan Hill, Esq., by - Sarah, his second wife, died 11th March, Anno 1769, and was interred - in the vault beneath, aged 5 years. SARAH, mother of the above R. P. - Lloyd, died 19th of August, 1790, aged 59 years; also ROBERT LLOYD, - Esq., the father, died 5th of April, 1793, aged 72 years.” - -A neat tablet at the same end: - - “Sacred to the memory of THOMAS TREVOR, clerk, M.A., son of Roger - Trevor, of Bodynfol, in the county of Montgomery, Esq., Vicar of this - parish 50, and of Ruabon, 15 years; chaplain to Sir W. Williams - Wynne, baronet; and one of his Majesty’s justices of the peace for - the counties of Salop and Denbigh, who died the 29th of February, - 1784, aged 76. Of manners unaffected, he performed the service of - the church with a peculiar grace; and by a propriety of elocution, - attracted the attention, and raised the devotion of his hearers. He - was an active and upright magistrate, tender husband, kind relation, - and steady friend. He married twice—first, Elizabeth, daughter of - Edward Maurice, of Trefedrhyd, in the county of Montgomery, Esq., - 11th June, 1762; afterwards, Anne, daughter of Gabriel Wynne, of - Dolarddyn, Esq., and relict of George Robinson, of Brithdir, Esq., - both in the county of Montgomery, who survived.” - -On tablets near the communion table: - - “Sacred to the memory of the Rev. TURNER EDWARDS, L.L.B., Vicar of - this parish, and of Llansilin, in the county of Denbigh; rural dean - of Marchia, in the diocese of St. Asaph; and one of his Majesty’s - justices of the peace for the county of Salop: he departed this life - on the 10th of January, 1803, aged 44, leaving an afflicted widow, - with five children, to deplore his untimely loss. Also underneath - lie the remains of SARAH, relict of the above Rev. Turner Edwards, - and second daughter of the late William Birch Basnett, Esq.; she - departed this life on the 16th December, 1814, aged 52. This - monument, a slender token of duty and affection, was erected by their - surviving children, Turner, John, William, James, and Mary Anne.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of the Reverend JOSEPH VENABLES, L.L.B., who - was born 31st August, 1726, and died 14th August 1810. As a minister - of the Gospel, he illustrated his precepts by his example, by his - piety, benevolence, and general character as a man. To his - relations, his affection and kindness were unbounded; for society, - his friendship was ardent and sincere; and when his Creator called - him to another and a better world, he closed a long and well-spent - life, respected and lamented.” - -A tablet near the communion table: - - “To the memory of THOMAS KYNASTON, of Maesbury, Esq., who died in - 1710, aged 33; also of three of his children, and five - grand-children.” - -On a plain slab near the town door: - - “Sweeney Vault.—Underneath lie the remains of EDWARD BROWNE, Esq., - who departed this life 22nd of February, 1704, aged 80.” - -On a neat marble tablet near the above: - - “EDVARDO BROWNE, de Oswestry, in comitatu Salopiensi, armigero, qui - vixit ann. 80. Decessit 8 Calend. Mart., Anno sacro 1794. Sara, - conjux Thomæ Netherton Parker, haeres ejus, ex asse, pio gratoque - animo in avunculum optime de se meritum, hoc monumentum faciendum - curavit.” - -Mural monuments near the above: - - “M. S. Jacobi Donne, S.T.P., Ecclesiæ Blddwell, in agro Salopiensi, - Vicarii, qui, dum Scholæ Oswestriensi per annos 36 præfuit, quid sit - verus ingenuarum artium finis, quid erga Deum patriamque pietas, quid - strenua illa honestas, nominis Britannici prisca propugnatrix, - præceptis, exemplo, tota vitæ ratione, pro virili edocuit. Quanta - denique Religionis Christianæ vis, ipse jam tandem placida senectute - degens otium, et ad extremam vitæ horam sacris literis officiisque - deditus sanctioribus, sibi suisque feliciter demonstravit. Hoc - monumentum poni curaverunt, qui, disciplina pueri tam honesta - instituti, provectioribus jam annis venerandi illius capitis testari - volunt desiderium.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of CHARLES PENSON, a friend and instructor of - the poor, and a lover of all who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He - died November 26th, 1836, aged 40 years. Although nearly blind, he - was an honoured instrument in God’s hand in turning many from - darkness to light. His life was spent in an active course of - self-denying Christian benevolence, yet ever counting himself an - unprofitable servant. In life and in death he had but one ground of - hope, the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. Near this place he long sat - as a Teacher in the Sunday School, labouring to make known to others - that Saviour whom he had found so precious to his own soul. ‘His - faith follow, considering the end of his conversation; Jesus Christ, - the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.’ Heb. xiii, 7, 8. This - tablet is erected to his memory by many who esteemed him very highly - in love, for his work’s sake.” - -Tablet on a pillar in the chancel: - - “Sacred to the memory of RICHARD PRICE, surgeon, one of the senior - aldermen of this town, obt. 26th September, 1790, æt. 68. Also to - the memory of SUSANNA, wife of Nathaniel Price, Esq., who departed - this life February 23rd, 1844, aged 67 years. Also of NATHANIEL - PRICE, Esq., who departed this life May 22nd, 1847, aged 67 years. - This tablet was erected as a tribute of affection by Harriet, - daughter of Susanna and Nathaniel Price.” - -A brass plate near the organ gallery steps: - - “MARY, wife of Humphrey Mostyn, Esq., died September 3rd, 1781, aged - 60. Also of HUMPHREY, youngest son of William Mostyn, Esq., of - Brongwyn, Montgomeryshire, died 12th of January, 1786, aged 60.” - -Scroll, surmounted by military insignia, on south-east wall: - - “Sacred to the memory of Captain OWEN ARTHUR ORMSBY GORE, of the 43rd - Light Infantry, third son of William Ormsby Gore, Esq., M.P., of - Porkington, who fell in action with the Caffres, at the head of his - Company, on the 6th of April, 1852, at ‘Antas Cave,’ British - Caffraria. This monument was erected by his brother officers, as a - mark of their affectionate regard.” - - Arms—Motto, “In hoc signo vinces.” - -Tablet, surmounted by an urn: - - “Sacred to the memory of HENRY PINSON TOZER AUBREY, Esq., of Broom - Hall, in this Parish, who died deeply and deservedly lamented, - September 30th, 1848, aged 69.” - - “The memory of the just is blessed.” - - - -Monuments in the Church-yard. - - -We select the following from various parts of the Churchyard:— - - “Sacred to the memory of SAMUEL LEACH, Esq., Llanforda Issa, and an - alderman of the corporation of this town, who departed this life - November 4th, 1833, aged 67 years.” - - “Sacred to the memory of MARY, relict of the late Samuel Leach, who - departed this life February 25th, 1838, aged 60 years.” - - * * * * * - - “To the memory of the Rev. JOHN SHEIL, Incumbent of Cannock, - Staffordshire, who died at Oswestry, September 24th, 1841, aged 61. - This tribute of esteem and regard, is erected by his former - pupils—Arthur Viscount Dungannon, of Brynkinalt, and the Rev. John - Parker, Vicar of Blodwel.” - - * * * * * - - “THOMAS HUNT, died February 17th, 1831, aged 69 years. SUSANNA, - widow of the said Thomas Hunt, died August 21st, 1844, aged 82 - years.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of FRANCIS CAMPBELL, Esq., an alderman of the - corporation of this borough, who died September 26th, 1841, aged 73. - Also, MARY CAMPBELL, relict of the above, who died April 30th, 1845, - aged 78.” - - “Sacred to the memory of ELIZABETH, daughter of the late Thomas - Peate, Esq., of Preeshenlle, who died November 6th, 1841, aged 67 - years.” - - “Sacred to the memory of JOHN TOMLEY, Gent., late of Middleton, in - this parish, who died August 25th, 1808, aged 74 years.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of ELIZABETH, the beloved wife of John Jones, - Esq., who departed this life, the 2nd February, 1835, aged 68. Also - to the memory of the above-named John Jones, who departed this life - the 8th June, 1846, aged 86.” - - “Sacred to the memory of RANDLE JONES, son of John and Elizabeth - Jones, who departed this life April 10th, 1821, aged 23 years.” - - “Sacred to the memory of MARY, youngest daughter of John and - Elizabeth Jones, who departed this life January 27th, 1833, aged 31 - years.” - - “Sacred to the memory of EMMA, the beloved wife of John Jones, jun. - Esq., who died June 19th, 1834, aged 37.” - - “Sacred to the memory of ELIZA, eldest daughter of John and Elizabeth - Jones, who departed this life the 24th May, 1854, aged 61 years.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of SKINNER HANCOX, Esq., late colonel of the - 7th Dragoon Guards, who departed this life January 27th, 1843, aged - 55.” “If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall - stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee, that thou mayest be - feared.” Psalm cxxx: 3, 4. - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of General JOHN DESPARD, late colonel of the - 5th West India regiment, who died at Swanhill, September 3rd, 1829, - in the 85th year of his age, after having honorably served his - country for 70 years. Also of HARRIET ANNE, sister of the late Sir - Thomas Dalrymple Hesketh, Bart., of Rufford Hall, Lancashire, and - relict of the above General John Despard. She died at Brighton, May - 14th, 1848, aged 76 years.” - - * * * * * - - “CONWAY LONGUEVILLE, eldest daughter of Thomas Longueville - Longueville and Anne, his wife, died 17th March, 1854, aged 14 - years.” - - “CHARLES HENRY LONGUEVILLE, their youngest son, died 30th June, 1854, - aged 6 years.” - - * * * * * - - “In memory of JOHN CROXON, alderman of this town, who died March - 21st, 1803, aged 66; and of ALICE, his wife, daughter of Richard and - Alice Jones. She died July the 19th, 1824, aged 87. ELIZABETH, wife - of Samuel Tudor, of Shrewsbury, and daughter of the above-named John - and Alice Croxon, died January the 24th, 1811, aged 36.” - - “Sacred also to the memory of RICHARD CROXON, of this town, eldest - son of the said John and Alice Croxon, who died the 31st July, 1838, - aged 70.” - - * * * * * - - “Here lie the remains of ALEXANDER KYFFIN, who died August 10th, - 1766, aged 51. Also of MARGARET, his wife, who died December 20th, - 1815, aged 73,” - - “In memory of SARAH, wife of Charles Osburn, who died February 11th, - 1851, aged 66. Also of the above-named CHARLES OSBURN, who died - February 16th, 1851, aged 66.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of WILLIAM PRICE, who died November 4th, 1847, - aged 70 years. Also of JANE, widow of the said William Price, who - died April 10th, 1848, aged 68 years.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of CHARLES THOMAS JONES, late of this Town, - Banker, who died 16th October, 1847, aged 70 years.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of ROBERT EDWARDS, late of the Queen’s Head - Inn, in this Town, who died February 2nd, 1843, aged 62. And of - SARAH, his beloved wife, who died April 7th, 1843, aged 59. Also of - THOMAS, third son of the above Robert and Sarah Edwards, who died - June 20th, 1843, aged 27 years. Life, how short, how uncertain! - Look, O! look on this monument, ye gay and careless; attend to these - dates, and boast no more of to-morrow. - - ‘Father, thy chastening hand we own, - And bow submission to Thy rod; - That must be wise which Thou hast done, - It must be kind, for Thou art God.’” - - “In memory of ROBERT, second son of Robert and Sarah Edwards, who - died December 1st, 1808, aged one year. Also of ROBERT, their fourth - son, who died January 20th, 1818, aged 6 months. Also of MARTHA, - their fourth daughter, who died March 8th, 1823, aged 11 months. - Also of SOPHIA, their fifth daughter, who died May 15th, 1824, aged 4 - months. Also of ROBERT EDWARDS, grandfather of the above infants, - who died May 10th, 1837, aged 84.” - - “Sacred to the memory of JOSEPH, fifth son of Robert and Sarah - Edwards, who died May 2nd, 1851, aged 32.” - - * * * * * - - “In a vault beneath are deposited the remains of WILLIAM JONES, late - Ironmonger, of this town, who died December 28th, 1827, in the 71st - year of his age. Also the remains of ELIZABETH JONES, relict of the - above, who died April 12th, 1843, aged 81.” - - “THOMAS, youngest son of William and Elizabeth Jones, died June 28th, - 1828, in the 27th year of his age. Also of ALICE, eldest daughter of - William and Elizabeth Jones, who died March 7th, 1844, aged 50.” - - “Sacred to the memory of JOHN JONES, late of Plas-fynnon, who - departed this life December 10th, 1853, aged 61 years.” - - * * * * * - - “In memory of EDWARD BENNION, Surgeon, Cyrn-y-Bwch, who died July - 31st, 1844, aged 87. Also ALICE BENNION, wife of the above Edward - Bennion, who died July 16th, 1838, aged 70.” - - “In memory of EDWARD BENNION (senior), Surgeon, who died February - 27th, 1788, aged 69. Also ELIZABETH BATTEN and ELIZABETH ROBERTS, - who died in their infancy.” - - * * * * * - - “MARGARET CARTWRIGHT, wife of Robert Cartwright, Surgeon, died June - 28th, 1807, aged 29 years. ROBERT CARTWRIGHT, died July 17th, 1822, - aged 51 years.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of GEORGE DORSET OWEN, late of this Town, who - departed this life November the 3rd, 1839, aged 52.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of EDWARD POWELL, late of Preesgwyn, in this - County, and of the Excise Office in the City of London, second son of - Edward Powell, by Sarah his wife, who departed this life January 6th, - 1825, and was interred the 12th of the same month, at St. Dunstan’s - Church, Mile End, Old Town, Middlesex, aged 68 years. Underneath - rest the mortal remains of JOHN POWELL, late of Preesgwyn, youngest - son of the above Edward and Sarah Powell, who departed this life - November 24th, 1825, aged 63 years.” - - * * * * * - - “In a vault beneath this stone are deposited the mortal remains of - MARY, the beloved and affectionate wife of Mr. William Faulder, late - of this town, and mother of Margaret, wife of John Richard Powell, of - Preesgwyn, who died February 17th, 1847, in the 73rd year of her - age.” - - * * * * * - - “Underneath lie the remains of MARGARET JENNINGS, eldest daughter of - Thomas and Margaret Jennings, of Penylan. She died May 12th, 1826, - aged 59. Also the remains of MARY, youngest daughter of Thomas and - Margaret Jennings, who died 31st of March, 1834, aged 61. Also the - remains of EDWARD, the youngest son of Thomas and Margaret Jennings, - who died November 27th, 1835, aged 61. Also the remains of THOMAS, - eldest son of Thomas and Margaret Jennings, who died July 26th, 1844, - aged 74. Underneath are deposited the remains of THOMAS JENNINGS, of - Penylan. He died l7th of December, 1805, aged 79. Also the remains - of MARGARET JENNINGS, relict of Thomas Jennings, of Penylan. She - died the 31st of March, 1811, aged 79. JANE, the wife of John Wolfe, - of Penylan, departed this life July 19th, 1695. SINAH, the second - wife of John Wolfe, of Penylan, departed this life October 25th, - 1736, aged 77. MARY JENNINGS, of Penylan, (widow), departed this - life November 11th, 1756, aged 51. JOHN WOLFE, of Penylan, departed - this life July 3rd, 1739, aged 80.” - - * * * * * - - “EDWARD GOUGH, departed this life March 14th, 1803.” - - “Also to the memory of CATHERINE WILLIAMS, who departed this life - April 28th, 1840, aged 97.” - - “Also to the memory of MARIA, relict of the above-named Edward Gough, - who departed this life February 25th, 1853, aged 82.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of THOMAS POTTER MACQUEEN, late of Ridgemount, - Bedfordshire, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Beds. Yeomanry Cavalry, and - M.P. for that County, born May 28th, 1792, died March 31st, 1854.” - - - -In the New Church-Yard. - - - “In memory of CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH URWICK, eldest daughter of Thomas - and Frances Penson, and wife of William Urwick, of Ludlow. She died - of consumption, at Torquay, on the 26th of November, 1846, aged 30 - years. In this dispensation of the Divine will, her parents have to - sorrow for a most dear and dutiful daughter, and her husband to - bemoan the loss of an affectionate wife. Her remains, with those of - her only child, THOMAS PENSON URWICK, who died on the 27th of May, - 1847, aged 13 months, are deposited beneath.” - - * * * * * - -Near this place are deposited the remains of HANNAH PENSON, who died an -infant, on the 28th of September, 1823. And underneath lie the remains -of SARAH MARIA PENSON, who died on the 25th of April, 1829, aged 8 years. -Also the remains of HENRY PENSON, who died on the 1st of May, 1832, aged -12 years; children of Thomas and Frances Penson. - - ‘Happy children, early blest, - Rest, in peaceful slumbers rest.’” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of JANE, daughter of Edmund Faunce, Esq., late - Lieutenant-Colonel of the 4th or King’s own regiment, and Bridget his - wife, who died April the 12th, 1826, aged 16. Also sacred to the - memory of the above-named EDWARD FAUNCE, Esq., of St. Mary’s Hall, - county of Kent, late Lieutenant-Colonel in the 4th or King’s own - regiment. He died September 29th, 1838, aged 72.” - - * * * * * - - “Sacred to the memory of JOHN WILLIAM BOURKE, obiit August 21st, - 1823, ætat. suæ 47. Sacred to the memory of ANNE, relict of the Rev. - John William Bourke, who died October 22nd, 1833, aged 73.” - - - -TRINITY CHURCH. - - - [Picture: Trinity Church] - -The great want of accommodation for the poor in the Parish Church led to -the building of another church, in the outskirts of the town, in the year -1835. This church, dedicated to the HOLY TRINITY, was consecrated by the -Bishop of St. Asaph (Dr. Carey) in 1837, and a district, consisting of -the wards of Leg-Street and Beatrice Street, in the town, and of the -townships of Middleton, Hisland, Wootton, Aston., and Maesbury, has since -been formed for it by the Church Commissioners. The population of the -district so assigned was estimated at the time at about 2,300. The -church contains accommodation for 700 persons, for about 400 of whom -there are free sittings. The ornamental parts of the interior were -executed at the expense of the Rev. John Parker, of Sweeney Hall, Vicar -of Llanyblodwel. The Viscount Dungannon presented a handsome bible and -prayer book, and the communion services, for the use of the church. The -communion plate was given by the late Earl of Powis. T. L. Longueville, -Esq., has also been a most liberal contributor to the church, both in -presenting an organ, and in subscribing largely to the original -structure, and to the subsequent improvements. A school-room at -Maesbury, with a house for the master, was built some years since in this -district, and subsequently licensed for the performance of worship by the -Bishop of St. Asaph, and which is served gratuitously by the Incumbent of -Trinity Church. It is much to be desired that a chapel-of-ease were -erected in this part of the parish. Trinity Church is now altogether -separated from the living of Oswestry, the Vicar of Oswestry for the time -being appointing the Incumbent. The present Incumbent is the Rev. -Frederick Cashel, M.A. - - - -TREFONEN CHURCH. - - -To meet the wants of the Welsh population of the parish, a church was -built in the township of Trefonen, and consecrated in the year 1821; and -in 1842 a district was assigned to it, by an Order in Council bearing -date August 27th, consisting of the three townships of Trefonen, -Treflach, and Treferclawdd. In 1851 this district contained 319 houses, -and 1233 inhabitants—viz., 589 males and 644 females. - -Trefonen Church, which is capable of containing about 500 persons, was -built on a piece of land given for that purpose by the late Sir W. W. -Wynn, father of the present Baronet. It was originally intended that the -service of this church should be wholly in Welsh; but, owing to the -increase and prevalence of the English language, that intention was not -persevered in, and the service has for some years past been performed in -Welsh and English alternately. A substantial school-room, with a house -for the Master, was erected in the year 1825, upon a portion of the glebe -given for that purpose, with the sanction of the Bishop, by the late -Incumbent, the Rev. Edward Jones, and which has been of great advantage -to the district. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of -the Earl of Powis. The present Incumbent is the Rev. D. Lloyd. - -Trefonen abounds in mineral wealth. Coal was raised in considerable -abundance some years since in the adjoining township of Treferclawdd, but -the pits there are now exhausted. It is still worked, however, in the -township of Treflach, where there are also valuable and extensive -quarries of lime. A mine was opened some years since in the Moelydd, -which produces lead and calamine. - - - -RHYDYCROESAU CHURCH. - - -In addition to the above means of providing church accommodation to the -inhabitants of the parish, an additional advantage has been gained by -annexing the two Welsh townships of Pentregaer and Cynynion to the new -church at Rhydycroesau. This church is situated on the high road to -Llansilin, about three and a half miles from the town of Oswestry. It -owes its foundation to the Rev. G. N. K. Lloyd, late Rector of Selattyn, -who contributed liberally himself, and, with the co-operation of the -first and present Incumbent, the Rev. Robert Williams, M.A., raised a -sufficient fund, by voluntary contributions, to complete the church and -erect a glebe-house. The church was consecrated August 2nd, 1838, by the -Bishop of St. Asaph, and the glebe-house was built in 1840. It is a -Consolidated District Church, licensed for all parochial purposes; and -has a legally-assigned district, consisting of the townships of Cynynion -and Pentregaer, in the parish of Oswestry; a detached portion of the -parish of Llanyblodwel, called Cefnymaes; with portions of the parishes -of Llansilin and Selattyn. A very neat Gothic building has also been -erected by the present Incumbent, aided by voluntary contributions, and -opened as a National School in January, 1850. The sites for the school -and playground, as well as for the church and church-yard, are the -munificent gifts of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart. The portion of the -population of the parish of Oswestry thus transferred to the district of -Rhydycroesau is about 200. - -Nothing is now needed to make the ecclesiastical arrangements of the -parish of Oswestry complete but the building of a chapel-of-ease at -Maesbury, and the annexing a district to Morton Chapel; the latter of -which objects will no doubt be effected whenever a new Incumbent shall be -appointed to it. - -Oswestry is a discharged Vicarage, in the gift of the Earl of Powis. The -present Incumbent is the Rev. Thomas Salwey, B.D. - - - -LIST OF VICARS. - -David Owain instituted 1534 - - Rector of Whittington 1532, and Prebendary of - Myfod 1534 -Peter Brereton 1537 -John Price, L.L.B. 1552 - - He became Prebendary of Myfod 1558, and - Chancellor 1559. -William Owen 1583 -William Horton 1587 -Thomas Somerfield 1588 -John Bagshaw 1591 - - Rector of Whittington 1588. -William Morgan 1599 - - Vicar of Pool 1575. -Richard Pagot 1602 -Nathaniel Tattersall (deprived) 1603 -Richard Muckleston 1612 -John Kyffin, B.D. 1625 -Humphrey Wynne 1639 -Rowland Nevet, A.M. — - - Ejected by the Act of Uniformity. -Richard Edwards 1664 -Richard Jones 1680 -Samuel Wilson, A.M. 1690 -Archibald Guild 1694 -Thomas Jones 1697 -Thomas Owen 1707 -Edward Parry 1713 -Thomas Trevor, A.M., Bodynfol 1736 -Turner Edwards, L.L.B., Talgarth 1784 - - Vicar of Llansilin. -Daniel Griffiths 1803 -J. W. Bourke, A.M. 1807 - - Vicar of St. Martins 1803. -Thomas Salwey, B.D. December, 1823 - -The present esteemed Vicar of Oswestry, suffering much from illness, has -long been unable to attend personally to the duties of his office. When -however occasion has offered to promote, by his counsel and aid, any -measure of benevolence in the Parish, he has been active in the good -work. There are two Curates at present attached to the Parish Church—the -Rev. Llewelyn Wynne Jones, and the Rev. George Cuthbert, both of whom are -zealous and faithful in their ministerial labours, and have acquired the -regard and affection of the numerous congregations to whom they dispense -the Bread of Life. - - - -Dissenting Places of Worship. - - -THE OLD CHAPEL. - - -The Congregational Church of Protestant Dissenters now assembling in the -Old Chapel, Arthur-Street, was formed in the township of Sweeney, in the -year 1662, and the Rev. Rowland Nevet, A, M., ejected from the vicarage -of Oswestry by the Act of Uniformity, was its first pastor. Mr. Nevet -laboured in the ministry for thirty years; seventeen as a clergyman of -the established church, and thirteen as a dissenting preacher. Calamy, -in his “_Nonconformists’ Memorial_,” mentions to his honour, that when -the Plague prevailed at Oswestry, he still continued with his people, -extending to them both temporal and spiritual aid. He died December 8th, -1675, and was succeeded by the Rev. James Owen, a distinguished minister, -who bore part, as we have already mentioned, in a theological controversy -which took place in the Oswestry Guildhall, in the year 1681, in the -presence of Bishop Lloyd. He was appointed pastor at Sweeney in -November, 1676, the duties of which office he faithfully discharged, as -well as those of chaplain to Mrs. Baker, a pious lady residing on her own -estate at Sweeney Hall. Vestiges of the ancient burial-ground of the -first Nonconformists are yet to be seen near the site of the old mansion -at Sweeney, enclosed within iron railings by the late T. N. Parker, Esq. -The following inscriptions are still legible:— - - “Here lieth Mrs. ABIGAIL CHETWOOD, daughter to Sir Richard Chetwood, - who died the 1st May, 1658.” - - “THOMAS BAKER, Esq., deceased March 19, aged 68, A.D. 1675.” - -The above Thomas Baker served the office of High Sheriff of the county, -in 1649, the first year of Cromwell’s Protectorate; and in the parliament -of 1653 he was summoned by Cromwell, with John Brown, of Little Ness, as -a knight of the shire. In 1692 the place of worship was removed, for -convenience, from Sweeney into the town of Oswestry. The room fitted up -for religious worship was part of a house in Willow-Street, now known as -the Butchers’ Arms. Here Mr. Owen laboured for eight years, and then -removed to Shrewsbury, where he was soon placed at the head of the -dissenting theological seminary. He was succeeded by the Rev. Jenkyn -Evans, who died in 1709, and his funeral sermon was preached by the -celebrated Mathew Henry. The Rev. Joseph Venables was the next minister -appointed; and after Mr. Venables came the Rev. Thomas Morgan. During -his ministry the site on which the present chapel and chapel-house stand -was purchased, with an old maltkiln upon it, for £38. The sum of £200 -having been given for the purpose by Mrs. Sarah Lloyd, a chapel was -erected, and opened for public worship in July, 1750. The immediate -successors of Mr. Morgan were Mr. Davies and Mr. Dewhurst; the latter -became Socinian or Arian in his doctrines, and soon left. In September, -1777, the Rev. Dr. Edward Williams removed from Ross to Oswestry. In -1783 he enlarged the chapel; and the Collegiate Institution at -Abergavenny having been removed to Oswestry, Dr. Williams became its -Tutor, and for the accommodation of the students he enlarged the -chapel-house also. In 1791 he removed to Carr’s-Lane, Birmingham; -afterwards to Rotherham College, of which he was appointed Principal, and -there he died. The Rev. John Whitridge, who had been minister of the -Congregational Church at Newcastle-under-Lyme for nine years, succeeded -Dr. Williams, and he remained the kind and benevolent pastor of his -congregation, which greatly increased under his ministry, till the period -of his death, October 11th, 1826. On the west side of the chapel, and -over the spot where the pulpit then stood, in which for thirty-five years -he had dealt out the bread of life to his congregation, a plain marble -tablet was erected, bearing the following inscription:— - - “In Memory of the Rev. JOHN WHITRIDGE, this Tablet is affectionately - inscribed by the Church over whom for 35 years he was the devoted - Pastor. An example—in word—in conversation—in charity—in spirit—in - faith—in purity. ‘Whose praise is in the Gospel throughout all the - Churches.’ He was born 23rd March, 1760. Died 11th October, 1826. - His body reposes in a tomb beneath, waiting the spirit’s union at the - resurrection of the just.” - -Dr. Jenkyn, of Wem, succeeded to the pastoral office, and afterwards the -Rev. W. Reeve. The Rev. J. Davies was followed by the present able -pastor, the Rev. James Matheson (son of the Rev. Dr. Matheson, the -indefatigable Secretary of the Home Missionary Society), who entered upon -his ministerial labours in September, 1851, and who, by his distinguished -talents, great urbanity, and ardent zeal for the spiritual prosperity of -his people, has succeeded in greatly increasing the number of his -hearers, and in commending himself to the good opinion of all classes of -his fellow-townsmen. - - [Picture: The Old Chapel] - -The present Chapel (of which we give a sketch) was built during the -ministry of the Rev. Dr. Jenkyn. The old Chapel having become too small -for the increased number of hearers, it was pulled down, with the -exception of part of one wall, and the present one was erected. It is a -substantial and commodious place of worship, and capable of containing, -when closely seated, about eight hundred persons. - - -THE BAPTIST CHAPEL, - - -Situated on the English Walls (opposite the Cattle Market), was erected -by voluntary contributions, in the year 1805, and enlarged in 1818. It -contains two galleries, and will accommodate between 300 and 400 persons. -The Baptist Church in Oswestry was formed September 6th, 1806, and then -consisted of a few members dismissed from the Baptist Church, at -Shrewsbury, at that time under the pastoral care of the late Rev. John -Palmer, who, with other Baptist Ministers, preached the Gospel in -Oswestry and its neighbourhood some time prior to the erection of the -Chapel. The Rev. William Pain was the first Pastor, and was succeeded by -the Rev. Thomas Cooke, in the year 1817, who, for twenty years, -honourably sustained the office to which he had been chosen. In 1838 the -Rev. Robert Clarke (late of Bridgnorth) became the Pastor; and his -successor was the late Rev. H. G. Grainger, who settled in Oswestry, in -the year 1846. The present Pastor, the Rev. David Crumpton, took the -oversight of the Church in the year 1852. There is a Sabbath-School -connected with this congregation. The Chapel is free from debt, as is -also the Baptist Chapel at Sweeney, erected by this Church and -congregation in the year 1831. - - -THE WESLEYAN-METHODIST CHAPEL - - -Is a plain brick building, situated in the Coney Green, and was erected -in the year 1813. The interior is without galleries, but will -accommodate on the ground floor about 500 persons. The Wesleyan body in -Oswestry is included in the Wrexham Circuit, the present Superintendent -being the Rev. Samuel Atkinson. - - -ZION CHAPEL. - - -Throughout the Principality the Calvinistic Methodists are the most -numerous body of dissenters, and their annual meetings, or associations, -are seasons of much interest and excitement. In 1814 a small chapel was -erected on the Welsh Walls for the accommodation of persons of this -persuasion resident in Oswestry, and this was occupied as a place of -religious worship until 1836, when the great increase of the congregation -rendered the erection of a larger chapel necessary. Accordingly the -present building was commenced in Gatacre Place, and opened for public -worship on the 6th of July, 1836. - -It is a substantial stone structure, of rather imposing appearance, and -affords accommodation for upwards of 500 persons. - - -THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL. - - -The first chapel erected by this body was on the site of the Bath in -Upper Willow Street, and was opened in 1825. So rapid has been the -increase of the members of this denomination, that from the summer of -1825, when their first travelling preacher visited Oswestry, to the -present time, they have built in this circuit no fewer than sixteen -chapels; and the number of preachers on their quarterly plan amounts to -120. Their place of worship in Willow Street having become incapable of -accommodating their increasing numbers, the present chapel and -chapel-house were erected in 1840, in Castle Street. It is a neat and -convenient building, and will seat about 450 persons. The Superintendent -is the Rev. Thomas Parr. - - -BETHESDA CHAPEL - - -Is a small neat building in Castle Street, erected in the year 1844, for -the use of the Welsh Congregationalists, or Independents. The Rev. -Robert Thomas is the present Minister. - - -THE INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHAPEL - - -Stands below the Horse-Market, and was built in 1848 by a body of -seceders from the Primitive Methodists. It is a plain brick building, -and capable of seating about 300 persons. - - * * * * * - -Besides the above, there is a small but highly-respectable body of -Christians who hold their meetings in the Assembly Room at Osburn’s -Hotel, under the ministry of the Rev. J, Stewart; and also a congregation -of Welsh Wesleyan-Methodists, who assemble in a school-room at Black -Gate. - - - - -Municipal and Civil Government. - - -The Corporation of Oswestry is of great antiquity. Its civic honours, -primitively, flowed from its Barons or Lords, who, exercising themselves -the power of petty sovereigns, appointed Bailiff’s and other officers to -superintend the civic affairs of the borough. Its first assumption of -civic dignities appears to have been in the reign of Henry II., when -William, Earl of Arundel, granted to the town a short charter (called by -the Welsh “_Siarter Cwtta_”), denominated also a Charter of Protection. -A clause in this ancient document sets forth that “I (the Earl of -Arundel) have received in Protection my Burgesses of Blanc-Minster” -(Oswestry). Richard de Chambre was Constable at this period. Here was -subsidiary power given to the inhabitants of Oswestry, for the government -of the town; but in the reign of Richard II., August 14th, 1399, that -monarch granted to Oswestry its first royal charter, incorporating the -Burgesses by the name and title of “The Bailiffs and Burgesses of -Oswestry, _infra Palatinatum Cestriæ_, _in marchia inter Angliam et -Walliam_.” In 1407, as heretofore noticed, Thomas, Earl of Arundel, -granted a comprehensive and valuable charter, showing that still the -exercise of power, in his lordship or barony, for the good government of -the burgesses, &c., was fully recognized by the crown. - -The rights and privileges granted by Richard II. seem to have been -strictly guarded and maintained by the inhabitants down to the reign of -Elizabeth, when they were confirmed by that sovereign. It would appear, -however, that subsequently “divers doubts and ambiguities” arose -concerning the ancient liberties, franchises, &c., of the borough, and in -the reign of James I., 1616, the king granted a charter to the town, -extending its liberties and privileges, and confirming the Bailiffs, -Burgesses, &c., as a body corporate, by the name of “The Bailiff and -Burgesses of Oswestry, in the countie of Salop.” The charter of Charles -II., granted January 13th, 1673, to “the ancient borough and corporation -of Oswestry, alias Oswaldstrey, in the county of Salop,” enacted “That -they be incorporated by the name of the Mayor, Aldermen, -Common-Councilmen and Burgesses of Oswestry.” This charter, it will be -seen, was the instrument which first called into existence the offices of -Mayor, Aldermen, Common-Councilmen, and Recorder. That charter was -immediately acted upon, and Mr. Richard Pope was elected _the first Mayor -of Oswestry_. Sir John Trevor, Knight (afterwards speaker of the House -of Commons, and Master of the Rolls), Morgan Wynne, Esq., Edward Owen, -Richard Edwards, Richard Lloyd, the before-mentioned Richard Pope, -gentleman; Gabriel Edwards, woollen-draper; Hugh Price, woollen-draper; -John Jones, mercer; Richard Jones, John Blodwell, gentlemen; and John -Lloyd, mercer, were chosen as _the first Aldermen_. Richard Price, -brewer, Richard Jones, mercer, John Glover, tanner, Richard Jones, -glover, Edward Evans, apothecary, John Jones, glover, John Muckleston, -shoemaker, Thomas Edwards, gentleman, Thomas Edwards, baker, Nathaniel -Jones, brewer, Hugh Edwards, shoemaker, Timothy George, mercer, Thomas -Vaughan, chandler, William Price, butcher, and Thomas Felton, brazier, -were _the first Common-Councilmen_. Morgan Wynne, Esq., was _the first -Recorder_ of the town, and John Worral, Esq., first Common Clerk of the -Borough, and Clerk of the Court. It may be mentioned as a fact worth -knowing, that Sir John Trevor was the _second_ Mayor of Oswestry, under -the charter of Charles II. Sir John was an eminent man, and his history, -connected as he was with the borough of Oswestry, is worthy of brief -record in these pages. He was the second son of John Trevor, Esq., of -Brynkinalt, in the county of Denbigh, by an aunt of Sir George Jeffreys. -He was born about the year 1637, and it is supposed never received -educational advantages beyond those furnished by a village school. He -was sent to London to his uncle, Arthur Trevor, a leading barrister, who -employed him as his clerk in his chambers in the Inner Temple. The Rev. -Robert Williams, in his careful and elaborate “_Biographical Dictionary -of Eminent Welshmen_,” says of him, that— - - “On his first arrival he displayed very lively parts, although his - manners were rather uncouth, and he could not speak a sentence of - correct English. His diligence, however, was so great, that being - entered a student of the Inner Temple, he rendered himself well - versed in all branches of his profession, and soon acquired extensive - practice. Through the interest of his cousin, Sir George Jeffreys, - he was made a king’s counsel, in 1678, and he obtained a seat in the - House of Commons. Here he acquired considerable influence among the - members, and such was his reputation as a high prerogative lawyer, - that at the meeting of James II’s. parliament in May, 1685, he was - elected Speaker. In October of the same year he was appointed Master - of the Rolls, and in July, 1688, he was sworn a Privy Councillor. On - the accession of William and Mary, Sir John Trevor was dismissed from - the office of Master of the Rolls. In the Convention Parliament he - sat for Beraldstone, and opposed by every means in his power the - measures of the Government. In the next Parliament, called in 1690, - he made his peace with the Court, and was unanimously elected - Speaker. In May, 1691, he was made first Lord Commissioner of the - Great Seal, which office he held until May 2nd, 1693, and in January, - 1693 he was restored to his office of Master of the Rolls. Such was - his talent for managing party, and of recommending himself to the - Government by his bold and dexterous measures, that had it not been - for his great indiscretion, he would probably have reached the great - object of his ambition, which was to become Lord Chancellor, and to - be created a peer. In 1695 a violent outcry was raised against - bribery, and a committee was appointed by the House of Commons, to - inquire into the charges, which were made against members, and it - reported that Sir John Trevor had received a bribe of a thousand - guineas for furthering a bill called the ‘Orphan’s Bill,’ promoted by - the City of London. Accordingly, March 12th, 1695, he was subjected - to the unparalleled humiliation of putting the resolution from the - chair, and declaring himself guilty. He then resigned the chair, and - was expelled from the House. Receiving money for voting in - parliament was in those days so common, that his offence was not - regarded in a very serious light, and he was permitted to retain his - high judicial office of Master of the Rolls, for the long period of - twenty-two years after his expulsion from the House of Commons. By - the death of his elder brother he succeeded to the paternal estates - of Brynkinalt, which, with large possessions of his own acquisition, - have descended through his only daughter Anne to the present Viscount - Dungannon. Sir John Trevor died May 20th, 1717, being nearly eighty - years of age, at his house in Chancery Lane, and was buried in the - Rolls Chapel.” - -Yorke, in his “_Royal Tribes of Wales_,” relates a droll anecdote of Sir’ -John, which is worthy of transplantation. - - “Among his other virtues,” says Yorke, “Trevor was an economist. He - had dined by himself one day at the Rolls, and was drinking his wine - quietly, when his cousin Roderic Lloyd was unexpectedly introduced to - him from a side door. ‘You rascal,’ said Trevor to his servant, ‘and - you have brought my cousin Roderic Lloyd, Esquire, Prothonotary of - North Wales, Marshal to Baron Price, and so forth, and so forth, up - my _back stairs_. Take my cousin Roderic Lloyd, Esquire, - Prothonotary of North Wales, Marshal to Baron Price, and so forth, - and so forth; take him instantly back, down my _back stairs_, and - bring him up my _front stairs_.’ Roderic in vain remonstrated, and - whilst he was conveyed down one, and up the other stairs, his Honor - removed the bottle and glasses.” - -Trevor had an obliquity of vision, or, in plainer words, he squinted -abominably! When he was expelled from the House of Commons for bribery, -pasquinades were issued against him, in one of which it was wittily said, -that “Justice was blind, but Bribery only squinted.” - -The charter of the 25 Charles II. (which was the governing charter -previous to the passing of the Municipal Reform Act,) granted to the -Borough of Oswestry a general Court of Quarter Sessions, to be held -before the Mayor, the Steward, and the Recorder, or any two of them, of -whom the Mayor was to be one. On the passing of that Act the Government -refused to renew the grant of a separate Quarter Sessions, although -strong and unanimous petitions from the town were presented in favour of -this privilege. In 1842, however, when the Ministry of Sir Robert Peel -was in office, Sir James Graham being Secretary of State for the Home -Department, the application was renewed, and was ultimately complied -with. The grant is dated the 27th May, 1842, and under it John Robert -Kenyon, Esq., was appointed Recorder. The first Quarter Sessions, under -this grant, were held on July 8th in the same year. Mr. Kenyon has ably -and impartially discharged the duties of Recorder since that period; and -to his legal acumen and zealous interest for the borough the inhabitants -are indebted for many advantages. - -The Corporation are chosen from the respectable and enterprising classes -of the borough, so that all men who by perseverance and success in trade -or commerce, in the learned profession of the law, or medical science, or -who move in the quieter and more elevated ranks of life, where the _otium -cum dignitate_ is to be seen in perfection,—if to be seen anywhere,—are -in the legitimate path to Magisterial authority and Aldermanic greatness. - -The Municipal Act came into operation in Oswestry in January, 1836. -James Edwards, Esq., was elected Mayor of the borough in 1834, and held -office, pursuant to the new Act, until January 1st, 1836, on which day -John Croxon, Esq., was elected the _first Mayor_ under the Municipal -Reform Act, and continued in office till November 9th, 1836, when Francis -Campbell, Esq., was elected as the _second_ Mayor of the borough under -the same Act. - -The Hon. Thomas Kenyon (second son of the celebrated Lord Kenyon, and -father of the present Recorder of Oswestry) was appointed High Steward of -the Borough in the year 1823. Mr. Richard Jones Croxon (who had -succeeded Mr. Lewis Jones to the Town-Clerkship in 1834) was appointed -Town-Clerk under the Municipal Act, and has continued to perform the -duties of that office to the present time, with great credit to himself -and satisfaction to the town. - -Under the New Corporation Act the borough was divided into two Wards, -viz., the _East Ward_, comprising 148 burgesses, and the _West Ward_, -numbering 166 burgesses. - -THE CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY, for the year 1854–5, consists of the -following gentlemen:— - - G. H. WILLIAMS, MAYOR. - - _Aldermen_: - -THOMAS LONGUEVILLE LONGUEVILLE, THOMAS ROGERS, - -PEPLOE CARTWRIGHT, EDWARD MORRIS, - -THOMAS HILL, THOMAS MINSHALL. - - _Councillors_: - -WILLIAM HODGES, THOMAS EDWARDS, - -WILLIAM EDWARDS, JAMES THOMAS JONES, - -EDWARD WYNNE THOMAS, WILLIAM ISAAC BULL, - -DAVID LLOYD, WILLIAM MORRIS, - -GEORGE MORRALL BICKERTON, RICHARD KYRKE PENSON, - -WILLIAM HAYWARD, JOHN LACON, - -FRANCIS ROBERTS, JOHN MINSHALL, - -GEORGE JAMES SAUNDERS, JOHN PHILLIPS, - - JOHN ROBERTS. - - _Town-Clerk_:—R. J. CROXON. - _Clerk of the Peace_:—ROBERT SIMON. - _Coroner_:—JOHN MILES HALES. - _Treasurer_:—GEORGE COOPER, - -We subjoin a full List of the MAYORS OF OSWESTRY, from the earliest -period, with the names also of the entire body of other Corporate -Officers, Aldermen, and Common-Councilmen, elected under the Municipal -Reform Act:— - -1673 Richard Pope, first Mayor -1674 Sir John Trevor, Master of the Rolls -1675 Richard Edwards -1676 Richard Lloyd, Ford -1677 John Blodwell -1678 John Lloyd - - Dying in his mayoralty, succeeded by Edward Owen -1679 Richard Price -1680 John Glover -1681 Peter Griffiths -1682 Humphrey Foulks -1683 William Price - - Appointed instead of Thomas Edwards, who died before he - was sworn -1684 Hugh Jones -1685 Phillip Ellis -1686 Sir Robert Owen, Porkington -1687 Roger Edwards -1688 Morgan Powell -1689 Thomas Jones -1690 Thomas Powell, Park -1691 Thomas Pritchard -1692 John Muckleston -1693 John Price -1694 David Lloyd -1695 Richard Jones -1696 Sir Robert Owen (second time) -1697 John Skye -1698 Nathaniel Edwards -1699 Peter Jones, Llanfyllin -1700 Francis Tomkies -1701 William Jones -1702 Humphrey Davenport, Hayes-Gate -1703 Roger Green -1704 Thomas Powell, Park (second time) -1705 Robert Lloyd, Aston -1706 John Davies -1707 Edward Lloyd, Trenewydd -1708 Thomas Tomkies -1709 Thos. Kynaston, Maesbury -1710 John Price (second time) -1711 Richard Jones -1712 John Skye (second time) -1713 Roger Green (second time) -1714 John Davies (second time) -1715 Thomas Warter -1716 George Edwards -1717 Robert Lloyd, Aston (second time) -1718 Owen Hughes -1719 Thomas Edwards -1720 John Evans -1721 Richard Payne -1722 Richard Maurice -1723 Nathaniel Price -1724 Peter Povall - - Dying in his mayoralty, succeeded by Owen Hughes -1725 John Kyffin -1726 Richard Thomas -1727 Edward Lloyd, Llwynymaen -1728 Watkin Williams Wynn -1729 Charles Lloyd, Trenewydd -1730 William Owen, Porkington -1731 John Huxley -1732 John Mytton, Halston -1733 Nathaniel Kynaston -1734 Richard Powell -1735 Robert Williams -1736 Robert Barkley -1737 Thomas Jones -1738 John Burgess -1739 Corbett Kynaston - - Dying in his mayoralty, succeeded by Thomas Tomkies -1740 William Price -1741 John Jones -1742 John Hughes -1743 John Mort -1744 Peter Williams -1745 David Morris -1746 Richard Lloyd -1747 Richd. Williams, Penbedw -1748 Vincent Phipps -1749 Nathaniel Jones -1750 John Griffiths -1751 John Williams -1752 John Griffiths -1753 Edward Price -1754 Thomas Jones -1755 John Jones -1756 Thomas Rathbone -1757 Edward Evans -1758 John Basnett -1759 Nathaniel Price -1760 Edward Evans -1761 Robert Lloyd -1762 Richard Price -1763 John Edwards -1764 Richard Jones -1765 John Gregory -1766 William Griffiths -1767 Richard Morrice -1768 John Evans -1769 John Lloyd -1770 Watkin Williams, Penbedw -1771 John Mytton, Halston -1772 Robert Godolphin Owen, Porkington -1773 E. Thornes -1774 Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., Wynnstay -1775 William Griffiths -1776 Francis Chambre -1777 Joseph Richardson -1778 John Croxon -1779 Noel Hill, Shrewsbury -1780 Edward Brown - - Dying in his mayoralty, succeeded by Nathaniel Price -1781 Thomas Vernon -1782 Edward Wynn Evans -1783 John Kynaston, Hardwick -1784 Richard Bickerton -1785 Thomas Howell -1786 Richard Salisbury -1787 Wm. Mostyn Owen, Woodhouse -1788 Lewis Jones -1789 John Gibbons -1790 John Lovett -1791 John Probert -1792 John Mytton, Halston -1793 Rev. Turner Edwards -1794 Arthur Davies -1795 Rev. John Robert Lloyd -1796 Owen Ormsby -1797 Thomas Lovett -1798 Robert Lloyd -1799 John Jones -1800 Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart. -1801 Richard Croxon -1802 Lawton Parry -1803 Richard Jebb -1804 Thomas Skye -1805 Rev. James Donne -1806 Robert Cartwright -1807 Thomas Longueville Jones -1808 William Lloyd -1809 Robert Roberts -1810 John Sheppard - - Dying in his mayoralty, succeeded by Thomas Hilditch -1811 Edward Edmunds -1812 John Croxon -1813 Rev. Charles Arthur Albany Lloyd -1814 Hon. Thomas Kenyon -1815 Thomas Morris -1816 S. Leach (R. Salisbury, Deputy) -1817 Rev. George Lloyd, Selattyn (Mr. Cartwright, Deputy) -1818 Thomas Netherton Parker -1819 H. W. W. Wynn (Mr. Salisbury, Deputy) -1820 W. Lovett (J. V. Jones, Deputy) -1821 John Bonnor, Brynygwalia (Robert Roberts, Deputy) -1822 Henry Pinson Tozer Aubrey -1823 W. Ormsby Gore -1824 John Mytton (Thomas Hilditch, Deputy) -1825 John Jones (second time) -1827 Rev. Turner Edwards -1827 Roger Mercy Cockerill -1828 Robert Morrall -1829 Peploe Cartwright -1830 Thomas Lovett -1831 Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart. (second time) (Dr. Donne, Deputy) -1832 Thomas Longueville Longueville -1833 John Jones, jun. -1834 James Edwards -1835 John Croxon -1836 Francis Campbell -1837 Charles Thomas Jones -1838 G. Dorset Owen -1839 Griffith Evans -1840 Thomas Penson -1841 John Hayward -1842 W. Williams -1843 W. Williams (re-elected) -1844 W. Price -1845 Thomas Rogers -1846 John Miles Hales -1847 Thomas Hill -1848 John Jones -1849 Edward Morris -1850 Edward Morris (re-elected) -1851 Thomas Minshall -1852 William Hodges -1853 Thomas Edwards -1854 George Harvey Williams - -ALDERMEN AND COMMON-COUNCILMEN. - - ALDERMEN—1835: -John Jones Peploe Cartwright - -Richard Croxon T. L. Longueville - -Thomas Morris John Jones, jun. - COUNCILLORS—1835: - EAST WARD. WEST WARD. - -John Croxon John Hayward - -Francis Campbell Thomas Rogers - -George D. Owen Edward D. Bennion - -Francis Lucas Charles Thomas Jones - -Griffith Evans John Jones, jun. - -James Howell Charles Sabine - -Richard Bill William Williams - -William Price James Williams - -William Roberts Thomas Penson - COUNCILLORS—1836: -Thomas Penson Edward Edwards (in the room of - James Williams, deceased) -John Miles Hales - William Williams -Robert Edwards - John Tomkies -John Croxon - John Hayward -Francis Campbell - Thomas Rogers -George Dorset Owen - Edward David Bennion -Francis Lucas - Charles Thomas Jones -Griffith Evans - John Jones, jun. -James Howell - Charles Sabine - 1837: -Francis Lucas Charles Thomas Jones - -Griffith Evans Thomas Jones Rogers - -James Howell John Davies - -Thomas Penson Edward Edwards - -John Miles Hales William Williams - -Robert Edwards John Tomkies - -John Croxon John Hayward - -Francis Campbell Thomas Rogers - -George Dorset Owen Edward David Bennion - ALDERMEN—RE-ELECTED IN 1838: - - Peploe Cartwright, T. L. Longueville, and John Jones, jun. - COUNCILLORS—1838: -George Dorset Owen John Hayward - -David Thomas Thomas Rogers - -William Smale Nathaniel Minshall - -Francis Lucas Charles Thomas Jones - -Griffith Evans Thomas Jones Rogers - -James Howell John Davies - -Thomas Penson Edward Edwards - -John Miles Hales William Williams - -Robert Edwards John Tomkies - COUNCILLORS—1839: -Thomas Penson William Williams - -John Miles Hales John Tomkies - -Robert Edwards Edward Edwards - -William Price (in the room of G. John Hayward -D. Owen, deceased) - Thomas Rogers -David Thomas - Nathaniel Minshall -William Smale - Charles Thomas Jones -Francis Lucas - Thomas Jones Rogers -Griffith Evans - Richard Cross (in the room of -Richard Salter (in room of James John Davies, deceased) -Howell, deceased) - 1840: -Francis Lucas Richard Powell (in the room of - Thomas Jones Rogers) -Griffith Evans - Richard Cross -Richard Salter - Thomas Hughes (in the room of -Thomas Penson Charles Thomas Jones, appointed - Alderman) -John Miles Hales - John Tomkies -Robert Edwards - William Williams -William Price - Edward Edwards -David Thomas - John Hayward -William Smale - Thomas Rogers - - Nathaniel Minshall - ALDERMEN—1841: -Thomas Penson (in the room of Charles Thomas Jones -John Croxon, who had left the -borough) John Jones - COUNCILLORS—1841: -John Miles Hales John Hayward - -William Price Thomas Rogers - -David Thomas Nathaniel Minshall - -William Smale Richard Cross - -Francis Lucas Thomas Hughes - -Griffith Evans Richard Powell - -Richard Salter William Williams - -Robert Edwards John Tomkies - -Charles Osburn (in the room of Edward Edwards -Thomas Penson) - COUNCILLORS—1842: -John Miles Hales William Williams - -Robert Edwards John Tomkies - -William Price Edward Edwards - -David Thomas John Hayward - -Griffith Evans Thomas Rogers - -William Smale Nathaniel Minshall - -Richard Salter Richard Cross - -Charles Osburn Thomas Hughes - -Pryce Morris (in the room of Richard Powell -Francis Lucas) -Henry Hughes appointed Coroner June 20th, 1842. - 1843: -Griffith Evans Richard Cross - -Richard Salter Thomas Hughes - -Charles Osburn Edward Williams - -John Miles Hales William Williams - -Thomas Hill (in the room of R. John Tomkies -Edwards, deceased) - Edward Edwards -Pryce Morris - John Hayward -William Price - Thomas Rogers -David Thomas - Nathaniel Minshall -William Smale - ALDERMEN—RE-ELECTED NOVEMBER, 1844: - - T. L. Longueville, Peploe Cartwright, and John Jones, jun. - COUNCILLORS—1844: -John Broughall (in the room of Thomas Rogers -David Thomas) - John Hayward -William Smale - Nathaniel Minshall -Griffith Evans - Thomas Savin (in the room of -Richard Salter Richard Cross) - -Charles Osburn John Jones (in the room of Thomas - Hughes) -John Miles Hales - Edward Williams -Thomas Hill - William Williams -Thomas Minshall (in the room of -Pryce Morris) John Tomkies - - Edward Edwards - 1845: -Thomas Hill John Phillips - -John Miles Hales Edward Edwards - -William Williams Charles Humphreys - -William Price Thomas Rogers - -Edward Morris (in the room of John Hayward -John Broughall, who had left the -borough) Nathaniel Minshall - -William Smale Thomas Savin - -Griffith Evans Edward Williams - -Richard Salter John Jones - -Thomas Minshall - 1846: -Thomas Edwards John Jones - -Thomas Minshall Edward Williams - -William Isaac Bull Edward Edwards - -William Williams James Weaver (in the room of - Charles Humphreys, deceased) -John Miles Hales - John Phillips -Thomas Hill - John Hayward -William Price - Nathaniel Minshall -Edward Morris - Thomas Rogers -William Smale - Edw. Wynne Thomas (in the room of - Mr. Savin, deceased) - ALDERMEN—ELECTED NOVEMBER, 1847: -John Hayward, Thomas Penson, and William Williams. - COUNCILLORS—1847: -Edward Morris David Lloyd - -William Price Nathaniel Minshall - -Jeremiah Jones Thomas Thomas Rogers - -John Lacon (in the room of W. -Williams, Alderman) - 1848: -John Lacon Edward Roberts - -Thomas Hill George Morrall Bickerton - -William Hodges David Jameson -John Miles Hales appointed Coroner, and Robert Simon Clerk of the -Peace, April 27th, 1848 (in the room of Henry Hughes, deceased). - 1849: -Thomas Minshall John Jones - -William Isaac Bull Edward Williams - -Walter Edwards Edw. Wynne Thomas - ALDERMEN—ELECTED NOVEMBER, 1850: -T. L. Longueville, Peploe Cartwright, and Thomas Rogers. - COUNCILLORS—1850: -Edward Morris Thomas Jones - -Jeremiah Jones Thomas David Lloyd - -William Edwards William Morris - 1851: -John Lacon George Morrall Bickerton - -William Roberts Thomas Edwards - -William Hodges George Harvey Williams - 1852: -William Isaac Bull Jackson Salter - -Thomas Minshall Francis Roberts - -Walter Edwards William Hayward - ALDERMEN—ELECTED NOVEMBER, 1853: - - Thomas Hill, John Jones, and Edward Morris. - COUNCILLORS—1853: -Edw. Wynne Thomas James Thomas Jones - -William Edwards David Lloyd - -William Morris William Morris - 1854: -John Lacon Thomas Edwards - -William Roberts George Morrall Bickerton - -William Hodges George Harvey Williams - -Benjamin Churchill (in the room -of Walter Edwards, resigned) - -[For the above List of Aldermen and Common-Councilmen, up to and -including 1846, we are indebted to the Representative of a gentleman who -filled the Civic Chair, and who for many years recorded the changes in -the Municipal Body. The subsequent List is from the Corporation Poll -Books.] - - - - -Antiquities. - - -OSWESTRY CASTLE. - - -OUR readers will have already learnt that Oswestry, from an early period -in the history of the nation, bore no undistinguished part. Fixed in the -midst of an arena of fierce and convulsive conflicts for many ages; its -early state of warlike defence, rendered so complete by the sagacious -Edward I., and forming a powerful post on the Border Lands, the eyes of -monarchs and their gallant nobles were frequently directed towards it for -succour or defence. The Castle, in its primitive state, may have been a -palace fit for regal splendour. The honour of erecting it is assigned, -as we have previously mentioned, to Madog, descended from an illustrious -Welsh Prince, the strenuous ally of Henry II., in his Welsh wars, and -whose sire was the constant confederate of Randel the Third, and of his -son, Hugh Cyveiliog, the fourth Earl of Chester. Madog was a man of high -distinction in his day, and, being Prince of Powys, of which division -Oswestry formed a part, there is presumptive evidence that the Castle was -built by him, as the Welsh historians maintain, or very considerably -enlarged or repaired. The English records fix its existence even before -the Norman Conquest, and show that “Alan, a noble Norman,” received it -immediately from William the Conqueror, on his accession. “This Alan,” -adds Dugdale, the historian, “was the stock of the Fitz-Alans, Earls of -Arundel; a potent race that flourished (with fewer checks than are usual -with greatness) for near five hundred years.” It may be necessary to -mention here, to aid the reader as to dates, that Madog died A.D. 1159, -and that the Norman Invasion occurred in 1066. If Dugdale is to be -relied upon, the Castle of Oswestry was built at a period anterior to the -Conquest, but he makes no mention of Madog. He says, “There was a Castle -at _Oswaldster_ at the time of the Conquest;” and Pennant, a good -authority, adds to this note of Dugdale, “I think it very probable.” The -able Welsh tourist further remarks, “The artificial mount on which it was -placed indicates it to have been earlier than the Norman era. The -Britons and the Saxons gave their fortresses this species of elevation. -The Normans built on the firm and natural soil or rock, but often made -use of these mounts, which they found to have been the site of a Saxon -castle. I believe this to have been the case with that in question. A -Fitz-Alan repaired or re-built, and added to that which he met with here: -a tower also (as is not unfrequent) might receive the name of _Madog_, -complimentary either to the son of _Meredydd_ (Madog’s father), or some -other great man of the same title.” We have collected all the -authorities we could find on this vexed question; but the actual date of -the building of the Castle, and the veritable party to whom the honour of -founding it is due, are still among the undiscovered facts of ages past. - - [Picture: Oswestry Castle] - -There is still, however, a notable event connected with Oswestry Castle -that gives to its history surpassing interest, and ranks it among the -more remarkable military relics of the nation. If the pains-taking -researches of Chalmers, the historian of Scotland, are to be relied upon, -one of the distinguished occupants of Oswestry Castle was the founder of -the Stewart royal family. The real origin of that race of sovereigns had -long perplexed genealogists; but the labours of Chalmers, who has -minutely investigated all the written and printed records on the subject, -have proved beyond further controversy that Walter, the son of Alan (the -two first Norman possessors of Oswestry Castle), the son of Flaald, and -the younger brother of William, the son of Alan, who was the progenitor -of the famous house of Fitz-Alan, the Earl of Arundel, _was the first of -the Stewarts_. Symon, and other Scotch historians, trace the Stewart -family to a Thane of Lochabar. Lord Hailes disputed this and other -opinions, treating them as fabulous, but it was reserved for Chalmers to -establish and set at rest the long-contested question as to the origin of -the Stewart race. Lord Hailes himself acknowledges that Walter, who -flourished under David the First of Scotland, and Malcolm the Fourth, was -_indeed_ the first Stewart of Scotland; but he is unable to determine -where, and what was the commencement of this family. The subject is -important to every native of our land; but to the people of Oswestry it -is of paramount interest, as it connects with the town, however remotely, -the genealogy of our present beloved monarch, QUEEN VICTORIA. - -Chalmers’ evidence on this subject is curious and interesting. He tells -us that the great exploit of Walter, the son of Alan, was the founding of -Paisley monastery, during the reign of Malcolm IV., by transplanting a -colony of Cluniac monks from the monastery of Wenlock, in Shropshire. -Such, then, he adds, was the connection of Walter the First Stewart with -Wenlock, and with Isabel de Say, who married William, the brother of -Walter. Alan, the son of Flaald, married the daughter of Gwarine, the -famous Sheriff of Shropshire, soon after the Norman conquest; and of this -marriage William was the eldest son of Alan, and the undoubted heir both -of Alan and of Gwarine. Alan, the son of Flaald, a Norman, acquired the -manor of Oswestry soon after the Conquest. Alan was undoubtedly a person -of great consequence at the accession of Henry I. He was a frequent -witness to the king’s charters, with other eminent personages of that -court. Mr. Chalmers, in his further investigations, proves the fraternal -connection of William, the son of Alan, by a transaction which had before -been as new to history as it is singular in itself. It has already been -shown that Oswestry was the original seat of Alan on the Welsh border. -Clun was added to his family by the marriage of his son William, who -built Clun Castle; and John Fitz-Alan, Lord of Clun and Oswestry, by -marrying Isabel, the second sister of William de Albany, the third Earl -of Arundel, who died in 1196, became Earl of Arundel, and changed his -residence from Shropshire to Sussex. Now, Richard Fitz-Alan, Earl of -Arundel, being with Edward III., during the year 1335, and claiming to be -_Stewart of Scotland by hereditary right_, sold his title and claim to -the king for 1000 marks, which purchase he cautiously had confirmed to -him by Edward Baliol; but Richard Fitz-Alan had not any right to the -Stewartship of Scotland. Walter, who was the first purchaser of this -hereditary office, was the younger brother of William, the son of Alan, -the progenitor of Richard Fitz-Alan, the claimant; and till all the -descendants of the first purchaser had failed, the claim could not ascend -to the common father of the two families. But Robert the Stewart, who -was born of Margery Bruce, on the 28th March, 1315–16, and became King of -Scots the 2nd February, 1370–1, under the entail of the crown, was then -in possession of the hereditary office of Stewart, by lineal descent. -Walter, the son of Alan, undoubtedly obtained from David I., and from -Malcolm IV., great possessions, a high office, and extensive patronage, -and it may be reasonably asked, by what influence he could acquire from -two kings so much opulence, and such an office? David I. was a strenuous -supporter of the claims of his niece, the Empress Maud, in her severe -contest with Stephen. William, the brother of Walter, influenced by the -Earl of Gloucester, the bastard son of Henry I., and other powerful -partizans of his sister the Empress, seized Shrewsbury in September, -1139, and held it for her interest. He attended her, with King David, at -the siege of Winchester, in 1441, where they were overpowered by the -Londoners, and obliged to flee. Such then were the bonds of connection -between David I. and the sons of Alan, who were also patronized by the -Earl of Gloucester. It was probably on that occasion that Walter -accompanied David into Scotland. William, the son of Alan, adhered -steadily to the Empress, and was rewarded by Henry II. for his -attachment. Thus Walter, the son of Alan, could not have had more -powerful protectors, than the Earl of Gloucester with David I., and Henry -II. with Malcolm the II. When Walter, by those influences, obtained -grants of Renfrew with other lands, and founded the Monastery of Paisley -for Cluniac Monks from Wenlock, he was followed by several persons from -Shropshire, whom he enriched, and by whom he was supported. He married -Eschina, of Moll, in Roxburghshire, by whom he had a son Alan, who -succeeded him in his estates and office when he died, in 1177. Six -descents carried this family, by lineal transmissions, to Robert the -Stewart, whose office, as already stated, was purchased by Edward III., -and who became King of Scots 1371: Walter, the son of Alan, was followed -by his brother Simon. Thus does Mr. Chalmers treat the history of the -Stewarts, whose blood, he says, runs in a thousand channels. - -This historical subject has attracted the attention of a talented -resident of Oswestry, whose taste and research, united with genius and -poetic imagination, have already conferred upon the town no trivial -honour. That gentleman has favoured us with a notice of the CASTLE HILL, -which bespeaks the enthusiasm of the writer, and adds to the interest -which all lovers of history must feel on a topic so closely connected -with the present amiable Sovereign of the kingdom. It is only due to Mr. -SABINE to state (for to him we are indebted for aid in endeavouring to -elucidate a dark and hitherto uncertain portion of Border History) that -he has shed light even upon the pains-taking researches of Chalmers, and -done much towards establishing a fact which, as we now consider it to be -“proven,” cannot fail to confer upon Oswestry an historical importance of -no common degree. - -Mr. SABINE’S paper we have pleasure in quoting entire:— - - “There is nothing,” he remarks, “in the appearance of this Hill very - imposing or very remarkable. It is a somewhat abrupt mound, with - some rude fragmentary remains of the castle, with which it was - formerly surmounted. It has long been a moot question whether this - mound is natural, or whether it has been raised by artificial means. - Its appearance would seem to indicate that it is the work of man; but - an examination of its geological composition, and a comparison of it - with similar surrounding elevations, lead to the conclusion that it - is the accumulated deposit of ages during a period in which the - district has probably been the area of obstructed and pent-up waters, - which, having been set at liberty, have left exposed the present - undulated portions of the district, of which this mound forms one of - the most prominent. Its present abrupt character—abrupt as compared - with some of the more shelving banks—is easily and obviously - accounted for by manifold encroachments, and by the military - necessity for making the Castle as inaccessible as possible to - hostile attacks. But if there is nothing in the appearance of the - Castle Hill of Oswestry that is remarkable, this cannot be said of - its history; for if there can be one fact topographically of greater - interest than another in the history of a kingdom, it is that which - is connected with the origin of its reigning monarch. To say - nothing, then, of the numerous battle scenes of which Oswestry Castle - has been the witness, and of which, it might say with Æneas, ‘_Quorum - pars magna fui_,’ a note of Sir Walter Scott’s to the “Monastery” - will be a sufficient warrant for saying that Oswestry, in point of - historic interest, is second to no town in the united kingdom. ‘The - acute pen of Lord Hailes (says the author of Waverley), which, like - the spear of Ithuriel, conjured up so many shadows from Scottish - history, had dismissed among the rest those of Banquo and Fleance, - the rejection of which fables left the illustrious family of Stewart - without an ancestor, beyond WALTER, THE SON OF ALAN. The researches - of our late learned Antiquary detected in this Walter the descendant - of Alan, the son of Flaald, who obtained from William the Conqueror - THE CASTLE OF OSWESTRY, IN SHROPSHIRE; and who was the father of an - illustrious line of English nobles, by his first son, William, and by - his second son, Walter, the progenitor of the royal family of - Stewart.’ Few will be bold enough, even if so disposed, to question - the authority of such an antiquarian as Sir Walter Scott, especially - in matters relating to his own country. Assuming, then, that Alan - Fitz-Flaald is the stirp of the Stewart House, a genealogical table - may not be uninteresting to the readers of this work:— - - [Picture: Genealogical table] {178} - - “That Sir Walter Scott is as indubitable an authority in early - English or Welsh History as in that of his own country may not be - admitted by all. According to the Welsh records Oswestry belonged to - Madog, Prince of Powys, who resided at Oswestry, and built the Castle - there about the year 1140. His second wife, Maud Vernon, an English - lady of noble birth, on the death of Madog, married William - Fitz-Alan, Lord of Clun, who in right of his wife obtained the Town - and Castle of Oswestry. This William was a descendant of Alan who - (says the Welsh Historian) came over with William the Conqueror, and - was the first of the Fitz-Alans that was Baron of Oswestry. Again, - the English historians assign to Oswestry Castle a more ancient date - than 1140. They inform us that it was in being before the Norman - conquest; and that Alan, a noble Norman, had the Town and Castle - bestowed upon him by the Conqueror, soon after his accession. But - whether Walter the Steward was the grandson of Flaald, and of Welsh - descent, or whether his father came over from Normandy with the - Conqueror, it may be taken as a fact that Walter, the son of Alan, - the younger brother of William Fitz-Alan, went from Oswestry Castle, - of which his father was Governor, into the service of David I., King - of Scotland, as that monarch’s Steward, and was the founder of the - house of Stewart. The following extract from _Chambers’ Journal_ is - concurrent in testimony with the main features of the above, and is - fraught with additional interest, as it shows how greatly Scotland - was indebted to the old Town of Oswestry for its progress in - civilization:— - - ‘During the troublous conflicts of Maud and Stephen, in their - competition for the crown of England, Walter, the son of Alan, the - son of Flaald, fled from the family seat at Oswestry, and settled in - Scotland. David I. made him his Steward, and gave him lands to - support the dignity of his office. By the charter we learn that - these lands were those of “Passaleth (Paisley), Polloc, Talahee, - Ketkert, le Drop, le Mutrene Egglesham, Louchwinnock, and Inverwick.” - These estates in Renfrewshire (then a portion of Lanarkshire) were - confirmed by Malcolm IV. in 1157, when he made the office of Steward - hereditary, and granted, in addition, various other estates in the - same quarter. Besides these possessions, Walter acquired the western - half of Kyle, in Ayrshire, which hence was called Kyle Stewart. At - this period the country was in a semi-barbarous state; but Walter the - Stewart introduced new and civilized usages. He settled many of his - military followers on his lands, and, founding the Abbey of Paisley, - introduced a body of instructed men, who taught the ancient people - domestic arts and foreign manners. By the marriage of one of these - Stewarts with Margery Bruce, Robert the Stewart was born, and became, - 1370–1, King of Scots.’ - - “The Hill which claims this unique and unquestionable honour, in - defiance of all the various contradictory and exploded fables which - would give it to Scotland (for no spot in England seeks to withhold - it from Oswestry), has been rescued from the destruction with which - it has long been threatened, both by the encroachments of time and - thoughtless spoliation, having been purchased by several of the - Inhabitants of Oswestry, and vested in James Thomas Jones, Esq., as - their Trustee, and is now planted as an Arboretum. The panoramic - view from this Hill is one of the most beautiful scenic gems in the - neighbourhood; and when the shrubs which have been planted shall have - overcome the obstacles to their luxuriant growth, arising from - exposure to bleak winds, and a comparatively uncongenial soil, it - will constitute an ornament to the Town of Oswestry, such as few - localities can boast; and which, in addition to its historic - interest, will render it a spot, of which the Inhabitants of the - County of Salop, and of Oswestry especially, may rank among their - most remarkable objects of attraction. While the Hill was being - planted a small silver coin was found, which, on examination, proved - to be of the reign of David I. of Scotland. This, though not a - direct link in the chain of proof of the title of Oswestry Castle to - the honour it claims, and defies Scotland to dispute, is a remarkable - corroborative incident, most valuable, as circumstantial evidence, in - support of the claim. A stone has been placed on the Hill, with the - following inscription:—’A.D. MCXXXVIII., Walter, son of Alan, the - progenitor of the Royal House of Stuart, left this, his ancestral - castle, in the reign of Stephen, King of England, and of David I., - King of Scots.’” - -The more recent history of the Castle may be given in a few words. In -the sixth of Henry II., Guy le Strange, Sheriff of Shropshire, accounted -in the exchequer for salaries paid out of the king’s revenues to the -wardens in the Castle of Blancminster (Oswestry), the inheritance of -William Fitz-Alan, then lately deceased. In the fifteenth of John, the -nephew (John) of the Earl of Pembroke, guardian of the Marches of Wales, -was made Governor of Blancminster. In Henry III., John Fitz-Alan, as -heir to Hugh de Albany, Earl of Arundel, had upon the death of that Earl, -assigned for his _purpatry_, the Castle of Arundel, and upon paying £1000 -fine was admitted to the possession of Oswestry Castle. In the -twenty-fourth of Henry III., on the death of John Fitz-Alan, John le -Strange had a grant of the custody of the lands of John, his son (then a -minor), with an allowance of 300 marks per annum, for guarding -Blancminster and other places. In the first of Edward I., John de -Oxinden had the custody of the Castle of Blancminster, upon the death of -John, Earl of Arundel. In the third of Edward I., Bogo de Knovil was -Sheriff of the county, and Keeper of the Castle of Blancminster. In the -eighth of Edward I., Isabel, mother of Richard, Earl of Arundel, had the -custody of the Castle of Blancminster, and also of the hundred of -_Oswaldster_ during the minority of her son; but two years afterwards her -brother, Edmund de Mortimer, supplanted her, and got the grant to -himself. In the eighteenth of Edward I., Adam de Montgomery died -Governor of the Castle. In the twenty-seventh of Edward I., Peter -Meuvesine de Berwicke, _juxta Akinton_, died in the same office. In the -twenty-seventh of Edward II., after the attainder of Edmund, Earl of -Arundel, Roger Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore, had a grant of the Castle. In -the twenty-first of Richard II., Richard, Earl of Arundel, being -attainted or executed, the king seized upon his lands and manors, and -granted them to William Scrope, Earl of Wiltshire. In the seventh of -Henry IV., Thomas, son of the attainted Earl, after he was restored in -blood, freed the burgesses from many impositions of the Constable of the -Castle. Amongst the names of subsequent Governors of the Castle we find -those of John Trevor, Vaughan, Jeffrey Kyffyn; and in the twenty-fifth of -James I., Thomas, Earl of Suffolk, his wife, Lord Walden, Sir Arnold -Herbert, and William Herbert, “grant to the Lady Craven, Sir William -Whitmore, George Whitmore, and their heirs, the lordship, manor, and -Castle of Oswestry.” The state of the Castle in the Civil Wars has -already been described. - -In a record of the Inquisition, 21 Richard II., 1398, preserved in the -Tower of London, there is a curious inventory of articles contained in -Oswestry Castle on the attainder of Richard, Earl of Arundel, taken by -order of the King. The Jurors consisted of inhabitants of the town and -district. The record states, that “the Castle, Vill, and Lordship of -Oswaldestre, in the Marches of Wales, is worth yearly, with its customs -and appurtenances, besides the fees of all the officers there, and -besides all reprizes made there, one year with another, £252, 16s. 2d.” * -* * * “That the said Earl was seized as of fee of one messuage in the -Vill of Oswaldestre, by his deed enfeoffed one John ap Wyllym, to have to -him and his heirs for ever, worth yearly beyond reprizes, 6s. 8d. Also, -that the said Earl was seized as of fee of the advowson of the free -Chapel of St. Nicholas, within the Castle of Oswaldestre, worth 46s. 8d. -Also, that the said Earl of Arundel had within the Castle of Oswaldestre, -on the 18th day of July last past, and afterwards, the following goods -and chattels, that is to say,—in the _Wardrobe_ there, 5 yew bows, 4 elm -bows, 20 sheaves of arrows, 6 cross-bows, lances, with 6 heads, 1 gun, 1 -barrel of gunpowder, 200 quirells, 3 pol-axes, 2 sparthes, 3 broken -jacks, 3 pair of gauntlets, 3 pallets, 1 banderich for a cross-bow, 1 -table, 1 pair of stakes, 3 pair of fetters, 6 pair of iron handcuffs, -with iron bolts, 1 coler, with 2 iron shakylls, 1 file, 1 hammer. In the -_Great Chamber_, 1 cupboard, 2 tables, 4 forms. In the _Middle Chamber_, -3 chests, 2 forms, 1 table. In the _High Chamber_, 1 hand-mill, panel of -a certain trefreget. In the _Constable’s Hall_, 3 tables, four tressels, -3 forms, 1 bason, with a laver, 1 small chest. In the _Butlery_, 1 -chest, broken at the top, 1 bucket, with an iron chain, 1 barrel for -weapons, 31 keys of different locks. In the _Chapel_, 1 vessel for the -holy water, 1 missal, 1 gilt chalice, 2 linen towels, with a frontal, 2 -surplices, 2 chessibles, with accompaniments, 1 hand-mill for grinding -corn. In the _Kitchen_, 1 stone mortar, with a pile of wood. In the -_Larder_, 2 broken oxheads, with 6 bushels of salt; which said artillery, -arms, goods and chattels, are put into the custody of Madog Lloid, the -Deputy of Robert Legh, Chivaler Constable of the Castle aforesaid, for -the defence of the same.” After enumerating several other articles, the -Inquisition record adds, “and in a certain house in the Vill of -Oswaldestre (the said Earl possessed) 601 fleeces of wool, weighing 2 -sacks, and ⅛th of a sack, at per sack 100s.; 50 gallons of honey, at 7s. -a gallon. Also the said Earl had on the 18th day of July aforesaid, and -afterwards, in the said Castle, 1 white stallion, price £10; 1 -race-horse, called _Young Sorrell_, price £13 6s. 8d. And in the Park of -Oswaldestre Superior, 16 horse colts, 13 of which are 3 years old, and 3 -of them 2 years old: price in the whole, £66 13s. 4d.” The record -further adds, that the said “Earl had after the 18th of July, £720 in -money, and that one Thomas Harlyng, late Receiver-General of the said -Earl, took and carried away the same, whereof he is answerable to the -King.” A great number of articles, with monies, cattle, &c., are stated -to have been taken away by various persons named, who are made answerable -to the King for the same.—This document is curious, inasmuch as it throws -some light upon the military weapons in use at the period, on the plain -and scanty domestic articles in the Castle, and on the low value of -farming stock, &c. The record presents no account of the Earl’s -apartments, or those of his servants, or of the furniture there used. -Probably all the valuable property which he possessed in the fortress was -carried away and disposed of before the Earl was attainted. The entire -record furnishes evidence of nothing polished or luxurious; on the -contrary, it is a catalogue of mere rudeness, discomfort, and barbarity; -giving no marks whatever of vice-regal grandeur or princely state. - -As an additional fact it is proper to mention, that the _Bailey-Head_ was -the original _ballium_, or quadrangle of the Castle; that the mount in -the Castle-field, known by the name of the _Cripple-bank_, or _gathe_, -was also the site of the ancient _Barbican_, or outer gate, at which the -poor and diseased received relief. Of the free chapel, dedicated to St. -Nicholas, _infra Castrum de Oswaldestre_, the advowson of which belonged -to the Arundel family, there is not a trace left to mark its situation. - -The sketch of Oswestry Castle which forms one of our illustrations shows -that, in its pristine state, it was a formidable structure, of great -strength and stateliness. The architecture seems to be of the Saxon -order. - - -THE WALLS. - - -The ancient Walls of the town were the work of Edward I., and no doubt -were well and firmly built; but scarcely a vestige of them remains. -Their circumvallation is, however, correctly marked in most of the old -books, and old inhabitants of the present day point out various sites on -which portions of the walls stood. Edward was generally successful in -giving strength and endurance to his military buildings. Caernarvon, -Conway, and Rhuddlan Castles, all designed and erected under his -superintendence, are noble fortresses in the present age, notwithstanding -the dilapidations they have suffered from military attack and “Time’s -effacing fingers.” The Walls of Oswestry must have suffered much injury -during the period of the Commonwealth; and perhaps private encroachments -since that time have been the principal cause of their entire -disappearance. - - - -ANCIENT HOUSES. - - -There are still remaining several ancient timber houses, to mark the -architecture of bye-gone times. Among these are, the _Three Tuns_ -public-house, in Bailey-Street, and an antique edifice forming the angle -of Bailey-Street and Cross-Street, in front of which is the figure of a -spread eagle, raised on the plaster, and supposed to have been the -residence of the Lloyds, of Trenewydd, who bore the eagle in their coat -of arms. The _Three Tuns_ was a popular house in former days, and was -the resort of most of the drapers who visited the fairs and markets of -the borough. Among the other old timber buildings are Miss Holbrooke’s, -in Salop-Road, the most attractive of any in the town, from the neatness -in which it is kept, the _Coach and Dogs_, and the _Fighting Cocks_ -public-houses. These relics of past days may not be allowed to remain -much longer, now that improvement in the town is likely to become so -rapid in its strides. - -The railway extension, from Oswestry to Welshpool and Newtown, will -effect important changes in most parts of the borough; and as the antique -relics to which we have been alluding are comparatively useless in a -social point of view, their sites may soon be covered with buildings -better adapted to the comforts and requirements of the present day. - - - - -ANCIENT RELICS. - - -A ball found many years ago near the Cross in Oswestry, and now in the -possession of W. Ormsby Gore, Esq., is considered to be one of the -weights used at the end of beams in what was called _Auncel Weight_, -practised in the reign of Edward I. It is ornamented with a shield, -bearing the arms of England simply, which dates it before the 15th of -Edward, as in that year he claimed the crown of France, and immediately, -on obtaining it, placed the arms of that kingdom in the first quarter of -his shield. On the second shield appears the bearing of the Fitz-Alans, -a lion rampant. The third shield has an eagle displayed, most probably -of the gentleman who at that period filled the office of Steward. - -Some further antiquities require a brief notice. The field known by the -name of _Croft-y-Spytty_, that is, _the Croft of the Hospitallers_, -intimates that the Knight Hospitallers had once some establishment in the -town. The field known as _Erw-Spiridion_, _the Acre of Sprudion_, or -_Spiridion_, would lead to the conclusion that a church or chapel, or the -ground itself, had been dedicated to the supposed Saint ycleped -_Spiridion_. In a former part of this volume we have referred to -_Maes-y-garreg-llwyd_, that is, _the Plain or Field of the Sacred Stone_. -That plain is now divided into fields, situated on the Shrewsbury road, -contiguous to Gallows-tree turnpike-gate. In the field nearest to the -town there stands a STONE PILLAR, about seven feet in height, and twelve -in circumference; and in the field farthest from the town, there is a -similar Pillar. The late Rev. Peter Roberts, the learned antiquarian, -was of opinion that all the fields at that end of the town formed a large -plain when these pillars were erected, and bore the name already -mentioned, of _Maes-y-garreg-llwyd_. _Llwyd_ was an epithet of the -Deity, as in the expression “_Duw llwyd_,” the Sacred GOD. Between these -two pillars there is still visible part of a ditch, called _the Devil’s -Ditch_; and adjacent to the farthest field was another called -“_Caerychain Bannog_,” or _the Field of __the bossed Oxen_. Mr. Roberts -adds, - - “According to a tradition common in Wales, these oxen were twins, and - employed by _Hu Gadarn_, a hero of antiquity, to draw a monster out - of a lake, by which means he saved the country from being inundated. - The popular tradition of the _Devil’s Ditch_ is, that an evil spirit - formed it, in order to convey water to deluge the country, and that - the ditch was in one night carried as far as Wynnstay, but that when - the said evil spirit had carried it so far, the cock crew, he was - obliged to desist, and it was left unfinished. Absurd, however, as - these traditions may appear, they lead to the true origin, namely, - that this ground and the pillars had some reference to the Deluge, - and it may reasonably be presumed, that in the space included between - these pillars some druidical rites were performed, in commemoration - of the Deluge. The setting-up of a pillar, and consecrating it to - the Deity, was a memorial of reverence to HIM in the time of the - Patriarchs, as we read in Genesis that Jacob set up a stone pillar, - and consecrated it, in memory of his devoting himself to the worship - of the true GOD. And hence it may be concluded, that these and such - Pillars were in like manner the memorials—rude indeed, but durable—of - Pagan tradition.” - -In the _Shrewsbury Chronicle_ of March 16th, 1832, there appeared the -following paragraph:— - - “As some workmen were digging in a field near Oswestry, last week, - they turned up the hilt and part of the blade of an elegant antique - sword. The blade is in two pieces, completely encrusted with rust, - and very much corroded, but upon cleaning and grinding a part of it, - the steel was found to be of excellent temper. The handle is - apparently of ebony, or some similar wood, but encrusted with the - oxyde which has passed from the steel inserted in it, and worked its - way through the pores of the wood, so as to make it resemble buck’s - horn. The part of the sword which is attached to the hilt (about - four inches in length) remains in the scabbard, and, what is very - remarkable, the canvass of which the scabbard is composed is still - visible. The scabbard and hilt are mounted with highly-chased - silver, as perfect as when it came out of the hands of the graver. - On the end of the hilt is an eagle, pouncing on its prey, and a - representation of Jupiter and Leda. On each side of the guard is a - full-length figure, and on the sides of the sword end of the hilt are - the figures of a spread eagle, and of a doe _couchant regardant_. - The latter appears as a crest. On the silver plate which covers the - opening of the scabbard is the representation of an Arcadian Shepherd - scene. The sword is of the description of those which were worn by - the Cavaliers, and there can be no reasonable doubt but that it was - dropped by one of them in the route to which the Royalist army was - put by Sir Thomas Myddelton, when they made an attempt to regain - possession of Oswestry, on the 2nd of July, 1644, after its capture - by the Parliament forces. ‘They had taken the passage of water,’ - says Sir Thomas Myddelton, ‘near to Whittington, and very furiously - assaulted and charged us, but were repulsed and forced to retyre, - through the courage of our horse, who most courageously entertained - the enemy. Three several times the skirmish was doubtful, either - side being forced so often to retreat; but in the end, our foot - forces coming up, relieved the horse, beat back the enemy, and - pursued them with such force, that they put them to an absolute - flight, in which we pursued them five miles towards Shrewsbury, to a - place called Felton Heath, and where we likewise remained after their - flight again, masters of the field. In the skirmish with the enemy, - and in the pursuite we lost several of our horse, some of our - troopers, but never a footman which I am yet informed of. As for the - enemy, they lost many stout men; had many of them taken prisoners, - some of them being of great quality, as the Lord Newport’s eldest - son, and besides in their flight, such was their haste, that we found - in our pursuite, the highway as it were strewed with ammunition, &c.’ - As this relic was found in the line of this pursuit, the road having - passed through the field, there can be scarcely a doubt of its having - belonged to one of the officers of Charles’s army.” - -The sword is in the possession of Mr. Sabine, in whose field it was -found. - -In March, 1811, two urns were dug out of part of the Coney Green, -belonging to the late Mr. Thomas Hilditch, of Oswestry. They were both -of the same composition, but the larger one of a finer and more -symmetrical form. In the smaller urn were found the remains of bones, -but whether of the human form could not be ascertained. - -A piece of marble, of an oblong form, and resembling an ancient club, was -dug out of the ground at Broom Hall, in Oct., 1836, about five feet below -the surface, in a bed of clay. It was one inch in thickness, but tapered -to an edge all round, the broad edge being very sharp. It is supposed to -have been a weapon of defence in the early British period. - - - -OSWALD’S WELL - - -Is one of the most interesting objects of the town. It is beautifully -situated to the west of the Free Grammar School, and has easy and -pleasant approaches to it from Upper Brook-Street and from Willow-Street. -The Well is supplied by a spring flowing from the elevated ground beyond -it. It is inclosed in a small square basin, in a recess made of stone, -and arched over. At the back there is a sculptured head of King Oswald, -once “banded by a royal fillet,” and formerly the front of the Well was -secured by an iron grate. Tradition and superstition have invested the -Well with much interest, but the purity of the water it sends forth -should have secured to it a far higher celebrity. We are told that -Oswald’s remains were interred near the spring; that a tree was planted -there to mark the spot; that when Oswald was slain, in the battle with -Penda, an eagle tore one of the arms from the body, and, flying off with -it, fell down and perished on the spot from which the waters burst forth, -and have continued to flow ever since, as miraculously as the waters of -St. Winifred’s Well, in Flintshire. A later writer on Border History has -ventured to inform us, that so recently as the year 1780 King Oswald’s -“skull was found in digging the pool just below the Well.” How the skull -was identified the writer does not state, probably from the great -difficulty he must have had in establishing such an important -identification. Setting aside all this mystification and nonsense, we -are glad to put on record, that the water from this Well is justly -entitled to the appellation of pure _aqua fontana_; and from the analysis -of Sir James Murray, which we subjoin, its medicinal properties are of no -mean order:—“Thermometer at 470 Fahrenheit, the water consisting of -sulphate of lime (gypsum), carbonate of lime, muriate of soda (common -salt), muriate of magnesia, and sulphate of magnesia.—June 6th, 1822.” - - [Picture: St. Oswald’s Well] - -It is generally admitted, from the records of the ancient historical -writers, that on the spot where Oswald was slain a Monastery was founded, -dedicated to him in the character of a Saint. It was called -_Blanc-Minster_, or the White Monastery, and was situated according to -Leland, “on the south side of the town.” The time of the foundation or -dissolution is not known, but its situation is fixed near the site of the -parish church, as some remains of the building are said to have been -discovered in digging graves in the churchyard. A spot of ground near -the church, still called _Erw-Myneich_, or Monk’s Acre, would indicate -that Blanc-Minster was contiguous to it. In the reign of Henry VIII., as -we have already stated, Leland visited Oswestry, and noted that at that -period “the cloister only was standing within the memory of persons then -living.” - -Before closing this notice we would recommend all visitors to Oswestry to -make a pilgrimage to Oswald’s Well. The scenery around it is replete -with beauty; and if the day be fine and warm, a draught of the water, -which constantly bubbles up in freshness and pellucid clearness, will -cheer and not inebriate. The inhabitants possess in this Well a valuable -natural treasure which it is their duty to preserve, for their common -benefit, free from all impurities and contaminations. - - - - -ANCIENT CUSTOMS. - - -In a work partly descriptive of the Border Lands of England and Wales, it -might be deemed a reproach were we silently to pass by the customs that -once prevailed in the district. Many of those ancient customs were -innocent and harmless in their character, whilst others were connected -with superstition which kept the people in mental darkness, and impeded -the free course of education and knowledge. Our notice of these customs -will be brief, for they are no longer observed in the town, and but -slightly so, if at all, in the neighbourhood. The printing-press has -exploded such folly, and most of the ancient customs will very soon, -throughout our land, be referred to only as evidences of the ignorance of -our forefathers, and their disregard of the educational improvement of -their fellow-creatures. - -SHROVE TUESDAY and its observances were vestiges of a Roman Carnival, -when, as Aubanus tells us, “men eat and drank and abandoned themselves to -all kinds of foolery, as if resolved to have their fill of pleasure -before they were to die.” “Pancake Bell” is now unheard, because no -sexton or bell-ringer can be found to pull the rope. Men and women do -eat pancakes which, when well made, even Soyer would not object to; and -such gastronomy is, we believe, the sum-total of Shrove-tide observances -in the present enlightened day. Cock-fighting, bull-baiting, and other -brutal amusements, formerly practised on this day, are abandoned, we -trust, for ever. - -GOOD FRIDAY is still observed so far, in reference to mundane things, -that fathers and mothers indulge their children with a plentiful supply -of Hot Cross Buns. This observance is harmless enough. The day being -the anniversary of our Saviour’s Crucifixion, it is now marked by the -entire Christian community as one of solemn worship; and as time rolls -on, and religious education prevails, we may reasonably expect that a -still more devotional regard will be paid to this day. - -EASTER-DAY is no longer observed by people walking into the fields early -in the morning to see the “sun come dancing from the east.” The -_Heaving_ or _Lifting_ system, formerly much practised on Easter Monday -and Tuesday, is now rapidly on the wane. By men and women not remarkable -for their love of decency or modesty, it is still partially observed in -Oswestry. The custom would, however, be “more honoured in the breach -than the observance.” - -ALL FOOLS’ DAY (April 1) is, we believe, acknowledged by many of that -class who are fond of a joke. The wit formerly displayed on this day -consisted in sending persons on what are called sleeveless errands, for -the history of Eve’s mother, for pigeon’s milk, and in quest of other -absurdities. In the present day rude tricks are tried even upon -philosophers, and with much gusto when they succeed. The “Verdant -Greens,” at this season of the year, are especially full-blown. - -MAY-DAY formerly brought with it flowery decorations in front of our -house-doors; but this pretty custom has long since faded away. - -WALKING THE BOUNDARIES.—A general custom formerly, but observed now in -very few places. The Mayor, Churchwardens, Overseers, &c., of Oswestry -walked the boundaries in 1813, and that was the last occasion of this -ancient observance. - -PALM SUNDAY, MAUNDY THURSDAY, ROYAL OAK DAY, CORPUS CHRISTI DAY, OSWESTRY -WAKE, ALL SAINTS’ EVE, ST. SWITHIN’S DAY, &c., have become, so far as -rude observances are concerned, mere relics of past days. Our ancestors -marked all these days with scrupulous attention; but few if any men of -the present time have boldness enough to set them apart for rejoicing and -merriment—for feast and carnival—as in days of yore. GUNPOWDER PLOT -(Nov. 5) is occasionally noticed by boys, discharging pop-guns, and -alarming the lieges with bonfires, effigies, squibs and crackers; but -that absurd and bigoted observance is in its downward course, no one -being interested in its continuance at present but the pyrotechnists, who -tempt boys to spend their money in rockets, blue-lights, and other -combustibles. - -CHRISTMAS.—Some twenty years ago Christmas morn was ushered in with the -singing of carols by “wakeful Waits,” thus joyfully celebrating the -opening of this truly-festive anniversary, and this custom is still -partially observed. The singers of the Parish Church also greeted the -inhabitants at their several dwellings with sounds of grateful melody. -No longer is this latter custom maintained, but CHRISTMAS DAY is marked -as a sacred and solemn festival; “the rich and the poor meet together;” -on that day the conventionalities of rank and dignity are thrown aside; -hospitality prevails in every house in the land, from the palace to the -cottage; families are collected together to partake of that day’s joyful -festivity; and the nation at large presents the delightful picture of one -happy family. The rich administer kindly to the poor, and all hearts are -touched with benevolence or gratitude. Long may our merry -Christmas-tides thus be observed; for such customs are based on true -religion, which teaches men “to love one another.” - - - - -Railway Communication. - - -We need not enter into detail, now-a-days, to show how railway -communication was rendered necessary a quarter of a century ago by the -great increase of travelling throughout the land, and the insufficiency -as well as inefficiency of stagecoach conveyance to satisfy the public -wants. When railway travelling was first suggested stage-coaches had -been “whipped-up” by “coming events” into improvement; the people were no -longer compelled to “drag their slow length along,” for full five -wearisome days, from Chester to London. The “Gee-hos,” and “Highflyers,” -at four miles an hour; “The Birmingham and Shrewsbury Long Coach, with -six able horses, in four days;” even the “Flying Machine,” from -Shrewsbury to London in two days, had all passed the _stage_ of their -creeping existence; and the liege subjects of the realm were now -beginning to be whirled along, at ten and twelve miles an hour, in -“Quicksilvers,” “Tantivys,” “Erin-go-braghs,” “Tallyhos,” “Wonders,” and -other well-horsed and well-appointed vehicles bearing equally excitable -names. The Coach called “The Wonder” made the journey from Shrewsbury to -London in a day. An intelligent contributor writes,—“The late old -Justice Smith, in a conversation I had with him some 25 years ago, said, -‘I remember going to London 70 years ago by a coach called The Fly; we -were 7 nights and 8 days on the road, and now they go in a day—what a man -lives to see!’” But even this increased “pace” did not meet the -requirements of the community. James Watts’ steam-engine had begun to -revolutionize all classes and occupations. In manufactures, hand-looms, -spinning-jennies, shuttles, treddles, and the rest of early inventions -were superseded by steam-power, moving machinery for spinning and -weaving; in packet and marine conveyance generally Watts’ steam-power -wrought as great a change; and in the manufacture of metal and porcelain -goods, the sawing of timber and stone, and even the making of pins and -needles, steam was the great giant power. With this national revolution -in trade, manufactures, and commerce, came a more active and enterprising -spirit among the people; soft and hard goods, as the manufactures of the -north and midland counties are technically called, were multiplied until -supply exceeded demand; the locomotive wants and desires of the public -increased; and all eyes and heads were turned towards Watts’ steam-engine -as the only mighty agent of accelerated travelling. The history of the -country has supplied the results of this great experiment. The -ever-honoured George Stephenson succeeded in carrying heavily-laden -trains, of passengers and goods, on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, -at the rate of thirty miles an hour; and in the present day such is the -appetite for rapid railway locomotion, that express trains, as they are -called, flying over the earth at a more than race-horse speed of forty -miles an hour, will scarcely satisfy the urgent requirements of -manufactures and commerce. - -Railway projects arose in various parts of the kingdom, and the first -step taken towards what has since proved a direct communication with this -borough and the metropolis was the incorporation of the _Great Western -Railway Company_, by an Act passed in 5 and 6 of William IV. Some years -elapsed before any measures were adopted to establish railway -communication in this district. At length, in 1845, when railway -“bubbles and squeaks” “affrighted the isle from its propriety,” a direct -line was projected from Chester, through Whitchurch and Wem, to -Shrewsbury. The scheme was promoted by the Chester and Holyhead Railway -Company, the London and Birmingham, and other important interests. Mr. -Robert Stephenson was appointed engineer, and Mr. Mallaby, of Liverpool, -solicitor. A Company, called the “North Wales Mineral Railway Company,” -had previously obtained an Act for making a line of Railway, from Chester -to Rhuabon, and on the scheme for the line from the former place, _via_ -Whitchurch and Wem, being announced, a Company, in friendly connection -with the North Wales Mineral Railway Company, and called the Shrewsbury, -Oswestry, and Chester Junction Railway Company, was formed for the -purpose of extending the Railway from Rhuabon to Shrewsbury, in -opposition to the other scheme mentioned above. The late Mr. Henry -Kelsall, of Chester, was appointed solicitor, and Mr. Robertson engineer. -A sharp struggle between the rival Companies ensued, but at length the -line from Chester to Shrewsbury, _via_ Whitchurch and Wem, was abandoned; -by the prudent interposition of Mr. Edward Williams, solicitor, of -Oswestry, (of the firm of “Longueville and Williams,”) the dissentient -landowners were appeased; and the “Shrewsbury, Oswestry, and Chester -Junction Railway Company” obtained their Act, which passed through -parliament as an unopposed Bill, the royal assent being given to it the -30th of June, 1845. W. Ormsby Gore, Esq., as Chairman of the successful -line, rendered powerful assistance to its claims, having clearly seen the -advantages which it must render to the important interests of North -Shropshire. The next step was to unite the two lines between Chester and -Shrewsbury, viz., the North Wales Mineral Railway, and the Shrewsbury, -Oswestry, and Chester Junction, and an arrangement was accordingly -entered into by the two Companies, by which, in 1846, they were united -into one, under the title of “The Shrewsbury and Chester Railway -Company.” The subsequent history of this line is patent to the public; -the battles of the Great Western Railway interest, with those of the -North Western, each Company seeking to possess the line, almost rivalling -in intensity the fierce struggles of the ancient Roses—York and -Lancaster. In the Parliamentary Session of 1854 a Bill was brought into -the House of Commons by Viscount Barrington, Lord Norreys, and Sir -Phillip Egerton, to authorize the consolidation, into one Company, of the -Great Western, the Shrewsbury and Birmingham, and the Shrewsbury and -Chester Railways. The Bill was sanctioned by Parliament, and the Act is -now cited for all purposes under the title of “The Great Western, -Birmingham, and Chester Railway Section.” By this consolidation of these -several Companies a direct communication with London, under one system of -Railway management, has been secured to the town of Oswestry; the journey -by the _Express Trains_ occupying no more than about five and a half -hours. The country through which the _Great Western_ line runs is -remarkable for its beauty and interest. Windsor Castle, Oxford, -Blenheim, Leamington, Warwick, and other attractive places, are in close -proximity; and to add to these advantages, the care, attention, and able -management of the entire line, are further agreeable features in the -route, which all travellers on the railway gratefully acknowledge. - -To the inhabitants of Oswestry and its vicinity it is unnecessary to say -anything in praise of the attractive scenery that gives such lively -interest to the railway between Shrewsbury and Chester. To the stranger, -however, and the summer tourist in search of the sublime and picturesque, -we may remark, that few lines in the kingdom present so many charms to -the admiring gaze as this most delightful railway. Llangollen Vale has a -world-wide celebrity; whilst the Chirk Viaduct, spanning the Ceiriog -Vale; the pretty village of Chirk; Lord Dungannon’s pleasant seat at -Brynkinalt; “Chirk Castle walls;” Wynnstay Park; the fine tower of -Wrexham Church; Gresford Vale, with its luxuriant and refreshing scenery; -and the graceful approach to Chester, across “Sweet Deva’s wizard -stream,” and in sight of the animating race-course (the Roodeye), the -fine old Roman walls of the city, the ancient Castle, a work of Roman -art, the Armoury, county Gaol, St. Werburgh’s Cathedral, the venerable -Church and Priory of St. John the Baptist,—these, with many other relics -of days now - - “Numbered with those beyond the flood,” - -must give an intense interest to those who value objects stamped with -natural beauty and hoary antiquity. - -All hostility between the Great Western and North Western Railway -Companies having, at least for the present, ceased, both of these -gigantic undertakings can, without ungenerous feelings one against the -other, devote their energies and capital to the improvement of all -departments of their respective undertakings, rendering to the public the -attention, comfort, and assurance of safety in travelling which railway -management ought to secure. - - - -EXTENSION LINE FROM OSWESTRY TO WELSHPOOL AND NEWTOWN. - - -Whilst this volume was passing through the press a successful effort was -made in carrying through Parliament a Bill for extending a line of -railway through part of Montgomeryshire, commencing by a junction with -the Shrewsbury and Chester Section of the Great Western Railway. The -Bill was introduced into the House of Commons in the early part of the -present Session of Parliament (1855), and passed through the various -stages of that branch of the Legislature without opposition. In the -House of Lords a slight but unsuccessful opposition was raised, and the -Bill received the Royal assent on the 25th of June. Thus has been -secured to the county of Montgomery, which is rapidly growing in -population and importance, the advantage of railway communication direct -from the metropolis, and from the busy seats of manufacturing industry in -the north. The manufacturing and agricultural wealth and enterprise of -Montgomeryshire, its rich mineral resources, and the benefits which will -accrue to it by throwing open to its use the affluent coal-fields of -Shropshire and Denbighshire, were strong claims entitling Montgomeryshire -to the boon she sought. The further objects contemplated by the -promoters of this line, in connecting it, at no far distant period, with -the magnificent national harbour at Milford Haven, and thus opening a -grand route from that capacious landing-place from the north of Ireland -to Manchester, Yorkshire, and the Midland Counties, were doubtless among -the considerations of Parliament in granting their sanction to this -railway. The line will commence by a junction with the Shrewsbury and -Chester section of the Great Western Railway, at its Oswestry terminus, -and then proceed by Llanymynech, Llandrinio, Llandisilio, and Buttington, -to Welshpool; thence, crossing the river Severn, near Miltrewydd, will -pass between Montgomery and Berriew, and on to Newtown, on the south side -of the river, where it will unite with the Newtown and Llanidloes line. - -The capital authorized to be raised by the “Oswestry and Newtown Railway -Company” is £250,000. Mr. Benjamin Piercy is appointed resident engineer -of the line; and Mr. Peter Barlow consulting engineer. The contractors -for the making of the entire line are Messrs. M’Cormick and Thornton, -whose previous railway contracts give the best assurance that the present -line will be constructed in an efficient manner. - - * * * * * - -The first general meeting of the shareholders was held at the Town Hall, -Welshpool, on Saturday, July 21st; WILLIAM ORMSBY GORE, Esq., Chairman of -the Board of Provisional Directors, in the chair. The attendance was -very numerous. The report stated that it was the intention of the -Directors to proceed with the construction of the railway with as little -delay as possible, that the certificates of the proprietorship of the -shares in the capital of the Company, under the seal of the Company, -could be forthwith issued to the Shareholders; that the Directors -congratulated the Shareholders and the district upon the unanimity which -had prevailed in the establishment and progress of the Company, and -expressed their hope that this would lead to the speedy completion of the -undertaking, and the further developement of the resources of the -country. The speakers on this occasion were the Chairman, Sir W. W. -Wynn, Bart. M.P., the Rev. C. T. C. Luxmoore, the Ven. Archdeacon Clive, -G. H. Whalley, Esq., the Rev. Maurice Lloyd, Richard Humphreys, Esq., -George Brace, Esq., and other gentlemen. The Directors named in the Act -were, William Ormsby Gore, Esq., M.P., Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart. -M.P., D. Pugh, Esq. M.P., John Naylor, Esq., John Carnac Morris, Esq., -Richard Herbert Mytton, Esq., John Davies Corrie, Esq., Rowland Jones -Venables, Esq., Arthur James Johnes, Esq., Col. Herbert Watkin Williams -Wynn, M.P., J. Powell Wilding, Esq., and Wm. Lloyd, Esq., and they were -re-elected unanimously. An important resolution was also passed, “That -it is the opinion of this meeting, that it is of the utmost importance to -the interest of the Company that a communication by railway should be -effected between Newtown and Milford Haven; and the Directors are hereby -requested to afford such co-operation and assistance to any Companies now -existing, or which may be projected, as would best tend to accomplish -that object.” The entire proceedings were marked by harmony and good -spirit, and all present appeared suitably impressed with the importance -and value of railway communication through Montgomeryshire, and with the -benefits, in connection with the great national harbour at Milford Haven, -which would ultimately accrue to the “Oswestry and Newtown Railway -Company.” Few, if any, railway enterprizes were ever started under a -more able and upright management, and perhaps equally few lines, of so -short a distance, had at their outset such encouraging prospects before -them. With these signal advantages no doubt can be entertained that the -undertaking will be crowned with abundant success. - - - - -Statistics. - - -The BOROUGH of OSWESTRY is situated on the north-west border of -Shropshire, in the Diocese of St. Asaph, and Deanery of Marchia, and in -the Hundred to which it gives name. In 1535, by a statute of Henry -VIII., Oswestry, with Whittington, Maesbrook, Knockin, Ellesmere, Down, -and Chirbury, was, by Act of Parliament, severed from Wales, and annexed -to the County of Salop. The HUNDRED of OSWESTRY is bounded on the west -by Montgomeryshire and Denbighshire; on the north by the rivers Ceiriog -and Dee, and the stream of Shelbrook, which separates it from -Denbighshire and Flintshire; on the east by the Hundred of Pimhill; and -on the south by the rivers Vyrnwy and Severn, which divide it from -Montgomeryshire, and from the Hundred of Ford. - -The UPPER DIVISION of the Hundred contains the parishes of - -ST. MARTIN, -WHITTINGTON, -SELATTYN (part of), -OSWESTRY (part of), -LLANYMYNECH (part of), -LLANSILIN (part of), -WEST FELTON (part of), -ELLESMERE (part of), -LLANYBLODWEL, - -and the extra-parochial places of Halston and Heath Farm. - -_The parish of St. Martin_ contains the townships of Ifton Rhyn (upper), -Ifton Rhyn (lower), Weston Rhyn (upper), Weston Rhyn (lower), and -Bronygarth (east and west). - -_The parish of Whittington_ contains the townships of Whittington, Welsh -Frankton, Old Marton (part of), Berghill, Daywell, Fernhill, Hindford, -Henlle, and Ebnall. - -_The parish of Selattyn_ contains the townships of Porkington (upper), -and Porkington (lower). - -_The parish of Oswestry_ contains the townships of Oswestry, Middleton, -Aston, Hisland, Wooton, Sweeney, Weston Cotton, Maesbury, Llanvorda, -Pentregaer, Cynynion, Coed-tan y gaer, Treferclawdd, Treflach, Trefonen, -and Crickheath. The parish of Oswestry contains also the township and -chapelry of Morton, which are in the Lower Division of the Hundred. - -_The parish of Llanyblodwel_ contains the townships of Llanyblodwel, -Abertanat, Blodwel, Bryn, and Llynclis, or Llunck-Llys. - -The _parish of Llanymynech_ contains the townships of Carreghofa, -Llanymynech and Llwyntidman. The parish of Llanymynech contains also the -township of Treprenal, which is in the Lower Division. The rest of the -parish is in Denbighshire, and, for election and other purposes, is -annexed to Montgomeryshire. - -The _parish of Ellesmere_, in the Upper Division of the Hundred of -Oswestry, contains the townships of Dudleston (upper), and Dudleston -(lower). The other townships in the parish are in the Ellesmere Division -of the Hundred of Pimhill. - -The _parish of West Felton_ contains the townships of Woolston (part of), -Sandford, and Twyford. The other townships in this parish, namely, West -Felton, Sutton, Rednal, Haughton, and Tedsmere, are in the Lower -Division. - -The _parish of Llansilin_ has only one township in Shropshire (Sychtyn). -The rest of the parish is in Denbighshire. - -The LOWER DIVISION of the Hundred contains the parishes - -WEST FELTON (part of), MELVERLEY (part of), - -KNOCKIN, OSWESTRY (part of), - -RUYTON, LLANYMYNECH (part of), - - KINNERLEY. - -The _parish of West Felton_ contains the townships of West Felton, -Rednal, Sutton, Haughton, and Tedsmere, or Tedsmore. The other townships -in the parish, namely, Woolston, Sandford, and Twyford, are, as already -stated, in the UPPER DIVISION. - -The _parish of Knockin_ contains only the township of Knockin. - -The _parish of Ruyton_ (_of the Eleven Towns_) contains the townships of -Ruyton, Cotton, Shotatton, Shelvocke, Eardiston, and Wikey. - -The _parish of Kinnerley_ contains the townships of Kinnerley and Argoed, -Dovaston, Kynaston, or Kinaston, Maesbrook-issa, Maesbrook-ucha, -Edgerley, Tir-y-Coed, and Osbaston. - -The _parish of Melverley_ contains the townships of Melverley (upper), -and Melverley (lower). - -The _parish of Oswestry_, in the Lower Division of the Hundred, contains -only the township of Morton. - -The _parish of Llanymynech_, in the Lower Division of the Hundred, -contains the townships of Carreghofa and Treprenal. - -The MANORS in Oswestry Parish are Aston, Duparts, and Middleton. _Aston_ -includes the townships of Aston, Hisland, and Wooton, and also Twyford, -in West Felton parish. _Duparts_ includes the township of Crickheath, -Cynynion, Llanvorda, Maesbury, Morton, Pentre-gaer, Sweeney, with Weston -Cotton, and the township of Sychtyn, in Llansilin parish. _Middleton_ -includes the township of Middleton, and _Oswestry_ the town and liberties -of Oswestry. Lady of the Manor for _Aston_, Mrs. Lloyd; and Lord of the -Manor of _Oswestry_ and _Duparts_, the Earl of Powis. - - - -POPULATION. - - -The population of the town and parish, in 1801, amounted to 5,839; and -the number of houses, 788. In 1811 the population of the town and parish -had increased to 6,733. In 1821 the returns showed that the population -of the town and parish was still on the increase, the number of males and -females being 7,523. The population of the town and liberties, in June, -1831, was—males, 2,007; females, 2,471; total, 4,478. The return further -showed that the number of houses in course of being built, was 3; houses -uninhabited, 29; ditto inhabited, 885; families engaged in agriculture, -11; in trade, 276; all others, 613. Total number of families, 899. Male -servants, 42; females, 311; retired tradesmen, 38; clergy, educated men, -&c., 79; handicraft, 567; gardeners, &c., 232. The returns for 1841 were -as follows;—Town and Liberties, 4,569; Parish, 4,277; total, 8,846. -Houses occupied in the town, 931; unoccupied and building, 68; in the -parish, 886; unoccupied and building, 18. In 1851 the census returns -were as follows:— - - MALES. FEMALES. TOTAL. -Town and Liberties 2,251 2,565 4,816 -The Parish 1,972 2,006 3,978 - Total 4,223 4,571 8,794 - -AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. - - -A return was made in 1854, giving the following details on agriculture, -in reference to Oswestry Town and Liberties, Oswestry Parish, and other -parishes within the Hundred:—The total number of acres occupied in the -Town and Liberties of Oswestry, the Parish of Oswestry, Llansilin, -Llanyblodwel, Selattyn, Llwyntidman, Sychtyn, St. Martin’s, Chirk, -Whittington, Felton, Ruyton, Knockin, and Kinnerley, was 78,301; sown -with wheat, 7,909 acres; with barley, 6,512; oats, 2,924; rye, 39¾; beans -and peas, 275; vetches, 160; turnips, 4,420½; mangold, 48¼; carrots, 24; -potatoes, 566; flax, 5. Total under tillage, 24,013; clover, lucerne, -and other artificial grasses, 6,307¼; permanent pasture, 3,198; irrigated -meadows, 2,599¼; sheep walks and downs, 3,095½; total under grass, -63,990; number of acres in houses, gardens, roads, fences, &c., 1,468¾; -number of acres in waste (if any) attached to the farms, 2,258; horses, -2,618; colts, 802; milch cows, 6,854; calves, 5,571; other cattle, -including working oxen, 4,636; tups, 588; ewes, 12,509; lambs, 9,047; -other sheep, 4,572; swine, 7,142; number of acres in wood and -plantations, 3,749; common lands, 227. - -The greatest registered quantity of wheat, according to the excise -returns, ever sold in one day at Oswestry market, was disposed of on -Wednesday, the 11th of July, 1855, namely, 4,373 imperial measures. - - - - -Natural History. - - -Our limits will not admit of extended observation on this subject, but it -is our duty to direct the attention of our readers to the feathered -tribes in the district, which include many of the more remarkable and -beautiful of British birds. Mr. Cross, of Oswestry, has, in the last few -years, made collections of rare and valuable birds, some delightful -songsters, including the nightingale, the piping bullfinch, with birds of -prey, those of the passerine order, and a large variety of water birds. -The following list, formed more than twenty years ago, the names given -according to Bewick’s history of birds, will show that the neighbourhood -has long abounded with fine specimens of the feathered creation:— - -_Kites_.—Ring-tailed eagle, osprey, common buzzard, honey buzzard, kite, -goshawk, sparrow-hawk, hen harrier, kestrel, and marten. -_Owls_.—Great-eared owl, white owl, and tawny owl. -_Butcher Birds_.—Great ash-coloured shrike, red-backed shrike. -_Pies_.—Raven, carrion crow, hooded crow, rook, jackdaw, magpie, jay, -starling, ring ousel, ousel cock or blackbird, missel thrush or storm -cock, fieldfare, throstle or thrush, redwing, cuckoo, and wryneck. -_Woodpeckers_.—Green, greater spotted, lesser spotted, nuthatch, and -creeper. -_Grosbeaks_.—Grosbeak or hawfinch, green grosbeak, bullfinch, pine -grosbeak. -_Buntings_.—Brown, yellow hammer, blackheaded or reed sparrow, and snow -bunting. -_Finches_.—House sparrow, mountain sparrow, chaff, or pied-finch, -mountain-finch, gold-finch, linnet, and lesser redpole. -_Larks_.—Sky-lark, field-lark, grashopper-lark, wood-lark, and tit-lark. -_Wagtails_.—Pied, or water wagtail, grey, and yellow. -_Flycatchers_.—Pied, or gold-finch, spotted, or house linnet. -_Warblers_.—Robin redbreast or ruddock, redstart or brantail. -_Fauvette_.—Lesser fauvette, winter fauvette or hedge sparrow, reed -fauvette, black-cap, white-throat, yellow willow wren, willow wren, least -willow wren, wren, golden-crested wren, white rump or wheat ear, -win-chat, or gorsehopper, stonechat, and nightingale. -_Titmice_.—Greater, blue or tom-tit, cole, marsh, long-tailed, or -can-bottle. -_Swallows_.—Chimney swallow, marten, sand marten, swift or deviling, -night jaw or fern owl. -_Doves_.—Wild pigeon, ring dove, turtle dove, and small black rock -pigeon. -_Gallinaceous_.—Domestic cock, pheasant, turkey, peacock, pintado or -guinea fowl, wood grouse, black grouse, red grouse, partridge, quail, -corncrake or landrail. -_Plovers_.—Great plover, pee-wit or lapwing, golden plover, and grey -plover. -WATER BIRDS.—Long-legged plover, water crake, or rail, water ousel, and -kingfisher or haleyon. -_Herons_.—Heron, bittern or bog-boom, and curlew. -_Snipes_.—Woodcock, great snipe, common snipe, and judcock, or jacksnipe. -_Godwit_.—Brown sandpiper, common sandpiper, water, or moor hen, coot, -greater coot, great crested grebe, little grebe, or jack doucker. -_Terns_.—Common and lesser. -Common gull. -_Ducks_.—Wild swan, swan goose, grey-lag goose, tame goose, mallard, or -wild duck, shieldrake, widgeon, and teal. -_Pelicans_.—Cormorant,—pelecanus graculus, or the shag. - -The district has occasionally other aërial visitants, including the -_peregrine falcon_, the bird which furnished the ancient amusement of -falconry, the _colymbus troile_, or guillemot, and the _corvus -caryocatactes_, or nutcracker. - -Mr. Cross’s specimens are of recent date, many of the birds named having -been taken during the last twelve months. We subjoin his list, which -will be read with interest by all lovers of natural history:— - -Peregrine falcon, kite, buzzard, goshawk, blue hawk, merlin, hobby, -sparrow hawk, kestrel, large butcher bird, small butcherbird. Tawny owl, -white owl, long-eared owl, short-eared owl, night jay or goat -sucker-cuckoo. Green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, lesser -spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, creeper. Wood pigeon, rock pigeon, coblard -turtle, turtle dove. Rook, crow, jackdaw, magpie, jay, starling, black -bird, wood thrush, thrush, fieldfare, red wing, stone chat, whin-chat, -yellow hammer, mounting finch, red finch, gold-finch, bull-finch, robin, -reed sparrow, hedge sparrow, common sparrow, green linnet, grey linnet, -yellow wagtail, pied wagtail, red start, black cap, pied flycatcher, -spotted flycatcher, white throat, black cap titmice, small black cap -titmice, blue cap titmice, long tailed titmice, willow wren, common wren, -golden crested wren. Swift, barn swallow, house marten, sand marten. -Woodlark, skylark, meadow pipit, tree pipit. Pheasant, grouse, -partridge, black grouse, corncrake. Heron, bittern, cormorant, eared -grebe, goosander, smews, curlew, widgeon, silver widgeon, magpie widgeon, -golden eye widgeon, pintail duck, coot, moorhen, jack curlew, teal, -seagull, woodcock, solitary snipe, common snipe, small grebe, lapwing, -grey plover, golden plover, jack snipe, water rail, ring ouzel, water -ouzel, marsh sandpiper, common sandpiper, knot, and kingfisher. - - - -ANGLING. - - -OSWESTRY has no rivers immediately contiguous to it, but at short and -easily-approachable distances are several, namely, the _Severn_, the -_Vyrnwy_, the _Tanat_, the _Dee_, the _Ceiriog_, the _Perry_, the -_Morlas_, and the _Morda_. The Severn has its rise from a small lake, on -the eastern side of Plinlimmon, whence it flows in a devious direction, -under the Welsh name of _Hafren_, to Newtown, whence it assumes its -English name of Severn, and pursues its circuitous route to Shrewsbury. -From its source to fair Salopia it runs nearly one hundred miles, -receiving the waters of several tributaries. From Shrewsbury it -continues its winding course, and receives the Tern, at the foot of the -Wrekin, about which it describes a semi-circle; then curving repeatedly, -it flows towards Coalbrookdale, whence it flows in a north-west direction -to Tewksbury, and eventually to the British Channel. Blakey, in his -recently-published volume on “Angling,” says, “The best bottom-fishing -for carp, perch, roach, chub, and eel, is within those portions of the -river appropriated to navigation. Grayling are to be met with in many -parts of the Severn.” The Vyrnwy and Tanat abound with fish; the former -so much so that it has obtained the title of _Piscosus Amnis_. The Tanat -falls into the Vyrnwy at Aber-Tanat, and the Vyrnwy into the Severn at a -place called _Y Cymmerau_ (the Conflux), at the lower end of Guilsfield -parish, not far distant from the Breiddin, Moel y Golfa, and Cefn y -Castell mountains. The scene in this district has been sung in rapturous -and beautiful strains by a Welsh bard and warrior, of the 12th century -(Gwalchmai):— - - “Rise orb of day! the eastern gates unfold, - And shew thy crimson mantle, fring’d with gold; - Contending birds sing sweet on every spray, - The skies are bright—arise, thou orb of day! - I, Gwalchmai, call—in song, in war renown’d, - Who, lion-like, confusion spread around,— - The live-long night the Hero and the Bard, - Near Breiddin’s rocks, have left a constant guard, - Where cool transparent streams in murmurs glide, - And springing grass adorns the mountain’s side, - Where snow-white sea-mews in the current play, - Spread their gay plumes, and frolic through the day!” - -Blakey furnishes some practical information on this branch of our notice. -He says:— - - “The Vyrnwy has a great number of dependent feeders, the principal of - which are the _Eunant_, the _Afon_, the _Gedis_, the _Afon Gynnan_, - the _Glasgwn_, and the _Cown_. These undoubtedly constitute a - considerable range of the waters, and are well adapted for the fly, - and some for trolling as well. After the main river receives all - these tributaries, it flows a south-eastern course for twenty miles, - and then receives the waters of the _Twrch_, which flows a distance - of twenty miles, through a very interesting section of the country. - This tributary itself has good angling feeders, capable of affording - fair sport with the rod. The Vyrnwy likewise receives the _Cain_, - and, a little farther down, the _Tanat_, both of which contain good - fish. The Tanat itself is fed by several good streams, as the - _Rhaiadr_, the _Afon Harrog_, and the _Ymrch_. Here there is good - fly-fishing. All these waters, large and small, are bright, - sparkling, and flowing, and have that peculiar form of stream which - indicates good sport. As to the colour of the fly requisite in these - mountain streams, little need be said; in fact, when the fish are in - humour, and they are not here capricious, they seem to snatch at - anything in the shape of an insect. Very large flies, however, will - not answer well.” - -The _Dee_ has its origin in Merionethshire, by the junction of two small -streams rising about four miles to the north-west of Llanwchllyn, and two -miles below that village enters Pimblemere, or Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid); -issuing from that, beneath Bala, it flows under the bridge, takes a -north-easterly direction through the Vale of Eideirnion, and turning to -the east in fine meandering curves, waters the Vales of Glyndwrdwy (Vale -of the Dee), and Llangollen, where it receives the tributary Brân. -Thence, passing through Llangollen Vale, beneath Pont-y-cysyllte -Aqueduct, and the Great Western (Shrewsbury and Chester) Viaduct, both of -which span the Vale, it curves below Wynnstay Park, emerges into the Vale -Royal of Cheshire, and finally, after passing through Holt, and skirting -Eaton Hall, the magnificent seat of the Marquis of Westminster, glides -past the Church of St. John the Baptist, in Chester, beneath the ancient -and new bridges and railway viaduct there, and finally, at the estuary of -the Dee, enters St. George’s Channel. The portion of the Dee running -through Denbighshire and Flintshire (not far distant from Oswestry,) is -an excellent locality for trout-fishing, as the well-supplied -dinner-tables of the two hotels in Llangollen (the _Hand_ and the -_Victoria_) can amply testify. The Ceiriog, the Perry, the Morlas, and -the Morda, are each well stored with fish, and can supply the angler with -tempting rewards for his patience and skill. The _Lake of Llynclys_, -near Oswestry, has not only a poetical, but a piscatory celebrity also. -It is the scene of a clever ballad, from the pen of the poet Dovaston, -who, as a prefix to his metrical tale, has given the following -description of the Lake:— - - “_Llynclys Pool_ is a small but beautiful lake, of extraordinary - depth, on the Welsh border, near Oswestry. The name in the Welsh - signifies _Sunk Palace_, and the vulgar have a firmly-believed - superstition (in which the neighbourhood abounds), corresponding with - the catastrophe of this ballad; nay, some even at this day go so far - as to affirm, that when the water is clear and the surface smooth, - towers and chimneys may be seen in it at a great depth. In the - summer months fishing parties of ladies and gentlemen frequently - spend the day on it in a boat with music and refreshments; on one of - these occasions this ballad was hastily written.” - -The Lake is situated near the turnpike-road from Oswestry to Welshpool, -only a short distance from Llynclys turnpike-gate. It is bordered on -some of its sides with reeds and rushes, and a few years ago the flower -of a white water lily was pulled up, not far from the shore, the stalk of -which measured nearly fourteen feet. The fishery is the property of the -Earl of Powis, and the water abounds with pike, bream, perch, and dace. -R. H. Kinchant, Esq., of Park Hall, near Oswestry, has also an interest -in the fishery. - -The _Ceiriog_, a picturesque and romantic river, winds among the rocks -behind Oswestry, forming deep glens and dingles, and falls into the Dee -below Chirk. The _Perry_ and _Morlas_ are two bright rivulets arising in -the mountains near Selattyn; the former passes Whittington and falls into -the Severn, near Fitz, whilst the latter unites with the Ceiriog, near -Pont-y-blew. The _Morda_, no inconsiderable stream, finds its rapid way -between the rocks at Llanforda, immediately above the town of Oswestry, -and, sweeping its course to the south, falls into the Vyrnwy at -Pentreheylin. - -The following metrical instructions to the student angler, although the -lines are quaint, may not be deficient of interest to the younger -disciples of Isaac Walton:— - - “In deep the silver _Salmon_ loves to rove; - And marly swifts allure the _Barbel_ drove; - Sharp streams delight the _Trout_, still deep the _Bream_; - The fearful _Chub_, he loves the shaded stream. - In shady holes and hollow banks, the _Perch_ he dwells, - And, for his boldness, the finny race excels; - _Roach_ and _Dace_ the sandy bottom choose, - And _Carp_ the weeds, and _Tench_ the muddy ooze. - In streams with gravel bottom _Gudgeons_ do delight, - The wanton _Bleak_ will ever sport in sight; - The _Pike_, the tyrant of the finny brood, - Near weeds and ledge lies lurking for his food.” - - - -Botany of the Parish. - - -We are indebted to the REV. THOMAS SALWEY, Vicar of Oswestry, for the -subjoined interesting paper on the Botany of the Parish. It gives -evidence of his ardent attachment to this pleasing branch of Natural -History, and its publication may lead others to follow his example, in -studying a science which delightfully leads the mind of its possessor to -an increased admiration of the beauty and wisdom of the Creator’s -marvellous works:— - - “By cooling streams and softening showers - The vegetable race are fed; - And trees and plants, and herbs and flowers - Their Maker’s bounty smiling spread. - - The flowing tribes all blooming rise - Above the faint attempts of art; - Their bright inimitable dyes - Speak sweet conviction to the heart.” - -“The interest and variety of the Botanical productions of any district -will always be found to depend upon its geological character; and in this -respect there are perhaps few Parishes which comprise within their -boundaries so many different geological formations as that of Oswestry. -The lower part of the Parish, from the neighbourhood of the Town to the -Queen’s Head, consists of the new red sandstone; or rather to that part -of it which is called by modern Geologists the Permian formation, and -which is so called because this formation is most amply developed in the -District of Perm, in Russia. The Town itself is situated upon the -coal-measures. With this is associated the usual sandstone grit and -chert, breaking out in Sweeney Mountain and Mynydd-y-Myfyr. Immediately -at the back of these hills the mountain, or carboniferous limestone, -breaks out, running in a line through the parish from Cynynion, through -Pentregaer, Trefonen, and Treflach, to Porth-y-waen. This is here and -there broken through by detached masses of Trap Rock, as at the point on -which the Tower of Pentregaer is built, and upon the western slope of the -Moelydd; whilst on the slope of the hill from Cynynion, and under -Coed-y-Coch, the Silurian system begins to shew itself. In such a -district we may reasonably expect a corresponding variety of plants. In -the following list, however, it is by no means intended to give anything -like a complete enumeration of the plants to be found within the -district, which would be inconsistent with such a publication as the -present. Such plants only have been selected as will show the character -of the Botany, and be a sufficient guide to any Botanist in conducting -his researches. - -“Great, however, as is the variety of Geological formation within the -Parish, there is one feature, always of the greatest interest to the -Botanist, which unfortunately it does not possess, namely, old woods, -with their ancient oaks, the growth of centuries, and the deep mossy -dells which are so favourable to the production of the scarcer -cryptogamic plants. We have no scenery of this kind in our Parish, or -even in the immediate neighbourhood, and hence our mosses are only those -which are found everywhere. The beautiful little _Dicranum bryoides_ -(the moss which so revived the spirit of the unfortunate Mungo Park when -fainting in the deserts of Africa), may indeed be found in Broom Hall -lane; and the _Hypnum commutation_ may be gathered at the foot of the -Moelydd. The _Bryum palustre_ may also be found above Morda pool; and -the _Bryum roseum_, and the large and handsome _Bryum ligulatum_, in some -of the wet and shady lanes in the upper part of the Parish; but beyond -these I am not aware that there are any mosses of peculiar interest to be -found amongst us. We have, however, a greater variety of ferns than -perhaps any other district of equal extent could produce; but here again -only the more scarce ones are enumerated. - -“The more minute cryptogamic plants, and especially those under the head -of _Fungi_, will of course be the least interesting portion of the list; -but any notice of the Botany of the district would be incomplete without -the introduction of a proportionate number of these obscure, but, to a -Botanist, highly-interesting plants. - -“The following are some of the plants which will be found in the parish, -or close to its immediate boundaries:— - - -Phœnogamæ. - - -_Circæa lutetiana_—Penylan and Llanforda lanes -_Scirpus lacustris_—Llynclys pool. -_Arundo phragmites_—Llynclys pool. {215} -_Myosotis collina_—Hedge banks about Pentreshanel, -_Anchusa sempervirens_—Croes-wylan, and Llanforda lane. -_Menyanthes trifoliata_—Bog above Morda pool. -_Campanula trachelium_—Hedges between Cynynion, and Pentregaer. -_Viola hirta_—Limestone rocks, Trefonen. -_Artropa Belladonna_—Porthywaen. -_Gentiana amarella_—Moelydd. -,, _campestris_—Ditto. -_Parnassia palustris_—Meadows between Sweeney and Morton; and in a field -on the west side of the Brick-kilns, at the High Vawr. -_Galanthus nivalis_—Upon the ledge of a low rock on the west side of -Sweeney mountain. -_Allium ursinum_—Lanes and moist places about the upper parts of the -Parish; and in the Nant-Mawr. -_Colchichum autumnale_—Meadows at Sweeney and elsewhere. -_Paris quadrifolia_—Thickets about Treflach. -_Adoxa moschatellina_—Broom Hall lane; Penylan lane; and other places. -_Chrysosplenium alternifolium_—Near the mill at Llanforda; and in other -similar wet places. -,, _oppositifolium_—Ditto. -_Saxifraga tridactylites_—Walls about the Town; and rocks at Pentregaer -and Craig-y-Rhu. -_Cotyledon umbilicus_—In the lane below the Race-ground, on the east -side. -_Sedum anglicum_—Rocks below Coed-y-coch; and between Craig-y-Rhu and -Cynynion. -_Prunus padus_—Below Penylan mill. -_Pyrus aria_—Craig-y-Rhu. -_Rosa villosa_—Pentregaer. -_Tilia parvifolia_—Croes-wylan lane. -_Cistus helianthemum_—Rocks at Trefonen, above the Nant-Mawr. -_Aquilegia vulgaris_—Thickets at Treflach, where it is also found with -white flowers. -_Ranunculus parviflorus_—Not uncommon on hedge banks; Maesbury road, near -the Gallows-Tree Bank. -_Trollius europæus_—Fields in the upper part of the Parish; and below the -house at the Hayes. -_Teucrium chamædrys_—This was found some years ago upon an old wall -(since taken down) at the Hayes. It may be found now upon the wall of a -garden in Brook-Street, lately belonging to the Vicar, having been -transplanted there from the Hayes. It grows also sparingly upon the old -walls of Whittington Castle. -_Scrophularia vernalis_—Penylan and Llanforda lanes; brought there -probably by the celebrated naturalist, Mr. Lloyd, who lived formerly at -Llwynymaen. -_Hutchinsia petræa_—Pentregaer and Trefonen; upon the slope of the hills -facing Llansilin. -_Arabis hirsuta_—Pentregaer. -_Geranium colum binum_—Hedge banks, occasionally. -_Fumaria claviculata_—Craigforda. -_Ornithopus perpusillus_—Moelydd, and Pentregaer. -_Anthyllis vulneraria_—Treflach, and Trefonen. -_Tragopogon pratensis_—Llanforda (1st park). -_Tussilago petasites_—Meadows near Llwynymaen. -_Hieracium paludosum_—Maesbury. -_Achillæa ptarmica_—Upper part of the Parish. -_Listera ovata_—Road-side near Mount Sion. -_Myriophyllum spicatum_—Pool at Llanforda. -_Typha latifolia_—Morda, and Llynclys pool. -_Carex paniculata_—Llynclys pool. -,, _hirta_—Llanforda - - -Cryptogimia. - - FILICES. - - -_Polypodium phegopteris_—Craigforda. -_Aspidium oreopteris_—Ditto. -_Grammitis ceterach_—Crickheath Hill and Treflach Hill, above Porthywaen -and Blodwel rocks -_Cystea dentata_—On the loose heap of stones below the Tower at -Pentregaer; also upon a high wall, at the back of the house, at Broom -Hall. -_Hymenophyllum Wilsoni_—Upon a rock in a wood at Treflach. -_Osmunda regalis_—Maesbury. -_Botrychium lunaria_—In the 1st park at Llanforda; and on the brow of the -hill between the tower at Pentregaer and Craig-y-Rhu. -_Ophioglossum vulgatum_—Fields about Llanforda and Llwynymaen. -_Equisetum limosum_—Morda. -,, _fluviatile_—Maesbury. - - - MUSCI. - - -_Dicranum bryoides_—Broom Hall lane. -_Bryum palustre_—Above Morda pool. -,, _roseum_—Wet and shady lanes in the upper part of the Parish. -,, _ligulatum_—Ditto. - - - LICHENES. - - -_Calicium furfuraceum_ (_Coniocybe Fries_)—Upon the hedge bank of the -Vicar’s field on Cyrn-y-bwch. -_Opegrapha chevallieri_—Craigforda. -,, _saxatilis_—Ditto. -_Lecanactis lyncea_—Llanforda. -_Sphærophoron coralloides_—Craigforda. -,, _b. cæspitosum_—Ditto. -_Endocarpon miniatum_—Ditto. -,, _læte-virens_—Mynydd-y-myfyr. -,, _rufo-virescens_—Craigforda. -_Verrucaria plumbea_—Pentregaer, and Craig-y-Rhu. -,, _gemmifera_—Craigforda. -,, _umbrosa_—Ditto. -,, _codonoidea_—Craig-y-Rhu. -,, _immersa_—Craigforda. -,, _epipolœa_—Treflach, Trefonen, and Craig-y-Rhu. -_Pyrenothea leucocephala_—Park Sychant. -_Variolaria conspurcata_—Limestone rocks, Craig-y-Rhu. -,, _globulifera_—Upon an old ash tree at Craig-y-Rhu. -_Urceolaria calcarea_—Limestone rocks, Pentregaer. -_Lecidea morio_—Upon the loose stones under the Tower at Pentregaer. -,, _lapicida_—Mynydd-y-myfyr. -,, _premnea_—Upon an old oak in Middleton lane. -_Lecidea griffithsia_—Treflach, near Woodhill -,, _aromatica_—Wall in Llanforda lane, just under the house. -,, _enteroleuca_—The saxicolar form—same habitat as above. -,, _synothea_—Upon an old gate-post near Treflach Hall. -,, _immersa_—Limestone rocks, Pentregaer. -,, _pruinosa_—Wall in the lane below the house at Llanforda. -,, _speirea_—Limestone rocks, Pentregaer. -,, _incompta_—Elm-trees in the Church-yard at Oswestry; and upon a wych -elm at the Hayes. -,, _canescens_—Occasionally found about Oswestry; but not common. -,, _quernea_—Pentreshanel and Llanforda. -,, _œruginosa_—Upon an old gate-post, Treflach Hall. -,, _quadricolor_—Mynydd-y-Myfyr. -,, _rupestris_—Limestone rocks, Moelydd, &c. -,, _pineti_—Llanforda (scarce). -,, _lutea_—Llanforda. -,, _polytropa_—Mynydd-y-myfyr. -,, _lucida_—Pentreshanel, and other places. -,, _erythrella_—Llanforda. -,, _cœruleo_—_nigricans_—Moelydd. -_Lecanora rubra_—Craig-y-Rhu (very scarce). -,, _hæmatomma_—Craigforda. -,, _crassa_—Moelydd and Craig-y-Rhu. -,, _candicans_—Pentregaer. -,, _repanda_—Pentregaer. -_Parmelia glomulifera_—Upon a single tree in Llanforda (2nd Park). -,, _Borreri_—Upon oak trees opposite to the house at Woodhill. -,, _conspersa_—Craigforda. -,, _pityrea_—Upon a decayed oak near Old Port; and upon trees opposite to -the house at Trafalgar. -,, _aquila_—Mynydd-y-myfyr, upon a single isolated piece of rock on the -south end of the hill. This is a very unusual habitat for this plant, -which is usually a marine lichen. -,, _cæsia_—In fruit; but rarely at Pentregaer and other places. -_Sticta pulmonaria_—Pentregaer. -_Collema fragrans_—Llanforda and Pentregaer. -,, _ceranoides_—Llanforda and Pentregaer. -,, _multipartitum_—Moelydd. -,, _marginale_—Pentregaer. -,, _tunœforme_—Pentregaer. -,, _dermatinum_—Pentregaer. -,, _muscicola_—Pentreshanel. -_Peltidea scutata_—In fruit upon ash trees at Pentregaer. -_Peltidea aphthosa_—Craigforda; at the bottom of the wood a little above -the brook (scarce). -,, _spuria_—Upon a hedge bank, near Aston. -_Gyrophora polyphylla_—Mynydd-y-myfyr (scarce). -_Borrera furfuracea_—Mynydd-y-myfyr. -_Cenomyce cæspititia_—Craigforda. -_Cornicularia aculeata_—Craigforda. - - -CHARACCÆ. - - -_Chara hispida_—Ditches above Morda Pool. - - -ALGÆ. - - -_Ulva calophylla_—Walls of Oswestry church; east end and lower part of -the wall in the great walk; but not found every year. -,, _crispa_—Oswestry church-yard; and other places about the town. -_Lemania fluviatilis_—In the Morda. -_Zygnema nitidum_—In the lane by the cottage at Porkington. -_Batrachospermum moniliforme_—In the well at Pen-y-lan; and in other -places near the Morda. -_Draparnaldia plumosa_—In the Morda, below Penylan bridge. -_Meloseira varians_—In the Morda, below Craigforda, and below Penylan -bridge. -_Fragilaria hyemalis_—In the Morda, below Craigforda. -_Diatoma vulgare_—In the Morda. -,, _flocculosum_—In the pool, in the wood, at Llanforda. -_Meridion circulare_—In the well at Penylan; and in a ditch near the -Morda, above Morda pool. -_Cymbella minor_—Penylan mill. - - -FUNGI. - - -_Agaricus rubescens_—In the shrubbery at Porkington. -,, _cristatus_—Craigforda. -,, _phyllophilus_—Craigforda. -,, _laccatus_—_b. amethystinus_—Craigforda. -,, _clavus_—Blodwel woods. -,, _galericulatus_—Llanforda. -,, _stellatus_—Llanforda (rare). -,, _disseminatus_—Near the Lawnt. -_Cantharellus cibarius_—By the lower pool, at Porkington. -_Dædalea betulina_—In a timber yard at Oswestry. -_Polyporus sulphureus_—On the yew trees in the church-yard, at Oswestry; -but not found every year. -,, _salicinus_—On stumps of trees, near Penylan mill. -_Polyporus abietinus_—On fir poles at Treflach. -,, _scoticus_—Llanforda, in the wood above the garden. -,, _incarnatus_—Upon broom by the pool in the wood, at Llanforda. -_Fistulina hepatica_—Upon a Pollard oak, at Penylan. -_Thelephora purpurea_—Llanforda. -_Thelephora quercina_—Llanforda. -,, _lactescens_—Llanforda -,, _incrustans_—Upon an old felled trunk below Penylan Bridge. -,, _incarnata_—On laburnum in the wood, by the pool at Llanforda. -_Clavaria rugosa_—Llanforda. -_Peziza reticulata_—Penylan. -,, _aurantia_—Upon the stump of a tree near Trafalgar. -,, _humosa_—Upon an old mossy trunk at Llynclys pool. -,, _anomala_—Llanforda. -,, _cyathoidea_—On stems of herbaceous plants, Oswestry. -,, _cinerea_—On fallen branches, Oswestry. -_Bulgaria sarcoides_—On an old stump at Llanforda. -_Exidia glandulosa_—Llanforda. -_Næmatelia encephala_—On larch and fir rails in Llanforda park (scarce). -_Sclerotium scutellatum_—On oak leaves at Llanforda. -_Phallus caninus_—On an old stump by the pool, in the wood, at Llanforda -(scarce). -_Sphæria concentrica_—Upon an old ash tree at Maesbury. -,, _multiformis_—On rails in Llanforda (first park), and at Craigforda. -,, _nummularia_—Upon an ash tree near Penylan bridge. -,, _lata_—On dry wood near Penylan mill. -,, _leiphæmia_—On dead oak branches, Oswestry. -,, _laburni_—On laburnum, Oswestry. -,, _cupularis_—On lime branches, Oswestry. -,, _elongata_—On broom, Llanforda. -,, _yuccæ_—On yucca glancescens, Oswestry. -,, _sanguinea_—On timber, at Llanforda. -,, _moriformis_—On an old tree under the Blodwel rocks. -,, _pulvis-pyrius_—Llanforda. -,, _eutypa_—On a dead tree near Llwynymaen. -_Phacidium patella_—About Oswestry. -_Scleroderma vulgare_—Woods at Llanforda and Porkington. -_Lycogala epidendrum_—Llanforda. -_Reticularia umbrina_—On a decayed larch pole, Oswestry. -_Trichia fallax_—Llanforda. -,, _clavata_—Llanforda. -,, _turbinata_—Llanforda. -_Trichoderma viride_—On fallen trees, Oswestry. -_Tubercularia granulata_—On lime branches, Oswestry. -_Torula antennata_—On fallen timber, Llanforda. -_Puccinia saxifragarum_—On adoxa moschatellina; lanes about Oswestry. -_Æcidium violæ_—Mynydd-y-myfyr. -_Uredo scillarum_—Llanforda. - - - -Geology, &c. - - -The town of Oswestry is situated upon and near the southern termination -of the North Wales Coal Field, which extends a little farther south of -the town, and, north-west, through Ruabon, Brymbo, Flint, Mostyn, and on -to the sea, near the Great Ormshead. Running parallel, and lying at the -back, or to the west of these coal-measures, is the great belt of -mountain limestone, commencing at Llanymynech Hill, and extending also, -north-westerly, to the Ormshead, and from thence dipping into the sea. - -The metalliferous character of the district is distinguished for the -production of lead, copper, and zinc. Trials have been made for minerals -at Treflach Wood, and portions of carbonate and sulphuret of copper, of -average qualities, have been found, but not in sufficient quantities to -justify extended operations. At Llanymynech Hill both copper and lead, -sulphurets and carbonates, with carbonate of zinc, or calamine, have been -raised in large quantities by various companies, and occasionally the -ores have reached a high per centage, ranging from five to twenty-five -per cent. The ores are found in beds or flats, at from thirty to fifty -yards from the surface, and lying between, and running parallel with, the -strata of limestone that inclose them. It is an extraordinary fact, that -the metalliferous belt of limestone abruptly terminates at the south end -of the hill, and cannot be traced farther. Proceeding west, at the back -of Oswestry, in Treflach Wood, there are some fine beds of Derbyshire -marble or entrochal limestone, that have been worked for mantle-pieces -and other ornamental purposes. - -Trials have been made, and small quantities of lead and copper found in -this limestone belt, extending to Minera, including the Eglwyseg range -which bounds a portion of the Vale of Llangollen, near to Ruabon. - -The Minera district is too well known for its rich mineral products, -especially of lead and zinc, to require particular notice, and the same -may be said of the Mold, Halkin, and Holywell mineral formation, passing -on with continued fine mineral deposits, to Talargoch, near Prestatyn, in -Flintshire. - -The coal-measures in the district of Oswestry abound in fossils, -_Lepidodendrons_, _Sigillaria_, _Stigmaria_, and _Calamites_, &c.; and -the carboniferous limestone is much more prolific of that class of -fossiliferous productions which usually accompany the old mountain -limestone. - -The application of capital and scientific labour to mining operations, -during the last ten years, has given to the district an active and -business-like character, and brought with it a large increase to the -working population. At Llanymynech Hill, in addition to mining -operations, there are annually raised about 60,000 tons of limestone, -which is chiefly used for farming purposes in Montgomeryshire and -Shropshire. At Porth-y-Waen rocks, in the same range, there is nearly -the same quantity of limestone raised. The united quantities hewn and -blasted from these vast limestone rocks produce about 70,000 tons of -burnt lime, thus showing the extended use now made of limestone in the -cultivation of farm lands in the immediate district. - -The manufacture of iron is most extensively carried on in Ruabon parish, -principally by the New British Iron Company, the quantity of good bar -iron made amounting on the average to 350 tons per week. These works -give employment to about 2,500 people, men and boys. The Company works -its own collieries, and consumes nearly all the coal its numerous pits -produce. In the same parish there are two extensive manufactories, for -the conversion of the ores of calamine and black jack (carbonate and -sulphuret of zinc) into zinc or spelter, and at each of these places from -twenty to thirty tons of these metals are made. - -The coals raised from the coal-fields in and around Oswestry, worked by -Messrs. Croxon and others, amount to about 40,000 tons per annum; whilst -nearly 250,000 tons are raised in the Ruabon district, and a much larger -quantity at Brymbo. - -At Minera a powerful Company is actively engaged in working the old mines -that produced so much ore during the former operations upon them. These -mines were closed from the influx of water, and the inadequacy of the -machinery then employed to carry it off. The present Company have, with -an enterprising spirit, adopted the highest class of machinery, and -employed the best mining talent that could be procured. By these means, -which have called forth the application of at least £50,000 to this -gigantic undertaking, the Company has fortunately succeeded in -discovering rich veins of lead-ore, which produce from 100 to 150 tons -per month. Other mining companies are also largely engaged in the -district, some of which are producing large quantities of lead-ore. - - - - -Biography. - - -OSWESTRY, although not the birth-place of many distinguished men, has -amongst its present population some “choice spirits,” men born not, -perhaps, to wield “the fierce democracy,” or to attract the nation’s -glare by the display of brilliant talents, yet who possess the happy art -of imparting sterling benefits to their fellow-men, and scattering -blessings all around them. We could point to gentlemen, still honourably -connected with the borough, whose good names must be well-deserved, -because they have been earned among their fellow-citizens. The borough -has nevertheless extended education to several eminent characters, and -been the chosen residence of many others. The names of Kenyon, Charles -W. W. Wynn, West, Parker, Longueville, Lloyd, Donne, and Dovaston, are -still cherished with grateful recollections, their talents and labours -having been ably exercised for the social benefit and intellectual -advancement of the town. - -We subjoin a few sketches of worthies that did the “State some service,” -and whose connection with Oswestry claims for them a notice in these -pages:— - -DR. THOMAS BRAY, an eminently pious and learned divine of the 17th -century, was educated in Oswestry. He was afterwards entered of Hart -Hall, Oxford, took his degree of Master of Arts there, was chosen by Dr. -Compton, Bishop of London, to model the infant church at Maryland, and -afterwards took the degree of Doctor in Divinity. He returned from -Maryland, after a long and useful residence there, and rendered immense -service to the cause of foreign missions, by his numerous publications -and remarkable personal exertions. He closed a useful life in 1730, -having reached the age of seventy-three years. He was born at Marton, in -Salop. - -JOHN FREEMAN MILWARD DOVASTON, M.A.—The death of this sweet poet, -accomplished musician, and profound naturalist, occurred in August, 1854. -Mr. Dovaston was not a native of Oswestry, but his birth-place -(Westfelton) being so near to the borough, and his social connexion with -it so constant and intimate during the whole of his life, that he may -fairly be ranked among the celebrities of the town. He was the only son -of John Dovaston, Esq., of “The Nursery,” at Westfelton, a man also of -great natural talents, and who was distinguished for his science, -learning and ingenuity. The subject of our present notice was educated -for the Bar, but having a dislike for the profession, and possessing an -ample property left by his father, he preferred a life of literary -leisure, amid the charming scenery in his neighbourhood, to the wordy war -and the feverish excitement of forensic ambition. In his sylvan retreat -he sought amusement and instruction from the glories of nature so -profusely scattered around him, and with the pure taste of the poet and -philosopher, found - - “Sermons in stones, - Tongues in trees, books in running brooks, - And good in every thing.” - -In early life he published a volume entitled “Fitz-Gwarine and other -poems,” to which he made considerable additions in later years. He also -published an able discourse on Natural History, and contributed two -lectures on Music and National Melody. He was the author of a most -interesting sketch of Bewick, the clever wood-engraver, whom Mr. Dovaston -styled “the celebrated xyographer and illustrator of nature;” wrote -several prologues and epilogues to histrionic performances for charitable -purposes; and employed his graceful pen so long as Providence gave him -mental and bodily strength. For several years, however, he was confined -to his bed, and died at the age of 72 years. His education was commenced -at Oswestry Free Grammar School, to which Institution he reverts, in the -pride of his manhood and the fervent inspiration of the poet; and -subsequently he was removed to Shrewsbury School, where he remained for -some years, under the able tuition of Dr. Butler, afterwards Bishop of -Lichfield. Mr. Dovaston’s poetic genius led him almost entirely into the -realms of nature. His ardent fancy revelled amid flowers and trees, -murmuring rivulets and mountain torrents, or roamed among “boxen bowers” -and greenwood shades, where no sounds are heard but the drowsy hum of -bees, the joyous notes of the mavis or the lark, or the plaintive -warblings of his “bonny robin.” His metrical romance of “Fitz-Gwarine” -gives evidence of high descriptive power; and his Ballad, entitled “Bala -Water,” will bear comparison with the best stanzas of Scott. His works -will live in the district in which they were written, comprising as they -do so many local allusions; but had his muse soared to loftier themes, he -would, in all probability, have transmitted to posterity a name which the -lovers of song throughout the land would have delighted to honour. Never -having been married, he left a considerable property, which is now in the -possession of his relation, John Dovaston, Esq. - -GUTO (Y GLYN,) or _Griffith_, of _Glyn_, having been elected a burgess of -Oswestry, is entitled from that distinction, as well as from his genius -as a poet, to a brief notice. We have already quoted from his quaint -description of Oswestry, but we shall now give it entire, as it was this -production of his muse that procured for him the honour of enrolment as a -burgess of the town. He was a native of Llangollen, and domestic bard to -the Abbot of Llanegwestl, or Valle Crucis, near that town, to whom -several of his poems are addressed. He is represented as witty and -social, and was an acceptable guest at the halls of the Welsh nobility -and gentry in his triennial visitations through the Principality. His -gentle muse must have been more than ordinarily gracious when he poured -forth such mellifluous strains as the following, in honour of Oswestry:— - - “Oswestry is the liberal, the best endowed of cities; - The beloved of heaven that draws me to it. - _Oswestry_ the strong fort of conquerors; the _London_ of Powys; - Where the houses are well stored with wine, and the land is rich. - Its school is celebrated, and its city for preachers and men of - science. - GOD is present in its beautiful temple— - A church adorned with rich chalices, - And with bells and a rich-toned organ. - No better choir is there from it to Canterbury: - None in which there is correcter singing, - Or the habilments more suitable. - To _White Minster_ I know no convent superior. - The handsomest and best-dressed women are those of Oswestry. - It resembles Cheapside in merchandize, - And its people are honest and unanimous. - GOD’S grace be with the city, and those that dwell therein; - May GOD be its guardian and kind preserver.” - -HUMPHREY HUMPHREYS, D.D., an eminent prelate, born November 24th, 1648, -was for some years placed at the Free School of Oswestry, under the care -of his uncle, Humphrey Wynn, A.M., who was master of the school and vicar -of the parish. Bishop Humphreys was an able Welsh antiquary, and wrote -some memoirs of eminent Welshmen, in addition to those contained in -Wood’s _Athenæ Oxonienses_, printed in the last edition of that work, and -in the first volume of the _Cambrian Register_. “He was a person of -excellent virtues during the whole course of his life, and in his latter -years of a piety so extraordinary, as has but few examples.” - -THOMAS JONES, son of John Williams, was born in Oswestry, and -distinguished himself as an able defender of the Protestant faith. -Having received his early education in his native town, he was entered at -Jesus College, Oxford, at the commencement of the rebellion, but he left -the University soon after, and returned when Oxford was surrendered to -the Parliament, in 1646. He became Fellow of University College, by -authority, of the parliamentary visitors, in 1648, and was remarkably -zealous in the republican cause. He took the degree of M.A. in the year -following, and in 1655 became rector of Castell Caerinion, in -Montgomeryshire, where he acquired a knowledge of the Welsh language, to -serve those parts where the orthodox clergy were rejected. His -subsequent life was marked by strong zeal against papacy, and in an -action for slander brought against him by Dr. Morley, Bishop of -Winchester, whom he charged as a promoter of popery, he was fined £300, -and the rectory of Llandyrnog, to which he had been appointed, was -sequestered for the payment of it. He continued this severe course of -polemic warfare, and published several other works, amongst which, in -1682, “Elymas the Sorcerer; or a memorial towards the discovery of the -bottom of this Popish Plot.” This effusion exposed him to much -persecution, and would have subjected him to further punishment, had he -not escaped by his decease, which occurred at Totteridge, Herts, in the -same year. - -HUMPHREY KYNASTON, surnamed _The Wild_.—This remarkable man, whose -exploits would furnish skilful romance-writers with materials for at -least three entertaining volumes, was not a native of Oswestry, but as -there is a tradition that his first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of -Meredydd ab Hywel ab Morris, of Oswestry, and another that she was -Margaret, daughter of William Griffith, of Oswestry, called Coch-William, -or the _Red_, we have deemed his history worthy of brief narration in -this volume. Kynaston was son of Sir Roger Kynaston, of Hordley, by -Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Grey, Earl of Tankerville, by Antigony, -daughter of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester. The enormous debts he -contracted by his imprudent life and conduct caused him to be outlawed, -upon which he fled from Middle Castle, his usual place of residence, but -which he had so neglected that it was falling into ruins, and sheltered -himself in a cave in the western point of Nesscliff Rock, called to this -day _Kynaston’s Cave_. The cave is large, and divided into two rooms by -a pillar of the rock, upon which is carved “H. K. 1564.” Yorke says of -him, that “he was a gentleman of many strange pranks, still the talk of -the neighbouring peasantry. The cave in the rock, at Nesscliff, called -Kynaston’s Cave, was the retreat of himself and mad companions. He was -outlawed the sixth of Henry VII., pardoned the next year, and died in -1531.” Kynaston’s career was brief, but his exploits and vagaries within -the short period of twelve months filled the country round with -enthusiastic reports of his courage and semi-madness. His horse, -somewhat resembling the notorious Turpin’s “Black Bess,” seemed to have -an instinctive knowledge of his master’s love of daring adventure. -Tradition states that this animal was stalled in the cave, the ascent to -which was by a flight of steps, and that when he was grazing in any of -the fields below, on hearing his master’s whistle, he would immediately -attend to the summons, ascend the steps of the cave, and kneel at -Humphrey’s bidding. Kynaston is represented as no common outlaw, and -that in all his depredatory warfare he ever regarded a sort of justice, -giving freely to the poor, by whom he was idolized, a portion of the -“black mail” he had levied from the rich. On the road, if he saw a cart -with one horse, and another with three, he made them equal, by taking the -fore-horse from the latter and hooking it to the former. Most of the -adventures ascribed to him seem to have been more dictated by whim than a -desire of plunder. He had a plentiful supply of necessaries from the -people around, the rich paying him tribute through fear, and the poor -from gratitude. _Kynaston’s Horse-leap_, a place thus named on Dovaston -Common, received its name from the following circumstance: Kynaston -having been observed to go over Montford Bridge to Shrewsbury, the -Sheriff, intending to take him, caused one of the divisions of the bridge -(then formed of planks laid upon stone pillars,) to be taken up, and -placed a number of men in ambush. When Kynaston had advanced on the -bridge, the men came up and blocked up his retreat, upon which he put -spurs to his horse, which bore him safely over the wide breach, and -carried him to his cave at Nesscliff; some say the horse leaped into the -Severn, and carried him across! The length of this leap was afterwards -measured on Dovaston Common, with an H cut at one end and a K at the -other. The letters were an ell long, a spade’s graffe wide, and a spade -deep, and were generally cleansed annually by order of Mr. Kynaston, of -Kington, as Gough, the historian of Middle, informs us. Camden merely -mentions Nesscliff and its cave, but says not a word about Kynaston. -Wild Humphrey’s adventures were probably much exaggerated by the vulgar -people of the district, some of whom have not scrupled to declare that -his leap was forty yards! Kynaston, being a desperate man, would not -hesitate much at daring feats, but a forty yards’ leap is fit only for -record in the pages of Major Longbow. - -EDWARD LLWYD, or LLOYD, the celebrated antiquary, although not a native -of Oswestry, was closely connected with it, as he was the natural son of -Edward Lloyd, of Llanforda, a man of dissolute character, and who, after -dissipating his estate, died without legitimate issue. Edward Llwyd was -born in 1660, and at the age of seventeen was entered in Jesus College, -Oxford. He studied fossils, and became under-keeper of the _Ashmolean -Museum_, and in 1680 succeeded to the head-keeper’s place, vacant by the -resignation of his friend and patron, Dr. Plot. In 1704 he took the -degree of M.A. His researches into the languages, histories, and customs -of the original inhabitants of Great Britain obtained for him a -distinguished name; but the chief fruit of his studies and travels was -his “_Archæologiæ Britannica_,” of which Baxter, in a letter to Sir Hans -Sloane, said, “That it was the work of an age, rather than of a few -years; that it gave great light to the history and antiquities of -Britain, and was an honour to his ancient country.” He was elected -Fellow of the Royal Society, and in the following year the University -gave “proof of the high esteem in which it held his extensive learning, -by electing him Esquire Beadle in Divinity;” but he did not long enjoy -the appointment, as he died after a few days’ illness, in June 1709. His -manuscript collections, relating to Welsh and Irish antiquities, -consisted of above forty volumes in folio, ten in quarto, and upwards of -one hundred of smaller sizes. They were ultimately sold to Sir Thomas -Seabright, of Beachwood, Herts, and were afterwards purchased from Sir -John Seabright, part by the late Thomas Johnes, Esq., of Hafod, and the -other part by the late Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., of Wynnstay. Some years -afterwards, Mr. Johnes’ portion of these literary-treasures were consumed -in a destructive fire that broke out at his elegant mansion, and a -similar fate befel the more valuable of the Wynnstay portion, they having -been consumed in a fire which occurred on the premises of a bookbinder in -Covent-garden, London, where they had been sent for the purpose of being -bound. - -WILLIAM MAURICE, of CEFN-Y-BRAICH, and HUGH MORUS, the BARD OF -CEIRIOG.—These two able men, although not Oswestrians, were so closely -connected with the town, as natives of the neighbouring parish of -Llansilin, that a few words on their biography will not be misplaced. -Mr. _Maurice_ was an eminent antiquary, and the industrious collector of -the library of manuscripts now in the Wynnstay library. He was descended -from Lowri, sister of Owen Glyndwr, and what is singularly coincident, he -married Letitia, a descendant of Glyndwr’s successful opponent, Henry -Bolingbroke. She was a Kynaston, of Morton, descended from the Greys of -Powys, and the Greys from Antigony, daughter of Humphrey, Duke of -Gloucester, fourth son of Henry IV. William Maurice was so devoted to -Welsh literature, that he erected close to his house, at Cefn-y-Braich, a -building three stories in height, for his library. It was called “The -Study,” but has long since been in ruins. Mr. Walter Davies says of it, -“From what I recollect of it, and of a print in an old Oxford almanack of -‘Friar Bacon’s Study,’ in that university, I judge the one to have been a -_fac simile_ of the other.” This assiduous antiquary died from about -1680 to 1690. - -_Hugh Morus_, the Poet, as he is emphatically called, because he excelled -all others in the smooth and flowing _awen_, or song-writing, was born at -Pont-y-Meibion, in the Vale of Ceiriog, in the year 1622. He died in -1709, at the advanced age of 87 years, as appears from his tomb-stone in -Llansilin church-yard having lived in six reigns, exclusive of the -commonwealth. His songs, carols, &c., hundreds in number show his -fertile genius, and many of his productions are marked by wit, irony, -fun, satire, and high poetic beauty. He was a frequent visitor at -Porkington and Chirk Castle, and always a welcome guest. - -Mr. JOHN REYNOLDS.—This gentleman, a native of Oswestry, was a nephew of -Mr. John Davies, of Rhiwlas, Denbighshire, author of a small work -entitled “_Heraldry Displayed_.” After his uncle’s death he published a -_Book of Pedigrees_, from Mr. Davies’s manuscript, in the quarto form. - -The REV. PETER ROBERTS, A.M., an able writer on Welsh history, resided in -Oswestry for some time. He was born at Rhuabon, Denbighshire, in 1760, -and in 1810 was presented to the living of Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog. He -was prevented by the delicate state of his health from residing on his -living for more than a few of the summer months, his regular home being -in the town of Oswestry, where he was generally respected for his -literary talents and private worth. In 1814 the freedom of the borough -was presented in full assembly to Mr. Roberts, as “Author of numerous and -extensive publications,” “for his deep and laborious researches of -ancient records,” and “in consideration of his profound learning.” -Astronomy and the Oriental languages were his favourite studies in the -early part of his life, and he had aspired to the Astronomical Chair in -Trinity College, Dublin, as successor to the celebrated Archbishop Usher, -whose friendship and regard he had long possessed. The illustration of -his native language, and of the ancient history of the Cymry, afterwards -deeply engaged his attention, and to the discussion of these subjects he -brought such powers of mind, united with such multifarious learning, that -he reminded his contemporaries of the gigantic power of the renowned -Edward Llwyd, and justly entitled himself to the high eulogium of Bishop -Horsley, who declared “there was only _one_ Peter Roberts in the world.” -He closed his earthly career at Halkin, Flintshire, in 1821, whilst -administering relief to a poor parishioner; he was seized with apoplexy, -and died in a few hours afterwards. His published works were numerous -and able. In the list we find “Christianity vindicated, in a series of -letters to Mr. Volney;” “Harmony of the Epistles;” “an essay on the -Origin of the Constellations;” “Art of Universal Correspondence;” “A -Sketch of the Early History of the Cymry or Ancient Britons;” “Review of -the Policy and Peculiar Doctrines of the Church of Rome;” “Manual of -Prophecy,” “Collectanea Cambrica;” “Letter to Dr. Milner, on the supposed -miracle at St. Winifred’s Well;” “Cambrian Popular Antiquities,” &c. - -“DICK SPOT.”—A man figuring under this patronymic, but whose real name -was Edward Morris, flourished at Oswestry some years ago. He was -celebrated as a conjuror or professor of legerdemain, and pursued his -tricks with such marvellous success that the name of “_Dick Spot_” was -popular among the humbler classes throughout the district. He professed -to tell a love-sick damsel who was to be her husband; to detect thieves -by turning a key upon the Bible; and by other “craft and subtlety” -inspired his credulous visitors with hopes of coming grandeur and -overflowing fortunes, &c. At length death arrested Morris in his -deceptive career, and his remains were consigned to the earth in Oswestry -Church-yard. Hulbert, in a notice of Oswestry, in his “History of the -County,” refers to Dick Spot’s career, and says, “On requesting an -eccentric but ingenious inhabitant, now one of the Churchwardens, to -furnish me with some particulars of a pamphlet said to be the Life of -_Dick Spot_, he thus replied,—‘I know not who has got his life, but this -I know, that I am in possession of his mortal remains in Oswestry -Church-yard, having purchased the spot of earth which contained them, -from his grand-daughter. His skull, which I had in my hand the other -day, was treated with very little respect by the Hamlet-like grave -digger.’ If poor Morris had been blessed with the gift of foresight, he -certainly would have directed that his mortal remains should be deposited -in a more secure place of sepulture.” Who the eccentric Churchwarden was -the historian does not inform us. We are half inclined to believe that -his _grave_ discovery was a hoax, a species of pleasantry, somewhat -resembling what is called “Bolton Trotting,” and which two or three -well-known wags were wont to indulge in, many years ago, occasionally -with thoughtless imprudence and merciless severity. - -Mr. ROBERT SALTER.—This gentleman’s family had for centuries been -connected with Oswestry, the name of “Salter” being recorded in civic -documents of very ancient date. He was author of a piscatorial work, -entitled “_The Modern Angler_,” a _brochure_, written in a series of -letters to a disciple of Isaac Walton, and evidencing a -thoroughly-practical acquaintance with the art of angling. It was -published in 1811. Like that celebrated lover of the finny tribes, he -looks upon his favourite recreation with the warmest enthusiasm of his -craft, and quotes Walton’s refreshing picture of some of the angler’s -joys on closing a long day’s sport. Safely landed at some “friendly -cottage, where the landlady is good, and the daughter innocent and -beautiful: where the room is cleanly, with lavender in the sheets, and -twenty ballads stuck about the wall; there he can enjoy the company of a -talkative brother sportsman, have his trouts dressed for his supper, tell -tales, sing old tunes, or make a catch. There he can talk of the wonders -of nature, with learned admiration, or find some harmless sport to -content him, and pass away a little time, without offence to GOD, or -injury to man.” Mr. Salter’s Letters are worthy of re-publication. - - - - -Notabilia. - - -The use of coaches was introduced into England by Fitz-Alan, Earl of -Arundel, in the year 1580. At first they were drawn only by two horses, -but about the year 1619 six horses were used by the notorious Duke of -Buckingham. - -The Duke of Powis visited Oswestry in the Mayoralty of Robert Barkley, -Esq. (1737), in whose accounts are the following items:—“Aug. 8th—Paid -Mrs. Sarah Evans’ bill for wine, for his grace the Duke of Powis, at the -Town Hall, 13s. 3d.; paid John James, for drink to a bonfire when his -grace the Duke of Powis was at the Town Hall, 2s. 6d!” - -Oswestry Association, for the prosecution of felons, formed Dec. 14th, -1771, by John Lloyd, Esq., Solicitor. First Treasurer, Mr. Edward -Browne. Mr. Lloyd was the original institutor of societies for the -prosecution of felons. - -Races re-commenced September 1802, under the patronage of Sir W. W. Wynn, -Bart., after being discontinued 17 years. - -The foundation of Castle Buildings was laid February 1803. - -The first Sheriff’s Court held at Oswestry, on Friday, June 20th, 1804. - -Stage-coach first established from Shrewsbury, through Oswestry to -Holyhead, by Mr. Robert Lawrence, of Shrewsbury. - -The Holyhead and London mail-coach first ran through Oswestry, instead of -Chester, 6th September, 1808, when great rejoicings took place; a saving -of 22 miles was effected in the journey by this change. - -Act of Parliament passed in 1809, for paving, cleansing, lighting, -watching, and otherwise improving the streets, and other public passages -and places within the borough. - -In 1809 Charles Williams Wynn, Esq., Recorder of Oswestry, received the -thanks of the Corporation and inhabitants of the borough, for voting -independently in the case of the late Duke of York, and for his strict -attention to his parliamentary duties. A piece of plate, of the value of -£60, was presented to him at the same time. - -From 1811 to 1814 about three hundred French prisoners of war (military -and naval) on parol in Oswestry. They were in the service of Napoleon -Bonaparte, and consisted of French, Germans, Spaniards, Dutchmen, Poles, -&c. Among them were the Prince D’Aremberg, General Phillipon (who broke -his parol), and other officers of distinction. - -In 1812 a Grand Musical Festival was held in the Parish Church, on -occasion of the opening of the New Organ. The _Messiah_ was performed -with great _eclât_ in the church, and a Miscellaneous Concert was given -in the Theatre. - -In 1814 the freedom of the borough was presented in full corporative -assembly to _John Freeman Milward Dovaston_, Esq., A.M., of West Felton, -author of _Fitz-Gwarine_, and other beautiful poems, “as a mark of their -respect and admiration of his very pleasing poetic talents, and taste for -elegant literature.” - -The New Gaol finished in 1816. - -Monday, January 6th, 1817, The Archduke Nicholas, of Russia (the late -Emperor), passed through Oswestry from Wynnstay, on his way to Powis -Castle. - -William Ormsby Gore, Esq., High Sheriff of the County in 1817. - -The New Burial Ground (formerly Vicar’s Croft), consecrated by the Bishop -of St. Asaph (Dr. Luxmoore), October, 1817. - -_Oswestry Herald_ Newspaper first published by the author of this book, -March 21st, 1820, and discontinued Tuesday, Dec. 31st, 1822. In those -days the newspaper stamp-duty was 4d., and advertisement-duty 3s. 6d. on -each advertisement. The newspaper was swamped by excessive taxation. - -February 14th, 1820, the Mayor and Corporation of the borough proclaimed -the accession of George IV. to the throne. - -The celebrated Mile Oak Tree felled Monday, May 20th, 1824. The girth of -the lower part of the tree, 16½ feet; the largest branch, 5 feet 10 -inches in circumference; length of the tree, 57 feet. - -Evening Lectures commenced June 20th, 1824, in Oswestry Church, by the -Rev. Thomas Salwey, Vicar of the Parish. - -The Church and Burial-ground at Trefonen consecrated by the Bishop of St. -Asaph, on Wednesday, January 17th, 1825, and service commenced on Sunday -morning, January 24th, by the Rev. John Hughes. - -The Chancel and new entrance-door to the Parish Church, from -Church-street, finished in 1831. - -Our present Gracious Sovereign, when Princess Victoria, on her way from -Powis Castle, visited Oswestry, with her illustrious mother, the Duchess -of Kent, in September, 1832. The royal visitors were received at -Croes-wylan gate by the High Steward (the Hon. Thos. Kenyon), the -Deputy-Mayor, the Coroner, and other members of the Corporation, in their -robes, and a large number of the gentry and tradesmen of the town bearing -white wands. The Princess and her mother did not alight from their -carriage, but merely changed horses at the Wynnstay Arms. During this -short stay Mr. Kenyon congratulated the royal visitors in the name of the -Corporation, and was commanded by the Duchess of Kent to inform the “good -people of Oswestry” of the “very great satisfaction she felt at the -manner in which she was received by the inhabitants of the town and -neighbourhood, and that she felt obliged by their loyal and affectionate -feeling manifested towards herself and the Princess Victoria.” The -Corporation and gentlemen conducted the cavalcade to the Beatrice Gate, -and the Oswestry squadron of North Shropshire Cavalry, under the command -of Captain Croxon, escorted the royal party to Chirk Bridge. Here they -were met by Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., and a detachment of the Denbighshire -Cavalry. Captain Croxon having been introduced to the Princess and -Duchess, and received their thanks, the royal party proceeded onward to -Wynnstay. - -A new Church Clock put up, by subscription, April, 1836. - -The first Writ of Enquiry from the Court of Queen’s Bench, _Pierce_ v. -_Foulkes_, was tried at Oswestry, December 5th, 1837. - -A Vestry held 15th July, 1842, to assess a church-rate. Objections -raised against the Organist’s salary, which, upon vote, was rejected by a -majority of _five_. The following Sunday the organ was not played, nor -was there any singing! - -November 2nd, 1842, Prince Ferdinand of Austria passed through Oswestry. - -In 1846 the Corporation of Oswestry, assisted by the inhabitants of the -borough, and the gentry of the neighbourhood, entered into a subscription -to present to the Recorder (J. R. Kenyon, Esq.,) a piece of plate, on his -marriage, as a testimonial of their regard and esteem. The plate -consisted of a salver of chaste and elegant workmanship, weighing upwards -of 164 oz., and measuring across twenty-four inches. The inscription in -the centre was as follows:—(Surmounted by the Arms of Oswestry). “To -John Robert Kenyon, D.C.L., on his marriage, from the Corporation and -inhabitants of the town of Oswestry, in testimony of the deep respect in -which he is held as Recorder of the borough, and the grateful feelings -entertained for his liberal support of the different charitable -institutions connected with the town.”—(The Family Arms below.) - -Oswestry is 450 feet above the level of the sea, and 254 feet higher than -the Shrewsbury meadows. Shrewsbury is 196 feet above the level of the -sea. - -The following heights of places above the sea, either near or in sight of -the Great Western Railway (Birmingham, Shrewsbury, and Chester Sections,) -taken by the Rev. T. E. Evans, of Trinity College, Cambridge, are “facts -worth knowing:”—Hawkstone, 834 feet; Grinshill, 696; Nesscliff, 630; -Llanymynech church, 246; Breiddin, 1,236; Wrekin, 1,494.; Cyrn Moelfre, -1,746; Cader Ferwyn, 2,826; Cern-y-Bwch, 1,206. By Mr. -Murchison:—Oswestry, 460; plan of Shrewsbury, 97; surface of the -Ellesmere canal under Heathhouse bridge, 260 feet. The canal at Chirk is -the height of two locks more than the canal near Whittington. Allowing -24 feet for the rise, it would make the surface of the canal at Chirk, -334 feet. - -The late Rev. Walter Davies, rector of Manafon, in his Historical notice -of Llansilin, published in the first volume of the _Cambro-Briton_, says, -“In 1699 there was a well in the parish of Oswestry, called _Ffynnon Maen -Tysilio_, where the inhabitants resorted to celebrate their annual Wake.” - -_Oswestry Show_, long since discontinued, was generally held on the first -Thursday after Trinity Sunday. As a pageant it bore no comparison with -Shrewsbury Show. The incorporated companies of the town walked in -procession, preceded with flags, bands of music, &c. - -“There was formerly,” says the _Oswestry Herald_, “a castle at Maesbury, -in that township, as we find from Domesday Book. Rainald the Sheriff -(all whose estates devolved on the Fitz-Alans,) held Maesburie under -Roger et ibi fecit Rainaldus Castellum Lvvre.” No mention of this castle -is made by Pennant, Bingley, or any subsequent historian or tourist. - - - -Poor Rate Return. -OSWESTRY TOWN AND PARISH (1855.) - - Town and Parish. Acreage Gross Rental Rateable value - assessed to the - Relief of poor. - A. R. P. £ S. D. £ S. D. -Oswestry Town & Liberties. 1753 2 24 16604 18 6 14933 13 0 -Ditto Parish 13911 1 31 22280 0 0 20052 10 3 - -Sketches -OF -The Environs of Oswestry. - - -SUFFICIENT has been said in these pages to justify much more extended -notices than we can give to the ancient castles, fine old mansions, and -modern residences of wealthy proprietors in this neighbourhood, imparting -as they do so much additional beauty and interest to the bold and -picturesque natural scenery in the midst of which they are so tastefully -situated. Oswestry, as we have already described, is not only a pretty -town, but historically curious; and the charms of nature and art -surrounding it render it still more worthy of admiration. We append -brief descriptions of neighbouring places, all fixed near the Border -Lands of England and Wales, whose history teems with glowing narratives -of embattled hosts, of fierce chieftains in bright array, and of -minstrels famed - - “In Cambria’s noon of story, - Ere bright she set in glory!” - -Almost every nook and corner has its historic tale, its love or war-song, -or its tradition. These remains of ancient times and deeds of bravery, -with natural beauties superadded,—mountains, valleys, and rivers, of -surpassing loveliness, have invested the Environs of Oswestry with an -enduring interest with which few, if any other towns in the kingdom, can -vie. Our DISTRICT SKETCHES, being arranged alphabetically, will commence -with - - - -ASTON HALL, - - -The seat of Mrs. Lloyd, widow of the late William Lloyd, Esq. It is -situated on the right of the turnpike-road from Oswestry to Shrewsbury, -about two miles distant from the former. The highly-respected family who -have for so many years occupied this beautiful estate are of great -antiquity, having descended from Einion, Prince of part of Powys, who -distinguished himself in the wars against Henry I. Yorke, in his “_Royal -Tribes of Wales_,” writing in 1799, has furnished a copious notice of the -house of Aston. - - “The Lloyds,” he says, “are descended from Einion. The heiress of - the house, Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Lloyd, married Foulke Lloyd, - of Fox Hall, or the hall of Foulke, and was great grandmother to the - Rev. John Robert Lloyd, Rector of Whittington and Selattyn, both in - his advowson, the present possessor of Aston. The name of the Fox - Hall family was Rosindale, when they came first from the north. To a - younger branch, settled at Denbigh, we owe our learned countryman, - Humphrey Llwyd. He was of Brazen-nose, Oxford, studied physic, and - lived as family physician in the house of the last Earl of Arundel, - of the name of Fitz-Alan, the Chancellor of the University. He sat - in Parliament for his native town of Denbigh, and died there in the - forty-first year of his age, and was buried in the Parish Church with - a coarse monument, a dry epitaph, and a psalm-tune under it. He - collected many curious books for Lord Lumley (whose sister he - married), which form at this time a valuable part of the Library in - the British Museum. One of his sons was settled at Cheam, in Surrey, - whose great grandson, Robert Lloyd, was Rector of St. Paul’s, Covent - Garden, and contended, but without effect, for the Barony of Lumley.” - -Aston Chapel was built in 1594, at the expense of Richard Lloyd, Esq., of -Aston, and then called Christ’s Chapel. It was endowed by its founder -with £15 per annum, and Anne, his wife, left by will £5 per annum in land -to the Chapel, and 40s. for four Welsh sermons to be preached in the -year, with 15s. to be distributed to the poor of Oswestry parish at each -sermon. The chapel was consecrated by Bishop Parry. - - - -BRYNKINALT, - - -The seat of the Right Hon. Viscount Dungannon, is situated about a mile -from Chirk, and one of the most picturesque mansions in the Principality. -The house was built during the reign of James I., from a design by Inigo -Jones, and is situated on the brow of a hill, at the foot of which flows -the Ceiriog. The park is fine, and is divided by the river. On the site -of this house formerly stood the residence of Tudor Trevor, a British -nobleman who lived A.D. 924, the head of the tribe of March or Maelor, -and who bore the title of Earl of Hereford in right of his mother, the -daughter and heiress of Lluddocca, ab Caradog Vreichvras, Earl of -Hereford. Trevor had large possessions between the Wye and Severn, and -was Lord of both Maelors, Chirk, Whittington, Oswestry, &c. His chief -residence was Whittington Castle; he was contemporary of Hywel Dda, the -Welsh law-giver; and Angharad, daughter of Hywel, became the chieftain’s -wife, and had by him three sons and one daughter. The arms of this -distinguished man, which are still borne by the Trevor family, -are—“Parted per bend sinister ermine and ermines, over all a lion -rampant, or.” Debrett informs us that “Arthur Hill, first Viscount, was -only brother of Trevor, Viscount Hillsborough, ancestor of the Marquess -of Downshire, and grandson of William Hill, who married secondly Mary, -eldest daughter of Sir Marcus Trevor, Viscount Dungannon; so created, -1662, for his signal gallantry in wounding Oliver Cromwell at the Battle -of Marston moor. Arthur, succeeding, 1762, to the estates of his -maternal grandfather, Sir John Trevor, of Brynkinalt, Speaker of the -House of Commons in England, and first Lord Commissioner of the Great -Seal, assumed the name and arms of Trevor, and was created, April 27th, -1765, Viscount Dungannon.” An interesting fact connected with this noble -family is, that the mother of the Duke of Wellington, the “Hero of a -hundred fights,” was Anne, Countess of Mornington, daughter of Arthur -Hill, the first Viscount Dungannon. This illustrious lady was closely -allied with two greatly-distinguished men: her husband, the Earl of -Mornington, ranked high as a musical composer, and “the Duke,” her son, -placed himself high on the roll of fame with conquerors of ancient and -modern renown. - - [Picture: Brynkinalt] - -The present Viscount Dungannon takes much interest in archæological -pursuits, and is author of an ably-written work, in two volumes, 8vo., -entitled “The Life and Times of William the Third, King of England, and -Stadtholder of Holland.” His Lordship has acquired the literary -distinctions of M.A., F.A.S., and M.R.S.L., and is an active magistrate -for the district in which he resides. He has large possessions in the -north of Ireland, in which he takes much interest. - - - -CHIRK CASTLE, - - -The noble residence of Colonel Myddelton Biddulph, is situated near to -Chirk, on elevated ground on the Berwyn range of hills, commanding -delightful views of the surrounding scenery. It is a bold castellated -mansion, built of grey stone, partly mantled with ivy, and is supposed to -have been erected on the site of an ancient fortress called by the Welsh -_Castell Crogen_, near which, as is recorded, the celebrated Battle of -Crogen took place in 1164, when the Welsh fought with more than their -usual bravery against Henry II., for the recovery of their independence. -The present castle was built in the reign of Edward I. by Roger Mortimer, -son of Roger, Baron of Wigmore, to whom the king had granted the united -lordship of Chirk and Nanheudwy. - - [Picture: Chirk Castle] - -The Castle continued in the hands of the Mortimer family but a short -period, it being sold by John, grandson of Roger Mortimer, to Richard -Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel, whose family possessed it for three -generations. It afterwards passed to Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk and -Justice of North Wales, Chester, and Flint, in right of his wife, -Elizabeth, eldest sister to Thomas, Earl of Arundel. It then devolved -upon the Beauchamp and Neville families, and afterwards became the -property of Sir William Stanley, together with Holt Castle. Henry VIII. -bestowed it upon his natural son, Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond and -Somerset; in the following reign it was granted to Thomas, Lord Seymour, -brother to the Protector Somerset. Queen Elizabeth granted it to her -favourite Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and on his death it became the -property of Lord St. John, of Bletso, whose son, in 1595, sold it to Sir -Thomas Myddelton, Knight, Lord Mayor of London, in a branch of whose -family it still remains. - -It is stated that the erection of the Castle was begun in 1011, and -finished in 1013. The building partakes both of the castle and mansion, -the form quadrangular, the angles being strengthened with bastion-like -towers, each surmounted by a small turret. The principal entrance, -through a fifth massive arched tower, is at the north front, leading into -a court-yard 160 feet long by 100 broad. Around this are ranged the -different apartments, and the east side is ornamented by a handsome -colonnaded piazza. The north and east wings are occupied by the family, -and the south and west given up to the offices. The most remarkable of -the apartments are, a saloon of sixty feet by thirty, lighted by three -large mullioned windows looking towards the court; a drawing-room thirty -feet square; and an oak gallery, extending the whole length of the west -wing, one hundred feet by twenty-two, leading to the chapel. The -ceilings throughout are ornamented by rich plaster work, and the rooms -display a large collection of paintings. Among the portraits are those -of the Myddelton family, Sir Orlando Bridgeman, the Duke of Ormond, and -his son Lord Ossory, the Countess of Warwick, daughter of the fourth Sir -Thomas Myddelton, and afterwards wife to the celebrated Addison, author -of the “_Spectator_” and other classic writings. Among the landscapes -there is a view of the admired water-fall, _Pistill Rhaiadr_, in -Montgomeryshire, represented as falling into the sea. Of this work of -art a pleasant story is told. The artist employed in taking the view was -a foreigner, to whom it was hinted, when he had nearly finished the -picture, that the addition of a few sheep would add to the effect. The -painter replied, “you want some _sheeps in it_. O! O! ver veil. I vill -put you some _sheeps_ it.” He then introduced the sea, and with it -several _ships_! The picture being thus ludicrously transformed, it was -allowed to remain in its altered state as an artistic curiosity; and the -visitor when inspecting it is sure to have his risible muscles disturbed -by so droll a metamorphosis. The gallery contains several old cabinets, -the work probably of Italian or French Artists; one, an exceedingly -handsome one, a gift from Charles II. to the brave Sir Thomas Myddelton. - -The history of the Myddelton family is one of national interest. There -were four Sir Thomas Myddeltons at Chirk Castle, the two former knights, -and the two latter baronets. The first Sir Thomas was Lord Mayor of -London when his brother, the celebrated Hugh Myddelton, was knighted for -bringing the new river into the Metropolis. The second Sir Thomas served -in Parliament for the county of Denbigh, and took arms in its support -when he was fifty-seven years old. For his services at Oswestry, -Montgomery, and Holt, in 1643–4, he received the thanks of Parliament -through the Speaker. When he engaged in the service of the Parliament -his own castle became garrisoned for the king, and the veteran knight was -compelled to besiege it with all his force. It remained, however, in the -hands of the royalists till February 1646, when Sir John Watts, the -governor, quitted it, and was captured, with his men, at Churchstoke, -Montgomeryshire. Sir Thomas Myddelton, some ten years afterwards, -abandoned the parliamentary cause, and took up arms with Sir George -Booth, a Cheshire general, to restore the monarchy, and place Charles II. -on the throne. The royalists were few in number, and easily defeated, by -Lambert, who retook Chester, and made Sir George Booth prisoner. He then -laid siege to Chirk Castle, which, after a sharp resistance, was -surrendered by Sir Thomas Myddelton, who deemed it useless, he said, to -oppose the whole kingdom. A resolution was passed in parliament, -authorizing Lambert to demolish the Castle; but, Cromwell dying the same -year, the threatened destruction did not take place. The damage and loss -sustained at Chirk Castle, during the usurpation, are said to have -amounted to £130,000. Such was the reward which the veteran Sir Thomas -Myddelton received for his patriotism. His fate resembled that of his -co-patriot, Major-General Mytton, but was somewhat more disastrous. - -Sir Thomas’s son, of the same name, was made a baronet at the -Restoration. The son died in 1663, his father surviving him three years, -when he died at the age of 80 years. His grandson, the fourth Sir -Thomas, and the second baronet, married twice. By his second wife, -Charlotte, daughter of the Lord-Keeper Bridgeman, he had an only -daughter, Charlotte, who married first to the Earl of Warwick, and -secondly to Addison, as already mentioned. Their daughter, Miss Addison, -died unmarried. The baronetage became extinct at the death of Sir -William, son of Sir Richard, brother to the last Sir Thomas, Sir William -having died unmarried in 1718. The estate, by the entailment, came to -Robert Myddelton, eldest son of Richard, the third son of Sir Thomas, the -soldier. He, dying without issue, was succeeded by his brother John, -father of Richard, father of Richard Myddelton, Esq., for many years M.P. -for the Denbigh boroughs, who died unmarried in 1796. The estate was -afterwards divided among his three sisters. The eldest, Mrs. Myddelton -Biddulph, had for her share Chirk Castle and its domain, and it is now in -the possession, as before stated, of her son, Col. Myddelton Biddulph. -The second sister, Maria, who married the Hon. Frederick West, brother of -the late Earl of Delawarr, had for her portion the property in -Llangollen, Rhuabon, Wrexham, and Holt. The third sister had for her -portion Ruthin Castle with its demesnes, and died unmarried; her -property, with that of the Hon. F. West, came into possession of his son, -Frederick Richard West, Esq., M.P. for the Denbigh Boroughs, who now -resides at Ruthin Castle, a portion of which has been re-built, and the -whole greatly embellished under his tasteful superintendence. - -Chirk Castle is among the most interesting and oldest-inhabited feudal -buildings in the kingdom. Its - - “Towers, unmodernized by tasteless art, remain - Still unsubdued by time.” - -The family have hitherto protected it from injury, as it has been -repaired with care and skill where much decay or damage had presented -itself, but in no degree to impair its original character. Within the -last few years considerable improvements and alterations have been made -in it, under the direction and superintendence of the late Mr. Pugin. -The lower apartments are of the pure gothic of the fifteenth century. -The large rooms are in the style of Francois the First. The bed in which -Charles I. slept when he visited Chirk Castle, in his “utmost need,” in -1646, is still shown in a room adjoining the gallery. The south-west -wing has undergone little if any alteration by modern art, and there may -still be traced the architecture of the period in which the fortress was -erected. - -The large estate surrounding the Castle has been much improved by Col. -Myddelton Biddulph; the grounds and noble trees that ornament it are kept -in excellent order, and the farms upon the property are all in a -nourishing and healthy condition. - -Col. Myddelton Biddulph is Lord Lieutenant of the county of Denbigh, and -representative also for the shire. - - - -HALSTON, - - -The seat of Edmund Wright, Esq., was for several centuries the property -of the Myttons. It is situated within a mile of Whittington, on the -Oswestry and Ellesmere turnpike road. It is called in ancient deeds -_Haly-stone_ or _Holy-stone_. Near the house stood the abbey, taken down -about a century and a half ago. The Rev. Peter Roberts says, “That it -had been a sanctuary is evident. Meyric Lloyd, lord of some part of -_Uwch Ales_, in the reign of Richard I., would not yield subjection to -the English Government, under which the Hundred of Dyffryn Clwyd and -several others were then, and having taken some English officers that -came there to execute the law, (which was contrary to the customs of the -Britons,) hanged some and killed others. For this act he forfeited his -lands to the king, fled, and _took sanctuary_ at Halston, where (for his -notable enterprises and merited chivalry,) he was taken under the -protection of its possessor, John Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel, ‘who made -him general of the army in the besieging of Aeon, in Asia, anno dom. -1190, where he behaved himself,’ as Reynolds informs us, ‘with such -dexterous attempts as were admirable to the spectators.’” [See his -exploits further recorded in our notice of “Llanforda.”] - - [Picture: Halston] - -In the Saxon era the Lordship of Halston belonged to Edric, at which time -there were on the property two Welshmen and one Frenchman. After the -Conquest Halston became the property of an Earl of Arundel, or of Robert, -Earl of Shrewsbury, and was afterwards bestowed on the Knights of St. -John of Jerusalem. In the 26th Henry VIII. the commandry was valued at -£160 14s. 10d. a year. On the abolition of many of the -military-religious orders and monasteries, Henry empowered John Sewster, -Esq., Scutifer, and afterwards allowed him to dispose of this manor to -Alan Horde, who made an exchange with, or sold it to Edward Mytton, Esq., -of Habberly, ancestor to the present John Mytton, Esq. This alienation -was subsequently confirmed by Queen Elizabeth. - -In a manuscript account of Halston, written in 1821 by the late Rev. C. -A. A. Lloyd, we find the following description:— - - “The Manor of Halston is extra-parochial. The Mansion-house of - Halston was formerly situated near the chapel, but in the year 1690 - it was removed to its present situation, which is on an elevated spot - of ground rising out of an extensive flat, and formerly subject to - frequent floods. The grandfather of the present owner (the late John - Mytton, Esq.,) was a gentleman of great spirit and enterprise, and at - considerable trouble and expense drained vast tracts of the low - ground, which rendered the neighbourhood more healthy. The river - Perry here forms several islands, and its shores are shaded by oaks, - perhaps the finest in the country.” - -After describing the pictures and books at Halston at the time he was -writing, he adds, - - “Mr. W. Mytton was engaged for many years in collecting materials for - a History of the County, but unfortunately died before he arranged - them. Among the collection is a manuscript copy of the History of - the County, by Mr. E. Lloyd, of Trenewydd, which Mr. Pennant, by some - blunder, mistook for Mr. Mytton’s.” - -The Chapel of Halston is a donative, without any other revenue than what -the chaplain is allowed by the owner, and is of exempt jurisdiction. - -The Mytton family are of great antiquity, and their connection with -Shrewsbury is of remote date. The late John Mytton, Esq., sold, among -other property belonging to him in that town, a field called the “Chapel -Yard,” on Coton Hill. When Leland visited Shrewsbury the Myttons lived -on Coton Hill. In the bailiff’s accounts for a year from Michaelmas, 2nd -Richard III., among rents in decasu (in decay) is one “Procapella de -Coten Thome Mytton,” the sum defaced; and his descendant Thomas Mytton, -Esq., was rated for it to the poor as late as 1686. Major-General Thomas -Mytton, the great parliamentary commander in the Civil Wars, was a -descendant of the Myttons of Shrewsbury. Halston was his birth-place, -and he resided there for many years. He was a zealous and untiring -leader of the parliament forces under the Commonwealth, and gave his days -and nights to the Protector’s cause; but he lived long enough to realize -the truth of the poet’s exclamation, - - “How wretched is the man that hangs on Princes’ favours!” - -He saw men of inferior talent, but ostentatious in profession, placed -over him in rank, and had to suffer the penalty which many others paid -for their attachment to Cromwell—the neglect and indifference of the -party whom he had so long delighted to serve, and the favour of the -Protector extended to sycophants and flatterers. - -The late John Mytton, Esq., was the last member but one of the family who -possessed the Halston estates. This unfortunate gentleman passed a brief -life in folly and dissipation, and closed his existence with an -unenviable notoriety. On reaching his majority he found himself the -owner of immense wealth, in money and landed property. Under pernicious -influences he plunged into extravagance, recklessly squandered away his -patrimony, and in a few years became the inmate of a gaol, - - “Deserted at his utmost need, - By those his former bounty fed.” - -He drew his last breath within the gloomy walls of a prison, at the early -age of thirty-eight, and was interred, with his ancestors, in the -burial-ground at Halston Chapel. - -It is painful to advert to so lamentable a career and so distressing an -end. But, whilst we point to Mr. Mytton’s ruinous habits, we cannot -withhold the acknowledgment that he had redeeming qualities. Like most -men of his pursuits, he often found the means he possessed too limited -for his own wants; yet occasionally he would perform noble and generous -deeds, that might be classed with the purest benevolence. His mental -calibre was of no common order. Had he been rightly disciplined in his -youth, and trained to habits of self-denial and literary improvement, his -life might have been honourable, and extended to a good old age. “It was -the misfortune of John Mytton,” as a county historian observes, “to lose -his father in his infancy, and it is remarkable that the heirs of the -house of Halston have for several generations been orphans.” - -Mr. Mytton was High Sheriff of Salop in 1823, and represented Shrewsbury -in the last parliament of George III., being elected May 23rd, 1819. He -was a candidate the second time for the same borough, in March, 1820, the -other candidates being Panton Corbet, Esq., and the Hon. Henry Grey -Bennett, but was then defeated. His Parliamentary career was therefore -but of short duration; but brief and useless as it was, it cost him many -thousand pounds, to raise which a large portion of his Shrewsbury and -other property had to be sold. - -Mr. Mytton married in 1818, soon after he became of age, a daughter of -Sir Thomas Jones, and sister of the late Sir Thomas John Tyrwhitt Jones, -of Stanley Hall, near Bridgenorth, by whom he had one daughter only, who -is now the wife of Captain Clement Hill, a brother of Lord Hill. Mrs. -Mytton died in 1820, and in the following year he married Caroline, one -of the daughters of Thomas Giffard, Esq., of Chillington, in the county -of Stafford, by whom he had an eldest son John, (who sold the Halston -estate to Mr. Wright,) and several other children. Mrs. Mytton survived -her husband, but at her death, although from Mr. Mytton’s erratic habits -she had been compelled to separate herself from him, she was, at her own -request, laid in the grave at Halston by his side. - -The Halston Estate was purchased in April 1847 by the late Edmund Wright, -Esq., of Manchester, from the present Mr. Mytton. The property was -offered for sale by auction on the 13th of that month, at Dee’s Royal -Hotel, Birmingham. At Mr. Wright’s death it came into the possession of -his son, Edmund Wright, Esq., the present worthy owner. Since his -possession of the estate he has greatly improved it. Additions have been -made to the house, and he has otherwise rendered it more convenient and -ornamental. The park has been thoroughly drained, four feet in depth, -within the last three or four years, the main drain being carried -underneath the upper pool, by which means an ample fall for the efficient -working of the drain is secured. - - - -KNOCKIN. - - -We briefly notice this place, from its antiquity, and having possessed a -castle, erected in the reign of Henry II. Knockin is in the hundred of -Oswestry, as already stated; is a rectory discharged, in the diocese of -St. Asaph, and the deanery of Marchia. It is situated five and a half -miles south-east of Oswestry. The origin of the name is not known. -There is no mention of it in Domesday Book, nor in any of the British -Chronicles before the Conquest. Camden refers to it but with brevity. -The castle was built by Lord L’Estrange, the first of whose family was -Guy L’Estrange (Guido Extraneous,) a younger son of the Duke of Bretagne. -He had three sons, Guy, Hamon, and John, all of whom held lands in -Shropshire by gift from Henry II. The younger Guy was Sheriff of Salop -from the sixth to the eleventh of Henry II.; and again from the -seventeenth to the twenty-first of Henry II., Ralph, his son, gave (the -first of Richard II.) the chapel of Knockin to the canons of Haughmond. -He left no issue, and his three sisters became his co-heiresses. John, -grandson of Guy, in the thirty-third of Henry III., procured a market for -the town on a Tuesday, and a fair on the eve-day and day after the -anniversary of the decollation of St. John the Baptist. Madog, who was -at the head of an insurrection against the king’s officers in North -Wales, marched against the Lord Strange, and defeated him at Knockin. -The male line of the family failed in John Le Strange, who died in the -seventeenth of Edward IV., leaving an only daughter, Joan, who married -George, son and heir of Thomas Stanley, who was created Earl of Derby by -Henry VII. The castle was first demolished in the civil wars in the -reign of King John, and repaired by John Le Strange in the third of Henry -III. The title of Knockin is still kept up, though the family is -extinct, the eldest son in the Derby family being styled Lord Strange. -The castle was long since a heap of ruins, and scarcely a vestige of it -remains to be seen. The materials of which it was composed were worked -up to build the church-walls, &c.; and, “tell it not in Gath, publish it -not in the streets of Askelon!” cart-loads of the stones were carried -away to repair the roads! The Poor-rate return for the parish gives the -following statements:—Acreage, 1,384; gross rental, £2,131; rateable -value assessed to the relief of the poor, £1,916. - - - -LLANYMYNECH - - -Is situated about six miles from Oswestry, on the turnpike-road leading -from thence to Welshpool. The parish contains one township, _Carreg -Hofa_ (Offa’s stone,) which, although detached from, yet is within the -county of Denbigh, but attached to Montgomeryshire for election and other -purposes. The other two townships, Llwyntidman and Treprenal, are within -the county of Salop, but on the borders of Montgomeryshire. The church -is dedicated to St. Agatha. Patron,—the Bishop of St. Asaph. The -present Rector is the Rev. John Luxmoore. In the chancel is a monument -to the memory of the wife and daughter of George Griffith, Bishop of St. -Asaph, who had been Rector of this parish whilst Canon of that Chapter. -He was of the House of Penrhyn, in Caernarvonshire, and was consecrated -to the above See in October 1660, in reward for his piety and great -sufferings in the royal cause. A tablet, in another part of the church, -has the following singular inscription:—“Randolph Worthington, died in -the West Indies, _of the yellow fever_, _nobly fighting for his king and -country_.” The church and village are beautifully situated on a gentle -slope above the river Vyrnwy, and from Llanymynech Hill present the -appearance of a charming Swiss scene. Various interpretations of the -name of the village are given. Some etymological writers have said that -the word Llanymynech means “the Village of the Miners,” whilst others -contend that it signifies “the Church of the Monks, or Monkstown.” Since -the invasion of the Romans the hill has been known as mineral ground, so -that the origin of the name “Village of the Miners,” is easily -understood. A monastery is said to have been in existence here at an -early date, and hence “the Church of the Monks,” &c. - - [Picture: Llanymynech church] - -An ancient mansion called CARREG HOFA CASTLE once stood in the parish, -but was demolished about the beginning of the 13th century. Having been -built of wood, not a vestige of the Castle remains. A foss, to guard the -most inaccessible approach on the east, is the only index left. It was -taken and pillaged in 1162, by the two cousins Owen Cyveiliog and Owen ab -Madog. The latter kept possession of it for twenty-five years, and was -eventually slain in it by Gwenwynwyn and Cadwallon, sons of Owen -Cyveiliog. - -_Offa’s Dyke_ separates the parish into two nearly equal parts, and -continues its course as described in page 10. The river _Morda_ divides -the parish on the east from Kinnerley, and on the north it joins the -parish of Oswestry. - -_Llanymynech Hill_ is an extensive tract of land, on the limestone -formation, comprising about 160 acres. It belongs to F. R. West, Esq., -M.P., and the minerals upon it are leased to the “_Carreg Hova Copper and -Lead Mining Company_.” The limestone rocks, part of which are 900 feet -in height, are worked by another Company, and large quantities of fine -limestone are annually raised and sold, principally for agricultural -purposes, in Shropshire and Montgomeryshire. The ores raised from the -hill are carbonates, sulphurets, and oxides of copper, carbonate of lead, -and calamine (carbonate of zinc). On the north-west side of the hill are -the remains of ancient surface mines, supposed to have been of Roman -origin, and from vitrifications near this spot, there is no doubt that -the Roman miners smelted their copper there in jars on open hearths. -Near these old workings is an immense cave or level, known in the -district by the name of the _Ogo_, from the Welsh _Ogof_—(a cave). Its -windings are so numerous and intricate, that many years back the -labourers, attempting to explore its mazes, were bewildered in the -effort, and a number of miners, who had been sent in search of them, -discovered them lying prostrate on the ground, in despair of ever again -seeing the light of day. Skeletons, various utensils, and coins of -Constantine and Vespasian, Antoninus and Faustina, have been found within -and about the _Ogo_. One of these skeletons had a battle-axe by its -side, and a bracelet of glass beads, like the druidical rings or beads -called _glain neidr_, (the _ova anguinum_ of Pliny,) and another with a -golden bracelet encircling the wrist. In 1849 two other skeletons were -found buried in trenches near the _Ogo_, by the side of one of which lay -a strong battle-axe, formed of mixed metal, but sharp at the edge. These -skeletons were of a very large size, the bones evidently being those of -remarkably tall men. The late Mr. J. F. M. Dovaston explored the _Ogo_ -several years ago, and declared that none of the paths extend more than -two hundred yards from the entrance. Great quantities of human bones -were found in many parts, especially where the cavern becomes wide and -lofty, and this fact induced the belief that the place, at some early -period, was a refuge in battle or a depository for the dead. For years -it was commonly believed in the district that this labyrinth communicated -by subterraneous paths with Carreg-Hofa Castle; and some persons have -exercised their imagination so largely as to declare that, while in the -far recesses of the cave, they have heard the rivers Vyrnwy and Tanat -rolling over their heads, and that the said labyrinth actually leads down -to fairy-land! - -On the eastern brow of the hill there formerly stood a Cromlech, -measuring seven feet by six, and eighteen inches thick. It was called by -the Welsh people “_Bedd-y-Cawr_,” or the _Giant’s Grave_; and under it, -according to tradition, a giant’s wife was buried, with a golden torques -about her neck. To search for this treasure three brothers named Paine, -who lived in the neighbourhood some years ago, threw down the stone from -its pedestal. - -The prospect from Llanymynech Hill is indisputably one of the finest in -the kingdom. On the Welsh side are seen the summits of mountains, rising -in every variety of ridge, the distant in the softest azure, and the -nearer in the most brilliant verdure, with hanging woods, fertile -meadows, and the brightly-shining rivers, Vyrnwy and Tanat, uniting in -the valley below, and sweeping their sunny waters to join the Severn, -under the abrupt and bold rocks of the Breiddin range of mountains. At a -considerable distance, when enlightened by the sun, may be seen the -glistening water-fall of Pistill Rhaiadr. Turning towards England the -expansive Vale of Shropshire is seen richly wooded, and profuse in -luxurious vegetation, terminated by the column and spires of Shrewsbury, -the Wrekin, and the far distant hills of Staffordshire and Cheshire. In -a northerly direction the Shropshire Union Canal is seen glitteringly -interlacing the rich meadow land; the graceful lake at Llynclis peeps out -amidst over-shading trees; and the ancient tower of Oswestry parish -church completes the diversified and enchanting series of landscapes. We -lately heard a visitor from Switzerland, just arrived at Llanymynech Hill -from that far-famed picturesque country, declare that he had seen nothing -in the land of William Tell to compare with the beauty and grandeur of -the scene before him. Enraptured with the prospects, he enthusiastically -exclaimed, as the celebrated Lord Lyttleton had done on viewing Festiniog -Vale, “With the woman one loves, with the friend of one’s heart, and a -good library of books, one might pass an age here, and think it a day!” - -To the south-west lies Carreg Hofa Hall, formerly the pleasant retreat of -Sir Thomas Jones, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and representative -for Shrewsbury in 1660. It came into the possession of Sir J. T. -Tyrwhitt Jones, Bart., Usher of the Black Rod, and father of the first -wife of the late John Mytton, Esq., of Halston. Further in the same -direction is Pentre Heilyn, the seat of the Heilyn family, some members -of which occupy a distinguished place in Cambrian biography. Below the -western brow of the hill is Aber Tanat, formerly the seat of the Tanats, -or Tanads, descended from Einion, who took their name from the river -Tanat, near their house, for the same reason as the Mostyns, the Glynnes, -&c., to avoid the redundancy of _Aps_. Blodwel, a little farther north, -was the graceful theme of bards and minstrels when Welsh song and music -went joyously hand in hand. Llwyn-y-groes, formerly the seat of the late -John Evans, M.D., (but now of Richard Nightingale Broughton, Esq.,) -viewed also from the hill, claims special notice. Dr. Evans was popular -in the literary world, and his didactic poem, “_The Bee_,” enriched with -instructive notes, philosophical and botanical, is still read with -delight. Dr. Evans was father of the author of “_The Rectory of -Valehead_,” a work which obtained public favour, and still holds its -place as a literary production of high merit. The late Mr. Robert Baugh, -of Llanymynech, was another distinguished parishioner. He officiated for -many years as clerk of the parish, but his talents as a land surveyor and -draughtsman procured for him a high reputation. His large map of -Shropshire, a work honourable to his talents, is still referred to for -its accuracy. - -The identification of the Roman encampment at _Clawdd Coch_, in the -parish of Llanymynech, with the ancient _Mediolanum_, is still a -disputable point. A learned antiquary, the Rev. R. W. Evans, Vicar of -Heversham (son of the late Dr. Evans), considers that such identification -is clearly established; and the late Rev. Peter Roberts, who had viewed -the place, “would fain insist, in conversation, that it was the identical -spot where Mediolanum once quartered the legions of ambitious Rome.” The -late Rev. Walter Davies, no mean authority on questions of antiquity, -paid much attention to the subject, and after personal inspection of -Clawdd Coch, came to the conclusion that Mediolanum is still among the -_terræ incognitæ_. - -The following is the estimated extent, gross rental, and rateable value -of this parish:— - - Estimated extent. Gross rental. Rateable value. -Townships of A. R. P. £ S. D. £ S. D. -Llwyntidman, County of 1052 3 29 2227 4 10 2227 4 10 -Salop. -Treprenal, County of 227 2 16 309 16 0 309 16 0 -Salop. -Carreghofa, County of 1221 3 8 2224 15 6 1968 6 6 -Denbigh, now annexed to -Montgomery. - Total 2502 1 23 4761 16 4 4505 7 4 - -LLANFORDA, - - -The residence of the Right Hon. Sir Henry Watkin Williams Wynn, K.C.B. -and G.C.H., is situated one mile and a half west of Oswestry. The -original estate was part of the possession of Einion Evell, Lord of -Cynllaeth and Mochnant, from whom it descended, together with -Llwyn-y-Maen, to Ievan Vychan, constable of Knockin, whose heiress, -Agnes, carried it into the family of the Lloyds, by her marriage with -Maurice Lloyd, of whom the Welsh records give the following account:— - - “The said Maurice Lloyd ab Bleddyn Lloyd, finding himself much - oppressed by the English Laws, did kill one of the judges and hanged - divers other officers on oak trees in Uch-dûlas, upon whose - conviction his lands and inheritance in Denbigh-land were escheated - to the Crown, and so still remains for most part to this day, and - known by the name of the said Maurice Lloyd; and he for his safeguard - withdrew himself to the sanctuary of Halston, in the county of Salop, - and there betook himself to the protection of John Fitz-Alan, Lord of - Oswestry and Clunne, and after Earl of Arundel. By the said Earl’s - commission he levied a great number of soldiers out of the said - Earl’s Lordships and Hundreds in the marches of Wales, and made the - said Maurice Lloyd Captain over them, and the said Earl of Arundel - being then General of the English forces, the King of England sent - them to assist the Emperor in the Holy Warre against the Turke, in - which service, at the scaling of, and entering, the breach at the - siege of Acon, the Emperor’s colours were taken by the enemies, and - recovered back by the said Maurice Lloyd, and brought again by him to - the Emperor, in reward of whose valour and faithful service therein - the Emperor gave him the coat of the house of Austria, only changing - the field for his first coat in his achievements before the parental - coat of Hedd Moelwynog.” - -The bearing thus acquired, and constantly used by his descendants, was -the imperial eagle in a field sable. From Maurice Lloyd the Llanforda -property descended to Richard Lloyd, who, dying in 1508, divided the -estate, and left Llanforda to his eldest son John, and Llwyn-y-maen to -his second son Edward. Llanforda eventually passed from the hands of -this family, Edward Lloyd, a man of dissolute character, having sold it -to the first Sir William Williams, Speaker of the House of Commons in the -two last Parliaments of Charles II., about the year 1685, in whose -posterity (the Wynnstay family) it has since continued. The Edward Lloyd -just mentioned was father, as we have stated in our Biographical notices, -of the celebrated scholar and antiquary, Edward Llwyd. There was -formerly a church at Llanforda, but it was suppressed by Rynerus, Bishop -of St. Asaph. The river Morda passes close to the estate. - -Sir Henry Wynn is a Privy Councillor, and for twenty-five years filled -the important office of Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court at -Copenhagen. He is also a magistrate for the county of Salop. - - - -LLANSILIN - - -Is situated in the county of Denbigh, but the parish being on the -confines of Salop, and near to Oswestry, a brief notice here will not be -inappropriate. The parish has numerous historical associations. It was -the birthplace of Morris Kyffin, the learned translator into Welsh of -Bishop Jewell’s Apology; of Charles Edwards, the pious author of -“_Hanes-y-Fydd_,” a history of Christianity; of John Davies, author of -“Heraldry Displayed;” and of Hugh Morris, the eminent Welsh poet and -song-writer. Glasgoed, a seat of the Kyffins (the last heiress of which -married Sir William Williams, Speaker of the House of Commons), is now -the property of Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart.; and Plasnewydd, an ancient and -pleasant residence, once the property of the Chirk Castle family, belongs -to Thomas Hughes, Esq., who resides there. The late Rev. Walter Davies -contends, in his historical notice of Llansilin, that Owen Glyndwr “was -an inhabitant at least, if not a native of this parish.” Pennant makes -Sycharth, situated in the valley of the Dee, about three miles below -Corwen, as the mansion of Owen, whilst Mr. Davies fixes the Sycharth, in -the parish of Llansilin, as another of Owen’s houses. He says, “in the -year 1792 I had the curiosity to visit this spot (Sycharth) in -Glyndyfrdwy, and also another place called, and universally known by the -name of Sycharth, in this parish of Llansilin; and when I returned to Mr. -Pennant’s volume, I entered in the margin, opposite the name -Sycharth,—‘Sycharth, the seat of Owain Glyndwr, described by Iolo Goch, -in his Invitation Poem, is in the parish of Llansilin, about twelve miles -to the south by east of Glyndyfrdwy.’” Mr. Davies adds, “As Owain was -baron of two townships, no one will deny his having a seat in each; one -on the Dee in Glyndyfrdwy, the other on the Cynllaeth, in this -(Llansilin) parish.”—In the church there is a fine monument of the first -Sir William Williams, Speaker of the House of Commons.—The present Vicar -is the Rev. Walter Jones.—The Poor-rate return for the present year -(1855,) gives the acreage at 13,000; gross rental, £11,880 13s. 10d.; -rateable value assessed to the relief of the poor, £1,070 16s. 2d. - - - -LLANYBLODWEL, - - -Although now included in the county of Salop, is nevertheless on the -borders of Montgomeryshire, and is in the diocese of St. Asaph. It is a -rectory (_cum cap. Morton_), dedicated to St. Michael, and is valued in -the King’s books at £39 5s. Patron, the Bishop of St. Asaph. It is -situated six miles from Oswestry, on the east side of the river, below -Abercynllaeth, and above Aber-tanat. In Domesday Book it is called -_Bodowan-ham_, and in an old deed of the Fitz-Alans _Blodwel_ (dated in -the time of Henry 6th,) _Vawre Villata_, which means “the village of -Great Blodwel.” Welsh etymologists contend that the name of the place is -derived from _Blodau_, a flower, the spring there being very early; -whilst other writers say that the name originated in the Saxon “blood” -and “wold,” in consequence of the bloody and inhuman battle fought there -between the Mercians and the Cymry (or Welsh). In this parish is -Blodwel-Hall, the deserted seat of the Tanats, descended from Einion. -The heiress of the house, Jane, married John Matthews, of Court, and the -heiress of the Matthewses, Ursula, married Sir John Bridgman, grandson to -the Lord-Keeper, Sir Orlando, and ancestor to the present Earl of -Bradford, who inherits the estate. The rector of the parish is the Rev. -John Parker, son of the late Thomas Netherton Parker, Esq., of Sweeney -Hall, near Oswestry, and distinguished for his taste in ecclesiastical -architecture and decorations. - - - -PARK HALL, - - -In the parish of Whittington, the residence of Richard Henry Kinchant, -Esq., is situated a little more than a mile east from Oswestry, and about -the same distance from Whittington. It is one of those ancient timber -mansions, few of which are now remaining in England, perhaps none in so -perfect a state of preservation, and exhibits a fine specimen of the -domestic architecture of bye-gone days. The estate on which it stands -formed a portion, in ages past, of the once extensive and densely-wooded -park appertaining to Whittington Castle, when that ancient stronghold -could boast as its possessors in succession the powerful baronial -families of Tudor Trevor, Peverel, Gwarine de Metz, and Fitz-Alan. - - [Picture: Park Hall] - -In those somewhat rare and beautifully-delineated maps of English -counties, by Saxton, published in 1577, it is styled “_The Park Hall_.” -This very singular and time-honoured structure is presumed to have been -built in the reign of Queen Mary (1553–8), by Robert ap Howell, otherwise -Robert Powell, the first of that name seated at Park, son of Howel ap -Griffith, of Oswestry, descended from a younger son of Ievan Vychan, of -Abertanat, a junior branch of the royal line of Powys. It remained in -this family until the death of Thomas Powell, High Sheriff in 1717; his -line terminated in an heiress, Jane Powell, who sold the estate to Sir -Francis Charlton, Bart., of Ludford, in the county of Hereford. -Subsequently this property and that of Blundel Hall, near Bishop’s -Castle, became vested in the Kinchant family, by the marriage of John -Quinchant (as the name was then spelt), of Stone House, near Ludlow, -Shropshire, a Captain in the 32nd Regiment of Infantry, with Emma -Charlton, daughter of the before-mentioned Sir Francis Charlton. By this -marriage the present possessor of Park derives his pedigree from the -Princes of Powys-land. - -The house is 126 feet in length, the façade presenting numerous pointed -gables, terminating in pinnacles. The entrance to the Hall is through a -porch, and over the original oak door, which is of considerable -thickness, and studded with large square-headed nails, is the following -inscription, carved on stone, the letters in bold relief:—“Quod tibi -fieri non vis alteri ne feceris.” The chimnies, of solid brick-work, are -quadrangular, a small space intervening between each, and crowned with a -heavy mass of masonry uniting them together, and so placed as to present -an angle to each of the cardinal points: thus formed they have resisted -the tempests of three centuries. The hall is wainscoated, and is 33ft. -long by 23ft. wide: it contains several old family portraits of the -Charlton and Kinchant families. There is an oak table in it, cut from -one plank, resting on massive turned pillars; the length is 23ft. by 4ft. -in width, and 2½ inches thick: at one end is carved the date—1581. Over -a door in the hall, leading to the great staircase, the arms of Powell, -Needham, and Corbet, are painted in separate panels, of a deeply-recessed -oak moulding. Thomas Powell, of Park Hall, who died in 1588, married -Mary, daughter of Sir Robert Corbet, Knight, of Moreton Corbet, and his -son, Robert Powell, married Anne, daughter of Robert Needham, Esq., of -Shavington, sister of the first Viscount Kilmorrey. The large -dining-room is beautifully wainscoated in diamond-shaped panels, and the -mantel-piece is a noble specimen of rich oak carving. It bears the date -1640, with this motto carved on a scroll:—“_Nec vi nec vento_.” A -Colonel Jones, of Shropshire, engaged with Cromwell’s army, bore this -motto on his banner, yet it does not appear that he ever resided at Park, -or was connected with the Powell family. The ceiling is a fine example -of plaster-work, and, as there appears no date upon it, is probably -coeval with the house. It is ornamented with figures of birds, horses, -and stags, and the central compartment has a representation in bold -relief, of Neptune and his attendant Tritons. The great staircase, -leading to the drawing-room, long gallery, and bedrooms, is a good -specimen of the style of the 16th century; the balustrade of massive oak, -the strong upright pillars, having pointed finials, are carved with a T -like ornament, such as is of common occurrence on the ancient stone -crosses of Wales. Underneath the window, on the first landing-place, is -carved this sentence:—“Accurate cogita immutabilia.” Here are also two -fine paintings, the one by Holbein, representing the great reformers, -Luther, Wyckliffe, Melancthon, and others, seated round a table; the -other painting a boar hunt, after Schneider. The upper rooms are all -wainscoated, and abound in elaborately-carved old oak furniture, some -bearing dates early in the 17th century. The gallery, extending nearly -the entire length of the house, is hung with several old family -portraits. There is a beautiful little chapel abutting on the west wing -of the house; the windows are stained glass, the interior is wainscoated, -and the whole arched over with oak panelling; over the entrance is carved -on stone these words:—“Petra et ostium Christus est.” There is a gallery -to the chapel, approached by a door from the drawing-room. On the south -side of the garden is a terrace of considerable length, and in the centre -stands a remarkable sun-dial, in stone, bearing several Latin -inscriptions, alluding to the rapid flight of time: on the pediment is -the date 1578. All the letters and figures on this stone, and all that -are found in various parts round the house, are carved in relief. This -dial fronts the south, and has no less than seven complete dials on it. -On the terrace are likewise the fragments of several large stones and -dials, bearing inscriptions in Latin. - -In the List of the High Sheriffs of Shropshire will be found the -following names, owners of Park Hall:— - -Robert Powell 1647 -Thomas Powell 1717 -Job Charlton 1748 -John Charlton Kinchant 1775 -Richard Henry Kinchant 1846 - -PORKINGTON, - - -Situated about a mile from Oswestry, to the right of the road leading to -the race-course, is the seat of William Ormsby Gore, Esquire, M.P. for -North Shropshire. This delightful estate is associated with some of the -most interesting incidents in the history of North Wales, and has for -years been viewed as one of the great land-marks of the chequered history -of the Welsh border. It derives its name from “Castell Brogyntyn,” a -fortress of the celebrated Owen Brogyntyn, a natural son of Madog ab -Meredydd ab Bleddyn, Prince of half of Powys, and who, as a gift from his -father, enjoyed the title of Lord of Edeirnion and Dinmael. He -flourished in the latter part of the twelfth century. The site of the -ancient fort still remains in the shrubberies of Porkington, the moat -filled up serving as a gravel walk, surrounded by plantations. Owen -resided at Brogyntyn, whence he assumed his surname. According to a -drawing in the Mytton collection, the fort was of a circular form, -surrounded by a large earthen dyke and a deep foss, that had two -entrances close to each other, projecting a little from the sides, and -diverging, the end of each being guarded by a semi-lunar curtain. The -name of the fortress and house (for Owen Brogyntyn resided there) was -soon altered into one closely resembling the present, as we find that in -1218 Henry III., in an address to Llywelyn, Prince of Wales, informs him -that, among others, “Bleddyn Filius _Oeni de Porkinton_” had performed -the service he owed to the English Crown. The house was formerly known -also by the name of “_Constables’ Hall_.” The precise date of the change -of name cannot be ascertained. - - [Picture: Porkington] - -Porkington is also historically connected with the distinguished royalist -Sir John Owen, of Cleneney, Caernarvonshire, a man whose history reveals -unshaken fidelity to the unfortunate Charles I., and a courage undaunted -amidst the most trying reverses. A short biography of this eminent man -will not be deemed out of place in these pages. Sir John Owen was the -eldest son of John Owen, Esq. of Cleneney, and was born in 1600. His -father had been secretary to the great Walsingham, and had amassed in his -service a fortune of £10,000, a large sum in those days. He married -Ellen Maurice, the heiress of Cleneney and Porkington, about 1597. Their -son John entered the army, and soon distinguished himself. At the siege -of Bristol he greatly signalized himself, and was severely wounded in -that engagement. Throughout indeed the wars against the Common Wealth he -proved himself a faithful and valiant commander on behalf of the king. -At the famous battle of Llandegai, near Bangor, Caernarvonshire, fortune -declared against him, and he was taken prisoner. This victory was -considered by the Cromwell party of so much importance that Captain -Taylor, who communicated the intelligence to Parliament, was rewarded -with £200 from Sir John’s estate. He was conveyed to Windsor Castle, -where he found incarcerated four of his gallant compatriots, namely, the -Duke of Hamilton, the Earl of Holland, and Lords Goring and Capel. All -these prisoners were put upon trial, and Sir John Owen maintained a firm -and heroic spirit during the enquiry that eventually saved his life. On -being asked by the Court for his defence, he said “he was a plain -gentleman of Wales who had always been taught to obey the king; that he -had served him honestly during the war; and finding many honest subjects -endeavouring to raise forces whereby they might get him out of prison, he -did the like.” He was condemned to lose his head, and at the conclusion -of the sentence he bowed to the Court and gave his humble thanks. A -bye-stander, marking his intrepid conduct, asked him what he meant, when -Sir John replied—“It was a great honor to a poor gentleman of Wales to -lose his head with such noble lords, for he was afraid they would have -hanged him.” Strong remonstrances were made in Parliament on behalf of -the duke and noble lords, but, finding no one speak in favour of Sir John -Owen, Ireton rose as his advocate, and told the house “there was one -person for whom no one spoke a word, and therefore he requested that he -might be saved by the sole motive and goodness of the house.” Ireton’s -appeal was effectual, and Sir John was pardoned after a few months’ -imprisonment, and permitted to return to his native country. He died in -1666, and was buried in Penmorfa Church, Caernarvonshire, where a -monument is erected to his memory. The estates of Sir John Owen are -possessed by his lineal descendant, Mrs. Ormsby Gore, and many -interesting relics of the gallant knight are preserved at Porkington. -Among these are his official seal as Vice Admiral of North Wales, and a -sword given him by Lord Capel with the following inscription:—“Lord -Capel, the day before his execution, presented this sword to Sir John -Owen, by whom, he said, he was convinced it would be worn with honour.” -His portrait is also preserved at Porkington, from which the engraving, -in Pennant’s quarto edition of his tours, was made. - -Porkington is chiefly indebted to the wife of Mr. Ormsby Gore (daughter -and heiress of Owen Ormsby, Esq., who married the daughter of William -Owen, Esq., and Mary Godolphin), for its present beautiful appearance. -The mansion having been built at three several periods presented a -confused mass, until the alterations made by Miss Ormsby conferred on it -a correct Grecian elevation. The present worthy owner assumed on his -marriage the name of Ormsby, prefixed to his own, and has added largely -to the demesne, and to the well-timbered and romantic appearance of the -hills which environ the rear of the building, the sight from the -north-east and south giving extensive views over the counties of Denbigh, -Chester, and Salop. - -On the pediment of the portico are the arms of the present possessors in -_alto-relievo_. The principal stair-case is lighted by a dome of stained -glass, exhibiting the names and arms of different proprietors, with the -dates of their occupancy, and the names and arms also of various -heiresses connected therewith, namely, Laken, Maurice, Owen, Anwyl, -Wynne, Godolphin, Ormsby and Gore. The reception rooms are furnished -with remarkable elegance and taste. In the saloon is the full-length -portrait of Mrs. Siddons, a singularly-faithful likeness, and also a -curious painting on panel, being the only portion saved of the -Altar-piece of Valle Crucis Abbey. - -The views from the Terrace at Porkington are extensive and highly -picturesque, displaying a variety of rich landscape scenery. In the -foreground (now attached to the Porkington estate) is _Old Oswestry_, the -_Hen Dinas_ of the Welsh, (and in still more ancient periods Caer -Ogyr-fan, from Ogyr-fan, a hero contemporary with Arthur,) a densely -wooded hill, and supposed to have been a strong fortification of British -or Roman origin. It is situated on the range of Watts’ Dyke, which -served as a boundary to the neutral ground on the Welsh side. It is -surrounded by three deep entrenchments, one above the other, in which are -two passes, north and south, to ascend to a very extended plain on the -top of the whole, encompassed with fortifications &c., comprising upwards -of forty-two acres of land. The sides of the entrenchments are closely -wooded, and carefully preserved by Mr. Ormsby Gore, who has also planted -an adjacent hill on the other side of the valley. - -The parish of Selattyn, in which Porkington stands, is divided into two -townships, deriving their names from the same source, namely, _Upper -Porkington_ and _Lower Porkington_. - - - -SELATTYN & HENGOED. - - -SELATTYN, - - -Or Sylattin, is a parish in the upper division of Oswestry, a rectory -remaining in charge, in the diocese of St. Asaph and the deanery of -Marchia. The village is situated about two miles from the Great Western -Railway Station at Preesgwene, and three miles north-west of Oswestry. -The population of the parish has greatly increased within the last forty -years, much land, hitherto waste, has been brought into a profitable -state of cultivation, and many neat and convenient cottages have been -built. During the long residence in the parish of the late Rev. G. N. K. -Lloyd, rector, who died in his sixtieth year, on the 17th January, 1846, -the social condition of his parishioners was greatly improved, as he was -constantly engaged for their benefit in every “good word and work.” In -October 1846 a water-ram was erected at the expense of his nephew, the -Rev. Albany R. Lloyd; by which means the water is forced up, from a fine -spring some distance off, to the rectory, and on towards the village, for -the convenience and comfort of the inhabitants. - - [Picture: Selattyn Church] - -The village is romantically situated. The church and school, the small -collection of dwellings, with the little picturesque valley leading to -it, and the brook, which empties itself into the Morlas, rolling its -limpid stream over a rocky and pebbly bed, are all delightful features of -the scene. In the church-yard some beautiful and aged ash-trees expand -their immense arms over the precipice beneath, while a noble avenue of -lime trees adorns the northern side, and several lofty firs enrich the -southern. There are also several ancient yews, which add solemnity to -this interesting spot. On the hills above Selattyn are two large -carneddu, with lesser ones near to them. - -The erection of the steeple of the church was commenced upon in 1703. In -1821 a north transept was added to the fabric, and in 1828 the south -transept was built. A new organ, built by Bryceson, was placed in the -church in 1847. - -A whimsical derivation of the name of the place is given by the late John -Davies, Esq., Recorder of Oswestry:—“A schoolmaster having set up here, -and finding that few pupils attended, imagined that people did not know -of him, but passed on to Oswestry, wrote over his door, ‘I sell Latin!’” -Whether this was veritably the origin of the name we are unable to prove, -but, as Mr. Davies adds, “if not the best, it is not worse than some -derivations which may be found.” - -We subjoin a list of the rectors of the parish since 1537, including the -appointment of the fiery meteor Sacheverell, whose career we have noticed -in preceding pages:— - - -LIST OF RECTORS. - -John ap Robert — -Robert Stanley 1537 -T. Thomas 1556 -Robert Powell 1557 -Richard Price 1578 -Thomas Topperly 1587 -William Horton (Vicar of Oswestry) — -Rowland Thackerly 1592 -Henry Jones 1600 -James Wilding 1610 -Thomas Wilding 1666 -John Jones 1681 -Henry Sacheverell, D.D. 1713 -William Daker 1713 -Thomas Hammer 1719 -William Roberts 1780 -John Robert Lloyd — -Whitehall Whitehall Davies 1801 -George Newton Kynaston Lloyd 1810 -Charles Arthur Albany Lloyd (Rector of Whittington) 1846 -Henry James Lloyd 1852 -John Husband 1853 - -HENGOED, - - -In the parish of Selattyn, is situated about two miles north of Oswestry, -and has derived much interest from the recent erection of a neat and -convenient church, dedicated to St. Barnabas, built chiefly at the -expense of the Rev. Albany Rossendale Lloyd, the present much-respected -Incumbent, aided by a few subscriptions. The foundation-stone was laid -by the Rev. A. R. Lloyd, Aug. 16th, 1849; the church was opened for -divine service June 11, 1850; and was consecrated by the Right Rev. Dr. -Thomas Voule, Bishop of St. Asaph, August 15th, 1853. A district, with a -population of about 650 persons, has been legally assigned to this -church, and was duly gazetted January 31st, 1854. An excellent -Sunday-school is attached to the church, and was originally used, until -the present church was completed, as a place for divine worship. - - * * * * * - -The amount rated to the poor for the parish of Selattyn, for the year -ending 25th March, 1855, was 1s. 3d. in the pound. The annual rental of -the land and buildings is fixed at £6,974; rateable value, £6,501 6s. -8d.; and the estimated extent of acreage, 5,434a. 3r. 13p. - - - -ST. MARTIN’S - - -Is a parish situated about five miles from, and in the hundred of -Oswestry. It is a vicarage discharged, in the diocese of St. Asaph, and -deanery of Marchia. The great tithes were given by one of the Fitz-Alans -to the Monastery of Oswestry, _Album-Monasterium_. They afterwards -became the property of the Duke of Powis, and now belong in part to -Viscount Dungannon. The living is a vicarage, and is valued at £9 8s. -8d., but, having received Queen Anne’s Bounty, is discharged from -payments. The church is dedicated to St. Martin. The tower is a -handsome building of freestone, but the body of the church is of rubble -stone, and very inferior in appearance. In 1811 the church was new -pewed, when a gallery was also erected, and the same year the late Lord -Dungannon made a present of an organ. In the roof of the chancel were -several beautiful wood-carved images, but they were destroyed by some -merciless churchwarden. The Bishop of St. Asaph had a palace here, but -Owen Glyndwr burnt it when he laid waste the county of Salop. In the -Mostyn library is a Welsh manuscript on parchment, of the life of St. -Martin. It was translated from the Latin by John Trevor, a writer who -flourished between 1430 and 1470. In the parish are two schools, one -founded by William ab Royd, Merchant Taylor, for fifteen poor children, -and the other by the late Viscountess Dungannon, on the Lancasterian -plan, for twenty poor girls. The poor-rate return for the year 1855 -shows that the acreage of the parish is 5,315; the gross rental, £10,016 -13s. 9d.; and the rateable value, £9,534 4s. 3d. The present Vicar is -the Rev. William Hurst. - -In the village called _The Lodge_, in this parish, a school was erected -in the year 1851, and has been productive of much good among the humbler -portion of the inhabitants. - - * * * * * - -In the parish of St. Martin’s there are several beautiful residences, -among which may be enumerated _Preesgwene_, _The Quinta_, _Tyn-y-Rhos_, -and _Greenfield Lodge_. - -PREESGWENE HOUSE is historically connected with the Border Lands. It is -the property and residence of J. R. Powell, Esq., is a neat mansion, -embosomed in rich foliage, and situated four and a half miles from -Oswestry. The house was built in the sixteenth century, by E. Phillips, -Esq., an ancestor of the present possessor. The Rev. Robert Williams, in -his “_Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Welshmen_,” states that “Gwên, -the most valiant of the twenty-four sons of Llywarch Hên, was slain on -the ford of Morlas, a brook which rises in Selattyn mountain, near -Oswestry, and flows into the Ceiriog. The name of Gwên is preserved in -Prys Gwên, a gentleman’s residence near the Morlas, in the parish of St. -Martin’s.” Llywarch Hên is said to have died in the parish of Llanvor, -near Bala, where a secluded place called _Pabell_, or the cot of Llywarch -Hên, is still pointed out. He was a British Prince by birth, and a -distinguished bard, as already stated. [See pp. 8 and 9.] - -THE QUINTA was for many years the residence of the late Hon. Frederick -West, (a gentleman whose virtues and honour endeared him to all who had -the privilege of his acquaintance,) by whom it was greatly improved. -This delightful estate was purchased by Thomas Barnes, Esq., M.P., for -Bolton, Lancashire, one of the most successful manufacturers of that -county. In his hands the property has undergone still further -improvements. - -TYN-Y-RHOS, the seat of the Rev. John Croxon Phillips, is an ancient -mansion. In 1164, the reign of Henry II., Owen (or Owain) Gwynedd, -Prince of North Wales, slept at this house, and granted to the owner -certain privileges already described. [See p. 24.] - -GREENFIELD LODGE is a pleasantly-situated villa, the property, and -formerly the residence of F. W. Smith, Esq., Agent to F. R. West, Esq., -M.P. The house is approached by a remarkably fine avenue. - - - -WEST FELTON - - -Parish comprises many beautiful residences, including PRADOE, the seat of -the Hon. Mrs. Kenyon (widow of the late Hon. Thomas Kenyon, third son of -Chief Justice Lord Kenyon); WOODHOUSE, the fine old mansion of W. Mostyn -Owen, Esq.; TEDSMERE, a house belonging to T. B. Bulkley Owen, Esq.; and -“THE NURSERY,” formerly the residence of J. F. M. Dovaston, Esq., but now -possessed by John Dovaston, Esq., the inheritor of the Poet’s estates. -The parish church is dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, and is of -great antiquity, the nave being of Norman date. Within the last few -years a new aisle on the north side, in the early English style, has been -erected. At the east end of it there is an elegant triplet filled with -stained glass of early English character, displaying scriptural subjects -in medallions. Other improvements have been made in the church from -designs by Mr. G. G. Scott. Near Haughton, in this parish, large -quantities of earthenware have been discovered, of various colours, blue, -red, green, and yellow, and highly glazed. Their origin or purpose -remains a mystery, but is still worthy of antiquarian investigation. -Sandford Hall, in this parish, was formerly the residence of the -celebrated “Bumper Squire Jones,” the hero of the once popular song of -that name. - -The present rector is the Rev. T. Hunt. According to the poor-rate -return for 1855 the acreage of the parish is 5,989 acres 2 roods; the -gross rental £10,048 10s.; and the rateable value assessed to the relief -of the poor, £7,948 6s. - - - -WHITTINGTON, - - -Is a charming village, possessing all the beauties which give pleasure to -the lovers of inland rustic scenery. Picturesque cottages, neat -dwellings for people in retired circumstances, good-looking farmers’ -homesteads, the village church, in silent repose, surrounded by its -grave-yard, and finally, the vestiges of its ancient Castle, once the -baronial and stately residence of the renowned Norman Chief Fitz-Gwarine, -and the scene of many a romantic story, give to Whittington village a -lively interest in which all who can leisurely view it must participate. -It is situated upon the turnpike-road from Oswestry to Ellesmere, and two -and a-half miles from the former, and five and a-half from the latter. -The Great Western Railway passes through the village, where there is also -a station, the trains stopping there several times a day. - -Its antiquity extends so far back as the year 590, when, as the Welsh -poet Llywarch Hên states, it was known by the name of the _White Town_ -(Drev-Wen.) In the reign of Rhodri Mawr (Roderick the Great,) king of -all Wales, A.D. 843, a British Chieftain (Ynyr ab Cadfarch) built the -Castle, which was afterwards possessed by his son, Tudor Trevor, -subsequently Earl of Hereford. Tudor Trevor’s mother was grand-daughter -to Caradog Vreichvas, who fell in the memorable battle at Rhuddlan Marsh, -A.D. 795. The descendants of Tudor continued in possession of the Castle -for many generations, and several of the leading families in North Wales -can trace their origin to him. At the conquest Whittington became the -property of Pain Peverel, and afterwards of Roger, Earl of Shrewsbury. -The Castle and lordship next passed into the hands of Hugh, and -subsequently of Robert, both sons of Roger, the before-named Earl. On -the defeat and forfeiture of Robert, by an Act of Henry I., the property -was restored to the Peverels, in the person of Sir William Peverel, -distinguished for his noble and valiant enterprises. He had two -daughters; the youngest, named Mellet, of martial spirit, resolved to wed -no one but the knight greatest in valour, and her father published this -declaration, promising Whittington Castle as her dower. This -announcement attracted the attention of many a gallant youth, and soon -afterwards Peverel’s domain at the Peak, near Castleton, Derbyshire, was -the scene of contention for the fair prize. Among the combatants were a -son of the King of Scotland, the Baron Burgoyne, and a noble Lorrainer, -Gwarine de Metz, (Sheriff of Shropshire, and chief Counsellor to the Earl -of Shrewsbury,) the latter of whom appeared with a shield of silver, and -a proud peacock on his crest! To him the spirited Mellet was sincere, he -having been declared victor. The son of this chivalrous pair was “famed -for deeds of arms,” and their posterity, for nine generations, assumed -the christian name of Fulk, and the common name of Fitz-Gwarine. The -Castle of Whittington was possessed by the family from the end of the -reign of Henry I. till the reign of Henry VIII. Gwarine de Metz died in -the reign of Henry I. at Alberbury, the Abbey of which place he had -founded, and there he was interred, his wife, the famous Mellet Peverel, -and her son, the first Fulk Fitz-Gwarine, being present on the affecting -occasion. - -This youth was as distinguished, in the arts of love and war, as his -father. He became desperately enamoured with Hawys, the daughter of Sir -Joos, of Normandy; rescued the father from impending death, while in the -hands of Walter Lacy and Sir Arnold de Lis, two inveterate enemies, and, -as a reward for his gallantry and courage, received the hand in marriage -of his beloved Hawys. Fulk Fitz-Gwarine was heroic in all his -achievements, was knighted by Henry I., made steward of the King’s -Household, and Lieutenant of the Marches. In a skirmish with the Welsh, -under Grufydd ab Cynan, he was defeated, and Whittington Castle fell into -their hands. In the reign of Henry II. peace was made with Owen Gwynedd, -the succeeding Prince of North Wales: the Castle was retained by Owen; -and as some compensation for his loss, Fulk had the manor of Alston, in -Gloucestershire, bestowed upon him. It is recorded, says the Rev. W. -Davies, in his interesting “History of Whittington,” that “Fulk -Fitz-Gwarine, and John, son to Henry II. (afterwards King John,) were -playing at chess together, when it happened that they disagreed, and the -Prince gave Fulk a severe blow upon the head with the board, which the -latter returned in such a violent manner as almost to kill the young -Prince, a circumstance, had it happened, not much to be regretted, were -it not in consideration of the glorious Magna Charta afterwards obtained -from him.” Dovaston, in his fine descriptive poem, entitled -“Fitz-Gwarine,” makes his hero describe the quarrel in the following -lines:— - - “Enough to name our last affray, - The Prince his temper lost at play, - The chess-board swung with coward sway, - And hurl’d my head upon; - Ill could the wrong my bosom brook, - I sent him first a furious look, - Then firm with knuckles clench’d I strook - The pate of royal John.” - -Fulk Fitz-Gwarine was succeeded by his eldest son, who bore the same -name, and eclipsed his father by the brilliancy and skill of his military -enterprises. He accompanied Richard I. in the Crusades, and was made -Lord Marcher of Wales. At the commencement of King John’s reign -Whittington was in the hands of Maurice, brother to the Roger to whom -Owen Gwynedd had presented it. Fulk Fitz-Gwarine applied to John for the -restoration of the ancient property of his ancestors; but John rejected -his application. Indignant at this treatment Fulk joined the Welsh -sovereign, made battle against Maurice, in which the latter was slain. -The English King determined upon having Fulk Fitz-Gwarine put to death, -but the latter fled to France, under the _nom de guerre_ of Sir Amice, a -wandering knight, and was so much admired by the French monarch for his -honourable and chivalrous conduct, that he tendered to him a barony of -France. After having performed many acts of valour and renown in France, -Fulk returned to England, determined to see King John and propitiate his -favour. Fearing discovery, he exchanged clothes with a peasant, and -wended his way to Windsor, to confront the monarch. In Windsor Forest -they both met, John being out hunting, and Fulk appearing before the King -as a peasant. Fulk made known to him his errand, and declared that he -was the obnoxious Fitz-Gwarine; with the courage and dignity of his race -he menaced the king for the unjust treatment he had received, and forced -him to restore to his undisturbed possession the Castle and lordship of -Whittington, his ancestral property. John immediately repudiated his -grant, and Fulk was again compelled to leave the kingdom, having been -pursued by emissaries of the monarch, charged to slay him. Fitz-Gwarine -was still as adroit as he was brave; he killed the man who meditated his -assassination, fled to Orkney, where he released a persecuted female from -her captivity, and won a hauberk of hard steel, which, with other ancient -pieces of armour belonging to his family, hung, till Cromwell’s wars, in -the church of Whittington. From Orkney Fulk sailed to Carthage, where he -derived much information, his patriotism was inflamed, and where also his -enthusiastic desire for the improvement of his native country glowed with -increased ardour. Wrapt in these visions of future glory and happiness, -he re-embarked for England, arrived safely, appealed again to King John, -obtained pardon for all past offences, and with it the restoration of -Whittington Castle and all its appendages. Thus once more in possession -of his ancient halls, he lived in the state and hospitality which became -his princely condition. Then, as the author of “Fitz-Gwarine” so sweetly -sings— - - “Other guests than yon lone bird, - And other music here were heard, - In times of better days; - Festive revelry went round, - The board with blushing goblets crown’d, - And costly carpets clad the ground, - Where now yon cattle graze. - Days were those of splendour high, - Days of hospitality, - When to his rich domain - Welcom’d many a crested knight, - Welcom’d many a lady bright, - Fitz-Gwarine of Lorraine!” - -This remarkable man was afterwards sent by the English King to Ireland on -an important service, and was distinguished on his return, with the title -of THE GREAT. He subsequently united with the English Barons in their -memorable demand from King John of Magna Charta, and so resolute was his -conduct on that great occasion at Runnymede, that the Pope actually -conferred upon him the honour of excommunication from the papal church. - -After various other conflicts and disasters, “by flood and field,” he -descended into old age, when he was stricken with blindness. He was -buried in the porch of Whittington Church, and his remains were found -there in an oak coffin, three inches in thickness, by digging a grave in -the year 1796. He left behind him a son who enjoyed his father’s estates -and titles, but for no considerable time. He followed Henry III. through -all his adverse fortunes, and whilst engaged at the battle of Lewes was -drowned in crossing a river, leaving behind him a young son, the fourth -Fitz-Gwarine. - -Fitz-Gwarine the second was married to Clarice of Abbourville, and he -went generally by the peculiar appellation of _Proud-homme_, as a mark of -respect to his nobility. - -Whittington Castle, after the battle of Lewes, was bestowed by the Earl -of Leicester upon Peter de Montford. Leicester also compelled the -captive king Richard II. to deliver it, with other Border Castles, into -the hands of Llywelyn ab Grufydd, Prince of Wales, who had just received -the entire sovereignty of Wales, and required homage from all the barons -under him. - -The subsequent history of the Fitz-Gwarines presents but few interesting -features. This illustrious race became extinct at the death of Henry, -fifth Earl of Bath (who inherited the title of Fitz-Gwarine through the -marriage of Elizabeth, sister and heiress to Fulk the _ninth_, with -Richard Haukford, Esq.,) and the manor, after various transfers in -succeeding ages, was purchased by Francis (or William) Albany, Esq., of -London, from one of the Earls of Arundel, it having been granted to him -by Queen Mary, but afterwards mortgaged and sold. The manor, advowsons, -and estate of Fernhill passed subsequently to the house of Aston, by the -marriage of Sarah, daughter and heiress of the said Francis Albany, Esq., -to Thomas Lloyd, Esq., of Aston. In the year 1760 the eastern tower of -the Castle fell into the moat after a severe frost, and some years -afterwards one of the northern towers and the western wall were taken -down to repair, it is said, the road leading from Whittington to Halston -bridge. - - [Picture: Whittington Castle] - -The remains of the Castle are still a picturesque ruin, which attracts -artists from all parts of the kingdom to sketch its lingering beauties. -Our own artist has done justice to the Castle in the sketch he has taken. -The towers of the gate-house are still entire, and part of the ancient -building is converted into a dwelling, and occupied by Thomas Broughall, -Esq. A running brook passes through the moat, which is overhung with -fine old trees, casting their shade upon the waters. In the year 1796 -three curious bottles, richly gilt, were found, and subsequently, in -clearing the bottom of one of the old towers, some huge iron fetters, a -gyve of ponderous size, with a number of the heads and antlers of deer. -The Castle, from its position on the frontier of Wales, and from the -warlike spirit of its lords, was in feudal times a place of great -consequence, and, like other border fortresses, alternately the scene of -clashing arms and knightly festivity. - -The church, which is dedicated to St. John, is a rectory in the -archdeaconry and diocese of St. Asaph, and was originally designed as a -chapel to the castle. The body of the church was rebuilt in 1805, from a -design by the late Mr. Thomas Harrison, architect, of Chester. It is a -large brick building of 60 feet by 50, and cost £1500. To lessen the -expense of building the church two briefs were procured that raised £703 -15s. 1d., but of this sum only £42 2s. 1d. was received. In 1810 a new -organ was erected in the church. In the same year the church-yard wall, -being much out of repair, was rebuilt with stone. The Rev. Charles -Arthur Albany Lloyd, who had filled the office of Rector for many years, -died July 24th, 1851, he being also Rector of Selattyn at the time. - -Whittington parish is divided into nine townships, namely,—Whittington to -the south; Berghill and Francton (or Frankton) to the east; old Marton -(or Martin), Hindford, Henlle, and Ebnall, to the north; and Fernhill and -Daywell to the west. - -In a manuscript description of the parish we find the following -derivation of names:— - -WHITTINGTON, or White Town, from White Castle, in Welsh, _Drewen_. -BERGHILL—Welsh, _Byr-Ghill_, or Short Hazles. -HINDFORD—,, _Hen-fordd_, or The Old Road. -HENLLE—,, _Hen_, old, and _Lle_, Place. -DAYWELL—,, _Fynnon du_, or _dydd_. Day Spring (or well). -FERNHILL—,, _Fwrn_ and _Oven_, or Hole and Hill. - -A tradition long prevailed in the village, that it was the birth-place of -the renowned Sir Richard Whittington, “thrice Lord Mayor of London town.” -It is now, however, generally understood that he was born in the township -of Newnes, (not far from Whittington,) about one mile north-west of -Ellesmere. Shropshire claims him for her own; and if Whittington really -was “a proud Salopian,” the county has a right to be proud of the honour -of enrolling among its worthies so distinguished a name. Another vague -tradition prevailed, that the well-known metrical tale of “_The Babes in -the Wood_” derives its origin from _Babins’ wood_, (commonly called -_Babbys’ wood_,) near Whittington. The tradition adds, that the murder -of the two children by their cruel uncle was perpetrated at this place. -Gough, the historian of Middle, relates particulars of the murder of a -child by its uncle, but his account is only from tradition, and therefore -mixed up with much error. - -The version we now give of this murder, derived from an authentic source, -shews that the ballad of the _Babes in the __Wood_ could not have been -founded upon it. The scene of the nursery rhyme is laid in Norfolk, and -all the circumstances it details differ materially from those of the -murder at Knockin heath. The version we have is as follows:— - - “1590, 27th March.—A man and woman were executed at Knockin heath, - for murdering a child of the age of five years, for his land, being - an heir of £5 a-year, or thereabout, which fell after the said - child’s death, if he died without issue, to his uncles, being three - of them, which uncles procured and imagined the death of the said - child ever since his birth. Two of the uncles were executed at - Bridgenorth assizes, and the third _pressed_ to death there. But the - woman being grandmother to the child, and the man named Geffrey - Elkes, being hired to do the deed, were executed at the said heath - where the said deed was done.” “Elkes, at his execution, affirmed - that he did not kill the child, but brought a pail of water to the - heath, and left it there with the child and the uncle that was - _pressed_ to death, but he confessed that before the deed was done, - and after, two ravens usually would meet him, follow him, and cry - about him; and when he escaped and hid himself, the said ravens did - cry, and flew about the place, and descried him out, and he was found - in a cock of hay by their means.” - -The parish register is a curious record of odds and ends, and from it we -make a few quaint selections:— - - “Died March 11th, 1767.—THOMAS EVANS, parish clerk, aged 72. - - ‘Old Sternhold’s lines, or Vicar of Bray, - Which he tun’d best is hard to say.’ - - I do make choice of William Evans, his son, to serve the office of - parish clerk, being qualified according to the 91st canon, viz: above - twenty years of age, and of an honest conversation, and very - sufficient for his reading, writing, and also for his competent skill - in singing, tho’ not so clever a piper as his father. This choice - was signified to the parishioners in time of divine service, on - Sunday, the 15th day of March, 1767. - - (Signed) by me, W. Roberts, Rr.” - - * * * * * - - “1776.—ANDREW WILLIAMS, in Whittington, aged 84, Decoy-man under the - Aston family, at the Decoy, in this parish, above 60 years:— - - “Here lies the Decoy-man, who liv’d like an otter, - Dividing his time between land and water: - His hide he oft soak’d in the waters of Perry, - Whilst Aston old beer his spirits kept cheery; - Amphibious his trim, Death was puzzl’d, they say, - How to dust to reduce such well-moisten’d clay. - So Death turn’d Decoy-man, and decoy’d him to land, - Where he fix’d his abode till quite dried to the hand; - He then found him fitting for crumbling to dust, - And here he lies mould’ring, as you and I must.” - - * * * * * - - “SAMUEL PEATE, of Whittington Castle, died, aged 84. - - “Here lies Governor Peate, - Whom no man did hate, - At the age of four-score, - And four years more, - He pretended to wrestle - With Death, for his castle, - But was soon out of breath, - And surrender’d to Death, - Who away did him take, - At the eve of our Wake, - One morn about seven, - To keep Wake in heaven.” - - * * * * * - - “Nov. 29th, 1780.—SARAH BROWNE, of Babe’s Wood, widow, aged 76. - - “EPITAPH. - - Here lies Mammy Brown, - Who oft sung ding and down - Over many a brat; - And what of all that? - Why she sung herself down, - So here lies Mammy Brown. - - N.B.—She nursed many children besides her own.” - -There are several useful and important charities pertaining to -Whittington parish. Jones’s charity of 1670, and Griffith Hughes’s -bequest in 1706, provide for the education of the boys of the parish, as -that of Elizabeth Probert does for the girls. These bequests are now -applied to the National Schools established in the village. - -The old National Schools being too small for the increasing population of -the parish, a new School House, for the accommodation of Boys and Girls, -was erected in the year 1853, on the site of the former Boys’ School, at -a cost of £900, after a design by Messrs W. and J. Morris, Builders, &c., -of Oswestry, by whom also the structure was erected. The present -much-respected Rector is the Rev. William Walsham How, who purchased the -living in the life-time, and succeeded to it on the death, of the Rev. C. -A. A. Lloyd. - -The parish of Whittington contains 8,303a. 3r. 10p.; gross rental, -£13,145 5s. 0d.; rateable value, £12,867 10s. 0d. - -It is worthy of record in our notice of Whittington, that the admirable -Missionary Hymn, from the pen of the late Bishop Heber, “From Greenland’s -icy mountains,” was written especially for a public meeting of the -friends of Missions, held in the village about the year 1820, at which -the poet Heber attended. The hymn was sung on that occasion for the -first time; but since then how many thousand voices, in every part of the -habitable globe, have been raised in tuneful melodies whilst pouring -forth this immortal strain! Heber’s hymn ranks with the sacred songs of -our best poets, and has urged many a Christian heart to the heaven-born -work of spreading the gospel throughout the heathen world. - -Amongst the pleasant retreats in the neighbourhood of Whittington are -BELMONT, the residence of J. V. Lovett, Esq., an active and intelligent -Magistrate for the county; FERNHILL, about one mile from Whittington, the -seat of Thomas Lovett, Esq., also an able county Magistrate; and the -DERWEN, the house of John Povey, Esq., a gentleman much respected in the -district. - - - -WYNNSTAY, - - -The beautiful seat of Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., M.P. for Denbighshire, is -within twenty minutes’ railway ride from Oswestry. The talent, wealth, -and princely hospitality of the Wynnstay family have given to this -mansion and its extensive domains a national celebrity. The late Sir W. -W. Wynn (father of the present worthy baronet) did much to maintain the -high character for hospitality and munificent liberality for which the -House of Wynnstay has ever been distinguished, and his memory is embalmed -in grateful recollections by hundreds who partook of his bounty and were -generously aided by his purse and patronage. - -Wynnstay is situated in the parish of Rhuabon, and is erected on the site -of a residence of Madog ab Grufydd Maelor, Prince of Powys, and founder -of the abbey of Llanegwest, or Valle Crucis, near Llangollen. The -original name of this house was _Rhuabon_. It was the property of Edward -Eyton, Esq., whose daughter Mary, the heiress, married Richard Evans, -Esq., son of Thomas Evans, Esq., of Oswestry, attorney-general in the -Court of the Marches. Their grandson, Eyton Evans, (son of Thomas, son -of Richard,) altered the name to _Watt_-stay, on account of its proximity -to Watts’ Dyke; and Jane, sole daughter and heiress of Eyton Evans, Esq., -married Sir John Wynn, who again changed the name to _Wynnstay_, in -compliment to his own family, he being grandson of Sir John Wynn, of -Gwydir, by his tenth son, Henry, representative for Merionethshire. The -above-named Sir John Wynn, of Wynnstay, left that and other estates of -great value to his kinsman, the first Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, grandson -of Sir William Williams, Speaker of the House of Commons in the reign of -Charles II., and in the early part of his career Recorder of Chester. -Sir William was one of the most successful lawyers of his time, and was a -zealous and eloquent advocate of the popular party in Charles’s reign. -The notorious Jeffreys was reprimanded, on his knees, by him whilst he -was Speaker of the House of Commons; who also conducted the prosecution -of the Seven Bishops, when solicitor-general; and the “Treating Act,” -which still continues one of the safeguards of the purity and -independence of Parliament, was introduced by him in the House of -Commons. This celebrated lawyer was made a baronet in 1688. He married -Margaret, daughter and heiress of Watkin Kyffin, Esq., of Glascoed, in -the parish of Llansilin, near Oswestry. He left two sons, and the elder, -Sir William, of Llanforda, married another great heiress, Jane, the -daughter of Edward Thelwall, Esq., of Plas-y-ward, and was father, as -already mentioned, of the first Sir Watkin Williams Wynn. The Speaker’s -youngest son, John, was an eminent provincial lawyer, and practised at -Chester, and was direct progenitor of the present Sir John Williams, of -Bodelwyddan, Flintshire. - - [Picture: Wynnstay] - -The mansion is a noble pile of building, of fine white stone, and has, -recently, under the direction of the present possessor of Wynnstay, -undergone much improvement. The interior comprises several noble -apartments, which are embellished with paintings by the first masters, -portraits of various members of the family, and busts by eminent -sculptors, of the distinguished statesmen Lord Grenville, William Pitt, -&c. The library consists of a fine collection of books, in ancient and -modern literature, with valuable MSS. illustrative of early British -history. Among the variety of plate, including elegant race-cups, &c., -is a large silver vase, or punch-bowl, presented to the late Sir W. W. -Wynn, by his countrymen, on his return from the battle of Waterloo. - -The grounds in which the house is situated are remarkable for their -sylvan beauty. The avenue leading to the mansion from Rhuabon is formed -of fine oak, elm, beech, and other trees, one of which, “The King,” -measuring thirty feet in circumference, and with its outspreading arms -appearing to bid defiance to its fellows, seems to have a just claim to -the monarchical title it bears. A fine sheet of water in front of the -house adds much to the picturesque and deeply-wooded scenery around. -Both the near and distant views from the park are distinct and -attractive, those especially towards the Berwyn chain of mountains, with -the grand breach in it beyond Llangollen, through which rolls the rapid -Dee. An obelisk or handsome free-stone column is erected in the park, -after a design by Wyatt, as a tribute of maternal affection, in memory of -Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, grandfather of the present baronet. Round the -entablature is a gallery, with a circular iron balustrade, nine feet -high, in the centre of which stands a handsome urn in bronze. The plinth -is wreathed with oak leaves descending from the beaks of eagles. A -door-way leads, by a wide stair-case, to a gallery at the top. On the -lower part of the Cenotaph is the following emphatic inscription:— - - “FILIO OPTIMO. - MATER CHEU! SUPERSTES.” - -Although this column cannot be seen from the house, a glimpse of it may -be caught on the left side of the railway, in passing from Rhuabon -towards Oswestry. The Nant-y-Bela Tower, in “The Dingle of the Marten,” -is another Cenotaph, erected by the late Sir W. W. Wynn, after a design -by Sir Jeffrey Wyattville, in memory of his brother officers and private -soldiers slain in Ireland during the rebellion of 1798. It stands on an -eminence, and commands a view of the Vale of Llangollen, for several -miles. The Waterloo Tower, close also to the railway, is another -ornament to the park. - -In the days of Sir W. W. Wynn, grandfather to the present baronet, -theatrical performances were often given during the Christmas Holy days, -in a neat theatre near the house, erected for the purpose. David -Garrick, “the British, Roscius,” as he was called, frequently -superintended these histrionic displays, where wit and revelry prevailed. -The surrounding nobility and gentry participated in these festivities, -which uniformly passed off with _eclât_. The late Sir W. W. Wynn -divested this Thespian Temple of its ornaments, and appropriated it for -an annual agricultural meeting, as an auxiliary to the society at -Wrexham. An annual show of cattle was held at Wynnstay, where premiums -were adjudged, for the best of every species of stock, for ploughing the -greatest number of acres, with two horses a-breast, without a driver, &c. -This bucolic fete was generally held in September, when a numerous -assemblage of practical agriculturists attended. A dinner at the hall -followed, where covers were laid for five or six hundred persons. The -tables groaned beneath the weight of viands, including fine samples of -roast beef and unctuous venison; “rosy wine” spread its charms along the -festive board, and “old October,” from the cellars of Wynnstay, were -handed round in huge flagons worthy of the merriest days of Cambria. On -these occasions Sir Watkin generally presided, and did the honours of the -table with an urbanity and cheerful hospitality that endeared him to all -his visitors. - -The present Sir W. W. Wynn represents in parliament the county of -Denbigh, is Steward of the Lordships of Bromfield and Yale, and is -Lieutenant-Colonel of the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry Cavalry. - - * * * * * - -Among the more attractive residences in the immediate suburbs of the town -the following claim a brief notice:— - -BROOM HALL, the residence of Mrs. Aubrey, widow of the late H. P. T. -Aubrey, Esq., is situated near to the town, on the west side. Mr. Aubrey -died in 1848. [See p. 143.] DRENEWYDD stands about a mile and a-half -from Oswestry, on the road leading to Whittington, is a very ancient -house, and has some interesting historical facts connected with it. It -was formerly the residence of Edward Lloyd, Esq., eldest son of Marmaduke -Lloyd, Esq., by Penelope, daughter of Charles Goodman, Esq. He was -eminent for his learning, and after a long and diligent search into -ancient records, wrote a history of his native county, but did not live -to publish it. A MS. copy of his learned works is preserved in the -Bodleian Library, Oxford. He was elected Mayor of Oswestry in 1707; in -which office, it is recorded of him, “he corrected many existing abuses.” -He left an only son, Charles, who was the last in the male line of the -Drenewydd family. The old house at Drenewydd is now the property of -William Ormsby Gore, Esq., and is occupied as a farm house. MOUNT -PLEASANT, the seat of Thomas L. Longueville, Esq., (a gentleman -distinguished for his public and private worth,) is situated about one -mile from Oswestry, on the road leading to Llansilin. OAKHURST, a -newly-erected mansion, about one mile north-west of Oswestry, on the road -leading to Selattyn, commands extensive and delightful views of the -surrounding country, including the Vale of Salop and the Breidden hills. -It is built in the Elizabethan style of architecture, and is the property -and residence of R. J. Venables, Esq., one of the Magistrates of the -county, and a Director of the Great Western and Oswestry and Newtown -Railway Companies. The family of Mr. Venables have for many years been -honourably connected with the borough of Oswestry. At RHYD-Y-CROESAU is -the residence of the Rev. Robert Williams, author of “Biographical -Dictionary of Eminent Welshmen.” Mr. Williams is a profound scholar, and -his location in the district, at the head of an ably-conducted school, -may be looked upon as a great advantage to the inhabitants generally. -PENTREPANT, the property of T. G. Warrington Carew, Esq., is the -residence of Colonel Frederick Hill. It is about one mile from Oswestry, -on the road to Selattyn. The estate was for many generations in the -Hanmer family, and John Hanmer, Bishop of St. Asaph, resided here. He -died in 1629, and was buried in the church of Selattyn, to the poor of -which parish, and also of Oswestry and St. Asaph, he gave £15 to be -equally divided between them. PENYLAN is a very beautiful House, about -one mile from Oswestry. The pleasure-grounds and shrubberies are laid -out with much taste and skill. It is the residence of Mrs. Longueville, -(Widow of the late T. L. Longueville, Esq.,) a lady of enlarged -benevolence, and who has ever shewn herself ready to alleviate the -sufferings of the poorer classes of the district. SWEENEY HALL, situated -about two miles from Oswestry, on the left of the road to Welshpool, is a -handsome mansion built of freestone, and beautifully placed in the midst -of a well-timbered park. The house was erected by the late Thomas -Netherton Parker, Esq., a gentleman who will be long remembered as an -active and impartial Magistrate of the county; as an enlightened landed -proprietor; and a liberal and warm-hearted friend to the poor of his -district. Mr. Parker was an able writer on agricultural and social -economy, and some clever essays from his pen show how intimately -acquainted he was with the condition of the rural population of all -classes. He was an ardent promoter of agriculture, and most assiduously -employed himself for its practical advancement. The estate is now the -property of his son, the Rev. John Parker, Vicar of Llanyblodwel, and the -house is occupied by Hugh Beavor, Esq. Some particulars relative to the -ancient burial-ground upon the estate are given in page 153. WOOD HILL -HALL, about two miles from Oswestry, on the right of the road to -Llanymynech, was formerly the property of L. J. Venables, Esq., but has -recently been purchased, and is now occupied by J. Lees, Esq. - - * * * * * - -In closing our SKETCHES of the ENVIRONS, a brief reference to Chirk and -Llangollen Vale, both being within half an hour’s railway ride from -Oswestry, seems to be necessary. - -CHIRK is situated upon the northern bank of the river Ceiriog, and is a -pleasant and somewhat picturesque village. The entire parish is the -property of Col. Myddelton Biddulph. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, -contains an interesting monument of the gallant Sir Thomas Myddelton; and -in the church-yard are some fine yew trees, the growth of centuries. -There is an excellent inn in the village, _The Chirk Castle Arms_, kept -by Mr. Moses, who is also post-master there. From the poor-rate return -for the present year (1855), it appears that the acreage of the parish is -4,635a. 3r. 29p.; the gross rental, £9,401 8s. 4d.; and the rateable -value assessed to the relief of the poor, £9,308 2s. 1d. The present -much-respected Vicar is the Rev. Joseph Maude, who is also, as already -stated, Chairman of the Board of the Oswestry Incorporation. The Vale of -the Ceiriog, like that of the Dee, generally attracts the attention of -railway travellers, from its singular beauty and historical associations. -It is crossed by a Viaduct of the Great Western Railway, and by an -Aqueduct also, extending along the Ellesmere canal upon long ranges of -arches at a considerable elevation. _Llangollen Vale_ is only a few -minutes’ ride from Chirk, and, we need not add, “the admired of all -observers.” The tourist is amazed with the first view obtained of it; -its hills and slopes display enchanting spots, and the beauty of the -natural scenery is increased by the massive elegance of Robertson’s -railway viaduct across the Dee, and the classic grace of Telford’s -aqueduct. The Vale, on both sides the river Dee, is at length brought to -a high state of cultivation. Looking down the valley from the railway -viaduct, or from the more elevated portions of the Holyhead road, the -scene presents a strange admixture of beauty and ugliness; and a -stranger, for the first time viewing the scene, would declare, “I see -nothing but smoke.” On the north side of the river are the extensive -iron works of the New British Iron Company, disgorging smoke and flame -day and night, and on the opposite side of the river are the Vron -limestone quarries and kilns, equally active in discharging huge volumes -of vapour. The tourist must pass on from these manufacturing localities, -and his eye will soon rest upon scenery of surpassing loveliness and -grandeur. The wood-crowned heights of Trevor, the Eglwyseg and Berwyn -range of mountains, the old battered fortress, _Castell Dinas Bran_, the -luxuriant Vale, which presents the form of a capacious amphitheatre, and -the Dee, vending its course over beds of clay-slate, limestone, and -granitic boulders,—these, with abundance of full-grown timber, snug -villas, white-washed cottages, and well-managed farms, with fertile -fields and well-farmed hill-sides, show of what materials the panoramic -valley is composed. Could Moore have viewed it, as we have done on a -bright summer day, he would have been constrained to quote his own -beautiful line, - - “The valley lies smiling before me.” - -Of _Llangollen_ itself we shall attempt no description. Its charms have -been transmitted to glowing canvass and sung in rapturous verse from Anna -Seward downwards; its hostelries, the _Hand_ and the _Royal Hotels_, its -“trouts,” its mountain mutton, sparkling ale, and other delicacies, have -too long been the “household words” of tourists, album-writers, and -after-dinner orators, to render eulogium or even “faint praise” from us -in the slightest degree necessary. - - * * * * * - -After these poetic visions it is difficult to descend to sober reality. -The tourist, generally speaking, unless he be a botanist, a geologist, or -an artist, penetrates little beyond the public highway, except in those -localities distinguished by a waterfall, an ancient castle, or a noble -residence. Thousands of people, from the manufacturing districts, cannot -in their visits to the Principality do more than give a passing glance to -the country through which they hurriedly travel. In the immediate -vicinity of the turnpike-roads on both sides of the Dee the land there -lets at a high price, and, generally speaking, is ably farmed; and -ascending the hills, to the heights of ten or twelve hundred feet, most -of the little inclosures occupied by small farmers, or by parties engaged -principally in other occupation than that of agriculture, are also well -cultivated, and fetch a rental of from 30s. to 40s. per acre. Some -twenty years ago the mountain-land in the Vale of Llangollen was deemed -common, and but few habitations were erected upon it; but at the present -time neat cottage-dwellings for the industrious poor are raised in -clusters, and most of the land attached to them is farmed with a skill -and success that would put to the blush many a professed agriculturist. -No doubt that this comparatively high price for mountain-land is caused -by the large number of working-men employed in the various manufacturing -and other working establishments in the neighbourhood. Such men require -small portions of what is called occupation land, on which to feed a cow -and grow a little wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes. To them the land -even at the price is an advantage; but still it is a fact worthy of note, -that mountain-land in this busy district is in great demand, and whenever -let fetches a high rental. Such is the influence of manufactures upon -agriculture, both of which, as Sir Josiah Child said years ago, “must wax -or wane together.” - - * * * * * - - * * * * * - - * * * * * - - * * * * * - - OSWESTRY: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GEORGE LEWIS. - - - - -CORRIGENDA. {296} - - -Some few typographical and other errors have occurred in the progress of -the volume, which we are anxious to correct. - -In page 210, line 13, for “old transparent,” read “_cool_ transparent.” - -In page 223, line 3, for “carbonate of zinc,” read “_carbonate_ and -_sulphuret_ of zinc.” - -In page 251, line 4, for “Procapella de Coton,” read “_Pro capella de -Coten_.” - -In the List of Illustrations, for “Corn Market,” read “_Cross_ Market.” - - * * * * * - - - - -THE POST-OFFICE. - - -Since our notice of the Post-Office was printed, a new postal arrangement -has been made, by which Letters to the north and south can now be posted, -without extra charge, till eight o’clock, p.m.; and, with an extra stamp, -till half-past eight.—Money Orders can be obtained till 5, p.m.; and -Letters registered till 7, p.m. - - - - -ADVERTISEMENTS. - - -THE UNITED KINGDOM TEMPERANCE -AND -GENERAL PROVIDENT INSTITUTION, -FOR THE MUTUAL ASSURANCE OF LIVES, &c., - - - 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, London. - - ESTABLISHED 1840. - - ACCUMULATED CAPITAL, 125,000. - -This flourishing Institution has just completed its financial year, -within which it has accepted One Thousand Eight Hundred Proposals for -Assurances, covering considerably more than a Quarter of a Million -Sterling. It has issued 4,640 Policies, making, since its commencement, -an aggregate of more than TEN THOUSAND. Its present income is above -£45,000 per annum. It has paid in claims, chiefly to the Widows and -Orphans of its members, £36,000. - -The Temperance and General Sections are kept separate, the members of -each participating in the Profits of their respective Sections. The -Office transacts every description of Life Assurance. - - W. R. BAKER, RESIDENT DIRECTOR. - - JOHN WINDSOR, AGENT FOR OSWESTRY. - - Of whom Prospectuses &c. may be obtained. - - * * * * * - - - -MR. JAMES EDISBURY, -Auctioneer, Sworn Appraiser, Accountant, -AND -GENERAL VALUER, -Wrexham. - - -*** All Sale Accounts immediately settled.—Valuations for the Probate of -Wills and Administrations faithfully and promptly attended to. - - * * * * * - - - -GEORGE LEWIS, -Printer, Bookseller, Stationer, Bookbinder, - - - MACHINE RULER, & NEWS AGENT, - - LEG STREET, OSWESTRY. - - ··························································· - - G. L. has constantly on hand a well-selected Stock of - - DAY BOOKS, JOURNALS, LEDGERS, - - And every description of ACCOUNT BOOKS. - - * * * * * - - Bibles, Prayers, and Church Services, - In the most elegant Bindings. - - * * * * * - - SCHOOL BOOKS AND STATIONERY, - ON THE LOWEST TERMS. - - * * * * * - - A GREAT VARIETY OF CHEAP MUSIC, - FINE ART, SCRIPTURAL, & OTHER ENGRAVINGS, - At very reduced prices. - - * * * * * - - Magazines, Reviews, and all New Works, supplied punctually on the Day of - Publication. - - * * * * * - - - -Foreign and British Wines and Spirits, - - - LONDON AND DUBLIN PORTER, - - AND - - MILD AND BITTER ALES, - From the first Breweries in England. - - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ - - JOSEPH JONES. - -Being anxious to afford his friends and all respectable private families -who may be kind enough to patronize him, an opportunity of having their -requirements supplied upon the very best terms, begs to state that they -may always rely upon an excellent Stock of all the above-mentioned of the -most superior quality to select from, and which will be delivered without -the least delay after being ordered. - -_Cross Street_, _Oswestry_, _October_, 1855. - - * * * * * - - - -ROBERT ROBERTS, - - - Gas Proprietor, Hydraulic Engineer, - PLUMBER, GLAZIER, GAS-FITTER, &c., - -Begs to return his most grateful thanks to his numerous friends and -patrons for the very liberal support he has received the last half -century, and begs to inform them and the Public generally, that he still -continues the above business in all its branches as heretofore, and hopes -to merit a share of their continued support. - -He has now on hand every requisite in the PLUMBING, GLAZING, and -GAS-FITTING line. Also a large assortment of first-rate Gas-fittings, of -elegant designs, in glass. Bronze and Lacquered work, from which may be -selected, patterns suited to every requirement of the palace or the -cottage. - -_Brook Street_, _Oswestry_, _October_, 1855. - - * * * * * - - - -WILLIAM CORNEY, -Wholesale Dealer in Foreign and British -Wines and Spirits, - - - MANUFACTURER OF - Soda Water, Lemonade, & Ginger Beer, - - Families and the trade supplied with - WINES IN ANY QUANTITIES TO SUIT PURCHASERS. - - _Either in Cask or Bottle_. - - FRENCH BRANDY, GIN, RUM, WHISKEY, HOLLANDS, - And all other Spirits, in quantities of two gallons and upwards. - -Parties purchasing as above will reap a decided advantage, both in -quality and price, and a trial is most respectfully solicited. W. C. has -constantly on hand at his CONFECTIONARY ESTABLISHMENT, a general -assortment of plain and ornamented Bride, Plum, Seed, Almond and other -Cakes, in great variety, and of the best quality. - - FUNERAL ORDERS EXECUTED ON THE SHORTEST NOTICE. - - Haylock’s Arrowroot Biscuits, British Wines, Pickles, Sauces, - Raspberry Vinegar, &c., &c. - - WINE AND SPIRIT STORES, SMITHFIELD ROAD. - - CONFECTIONARY ESTABLISHMENT, CROSS-STREET. - -_Oswestry_, 1855. - - * * * * * - - - -William Williams, - - - 1, KING ALFRED’S PLACE, - - Near Bingley, Hall, Broad-Street, Birmingham, - - MANUFACTURER OF - - IMPROVED BLINDS FOR SHOP FRONTS, - - SPRING ROLLERS, from 1 to 5in. diameter, - - NEW ROLLER FURNITURE, - ON AN IMPROVED PRINCIPLE, ALL SIZES, - - Rollers and Iron Work for Bonnet Blinds, - VENETIAN BLIND FURNITURE, - - _Cornice Poles_, _with Rings_, - BLINDS FOR GREEN-HOUSES, SKY-LIGHTS, ETC., - - MAPS MOUNTED ON SPRING ROLLERS, - - In Boxes, and every other description of - - BLIND FURNITURE & FITTINGS. - - * * * * * - - - -ESTABLISHED A.D. 1803. - - - * * * * * - - J. EDISBURY, & CO., - (LATE RATCLIFFES) - Wholesale and Retail Tea Dealers, - Family Grocers, - CHEESE FACTORS, &C., - TOWN HILL, OPPOSITE THE TOWN HALL, - WREXHAM. - - * * * * * - - - -SALOP FIRE OFFICE, -SHREWSBURY. - - - * * * * * - - ESTABLISHED 1780. - - * * * * * - - TRUSTEES: - The Rt. Hon. the Viscount Hill, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Salop. - Robert Burton, Esq. | George Pritchard, Esq. - - DIRECTORS: - -Jonathon Scarth, Esq. J. J. Peele, Esq. - -W. W. How, Esq. W. H. Perry, Esq. - -R. Jones, Croxon, Esq. Timotheus Burd, Esq. - -Charles Wilding, Esq. William Cooper, Esq. - - John Hazledine, Esq. - - SECRETARY—Mr. Edward B. Tipton. - -The advantages offered to Insurers are equal to those of similar -Institutions, and a large PAID-UP Capital, together with the individual -and unlimited responsibility of the Shareholders is available at all -times to meet the Company’s engagements. - - THE RATES OF PREMIUM: - -Common Risks 1s. 6d. percent. -Hazardous ditto 2s. 6d. ,, - - FARMING STOCK: - - Premium only (being free from Duty) 2s. percent. - -Persons insuring for Seven Years, BY ONE PAYMENT, will be allowed One -Year’s Premium and Duty. No expense is incurred in removing Policies -from other Offices. - - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ - - AGENTS: - -OSWESTRY Mr. G. LEWIS, Stamp Office. - Ellesmere Messrs. Cooley and Son. - Whitchurch Mr. R. M. Angior. - Wem Mr. Josiah Franklin. - Chester Mr. Henry Lewis. - Wrexham Mr. John Bury. - Dolgelley Mr. William Jones. - Corwen W. B. Williams, Esq. - Llanidloes Mr. William Jerman, Jun. - Newtown Messrs. Woosnam & Lloyd. - Welchpool Thomas Bowen, Esq. - - * * * * * - - - -S. HOWARD COOMBES, - - - BOOT MANUFACTURER, - - CROSS STREET, OSWESTRY. - - AGENT TO THE TEMPERANCE PERMANENT LAND & BUILDING SOCIETY. - - * * * * * - - - -JOHN WINDSOR, - - - Agricultural Implement Manufacturer, - - Begs to call Public attention to his - - STOCK OF IMPLEMENTS, - - CONSISTING OF - - PATENT PLOUGHS AND HARROWS, - - CAMBRIDGES & PLAIN LAND ROLLERS, - - SCARRIFIERS, - - Corn, Manure, Turnip, & Clover Seed Drills, - - With the latest improvements. - - STEAM ENGINES, - - (PORTABLE OR FIXTURE,) - - PATENT THRASHING MACHINES, - - Of the most approved makes; - - WINNOWING MACHINES, - - AND - - CHAFF-CUTTERS OF VARIOUS KINDS. - - Wire-work of every kind executed on the shortest notice. - - * * * * * - - _N.B._—_Agent for Milners’ Fire-resisting and Thief-proof Safes_. - - * * * * * - - - -EDWARD WYNNE THOMAS, - - - Linen and Woollen Draper, Silk Mercer - - AND - - HABERDASHER, - - GROCER AND TEA DEALER, - - Oswestry, - -Invites the attention of the Public to the following announcements, viz:— - - IN GENERAL - - FANCY DRAPERY - - He has constantly in stock a large assortment of goods suitable to the - various seasons, and is receiving from time to time the newest designs - and styles as they appear. - - * * * * * - - MILLINERY IN ALL ITS BRANCHES, - TO ORDER. - - * * * * * - - In Plain Goods for Furnishing and Household - purposes, as well as for Personal Wear, - -He is particularly careful to secure the best and most durable makes, and - which he can confidently recommend. - - * * * * * - - A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF WEST OF ENGLAND BROAD-CLOTHS, AND FANCY DOESKINS, - VESTINGS, &C., &C. - - * * * * * - - AGENT FOR - -PATENT VICTORIA FELT CARPETS. -TINSLEY’S FRENCH WOVE CORSETS. -FORD’S EUREKA SHIRTS & COLLARS. - - * * * * * - - FINE FLAVOURED TEAS AND COFFEES, - And every Article in general Grocery, - - Great care being taken to secure the GENUINESS of every Article. - - FAMILIES SUPPLIED ON THE MOST ADVANTAGEOUS TERMS. - - * * * * * - - - -LOCAL NEWS. - - - * * * * * - - THE ONLY NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES ALL THE LOCAL - INTELLIGENCE OF THIS DISTRICT IS THE - - OSWESTRY ADVERTISER, - - Shropshire & North Wales Herald, - - Published every _Wednesday Morning_. - -Each number contains the London markets of Monday, and the Liverpool of -Tuesday, accurately reported; a summary of General News; Telegraphic -Dispatches of Latest Intelligence; besides a quantity of Local News not -to be found in any other paper. Orders for the Paper and Advertisements -to be given to the Publisher, - - J. ASKEW ROBERTS, BAILEY HEAD, OSWESTRY. - - * * * * * - - - -EDWARD DAVIES, - - - Confectioner, Pastry Cook, Biscuit Baker, - - And Dealer in all kinds of Fancy Cheese, - - CROSS STREET, OSWESTRY. - - * * * * * - - BRIDE CAKES & FUNERAL BISCUITS, - On the shortest notice. - - * * * * * - - SUPERIOR - BRITISH WINES, JAMS, JELLIES, PICKLES & SAUCES. - - Agent for the Dublin China Tea Company’s Teas. - - ,, Castle Lansdown & Cos. celebrated Coffees. - - ,, Feast’s Superior Calfs’ Foot Jelly. - -_Adcock’s celebrated Melton-Mowbray Pork Pies_.—_Oranges_, _Lemons_, -_&c._ - - * * * * * - - - -GEORGE LEWIS, - - - Law Stationer and Accountant, - - Leg Street, Oswestry. - - * * * * * - - - -A. LYONS, - - - WATCHMAKER, - - Jeweller, Silversmith, and Optician, - - LEG-STREET, OSWESTRY, - - Respectfully announces that he has constantly on sale a large assortment - of - - JEWELLERY, - - Of his own and foreign manufacture; also - - SPECTACLES, PRESERVERS, & EYE-GLASSES, - - To suit all sights and ages, made on the premises, with the best - - Brazilian Pebbles & Crystals. - - * * * * * - -A. L. having been for many years practically engaged in the best houses -on the Continent, is able to suit, at first glance, the sight of any -person from the age of 10 to 70, with Spectacles or Eye-glasses. - - * * * * * - - AGENT FOR ANDERSON’S PATENT SPECTACLES AND GLASSES. - - * * * * * - - IMPORTER OF, AND DEALER IN - HAVANNAH, AND OTHER CIGARS. - - * * * * * - - - -PARIS HOUSE, - - - No. 1, Bailey Street, and 1, Market Street, - OSWESTRY. - - * * * * * - - - -JOHN MORETON, -LINEN & WOOLLEN DRAPER, - - -Begs to call the attention of the Public to the above establishment, -where they may rely upon being supplied with every description of LINEN & -WOOLLEN DRAPERY, of the best quality, selected from the first -manufactories, and OFFERED AT THE SMALLEST REMUNERATIVE PROFIT. - - - - -FOOTNOTES. - - -{124} When the Railway from Gobowen to Oswestry was made, this piece of -land was sold to the Railway Company by the Churchwardens and Overseers -for £232; and the money is now invested in their names, on security of -the Oswestry Market and Fair Tolls, at 3½ per cent, payable half-yearly. - -{178} [Footnote by transcriber, DP.] The table reads as follows:— - -ALAN of whom: WILLIAM FITZ-ALAN and WALTER FITZ-ALAN. - -WILLIAM FITZ-ALAN was progenitor of the Earls of Arundel, and Barons of -Oswestry. - -WALTER FITZ-ALAN was progenitor of the Royal House of Stewart as follows: - -Alan. -Alexander. -Walter. -Alexander. -John. -Walter—Margery Bruce. -Robert 2nd, King of Scots. -Robert 3rd. -James 1st. -James 2nd. -James 3rd. -James 4th. -James 5th. -Mary. -James 6th of Scotland, 1st of England. -Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia. -Sophia, Electress of Hanover. -George 1st. -George 2nd. -George 3rd. -Edward, Duke of Kent. -VICTORIA. - -{215} This reed is used extensively in Cambridgeshire, and the fen -districts, for thatching. It has been known to last in this way for 100 -years. - -{296} The Corrigenda has been applied to this transcription.—DP. - - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF OSWESTRY*** - - -******* This file should be named 63840-0.txt or 63840-0.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/3/8/4/63840 - - -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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: The History of Oswestry - - -Author: William Cathrall - - - -Release Date: November 22, 2020 [eBook #63840] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF OSWESTRY*** -</pre> -<p>Transcribed from the [1855] George Lewis edition by David -Price.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/fpb.jpg"> -<img alt= -"The Cross Market" -title= -"The Cross Market" - src="images/fps.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<h1><span class="GutSmall">THE</span><br /> -HISTORY <span class="GutSmall">OF</span> OSWESTRY,</h1> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">COMPRISING -THE</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">BRITISH, SAXON, NORMAN, AND ENGLISH -ERAS;</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">THE</span><br /> -TOPOGRAPHY OF THE BOROUGH;</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">AND -ITS</span><br /> -ECCLESIASTICAL AND CIVIC HISTORY:</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">WITH NOTICES -OF</span><br /> -BOTANY, GEOLOGY, STATISTICS, ANGLING, AND BIOGRAPHY:</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">TO WHICH ARE -ADDED</span><br /> -SKETCHES OF THE ENVIRONS.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">ILLUSTRATED <span -class="GutSmall">WITH</span> WOOD-ENGRAVINGS,</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">By MR. PERCY -CRUIKSHANK, after Sketches by MR. ROBERT</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">CRUIKSHANK.</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/tpb.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Ancient seal of Oswestry" -title= -"Ancient seal of Oswestry" - src="images/tps.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">WRITTEN AND -COMPILED</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center">BY WILLIAM CATHRALL,</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">AUTHOR OF -“THE HISTORY OF NORTH WALES,” -“WANDERINGS</span><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">IN NORTH WALES,” &c.</span></p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">OSWESTRY:<br /> -PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GEORGE LEWIS.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">ENTERED AT -STATIONERS’ HALL.</span></p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<h2><a name="pageiii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -iii</span>Preface.</h2> -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> issue of this volume has been -“the accident of an accident.” I was called by -commercial business last autumn to Oswestry, where I found, -temporarily located, a man with humour at his finger-ends, and of -“infinite jest” on paper. I allude to Mr. <span -class="smcap">Robert Cruikshank</span>, an artist scarcely -inferior to his celebrated brother, Mr. <span -class="smcap">George Cruikshank</span>—<i>par nobile -fratrum</i>, who have both successfully laboured in their -vocation to</p> -<blockquote><p>—“Shoot folly as it flies,<br /> -And catch the living manners as they rise.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Mr. Robert Cruikshank, pleased with the rich and diversified -scenery of the neighbourhood of Oswestry, undertook to illustrate -the present book. To be thus pictorially aided was a -distinction, and I therefore cheerfully complied with the wish of -the respectable publisher, to try my “’prentice -hand” at a History of the Borough. Mr. Cruikshank has -well executed his task. What may be <i>my</i> portion of -merit will be determined by the judgment, not critically severe, -I hope, of my readers.</p> -<p>The History of Oswestry and its neighbourhood is, however, -worthy of a more elaborate and carefully-wrought <a -name="pageiv"></a><span class="pagenum">p. iv</span>volume than -that which I now send forth; and I should have been glad had some -pen, abler than my own, been employed in the completion of so -desirable a work. Oswestry is not deficient in the talent -or learning necessary to produce a voluminous history; but until -the historic mantle fall upon some kindred spirit, that can evoke -with magic skill the <i>dramatis personæ</i> and chequered -incidents of bye-gone ages, and beguile his readers with -beautiful delineations of his native hills and vallies, the good -citizens of Oswestry must, I fear, content themselves with the -present volume, whose chief excellence, if it possess any, may be -found to consist in supplying a collection of interesting facts, -connected with the town and district, hitherto dispersed through -many publications.</p> -<p>In preparing this volume for the press much delay has occurred -from the pressure of other and more anxious engagements. In -wading, however, through musty tomes and modern books, I have -been instructed and solaced by the way. The Past reveals -little else than vandal darkness and the pride and pomp of feudal -power. Lords and their vassals figure chiefly in the -discordant scene, and ignorant dependence is too commonly seen -prostrate at the feet of favourites, in court or field, of -ambitious and despotic monarchs. The Present has a more -genial and encouraging aspect. Religion, with her gentle -handmaids, Literature, Science, and Art, is shedding its radiance -even over this district, so long the theatre of Border-feuds, -strife, and injustice. The Future, therefore, indicates -still more agreeable promise; and those of the present generation -who are co-operating in the good work already begun, of -endeavouring to make the world better than they found it, will -have the consolation of leaving to posterity an inheritance more -precious than silver or gold.</p> -<p><a name="pagev"></a><span class="pagenum">p. v</span>I cannot -close these remarks without thankfully acknowledging the -assistance I have derived, from several gentlemen of the town and -neighbourhood, in the prosecution of my labours. If I could -have stirred up many others to the grateful task of elucidating -the history of their native or adopted place of residence, I -should have been still more satisfied. I take this -opportunity of mentioning the names of The Rev. Thomas Salwey, -Vicar of Oswestry, Richard Redmond Caton, Esq., F.S.A., Edward -Williams, Esq., of Lloran House, R. J. Croxon, Esq., Charles -Sabine, Esq., and one or two other gentlemen, who, with a -becoming feeling of respect for the ancient borough, have kindly -aided me by various contributions.</p> -<p>I am sensible of many imperfections in the volume; but I -trust, by the generous support of the Public, I may be enabled, -at some not far distant day, to revise my pages, and render them -still more worthy of acceptance.</p> -<p style="text-align: right">WILLIAM CATHRALL.</p> -<p><i>Oswestry</i>, <i>October</i>, 1855.</p> -<h2><a name="pagevi"></a><span class="pagenum">p. vi</span>LIST -OF SUBSCRIBERS.</h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Asterley</span> Miss, Willow-street</p> -<p>Attree R. W., Esq., Plasmadoc</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Bassett Joseph</span>, Esq., solicitor</p> -<p>Berry Joseph, Accountant</p> -<p>Bennion Edward David, Esq., Summer Hill</p> -<p>Baugh Robert, Llanymynech</p> -<p>Bull William Isaac, Esq., solicitor</p> -<p>Bickerton George Morrel, brazier</p> -<p>Bartlett Charles Archibald, 32, Paternoster Row, London</p> -<p>Buckley Miss Eliza</p> -<p>Broughall John, Esq., Fernhill, Whittington</p> -<p>Barlow Thomas, Esq., postmaster, Worksop</p> -<p>Barnes William, Osberton Hall, Notts</p> -<p>Bayley Joseph, Quadrant</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Cashel Rev. Frederick</span>, Incumbent of -Trinity Church</p> -<p>Corbett Vincent, Esq.</p> -<p>Caton Richard Redmond, Esq., F.S.A.</p> -<p>Croxon Richard Jones, Esq., Town Clerk</p> -<p>Crutchloe Henry, Lloran Cottage</p> -<p>Cooper George, Esq., Salop-road</p> -<p>Cullis William, Lower Brook-st.</p> -<p>Corney William, confectioner and spirit merchant</p> -<p>Churchill Benjamin, Esq., Bellan House</p> -<p>Cross Thomas, Ornithologist</p> -<p>Cox J., porter merchant, Birmingham</p> -<p>Clarke Mrs., 3, Devonshire-terrace, Paddington, London</p> -<p>Cruikshank Percy, Pentonville, London</p> -<p>Churchill Miss, Bellan House (2 copies)</p> -<p>Crippin R., Church-street</p> -<p>Cross William B., Cross-street</p> -<p>Cartwright Samuel, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Donne Rev. Stephen</span>, the Schools (12 -copies)</p> -<p>Dovaston John, Esq., Nursery, West Felton</p> -<p>Davies Henry, Esq., solicitor</p> -<p>Davies John, draper</p> -<p>Davies Edward, confectioner</p> -<p>Davies Captain, Llanymynech</p> -<p>Dicker Phillip Henry, Esq., surg.</p> -<p>Davies Messrs. R. & W., Golden Eagle</p> -<p>Downes Richard, Esq., Haughton Grange</p> -<p><a name="pagevii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -vii</span>Davies Edward, Esq., surgeon, Llansilin</p> -<p>Davies Henry, schoolmaster, Llandrinio</p> -<p>Duckett Mrs. Tamar, the Lodge</p> -<p>Davies Mrs. E., Chirk</p> -<p>Duncan John, Esq., solicitor, 2, New Inn, Strand</p> -<p>Davies W. M., Waterloo-house</p> -<p>Davies Giles, Lower Brook-street</p> -<p>Davies Thomas, Greenwich</p> -<p>Davies John, Erwallo, Glyn</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Edwards James</span>, Esq., Upper -Brook-street (2 copies)</p> -<p>Edmunds Rev. Edw., M.A., Vicar of St. Michael’s, -Southampton</p> -<p>Eddy Walter, Mine Agent, Fron, Rhuabon</p> -<p>Evans Edward, auctioneer</p> -<p>Edwards Thomas, Esq., Cae Glas</p> -<p>Edwards Ed., Commercial Hotel</p> -<p>Eyeley Edward, organist</p> -<p>Evans R. D., Esq., Meifod</p> -<p>Edwards James Coster, Trefynant</p> -<p>Edwards Thomas, chandler</p> -<p>Evans John, ship builder, Morbum, Machynlleth</p> -<p>Edwards Alfred, Hanwell, Middlesex</p> -<p>Edmunds Griffith, Albion Hill</p> -<p>Edisbury James, Esq., Wrexham</p> -<p>Edisbury J. F., Esq., Holywell</p> -<p>Ellis Henry, English Walls</p> -<p>Evans Edward, Liverpool Gas Co.</p> -<p>Evans William, Glascoed</p> -<p>Edwards Edward, currier</p> -<p>Edwards William, Queen’s Head</p> -<p>Evans John, Church-street</p> -<p>Ewing John, gardener, Osberton Hall</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Fitz-William</span>, <span -class="smcap">The Right Hon. The Earl</span> (4 copies)</p> -<p>Fitz-William, The Hon. Lady Charlotte Wentworth, Wentworth -House</p> -<p>Fitz-William, The Hon. M. S. C. Wentworth</p> -<p>Fitz-William, The Hon. Lady Dorothy H. Wentworth</p> -<p>Francis Captain, Aberystwith</p> -<p>Fallon Rev. J. M., Bailee Rectory, Ireland</p> -<p>Fuller William, Esq., Salop-road</p> -<p>Furnin The Rev. J. P., Rode Parsonage, near Lawton, -Cheshire</p> -<p>Faulder F. J., Esq., St. Ann’s-square, Manchester</p> -<p>Fox John, accountant</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Gore William Ormsby</span>, Esq., M.P. for -North Shropshire</p> -<p>Grey William, Esq., New Burlington-street, London</p> -<p>Gray Thos., Esq. architect, Chester</p> -<p>Greenwood J. W., Esq., London</p> -<p>Goodwin John, Beatrice-street</p> -<p>Galloway Charles, Halston</p> -<p>George Roger, Willow-street</p> -<p>Giles Henry, Cross-street</p> -<p>Gornall Mrs. Jane, Swan Inn</p> -<p>Griffiths William, Esq., solicitor, Dolgelley</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Hill The Right Hon. The Viscount</span>, -Lord Lieutenant of the County of Salop</p> -<p>Hales John Miles, Esq., Lower Brook-street</p> -<p>Hill T. Esq., Upper Brook-street</p> -<p>Hill T. W., Esq., Upper Brook-st</p> -<p>Hargraves James, Esq., Whittington (2 copies)</p> -<p>Hayden Wm. Henry, 17, Warwick-square, London</p> -<p>Higgins Samuel, draper</p> -<p>Holland George, Whittington</p> -<p>Husband Rev. J., Rectory, Selattyn</p> -<p>Hopwood F. A., Station Master, Gobowen</p> -<p>Hardman Thomas, 14, Slater-street, Liverpool</p> -<p>Hughes T., Esq., solr., Wrexham</p> -<p>Hughes Miss Catherine, Church-street</p> -<p>Hughes Alexander, Willow-street</p> -<p>Hughes Miss Anne, Salop-road</p> -<p>Humphreys Edmund, East Sheen, Richmond (2 copies)</p> -<p>Hughes John, Savings’ Bank</p> -<p>Hilditch George, Esq., Salop-road</p> -<p>Heaton Rev. H. E., M.A., perpetual curate of Llangedwin</p> -<p>Hodgkinson R., Esq., estate agent, Osberton, Worksop</p> -<p>Howell David, Willow-Street (2 copies)</p> -<p><a name="pageviii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -viii</span>Hughes Thos., Esq., Plasnewydd, Llansilin</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Jones</span>, <span class="smcap">Rev. -Llewelyn Wynn</span>, M.A., Curate of Oswestry (2 copies)</p> -<p>Jacob Rev. L. R., Rhuabon</p> -<p>Jones John, Esq., solicitor</p> -<p>Jones Miss Harriette, Church-st.</p> -<p>Jones Thomas, Esq., Boughton, Chester</p> -<p>Jones Joseph, wine merchant</p> -<p>Jones Edward, Plas Issa, Rhuabon</p> -<p>Jones Mrs. Frances, London House</p> -<p>Jones John, hair dresser</p> -<p>Jones Edwin, Union-place</p> -<p>Jones James Thomas, Esq., Brynhafod (2 copies)</p> -<p>Jones Oswald Croxon, Esq., Enfield, Middlesex</p> -<p>Jones Mrs. Mary Watkin, Cross-street</p> -<p>Jacques Edwin William, Esq., Llangollen</p> -<p>Jones Henry, tobacconist</p> -<p>Jones Thomas, Esq., Brook-street</p> -<p>Jones John, Esq., Domgay, Llandisilio</p> -<p>Jervis Geo. Boot Inn, Whittington</p> -<p>Jones Rev. D. L., Meifod</p> -<p>Jones Rev. Walter, Llansilin</p> -<p>Jones Richard, Cross-street</p> -<p>Jones Richard, Salop-road</p> -<p>Jones Thomas, builder, Chester</p> -<p>Jones Gwen, Cross-street</p> -<p>Jones Henry, grocer, Cross-street</p> -<p>Jones John Pryce, Willow-street</p> -<p>Jones John, Cross</p> -<p>Jones Richard, Esq., Bellan Place, Rhuabon</p> -<p>Jones Edward, Mine Agent, Llwynymapsis</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Kenyon John Robert</span>, Esq., Recorder -of Oswestry</p> -<p>Kinchant Richard Henry, Esq., Park Hall</p> -<p>King John Edward, Cross Keys Hotel</p> -<p>Kilner Richard, Britannia Inn</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Lovett Joseph Venables</span>, Esq., -Belmont</p> -<p>LLoyd, Mrs., Aston Hall</p> -<p>Longueville Mrs., Pen-y-lan</p> -<p>Longueville Thomas Longueville, Esq.</p> -<p>Lloyd Rev. Albany Rosendale, Hengoed</p> -<p>Large Joseph, Esq., surgeon</p> -<p>Lewis Richard, Osberton Hall, Notts (4 copies)</p> -<p>Lloyd David Edward, Cross</p> -<p>Lloyd David, Wynnstay Arms Hotel</p> -<p>Lewis Charles Thomas, 38–9, Holloway Head, Birmingham (6 -copies)</p> -<p>Lewis Henry, painter, Beatrice-st.</p> -<p>Lloyd Rev. David, Trefonen</p> -<p>Lewis William, Elephant and Castle, Newtown</p> -<p>Leah John, Esq., Willow-street</p> -<p>Lewis Henry, building surveyor & contractor, Chester (2 -copies)</p> -<p>Lever William H., Esq., Chirk</p> -<p>Lewis Miss Margaret, Cross</p> -<p>Lees S. S., National Schools</p> -<p>Lyons Aaron, Jeweller, Leg-street</p> -<p>Lloyd Miss M. A., Willow-street</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Milton The Hon. Viscountess</span>, -Osberton, Notts</p> -<p>Milton The Hon. Selina, Viscountess, Osberton Hall, Notts</p> -<p>Mickleburgh Chas. Esq., Montgomery (2 copies)</p> -<p>Minshall Thomas, Esq., solicitor</p> -<p>Morris Edward, Esq., Salop-road</p> -<p>Morris William, builder</p> -<p>M’Kie William Hay, Scybor Issa</p> -<p>Morgan Captain, 54, Terrace, Aberystwith</p> -<p>Minett William, Esq., Maesbury</p> -<p>Meredith Edward, Rednal</p> -<p>Morris Joseph, Esq., Shrewsbury</p> -<p>Morgan John, Wynnstay</p> -<p>Moreton and Son, Cross</p> -<p>Morgan Thomas, Willow-street</p> -<p>Mytton John, Church-street</p> -<p>Manning Benjamin, Esq., Warwick-square, London</p> -<p>Martin John, Esq., Gold Mine, Dinas Mowddy (3 copies)</p> -<p>Monk Charles, Llangollen</p> -<p>Morris George, Porkington</p> -<p>Morgan R., Aberystwith</p> -<p><a name="pageix"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -ix</span>M’Kie William H., Melbourne, Australia</p> -<p>Morris John, builder (2 copies)</p> -<p>Morris Thomas, chemist, Worksop, Notts</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Norfolk The Most Noble His Grace the Duke -of</span> (Baron of Oswestry), Arundel Castle, Sussex (4 -copies)</p> -<p>Nicholson J. Esq., Upper Brook-street</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Oswell Edward</span>, Esq., solicitor</p> -<p>Owen M. Wynne, Esq., Plas Wilmot</p> -<p>Owen George, Esq., Park Issa (2 copies)</p> -<p>Oliver Irwin, Leg-street</p> -<p>Owen Elizabeth, 5, Upper Parade, Leamington</p> -<p>Oliver John, druggist, Liverpool</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Powis The Right Hon. the Earl of</span> -(Lord of the Manor of Oswestry), Powis Castle</p> -<p>Portman The Right Hon. Lord, Bryanstone House, Dorset</p> -<p>Portman The Hon. William Berkeley, M. P.</p> -<p>Phillips John, Esq., Cross</p> -<p>Porter Isaac, Esq., Salop-road</p> -<p>Pryce Thomas, Cross-street</p> -<p>Powell John Richard, Esq., Preesgwene</p> -<p>Price William, Esq., Fulford, York</p> -<p>Phillips the Rev. John Croxon, Tynyrhos</p> -<p>Pearson Mr. S., clothier, 2, Lamb’s Conduit-street, -London</p> -<p>Penson Richard Kyrke, Esq., Willow-street</p> -<p>Price Miss Mary, The Cross</p> -<p>Phillip and Son Messrs., Liverpool</p> -<p>Penson Thomas Mainwaring, Esq., Chester</p> -<p>Price Miss Elizabeth, Confectioner, Cross</p> -<p>Peate Jane, Porkington Terrace</p> -<p>Pierce Mrs. H., 87, Park Terrace, Green Heys, Manchester</p> -<p>Perkins Samuel, Bailey Head</p> -<p>Pearson W., J. Munn and Co., Manchester (4 copies)</p> -<p>Powell William, Salop Road</p> -<p>Parry Thomas Price, Willow-st.</p> -<p>Provis William A., Esq., Cross-street</p> -<p>Pearce R.A., Esq., Worksop, Notts</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Rogers Thomas</span>, Esq., Stone -House</p> -<p>Roberts Thomas Vaughan, Esq., solicitor</p> -<p>Roberts Thomas, Esq., Glyndwr, St. Asaph</p> -<p>Roberts John, Esq., Cross-street</p> -<p>Roberts Maurice, draper</p> -<p>Roberts David, Leg-street</p> -<p>Rogers E., Church-street</p> -<p>Roberts John Askew, Bailey Head</p> -<p>Rodenhurst Charles, Whittington</p> -<p>Roderick William, Esq., surgeon</p> -<p>Redrobe James, Royal Oak</p> -<p>Roberts Miss, Brook-st. Cottage</p> -<p>Roberts R., gas proprietor</p> -<p>Roberts E., Willow-street</p> -<p>Roberts William Whitridge, Melbourne, Australia</p> -<p>Reed Mrs., London</p> -<p>Ruscoe John, Horse Shoe Inn</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Salwey Rev. Thomas</span>, Vicar of -Oswestry</p> -<p>Sabine Charles, Esq., solicitor</p> -<p>Smith Frederick William, Esq., Ruthin (3 copies)</p> -<p>Smale William, chemist</p> -<p>Sharwood Messrs. S. and T., 120, Aldersgate-street, London (2 -copies)</p> -<p>Saunders George James, chemist</p> -<p>Sage Mrs. Catherine, Middleton-road</p> -<p>Smith Captain, Dinas Mowddy</p> -<p>Smith Henry, Supervisor, Inland Revenue</p> -<p>Savin Thomas, draper</p> -<p>Stokes Mrs., Rock Ferry</p> -<p>Sides Miss Sarah, Fron, Rhuabon</p> -<p>Sissons Henry, stationer, Worksop, Notts</p> -<p>Shaw Henry, ironmonger, Worksop, Notts</p> -<p>Smith Benjamin, innkeeper, Norton, Notts</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><a name="pagex"></a><span class="pagenum">p. x</span><span -class="smcap">Tipton Edward Blakeway</span>, Esq., Distributor of -Stamps for Shropshire and North Wales</p> -<p>Thomas Edward Wynne, Esq., Cross</p> -<p>Tomkies John, Esq., Manchester (2 copies)</p> -<p>Thomas Rev. John, Liverpool</p> -<p>Thomas John, maltster</p> -<p>Tucker St. Felix, Esq, H.M.C., West Derby-road, Liverpool</p> -<p>Taylor John, shoemaker</p> -<p>Tyley Thomas, Sun Inn</p> -<p>Thomas Henry, Coney Green</p> -<p>Thompson John, Leg-street</p> -<p>Towers Mr., Angel Hotel, Dale-street, Liverpool</p> -<p>Thompson Thomas, Chester</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">Venables Rowland Jones</span>, Esq., -Oakhurst</p> -<p>Vaughan Robert Chambre, Esq., Burlton, Shrewsbury</p> -<p>Venables Mrs. Eliz., Whittington</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p><span class="smcap">West Frederick Richard</span>, Esq. M.P., -Ruthin Castle</p> -<p>West Frederick Myddleton, Esq.</p> -<p>Williams Edward, Esq., Lloran House (4 copies)</p> -<p>Wilding John Powell, Esq., Montgomery</p> -<p>Whalley George Hammond, Esq., Plasmadoc</p> -<p>Waite George, Esq., New Burlington-street, London</p> -<p>Williams Rev. Rt., Rhydycroesau</p> -<p>Webster Benjamin Esq., Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London</p> -<p>Wood Richard, Leg-street</p> -<p>Woods Richard, farmer, Osberton, Worksop</p> -<p>Williams J. Vincent, Accountant</p> -<p>Wright Edmund, Esq., Halston</p> -<p>Wynn Edward, Black-gate</p> -<p>Williams Edward, Belle Vue, Wrexham</p> -<p>Williams Rt., draper (2 copies)</p> -<p>Williams Samuel, The Llys</p> -<p>Winter John, Chirk</p> -<p>Webb Miss J. C., Melbourne, Australia</p> -<p>Windsor William, Babin’s Wood</p> -<p>Windsor Samuel, Powis Castle</p> -<p>Wilson William, upholsterer</p> -<p>Williams G. H., Esq., The Lymes</p> -<p>Williams William, Esq., 295, Kent-St., Southwark, London</p> -<p>Williams Michael, Railway Station</p> -<p>Whitridge Mr., bookseller, Carlisle</p> -<h2><a name="pagexi"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -xi</span>Index.</h2> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">Page</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Agricultural Statistics</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page205">205</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Album Monasterium</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page3">3</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Aldermen and Common-Councilmen</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page166">166</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Alfred the Great</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page17">17</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Ancient Customs</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page191">191</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Ancient Houses</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page185">185</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Ancient Relics</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page186">186</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Angling</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page209">209</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Aston Hall</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page242">242</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Attack on the town</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page65">65</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Baptist Chapel</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page155">155</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Banks</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page100">100</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Battle of Oswestry</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page6">6</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Belmont</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page285">285</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Benevolent Institutions</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page119">119</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Bethesda Chapel</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page157">157</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Blanc-Minster</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page3">3</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Bleddyn ab Cynvyn</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page14">14</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Biography</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page223">223</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Botany of the Parish</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page213">213</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Bray, Dr. Thomas</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page224">224</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>British Period</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page4">4</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>British Schools</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page114">114</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Broom Hall</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page289">289</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Brunswick Dynasty</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page88">88</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Brynkinalt</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page243">243</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Cadwaladr’s reign</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page8">8</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Cae Nef</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page6">6</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Carreg Hofa Castle</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page257">257</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Castle of Oswestry</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page15">15</a></span>–172</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Overton</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page15">15</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Ceiriog, the</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page212">212</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Civil Wars</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page61">61</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Charitable Donations</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page121">121</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Church or Chapel-Field</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page6">6</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="pagexii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -xii</span>Church Grant</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page30">30</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Charles I., Character of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page62">62</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Charter, First Royal</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page33">33</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Charter of Charles II.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page78">78</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Charter the Third</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page47">47</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Chirk</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page291">291</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Chirk Castle</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page244">244</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Clawdd Coch</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page259">259</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Coed Euloe, Battle of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page21">21</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Cranage’s Daring</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page66">66</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Crogen, Battle of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page23">23</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Croes-Oswallt (Oswald’s Cross)</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page3">3</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Croes Wylan</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page54">54</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Death of Oswald</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page7">7</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Derivation of Name, &c.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page2">2</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Derwen</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page285">285</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Dispensary and Baths</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page117">117</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Dissenting Places of Worship</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page152">152</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Dovaston, John Freeman Milward</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page224">224</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Drenewydd</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page289">289</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Ecclesiastical History</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page132">132</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>English Period</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page21">21</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Extension Line (Oswestry and Newtown) Railway</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page198">198</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Famine</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page57">57</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Felton West</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page274">274</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Fernhill</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page258">258</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Fitz-Alan, William</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page15">15</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Fletcher, Philip Lloyd</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page16">16</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Fitz-Gwarine</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page17">17</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Free Grammar School</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page107">107</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Friendly Societies</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page131">131</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Gas-works</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page104">104</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Gates</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page93">93</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Genealogical Table</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page178">178</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Geology, &c.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page221">221</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Glorious Age</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page89">89</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Glyndwr Insurrection</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page36">36</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Reverses</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page49">49</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Death of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page50">50</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Great Western Railway Company</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page195">195</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Greenfield Lodge</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page274">274</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Griddle Gate</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page137">137</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Grufydd ab Cynan</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page15">15</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Guto (y Glyn)</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page226">226</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Halston</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page249">249</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Hen Dinas</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page5">5</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Hengoed</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page272">272</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Hotels</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page107">107</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>House of Industry</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page119">119</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Humphreys, Humphrey, D.D.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page227">227</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="pagexiii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -xiii</span>Huntington, Execution of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page35">35</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Hywel Dda (the Welsh Justinian)</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page13">13</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Independent Methodist Chapel</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page157">157</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Ingratitude of (Common Wealth) Parliament</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page73">73</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Invasion of Wales</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page21">21</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Jones, Thomas</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page227">227</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>King Oswald</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page5">5</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Knockin</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page253">253</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Kynaston, Humphrey</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page228">228</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Le Strange, Roger</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page17">17</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Lighting</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page96">96</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Lodge, the</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page273">273</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llanforda</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page260">260</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llangollen Vale</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page292">292</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llanymynech</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page254">254</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llanyblodwel</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page262">262</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llansilin</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page261">261</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Lloyd, Colonel</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page63">63</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Lloyd, Bishop</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page83">83</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llynclys (or Llynclis) Pool</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page211">211</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Lupus, Hugh</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page16">16</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llwyd, Edward</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page230">230</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llywarch Hen</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page8">8</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llywelyn ab Jorwerth</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page27">27</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Madog</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page15">15</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Maelor</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page15">15</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Marrow’s Assault</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page69">69</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Marches Lordships</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page17">17</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Margery Bruce</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page180">180</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Markets and Fairs</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page97">97</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Markets</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page102">102</a></span>–3</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Maserfield</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page7">7</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Mathrafal</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page9">9</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Maud Verdon</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page15">15</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Maurice, William</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page231">231</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Mayors, List of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page164">164</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Mayor’s Blunders</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page85">85</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Mediolanum</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page259">259</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Montgomery, Roger de</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page16">16</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Morda, the</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page212">212</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Morlas, the</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page212">212</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Morus, Hugh</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page231">231</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Monuments within the Church</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page139">139</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">in the Church-yard</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page14">14</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">in the New Church-yard</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page147">147</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Morva Rhuddlan</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page113">113</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Mortimers, the</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page31">31</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Mount Pleasant</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page290">290</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Municipal and Civil Government</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page158">158</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Officers</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page163">163</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="pagexiv"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -xiv</span>Murage, the</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page29">29</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Myddelton, Sir Thomas</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page77">77</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Mytton, Major-General</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page75">75</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Mytton, the late John, Esq.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page251">251</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>National Schools</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page112">112</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Natural History</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page205">205</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Newport, Mr.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page68">68</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Norfolk, Duke of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page15">15</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Norman Period</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page14">14</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Notabilia</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page235">235</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Oakhurst</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page290">290</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Offa’s Dyke</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page10">10</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Old Chapel</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page152">152</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Oswald’s Well</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page189">189</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Oswestry Race-course</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page10">10</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Castle, Burning of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page72">72</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Government of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page72">72</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">As it was</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page92">92</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">recent History of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page181">181</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Castle Hill</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page177">177</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Owain Brogyntyn</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page15">15</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Oswald and Penda</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page2">2</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Parliament, the Great</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page32">32</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Parish Church</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page132">132</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Sunday School</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page114">114</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Park Hall</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page263">263</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Penda, the Mercian King</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page8">8</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Pengwern</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page9">9</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Pentre Pant</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page290">290</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Pentre Poeth</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page53">53</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Penylan</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page290">290</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Perry, the</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page212">212</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Plague, records of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page55">55</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Plot to remove the markets</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page59">59</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Poor Rate Return—Oswestry town and parish (1855)</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page240">240</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Population</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page204">204</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Porkington</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page266">266</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Post Office</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page99">99</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Powys Vadog</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page14">14</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Preesgwene House</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page273">273</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Primitive Methodist Chapel</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page157">157</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Public Establishments and Institutions</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page98">98</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Quinta, the</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page274">274</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Railway Communication</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page194">194</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Restoration, the</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page76">76</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Review of Ancient History</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page7">7</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Revolution, the</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page86">86</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Reynolds, John</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page232">232</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Richard II., death of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page34">34</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Rivers</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page209">209</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="pagexv"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -xv</span>Rhyd-y-croesau</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page290">290</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Rhyd-y-croesau Church</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page150">150</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Roberts, the Rev. Peter</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page232">232</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Rug</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page15">15</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Sacheverell, Dr.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page86">86</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Salter, Mr. Robert</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page234">234</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Savings’ Bank</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page101">101</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Saxon Period</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page9">9</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Selattyn</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page269">269</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Shrewsbury, the Battle of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page37">37</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Siarter Cwtta, the Short Charter</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page24">24</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Site of the town</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page91">91</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Sketches of the Environs of Oswestry</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page241">241</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Social Improvement</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page88">88</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Society for Bettering the Condition of the Poor</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page129">129</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Spot, Dick</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page233">233</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>St. Martin’s</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page272">272</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Stamp Office</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page101">101</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Statistics</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page201">201</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Streets</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page95">95</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Sweeney Hall</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page291">291</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Tenants’ Service</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page48">48</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Theatre</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page104">104</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Topographical History</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page90">90</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Town Walls</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page184">184</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Tre’r Cadeiriau</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page3">3</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Tre’r Fesen</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page6">6</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Trefaldwyn</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page13">13</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Trefonen Church</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page149">149</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Tre Meredydd</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page14">14</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Trevor, Sir John</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page159">159</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Trinity Church</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page144">144</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Tyn-y-Rhos</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page278">278</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Visit of Baldwin and Giraldus</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page25">25</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Vicars, List of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page151">151</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Walter the Stewart</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page179">179</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Watt’s Dyke</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page11">11</a></span>–12–13</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Welsh Cloth Market</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page51">51</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Wesleyan Methodist Chapel</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page156">156</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Whittington</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page275">275</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>William the Conqueror</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page10">10</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Wood Hill Hall</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page291">291</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Wynnstay</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page286">286</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Young Men’s Institute</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page115">115</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Zion Chapel</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page152">152</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h2><a name="pagexvi"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -xvi</span>Illustrations.</h2> -<h3>THE TOWN.</h3> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">Page</span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Beatrice Gate</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page94">94</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Church Gate and Avenue</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page136">136</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Cross Market and Street Views</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing the Title-page)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Dispensary and Public Baths</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page118">118</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Free Grammar School</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing) <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page107">107</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Griddle Gate</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page137">137</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>New Gate</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page93">93</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>National Schools</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page113">113</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Oswestry Castle (from an ancient drawing belonging to an -inhabitant of Dudleston)</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing) <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page172">172</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>The Old Chapel</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page155">155</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Parish Church</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing) <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page132">132</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Powis Market, Guildhall, and Bailey Head</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing) <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page103">103</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>St. Oswald’s Well</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page190">190</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Trinity Church</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page148">148</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h3>THE ENVIRONS.</h3> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p>Brynkinalt</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing) <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page243">243</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Chirk Castle</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing) <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page244">244</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Halston</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing) <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page249">249</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llanymynech Church</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page255">255</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Park Hall</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing) <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page263">263</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Porkington</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing) <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page266">266</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Selattyn Church</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page271">271</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Whittington Castle</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing) <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page281">281</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Wynnstay</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">(facing) <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page287">287</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h2><a name="page1"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 1</span>History -of Oswestry.</h2> -<p>A <span class="smcap">celebrated</span> writer has said, that -“History is philosophy teaching by example.” -Local History was doubtless included in the reflection of the -distinguished essayist, when he penned the memorable sentence, -which has for years past been adopted as a national maxim. -In Local History we have handed down to us facts and fiction, -both grave and gay; traditions and customs illustrative of -popular habits and manners; records of national edicts and social -laws; municipal mandates, and parochial practice; doleful notes -of superstition and ignorance, with gratifying statistics of the -progress of truth and enlightenment; pleasing reports of the -advancement of science and art, mechanical ingenuity, and -industrial pursuits; and, speaking comprehensively, with a keen -glance at the past, we descry enough, in the chequered examples -of byegone times, to help us on in wisdom’s ways.</p> -<p>With these preliminaries, let us now lead our readers -pleasantly onward through the devious paths and labyrinths of -Oswestry’s varied history, beguiling them, perchance, by -the way, with all that is agreeable pertaining to the <span -class="smcap">Ancient and Loyal Borough</span>, which, from its -antiquity, its scenes of martial daring and prowess, the tranquil -beauty of its surrounding landscapes, and its primitive, as well -as modern <a name="page2"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -2</span>relation to some of the sweetest spots of <span -class="smcap">Cambria</span>, has commanded the admiration and -homage of historians, painters, and poets.</p> -<h3>Derivation of Name, &c.</h3> -<p>The derivation of the name of the Borough is still, and -perhaps ever will be, involved in obscurity. As a place of -retreat for the Cymry, or early Britons, when chased from the -south by the Roman invaders, it is not unlikely to have had a -primitive name that has been lost in the flood of ages. -Pennant, whose industry and historical research have earned for -him lasting fame, dates the commencement of its history in the -Saxon period, not anterior to the celebrated conflict at -Oswestry, between <i>Oswald</i>, the Christian King of the -Northumbrians, and <i>Penda</i>, the Pagan King of the Mercians, -which occurred in the year 642. Other Welsh biographical -and historical writers trace the origin of its name to a much -earlier period, and contend that <i>Oswal</i>, a son of Cunedda -Wledig, sovereign of the Stratclyde Britons, and who lived in the -early part of the fifth century, received from his father, as a -tribute for special military services, an extensive grant of -land, called from him <i>Osweiling</i>, in which the present town -of Oswestry is situated. The coincidence is extraordinary -that two distinguished chieftains should have -flourished—although upwards of two centuries had rolled -between their reigns—bearing names so similar to each -other, that from either, it may be presumed, the town could, not -inappropriately, have derived its present designation. The -evidence in favour of Oswald’s right to the sponsorship of -Oswestry is, however, in our opinion, so strong, that we must -accord the honour to the Northumbrian Monarch, until the Cambrian -or British claim shall be more authoritatively established. -In the battle between <i>Oswald</i> and <i>Penda</i>, history -informs us that the former was defeated and fell; that the -barbarian victor ordered that the body of the slain monarch -should be cut in pieces, and “stuck on stakes dispersed -over <a name="page3"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 3</span>the -field as so many trophies; or, according to the ancient verses -that relate the legend, his head and hands only were thus -exposed:—</p> -<blockquote><p>‘Three crosses, raised at -<i>Penda’s</i> dire command,<br /> -Bore <i>Oswald’s</i> royal head and mangled -hands.’”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>After this battle the Welsh, or Cymry, (who seemed to have -possessed for some time the district including Oswestry,) had -called it <i>Croes-Oswallt</i> (Oswald’s Cross), in -allusion to Penda’s ignominious exposure of Oswald’s -slaughtered body. The spot where the battle was fought is -said to have borne the name of <i>Maeshir</i> (the long field), -as marking the length and obstinacy of the conflict. In the -fulness of the Saxon period the town was known as -<i>Oswald’s Tree</i>, in evident reference to -Oswald’s death, and subsequently, to the present day, -“without let or impediment,” by the name of <span -class="smcap">Oswestry</span>.</p> -<p>Industrious and talented antiquarian writers have given to the -town other names and derivations. For instance, we are told -that it was termed by the Saxons <i>Blanc-Minster</i>, -<i>White-Minster</i>, <i>Album-Monasterium</i>, from its -“fair and white Monastery,” whilst the Cymry, or -“Old Britons,” as Williams denominates them, -“called the town <i>Tre’r Fesen</i>, <i>Tre’r -Cadeiriau</i>, the Town of the Oak Chairs,” or, as another -writer has it, “the Town of Great Oaks.” These -terms bear special allusion to Oswald’s unfortunate arrival -in this district; for the ancient seal of the town, cut in brass, -represents King Oswald sitting in his robes on a chair, holding a -sword in his right hand, and an oak branch in his left, with the -words around, “<i>De Oswaldestre sigillum -commune</i>.” In repeating the long and tedious -catalogue of names and derivations, it will be proper to mention -that one writer renders the designation <i>Tre’r -Cadeiriau</i> as follows:—“Oswestry was called by the -Britons <i>Tre’r Cadeiriau</i>, literally the Town of -<i>Chairs</i>, or Seats, commanding an extensive view, (as -<i>Cadair Idris</i>, the chair of Idris, and others,) as there -are several eminences commanding such views in the -neighbourhood.”</p> -<p><a name="page4"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 4</span>Here is a -chapter on civic nomenclature and varied derivation, very -curious, perhaps, to many readers, but little edifying to those -who ask with the poet, “What’s in a -name?” And yet, ancient civic names, like many other -ancient relics, have valuable and salutary uses. They are -as finger-posts to the Past; in some instances inviting us to the -honest path of truth and honour; in others deterring us from the -rugged ways of ignorance and error. In almost all respects -they enable us to institute comparisons and form contrasts -between men and manners in ancient and modern days. Whilst -looking at such names, we are too frequently reminded of times -when Might overcame Right, and are gently led with thankful -spirits to the Present, when, in our own happy and -highly-privileged age, every Briton can sit “under his vine -and under his fig-tree,” none daring to make him -afraid.</p> -<h3>REVIEW OF ANCIENT HISTORY.</h3> -<h4>The British Period.</h4> -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> ages the site of the town, with -the surrounding district, was the theatre of brutal contention, -rapine, and aggrandisement. Here, as in the Border-Lands of -Scotland, it was</p> - -<blockquote><p> “The -good old rule,<br /> - - -* * * the simple plan,<br /> -That they should take who have the power,<br /> - And they should keep who can.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Education had not spread her benign wings over the people, to -hush them into peace; and too commonly they who possessed the -strongest physical power and the wildest barbarism became, in -turns, “Lords of the Ascendant.” There is no -record extant that the Roman invaders of Britain pitched their -tents within the Oswestrian district; and yet it is more than -probable that part of the legion, which traversed <a -name="page5"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 5</span>from the south -of our island, actually touched at Llanymynech Hill (a Roman -settlement beyond doubt), and most likely constituted a portion -of the army which, under Suetonius, found its way along the -mountain-passes of North Wales into Anglesey, may have halted -there, if the ground was pre-occupied by the invaded Britons, or -the ancient encampment, <i>Hen Dinas</i>, had then stood. -We can produce nothing more than conjectural evidence of such a -visit. There is no Roman architecture in the town, to mark -the presence of the invaders, nor are there Roman relics rich as -those discovered at Llanymynech. If the Britons occupied -<i>Hen Dinas</i> during the Roman visit to the district, the -destruction of that encampment may have been accomplished by the -Roman marauders; and yet it is believed by some that the Britons -possessed Oswestry, intact, from before the death of Oswald to -the invasion of Offa. A Roman invasion of Oswestry, and the -real history of Hen Dinas (or Old Oswestry, as it is termed,) are -therefore alike still involved in mystery.</p> -<p>On this “vexed question” we may add the -following:—“Remarking to a <i>gentleman</i>,” -says Mr. Hutton, “that I had gleaned some anecdotes -relative to Oswald, he asked me if I had seen Old Oswestry, -where, he assured me, the town had formerly stood. I -smiled, and answered him in the negative. He then told me, -‘that the town had <i>travelled</i> three quarters of a -mile to the place where it had taken up its present -abode.’ This belief, I found had been adopted by -others with whom I conversed.”</p> -<p>The earliest sovereign possession of Oswestry, noted in the -Welsh historic page, was in the beginning of the fifth century, -as already referred to. Oswal, son of Cunedda Wledig, is -there represented to have been its first monarch. The Welsh -Chroniclers, however, furnish no details of his reign; and no -event connected with the town is subsequently recorded, till the -memorable one of King Oswald’s attack upon the Mercian King -Penda, August 5th, A.D. 642. Oswald and Oswy <a -name="page6"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 6</span>were sons of -Adelfrid, the seventh King of Northumberland. These young -Princes had been driven out of the kingdom of their father by -Cadwallawn, who had before been expelled from Wales, his rightful -possession, by Edwin. Oswald, after seventeen years’ -exile in Scotland, was restored to his kingdom by the overthrow -and death of Cadwallawn. During his exile Oswald is said to -have been baptized in a Christian church. He brought with -him from Scotland a Christian bishop, Aidan, who preached -Christianity to the people, and Oswald assisted him in his -ministrations. The young Northumbrian King appears to have -been zealous in the Christian cause, both in the pulpit and the -field. Penda was a pagan prince, and had united with -Cadwallawn in laying Northumbria waste. Oswald’s -Christianity was not strong enough, it would seem, to subdue his -revenge against Penda. The two monarchs at length met, a -bloody conflict ensued, and Oswald was slain. The site of -the closing scene of this memorable battle is said to have been a -field called <i>Cae Nef</i> (Heaven’s Field), -“situated on the left of the turnpike road leading to the -Free School.” The writer from whom we quote mentions, -that “Oswald approached with his army to what is called -Maes-y-llan, or Church Field, then open.” -“About four hundred yards west of the church,” he -adds, “is a rising ground, where the battle began. -The assailant appears to have driven Penda’s forces to a -field nearer the town, called <i>Cae Nef</i>. Here Oswald -fell.” These minute particulars give increased -interest to the combat; but the writer does not state any -authority for the details. We suppose it must have been -merely traditionary. At the present time the sites of -<i>Cae Nef</i>, and <i>Church</i> or <i>Chapel Field</i>, are -well known to most of the inhabitants of the town. -Oswald’s remains were first interred in the monastery of -Bradney, in Lincolnshire, and afterwards, in 909, removed to St. -Oswald’s, in Gloucestershire. The memory of the -deceased King seems to have been held in great veneration, for -churches, in various parts of the kingdom, still bear his name, -as patron saint. <a name="page7"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 7</span>Speed, in his “<i>History of -Great Britaine</i>,” with his accustomed quaintness and -minute graphic description, sums up Oswald’s closing scene -in the following language:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“But as the sunne hath his shadow, and the -highest tide her ebbe, so <i>Oswald</i>, how holy soeuer, or -gouernment how good, had emulators that sought his life, and his -Countries mine: for wicked <i>Penda</i> the Pagan Mercian, -enuying the greatnesse that King <i>Oswald</i> bare, raised -warres against him, and at a place then called <i>Maserfeild</i>, -in <i>Shrop-shire</i>, in a bloudie and sore fought battle slew -him; and not therewith satisfied, in barbarous and brutish -immanitie, did teare him in peeces, the first day of August, and -yeere of Christ Iesus six hundred forty two, being the ninth of -his raigne, and the thirty eighth of his age: whereupon the said -place of his death is called to this day <i>Oswaldstree</i>, a -faire Market Towne in the same Countie. The dismembred -limmes of his body were first buried in the Monastery of -<i>Bradney</i>, in <i>Lincolnshire</i>, shrined with his standard -of Gold and Purple erected ouer his Tombe, at the industry and -cost of his neece <i>Offryd</i>, Queene of <i>Mercia</i>, wife -vnto king <i>Ethelred</i>, and daughter to <i>Oswyn</i> that -succeeded him. From hence his bones were afterwards -remooued to <i>Glocester</i>, and there in the north side of the -vpper end of the Quire in the Cathedrall Church, continueth a -faire Monument of him, with a Chapell set betwixt two pillers in -the same Church.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>From the death of Oswald to 777, Oswestry is reported, as -already mentioned, to have been in undisputed possession of the -Britons. What its faithful history was during that long -period we are unable to state. If the Britons did really -occupy it, no event worthy of record seems to have -occurred. If the Britons were preserved in peace, no -chronicle is handed down to us of their social or industrial -habits within the halcyon time. Whether they improved their -land, instructed their minds in arts useful to their tribe, or -were sunk in ignorance, sloth, and selfishness, there is no voice -or pen to <a name="page8"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -8</span>inform us. Three centuries later than this period -the domestic architecture of the Cymry was in the lowest state of -rudeness. One of the regal mansions of Hywel Dda, their -great law-giver, was made of peeled rods; the people lived in -wattled huts; and a gentleman’s hall was valued according -to the number of posts it contained. These were filled up -with wattled twigs and clay. The only notice we have of the -period is in the Welsh Chronicles, and from them we learn that -Cadwaladr (son of the Cadwallawn who was defeated and slain in a -battle with King Oswald, near Denisbourne, in Northumberland,) -the last of the Welsh Princes who assumed the title of Chief -Sovereign of Britain, reigned over the Britons from A.D. 634 to -703, and was succeeded by Idwal Iwrch, or the Roe. In one -of the Welsh Triads, Cadwaladr is called “one of the three -canonized kings of Britain,” for the protection which he -gave to the primitive Christians when dispossessed by the pagan -Saxons; and his long reign is mentioned as having been peaceable, -mainly in consequence, we are told, of his mother being sister to -Penda, the Mercian king. Rhodri Molwynog, a brave and -warlike prince, and grandson of Cadwaladr, succeeded to the -western part of Britain about the year 720, and was engaged in -constant hostilities with the Saxons until near the close of his -life, in 755. These dottings from Welsh history show that -the Britons had not peace within their borders during the long -period already mentioned, and that “battles and -murders” were still the constant theme and employment of -the Britons and Saxons. It is hardly probable that the -Britons possessed this district peaceably, and not unlikely that -they still had to fight for their lives and property, inch by -inch, and foot to foot. War, even in the present day, is -the curse of nations; it fosters animosities, engenders ignorance -and vice, and brutalizes man. What, then, must have been -the effect of constant wars and incursions upon the British -people by their invaders? The Britons had among them, about -this period, their great bard, <i>Llywarch Hen</i>, a man ranked -among <a name="page9"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 9</span>the -wise bards of the Court of Arthur, and whose poetical effusions -display profound talent, if not genius, for so rude an age; but -we have no proofs that they profited much by his vigorous -instructions, although his life was lengthened out to one hundred -and fifty years. The art of printing was unknown in -Llywarch’s days, otherwise his humanizing productions might -have wrought peace and harmony amongst both the oppressors and -the oppressed.</p> -<p>The period had now arrived when the sovereignty of the Britons -was so powerfully disputed that they were compelled to yield to -the cohort strength of the impetuous Offa, King of the -Mercians. Mercia was the largest of the Anglo-Saxon -kingdoms, and London was its capital. Offa passed the -Severn with a mighty force, drove the Britons from their fertile -and lovely plains, and limited the princedom of Powys to the -western side of the celebrated ditch still known by the name of -<i>Offa’s Dyke</i>. Offa enjoyed a victorious reign, -from the year 755 to 794. During that period the finest -part of Powys became a confirmed part of the Mercian territory, -and Shropshire was permanently annexed to England. Owen and -Blakeway, in their invaluable “<i>History of -Shrewsbury</i>,” remark, “Though there can be no -doubt that the cession of Shropshire was obtained from the -British Prince (<i>Eliseg</i>, it is supposed,) only by the -military preponderance of the Saxon, yet it seems equally certain -that it must finally have been the subject of a pacific -negociation. A work of so much labour as Offa’s Dyke, -evidently designed, according to his practice in other places, as -the line of demarkation between two kingdoms, could never have -been carried into execution without the concurrence of the -sovereign on each side of that boundary. * * * * The prince, thus -despoiled of the fairest portion of his dominions, retired to -Mathrafal, on the Vyrnwy, five miles beyond Welshpool, while -Pengwern, <a name="page10"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -10</span>degraded from the dignity of a metropolis, passed under -the yoke of an English conqueror, and henceforth to be known by -the name of Shrewsbury, a name of Saxon origin.”</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Offa’s Dyke</span>, called by the -Britons <i>Clawdd</i> <span class="smcap">Offa</span>, extended -nearly a hundred miles along the mountain border of Wales, from -the Clwydian hills to the mouth of the Wye. Part of the -Dyke may be traced at Brachy Hill, and Leintwardine, in -Herefordshire, continuing northward from Knighton, in -Radnorshire, over part of Shropshire, entering Montgomeryshire -between Bishop’s Castle and Newtown. It again appears -in Shropshire, near Llanymynech, crosses Cern-y-bwch (the -Oswestry race-course), descends to the Ceiriog, near Chirk, where -it again enters Wales, and terminates in the parish of Mold, -beyond which no traces of it are discovered. Offa may have -imagined that the Clwydian hills, and the deep valley that lies -at their base, would serve as a continuance of the prohibitory -line. Pennant tells us, that in all parts the Dyke was -constructed on the Welsh side, and that there are numbers of -small artificial mounts, the sites of small forts along its -course. In the MS. “<i>Historia Wallica</i>,” -we are informed, that the work of forming this Dyke, forty feet -in height, occupied a numerous band of men, “able and -accustomed to work in the fields,” more than seven -years. This great line of demarcation answered but little -purpose as a line of defence, or even of boundary. The -Border Lands were still the scenes of sanguinary contests, and -superior force alone repelled the Britons. Severe laws were -enacted against any that should transgress the limits prescribed -by Offa; and one of these enactments declared, that “the -Welshman who was found in arms on the Saxon side of the Dyke was -to lose his right hand.” These laws, however, were -unheeded by the Britons. They deeply felt their injuries, -and concerted means of revenge, and, as they hoped, -emancipation. They formed an alliance with the kings of -Sussex and Northumberland, broke through the boundary, <a -name="page11"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 11</span>attacked -Offa’s camp, slew great numbers, and the Mercian king -himself narrowly escaped with a small remnant of his army. -On this disaster Offa retired into his own dominions, meditating -vengeance. Hostages having been given to him by the -Britons, a short time before, during a brief period of peace, he -now dealt out to them severe treatment, strictly confining them, -and selling, or reserving for perpetual slavery, their wives and -children. Still breathing destruction he marched into the -confines of Wales with a powerful army, but for years was -gallantly repelled by the Britons. At length the contending -forces met on Rhuddlan Marsh (now the scene of peaceful arts, the -Chester and Holyhead Railway passing over it), and the Britons, -under the command of Caradog, were entirely defeated with -terrific slaughter, their leader being slain in the -conflict. The fury of the Saxon prince did not cease with -victory. He savagely massacred the men, women, and children -who fell into his hands; and, according to tradition, the -remaining Britons, who had escaped the enemy’s sword, -fleeing with haste over the marsh, perished in the waters by the -flowing of the tide. This tragedy has been carried down to -posterity by a plaintive Welsh melody, called <i>Morva -Rhuddlan</i>, the notes of which are amongst the most touching -and deeply-pathetic of Cambrian minstrelsy.</p> -<p>Having traced Offa’s Dyke, it is necessary to describe -the course of <span class="smcap">Watt’s Dyke</span>, as -the space between these two great lines of demarcation was deemed -neutral ground both by the Britons and their invaders, and -subsequently, during the Norman period, became part of what is -denominated the <span class="smcap">Marches</span>, although it -is difficult to define correctly the precise extent of territory -they occupied. Watt’s Dyke is supposed by various -writers to have been constructed anterior to the time of -Offa. Its course is marked by Pennant as -follows:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“It appears at Maesbury, in the parish of -Oswestry, and terminates at the river Dee, below Basingwerk -Abbey. The southern end of the line is lost in morassy -grounds; but was <a name="page12"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -12</span>probably continued to the river Severn. It extends -its course from Maesbury to the Mile Oak [on the old road from -Oswestry to Shrewsbury]; from thence through a field [now -belonging to Edward Williams, Esq., Solicitor, of Oswestry], -called <i>Maes-y-garreg-llwyd</i>, between two remarkable pillars -of unhewn stone [strongly resembling Druidic altar stones]; -passes by the town [below the Shelf-bank’ Field], and from -thence to Old Oswestry, and by Pentreclawdd to Gobowen, the site -of a small fort called <i>Bryn-y-Castell</i>, in the parish of -Whittington; runs by Prys Henlle and Belmont; crosses the -Ceiriog, between Brynkinallt and Pont-y-blew Forge, and the Dee, -below Nant-y-Bela; from whence it passes through Wynnstay Park, -by another Pentreclawdd, to Erddig, where there was a strong fort -on its course; from Erddig it runs above Wrexham, near Melin -Puleston, by Dolydd, Maesgwyn, Rhos-ddû, Croes-oneiras, -&c.; goes over the Alûn, and through the township of -Llai, to Rhydin, in the county of Flint, above which is -<i>Caer-estyn</i>, a British post; from hence it runs by Hope -church along the side of Molesdale, which it quits towards the -latter place, and turns to Mynydd Sychdyn, Monachlog, near -Northop, by Northop Mills, Bryn-Moel, Coed-y-Llys, Nant-y-Flint, -Cefn-y-Coed, through the Strand Fields, near Holywell, to its -termination below the Abbey of Basingwerk.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The Chester and Shrewsbury Railway intersects these two -ancient dykes. At the junction of the branch line to -Brymbo, Minera, &c., the railway crosses Watt’s Dyke, -and continues to run on the left side of it, travelling from -Chester, for about fourteen miles, until Gobowen is reached, -where the line again crosses the dyke; the superintendants of -modern improvements, especially railway engineers and -contractors, paying little if any deference to mere -antiquities. By this route the railway traveller passes a -considerable distance on the neutral ground, where alone, for -many years, the trade and commerce of the Britons, the Saxons, -and the Danes, were transacted. Offa’s Dyke at Brymbo -is about two miles to the right, from Chester, and <a -name="page13"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 13</span>runs parallel -with the railway for about eighteen miles. Churchyard, in -his “<i>Worthies of Wales</i>,” thus chronicles, in -his quaint verse, the use to which the “free ground” -was applied in early days:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Within two miles, there is a famous -thing<br /> -Called <span class="smcap">Offa’s Dyke</span>, that -reacheth farre in lengthe;<br /> -All kind of ware the Danes might thither bring;<br /> -It was free ground, and called the Britaines’ strength.<br -/> -<span class="smcap">Watt’s Dyke</span>, likewise, about the -same was set,<br /> -Between which two, both Danes and Britaines met.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>For many years after Offa’s memorable defeat of the -Britons on Rhuddlan Marsh, the history of the district conveys -but little information interesting in the present day. -“Wars, and rumours of wars,” are the only topics on -which past historians have filled their pages in reference to -this period. Rhodri Mawr (Rhoderick the Great), one of the -most celebrated warriors and princes of Wales, succeeded to the -sovereignty of North Wales and Powys in 843. In the year of -his succession his territories were invaded by Berthred, King of -Mercia, whom he defeated with great loss. Rhodri left three -sons, and, according to the law of gavel-kind, he divided his -dominions among his children. His son Mervyn had the -principality of Powys, with the palace of Mathraval. His -three sons were called <i>y tri thywsog taleithiog</i>, or -diademed princes, from their wearing diadems of gold set with -precious stones; and Anarawd, his eldest son, received a yearly -tribute from the Prince of Powys. Contentions still -continued, and intestine divisions kept the Britons in as violent -commotion as if they were battling with their avowed enemies on -the border. Mervyn did not long enjoy his dominion, as he -was slain in 892 by his own subjects, headed by his brother -Cadell, who took possession of the throne. The reign of -Cadell was also brief, and his son Hywel Dda (Howel the Good) -succeeded him. The Welsh Justinian, as Hywel has been -called, died in 984, deservedly honoured by his subjects, and -leaving four sons, all of whom perished in the desolating wars to -which his country soon after fell a prey.</p> -<h3><a name="page14"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 14</span>The -Norman Period.</h3> -<p>Saxon dominance was now rapidly approaching to its close; and -the Britons were about to be exposed to the incursions of a new -body of invaders, under the usurpation of William, surnamed the -Conqueror. Bleddyn ab Cynvyn, with his brother, obtained in -1062 the sovereignty of North Wales and Powys, through the -influence of the Saxon King Edward. Bitter hostilities -subsequently occurred between Bleddyn and his kindred; at length -the succession to the whole principality passed from his -children, but Powys-land devolved to his sons, and came at length -entire to Meredydd, the eldest born, after the contentions and -slaughter incident in those days to such partitions. -Oswestry, we are told, was called <i>Trefred</i> (a contraction -of <i>Tre Meredydd</i>, Meredydd’s Town), in honour of this -prince, but after his death the name was soon discontinued, and -the town resumed its former appellation of Oswald’s-tree, -or Oswestry. His eldest son, Madog, inherited from his -father the tract known by the name of Powys Vadog, which -consisted, according to the division of the times, of five -cantrevs, or hundred townships; and these were subdivided into -fifteen commots, or cwmwds:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">CANTREVS.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">CWMWDS.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">COUNTIES.</span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle' rowspan='3'><p>Y <span -class="smcap">Barwn</span>,</p> -</td> -<td><p>Dinmael</p> -</td> -<td><p>Denbighshire.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Edeyrnion</p> -</td> -<td><p>Merionethshire.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Glyndyfrdwy</p> -</td> -<td><p>Ibid.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle' rowspan='3'><p>Y <span -class="smcap">Rhiw</span>,</p> -</td> -<td><p>Yale, or Ial</p> -</td> -<td><p>Denbighshire.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Ystrad Alun, or Mold</p> -</td> -<td><p>Flintshire.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Hope</p> -</td> -<td><p>Ibid.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle' rowspan='3'><p><span -class="smcap">Uwchnant</span>,</p> -</td> -<td><p>Merffordd</p> -</td> -<td><p>Ibid.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Maelor Gymraeg, or Bromfield</p> -</td> -<td><p>Denbighshire.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Maelor Saesnaeg</p> -</td> -<td><p>Flintshire.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle' rowspan='3'><p>TREFRED,</p> -</td> -<td><p>Croes-Vaen</p> -</td> -<td><p>Denbighshire.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Tref-y-Waun, or Chirk</p> -</td> -<td><p>Ibid.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><span class="smcap">Croes-oswallt</span>, or Oswestry</p> -</td> -<td><p>Shropshire.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle' rowspan='3'><p><span -class="smcap">Rhaiadr</span>,</p> -</td> -<td><p>Mochnant-is-Rhaiadr, Cynllaeth, &c.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Denbighshire.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Nanheudwy</p> -</td> -<td><p>Ibid.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Whittington</p> -</td> -<td><p>Shropshire.</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p><a name="page15"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 15</span>To -Madog is assigned the honour of erecting the Castle of -Oswestry. Whether he is entitled to this distinction it -would be difficult now to prove. Welsh historians assert, -that he built also the Castles of Overton (Flintshire) and -Caereinion, and that in the former, which received the additional -name of Madog, he resided. Powell says of him, that he was -“ever the King of England’s friend, and was one that -feared <span class="smcap">God</span>, and relieved the -poor.” Madog married Susanna, daughter of Grufydd ab -Cynan, Prince of North Wales, by whom he had two sons, Grufydd -Maelor and Owain ab Madog. To the first he gave the two -Maelors, Yale, Hopedale, Nanheudwy, Mochnant-is-Rhaiadr, &c.: -to Owain, the land of Mechain-is-Coed; and to his natural son, -Owain Brogyntyn, a nobleman of distinguished talents, he granted -the lordships of Edeirnion and Dinmael. The last-named -Owain resided at Brogyntyn, near Oswestry, now called Porkington, -whence he assumed his surname. His dagger and cup are still -preserved at Rûg: and many families in Merionethshire and -Denbighshire are directly descended from him. Madog’s -second wife was Maud Verdon, an Englishwoman of noble -lineage. He died in 1159 at Winchester, whence his body was -conveyed to Meivod, in Montgomeryshire, where it was deposited in -the Church of St. Mary, which he himself had built some years -before. His widow is stated to have been married to William -Fitz-Alan, Lord of Clun, and he, in right of his wife, obtained -the town and castle of Oswestry. Fitz-Alan was a descendant -of Alan, one of the companions of the Conqueror, and was the -first of his name who bore the title of “Baron of -Oswaldestre.” Alan was progenitor of the entire noble -family which from him derived the name of Fitz-Alan, and for many -succeeding centuries were the most distinguished personages in -Shropshire. From this powerful race is descended the -present Duke of Norfolk, who holds the title of “Baron of -Oswaldestre,” in addition to his other patrician -honours. His Grace’s ancestor, Thomas, Duke of -Norfolk, married Lady Mary, daughter of Henry, <a -name="page16"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 16</span>the last Earl -of Arundel named Fitz-Alan, 13th Elizabeth, when the barony of -“Oswaldestre” was conveyed to the Duke.</p> -<p>The Norman conquest was “a heavy blow and great -discouragement” to the impetuous Britons. During that -eventful period almost the whole of Shropshire was parcelled out, -and bestowed by William the Conqueror on his kinsman, Roger de -Montgomery, as a reward for his great military services in the -conquest. The Earl of Shrewsbury, whilst thus taking -possession of Powys, among his other newly-acquired lands, -brought under his subjection the town and castle of Trefaldwyn, -(from Baldwin, Montgomery’s lieutenant,) which fortress he -strongly fortified, and afterwards called it after his own family -name. Hugh Lupus, Earl of Chester, (the founder of the -Grosvenor family,) likewise did homage for Englefield and -Rhûvoniog, with the country extending along the sea shore -from Chester to the waters of Conway. Ralph Mortimer did -the same for the territory of Elvel; as did Hugh de Lacie for the -lands of Eulas; and Eustace Cruer for Mold and Hopedale. -Brady relates out of Domesday, that William the Conqueror granted -to Hugh Lupus North Wales in farm, at the rent of £40 per -annum, besides Rhos and Rhûvoniog. These Norman -Barons erected fortresses on their lands, and, so far as they -were able, settled in them English and Norman defenders. In -a MS., relating to the Welsh Marches, from the library of the -late Philip Lloyd Fletcher, Esq., of Gwernhaylod, in Flintshire, -it is stated “that about this time, Bristol, Gloucester, -Worcester, Shrewsbury, and Chester were rebuilt and fortified, -and formed a line of military posts upon the -frontiers.” Thus the last asylum of the Welsh was -invested on almost every side, or broken into by their -enemies. The kingdom of North Wales, reduced to the island -of Anglesey, to Merioneth and Caernarvonshire, and to part of the -present counties of Denbigh and Cardigan, still preserved the -national character and <a name="page17"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 17</span>importance. The natives of -Wales, aided by the virtue and courage of their Princes, became -more formidable than ever to the English; and at times, as they -acquired union with additional vigour from despair, their -invaders, instead of being able to make new conquests, held those -which they had already obtained by a precarious tenure. -William’s policy, in giving to his barons the power to make -such conquests in Wales as they were able, led to the erection of -the Marches Lordships, of which Oswestry formed a part. -These lordships consisted of more than a hundred petty -sovereignties, and were the fruitful source of innumerable -disorders, till their partial suppression in the reign of Henry -VIII. Pennant says, that William’s design was, in -establishing these seignories and jurisdictions, to give to those -whom he had brought over to England the power of providing for -themselves, and to reduce, at the same time, the opposition of -the Welsh people. The precise extent of the Marches -Lordships it is difficult, as we have already said, to -define. During the Saxon period the Severn was considered -the ancient boundary between England and Wales. The lands -conquered by Offa on the western side of that river were annexed -to Mercia, and afterwards incorporated with the monarchy by -Alfred the Great. The term <i>Marches</i> signifies -generally the limits or space between England and Wales, of which -the western part of Shropshire, Oswestry included, formed a -principal portion. Of the Norman Barons, besides the first -Earl of Shrewsbury, who did homage for royal grants of territory, -were Fitzalan for Oswestry and Clun; Fitz-Gwarine for -Whittington; and Roger le Strange for Ellesmere. The tenure -by which the <i>Baronies Marches</i> were held, was, -that—</p> -<blockquote><p>“in case of war the lords should send to the -army a certain number of their vassals; that they should garrison -their respective castles, and keep the Welsh in subjection. -In return for these services the lords had an arbitrary and -despotic power in their own domains. They had the power of -life and death, in their respective courts, in all cases except -those of high treason. <a name="page18"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 18</span>In every frontier manor a gallows was -erected; if any Welshman passed the boundary line fixed between -the two countries, he was immediately seized and hanged. -Every town within the Marches had a horseman armed with a spear, -who was maintained for the express purpose of taking these -offenders. If any Englishman was caught on the Welsh side -of the line, he suffered a similar fate. The Welsh -considered everything that they could steal from their English -neighbours as lawful prize.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>After the conquest of Wales by Edward I. the Baronies Marches -were continued, but under regulations somewhat different from the -former. In the reign of Edward IV. they were governed by a -Lord President and Council, consisting of the Chief Justice of -Chester, and three Justices of Wales. In cases of emergency -other parties were called in. By a statute passed in the -reign of Henry VIII. the principality and dominion of Wales -became formally annexed to England; and all the Welsh laws, and -most of their peculiar customs and tenures, were by this statute -entirely abolished. By this statute also four new counties -were formed, Brecknockshire, Denbighshire, Montgomeryshire, and -Radnorshire. The Marches became annexed partly to England, -and partly to the new counties of Wales. The President and -Council of the Marches were however allowed to continue as -before, and their general court was held at Ludlow. A -statute was passed in the reign of William III., by which the -government of the entire principality was divided between two -peers of the realm, on whom was conferred the title of Lords -Lieutenant of North and South Wales. From that period the -Lordship Marches were entirely abolished.</p> -<p>There is another salient point in the history of Wales which -it will not be inappropriate here to mention. Many of our -readers have heard or read of the Royal Tribes of Wales.</p> -<blockquote><p>“The five regal Tribes, and the respective -representative of each, were considered as of royal blood. -The fifteen common Tribes, all of North Wales, and the respective -<a name="page19"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -19</span>representative of each, formed the nobility, were lords -of distinct districts, and bore some hereditary office in the -palace. Grufydd ab Cynan, Prince of North Wales, Rhys ab -Tewdwr, of South Wales, and Bleddyn ab Cynvyn, of Powys, -regulated both these classes, but did not create them; as many of -the persons, placed at their head, lived before their times, and -some after. Their precedence, as it stands, is very -uncertain, and not governed by dates; the last of them were -created by Davydd ab Owain Gwynedd, who began his reign in -1169. We are left ignorant of the form by which they were -called to this rank. Mr. Vaughan, of Hengwrt, informs us -that Grufydd ab Cynan, Rhys ab Tewdwr, and Bleddyn ab Cynvyn made -diligent search after the arms, ensigns, and pedigrees of their -ancestors, the nobility and kings of the Britons. What they -discovered by their pains in any paper or records, was afterwards -by the Bards digested, and put into books, and they ordained five -Royal Tribes, there being only three before, from whom their -posterity to this day can derive themselves, and also fifteen -special Tribes, of whom the gentry of North Wales are for the -most part descended!’”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>It will be seen from the foregoing pages that we have -abstained from all minute detail in our description of the -continued struggles for mastery between the Welsh and their own -kindred, as well as of the strife for power and dominion between -the Cambrian princes and their foreign invaders. These -scenes in the history of Wales are nothing more, to use the -eloquent language of Warrington, than “a recital of -reciprocal inroads and injuries—a series of objects -unvaried and of little importance, which pass the eye in a -succession of cold delineations, like the evanescent figures -produced by the <i>camera obscura</i>. The characters and -events are not brought distinctly into view, nor are they -sufficiently explained, to enable the historian to judge of their -proportions, their beauty, or defects; whence he can neither -develope the principles of action, nor trace the connection of -causes with effects, by <a name="page20"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 20</span>leading incidents, or by the general -springs which govern human affairs.” “The story -of our country under its native princes,” observes another -impartial writer on Welsh history, “is a wretched calendar -of crimes, of usurpations, and family assassinations; and in this -dismal detail we should believe ourselves rather on the Bosphorus -than the banks of the Dee.” The British or Welsh -rulers had doubtless much to complain of against their Roman, -Saxon, and Norman invaders; but their own conduct towards their -own people—to those who by affinity claimed their -protection and regard—was quite as guilty as that of their -foreign foes.</p> -<p>Throughout the entire reign of Henry I. we read in the Welsh -annals of nothing but “a series of retaliated injuries -arising in regular succession; evils naturally springing from the -passions, where they usurp the sword of justice.” -Henry died about the year 1135, and Stephen succeeded to the -English throne, and was soon embarked in a sea of troubles. -Engaged in continual hostilities, and in supporting a doubtful -title, he prudently concluded a peace with the Welsh, and allowed -them to retain the territories they had lately recovered, free of -homage or tribute. The incidents of Stephen’s reign -were marked by no feature of national interest; and the only -reference made to it in connection with this district is William -Fitz-Alan’s espousal of the claim made by the Empress Maud -to the English crown. His union with other noblemen, to -dethrone Stephen, exposed him to danger, and he was compelled to -leave the kingdom, abandoning his lands and other property to the -incensed monarch. Whilst an exile from England he remained -faithful to the interests of the Empress; and on his return to -this country on the death of Stephen, and the accession to the -throne of Henry II., he reaped the reward of his spirit and -fidelity, by receiving back all his forfeited honours and -estates, including the Castles of Oswestry and Clun. Of -Oswestry Castle we shall speak particularly in subsequent -pages. Of Clun we may at <a name="page21"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 21</span>present say, that it remained in the -direct line of William Fitz-Alan down to the reign of Queen -Elizabeth, when the last Earl died. By the marriage of Mary -Fitz-Alan with Philip Howard, the son of Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, -it became vested in that noble family. From them it passed -to the Walcotts, and afterwards, by purchase, to Lord Clive, in -whose family it continues. The Duke of Norfolk still -retains the title of “Baron of Clun,” as well as that -of “Baron of Oswaldestre.”</p> -<p>Henry was an inveterate and formidable enemy to the interests -of Wales. He speedily employed his utmost force in -attempting to subjugate the Cambrian people; and it is recorded -of Madog ab Meredydd, Prince of Powys, who had united with the -enemies of his country, that he incited the English king to an -invasion of North Wales. Henry listened to the -solicitations of the Powysian prince, and eagerly exerted every -means for the conquest of the country. He quickly raised a -powerful army, and marched without delay into North Wales. -Mathew Paris states that the levy of Henry, raised at this time, -amounted to 30,000 men. Owain Gwynedd, in this campaign, -gallantly led the Welsh, and in one of the actions, at <i>Coed -Euloe</i>, near Hawarden, Flintshire, the monarch himself, who -had encamped near the field of battle, escaped from the hands of -the Welsh with the greatest difficulty. The English forces, -having been strengthened, pursued the Welsh, and at length Prince -Owain, fearful that his army would perish for want of provisions, -concluded a peace with the King of England. He himself and -his chieftains submitted to do homage to Henry, and to yield up -the castles and districts in North Wales which, in the last -reign, had been obtained from the English. Lord Lyttleton -tells us, that to complete this humiliating position, Owain was -obliged to deliver up two of his sons as pledges of his future -obedience. The year after this important event a general <a -name="page22"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 22</span>peace took -place between England and Wales; the princes and all the -chieftains of South Wales repaired to the court of England, where -Henry granted peace, on the Welsh doing homage for their own -territories, and formally ceding to him the districts recovered -from the English in the last reign. This peaceful state of -things was but of short duration. Rhys, the son of Grufydd -ab Rhys, immediate heir to the sovereign power of South Wales, -having been outraged by several English lords, threw off his -allegiance, commenced a revolt, and rallied around him a numerous -force, which perplexed and baffled the English monarch. -Shortly afterwards, fired by the gallant example of Rhys, the -Prince of North Wales (Owain Gwynedd), and all his sons, his -brother Cadwaladr, and the chieftains of Powys, united with him, -in the endeavour to regain their independence and honour. -After some slight skirmishes with the Welsh, Henry gathered -together a formidable force, with which he marched into Powys, -breathing slaughter and extermination against the -inhabitants. All the historical writers, in describing this -fearful onslaught, admit that few events of ancient times were -more deeply stained with the blood of innocence. The -English army, formed of the choicest troops, from Normandy, -Anjou, Flanders, Brittany, and other territories which Henry -possessed in France, entered the Welsh confines at Oswestry, -where it was encamped for some time. The forces of North -Wales were collected under the command of Owain Gwynedd and his -brother Cadwaladr; the army of South Wales was headed by the -chivalrous Rhys ab Grufydd; and the men of Powys were led by -Owain Cyveiliog, and the sons of Madog ab Meredydd. The -combined forces of the Welsh assembled at Corwen, where they -awaited the approach of the English. Henry, burning with -ardour to attack the enemy, marched his army to the banks of the -Ceiriog, near the present village of Chirk, and at once ordered -that the woods on each side of the river be cut down, to prevent -ambuscades and sudden approaches of the enemy. It is -related by some writers, that <a name="page23"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 23</span>on the passage of the Ceiriog Henry -was in imminent danger of losing his life: attempting to force a -bridge, an arrow aimed at him by the hand of a Welshman must -inevitably have pierced his body, if Hubert de St. Clare, -Constable of Colchester, perceiving the danger, had not in a -moment sprang before his sovereign and received it into his own -bosom, and thereby met with his death-wound. Whilst the -English soldiers were employed in felling the woods, a detachment -of the Welsh forces forded the river, and suddenly attacked the -van of Henry’s army, composed of pikemen, considered to be -the most daring and gallant portion of his soldiers. A -fierce battle ensued; many were killed on both sides, but at -length Henry gained the passage, and advanced onward to the -Berwyn mountains, to recruit his troops. There he remained -in camp for several days. The Welsh were posted on the -mountain-heights opposite, watching with lynx-eyed care every -movement of the enemy. They succeeded in cutting off his -supplies, and his army was reduced to extreme distress and -privation, for want of food for man and horse. To increase -his difficulties, sudden and heavy rains fell, which rendered the -country on the Berwyn side so slippery and dangerous, that -neither men nor horses could stand on their feet. Torrents -of water, from the incessant rains, poured down from the -mountains into the vale where Henry was encamped; and, unable to -maintain his ground amidst all these unexpected disasters, he -retired, with great loss of men, and, what was more annoying to -his vaunting spirit, with defeat and disgrace. Fired with -revenge, and urged by the barbarism which ever marks the tyrant, -he commanded that the eyes of all the hostages which had been -placed in his hands should be put out. The two sons of Rhys -ab Grufydd, Prince of South Wales, and the two sons also of Owain -Gwynedd, Prince of North Wales, became the unfortunate victims of -Henry’s cruelty. Holinshead, in his Chronicles, tells -us, that besides these young chieftains, the atrocious monarch -caused the sons and daughters of several Welsh lords to be -treated with the same severity; ordering <a -name="page24"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 24</span>the eyes of -the young striplings to be pecked out of their heads, and the -ears of the gentlewomen to be stuffed.</p> -<p>In the annals of Wales this battle is ranked among the -brightest achievements of the Welsh, in their long-continued -struggles for liberty. The site is known by the mournful -designation of <i>Adwy’r Beddau</i>, or the Pass of the -Graves. The conflict is called in most of the ancient -books, “<i>The Battle of Crogen</i>.” Yorke -observes, “it has been erroneously said that the term -Crogen was used in contempt and derision of the Welsh; but that -was not the truth: the English meant to express by it animosity, -and the desire of revenge.” “Many of the -English,” he adds, “were slain, and buried in -Offa’s Dyke, below Chirk Castle, and the part so filled up -is to be seen, and forms a passage over it, called to this day -<i>Adwy’r Beddau</i>, or the Pass of the -Graves.” The late Mr. William Price, in an annotated -edition of his “History of Oswestry,” published in -1815, has the following note on the Battle of Crogen:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Owain Gwynedd slept at Tyn-y-Rhos, the -present residence of Richard Phillips, Esq., who has still in -preservation the bedstead he at that time lay upon. -Likewise a Deed or Lease of a piece of land, of five acres, for -2s. 8d. per year; with a cock and hen at Christmas, and a man a -day in the harvest; which still preserves the name.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Turning for a moment to the civil government of Oswestry, it -may be mentioned that in the reign of Henry II, the first Charter -was granted to Oswestry, by William, Earl of Arundel. The -Welsh called it “<i>Siarter Cwtta</i>,” the Short -Charter. It was a Charter of protection, of which there -were many granted about this period. It states, “I -have received in protection my Burgesses of Blanc-Minster. -Richard de Chambre was Constable of White-Minster. Thomas -de Rossall held Rossall, of John Fitz-Alan, in chief, of one -knight’s fee at White-Minster.” Guto (y Glyn), -an excellent poet who flourished from 1430 to 1460, a native of -<a name="page25"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -25</span>Llangollen, and domestic bard to the Abbot of -Llanegwestl, or Valle Crucis, near that romantic town, speaks of -White-Minster in his days. He says, “I know not of -any Convent of Monks superior to White-Minster.”</p> -<p>About the year 1188, William Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel, gave -a sumptous banquet in the Castle of Oswestry, to Giraldus -Cambrensis, and Baldwin, Archbishop of Canterbury, on their -return from Wales, the bleak and barren mountains of which they -had just travelled over, in an attempt to incite the people to -the intended Crusade to the Holy Land. Giraldus seems to -have considered that the entertainment given by the Norman Earl -was too luxurious for saintly personages. He speaks, -however, with much complacency of the comfortable accommodations -provided for him and the Archbishop at Shrewsbury, whither they -repaired from this town. “From Oswestry,” says -he, “that Prelate and his retinue came after Easter (1188) -to Slopesbury, where they remained some days to recruit and -refresh themselves, and many assumed the cross in obedience to -the precepts of the Archbishop, and the gracious sermon of the -Archdeacon of St. David’s. Here also they -excommunicated Oen de Cevelioc (Owain Cyveiliog, Prince of -Powys), because he alone of all the Welsh princes, had not -advanced to meet the Archbishop.” The visit of -Giraldus and Baldwin to Oswestry might have been induced by a -two-fold motive, namely, to partake of the princely hospitality -of Fitz-Alan, in his baronial castle, and to hold “ghostly -communication” with Regner, Bishop of St. Asaph, who at -this period resided in Oswaldestre.</p> -<p>The succeeding portion of Henry II’s long reign was -largely occupied with plans and movements to subdue the Welsh -princes and their people. After repeated struggles, the -English monarch saw, with exulting spirit, that he had reduced -Cambrian independence to a bye-word of contempt, by seducing them -from patriotism and virtue, and rendering <a -name="page26"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 26</span>them a -disunited and improvident people. When he had accomplished -this signal victory over them, and hoped to enjoy further years -of sovereign power in comparative ease and tranquillity, the fate -even of monarchs was dealt out to him. His mortal career -was ended, and he was “gathered to his -fathers:”—</p> -<blockquote><p>“The glories of our blood and state are -shadows, not substantial things;<br /> -There is no armour against fate; Death lays his icy hand on -kings.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Henry was succeeded by Richard, his son, surnamed -Cœur-de-Lion, whose reign continued for about ten years, -when he was slain at the siege of Chalons, in France, and John, -his brother, ascended the throne. During Richard’s -monarchy the town of Oswestry was not marked by any event worthy -the record of the contemporary historian.</p> -<p>The reign of John was distinguished by strong enmity to the -Welsh. In 1211 he assembled a large army at Oswestry, and -was there joined by many of the Welsh Chieftains, his vassals, -with whom he marched to Chester; resolving to exterminate the -people of North Wales. It is revolting to trace the history -of this feeble-minded and capricious king. His reckless -attacks upon Wales, and his inveterate quarrel with his -son-in-law, Prince Llywelyn ab Jorwerth, added to his troubles, -and probably hastened his end. As a last effort against -Wales, resenting Llywelyn’s stern defence of Cambrian -independence, John demolished the castles of Radnor and Hay; and -then, proceeding to the Marches, he set fire to Oswestry Castle, -then under the governorship of John Fitz-Alan, (who had united -with the barons of England in renouncing allegiance to the -English Monarch, on his refusal to confirm their constitutional -rights,) and burnt it to the ground.</p> -<p>In the reign of Henry III. John Fitz-Alan, who was reconciled -to the king, procured for his Manor of Blanc-Minster <a -name="page27"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 27</span>the grant of -a Fair on the eve, the day, and the day after St. Andrew’s -feast. The Bailiffs were also made clerks of the market, -with privilege to imprison any person detected in forestalling; -for which they were paid twenty marks as a consideration. -These petty officers, “dressed in a little brief -authority,” abused their power, and gave occasion to -frequent remonstrances from the inhabitants. Powel, who -seems to have paid great deference to “the powers that -be,” concludes, not very logically, we think, that it was -“no wonder that so many of the grievances which the Welsh -so much complained of to Edward I. should originate from this -place.”</p> -<p>The historic facts recorded subsequent to this period are -brief and meagre. We are told that in 1233 Oswestry was -again destroyed by fire. Llywelyn ab Jorwerth had just made -an inroad into the county of Brecknock, destroying all the towns -and fortresses belonging to that territory; he then invested the -castle, lay before it a month, raised the siege, finding his -efforts to be fruitless, set fire to the town, and pursued his -way to the Marches. Conflagration and ruin marked his -progress: he burnt the town of Clun, in Salop, demolished Redde -Castle, in Powys, and laid Oswestry in ashes. A few months -afterwards, Llywelyn and Lord Pembroke, having joined their -forces, made another inroad into the English Marches, and having -rendered all that country a scene of devastation, they finished -their fiery career by laying part of the town of Shrewsbury -(Frankwell, it is supposed,) in ashes.</p> -<p>Early in the reign of Edward I. that monarch was intent on -bowing the stubborn neck of Llywelyn ab Grufydd (the last native -sovereign Prince of Wales). Llywelyn was refractory, and -ambitious to maintain his order. Edward summoned him to a -parliament in London, but Llywelyn refused to comply with the -royal command. In reply, he offered (Oct. 14, -1276–7,) to repair to Montgomery, or to “the <a -name="page28"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 28</span>White -Monastery of John Fitz-Alan,” as Oswestry was then called, -but declined a journey to the metropolis of England. On the -receipt of this answer, by which Edward, resolute to exact a -personal obedience, was, or affected to be, greatly enraged, the -Parliament immediately condemned Llywelyn as a rebel, for his -non-appearance. The melancholy end of the Welsh prince is -well known. “If,” says an elegant historian, -“the valour of Llywelyn, his talents, and his patriotism, -had been exhibited upon a more splendid theatre,—on the -plains of Marathon, or in the straits of -Thermopylæ,—his name would have been recorded in the -classic page, and his memory revered, as an illustrious hero, and -as a gallant assertor of the rights of nature.”</p> -<p>Edward did not confine his attention to Wales only, but -extended it to the Borders, and included in his eagle-eyed glance -the town of Oswestry. “Provision was made,” -says Pennant, “against future insults; for in the reign of -Edward I. the town (Oswestry) was surrounded with walls. -This happened when that politic monarch meditated the conquest of -Wales; he therefore thought proper to secure this town, one of -the keys of the country, with proper defence.” He -commenced the erection of the walls in 1277. They are said -to have been about a mile in circumference, with an intrenchment -on the outside, which could be filled with water from the -numerous streams in the vicinity. Edward’s order to -put Oswestry into a state of defence issued from -Shrewsbury—the seat of his government for several -months—and his letters patent, directed to the Bailiffs and -Burgesses of the ancient town, are worthy of record, as they show -the mode in which taxation was levied in early days. This -curious document is as follows:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Of the Murage of Oswaldestre. The -King to the Bailiffs and Burgesses, and the other good men of -Oswaldestre greeting.</p> -<p>“Know ye that we have granted in aid of enclosing our <a -name="page29"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 29</span>town of -Oswaldestre, that from the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle in the -twelvth year of our reign to the end of twenty years thence -ensuing, ye may take in the same Town, to the reparation of the -walls of the same Town, of every horse-load of corn to be sold, -one halfpenny; of every horse and mare, ox and cow sold, one -halfpenny; of every hide of horse and mare, ox and cow, fresh, -salt, or tanned, one farthing; of every cart bringing salted -flesh to sell, twopence; of five bacons sold, one halfpenny; of a -salmon fresh sold, one halfpenny; of ten sheep, goats, or pigs -sold, one penny; of ten fleeces of wool, one penny; of one -hundred skins of sheep, goats, stags, hind bucks and does, one -penny; of every hundred skins of lambs, kids, hares, rabbits, -foxes, cats, and squirrels, one halfpenny; of every cart of salt -to sell, one penny; of every horse-load of salt to sell by the -week, one farthing; of every horse-load of cloth to sell, one -penny; of every entire cloth to sell in the town of Gloucester, -one penny; of every cloth of silk brocaded and diapered with -gold, one penny; of every cloth of silk without gold and chef de -cendall, one halfpenny; of every dole of wine to sell, two pence; -of every horse-load of honey to sell, one penny; of every dole of -honey to sell, four pence; of every sack of wool to sell, four -pence; of every truss of cloth to sell brought by cart, four -pence; of every horse-load of cloth to sell, or other diverse and -small things coming to be sold in the same town, one halfpenny; -of every cart of iron to sell, one penny; of every horse-load of -iron to sell, one halfpenny; of every carriage of lead to sell, -two pence; of tallow and lard to sell, one farthing; of every -hundred of alum and copperas to sell, one halfpenny; of two -thousand onions, a farthing; of every thousand of herrings to -sell, one halfpenny; of every hundred of boards to sell, one -halfpenny; of every mill sold, one penny; of every thousand of -laths sold, one penny; of every new cart sold, one halfpenny; of -every hundred of faggots to sell, one halfpenny; of every quarter -of salt, one farthing; of every twelve horse-loads of coal sold, -one halfpenny; of <a name="page30"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -30</span>every thousand of all manner of nails to sell, except -cart nails, one farthing; of a thousand of cart nails to sell, -one halfpenny; of every hundred of horse shoes and clouts to -carts to sell, one halfpenny; for every truss of any sort of -merchandise coming for sale to the aforesaid town, of the value -of two shillings, one farthing; of every cauldron sold to brew, -one penny; of every quarter of oatmeal to sell, one halfpenny: -And we therefore command that ye take the said custom to the end -of the term aforesaid, but the term of the said twenty years -being compleat, the said custom ceases and is done away. In -witness, &c.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Pennant states that the walls were begun in the sixth of -Edward I., and that “the murage or toll was granted on the -inhabitants of the county, which lasted for six years, in which -time it may be supposed the walls were completed.”</p> -<p>Archbishop Peckham visited Oswestry, June 12, 1284. He -was received with great respect by Anian, Bishop of St. Asaph, -the clergy, and others. Anian obtained from the king a -confirmation of the rights and privileges of his church, and -received from John Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel, and Baron of -Oswestry and Clun, the grant to his church of one hundred acres -of land at St. Martins, paying yearly at Midsummer, for ever, a -pair of gilt spurs; with the condition, that neither the bishop -nor his successors should alienate the same. This grant is -dated at <i>Album Monasterium</i>, 1271. Richard, son of -the said John Fitz-Alan, afterwards confirmed it, and also gave -forty-five acres more, with the manor-house belonging -thereto. Anian had a long dispute at Rome respecting the -placing of a vicar in Blanc-Monasterium, the tithes of which his -predecessor had given to the Abbey of Shrewsbury. The issue -was, that the abbot, for the peaceable enjoyment of his tithes, -gave the whole of his lands at St. Martins, upon paying two -<i>Welsh knives</i> yearly. These said knives, if now -produced at Sheffield, would doubtless disturb the risible -faculties of the keen knife-manufacturers there.</p> -<p><a name="page31"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 31</span>Edward -II. was much annoyed and harassed in the latter part of his -reign, partly from his want of fidelity to many of his most -distinguished nobles, the two Mortimers, uncle and nephew, among -their number. A revolution broke out against the king, in -1325, concocted, it is said, by the queen and her favourite, -Roger Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore, in which the French monarch also -took part. A strong feeling for and against Edward was -manifested in Shrewsbury, where the Mortimers were well -known. Edmund, Earl of Arundel, was one of the few peers -who had preserved their loyalty to the crown. He assembled -a multitude of his Welsh tenantry at Oswestry, with a view of -seizing Shrewsbury for the king. Arundel was, however, -apprehended near Shrewsbury, with certain of his adherents, after -an obstinate struggle. The Earl was taken from that town to -Hereford, where he expiated his loyalty on the scaffold. -For this “service” the “good men of -Salop” had all the goods and chattels found upon him. -After his execution, the queen, to show her attachment to her -paramour, Lord Mortimer, obtained the Castle of Oswestry for that -favourite. In 1324, Edmund, Earl of Arundel, granted two -shops in Leg-street, to the burgesses of Oswestry for ever, on -payment of 13s. 4d. yearly. This grant is witnessed by -“Lord Richard, Abbot of Haggemon,” and others, and -“dated at Oswaldestre, on the feast of St. Michael, in the -18th year of the reign of King Edward, the son of King -Edward.”</p> -<p>Edward III.’s reign was long and glorious. It was -distinguished by the ever-memorable battle of Cressy. Part -of the inhabitants of this town doubtless contributed to the -victory thus obtained; for in 1346 the king directed Richard -Fitz-Alan to raise two hundred of his vassals from Oswestry and -Clun, to attend him in the French wars.</p> -<p>In 1397 Richard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey, was attainted and -executed, when Richard II. seized all his lands and <a -name="page32"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 32</span>manors, and -granted them to William le Scrope, Earl of Wiltshire. In -the <i>Historia Regum Angliæ</i> we find the following bit -of superstition entertained at this period. On this -occasion the Earl of Arundel must, of course, have deeply -regretted his contempt of the marvellous stone of which John -Ross, the Antiquary, of Warwick, writes. “The -earl,” says this grave author, “kept a raven in his -court; and one day, as he was playing at chess in the garden, the -bird,” or, as Ross suggests, “a spirit in that form, -brought up (<i>eructavit</i>) a stone having the virtue of -invisibility. The earl set no value upon it, contrary to -the advice of his nobles; and soon after, being arrested by -strong hand, he was committed to ward, and finally -beheaded.”</p> -<p>The king, having put down all opposition to certain measures -which he was resolved to carry, by the execution of Arundel, and -the murder of his uncle of Gloucester, adjourned his Parliament -at Westminster to Shrewsbury, and from thence to Oswestry. -An apprehension of tumult among the Earl of Arundel’s -tenantry in this county, from his violent death, and the seizure -of his estates, was probably the reason for making both -Shrewsbury and Oswestry the scene of that national -assembly. The Parliament met at Shrewsbury Jan. 29, -1397–8, and was designated <span class="smcap">The Great -Parliament</span>. In this regal visit he displayed great -magnificence, and entertained the members with a sumptuous -banquet, he appearing among the people in his costly royal -robes. Whilst in Shrewsbury Richard made Chester a -Principality, and annexed to it the Castle of Holt, the lordship -of Bromfield and Yale, Chirkland, and various other places in -Wales and on the Borders. During the proceedings in -Parliament it was ascertained that deadly hatred subsisted -between the Dukes of Hereford and Norfolk. These noblemen -had been jointly concerned in the impeachment of Arundel and his -fellow-sufferers, at Westminster. Norfolk, touched by -remorse for his share in the ruin of a patriotic peer, or -desirous <a name="page33"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -33</span>of ensnaring his late confederate, who had charged -Norfolk with using words disrespectful to the king, fell into -open quarrel with Hereford, who made the matter a subject of -public accusation in the Parliament against his antagonist. -The king, unwilling that any discourse about himself should be -made the subject of open discussion, suddenly closed the -proceedings of Parliament, and adjourned to Oswestry. In -the assembly there the dispute between the two Dukes was -recommenced, and the king resolved that it should be ended by a -duel between the belligerent parties at Coventry. The -combat did not take place, as the Duke of Norfolk refused to -fight; upon which Norfolk was banished from the kingdom for ever, -and Hereford for ten years. As a mark of the royal favour, -Richard granted, before the Parliament closed, the first Charter -conferred upon Oswestry, by which the town was incorporated by -the name of “<i>The Bailiffs and Burgesses of Oswestry</i>, -<i>infra Palatinatum Cestriæ in Marchia inter Angliam et -Walliam</i>.” The Charter, which was founded upon the -one granted just before at Shrewsbury, exempted the Burgesses -from all contributions and exactions whatsoever, throughout the -kingdom, the city of London excepted. It bears date, August -14, 1399.</p> -<p>The close of Richard’s kingly rule was near. His -love of idle show and magnificence, his delight in popular -applause, the buzzing about him of parasites and flatterers, and -his indulgence in pleasures, were followed by a brief scene of -bitter existence, which ended in degrading humiliation and -painful death. The eyes of Henry of Lancaster, Duke of -Hereford, had long been directed towards the throne, and he -actively employed his agents to place him upon it. The -classic historians of Shrewsbury assure us that, either from the -disgust occasioned by outrages perpetrated upon the Burgesses, by -Richard’s body-guard, or disorderly multitudes brought into -the town during the sittings of his Parliament, “it is -certain that the revolution which placed Henry of Lancaster on -the <a name="page34"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 34</span>throne -had the entire concurrence of the inhabitants of these parts -(Shropshire). When the Duke proceeded into Wales to -circumvent the unhappy Richard, he passed through Ludlow and -Shrewsbury, and was joined here (Shrewsbury) by the Lords Scales -and Bardolph, Sir Robert and Sir John Legh, and other gentlemen -of Cheshire.” Richard, after suffering much -indignity, was secured a prisoner in Flint Castle, by the great -conspirator Lancaster, and from thence was led in the -Duke’s train to Chester. Here Bolingbroke delivered -the subdued monarch to the Duke of Gloucester and Thomas, Earl of -Arundel, saying, “Here is the murderer of your father, you -must be answerable for him.” He was subsequently -conveyed to Pontefract Castle, where he was basely assassinated -by a band of armed ruffians, four of whom he killed with a -battle-axe before he fell.</p> -<p>The untimely death of Richard caused an immediate change in -the government of Oswestry. Its newly-created lord, the -Earl of Wiltshire, fell a victim to popular fury, and Thomas, son -of the attainted Earl of Arundel, was restored to the manorial -rights and dignities of Oswestry. The Earl of Huntington, -the king’s brother, fled into the county of Essex; but -passing through a village belonging to the Countess of Hereford -(sister of the deceased Richard, Earl of Arundel), he was -discovered, and arrested. The countess apprized the new -monarch, Henry, of the capture, and desired him to send to her -the young Earl of Arundel, her nephew, that he might witness the -mode in which she intended to avenge herself of her -brother’s death. The Earl of Arundel posted to the -place where Huntington was prisoner, and loaded him with -reproaches. The countess delivered the captive nobleman, -bound with chains, into the hands of eight thousand of her -vassals, whom she called together for the occasion. The -wretched prisoner, struck with terror at the preparations made to -take away his life, sued for mercy, and protested that he had not -committed the foul act of which he <a name="page35"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 35</span>was accused. Had the countess -restrained her rage, and listened to reason and justice, she -would have found that Huntington was not a guilty murderer, but -that Richard, Earl of Arundel, was brought to the block mainly by -the treachery of the Earl of Nottingham. Heedless of his -protestations and cries for mercy, she commanded her vassals to -cut him to pieces. His assembled executioners are said to -have taken pity upon him; whilst the countess and young earl -strenuously urged his death. Maddened by rage, she -exclaimed, “Curse on ye all, villains; you have not the -courage to put a man to death.” This violent -exclamation roused an esquire, who offered himself as -executioner. He seized the hatchet, and approached -Huntington, but was so touched with his tender complaints, that -he trembled with emotion; and returning to the countess, his eyes -being filled with tears, he said, “I would not put the earl -to death for all the gold in the world.” The -countess, full of indignation, looking at him “unutterable -things,” exclaimed, “Do what thou hast promised, or -thy own head shall be cut off.” When he heard this he -was so afraid that he knew not what to do, and approaching the -earl again said, “Sir, I entreat your pardon; forgive me -your death.” He then struck him a violent blow on the -shoulder, which felled him to the ground. Huntington sprang -up again, and said, “Alas, man, why do you treat me -thus? For God’s sake kill me more -easily.” The esquire then struck him eight times on -the shoulder, being so terrified that he could not aim his blows -at the neck. Another blow followed, which fell on the neck, -when the wretched nobleman, suffering pain and agony from his -cruel treatment, cried out, “Alas, dear friend, have pity -upon me, and free me from my pain.” The executioner -then seized a knife, and cut the Earl’s throat, separating -his head from the body.</p> -<p>The Glyndwr or Glendower insurrection arose about this period, -and the town of Oswestry greatly suffered from it. <a -name="page36"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 36</span>Owain Glyndwr -was descended on the mother’s side from Llywelyn, the last -sovereign Prince of Wales, his father, Grufydd Vychan, having -married Helen, a grand-daughter of that puissant chieftain. -He studied the law at one of the Inns of Court in London, and -finally was admitted as a barrister. He may have quitted -his profession, for we find he was appointed an esquire to -Richard II., to whom he was devotedly attached, and whose -fortunes he followed even to Flint Castle, and till his royal -master’s household was dissolved. He had been -knighted by King Richard, and was married early in life to -Margaret, daughter to Sir David Hanmer, of Hanmer, in Flintshire, -one of the Justices of the Court of the King’s Bench. -His resentment against Henry IV. was strong and implacable. -He had suffered deep private wrongs from the usurpation of the -king, and burned with indignation to avenge himself.</p> -<p>Owain Glyndwr’s sudden appearance as a military leader -of his countrymen roused their ancient martial spirit, and -thousands flocked to his standard. In the year 1400 the -town of Oswestry was burned, the Welsh having attacked it; and in -1403 Owain Glyndwr assembled his forces in the town, that he -might join Lord Percy (surnamed Henry Hotspur) against the -king. The Welsh leader dispatched to the “tented -field” his first division only, amounting to 4000 men, -whose prowess was distinguished on the day of battle. The -great body of his troops, about 12,000 in number, did not -approach nearer than Oswestry, they having been detained at the -siege of Kidweli Castle. It is thought by some writers, -that Owain did not remain inactively at Oswestry. Gough, -the historian, mentions, that about two miles from Shrewsbury, -where the Pool road diverges from that leading to Oswestry, -“there stands an ancient decayed Oak Tree, of which there -is a tradition, that Glyndwr ascended it to reconnoitre; but -finding that the king was in great force, and that the Earl of -Northumberland had not joined his son, he fell <a -name="page37"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 37</span>back to -Oswestry, and immediately afterwards retreated into -Wales.”</p> -<p>In the “<i>Beauties of England and Wales</i>,” the -Shropshire history edited by Mr. Rylance, we find the following -passage on Glyndwr’s alledged abandonment of Hotspur -“at his utmost need:”—</p> -<blockquote><p>“The army of Glyndwr, amounting to twelve -thousand men, had remained inactive at Oswestry during the -battle. There is a tradition that he himself quitted that -place in disguise, and hastening to Shrewsbury, hid himself in a -gigantic oak, which commanded a full view of the field; and that -after witnessing the discomfiture of his friends, returning with -speed to Oswestry, he withdrew his forces into Wales, whither he -was pursued by Prince Henry.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Hulbert, too, in his “<i>History of the Town and County -of Salop</i>,” referring to the famous battle, says, -“Owain Glyndwr <i>beheld</i> the battle of Shrewsbury, -instead of <i>sustaining</i>, by his arms, the cause of his ally, -the gallant and intrepid Hotspur.” Another writer on -this memorable event declares, that had Glyndwr brought up his -reserved troops when Hotspur by his impetuous onslaughts was -within an ace of victory, or when the brave warrior was slain, -the battle would have been won, and the royal forces entirely -routed. Taking these allegements to be truths, Glyndwr -perpetrated a baseness which all faithful men must condemn.</p> -<p>Many writers have taken pains to solve the question, -“Did Owain Glyndwr act merely as an idle spectator at the -battle of Shrewsbury; or did he actually lead his <i>corps de -reserve</i> to Shelton, to aid the gallant Hotspur?” -No author that we have read has settled that doubtful -inquiry. Owain’s hatred of Henry, and his ardent -efforts to give freedom to his countrymen, with his chivalrous -bearing in the rebellion he had created, would suggest no -evidence that Glyndwr was pusillanimous; and yet history -furnishes alleged facts strongly reflecting upon his heroic -spirit, and almost charging him <a name="page38"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 38</span>with craven cowardice. To -conclude that Glyndwr was actuated by base and unmanly curiosity -in perching himself upon a branch of the Shelton Oak would be to -brand his name with infamy; and yet, if he were espying the -battle from that famous tree, his troops being close in reserve, -but not in action, an accusation no less severe must ever rest -upon his character as a chieftain and a man. On this -interesting subject, which will always engage the attention of -historical readers, a poet of bright fancy and manly -sentiment—Dovaston of Westfelton—has given sarcastic -expression to an opinion, in a Miltonic sonnet on the Shelton -Oak, that Owain Glyndwr, at the battle of Shrewsbury, was a -traitor to gallantry and faith:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Tradition says, and why not trust -Tradition,<br /> -When many a haunt breathes, hallowed by her song,<br /> -From this Great Oak, backed by twelve thousand men,<br /> -Wrung at their country’s wrongs and murdered king,<br /> -Glyndwr, the wise, the bountiful, the brave,<br /> -<i>Beheld young Percy fall</i>: and conquest crown<br /> -The perjured Bolingbroke.—‘Bright youth, he cried,<br -/> -Thy spur is cold. One thoughtless act hath lost<br /> -An Empire’s tide. Mark what the great have -said—<br /> -‘The better part of valour is discretion,’<br /> -For safe on prudence every good attends.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>“The Battle of Shrewsbury” is not only -“clad,” as the same poet fancifully describes, -“in cold-hearted History’s homely weeds,” but -“garlanded with Avon’s dewy flowers.” The -conflict is part of the history of this district; and the -narrative we subjoin, from the able pens of the historians of -Shrewsbury, will attract the attention of all who value -“pure English, undefiled:”—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Of the famous and severely-contested battle -which ensued under the walls of our town, the awful prelude to so -many more between the rival houses, through the remainder of the -century, we have five contemporary and perhaps independent -narratives; but one of them is a mass of errors, and another <a -name="page39"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 39</span>extremely -succinct, and of the others only one is circumstantial: nor is -any of them sufficient to satisfy the minute curiosity of the -local historian: but the best account that can be drawn from a -comparison of the whole, supplied in some instances by a -consideration of the ground, and in a few others by modest -conjecture, shall be laid before the reader as the conclusion of -the present chapter.</p> -<p>“We are unable to trace the progress of Hotspur’s -long march from the North to Shrewsbury, a journey of not less -than 250 miles. He probably set out in the beginning of -July; and skirting along the eastern side of Cheshire, where his -army received a considerable augmentation, passed through -Stafford, and was joined there by his uncle the earl of -Worcester. The king, aware of his intention to gain -possession of Shrewsbury, and desirous of cutting off his -junction with Glendower, pursued him with hasty marches. We -find his majesty on the 16th of July at Burton-upon-Trent, and on -the 17th at Lichfield: whence, finding that he could not overtake -his enemy, he hastened on to reach Shrewsbury before him. -He would naturally take the Watling Street road, and enter this -town over the Abbey Bridge. The route of Hotspur was more -to the north, in order to keep up a communication with the -Severn, so important for his junction with Glendower. In -all probability he marched through Newport, by High Ercall and -Haghmond Hill; and hoped to gain admittance through the North or -Castle Gate. The king arrived just in time to save the -town: he entered it only a few hours before Hotspur, who reached -the Castle Foregate on the evening of Friday, July 19th, and the -king’s forces could not have advanced from Lichfield before -the morning of that day. They were certainly here before -Percy: for, aware of the intention of that young nobleman, and -desirous to save the Castle from his attack, they set fire to -that extensive suburb, and marched out of the Castle gates to -offer him battle. Hotspur, unwilling to bring his army <a -name="page40"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 40</span>into action -at the close of a toilsome march, and learning, from the royal -banner which waved on the walls, that the king was in possession -of the town, called off his followers from the attack, and -retired to the Bull-field, an extensive common which stretched -from Upper Berwick to the East. He thus protected his rear -by the woody and impervious precipices extending to Leaton shelf, -and had the river not only on his side, but also, if it had not -entirely deserted its ancient channel under Cross-hill, (as there -is reason to believe it had not,) in his front also. This -position enabled him likewise to communicate readily over that -stream by the ford of Shelton with the forces of Glendower, when -they should arrive, as he hoped, on the opposite bank. Here -he passed the night in council. His army consisted of -14,000 chosen men, of whom a considerable part were of the county -of Chester, at that time eminent for its skill in archery; but, -if Hall is correct, the royal army was nearly double that number; -for he writes that above 40,000 men were assembled on both parts, -and every circumstance of the battle proves that the king was at -the head of a very superior force. His situation was, -however, by no means devoid of anxiety. He must have been -conscious how slender the title was which he possessed to the -throne: and how ill-disposed his peerage of the realm were to -maintain him upon it. From the Castle he might view, as the -dawn arose, the plain which stretched to the north glittering -with hostile arms: while the dreadful Glendower was believed to -be in full march from Oswestry, to join the rebels with his Welsh -forces. But the difficulties of the crisis only sufficed to -call forth his energies and display his talents.</p> -<p>“Henry was himself a distinguished warrior. In -earlier life he had, in company with his princely uncle the duke -of Gloucester, travelled into the north of Europe in quest of -martial glory; and under the banners of the renowned Teutonic -order had made a glorious campaign against the Pagans of -Lithuania. He was still in the vigour of life, being much -<a name="page41"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 41</span>under -forty years of age, and an adversary every way worthy of the -gallant Percy; whom, relying upon the superiority of his numbers, -he determined, if possible, to force to an engagement, before -that nobleman should receive his reinforcements from Wales or the -north. By break of day, therefore, he dispatched, it is -probable, a strong force, under the nominal command, for it could -be no more, of the young prince, the future hero of Agincourt, -but then a youth of fourteen years, to come up with Hotspur at -Berwick, if possible. He himself, with the main body, -appears to have marched out on the Hadnall road, ready to proceed -as occasion might demand, either to the north of Cross Hill and -Almond Pool, and close the rebels between his two divisions; or -else to advance further on upon that road, where it branches off -to Shawbury, with the view of cutting off their retreat, if -Hotspur, aware of his design, should attempt to march to the -east. It happened as the king anticipated. Hotspur, -on his advance, broke up in some disorder, and marched by -Harlescot and Abright Hussey to Hately-field, which stretches -from thence eastwards. Here, however, finding it impossible -to avoid an engagement, on account, as we may suppose, of the -obstruction to his retreat presented by the king’s movement -above mentioned, he made his stand in the rear of a field of peas -nearly ripe; behind which he stationed his army, and hoped -thereby to deter the king from advancing over a tract which must -necessarily impede his operations.</p> -<p>“He then addressed his little army in a short harangue, -of which Walsingham has preserved the heads. ‘We must -desist,’ said he, ‘from any further attempt to -retreat, and turn our arms on those that come against us. -Ye see the royal banner, nor is there time to seek a passage even -though we wished it. Stand, therefore, with steadfast -hearts: for this day shall either promote us all, if we conquer; -or deliver us from an usurper, if we fall: and it is better to -die in battle for the common wealth, than after battle by the -sentence of <a name="page42"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -42</span>our foe:” and with this, to support the courage of -his men by proving his design to fight to the outrance, he -dispatched two of his esquires, Knayton and Salvayn, with that -strange defiance, in which he loads the king with the most horrid -crimes. * * * *</p> -<p>“No one has informed us how the king received this -furious manifesto. He had something else to engage his -attention. He proceeded to marshal his forces, dividing -them into two columns, or wedges. Of one of these he took -the command himself, and entrusted the other to his son. -The front rank of his own column was led on by his nephew the -young earl of Stafford, a soldier of conspicuous valour, on whom -he had that morning conferred the high office of constable of -England, recently enjoyed by the earl of Northumberland. -Previous to the final onset, the king, in compliance with the -customs of chivalry, bestowed the honour of knighthood on certain -of his most distinguished esquires. Hotspur, perceiving -that an engagement was unavoidable, called for his favourite -sword. His attendants informed him that it was left behind -at Berwick, of which village it does not appear that he had till -then learned the name. At these words he turned pale, and -said, ‘I perceive that my plough is drawing to its last -furrow, for a wizard told me in Northumberland that I should -perish at Berwick: which I vainly interpreted of that town in the -North.’ His courage did not, however, yield to the -impressions of superstition; he rallied his spirits, and arranged -his troops with his usual ability: assigning their respective -stations to his uncle Worcester, the Scottish earl of Douglas, -his recent captive at Halidown, sir Richard Venables, baron of -Kinderton, Hugh Brow, Hugh Vernon, and others. His troops -appear to have been chiefly stationed on the north side of the -spot now occupied by the church in a field still called <i>the -Hateleys</i>: on the east side of the church is a field -denominated <i>the King’s croft</i>, in which, it may be -presumed, were ranged those which the king commanded in -person. <a name="page43"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -43</span>These positions exactly agree with the objects which we -have assigned above to the respective leaders; and lend, it is -hoped, some confirmation to the conjectural part of the preceding -narration.</p> -<p>“While the hostile armies, drawn up in battle array -facing each other, waited, with mute expectation, the sound of -the trumpet, the dreadful signal for combat, two venerable -divines, Thomas Prestbury, lord abbot of Salop, and the clerk of -the privy seal, advanced out of the royal army, and proceeded -towards that of Percy. The king, desirous to spare the -blood of his subjects, offered him and his adherents pardon and -peace, and redress of all grievances of which they could justly -complain. Hotspur was touched by these unexpected -overtures, made under circumstances of such numerical inequality, -and requested his uncle of Worcester to repair to the royal -presence in company of these holy men, and state the grounds on -which he had taken up arms. The king, we may suppose, was -in his turn somewhat softened by the sight of the earl, who had -been so recently engaged in the domestic office of governor to -the prince of Wales; and a recollection of the obligations he had -received from the Percy family might mix itself with his other -reflections. It is certain that to the remonstrances of -Worcester, delivered in a fierce and haughty tone, he listened -with respect, and replied with a condescension which, in the -opinion of the spectators, was somewhat unbefitting the royal -dignity. A contemporary writer has preserved, though with a -mistake of the person, the dialogue supposed to have passed -between them. The king ‘counselled him to put himself -on his grace.’ To which the other replied, ‘I -trust not in your grace.’—‘I pray God,’ -rejoined the king, ‘that thou mayest have to answer for the -blood here to be shed this day, and not I. March on -standard-bearer!’ and the battle was set.—It is -certain that the stern temper of Worcester rejected all attempts -at conciliation: he was conscious how deeply he had been engaged -in fomenting <a name="page44"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -44</span>the quarrel; and, on his return to his friends, he -misrepresented the demeanour of Henry in such a manner to his -nephew, that the latter, with whatever reluctance, was compelled -to relinquish all hopes of accommodation. At length, -therefore, much of the day having been consumed in these -fruitless negociations, both parties flew to arms, and the air -was rent with the war-cries of ‘<i>St. George</i>’ on -one side, and ‘<i>Esperance Percy</i>’ on the -other. In the meanwhile, Glendower had advanced as far as -Shelton on the opposite bank of Severn, where he awaited the -issue of the contest, determined to proceed or retire according -to its event. He is said, by the constant tradition of the -country, to have ascended there the branches of a lofty oak, -whose venerable trunk yet remains, for the purpose of viewing the -battle; at least of gaining, from personal inspection, the -earliest intelligence of its event.</p> -<p>“The fight began by furious and repeated volleys of -arrows from Hotspur’s archers, whose ground, as may be -seen, greatly favoured that kind of warfare: and they did great -execution on the royal army. The king’s bowmen were -not wanting in return, and the battle raged with violence. -The military art had not yet attained that perfection which -almost supersedes the effect of individual exertion; and Hotspur, -with his associate Douglas, bent on the king’s destruction, -rushing through the midst of the hostile arrows, pierced their -way to the spot on which he stood. To adopt the vivid -language of a contemporary, ‘in the ardour of his spirit, -he assembled a band of thirty warriors, broke into the royal -army, and made a great alley in the midst thereof,’ (such -was the terror which his presence inspired) ‘even to the -stoutest of the king’s guards.’ Monstrelet -says, Henry was thrice unhorsed by the Scottish earl, and would -have been taken or slain had he not been defended and rescued by -his own men. And the fortune of the day would have been -forthwith decided, if the Scottish earl of March had not -withdrawn him <a name="page45"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -45</span>from the danger; for the royal standard-bearer was -slain, his banner beaten down; and many of the chosen band -appointed to guard it (among whom were the earl of Stafford and -sir Walter Blount,) were killed by these desperate -assailants,—while the young prince of Wales was wounded in -the face by an arrow. In short, notwithstanding all the -exertions of the royalists, victory seemed inclined to favour the -rebel army, who fought with renewed ardour, from an opinion -naturally derived from the overthrow of his standard, that the -king himself had fallen, and animated each other to the combat -with cheering and redoubled shouts of ‘<i>Henry Percy</i>, -<i>king</i>! <i>Henry Percy</i>, <i>king</i>!’</p> -<p>“In this critical moment the gallant Percy, raging -through the adverse ranks in quest of his sovereign, fell by an -unknown hand; alone, and hemmed in by foes. The king lost -no time to avail himself of this event. Straining his voice -to the utmost, he exclaimed aloud, ‘<i>Henry Percy is -dead</i>!’ The sound was heard by either army: into -those it struck dismay, while these it animated and -encouraged. The rebels fled in every direction, nor could -the king, anxious as he was to terminate the slaughter, restrain -the impetuous pursuit of his own troops, till the flower of -Cheshire, two hundred knights and esquires (besides pages and -footmen) were slain. Douglas broke through, and endeavoured -to escape in the direction of Haghmond-hill: being closely -pursued, and leaping from a crag, he experienced a severe injury, -and was captured: but the king, in admiration of his valour, set -him at liberty. The loss in both armies was great. * * * An -ancient manuscript rates the number of gentlemen at two thousand -two hundred and ninety-one, besides commons. They were -chiefly buried, says that authority, in a great pit, the -dimensions of which are there specified, and over which the -present church of Battlefield was afterwards erected: but many -are stated to have lain dispersed in various directions for the -space of three miles about the field of <a -name="page46"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 46</span>battle: a -fact which confirms what has been said above of the desultory -nature of the conflict. Others, of the most distinguished -rank, were interred in the neighbouring town, chiefly in the -cemetery of the Dominican or St. Mary’s Friars.</p> -<p>“The body of Hotspur was at first delivered to his -kinsman lord Furnival for interment, and it was by him committed -to the ground with the suffrages of the church, and with all the -honours which, in that haste, could be procured as due to his -rank. It is painful to reflect, that the king afterwards -repented him of this generous attention to the remains of -deceased valour. He caused the corpse to be taken out of -the tomb in which it had been laid, and to be placed between two -mill-stones in the public street, near the pillory; where, as if -he feared lest the general sympathy should rescue it from its -ignominious situation, it was kept under military guard, till the -head was severed from the body, which was divided into quarters, -and transmitted to several cities in the realm.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Thus closes this circumstantial and able description of the -celebrated battle of Shrewsbury; an event so interesting in the -annals of the county, that we make no apology for having -transferred so detailed an account of it to our pages. A -nobler theme could not well be conceived for the lay of a -minstrel. “The characters of the leaders, both of the -royal and of the rebel party, the chivalrous spirit of the times -in which they lived, and the magnitude of the cause that roused -them to arms, are circumstances highly susceptible of poetical -description, while the train of incidents from the very origin to -the termination of the feud, is of that romantic cast which -requires little embellishment from fiction. There is indeed -one objection which may have deterred our later Poets from the -undertaking; it is, that the ground which Shakspeare has trod is -sacred; but without any violation of the reverence due to his -memory, it may be wished that this magnificent subject had also -been celebrated by the muse that sang the tale of Flodden -Field.”</p> -<p><a name="page47"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 47</span>We have -already stated that on the deposition of Richard II. the Earl of -Wiltshire, recently appointed lord of the Manor of Oswestry, fell -a victim to popular fury, and Thomas, son of Richard, Earl of -Arundel, was restored in blood. This last-named nobleman -was a liberal supporter of the Corporation of Oswestry. In -1406 he gave it a release for £100 (a large sum in those -days,) which that body was indebted to him, in consideration of -the distresses which the town had suffered during the Glyndwr -insurrection. He also obtained pardon from the king for his -vassals in Chirk, Bromfield, and the Manor of Oswestry, for the -share they had taken in that rebellion. In the same year -with the release he granted a most extensive Charter to the town, -containing many matters showing the customs of the times. -This Charter ordered, that “neither the lord nor his heirs -should confiscate or seize the effects of persons with or without -will in the corporation; that no burgess should be compelled to -be the lord’s receiver-general, but only collector of the -issues arising within the borough; that the burgesses should be -discharged from all fees demanded by the Constable of the castle, -or any of his menial servants, for any felonies or trespasses -committed out of the same liberties, when brought to the prison -of the castle; saving that the Constable might receive one penny -at his own election, from every mansion-house in the town, and a -farthing from every cottage, on the feast of St. Stephen -annually; that the burgesses should be free for the future from -all excise of ale, brewed and sold in the town, which had -hitherto been payable at the rate of seven-pence for every -<i>Bracena cervisiæ</i> exposed for sale; that they were to -be freed from the duty of <i>Amobyr</i>, or <i>Lyre-Wyte</i>; -that whoever lived in the house of a burgess, and happened to die -there, the burgess was to have a heriot after his decease, in the -same manner as the <i>Uchelwyr</i>, or freeholders residing on -the lands of the lord in the Hundred of Oswestry; that no -Shrewsbury ale should be sold in the town without license, while -any ale brewed in the <a name="page48"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 48</span>town was to be had, under the penalty -of 6s. 8d.; that none of the inhabitants of the lordships of -Oswestry, Melverley, Kinardsley, Edgerley, Ruyton, and the eleven -towns, should drive or carry any cattle, corn, or victuals, or -other wares, to any foreign fair or market, before the same had -first been exposed for sale in the town of Oswestry, under the -penalty of 6s. 8d.; that none of the lord’s tenants should -be compelled to pay the <i>redditus advocarii</i> for the -security of the castle,” &c. The <i>Amobyr</i> of -the Welsh, and the <i>Lyre-Wyte</i> of the Saxons, were fines -paid by the vassal to his lord, to buy off the power to violate -domestic relations. Pennant gives a different -interpretation to the term <i>Amobyr</i>, but does not succeed in -giving us its literal and precise meaning. There is one -curious fact mentioned in the aforesaid Charter, and which, even -in these days must excite a smile. The respective -<i>six-and-eightpences</i> of the gentlemen who now study -“Coke upon Littleton” was actually prescribed even so -far back as the fifteenth century. It would be a still more -curious fact developed, were we acquainted with the lord of the -Manor’s law-adviser when this Charter was granted, because -we might perhaps then be able, from the knowledge of that fact, -to ascribe the origin, if not honour, of lawyers’ -<i>six-and-eightpences</i> to the ancient Borough of -Oswestry!</p> -<p>According to Pennant, “until the time of the -above-mentioned Charter, the lord’s Welsh tenants of the -Hundred of Oswestry were accustomed by their tenure to keep watch -and ward, for three days and three nights, at the four gates of -the town, during the fairs of St. Andrew and St. Oswald, with a -certain number of men called <i>Kaies</i>; but these -treacherously, with others, ravaged and plundered the -place. On this the tenants were compelled to pay a sum of -money as wages to a sufficient number of Englishmen, as the -burgesses should think convenient, for the custody of the four -gates; and the Welsh men were for ever to be discharged from that -duty. The vassals of the Earl of Arundel in these <a -name="page49"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 49</span>parts were of -a mixed nature; either descendants of the Norman followers of -Alan, or of the native Welsh, who were most numerous, and bore an -hereditary dislike to their co-tenants of foreign stock. -The Welsh part was called <i>Walcheria</i>, and lay in the upper -part of the parish.”</p> -<p>Reverting to Owain Glyndwr’s career, we see that his -escape from the Shelton Oak, at the Battle of Shrewsbury, did not -deter him from fresh enterprises. Evidently regardless of -the ruin of his allies—they, as Leland tells us, -“whom he promised to unite with” at that -battle—he continued to infest the English borders, where he -committed great havoc, the king being unable, from the want of -funds, to resist his aggressions. Owain’s marauding -parties committed serious damage to Shrewsbury and several of the -adjoining townships, and extended their ravages as far as -Buildwas Abbey, which they wasted with fire, so that divine -service was for a time discontinued, and the monks were reduced -to the greatest poverty. At length Henry directed a writ to -Edward Charlton, Lord Powys, to raise forces with which to subdue -the renewed rebellion; and similar orders were sent to Lords -Arundel and Grey, and Sir Richard L’Strange, Lord of -Knockin, Ellesmere, and other bordering manors. Glyndwr had -despatched to Shrewsbury two of his best officers, Rhys Ddu and -Philipot Scudamore, to command the insurrectionary party; but -Lord Powys, having promptly obeyed the orders of his sovereign, -fortified several castles, and speedily took as prisoners the -above-named two leaders, and they were both soon afterwards -executed in London. Holinshed says, that “Glyndwr -himself in the same year, dreading to show his face to any -creature, and finally lacking meat to sustain nature, for mere -hunger and lack of food miserably pined away and -died.” He was living, however, six years later, but -in a state of concealment, chiefly at the house of one of his -daughters, married to a gentleman of Herefordshire named -Monnington. In July, 1415, the new king Henry V., <a -name="page50"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 50</span>anxious to -leave his country in tranquillity before he engaged in the war -with France, offered a pardon to Glyndwr; and this would probably -have been accepted by the Cambrian chieftain, had not the -negotiation been interrupted by his death, which occurred -September 30th, 1415, in the 61st year of his age. It is -said that David Holbetch, Steward of the manors of Oswestry, -Bromfield, and Yale, and founder of the Oswestry Free Grammar -School, took a distinguished part in this negotiation, and -obtained the promised pardon for Glyndwr. Tradition states -that he was buried in the churchyard of Monnington-on-Wye.</p> -<p>With Glyndwr ceased most of the troubles and calamities which -had too long afflicted the English and Welsh Borders. The -superstitious charm with which Owain’s name had been -invested by his countrymen soon faded away, and his life, though -startling in a rude and ignorant age, soon proved that he was -“in the common roll of men!” Shakspere was -justified in creating him, poetically, as self-idolatrous, for -his daring incursions and fiery movements indicate that he -believed himself to be of the meteoric class, to curb oppression -and give liberty to the enslaved. For years after -Glyndwr’s fall Oswestry, for aught that history tells us to -the contrary, lay in comparative repose, entirely free from -foreign aggression. Intestine feuds and disorders seem to -have been the chief disturbers. The Welsh were arrayed -against the English, and the latter appear to have had no less -enmity against their Cambrian neighbours. To -Pennant’s industrious and accurate research we are indebted -for the scanty notices collected of the history of this -period. Among the records of the Drapers’ Company of -Shrewsbury, he tells us there is the following -order:—“25 Eliz. 1513. Ordered, that no Draper -set out for Oswestry on Mondays before six o’clock, on -forfeiture of six shillings and eightpence; and that they wear -their weapons all the way, and go in company—not to go over -the Welsh Bridge before the bell toll six.”</p> -<p><a name="page51"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 51</span>However -numerous and fierce marauders were in the days here referred to, -it would seem that peaceful employments were nevertheless pursued -by the inhabitants of Oswestry, and that their manufactured cloth -was of so good a quality as to be held in high repute among the -Shrewsbury Drapers. The “contests, robberies, and -disturbances in the Marches of Wales” still continuing with -unabated force, and both Welsh and English seeming to have -considered everything as lawful plunder which they could seize in -each other’s territory, the Stewards, the Constable, and -Lieutenant of Oswestry and Powys entered into covenants in the -year 1534, to restrain these plundering excursions. It was -agreed, that “if, after a certain day then fixed, any -person of one lordship committed felony in the other, he should -be taken and sent into the lordship where the offence was -committed, to receive punishment; and that if any goods or cattle -were stolen from one lordship and conveyed into the other, the -tenants and inhabitants of that lordship should either pay for -the same within fifteen days, or otherwise four principal men -should remain in bail, a main-prize, till they were either paid -for or recovered.”</p> -<p>Notwithstanding these rigorous measures, the evil still -continued; and so alarmed were certain of the inhabitants of -Shrewsbury, and regardful of the safety of their fellow-burgesses -who had to visit Oswestry market weekly, that prayers for their -preservation were offered up in one of the churches, on Monday -mornings, before they started on their perilous journey. A -timid gentleman, William Jones, Esq., left to the Drapers’ -Company “one pound six-shillings and eight-pence, to be -paid annually to the Vicar of St. Alkmond’s Church, for -reading prayers on Monday mornings, before the Drapers set out -for Oswestry market!” Pennant informs us that at this -period “Oswestry was the great emporium for Welsh cloth; a -privilege to which it was well entitled from its vicinity to -those districts of Wales in which that important branch of -commerce was manufactured, at a period <a name="page52"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 52</span>when the English trader could not, -with any degree of safety, trust himself in the -Principality. To this town (Oswestry) the Drapers of -Shrewsbury repaired every Monday. We learn the fact from a -curious MS. Chronicle of the last-mentioned town, which relates -that ‘on Monday, Dec. 5th, 1575, the Drapers of Shrewsbury -had like to have been robbed, if they had not been privately -warned; but the bailiffs and a great company went, strongly -aimed, upon their usual trade toward Oswestry. The robbers -proposed to rob them in the dale between Shelton and Shrewsbury, -and lay over night in Master Sherar’s barn, on the other -side of the water.’ The whole narrative, which is -told much at length in the Chronicle, exhibits the unsettled -police of a country slowly emerging from a state of barbarism, -and strongly reminds the reader of the inimitable scene at -Gadshill, so admirably pourtrayed by our great dramatic bard in -the first part of Henry IV.” The same writer adds, -“notwithstanding, however, this and similar proofs of the -general insecurity of the country, the Welsh manufacturer was -unwilling to meet the purchaser even half way with his -commodities. ‘Not satisfied,’ says our -countryman Dr. Peter Heylyn, in his <i>Cosmography</i>, -‘with having fixed the market at Oswestry, they sought to -draw the staple more into their own country.’ The MS. -quoted above informs us, under the year 1582, that it would have -been removed thence, ‘to the great decay of that town and -of Shrewsbury, yf Sir Thomas Bromley, being Lord Chancelor, had -not by his great wisdom opened the same to the Queen’s -Majestie, for which godly deede theye of the said townes are -contynewally bownde to praye daylye.’ Lord Chancellor -Bromley was a Shropshire man, and possessor, by purchase from the -Earl of Arundel, of the Castle and Lordship of Shrawardine; he -was therefore personally interested in the prosperity of the -county, and by his influence at Court enabled to promote -it.” It would further appear, that the market was -continued at Oswestry, so that it is likely that Lord -Bromley’s interposition at Court prevailed. In 1585 -the Welsh <a name="page53"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -53</span>cloth market was removed from Oswestry to Knockin, the -plague having broken out in this borough, and destroyed -“three-score and four persons, and no more;” -according to the parish register. The plague continued from -April to August, when it entirely disappeared, and the market was -held, as before, in Oswestry.</p> -<p>Oswestry was visited with other calamities some few years -before this period. In 1542 a fire broke out in the town, -which was so destructive, that “two long streets with great -riches” were consumed; and in 1567 there was another fire, -which destroyed “seven-score within the walls, and -three-score without.” The suburb still known by the -name of <i>Pentre-Poeth</i> (the burnt end of the town) suffered -severely, and may have derived its designation from this -destructive fire; or, as Price intimates, from the frequent fires -that may have occurred there during the conflicts between the -Welsh and English. These accidents were looked upon, at the -time, through astrological telescopes, by Camden, the historian, -and a Dr. Childrey. They both gravely ascribed these events -to astrological phenomena, Camden seriously remarking, -“that the eclipses of the sun in Aries have been very fatal -to this place; for in the years 1542 and 1567, when the sun was -eclipsed in that sign, it (Oswestry) suffered much by -fire!” After reading such absurdity as this from men -professing to be learned, we have reason to be thankful that we -are living in a more enlightened and scientific age.</p> -<p>A few years before the conflagration last referred to, the -town was visited by a no less alarming evil. In 1559 -pestilence consigned to the grave, within one year, more than -five hundred of the inhabitants. The disease which thus -afflicted the people is stated to have commenced with profuse -perspiration, (from which it was called “the sweating -sickness,”) and to have continued until the death or -recovery of the patient. Its operation was quick and -powerful, and cure or death occurred within twenty-four -hours. Those persons who were seized in <a -name="page54"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 54</span>the day were -put to bed in their clothes to wait the issue; and those seized -in the night were desired to remain in bed, but not to -sleep. The desolation of the town during the long -continuance of the plague is described in affecting language by -the writer of the clever historical sketches, on the History of -Oswestry, that appear in Mr. Roberts’s publication, -entitled “Oswald’s Well:”—</p> -<blockquote><p>“It was then that Croeswylan received its -name. <i>Croes wylan</i>, or the Cross of weeping, was -there erected, the base of which still remains to be seen. -To this, with superstitious reverence, all the people -resorted. The diseased and dying sought in grief beneath -its sacred shadow a preparation for the doom to which they were -appointed, and there they languished till that doom was -fixed. Before it, the whole and healthy ones confessed and -deplored their sins, and deprecated the vengeance of -heaven. Throughout the succeeding century this foul -contagion lurked on our shores, and at intervals visited our -town, converting it into a vast charnel house. Its attacks -were so insidious and sudden that the glow of health suffered no -process of removal, but instantly fled, as scared and affrighted -on the approach of the fell devourer. During its presence -no sights were to be seen but the wan and sickly visage of those -who were dying, or the panic-stricken gaze of the man yet -uninfected, almost delirious with alarm, and starting from the -touch of the dearest friend of his heart. The air was rent -with shrieks and laden with lamentation. Death alone seemed -contented and satisfied, and sat like a monster unmoved as he -banqueted on hundreds of his victims. All commerce was at a -stand-still. Every house was locked, the inmates scarcely -venturing upon a communication with each other, much less -exposing themselves to contact with those without. With -foreboding reluctance they breathed the breath of heaven, -pregnant as it was with the seeds of death. If one of their -number was attacked, no consideration of friendship or kindred -spared him the aggravation of being hurled into the street, there -to await the regular arrival of the dead-cart. That sad -accompaniment <a name="page55"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -55</span>of the contagion, the gibbet of the scene, rolled -sullenly along the death-smitten streets upon its gloomy mission, -and never returned without the sad evidences of the rapid -progress of the desolating scourge. In the ears of the -expiring it must have sounded like the toll of the passing bell, -the knell of their speedy departure. Upon it, whether dead -or just gasping for life, the diseased victims were heaped, and -hurried off to the brink of a huge pit, dug, probably, in a -corner of the Old Churchyard, into which they were remorselessly -thrown. Everything bespoke the presence and working of a -mighty power, in league with ‘the King of -terrors.’ All human ties were forcibly disrupted, -every human sympathy was sacrilegiously immolated, until the -people were reduced to that extremity of sadness, in which life -is burdensome for its sorrows, and death terrible for the grim -and ghastly shroud in which it lies hid.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The market was held, during the Plague, at <i>Croes wylan</i>, -that the people from the surrounding country-places should not -visit the town, and thereby suffer from the infection. No -doubt that with the dreadful scourge stalked, hand in hand, gaunt -poverty. It may be easily imagined that the poor suffered -severely from the sickness, and that many of them required -relief. We have some testimony before us that the public -authorities of the time sympathized with the sufferers. The -following extracts from the “Accompt of Richard ap Lley, -Muringer of the town of Oswestr, for and from the xvj day of -September, in the 2nd yere of our sovraynge Lady -Elizabeth,” show how pecuniary aid was rendered to certain -parties:—</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td colspan='4'><p>The sayde accomtante doth asc alowaunce for -rent bayted to the Towlers (toll-takers) for one qr. in -considracion of the PLAGE:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><i>s.</i></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><i>d.</i></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p>Fyrst to the executors of John Vyghan</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xx</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p>Allso, &c. rent bayted to Thomas ap Rc. -for Wolyws-gate</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xx</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p>Allso, &c. to David Glover the elder, for -Newe-gate</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xiij</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">iiij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p>Allso, &c. to Wyling Lloyd, for -Betresce-gate</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">x</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p><a name="page56"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -56</span>Allso, &c. to David ap David, for Blak gate</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">iiij</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">ij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p>Allso, &c. rent of Crofft-pystil, in the -hande of Rc. ap Mrdyth, dyssessed</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">ij</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p>Allso, &c. money payde for wrytinge of a -suplycacion to my lord of Arundell</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p>Allso, &c. for Lewys Tayler, and Guttyn -Furbur, beinge unpayde for setting of stales, by reason of the -Plage</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xiiij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p>Allso, &c. for Rc. Lewther, for one qr. -beinge absent from the towne</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xx</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><i>Tanners</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Allso, &c. for a qr. rent unto tanners beinge apsent -in in tyme of the plage; and fyrste, Thomas Baker (2 other -similar items)</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xiiij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><i>Glovers</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Itm. The sayde accomptaunt dothe asc alowaunce for -them that are deade or fled, and them that are in decaye; and -fyrst, Thomas ap John Wyling, beinge a poore man (five others -fled, &c.)</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><i>Buchers</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Imp. the sayde accomtant, &c. Lewys, bucher, that is -dead (one for the like and 7 fled)</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">v</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><i>Corvsers</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Edward Gorg, fled (2 others fled)</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">iij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan='2'><p><i>Backers</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>David ap sr. Rc. saythe that he dothe not occupey his -backhowes, and prayth alowance</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">vi</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>David Bobyth hathe ben longe secke, and asc alo</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">iij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><i>Hucksters</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Jonet vrch. David ap Morys asc alowance for a qr. Rent (1 -other)</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">x</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><i>Alle Selers</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Edward Lloyd pray the alowance for a qr.</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xjj</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p>David Glover the elder, in lycke manner</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xiiij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p>Richard Salter was longe sycke, and praythe alowance</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xiijj</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p>Thomas Glover praythe alowaunce for half a yere; -aledginge, that he sold no alle for that space (3 others)</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xx</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p>Payments for the provision of the genrall Feast unto the -Coo-burgesses according to the aunsient costom, holden the vth -day of Desember, in the thryde yere of the raynge of our -sovraynge layde Ellizabeth, by the grace of God quene of England, -&c. at the making of this accompt:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><i>s.</i></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><i>d.</i></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><i>Whete</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Fyrste, the saide accomptaunt hathe payde for ii stryckes -and a hoope of whette for brede and for peys</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xj</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><i>Maullt</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Allso payde for iii strycke of maullt</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xij</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan='4'><p><i>Boochers</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Allso payde for a qr. and ii rybes of byff</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">vj</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">viij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Allso payde for mytton for to make peys for this feast</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">ij</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">vj</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>. . . for iij<i>lb.</i> ressyns</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>. . . s pep</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">v</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">ij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan='3'><p><a name="page57"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -57</span><i>Cloves</i>, <i>&c.</i></p> -</td> -<td><p>Allso payde for cloves, masses, aud saffrone</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">vj</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Allso payde for synamon and sugr.</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">vij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Itm. pd. for buttr. spent at this feast</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">viij</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><i>Chese</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Allso payde for chesses</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">ij</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">ix</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><i>Nyttes</i>, &c.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Allso pd. for appells and nyttes</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">xvj</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><i>Saullt</i>.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Allso payde for a hoope of sallt for the byff</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">x</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p><i>This Accompt was made before us</i>, <i>the persons -under-named</i>, <i>then Bailiffe of the said Towne</i>, <span -class="smcap">John Stanney</span>, <span class="smcap">Thomas -Evans</span>.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p>With these awful calamities the people endured severe -privation, both as to food and clothing. Provisions had -risen so enormously in price as to place even the coarsest food -beyond the reach of the poor. We are told that so deficient -were the working-classes of the commonest provision, that they -were glad to resort, for subsistence, to horse-bread, composed of -beans, oats, and bran. “The good old times” are -too frequently quoted as periods of comfort, compared with the -present days; but such facts as have been now related must -convince every Englishman of right feeling that, however humble -his lot, he still possesses “a goodly heritage.”</p> -<p>For a considerable time no event occurred in Oswestry worthy -of detailed notice. In the 42nd of Elizabeth, Coke, -Attorney-General, acknowledges all the liberties and franchises -of Oswestry, by an order that all further proceedings on the part -of the Crown, on a writ of <i>Quo Warranto</i> against the -Bailiffs and Burgesses of Oswestry, should wholly cease. In -1603 a dispute took place between the Bailiffs, Burgesses, -&c. and the Earl of Suffolk, then lord and owner of the town -and manor, the former body having, in numerous assembly, resolved -to maintain the rights and privileges granted to them by Richard -II., and confirmed by their “late sovereigne of famous -memorye, queene Elizabeth.” A petition setting forth -their grievances, mainly caused by the Earl of Suffolk’s -steward, had been presented by them to the Lord President of the -Marches; to which Lord Suffolk replied as follows:—</p> -<blockquote><p><a name="page58"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -58</span>“<i>To his good freinds</i>, <i>the Burgesses and -Townesmen of his Towne and Manor of Oswester</i>:</p> -<p>I <span class="smcap">have</span> of late receaved a Letter -from my hon<sup>ble</sup> good Lord and freind, the L. President -of Wales, w<sup>ch</sup> declared unto mee, a great desire in his -L<sup>pp</sup> to give some satisfaction to you uppon a Peticon -given him from yo<sup>r</sup> Towne, as exceptinge against the -Course w<sup>ch</sup> Mr. Lloyd, my Officer, healde with -you. Nowe you must knowe, that I doe, and will avowe him in -such things as he, in his discreation, shall find to bee -profitable for mee w<sup>ch</sup>, perchaunce, may bee -displeasinge to you, but herin you may further wronge -yo<sup>r</sup> selves then you are aware off; for yf you shall -deny to yeald mee thoes Rights & Proffits that are due unto -me, as Lord of the Manor, you must then knowe, that I doe look -for at Mr. Lloyds hands such a resistance of yo<sup>r</sup> wills -as I may not bee prejudized thereby: & I knowe his -understandinge & discreation is such, as he would not drawe -mee into frivolous and needles questions.—Therefore I must -tell you, that yf you have refused the duties wh<sup>ch</sup> -belonge unto mee, that I will execute my remedies as the lawes of -the Land will allowe mee. But, becawse I wolde not be -thought rigorous, and that yt may appeare that my L: President -hath the powre of an honorable & kind ffreind in mee, I am -contented that yf you doe sende upp to the Tearme at Winchester, -such as shall have powre to followe the cawse in the behaulf of -you all, that then the questions w<sup>ch</sup> are risen between -the Steward & you shall, yf yt may be, have an end; by -Councill chosen of each syde; w<sup>ch</sup> Course shall please -mee well: but yf yt happen otherwise, the fault shall not be -myne, for I desire not contencons; but then of necessety, Lawe -must determyn them. In the meane tyme, I charge you all to -carry yo<sup>r</sup> selves respectively and duetifully to my -Officers; for you must learn to obey, yf you will desire to be -obeyed; w<sup>ch</sup> you, being a Corporate Towne, should -principally desire. And soe I leave you for this tyme, -untill I heare further from you. From the Court at Wylton, -this 25th of October, 1603.</p> -<p style="text-align: right">Yo<sup>r</sup> Lovinge freind & -Lord,<br /> -SUFFOLKE.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>James I. in 1616, granted a Charter to the town, thus removing -“divers doubts and ambiguities” which had -“arisen concerning the ancient liberties, francheses, -&c., of the town and borough of Oswaldstre,” and -extending their liberties and privileges, as well as confirming -them a body corporate, by the name of “the Bayliff and -Burgesses of Oswestry, in the Countie of Salope.”</p> -<p><a name="page59"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 59</span>About -this period a heavy blow was struck at the commerce of the town, -by the Drapers of Shrewsbury (a reference to whose complaints and -apprehensions has already been made), “who weary,” -says Pennant, “of their weekly journeys to Oswestry, -determined to transfer the market to their own town, from that in -which Queen Elizabeth had established it. But this attempt -proved in the first instance abortive. The Lordship of -Oswestry was enjoyed at this time by Thomas Howard, Earl of -Suffolk, to whom it had been granted by the late queen, in the -43rd year of her reign. He was in great favour with James, -in whose Court he held the office of Lord Chamberlain, and to -whom he had recently recommended himself by his vigilance and -promptitude in the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot. -Possessed of the highest notions of the privileges of the -peerage, and jealous of the infringement of his rights by the -traders of Salop, he issued his mandate to them by one of their -own body,—Arthur Kynaston, merchant of the staple, a -younger brother of the house of Ruyton,—to desist from such -attempts in future. Their answer is recorded in their own -books: it is entitled ‘The copy of a letter sent by the -Company to the Earle of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain of his -Majestie’s househoulde, ye 24th June, 1609.’ -‘Right Honerabell,—Your letter bearing date the -second of this June, by the hands of Mr. Kiniston wee have -received: wherein ytt appereth yor Lordship was informed that wee -the Societie of Drapers wentt aboute by underarte and menenesse -to withdraw your markett of Walsh clothe from your towne of -Oswester;’ and they proceed to exculpate themselves from -the charge in those phrases of submission which were in that day -the established usage of inferiors in their addresses to those -above them. This was their tone during the plenitude of the -Earl’s power, which, five years after the date of this -letter, received a great increase by his appointment to the -exalted post of Lord High Treasurer of England. During this -time we may be sure <a name="page60"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -60</span>‘the market for frize and cottons continued, -where, according to Heylin, it was originally fixed, at -Oswestry.’ But in 1618, the King’s necessities -caused an enquiry into the management of the treasury, and -Suffolk, whose unbounded expenses in his magnificent palace at -Audley-End, had brought him into pecuniary difficulties, was -fined by the Court of Star Chamber in the vast sum of -£30,000, and dismissed from all his employments. The -clemency of James mitigated this enormous fine, but the influence -of the Earl of Suffolk was gone; and in 1621 the Shrewsbury -Drapers made an order upon the books of their Company, -‘That they will not buy cloth at Oswestry, or elsewhere -than in Salop.’”</p> -<p>As we have shewn in a preceding page, the struggles of the -Welsh, to recover the freedom they had lost, terminated with the -death of their last great leader, Owain Glyndwr. -“Their wild spirit of independence, and their enthusiasm -for liberty,” says the eloquent historian whom we have -already quoted, “from this period gradually declined. -The blood of their beloved Princes was nearly extinct; and their -native bravery was subdued, or rendered ineffectual, by their -intestine divisions and by their repeated misfortunes. When -fierce valour and unregulated freedom are opposed to discipline, -to enlarged views, and to sound policy, the contest is very -unequal: it is not therefore surprising that the genius of -England at length obtained the ascendancy. It was, indeed, -an interesting spectacle, and might justly have excited -indignation and pity, to have seen an ancient and gallant nation, -falling the victims of private ambition, or sinking under the -weight of a superior power. But such emotions, which were -then due to that injured people, have lost at this period their -force and their poignancy. A new train of ideas arises; -when we see that the change is beneficial to the -vanquished—when we see a wild and precarious liberty -succeeded by a freedom which is secured by equal and fixed -laws—when we see manners hostile and barbarous, and a -spirit of rapine and cruelty, <a name="page61"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 61</span>softened down into the arts of peace, -and the milder arts of civilized life—when we see this -Remnant of the Ancient Britons uniting in interests, and mingling -in friendship with their conquerors, and enjoying with them the -same constitutional liberties; the purity of which, we trust, -will continue uncorrupted as long as the British Empire shall be -numbered among the nations of the earth.”</p> -<p>We now approach a period in our national history which has -ever been viewed, by opposing political parties, in a conflicting -spirit. The turbulent elements of</p> -<h3>THE CIVIL WARS</h3> -<p>were not allayed until Death had silenced the two great actors -in the tragic and murderous drama. The present volume, -devoted principally to local history, is not an appropriate organ -in which to discuss the merits and demerits of Charles I. and his -sturdy rival Cromwell. Charles was doubtless guilty of many -gross violations of his prerogative, and plunged into a reckless -course of misgovernment, accompanied with galling taxation, which -the people, beginning to learn the lessons of liberty, and to -understand the genius of the British constitution, would not -tamely submit to.</p> -<p>The ill-fated monarch, looking at him through the long vista -of two centuries, was greatly to be pitied. The son of a -king, who disregarded the instructions of his wise preceptor, -George Buchanan, and who, in his rule over the English people, -was prodigal, unprincipled, and tyrannical, he ascended the -throne with a corrupt education, and urged to despotism and -injustice by his infamous minister Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, -he speedily exhibited in his regal capacity, a passion for power, -which, as Macauley remarks, soon became “a predominant -vice; idolatry to his regal prerogative, his governing -principle. The interests of the crown legitimated every -measure, and sanctified in his eye the widest deviation <a -name="page62"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 62</span>from moral -rule.” Such was the son of a kingly father who was -fond of cockfighting, and the brutal pleasures of inebriation, -who utterly neglected the affairs of state on the plea that -“he should not make a slave of himself;” who sold -titles and privileges of all kinds, that his vices might be fed; -and who basely deprived people of their patents, after having -paid for them to himself. These were only a small portion -of the sire’s iniquities. What surprise then can be -entertained that Charles, his son, walked much in the -father’s footsteps! Notwithstanding his despotic and -infatuated measures, to which all the evils of the civil wars may -be traced, yet he had many excellencies; and the closing scene of -his unhappy life proved that had he been blessed with a wiser -tutelage, and taught to govern with a just and righteous hand, he -might have descended into the tomb with virtue and honour, -embalmed in the grateful recollections of his country.</p> -<p>Of his powerful rival and successor much has, and still may be -said, in his praise and condemnation. His character, -however, singular and erratic as it was, was mixed, as that of -other men; and whilst he displayed a religious enthusiasm and -sanctity in most of his public acts, apparently impressed with -the conviction that he “was doing <span -class="smcap">God</span> service” in the course in which he -had embarked; yet the troublous events of his life—the -fears, anxieties, and weakness of his mortal nature—must -have convinced him, if he sincerely believed in the religion of -which he made so loud and trumpet-tongued a profession, that -“he had done many things which he ought not to have done, -and left undone many things he ought to have done.” -Now that we look calmly back upon Cromwell’s life, we can -see much in his administrative policy that elevated the nation -during his transient rule, and that has shed its salutary -influences even upon the present generation; but the deep, dark -spot in his escutcheon—the murder of Charles—a crime -which harrows up the feelings, and rouses the indignation of all -right-minded men—that foul murder, with <a -name="page63"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 63</span>all its cruel -and inhuman associations, blots out any excellency that he ever -did achieve, and stamps his character indelibly as that of a -religious, enthusiastic professor only, and not of a Christian -man. Charles may have been guilty, and deserving of -punishment for his misrule; but we have yet to learn that -Cromwell had plenary power to execute the mandate of <span -class="smcap">Jehovah</span>, and to have adopted the inspired -exclamation, “<span class="smcap">Vengeance is -Mine</span>!”</p> -<p>“At the breaking out of the Civil Wars,” says -Pennant, “the whole of Shropshire, with few exceptions of -persons and none of places, adhered to the cause of -royalty. Oswestry, like the rest, was garrisoned for the -king. The town was defended by a new gate and draw-bridge; -the castle was fortified very strongly; and to prevent it from -being commanded by the church, in case of the capture of the -town, the steeple was pulled down, and a part of the sacred -edifice was also demolished.” The same popular -author, with his fervid nationality, and strong royalist -principles, adds, with evident pride and delight, “The -garrison consisted chiefly of Welsh (a people almost to a man -staunch in the cause of their sovereign).” The -governor of Oswestry Castle at this disturbed period was a -Colonel Lloyd. Edward Lloyd, Esq., of Llanvorda, compounded -for his estates, as a royalist, in the sum of £300; and at -the period of which we write (1643) he was in the prime of life, -and therefore physically able to assume the important command of -Governor of the Castle. Colonel Thomas Mytton, of Halston, -near Oswestry, a man well skilled in military art, and of great -personal courage, had united as a commander with the -Parliamentary forces, and first signalized himself in an assault -upon the town of Wem, which he seized and garrisoned; that place -soon became the centre from which attacks were directed against -the royalist garrisons in the neighbouring towns. -Mytton’s success at Wem was achieved in the latter end of -August, 1643; and although he actively assisted the Parliamentary -<a name="page64"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 64</span>army in -its attacks upon other parts of the country, he frequently -visited Wem to concert measures for fresh conquests. In -January of the following year, a plan was there determined upon -for a sudden and covert attack upon Oswestry. The story is -on record that Mytton well knew the <i>bon vivant</i> qualities -of the Governor of Oswestry. It was said of this royalist -Commandant, that in the social circle he was the life and soul of -the company, and that when he entered upon the convivialities of -the table, he found it a difficult matter to interrupt the rosy -hours by wending homewards. Colonel Mytton might know the -frailties of his gallant opponent; and, with a strategetic art -unworthy of a modern general, he devised a scheme for capturing -the Governor and seizing the town of Oswestry. The anecdote -proceeds to state, that Colonel Lloyd was to be invited to dinner -at the house of a neighbouring gentleman; and Mytton calculated -that no dinner invitation would be refused by good-humoured Col. -Lloyd. The plot included the spread of further net-work, in -which the unsuspecting Governor was to be surely caught. -His gastronomic and vinous attachments were to be plentifully -gratified; and whilst indulging in bacchanalian revels, a -military force, under Mytton’s direction, was to enter the -dining room in which the innocent Governor was carousing, to -seize him, <i>vi et armis</i>, take him before his own garrison, -in Oswestry, and there compel him to issue orders to his officers -to surrender the town and castle. The plot, as we have -described it, was partly successful, but eventually failed. -Colonel Lloyd accepted the apparently-friendly invitation to -dinner; and all went merrily on with him for a brief -period. The detachment of troops was sent from Wem to take -him prisoner, so that the first act of the drama was nearly -completed. Whilst, however, the Parliamentarians were on -their way to surprise him, two of their scouts were seized by -some royalist friends; they confessed their share in the -treacherous plot; the Colonel was apprized of the danger he was -in, fled from the habitation of his Judas-like host, <a -name="page65"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 65</span>reached the -“post of honour” which he had so improperly abandoned -for the pleasures of the table, and secured from the grasp of his -enemies both the town and castle. Colonel Lloyd’s -misconduct was reported, it seems, to the royalist -commander-in-chief, who removed him from his important position, -and appointed as his successor Sir Absetts Shipman.</p> -<p>The parliamentary leaders were numerous and powerful, and they -were all fired with zeal and enthusiasm in the cause which they -espoused. The town of Oswestry was a military post of -distinction in their eyes; and to possess it was an achievement -“devoutly to be wished.” Oswestry stood on a -towering height, vigilantly watching the varied movements of the -parliamentary hosts, and protecting the communication between the -town and Wales. The opposite party were equally active and -observant. Colonel Mytton was well acquainted, from his -local connexion, with the strength and resources of the town, and -brought to his aid, in his meditated attack upon it, Sir Thomas -Fairfax, the equal to Cromwell in military tactics. In the -month of March, 1644, Fairfax and Mytton, with a strong force -under their command, made a sudden attack upon the town, which -was gallantly repulsed by Prince Rupert (the King’s -nephew), who commanded the royalist troops in garrison. -This triumph was but of short duration, for the town was attacked -in a few months afterwards, and in this renewed onslaught, the -parliamentary forces were victors. The Battle of Oswestry, -if such it may be called, was fought on the 22nd June. The -Earl of Denbigh, a young parliamentary leader of some military -talents, and son of a nobleman who had died in defence of the -crown, suddenly left the main body of his army, and marched, with -his “forlorn hope” upon Oswestry, determined upon -taking the town by a <i>coup de main</i>. He reached the -vicinity in company with Colonel Mytton, about two o’clock -in the afternoon of June the 22nd, the former probably knowing, -from the “false brethren,” as spies were then called, -that <a name="page66"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 66</span>the -garrison was partly defenceless, the Governor having imprudently -gone to Shrewsbury with certain parliamentary prisoners. -Denbigh’s force consisted merely of two hundred infantry, -and two troops of cavalry. The engagement was short and -sharp. After a hot affair of about two hours, in which Lord -Denbigh’s artillery played fiercely upon the garrison with -small and great shot, a breach was made in the walls of the town, -and the infantry poured in, headed by Major Fraser, with the loss -of only one man killed and three wounded. “The -New-gate,” adds Pennant, “was next demolished by the -cannon, when a young fellow, one George Cranage, went with a -hatchet, and cutting down the chains of the draw-bridge, enabled -the cavalry also to enter. The besieged made an attempt to -maintain the Church, but soon finding it untenable, fled to the -castle. Hither they were closely pursued, and the pioneers -were quickly called in to undermine its walls; in which, we are -informed, the skill as well as valour of Colonel Mytton was very -conspicuous. He was probably enabled, from his residence in -the neighbourhood, to direct the miners to proceed with most -effect. But the daring valour of Cranage again anticipated -these slower operations. He was persuaded to hang a -<i>Buttar</i> (a petard) at the castle-gate! Being well -animated with sack, he undertook this desperate attempt, crept -with the engine from house to house, till he got to that next to -the castle, fastened it to the gate, set fire to it, and escaped -unhurt! The gate was then burst open, and the garrison, -finding it impossible to make any further resistance, surrendered -the castle upon promise of quarter for their lives. * * * It is -greatly to the honour of the victorious commanders that they -restrained their soldiers from pillage, at the expense of a -gratuity of £500. One can scarcely err in ascribing -this noble and uncommon act of mercy to Colonel Mytton’s -solicitude for the welfare of his neighbours. The Earl -dispatched intelligence of his success to the Parliament. -His letter was read to the House of Commons, on the 27th <a -name="page67"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 67</span>June, giving -an account of his taking the town and castle of Oswaldstree, with -400 prisoners and 300 arms. Thanks were voted to him for -this his good service, and former testimonies of affection to the -house.” The circumstantial narrative proceeds to -state that “his Lordship returned, after this exploit, to -his main army at Drayton,” and left Colonel Mytton in -defence of the town. The fall of Oswestry was a severe blow -to the royal party. Besides opening a door for the -reduction of North Wales to the power of the Parliament, it -lowered them in the scale of public opinion, a loss, in the -declining posture of their affairs, of incalculable -importance. Active and energetic as were both Lord Denbigh -and Colonel Mytton, in their attack upon Oswestry, still they did -not escape the slanders even of their own party. The Earl -of Denbigh seems to have felt their calumnies acutely, for a few -months after the siege his Lordship wrote a letter to Mytton, -vindicating the gallantry of both; which we subjoin:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“COLL. MITTON,</p> -<p>I will not trouble you with the injuries that are offered to -you and myselfe, by the Committe of Wem. I am sure you have -deserved more of the Parliament then the rest of that -Committe. Captaine Clive, as I am informed, reports I was -not at the takeing of Oswaldstre, and that my horse stood att too -great a distance; I am sure they entred with the foote; but the -false representations of passages heere shall not divert me from -those occasions that may fully expresse me to be</p> -</blockquote> -<p style="text-align: right">Your faithfull frend and servant,<br -/> -DENBIGH.”</p> -<p>“Condor, 29th Oct. 1644.”</p> -<p>At this period the King’s position was critical and -alarming. In the early part of the month he determined to -take refuge within the walls of Shrewsbury, in his march through -Worcester and Bewdley. Waller, the parliamentary leader, -hearing of Charles’s movements, broke up from Oxford, and -hastened in the direction of Shropshire. On this -intelligence the King left Shrewsbury, and retraced his -steps. The battle of Copredy Bridge (June 29th) terminated -in the defeat of the parliamentary forces; and in July the Earl -of Denbigh, encouraged by his success at Oswestry, drew his -forces towards Shrewsbury, but <a name="page68"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 68</span>was repulsed by the royalist army, -with a loss of 120 of his men. The King’s defeat at -Marston Moor (July 3rd) added, however, to his disasters and -dangers. The whole of Shropshire was in arms, and jeopardy -and distress stared every man in the face.</p> -<p>Among the prisoners taken in the late disaster at Oswestry was -Francis Newport, Esq., who had served both in the short and long -Parliaments. The historians of Shrewsbury have furnished us -with an interesting account of this distinguished man:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Mr. Newport was son and heir of Sir Richard -Newport, of High Ercall, one of the knights of the shire. -This young gentleman was but just eligible to serve in -parliament, having arrived at full age only on the 23rd day of -the preceding February. He manifested the same ardent -loyalty which actuated his father: and ventured, with rare but -honourable gallantry, to vote for the acquittal of Lord -Strafford, at a time when such votes exposed those who gave them -to no small personal hazard; the populace, with their usual -toleration of sentiments differing from their own, denouncing all -such, fifty-six in number, as <i>Straffordians</i>; and exposing -their names to execration and danger by public placards. -Mr. Newport was soon expelled from the house as a -<i>malignant</i>; appeared in arms against the parliament; and -was among the prisoners taken at Oswestry, on the capture of that -town by the Earl of Denbigh and Colonel Mytton. It is -needless to say that he suffered very considerably in his estate: -being obliged to compound in the large sum of £5284, in -addition to £3287, and £170 a year extorted from his -father for the same crime of loyalty. Yet though attached -to the monarchy, he was friendly to the rights of the subject; -and it is not a little remarkable, that he who had suffered so -deeply for the first Charles, was so much disgusted by the base -and arbitary measures of the two succeeding kings, by the last of -whom he had the honour of being dismissed from the office of lord -lieutenant of this county; that he was a <a -name="page69"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 69</span>great -promoter of the Revolution, and was excepted, by the abdicated -monarch, from his general pardon. He was created earl of -Bradford by king William; and died Sept., 1708, in the -eighty-ninth year of his age.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The town of Oswestry was now in the hands of the -parliamentarians, under the temporary Governorship of Colonel -Mytton, but was not long permitted to remain quietly in the power -of the victors. Only one short week elapsed before a -formidable attempt was made by part of the royalist army, under -Colonel Marrow, a skilful and intrepid commander, to retake the -town, and drive the parliamentary forces from their -position. Colonel Marrow invested the town with 3,500 -infantry, and 1,500 cavalry, and maintained a close siege for the -three following days. This sudden assault greatly -embarrassed Colonel Mytton, whose only hope for relief was from -Sir Thomas Myddleton, his kinsman by marriage, who was then -stationed at Knutsford, in Cheshire, more than fifty miles -distant. Colonel Mytton, however, succeeded in making Sir -Thomas acquainted with his position in less than twelve hours -from the commencement of the royalist attack; and the gallant -knight, who was heartily engaged in the parliamentary cause, -immediately mustered three regiments, namely, Booth’s, -Mainwaring’s, and Croxen’s, with Major Lothian at the -head of the reserve, and marching onwards with all speed, reached -in two days within sight of Oswestry—it is supposed between -Halston and Whittington. During this interval of time the -royalists had not obtained full possession of the town, though -consisting, as Sir Thomas Myddleton says, “of the most -valiant commanders and soldiers, drawn out of the garrisons of -Chester, Cheshire, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Ludlow, Denbighshire, -Flintshire, and other places.” They had possessed -themselves of the Church, but had made no inroad upon the -Castle. Myddleton’s approach having been made known, -Colonel Marrow marched out from the town, determined to attack -him before his troops could recruit themselves <a -name="page70"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 70</span>after their -long march. “They had taken the passage of water -neere to Whittington,” says Sir Thomas, in his letter to -Lenthall, the Speaker, “and very furiously assaulted and -charged us, but were repulsed and forced to retire, through the -courage of our horse, who most courageously entertained the -enemy. Three several times the skirmish was doubtful; -either side being forced so often to retreat. But in the -end, our foot forces, coming up, relieved the horse, beat back -the enemy, and pursued them with such force, that our horse being -thereby encouraged, which indeed was formerly weary, joining with -the foot, they put the enemy to an absolute flight, in which we -pursued them five miles towards Shrewsbury, to a place called -‘Felton Heath,’ and where we remained after their -flight, again masters of the field. In the skirmish with -the enemy, and in the pursuite, we lost several of our horse, -some of our troopers, but never a footman, which I am yet -informed of. As for the enemy they lost several stout men; -had many of them taken prisoners, some of them being of great -quality, as the Lord Newport’s eldest son; and besides, in -their flight, such was their haste, that we found in our pursuite -the highway as it were strewed with bread, cheese, bacon, and -other good provisions; clothes, and such necessary appurtenances -to an army, besides some whole veals and muttons, new -killed.” Sir Thomas adds, that “his forces -followed up their blow nearly to Shrewsbury, and that Majors -Manley and Whitney were afterwards taken under the walls of that -town, in pursuite of them.”</p> -<p>This affair closed the struggle between the royalist and -parliamentary forces for the possession of Oswestry. On the -very day on which Sir Thomas Myddleton raised the siege, Prince -Rupert was signally defeated at Marston Moor, with the loss of -ten thousand men killed and taken prisoners. Colonel Mytton -must subsequently have delegated his command as temporary -Governor of Oswestry, as we find him soon afterwards actively -engaged in commanding the parliamentary <a -name="page71"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 71</span>troops in the -conquest of Shrewsbury. That event happened early in 1645, -when the town was placed in the hands of the -parliamentarians. At this period we find Mytton named, in -several public documents, as Major-General in the parliamentary -army, and some time afterwards as Commander-in-chief of the -forces in North Wales.</p> -<p>All the historical records referring to this period give -evidence of the arduous duties of General Mytton, and of the -difficulties which he had suffered in maintaining his hold upon -Oswestry. A letter which we here give indicates the straits -he was in, and at the same time the friendly offers of support -made to him in the county. The letter is from a Mr. Edward -Mynshull, of Bearstone, near Drayton:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Hono<sup>ble</sup> S<sup>r</sup>,</p> -<p>I came to Drayton, hearinge you were there, butt unfortunately -mist of you, yo<sup>r</sup> honor lyeinge in Stafforde the night -before; I have since then waited yo<sup>r</sup> retorne from -London, haveinge 30 able men in readiness, and 20 of them well -armed, to doe yo<sup>r</sup> honor servise. I have kepte -them together upon my owne charge, and should have bin glad they -might have bin accepted in Ossestrie, to doe duty for theire free -quarters till yo<sup>r</sup> honor had returned. I motioned -this to Major Goldegay, butt itt could nott be granted without an -order from the Comitte. S<sup>r,</sup> I am resolved to doe -you servise, or no man; and for my fidelity, I will engage -£400, paid in Shropshire, and if you please, as much in -Cheshire; if yo<sup>r</sup> honor please, I could wish to have a -comission sent me by the first, because I only tooke itt in -direction from yo<sup>r</sup> honor, and whether thatt may -suporte me in yo<sup>r</sup> honor’s absence, (should I be -questioned) I make a doubte of. S<sup>r,</sup> my request -is, I may have order by the first, to martch to Osestree, where I -and my men will doe duty for free quarters, (requireinge noe pay) -till yo<sup>r</sup> honor retorneth; and lett me receive order -from Major Goldegay to thatt purpose, if you soe please, for were -I settled in a garrison, I could have men sufficient. I -beseech yo<sup>r</sup> honor retorne me yo<sup>r</sup> pleasure -by the first, and I shall willingly embrace yo<sup>r</sup> -commands; if yo<sup>r</sup> honor send to Hugh Bate, Shoemaker, -in Wem, he will convey yo<sup>r</sup> letter to Mr. -Jo<sup>n</sup>. Grosvenor, in Berson, from whence itt will come -safe to me. S<sup>r,</sup> I pray for yo<sup>r</sup> honors -prosperity and safe retorne, and whilst I live I shall -remaine</p> -<p style="text-align: right">Att yo<sup>r</sup> servise,<br /> -EDWARDE MYNSHULL.”</p> -<p>“Berson, April 25th, 1645.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p><a name="page72"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 72</span>The -fall of Shrewsbury into the power of the Parliament was marked by -“a solemn thanksgiving throughout the City of -London,” on the 12th March; Mytton was summoned to appear -before the House of Commons on the 29th of that month, and -“Master Speaker, in the name, and by the command of the -whole House, gave him hearty thanks for his many and faithfull -services done to the state; giving him all encouragement to -persist in the same: especially for that gallant service of -Shrewsbury; assuring him that he shall never want the -encouragement of the House of Parliament in his -undertakings.”</p> -<p>General Mytton had evidently embarked all his energies in the -parliamentary cause; yet notwithstanding the tribute paid to him -by the Commons, it does not appear that he obtained from that -source any more substantial honours. This neglect seems to -have given him much pain. A letter to him from the Duke of -Northumberland, about this period, shews that even the -Governorship of Oswestry was not actually accorded to him till -late in the year 1645. The letter we subjoin:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“S<sup>r,</sup></p> -<p>By an indisposition in my health, I have not beene able for -some dayes to attend the Committie of both kingdomes, so as I can -not give you so good an account of your businesse as I desired, -but I heare that a commission for your being governor of -Oswallds-tree is alreadie signed; to-morrow I shall make a -further enquirie after this particular, and if it be in my power -to contribute any thing towards your satisfaction, none shall -more readily assist you then</p> -<p style="text-align: right">Your very affectionate freind and -servant,</p> -<p>“London, Nov. 21, 1645.”</p> -<p style="text-align: right">NORTHUMBERLAND.”</p> -<p>“For my very loveing Freind, Col. Mytton.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The conquest of Shrewsbury, by the parliamentary troops, is -generally acknowledged to have been achieved by the gallantry and -superior tactics of General Mytton; and having <a -name="page73"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 73</span>accomplished -so signal a service for his party, he naturally expected, now -that the Governorship of that town was vacant, that the office -would he conferred upon him. His ancient relation to the -town, his ancestors having been inhabitants and burgesses for -upwards of four centuries, added strength to his claim. All -his important services to the Parliament were, however, of no -weight, and the Governorship was bestowed upon another man. -We are told that “Colonel Mytton’s politics were -getting very fast out of fashion. He had sided with the -Parliament only for the limitation of prerogative, not for the -subversion of the monarchy. The Presbyterians, to whom, it -appears, he belonged, had no insurmountable objections to the -office of a king, provided he was under their controul: or to a -national establishment of religion, if its revenues were at their -disposal. But those who commence important changes in a -state have seldom the satisfaction of reaping the fruit of their -labours. Spirits more ardent, with views more extensive, -step in between them and the consummation of their -designs.” With Sir William Waller, another of the -ablest and most successful commanders of the Presbyterian party, -he could say, “after the expence of so much blood and -treasure, all the difference between our former and present -estate is this, that before-time, under the complaint of a -slavery we lived like freemen; and now, under the notion of a -freedom, we live like slaves, enforced by continual taxes and -oppressions, to maintain and feed on our miseries.”</p> -<p>Although General Mytton had been thus ungratefully treated by -the Parliament, he still occupied his military position, for we -find that in 1648 he was engaged with Sir Thomas Myddleton in the -attack upon Caernarvonshire and Anglesey. In June of that -year the Speaker of the House of Commons communicated to him a -letter, highly approving his “good and faithfull -service” against “Sir John Owen and his rebellious -crewe.” The letter referred to is a curiosity, as it -<a name="page74"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 74</span>shows the -blasphemous freedom which Cromwell’s parliament took with -the holy name of <span class="smcap">God</span>:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Sir,</p> -<p>I received a letter subscribed by yourself and the Governor of -Conway, wherein you gave an account of the late successe -wherewith God hath beene pleased to blesse the forces under both -yo<sup>r</sup> commands and conductes in yo<sup>r</sup> late -expedition into Carnarvonshire, against Sir John Owen and his -rebellious crewe, w<sup>ch</sup> I have imparted to the house, -and hath beene there read. Yo<sup>r</sup> good and -faithfull service in that expedition is soe well represented, -that I am comanded, as from the house and in their name, to -returne thanks for the same, w<sup>ch</sup> hereby I doe, and you -are desired to do the like to those officers and souldiers under -the charge and comand w<sup>ch</sup> God hath beene pleased to -make instrumentall in the obteyning of such a seasonable mercy, -and withall to represent to the house what course (like to be -effectual) may bee taken for remunerating ye officers and -souldiers for their good service. This beeing all I have in -comand at present, I shall only add that I am</p> -<p style="text-align: right">Yo<sup>r</sup> assured loveing -freind,<br /> -WM. LENTHALL, <span class="smcap">Speaker</span>.”</p> -<p>“June the 13th, 1648.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Lenthall, the Speaker, was profuse, as we have shewn, in -compliments, but still no substantial mark of favour upon General -Mytton was bestowed. The Committee to whom the appointment -of Governor of Shrewsbury Castle had been referred had long -before found “reasons of weight to put another” in -that office, after having held it in their own hands for some -time. In 1647 the Governorship was filled by Humphrey -Mackworth, Esq., of Betton, a Presbyterian, and Colonel in the -army, who occupied the post till his death, in 1654, and having -been one of Cromwell’s Privy Council, was buried in Henry -VII.’s Chapel in Westminster Abbey, on the 26th December, -with great magnificence. He was succeeded in office at -Shrewsbury by Thomas Hunt, Esq., representative of the town in -Parliament, and a Colonel in the army. Mytton retired to -London, from what immediate cause there is no record to show; but -some writers assert that he resigned his command. In 1651 -we find that the Parliament again solicited Major-General -Mytton’s services, the following <a name="page75"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 75</span>letter having been forwarded to him -by the President Bradshawe. The kingdom was disturbed at -this period by the Scottish Covenanters, under the nominal -command of Charles II.:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“S<sup>r,</sup></p> -<p>The Scotts army being now entred into England, and bending -their course towards those parts where wee know you have a good -interest, wee conceive your presence there may bee of use for the -service of the Commonwealth; wee therefore desire you forthwith -to repaire into the Countie of Salop, and there, with the rest of -your fellow Commissioners, doe your best endeavour, and put out -your interest there for the raiseing of what force of horse and -foot you can, for the service of the Commonwealth in this present -exigency of affaires.</p> -<p style="text-align: right">Signed in the name and by order of -the Councell of<br /> -State, appointed by authority of Parliament,<br /> -JO: BRADSHAWE, <span class="smcap">Prsidt</span>.”</p> -<p>“Whitehall, 14th August, 1651.”</p> -<p>“For Major General Thomas Mytton.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Most probably by this time General Mytton had grown tired with -the hard toils of intestine warfare, and become disgusted with -the faithlessness of the men whom he had so ardently and -faithfully served; for we do not find that he complied with -Bradshawe’s letter, or took any further part in public -affairs. He died in the metropolis in the year 1656, and -his body was taken down to Shrewsbury, and interred in St. -Chad’s Church there.</p> -<h3>THE RESTORATION.</h3> -<p>It is unnecessary here to do more than merely advert to the -unhappy close of Charles I.’s reign, the triumphs of -Cromwell, and the bold and manly efforts made by Charles II. to -obtain the Crown which had been so violently wrested from his -father. Although Cromwell had made himself Lord Protector -of England, Scotland, and Ireland, yet he reposed not on a bed of -roses. “Every party in the kingdom soon became -disgusted with Cromwell’s dominion. The royalists -were indignant to see the ancient monarchy usurped by an upstart -who had no hereditary claim upon their allegiance; <a -name="page76"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 76</span>the -republicans were mortified to see all their blood and efforts, -which had been spent for the setting-up of the Commonwealth, -lavished only for the support of a government which, in -everything but the name, was a most despotic monarchy; the -Presbyterians were chagrined at the favour of their rivals, the -Independents, and at a general toleration of every religious -denomination (except the Church of England).” -Conspiracies and plots were hatched in many parts of the land; -and the Protector was kept on the alert by daily intelligence -that the exiled king would challenge the usurper, and claim the -British throne as soon as a favourable opportunity presented -itself for so bold an enterprise. Cromwell, however, after -various struggles with the royalist forces, was summoned to -“the house appointed for all men living.” He -was succeeded, for a brief period, by his son Richard, who -speedily retired from public life. General Monk, who had -been an intrepid commander both of the royalist and the -parliamentary forces, and who possessed powerful influence in the -country, on the death of the Protector Cromwell wisely threw the -weight of that influence into the royalist scale, and adopted -measures at once to bring back Charles II. from France to -England. Upon that joyful event all ranks hastened to -return to their allegiance, and on the 29th of May, 1660, Charles -II. set his foot again upon British soil, and immediately assumed -the functions of sovereignty.</p> -<p>During the events to which we have been adverting the town of -Oswestry suffered much privation and distress by the feuds and -divisions into which all classes of men were thrown. A -letter from Mr. John Griffith to Major-General Mytton, dated -January 7th, 1650, shows that Oswestry was enduring much -hardship. The letter, which is copied from the Halston -MSS., is as follows:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Honor’d Sir,</p> -<p>I receaved a note from * * * * to write unto yo<sup>r</sup> -honor concerning our sufferings. I presume yo<sup>r</sup> -honor <a name="page77"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -77</span>knowes the maner of our sufferings, and how we may be -releeved is better known to you then to us. The Baylifes -and the rest of the sufferinge people of Oswestree depende much -upon your assistance, and hope yo<sup>r</sup> honor will have a -fitt opportunity to doe this poor towne good. * * * I shall make -bould to put yo<sup>r</sup> honor in mind of your promise to draw -a petition to the Parliament w<sup>th</sup> yo<sup>r</sup> owne -handes, w<sup>ch</sup> we all hope you will doe before -yo<sup>r</sup> returne, and then yo<sup>r</sup> honor shall -further ingadge the whole towne ever to pray for yo<sup>r</sup> -honor, and especially</p> -<p style="text-align: right">Yo<sup>r</sup> servant,<br /> -JOHN GRIFFITH.”</p> -<p>“Osw., the 7th of January, 1650.”</p> -<p>“To the Honrable Major Generall Mytton, at -London.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>There are no records extant showing precisely the position of -civil and military affairs, as regards the town of Oswestry, in -the struggles of Charles II. for the Crown. The -parliamentary party held firm possession of all towns which they -had taken, and against Charles they fought as fiercely as against -his murdered father. Whatsoever the position of Oswestry -was at the period to which we are referring, that of a valiant -neighbour, Sir Thomas Myddleton, of Chirk Castle, was dangerous -and deeply painful. In 1659, upon the royalists of -Cheshire, headed by Sir George Booth, declaring in favour of -Charles, the venerable old man, then eighty years of age, decided -in favour of the ancient constitution, believing monarchy to be -indispensable to the settlement of the nation, and proclaimed -Charles II. at Wrexham. For this act he suffered severely, -but was named afterwards as Commander-in-chief of the Counties of -North Wales, and as Governor of Shrewsbury, although this latter -nomination seems to have embarrassed Sir Edward Hyde, Chief -Minister of Charles II., as likely to clash with the views of his -friend Lord Newport, who had ever been a staunch friend to the -royalist cause.</p> -<p>The events of public interest that occurred in connection with -the town subsequent to the Restoration were “few and far -between.” The most important act in Charles -II.’s reign was his grant in 1673 of a Charter, which, -looking at <a name="page78"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -78</span>the privileges it confers upon the town, is considered -by some to be the Magna Charta of Oswestry. Its importance -to the borough, as its provisions are still acted upon in the -leading Law-Court of the town, justifies us in giving a correct -abridgment of it:—</p> -<h3>The Charter</h3> -<p>was granted</p> -<blockquote><p>“to the ancient Borough and Corporation of -Oswestry, alias Oswaldstrey, in the County of Salop: That they be -encorporated by the name of <span class="smcap">The Mayor</span>, -<span class="smcap">Aldermen</span>, <span -class="smcap">Common-council-men</span>, <span class="smcap">and -Burgesses of Oswestry</span>; and that they are empowered to -purchase lands to them and their heirs for ever, and to give and -bequeath or otherwise dispose of the same: That the said -corporation may have one common seal for dispatching of all -business concerning the said borough; and to change and make new -their same seal, as often as they shall think convenient: That -there be Twelve Aldermen and Fifteen Common-council-men; whereof -one of the said aldermen is to be Steward: and that whoever is -chosen steward, must come in as an alderman. And that there -shall be chosen a discreet person for Recorder, well learned in -the law, who must be one of the Common-council-men: That the said -borough may have one house of meeting, to be called the -Guild-hall of the said town; and that the mayor, aldermen, -common-council-men, steward, and recorder may meet there, or in -any other convenient place within the said borough, for making, -establishing, &c. any laws, orders, &c. for the better -government of the said corporation; and to declare in what manner -the said mayor, &c. may manage themselves in the negociation -of the said borough: and that the said mayor, aldermen, &c. -or the greatest part of them, may imprison the bodies or impose -fines or otherwise, upon all such as shall offend against the -said laws, &c. and that the one moiety of the said fines to -be levied for the use of the said mayor, aldermen, &c.; and -the other moiety to the use of the lord of the manor: provided, -such laws, &c. be not repugnant to the laws of the land, or -contrary thereto, or prejudicial to the lord of the manor: That -Richard Pope, first mayor, continue in his mayoralty from the day -of the date hereof, until the next Friday after the feast of St. -Michael, the Archangel, 1674, and until another be sworn in his -stead. Sir John Trevor, knt.; Morgan Wynne, esquire; Edward -Owen, Richard Edwards, Richard Lloyd, the aforesaid Richard Pope, -gentlemen; Gabriel Edwards, woollen-draper; Hugh Price, -woollen-draper; John Jones, mercer; Richard Jones, John Blodwell, -gentlemen; and John Lloyd, mercer, to be the first aldermen; and -to continue in their office during life, unless for just cause -any of them shall be removed by the mayor, aldermen, -common-council-men, &c. or the <a name="page79"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 79</span>greatest part of them.—Richard -Price, brewer; Richard Jones, mercer; John Glover, tanner; -Richard Jones, glover; Edwd. Evans, apothecary; John Jones, -glover; John Muckleston, shoemaker; Thomas Edwards, gentleman; -Thomas Edwards, baker; Nathaniel Jones, brewer; Hugh Edwards, -shoemaker; Timothy George, mercer; Thomas Vaughan, chandler; -William Price, butcher; and Thomas Felton, brasier, to be the -first common-council-men; and to continue in office during life, -unless removed as aforesaid. The mayor, &c. to meet on -the next Friday after Michaelmas, yearly, and to choose at that -time, out of the common-council-men, a new mayor; and to swear -him in then, if present, or within twenty-one days next after -such election, before the old mayor or (in his absence) before -two or more of the aldermen of the said borough. If the -mayor happen to die, or be removed out of his place for not well -demeaning himself, or for any other just cause, before the -expiration of the said year, that then and in such case, the -aldermen, and common-council-men, &c. or the major part of -them, shall elect and choose another mayor for the executing the -said office of mayoralty during the remainder only of the said -year. And upon the decease of any aldermen or -common-council-men, to choose others to make up the number; -administering to them their oaths for the executing of their -places: and that they shall be sworn in the presence of the -mayor, or (in case of his absence) of the aldermen, -common-council-men, or the major part of them. In case the -mayor be sick or absent, that the mayor may constitute and -appoint one of the aldermen to be his deputy; and that being duly -sworn, he may officiate the place of mayoralty during such -sickness or absence, as fully and effectually in every respect as -the said mayor might or could have done personally. When -Morgan Wynne, the present Recorder, dies, or should happen to be -dismissed, that the mayor, aldermen, &c., choose another, -able and experienced in the law, within one month after such -decease or dismission. The mayor, coroner, steward and -recorder, during the time and term of holding their places, shall -be Justices of the Peace, &c., and that each and every of -them are Clerks of the Market, to settle weights and measures, -and all other laws and ordinances incident thereto; and to -officiate the same as fully and effectually as any other of his -Majesty’s justices of the peace might or could do. -Sir John Trevor, knight; Robert Owen, and Edward Kinaston, -esquires, or any of them, to swear the first mayor; and that the -mayor being sworn, he is to swear the coroner, steward, recorder, -&c. That the mayor, steward, and recorder, or any two -of them (whereof the mayor to be one) may keep a Quarter Sessions -for all offences, as fully and effectually as the justices of the -said county of Salop may do; and that any one of them may commit -to the common gaol of the said county any person accused of -treason, murder, man-slaughter, or felony, whatsoever: and that -the justices of the said county have no power to intermeddle with -the said borough upon any cause whatsoever. That the <a -name="page80"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 80</span>mayor (for -the time being), shall choose any inhabitants of the borough, -Constables; and to swear them in accordingly. The mayor to -choose two Sergeants, to attend upon him or his deputy, when -required; and to continue for one year (if they well demean -themselves): and that the said sergeants shall carry two maces -with his Majesty’s and successors’ arms, and the arms -of the lord of the manor thereon, in their hands or upon their -shoulders bare-headed, before the mayor, when required: and that -the said sergeants shall be sworn by the mayor, for the due -executing of all precepts, warrants, &c. The last mayor -to be Coroner, who shall have as full power to officiate as any -other coroner in any of his Majesty’s counties hath, or may -have; and not to execute his power before he be sworn before the -mayor or his deputy: and upon the death of any coroner, the -mayor, aldermen, &c., to choose another. A Court of -Record to be kept every Friday, at the guild-hall, before the -mayor or his deputy; and to try all actions and causes -whatsoever, as fully as the bailiffs and burgesses formerly did, -or as fully as any corporation in his Majesty’s kingdom do, -or did formerly: and that the mayor, &c. shall have to their -use the one moiety of the issues, amerciaments, &c.; and the -other moiety thereof, to the use of the lord of the manor. -John Morral to be Common Clerk of the Borough, and Clerk of the -Court; and may have a deputy, to be appointed by the steward: -that the common clerk to be nominated by the lord of the manor, -and to be sworn, as well as all other officers by the mayor: that -if he shall not reside in the said borough, then he shall employ, -in his absence, an honest and able attorney of the said court, to -be approved of by the steward: and the said attorney shall -officiate in the time of his absence.—Six Attornies to be -of the court: whereof four to be chosen by the mayor, and two by -the steward. One Marshal, or Crier to be chosen by the -mayor. The mayor, aldermen, &c. to have within the -borough a Gaol or Prison, for detaining of all prisoners, -committed by the mayor, steward, or recorder, or any of them: and -that the mayor, recorder, clerk of the market, common clerk, -marshal, keepers of the prison, and sergeants (for the time -being) shall receive such Fees, &c. as the bailiffs, &c. -of Ludlow, and the said borough, have hitherto received. -[Ludlow fees are half of the Common Pleas.] All burgesses -and other inhabitants of the said borough to pay scot and lot, -and to be assessed for the maintenance, good order, and further -profit of the same; and in default of payment, distresses to be -laid upon their goods.—The mayor, &c. to have power to -elect persons who have served seven years’ apprenticeship, -or that have been householders (paying scot and lot) seven years -within the said borough, Burgesses: and with the approbation of -the steward, to make any other person burgess of the said -borough; and so continue, unless for any just cause he be -expelled by the mayor, &c. No Stranger or Foreigner -shall exercise any Trade in the borough (except it be in time of -fair) unless he be a burgess; nor keep any shop, without special -licence from the mayor, <a name="page81"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 81</span>aldermen, &c. or the major part -of them: the mayor, &c. to punish such foreigners and -strangers by fines, and to distress upon their goods, in default -of payment. The mayor and corporation, and burgesses, -Exempt from serving on Juries out of the borough, at assizes or -quarter-sessions. The corporation to have return of writs; -and all which returns to be made by the mayor. No -high-sheriff, or any of his officers, to enter the liberty, -unless in defect of the mayor for the time being. The mayor -or clerk to receive recognizances, according to form of Statute -Merchant, or Acton Burnell; and to make execution, &c. as -fully as any other town can do, by virtue of the said statute: -and that there shall be a seal for the sealing of those -recognizances. The mayor and corporation may purchase -lands, &c. not exceeding £50 a year, but such as are -not held <i>in capite</i> or knight’s service. The -said borough is to enjoy two Markets weekly, for ever; that is, -one on Wednesday and the other on Friday. To have a Fair on -the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days of March, yearly; and the fairs on the -1st and 2nd of May, the 4th and 5th of August, and the 29th and -30th of November, to be continued as heretofore. And if any -of the said fairs shall fall upon the Lord’s-day, then the -same to be kept on the Monday following. The mayor, &c. -may hold a Court of Pie-poudre at the time of the fairs; and to -take the usual tolls of markets and fairs—all rights, -&c. of the lord of the manor excepted.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The privileges secured to the inhabitants of the borough by -this Charter must, at the time of its being granted, have been -very valuable, and no doubt contributed greatly to the good -government and prosperity of the town, during subsequent -times. Some of such privileges have been superseded by the -provisions of the Municipal Corporation Act, 5 & 6, William -4th, cap. 76, entitled “An Act to provide for the -Regulation of Municipal Corporations in England and Wales,” -and other modern enactments; but others still remain, although -the value and convenience of them appear in some degree to be -overlooked. The Charter secures some peculiar privileges -with respect to trade which may not probably harmonize with -modern views and notions; but the privileges of trying at Quarter -Sessions all offences, except felonies, committed within the -borough, and of suing for debts, unlimited in amount, in the -Court of Record, ought not to be regarded otherwise than as -precious relics of byegone times. It is true, that the -Court of Quarter <a name="page82"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -82</span>Sessions has been constantly and regularly held by the -most able Recorder, J. R. Kenyon, Esq.; but the Court of Record -has of late years been so seldom resorted to, that on a late -occasion, when a cause was tried before it, a local newspaper -referred to it with special wonder, hinting its surprise that, in -a place where the weapons of legal warfare were so easily -obtained, the inhabitants should so long have ceased to use them, -and to remain in peace amongst themselves, without any legal -strife in a Court of Record. Although, however, debts -without limit, as regards amount, may be sued for, the final -process of the Court is confined to the borough, and cannot be -put in force beyond its boundary; and this circumstance, -connected also with the facilities for the recovery of debts -afforded by the Small Debts Act, has rendered resort to the Court -of Record less frequent than, under other circumstances, it -doubtless would have been; still, to have it is a privilege, as -is also the exemption from serving on Juries at the Assizes, or -County Quarter Sessions, secured by the Charter.</p> -<p>The <span class="smcap">Restoration</span> brought with it, of -course, the ascendancy of loyal subjects and monarchical -principles in all parts of the realm. Charles, however, did -not make the wisest use of the power and influence he had newly -acquired; and the closing hours of his life proved that his -religious principles, unfixed and vacillating, were ill adapted -to the requirements of the age. Howsoever much other parts -of the kingdom were disturbed during this reign, the town of -Oswestry would seem to have resumed a tranquil position: the -injury and damage sustained in it during the many years of -disquietude and war were partially restored; the ancient Church -was gradually repaired; but the Castle, so dilapidated and broken -down, was permitted to lie in ruins; the crown made no effort to -restore it; and by degrees its shattered walls and fallen columns -were carried away by nocturnal depredators, until at length the -vestiges of the fortress consisted of little more than the mound -still left in our sight.</p> -<p><a name="page83"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 83</span>In -1681, only four years before Charles’s death, a polemic -scene was enacted in Oswestry, which, from the celebrity of the -parties engaged in it, forms no uninteresting feature in the -history of the town. Charles’s reign was marked by -odious political intolerance and injustice. He aimed at -absolutism, and was as regardless of religious liberty as of -religion itself. The controversy to which we have alluded -occurred in the Guildhall of Oswestry, in September, 1681, and -was conducted throughout in a spirit of candour and moderation -not frequently to be witnessed in that turbulent period. -The leading parties engaged were Dr. Lloyd, Bishop of St. Asaph -(the prelate who preached the first sermon in the Chapel Royal to -William III.), and the distinguished Philip Henry, of Broad Oak, -Flintshire (father of the erudite and evangelical Matthew Henry, -the Commentator on the Bible). Other nonconformist -Ministers were present, and took part in the proceedings, -especially Mr. James Owen, then of Oswestry—but afterwards -of Shrewsbury Seminary for the education of Dissenting -Ministers—a man of considerable acquirements and genuine -piety. The Bishop, upon his elevation to the episcopal -chair, was desirous of securing the conformity of those who -dissented, and “that he might do it with the cords of a -man, he resolved to reason the matter with them, and endeavour to -effect their conviction by discourse, in which he had a very -great facility both by learning and temper.” The -account from which we derive these particulars goes on to state, -that “one of the most eminent nonconformist ministers in -his diocese was Mr. James Owen, of Oswestry. The Bishop had -several interviews with Mr. Owen in private. At last he -appointed a meeting to be held in the Town Hall, Oswestry, on -Tuesday, the 27th of September, 1681, at which he requested Mr. -Owen to give an account ‘by what right he exercised the -ministry, not having episcopal ordination.’ He also -directed him to procure any other ministers he could to assist -him, for ‘he would be glad to hear what any of them had to -say for themselves.’ Mr. Owen sought the co-operation -<a name="page84"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 84</span>of Mr. -Henry, which, after much hesitation, was granted; to whom also -was joined Mr. Jonathan Roberts, ‘a plain man of great -integrity, and a very good scholar.’ On the day -appointed the Bishop made his appearance with the famous Henry -Dodwell. In those days of intolerance, some parties had -refrained from engaging in the controversy, ‘lest it might -be prejudicial to their liberty. The Bishop, however, was -pleased to promise that no thing which should be said, by way of -argument, should be any way turned to the prejudice of the -disputants, nor advantage taken of it to give them -trouble.’ There was convened a large number of the -gentry and clergy of the neighbourhood, the magistrates of the -town, and a great concourse of people. The discussion -lasted from two in the afternoon till between seven and eight at -night. ‘Much was said, pro and con, touching the -identity of bishops and presbyters, the bishoping and unbishoping -of Timothy and Titus, &c. It was managed with a great -deal of liberty, and not under the strict laws of -disputation.’ ‘The Bishop won golden opinions -from all parties on account of the gravity, calmness, and -evenness of spirit’ with which he conducted his part; while -he seems to have been so much gratified with the temper of his -opponents, as to have formed from that time a most intimate -friendship with Mr. Henry.” The report does not -inform us whether the Bishop was convinced by the arguments of -the nonconformists. That Philip Henry retained his opinions -is undeniable; for he never ceased advocating, with Christian -zeal and moderation, the principles of nonconformity. It is -gratifying, however, to read of so tolerant and well-conducted a -disputation in so persecuting an age; it speaks much in favor of -the just and beneficent spirit of Bishop Lloyd.</p> -<p>The reign of James II. offers no particular incident in -relation to Oswestry. As a sovereign he was worthless and -dangerous. His darling objects were, the establishment, -throughout the land, of the Roman Catholic religion, and the -restriction of popular freedom. During his brief occupation -<a name="page85"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 85</span>of the -throne he paid a visit to Shrewsbury and Whitchurch; and on his -way from the metropolis sojourned at Ludlow for a night, and -passed through the Strettons. The people of Shrewsbury had -not been favoured with a royal visit for nearly half a century, -and were now disposed to give the monarch a cordial -reception. All the public functionaries were trained and -disciplined as to duty, for an incident had occurred in the royal -progress, so ludicrous in character, that the Shrewsbury -corporation resolved it should not be re-enacted amid their loyal -congratulations. The story to which we refer may be true or -fabulous; but it is too good not to be connected with a notice of -James’s reign: and, after all, the mayor of the town where -the scene is laid, in adopting literally the promptings of the -learned recorder, was not, to use a common phrase, “so -great a fool as he seemed to be.” If King James had -received those promptings in a wise spirit—mirth-exciting -as they must have been—he might have been a good sovereign, -and had around him loyal and devoted subjects.</p> -<p>The mayor whose absurdities we are about to describe is said -to have been both illiterate and dull, incapable of reading or -remembering an address. It was settled therefore, says the -tale, that the recorder should stand behind him, to set him right -if he happened to be out. When they (the corporation) were -ushered into the royal presence, and the chief magistrate was -about to commence his harangue, as he appeared somewhat sheepish -and embarassed, his friendly monitor whispered in his ear, -“<i>Hold up your head</i>, <i>sir</i>, <i>and look like a -man</i>!” Mistaking this for the beginning of his -speech, he boldly stared the king in the face, and roared out, -“<i>Hold</i>, <i>up your head</i>, <i>sir</i>, <i>and look -like a man</i>!” Alarmed at the frightful blunder -just made, the recorder whispered to the chief magistrate (who at -this moment must have resembled the celebrated Mayor of Garrat, -with two nosegays in his coat), “<i>What the d—l do -you mean</i>, <i>sir</i>?” The mayor, as stolid as -ever, and <a name="page86"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -86</span>nothing abashed, thundered out the recorder’s -exclamation as boldly as before. The recorder, indignant -and irritated, muttered, “By heavens, sir, you’ll -ruin us all!” His worship, taking this to be a -continuance of the speech, and still staring his majesty full in -the face, with a yet louder voice repeated, “<i>By -heavens</i>, <i>sir</i>, <i>you’ll ruin us -all</i>!” Even kingly patience could bear this no -longer, and rising, his majesty in an angry tone demanded what -was the meaning of this jargon? when the recorder laid before him -“the facts of the case,” and the king passed the -affair by with a gracious smile.</p> -<h3>THE REVOLUTION.</h3> -<p>The Revolution of 1688 brought over to England William III.; -and his reign was followed by that of “good Queen -Anne.” Her reign has been termed the Augustan era of -English literature, as it was graced with the polished writings -of Sir Isaac Newton, Addison, Steele, Farquar (who laid the scene -of his comedy, “<i>The Recruiting Officer</i>,” in -Shrewsbury, and who, in his epistle dedicatory, first used the -lively sentiment, “To all friends round the Wrekin,” -now one of the social laws of Salop), of Vanbrugh, Prior, Pope, -Parnell, Garth, Gay, <i>cum multis aliis</i>. Instructed as -the nation was by these and other eminent men, still bigotry and -enthusiasm were evidenced by many in matters of religion and -politics. In the year 1709 the nation was thrown into a -gentle ferment by the indiscreet conduct of the government -towards an obscure clergyman named Sacheverell (who had long been -starving on a poor curacy in London), in consequence of his -having preached and published two scurrilous and intemperate -sermons, of which red-hot politics were the staple. He was -summoned to the bar of the House of Lords, and impeached. -The Whig ministry viewed his attacks with alarm, and he was -sentenced not to preach for three years. This persecution, -as the proceedings of the government were called at once -martyrised Sacheverell, who suddenly found himself famous. -A gentleman residing in the neighbourhood of Oswestry, Robert <a -name="page87"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 87</span>Lloyd, Esq., -of Aston, sympathized with the suffering Sacheverell, and became -his friend. Mr. Lloyd had been the doctor’s pupil at -Magdalen College, Oxford; and as the rectory of Sylattyn, in his -gift, became vacant at this juncture, he presented it to the -high-church meteor. This was doubtless a god-send to the -doctor, who set off from London, to take possession of his new -living, with all the state which a corrupt popularity could give -to him. A Tory writer of Queen Anne’s reign tells us -that “he entered upon his triumphant progress to -Shropshire. He was magnificently entertained at Oxford by -the University, and received in the other great towns he passed -through (Shrewsbury and Oswestry included) with the loud -acclamations and joyful congratulations of the people, upon his -deliverance from whig persecution.” In Shrewsbury the -crier was sent about to proclaim his arrival, and the bells were -rung in honour of the event. As he passed through Oswestry, -it is related, the crowd assembled to witness his arrival was so -great, that an enthusiastic old woman, a great dabbler in -politics and religion, no doubt, was so excited in her endeavours -to obtain a sight of the distinguished bigot, that she succeeded -only in catching a passing glance at his figure and -periwig. “I could see only part of the holy -man,” she exclaimed, “but I console myself with -having had a sight of his ever-blessed wig as he rode -along.” This sort of mummery was not confined to -Oswestry. In many towns people were desirous to have their -new-born infants christened with a name so revered; which, having -been transmitted through succeeding generations, is not yet -extinct in this county. On his return to London he met with -nothing but laudations, except at Worcester, where, by the -direction of Bishop Lloyd, a suitable rebuff was administered to -him. Of Dr. Sacheverell nothing more was heard worthy of -transcription. Like most other men whose popularity is -created by intolerant doctrines in religion or politics, he -speedily found that his sudden greatness was as mutable as it was -undeserved.</p> -<p><a name="page88"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 88</span>The -death of Queen Anne, in 1714, secured to the kingdom the -Brunswick Dynasty. The Act of Settlement, passed in the -reign of William III., provided that the crown of Great Britain -should henceforth be held only by Protestant Princes. James -Stuart, Queen Anne’s brother, known more popularly as the -Pretender, could not reign in England because he was a Roman -Catholic, and George, Duke of Brunswick, and Elector of Hanover, -a Protestant Prince, whose mother was grand-daughter of James I., -became King of Great Britain. The Brunswick succession has -continued till the present time, the united kingdom deriving -especial benefits from the reigns of the three Georges, of -William IV., and of Queen Victoria. Under the sway of -George III. enlarged freedom, civil and religious, was extended -to his subjects; arts, science, and commerce flourished, and the -people made rapid advancement in religious and moral -improvement. The memorable wish of the venerable monarch -George III., “That every one of his subjects should read -and possess the Bible”—a far more generous sentiment -than that of the French King who desired to see the day when -every one of his subjects should be able to put a fowl into the -pot once a week—was largely realized through the -instrumentality of Robert Raikes, Dr. Bell, and Joseph Lancaster, -the great promoters of education in the land, and by, also, the -foundation of the British and Foreign Bible Society, whose -distribution of the Scriptures gave an impulse to religious and -benevolent efforts which have been increasing in usefulness and -efficiency to the present day. Under the auspices of George -IV. the nation derived numerous blessings, deficient as he was of -many of the bright qualities that ought to shine in the moral -diadem of a British King. The reign of William -IV.—the Sailor King, as he has been familiarly but -appropriately called—was rendered illustrious by his -intense regard for the interests of the people, and his sanction -to the Second Great Charter of British rights. Under the -mild and gracious rule of our beloved Sovereign <span -class="smcap">Queen Victoria</span>, the rights and privileges of -Britons are held sacred; literature, arts, and science have -acquired “a <a name="page89"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -89</span>more than double sway;” commerce and manufactures, -in a multiplicity of forms, for the comfort and luxury of -mankind, have careered onwards with giant steps, that have -astonished and delighted the wisest and the best; the social -comforts of all classes of the British community are rendered -almost boundless by the progress of invention, the ingenuity of -mechanical skill, and the unceasing activity of all industrial -pursuits; the unrighteous laws that prohibited the importation of -corn have been abolished; free trade in bread has been -established with all the nations of the earth; ancient grinding -monopolies have been destroyed; national imposts reduced; the -just demands of the people speedily granted; harsh feudal laws, -carrying with them inhuman punishments, have been blotted out of -the Statute-book; “man’s inhumanity to man,” -under the sanction of Acts of Parliament, has been softened if -not wholly subdued; the just principle of national brotherhood, -inculcated by divine precept, has gained vital force; religion -has become less sectarian, and more thoroughly Christian in -profession and practice; the helping hand of man to his brother -man, in the hour of necessity, is seen now more actively at work -than ever; the people at large are united as one man, in all -great designs of philanthropy and benevolence, and in all -puissant combinations against injustice and oppression; our <span -class="smcap">Queen</span> and her enlightened and virtuous <span -class="smcap">Consort</span> are ever watchful for the -country’s weal. The reign of <span -class="smcap">Victoria</span> is thus far the brightest page of -regal history, because it has been pre-eminently the best. -We may sum up in the eloquent language of Dr. Southwood -Smith:—“We live in a glorious age. The rapidity -of the progress of liberal opinion, and I will add, of liberal -feeling, within these few years has been unexampled in the -history of our race. Sometimes indeed the tide of -improvement like the tide of the ocean may appear to have -receded; but soon, as if deriving strength from its momentary -retreat, slow, majestic, irresistible, it has rolled beyond its -former limit; but, unlike its type, it has not returned, <i>and -it will not return</i>, to the boundary it has passed.”</p> -<h2><a name="page90"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -90</span>Topographical History.</h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Oswestry</span> is one of the most -interesting of the English Border towns, as we have already -endeavoured to show; its early history, in various conflicting -ages, being crowded with incidents to give to it a lasting -renown. In its present state it offers numerous claims to -public attention; and the time does not seem far distant when it -will take its rank among the more flourishing towns of the -empire. Having railway communication direct with the -metropolis, the great seats of manufacturing industry in the -northern counties, and by a new line of conveyance, both of -passengers and goods, <i>via</i> the rapidly-rising town and port -of Birkenhead, with the sister kingdom, its importance and -improvement will quickly increase. Nor is the contemplated -railway extension from Oswestry to Welshpool and Newtown to be -overlooked, as that may soon lead to the still further -construction of a railway forming a junction with the projected -line from the latter place to the busy town of Llanidloes, and -stretching onward till it reaches the great harbour in course of -formation at Milford Haven. With such “means and -appliances” the trade and commerce of Oswestry are not -likely to retrograde; and although we possess not the poetical -and sanguine temperament of Griffith of Glyn Ceiriog, who, some -centuries ago, fancied that “in merchandise it resembled -Cheapside,” in London, yet we have no doubt that Oswestry, -which is now prospering commercially, and diffusing much good, -both morally and religiously, will advance steadily forward in -the <a name="page91"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 91</span>march -of general and social improvement. We are too gallant not -heartily to concur on another point with the Welsh poet just -quoted. In his days, he says, “The handsomest women, -and the most becomingly drest, are those of -Oswestry.” If we did not unhesitatingly applaud this -opinion of a Welshman, we should consider ourselves unworthy the -name of Englishmen!</p> -<p>The site of Oswestry is remarkable. It stands upon more -elevated ground than any other town in Shropshire, being 450 feet -above the level of the sea. Its commanding position freely -exposes to the gaze of the delighted spectator a range of -landscape scenery which, for variety, beauty, and grandeur, -cannot be excelled in any part of the kingdom. On the -heights above the town the prospect expands. To the -south-east the fertile vale of Salop displays its diversified -charms, the Nesscliff Rock, Hawkstone (Lord Hill’s -beautiful ancestral residence), and the huge and venerable Wrekin -peering forth in the distance; whilst the high ridges of the -Longmynd and Stiperstones form an uninterrupted chain along the -Welsh border, with the bold and abrupt acclivities of -Cefn-y-Castell and Moel-y-Golfa; and the Breidden, crowned with -Rodney’s Pillar, completes the great natural -panorama. Towards the east the Macclesfield hills, dividing -Cheshire from Derbyshire, appear. The view on the Welsh -side is equally impressive, and may well be called “the -paradise of Cambria.”</p> -<p>The fullest topographical description of ancient Oswestry that -we have discovered is that of Harrison, who wrote in 1564. -He says,</p> -<blockquote><p>“Oswester is eighteen miles from -Shrewsburie, and containeth a mile within the walls. It -hath in like sort foure suburbs or great streets, of which one is -called Stratlan, another Wuliho, the third Beterich, wherein are -one hundred and forty barns, standing in a row, belonging to the -citizens or burgesses, and the fourth named the Black -Gate-street, in which are thirtie barns maintained for corne and -haie. There is also a brooke running thorough the town by -<a name="page92"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 92</span>the -crosse, coming from Simon’s well, a bowshot without the -wall, and going under the same, between Thorow-gate and New-gate, -running under the Black-gate. There is another, over whose -course the Baderikes or Baderich-gate standeth, and therefore -called Baderich brooke; the third passeth by Willi-gate or -New-gate, and these all fall, together with the Crosse brooke, a -mile lower by south, into the Mordaunt.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Leland, the historian, who briefly sojourned in the town in -the reign of Henry VIII., informs us that the northern part, or -Beatrice-street, at that period contained “many barns for -corn and hay, to the number of vii score several barns;” -the eastern, or Black-gate, “xxx barns for corn, with other -houses ’longing to the townesmen.” The same -writer adds, “There be within the town iii most notable -streates, the Cross-streate, the Bayly-streate, and -New-gate-streate. The houses withyn the town be of timbre, -and slated. There is a castell, sette on a mont be -likelihood made by hand; and ditched by south-west, betwixt -Beatrise-gate and Willow-gate, to the which the wall -comith. There be no towers in the waulles besides the -gates. The town is dicked about, and brokettes ren ynto -it.” Camden describes Oswestry in his day as “a -place of good traffic, inclosed with a wall and ditch, and -fortified with a castle.” Pennant’s brief -description brings us nearer to the present time. -“Oswestry,” he says, “stands just in -Shropshire, on the very border of the British frontier. It -is 17½ miles from Shrewsbury, 11 from Llangollen, and -179½ from London. The country for several miles -round is delightfully varied with hills, vales, wood, and water, -and abounds in rich scenery. The prospect on the Montgomery -side is terminated abruptly by the august ridge of the prominent -mountains of Breiddyn. It is upon higher ground than any -other town in Shropshire.”</p> -<p>The Walls referred to by these writers were erected, as we -have already stated, by Edward I. (probably under the -superintendance of his celebrated architect Elreton, who built -both <a name="page93"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -93</span>Conway and Caernarvon castles), that he might secure -Oswestry as a key to his intended conquest of Wales, and render -it less liable to the plundering incursions of the Welsh. -These walls were about a mile in circumference, with a -skilfully-made intrenchment on the outside, which could be filled -with water from the springs in the vicinity. Some remains -of this ancient fortification may still be traced, and part of -its boundary-line is designated, up to the present time, as -“the Walls.”</p> -<p>There were four Gates, the only inlets into the town, and they -stood as strong fortresses in times of disquietude and -danger. As the town advanced in trade and commerce the -Gates became exceedingly inconvenient for the passage of -carriages and merchandize, and in 1766, the Black-Gate was taken -down by consent of Earl Powis, the lord of the manor. -Rylance assures us that “Black-Gate was demolished in -consequence of its having become so low in the arch, that loads -could scarce go under, having been rendered so by several -pavements being put one over the other to repair the street, and -make a vent for the water, which made the passage through it -bad.”</p> -<p> -<a href="images/p93b.jpg"> -<img class='floatright' alt= -"The New Gate" -title= -"The New Gate" - src="images/p93s.jpg" /> -</a>The convenience rendered to the town by the removal of the -Black-Gate induced the Corporation to obtain the consent of the -lord of the manor to the removal of the three other Gates. -In 1782 an arrangement was accordingly made for their demolition, -and the materials were used in the erection of the borough -prison. The New-Gate was erected in the reign of Edward -II., and was used as a prison and guard-room <a -name="page94"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 94</span>for the -soldiers. Over the New-Gate (as is seen in our engraving) -was the figure of a horse in full speed, with an oaken bough in -his mouth. Pennant remarks, “There is a conjecture, -but I will not pretend to say how well warranted, that it alluded -to the generous breed of horses which Powys-land (of which this -was part) was famous for, derived from some fine Spanish -stallions introduced by Robert de Belesme, Earl of -Shrewsbury.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p94b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Beatrice Gate" -title= -"Beatrice Gate" - src="images/p94s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>Beatrice Gate is said to have been named in compliment to -Beatrice, the Queen of Henry IV., and in all probability was -built in that king’s reign, as his sojourn in this -district, during his long onslaughts upon the Welsh, connected -him much with the neighbourhood. The gate was a handsome -building, with a guard-house on each side, and over it the arms -of the Fitz-Alans (a lion rampant). It is said to have been -built by Thomas, Earl of Arundel.</p> -<p>Willow-Gate, or Wallia-Gate, derived its name from the road, -in which the gate was situate, leading directly into Wales.</p> -<p>The borough has now assumed, from a number of improvements -made in it, a highly-respectable appearance. Church-Street -may vie, in neatness and public accommodation, with the leading -thoroughfare of any similarly-sized town in the kingdom. -Willow-Street is an active business thoroughfare, the two Banks -and the Post-Office being situated there; Beatrice Street is the -only thoroughfare to the Railway Station, and is therefore, with -Leg-Street, the chief street of traffic. Bailey-Street, -principally confined to shops, is a leading <a -name="page95"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 95</span>approach to -the Powys Market, Guildhall, and public offices; whilst Upper -Brook-Street is a pleasant location, and will doubtless soon -become a favourite site for villa residences; at least, its -beautiful situation, and the fine healthy country to which it is -proximate, entitle it to such a distinction, Salop Road is on the -march of improvement, and some good modern houses are erected in -it; but yet its dwellings are irregular in size and appearance, -and some time may elapse before it exhibits much of harmony or -attraction, as a leading thoroughfare, unless the projected -railway extension through the town gives, as may reasonably be -expected, a stimulus to house-building in this district. -The innovating hand of modern improvement has not hitherto -effected much change in the central and more dense portions of -the town. Let us “wait a little longer,” and -the unsightly dwellings deemed palaces by our forefathers, but -which, compared with modern domestic houses, are little better -than huts or hovels, will give place to habitations worthy of -this age, so properly distinguished for its sanatory regulations -and general progress. Such ancient and dilapidated -buildings are mere figments of days gone past, and atone not, by -their pictorial beauty, for their ruined and desolate -condition. The flagging of the leading public streets, -recently determined upon, and which has been partly carried into -effect, will be one of the greatest improvements already adopted -in the borough. The principal thoroughfares in the entire -town will speedily be flagged in the same style, so that in a -short time the inhabitants, ladies especially, will be able to -perambulate the streets, and amuse themselves -“a-shopping,” without paying for it the hard penalty -of walking in their fashionable boots or slippers over a flinty -pavement. This improvement is being effected from the funds -of a voluntary subscription, to which a large number of the -professional gentry and trading classes have liberally -subscribed. The various roads leading from the town are -wide and well-constructed, and are generally kept in a good -travelling condition.</p> -<p><a name="page96"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 96</span>The -town is lighted with gas, and has been so for many years -past. The honour of introducing gas-light into Oswestry is -due to Mr. Robert Roberts, civil engineer, a man of much talent -in his profession, and of singular perseverance and -industry. The origin of lighting the town with gas may be -told in a few words. In the year 1819 Mr. Charles Stanton, -at that time Manager of the Oswestry Theatre, which had been -recently built, entered into an arrangement with Mr. Roberts to -light the Theatre during the season. Mr. Roberts had been -hitherto experimenting on a small scale, and was not fully -prepared to enter upon so important a piece of work as -illuminating the Theatre. His persevering habits prevailed, -and he agreed with Mr. Stanton that the Theatre should be lighted -on a certain evening. To introduce gas into a large public -building was deemed an event of no common magnitude in those -days. The appointed evening, in September 1819, at length -arrived, and Mr. Roberts succeeded in lighting the Theatre with a -brilliant gas, which astonished all beholders. The -performances on that evening were for the benefit of Miss -Stanton, the Manager’s daughter. Some tradesmen in -the town quickly availed themselves of this new light; others -followed in the wake; and in the winter season of 1821, the -leading streets of the town were for the first time illuminated -with gas. Places of religious worship soon afterwards -adopted gas. The Welsh Methodist Chapel, in Willow-Street, -first used it; the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Salop-Road, -followed; and the Old Parish Church, then and still under the -vicarage of the Rev. Thomas Salwey, was afterwards lighted, forty -burners being introduced, including lights at the entrance -doors. The other places of religious worship quickly -followed the example; and in a very few years gas became the -universal light in all public places, private houses, and -commercial and trading establishments. In 1821 the public, -or street-lamps, were only 10 in number; there were 123 private -lights; and one chapel lighted with five lights. In 1854 -there were—private lights, 925; public <a -name="page97"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 97</span>lamps, 66; -Church and Chapel lights, 112. The lighting of the borough -has been much improved since gas was first introduced here. -It is still under the superintendence of Mr. Roberts, who, now an -octogenarian, is of hale health, and of as active and bustling -habits as he was in the days of his youth.</p> -<p>Oswestry is a market-town, and the chief market is held every -Wednesday. It is abundantly supplied from the surrounding -highly-cultivated agricultural country, and the articles brought -for sale are generally of the very best quality. Welsh -mutton, poultry, and fruits of rare delicacy are among the choice -morsels which the exquisite <i>gourmand</i> may ever find, in -their due season, in the Oswestry market. Apples and pears, -produced in the vicinity, and offered for sale here, might -successfully vie with the best of those fruits grown in Guernsey, -Jersey, or the sunny orchards of Kent. There is a small -market held on the Saturday, principally for the accommodation of -the numerous labouring classes employed in the neighbourhood.</p> -<p>Twelve <span class="smcap">Fairs</span> are also held in the -town, all of which are conducted with great spirit, and attended -by a large class of buyers and sellers. A Fair is held on -the first Wednesday in every month.</p> -<h3>Public Establishments and Institutions.</h3> -<p>Imagine a party of strangers visiting Oswestry, having heard -much spoken in favour of its neatness and beauty, and the -picturesque scenery by which it is surrounded; and stretch forth -your imagination, gentle reader, by supposing that this party -have been comfortably supplied with viands, and perchance -“the cup which cheers, but not inebriates,” by mine -host of the Cross Keys or the Wynnstay Arms. Having -discussed these good things, they may perhaps hasten out in quest -of “the lions” of the place. “Let us away -to the <a name="page98"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -98</span>Museum!” probably exclaims one of the ladies of -the party who is ever in search of the <i>utile</i> as well as -the <i>dulce</i>. “This is a charming spot,” -she perhaps adds, “for mineralogical and geological -curiosities. The country, we are told, abounds in -productive lead, copper, and coal mines. We shall surely -collect much useful information in this practical and exploratory -district, and return home wiser than when we came.” -“Bravissimo!” may be the cry and echo of most of the -party, “Miss Aimwell is ever zealous in good works, and -to-day she is bent upon providing for us no common store of -rational pleasure and information. Let us hasten to the -Museum, therefore, at once.” The party, we -suppose—for it is merely a fancy sketch—hie away -towards the imaginary Museum, full of glee, anticipating the -pleasure of exchanging compliments with the Curator, and one -Director at least, and of inspecting a carefully-selected -collection of natural curiosities, comprising, of course, -attractive productions in the mineral world; specimens in -ornithology; some of the many wonders and “gems of purest -ray serene,” snatched from the deep caverns of the ocean; -rare marbles and pebbles chiselled out of rocks and caves, -mountains and dells; botanical rarities, and floral, -horticultural, native and exotic products; with gatherings from -the realms of art, science, fancy, and literature. Do the -imaginary party discover the Museum, or a Public Library, or any -Institution whatever, in which Lord Bacon’s axiom is -illustrated, that “knowledge is power?” No such -thing is in existence. The fancied party—or fanciful -party, as some people would denominate them—have been in -search of “the baseless fabric of a vision.” -Like Puff, in Sheridan’s “<i>Critic</i>,” they -might say, with a slight interpolation,</p> -<blockquote><p>“The Museum we cannot see,<br /> -Because it’s not in sight!”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Turning from the gay to the grave, we reiterate, there is no -Museum in the town; nor even a Public Library, on a scale worthy -of so respectable a community. We wish it were <a -name="page99"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 99</span>otherwise; -and the day is not far off, we trust, when the reproach will be -wiped away, and Oswestry shall shew an example in this respect -deserving of all praise.</p> -<h3>THE POST OFFICE</h3> -<p>Is situated in Willow-Street. Post-Mistress, Miss Sarah -Babington, who has held her appointment since May, 1831. -The Post Office was removed from Church-Street to Willow-Street, -in October, 1839.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">DISPATCH OF LETTERS, &c.</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td rowspan='2'><p>Lines of Road, and chief Places of -Destination.</p> -</td> -<td colspan='4'><p style="text-align: center">Letters can be -Posted</p> -</td> -<td colspan='2' rowspan='2'><p>Letters &c. can be registered -until</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p>Without extra charge, until</p> -</td> -<td colspan='2'><p>With one additional 1d. stamp, until</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan='2'><p>Shrewsbury, Birmingham, and London taking -Letters for all parts of England, North and South Wales, Ireland, -Scotland, and Foreign parts</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">P.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">M.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">P.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">M.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">P.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">M.</span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">15</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">55</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">5</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">45</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan='2'><p>Llanymynech, Llanfyllin, Llanrhaiadr, & -Rural Post</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">A.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">M.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">A.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">M.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">P.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">M.</span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: right">5</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">45</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">7</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">10</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p style="text-align: center">DELIVERY.</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p>Lines of Road, and chief Places from which Mails are -received.</p> -</td> -<td colspan='2'><p>Delivery by Letter Carriers begins at</p> -</td> -<td colspan='2'><p>Delivery to callers begins at</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan='2'><p>London, Birmingham, and Shrewsbury, bringing -Letters from all parts of England, North and South Wales, -Ireland, and Foreign parts</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">A.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">M.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">A.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">M.</span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>London, Crewe, Liverpool, Chester, Wrexham, &c.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">P.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">M.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">P.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">M.</span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">5</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">45</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llanfyllin and Rural Post</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">7</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">15</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">7</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">10</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p>On Sundays there is only one Delivery by Letter Carriers -(commencing at 8 a.m.), and Letters are delivered at the Window, -from 8 until 10 a.m. only.</p> -<h4>REGULATIONS.</h4> -<p>Ordinary Business:—From the beginning of March to the -end of October, this Office is, on Week-days, opened to the -Public, for ordinary Business, at 7 a.m., and during the -remaining months at half-past 7. It is always closed at 10 -p.m. On Sunday the Office is open only from 8 till 10 a.m.; -but the Letter Box remains open as on other days.</p> -<p><a name="page100"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 100</span>The -inhabitants of Oswestry have now the privilege of receiving -letters from London, both by the evening and morning mails. -The new postal regulation, by which letters may be posted in -London in the evening, after seven o’clock, and up to eight -in the morning, is of great importance to tradesmen and others in -Oswestry, as it enables them to reply to such letters on the -evening on which they are delivered.</p> -<h3>THE BANKS.</h3> -<p>There are two Banks in the town. The <span -class="smcap">Old Bank</span>, under the firm of “Croxon, -Jones, Longueville, and Co.,” is situated in Willow-Street, -and has been established for upwards of seventy years. The -original co-partners were Messrs. Gibbons, Croxon, and -Sheppard. The present co-partners are Thomas Longueville -Longueville, Esq., John Croxon, Esq., Richard Jones Croxon, Esq., -and James Thomas Jones, Esq., who is also Acting Manager. -Mr. Jones’s father (Mr. Charles Thomas Jones) likewise -discharged the duties of Manager of this Bank for the long period -of thirty-five years. In such capacity, also in that of -Chief Magistrate, and as a warm friend to every useful -institution in the borough, he earned the grateful esteem of his -fellow-townsmen. This Bank issues £5 notes, payable -here or in London: issue limited by law to £18,470. -Circulation, on an average of the last five years, -£10,180.—Draw on Masterman and Co., Nicholas Lane, -London.</p> -<p>The <span class="smcap">North and South Wales Bank</span>, -also situated in Willow-Street, is a Branch to the Bank bearing -that title, established April, 1836, in Liverpool. The -Oswestry Branch was opened June, 1836. There are fifteen -Branches of the North and South Wales Bank established in the -Principality and the Borders. Manager:—Mr. F. -Roberts, appointed September, 1845.—Draw on the London and -Westminster Bank.</p> -<h4>THE SAVINGS’ BANK,</h4> -<p>On the Bailey Head, was established in 1818; and at the -present time it is in a state of great prosperity, showing the <a -name="page101"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 101</span>careful and -economic habits of a large portion of the labouring classes in -this thriving district. From the annual account of the -Trustees of the Bank, ending 20th November, 1854, it appears, -that the balance in favour of the Depositors amounted to -£69,975 18s. 11d. The number of Depositors whose -respective balances, including interest, did not exceed £1 -each, was 77; of those £1, and not exceeding £5, 303; -ditto above £5, and not exceeding £10, 270; ditto -above £10, and not exceeding £15, 217; ditto above -£15, and not exceeding £20, 146; ditto above -£20, and not exceeding £30, 253; ditto above -£30, and not exceeding £40, 194; ditto above -£40, and not exceeding £50, 113; ditto above -£50, and not exceeding £75, 188; ditto above -£75, and not exceeding £100, 89; ditto above -£100, and not exceeding £125, 49; ditto above -£125, and not exceeding £150, 23; ditto above -£150, and not exceeding £200, 41; ditto exceeding -£200, 2. The total number of Depositors was 1965; -Charitable Societies, 30; and Friendly Societies, 31. The -total number of accounts was 2026. The affairs of the Bank -are conducted by ten Trustees and fourteen Managers.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">Treasurer:—Thomas Longueville -Longueville, Esq.<br /> -Secretary:—Mr. John Hughes.</p> -<p>The Bank is open for business every Wednesday, from twelve -till two o’clock.</p> -<h3>THE STAMP OFFICE</h3> -<p>Is situated in Leg-Street. Sub-Distributor, Mr. George -Lewis.</p> -<h3>THE MARKETS.</h3> -<p>Until very recently the town of Oswestry had not provided any -market-sites worthy of the name. As the town, however, -advanced in population and trading pursuits, and agriculture and -farming in general progressed in the neighbourhood, the want of -new and convenient public markets began to <a -name="page102"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 102</span>be -seriously felt, and most of the inhabitants, and gentlemen -connected with the neighbourhood, were disposed to contribute -towards the completion of such desirable improvements. A -very liberal spirit was manifested in favour of so excellent a -design; a public subscription was set on foot; and at length the -sum of £3202 was raised, which was laid out towards -erecting the Cross Market, as that was considered to be the most -desirable to commence upon. But this sum being found -insufficient to cover the cost even of this Market, it was agreed -by the Town Council to apply to Parliament for an Act, empowering -them to effect further Market Improvements in the borough, and to -raise £5000 for that purpose. Accordingly a Bill was -presented to Parliament, in 1848, entitled “The Oswestry -Markets and Fairs Bill,” and in February of that year Mr. -Fowler, Surveying Officer of the Commissioners of Woods and -Forests, attended at Oswestry, to hear evidence upon the proposed -markets. R. J. Croxon, Esq., Town-Clerk, appeared for the -promoters, and having pointed out, in a long address, the evils -arising from holding the Fairs and Markets in the public streets, -called several witnesses in support of his statement. Mr. -Fowler reported favourably of the objects of the promoters; and -in the same Session of Parliament the Act received the royal -assent. The measure being so far successful, no time was -lost in carrying out this creditable project; and on June 6th, -1849, the <span class="smcap">Cross Market</span>, for the sale -of butter, eggs, poultry, fruit and vegetables, was opened. -Part of the market is also used for the sale of butchers’ -meat. The Powis <span class="smcap">Market-Hall</span>, -forming one side of the Bailey Square, was opened on the same -day. The chief part of the buildings of which the Powis -Market is composed, as well as the site on which the new portion -of the Market stands, was presented to the town by the late Earl -of Powis, Lord of the Manor and Lordship of Oswestry, his -Lordship merely stipulating that he and his successors should -have the use of the new Guildhall when the same was wanted for -holding the Manor Courts. The site on which <a -name="page103"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 103</span>the Cross -Market was built, being in the centre of the town, had been -covered with shops and dwellings, all of which were purchased at -a cost of upwards of £2,700. Mr. Thomas Penson was -the architect employed on this Market, and Messrs. Griffith and -William Morris contracted for its erection. The market is -spacious and convenient, is covered in, and has three entrances, -the main one being from the Cross. The Powis Market-Hall, -in which accommodation is given to farmers and general dealers in -cheese, butter, and grain, is a plain stone-fronted edifice, with -a high clock turret. The front part of the building was -formerly used as the Guild-Hall, at the back of which new -buildings have been erected, in brick, and partly covered with -glass. This market has been found to be exceedingly -convenient, especially in the winter season; and the -accommodation thus rendered to buyers and sellers has contributed -so much to increase their number, that a considerable extension -to the market is contemplated. The <span -class="smcap">Cattle Market</span> comprises an extensive piece -of ground, situated between Church-Street and Croxon’s -Square, which was purchased from Mr. George Withers Edwards, at a -cost of £1050. It is exceedingly well attended, and -fully justifies the expectations of all parties engaged in its -formation. The <span class="smcap">Horse Market</span> is -situated at the back of the Powis Market. The site on which -it is held, comprising 4256 square yards, was purchased for -£279. Both of these markets were opened on Wednesday, -4th July, 1849.—Mr. George Cooper is Treasurer of the -Markets; and Mr. John Donald Superintendent.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p102b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Guildhall, Powis Market, and Bailey head" -title= -"Guildhall, Powis Market, and Bailey head" - src="images/p102s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>Most of the leading gentlemen of the town had taken an active -interest in the formation of the new markets, and no one was more -zealously engaged in promoting them than Peploe Cartwright, Esq., -to whom, after the completion of these public improvements, a -service of plate, consisting of a silver salver, tureen, and four -corner dishes, was presented on behalf of the Corporation and a -numerous body of the inhabitants of <a name="page104"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 104</span>the town and neighbourhood, as a -testimony of their sense of his many “public services in -forwarding the improvements of the town, and in particular for -his able, zealous, and untiring exertions in promoting the -establishment of the fairs and market -accommodations.” The presentation of the plate took -place December 26th, 1850, in the Powis Market-Hall, in the -presence of a numerous assembly. The Recorder of the -borough, John Robert Kenyon, Esq., presented the plate, in an -appropriate and eloquent speech; and Mr. Cartwright responded -with ability and feeling. On the same day, as a further -testimonial to Mr. Cartwright, a public dinner was given to him, -at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, on which occasion the festive -enthusiasm which distinguishes the Salopian gentry was more than -ordinarily displayed. The entire proceedings of the day -passed off with the utmost satisfaction.</p> -<h3>THE GAS-WORKS</h3> -<p>Were erected in 1842, at the sole expense of Mr. Robert -Roberts, the proprietor, on a piece of land situated near -Gallows-tree Bank turnpike gate, the original works in -Willow-Street having long before been found too small and -inconvenient to meet the increasing requirements of the -town. The new works were built on an extended scale, and -comprise a retort-house, purifying house, with a large tank and -gasometer. The apparatus is of the usual character, -including condenser, purifier, scrub, with fire-clay retorts, -hydraulic main, &c. The chimney is square, and spiral -in form, tapering to the top, and forms an object of interest on -the approach to the town from Shrewsbury.</p> -<h3>THE THEATRE</h3> -<p>Is a small neat building in Willow-Street, but is not often -occupied. It is the property of William Ormsby Gore, Esq., -who, when he built it, doubtless considered he was providing -means of rational entertainment for the inhabitants. But -Melpomene and Thalia have lost their charms in this district; <a -name="page105"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 105</span>and the -immortal works of Shakspeare, Jonson, Fletcher, Massinger, -Colman, Sheridan, Knowles, Bulwer, and others, are doomed to shed -their fragrance only in the library or study. Thirty years -ago the acted drama was deemed a genial and instructive -amusement, and the boxes, pit, and gallery of Oswestry Theatre -were frequently crowded with fashionable and attentive -audiences. About the period to which we refer the Theatre -was under the careful and clever management of Mr. Charles -Stanton, who, with his family, “gained golden -opinions,” and a more than decent competence, by his -histrionic labours. During the time he presided over the -Thespian realm, he succeeded in attaching to his <i>corps -theatrique</i> many ladies and gentlemen of talent and high -principle, who afterwards figured with advantage in more extended -spheres of their profession; and whilst he held the reins of -government, he deserved and received the good opinion of his -supporters. After having thus briefly adverted to -theatricals in Oswestry, it will not be inappropriate to mention, -that on no occasion, perhaps, in the history of provincial -dramatic performances, were more brilliant and exhilarating -scenes displayed than in 1822, when a number of ladies and -gentlemen, most of them residents of the town or neighbourhood, -kindly volunteered their services as <i>dramatis -personæ</i> in a series of dramatic productions. -Three performances were determined upon, that a fund might be -raised for establishing in the town a Public Library. The -first took place February 15th, when the comedy of -“<i>Speed the Plough</i>,” and the afterpiece of -“<i>The Review</i>,” were presented. An -original Prologue, from the pen of William Ormsby Gore, Esq., was -spoken by the characters. The receipts of the night were -£76 12s. 6d. On the evening of May 23rd, in the same -year, Colman’s comedy of “<i>The Heir at -Law</i>,” and the afterpiece of “<i>The -Review</i>,” were performed. Mr. Alderman Salisbury, -a hale octogenarian, spoke a Prologue to the play, attributed to -Garrick. Colman’s Epilogue was spoken by the -characters. The receipts on this occasion were -£47. The third performance, <a -name="page106"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 106</span>May 25th, -consisted of “<i>Speed the Plough</i>,” and the -afterpiece of “<i>High Life below Stairs</i>.” -Receipts £24. The late J. F. M. Dovaston, Esq., who -had taken much interest in these performances, wrote a Prologue -to “<i>The Heir at Law</i>,” and it was intended that -he should enact the part of Lord Duberly, and deliver his own -witty effusion. Some differences, however, arose, and he -did not therefore take any part in the performances. -Although the total receipts amounted to the handsome sum of -£147 12s. 6d., yet the expense of scenery, &c., -exhausted nearly all the fund, and the original design, of -establishing a Public Library, failed.</p> -<p>Mr. Dovaston’s Prologue is given in his volume of Poems, -published in 1825. It forms part of the literary history of -Oswestry, and we therefore make no apology for transferring it to -our pages:—</p> -<blockquote><p style="text-align: center">“PROLOGUE,</p> -<p style="text-align: center">“To a Play for the Benefit of -a <span class="smcap">Public Library</span>; spoken in the -character of<br /> -Lord Duberly (formerly Old Daniel Dowlas, the Grocer).</p> -<p style="text-align: center">Oswestry Theatre, 1822.</p> -<p>“<span class="smcap">Though</span> here I struts, a lord -so great and gay,<br /> -I was but tallow-chandler t’other day;<br /> -I’ve riches, dress, good dinners, rank, and station,<br /> -But what are all these without headication?<br /> -If I dines out, and says but aye or no, Sir,<br /> -As sure as figs is figs—out peeps the Grocer.<br /> -I sees as clear as is in glass or varnish,<br /> -Wealth without larnin is—but tawdry tarnish:<br /> -Poor men, of Manners, Sense, and Wit all handy,<br /> -Are to Society—bright Sugar-candy;<br /> -While ev’n in Senate, Bar, Church, Tabernacle,<br /> -Brass without Brains is—Brimstone without Treacle.<br /> - “I to the Playhouse goes, to see their -vainery,<br /> -And (tho’ enraptured with their fine new Scenery)<br /> -I knows not what their wit or weeping takes there,<br /> -Nor what they means by <span class="smcap">Sheridan</span> or -<span class="smcap">Shakspeare</span>.<br /> - “We’ve got no Books—and this our -show’s all brib’ry<br /> -To ax good-natur’d folks to fill our <span -class="smcap">Librey</span>.<br /> -We gives books to the poor—and all approves them;<br /> -Then why not by example shew we loves them?<br /> - <a name="page107"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -107</span>“Knowledge, in this world’s -counting-house’s mass,<br /> -Is good store candle, mould, or brilliant gas,<br /> -To keep our day-book faithful; which, when furl’d,<br /> -Will post us fitter for a future world.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>It is worthy of notice also, that in the same year in which -the performances were given in behalf of a Public Library, the -celebrated actor, distinguished as “The Young -Roscius,” Mr. William Henry West Betty, appeared on the -Oswestry Stage, and played several of his popular -characters. Mr. Betty soon afterwards retired from public -life; and for many years past has been residing in London, having -earned a handsome fortune, enjoying his <i>otium cum -dignitate</i>. He was a native of Shrewsbury, and in right -of his mother was heir to the extensive estate of Hopton Wafers, -in Shropshire.</p> -<h3>THE HOTELS.</h3> -<p>The principal Hotels in the town are, the Cross Keys, the -Wynnstay Arms, the Queen’s Head, and Osburn’s -Commercial. All these Hotels are well-conducted, and are -much frequented by commercial travellers, private families, and -tourists through the Principality and Border Lands.</p> -<h3>Educational Institutions.</h3> -<h4>THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.</h4> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p106b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"The Free Grammar School" -title= -"The Free Grammar School" - src="images/p106s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>This ancient and valuable institution was founded and endowed -in the reign of Henry IV., between 1399 and 1413, by Mr. David -Holbetche, “a lawyer, steward of the towne and -lordship,” and who in the same reign was “made a -denizen or free citizen of England.” The munificent -founder granted, for the maintenance of a schoolmaster, and the -reparation of the school-house, certain lands in Sweeney, -Treflach, Maesbury, and Crickheath, in addition to a house on the -south-west side of the Parish Church. By an inquisition -under a Commission of charitable uses, taken at Oswestry, 17th -September, 1634, it was found that “how the said lands were -granted, or to whom, or by whom, they were to be let, <a -name="page108"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 108</span>was not -known, but that the bailiffs of the town of Oswestry had, for the -most part, jointly let the same:” and it was further found, -“that upon the granting of certain leases -therein-mentioned, certain sums had been paid to the bailiffs, or -to their use, as a gratuity for making such leases; and that they -had cut timber upon the said estates which they had disposed of -for their own use.” In April, 1635, the Commissioners -made a decree, stating “that they had not found that the -bailiffs of Oswestry were trusted by the founder in ordering and -disposing of the said school and school-lands, but that they had -done the same without any just authority; and that if they had -been trusted therein, they had manifestly abused the trust, in -making leases at an under-value, and for secret rewards for -themselves, and in committing great waste upon the timber-trees -growing upon the said premises; the said Commissioners decreed, -that the bailiffs of the said town should be for ever discharged -and excluded from any trust, or intermeddling with the said -school and school-lands, or from anything which should concern -the same, otherwise than was thereafter limited; that the -nomination and placing of the schoolmaster should be left to the -bishop of the diocese according to the law; that the schoolmaster -for the time being should let the premises in possession, and not -in reversion, for the term of seven years, at the yearly rents -mentioned in a particular of the lands referred to in the -inquisition, or more, and so as the consent of the bishop and -chancellor of the said diocese, and of the bailiffs of the said -town, or any two of them, whereof the bishop should be one, -should be first had in writing, for the making of such leases; -that neither the master nor any of the tenants should cut or lop -any timber-trees growing upon the premises without the like -consent; that the then schoolmaster should, within one year, make -a true terrier of all the school-lands and tenements, whereof one -part should be delivered to the bishop, to be kept in his -registrar’s office, and the other to be delivered to the -bailiffs, to be entered in the town-book. And the said -Commissioners <a name="page109"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -109</span>further ordered, that the schoolmaster should always -have an usher, and allow him £10 a-year, and so much more -out of the improved rents, as the said bishop for the time being -should think fit; so that the whole stipend of the usher should -not exceed £15; and that the schoolmaster for the time -being, should keep the school-house in repair.”</p> -<p>A terrier of the school-lands was accordingly taken, and the -report was as follows:—<i>Crickheath</i>, 24a. 1r. 37p.; -<i>Treflach</i>, 20a. 1r. 5p.; <i>Sweeney</i>, 74a. 0r. 10p.; -<i>Maesbury</i>, 12a. 0r. 29p. The lands in Treflach -mentioned in the terrier had been held for many years at the -ancient rents, without any variation; and the Rev. James Donne, -D.D. (the former master), brought actions of ejectment against -the late Lazarus Venables, Esq., and Mrs. Hilditch, who held the -lands, and insisted upon their right to hold them, paying the -accustomed rents. Upon the trial of these actions verdicts -were given in favour of Dr. Donne, and the lands being very much -dispersed and intermixed with those belonging to the defendants, -the judge recommended that lands equal in value, and lying -together, should be given up to the plaintiff, instead of the -identical lands which were the subject of the suits. This -recommendation was cordially adopted by all parties concerned, -and further litigation was therefore avoided.</p> -<p>Dr. Donne, through whose exertions these valuable properties -were recovered for Oswestry School, may justly be looked upon as -its second Founder. He raised the character of the School -from comparative obscurity to being second to none of the Grammar -Schools of England. His memory is held in affectionate -remembrance by his pupils, who, to testify their feelings, raised -a handsome Memorial in Oswestry Parish Church. The -inscription on this Monument speaks deservedly of a revered -Master, and does credit to the elegant scholarship and -affectionate feelings of the distinguished Pupil who composed -it.</p> -<p>Further advantageous exchanges of land have taken place <a -name="page110"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 110</span>during the -time of the present Master, which have resulted in attaching some -of the most valuable land in the Liberties of Oswestry and -Township of Weston to Oswestry School.</p> -<p>The Rents of the property accruing to the benefit of the -School, including a payment of £1 12s. 0d. from the -receiver of the Crown Rents, in respect of a sum of £2 -charged on the land revenues, amount to £271 10s. 2d. -Some land around the School-House is not included in this -statement, so that the Endowment of the School may be considered -to amount to £300 per annum.</p> -<p>In 1776 the late Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., gave a piece of land, -called <i>Cae Groes</i>, comprising nearly eight acres, upon -which the present School-House was erected, charged with a rent -of £12 per annum, to the heirs of Sir W. W. Wynn; and the -sum of £779 4s. 8d. was subsequently subscribed towards -completing the structure, the balance of expenses having been -borne by Dr. Donne.</p> -<p>The School is open to all boys born in the parish of Oswestry, -for instruction in English, Latin, and Greek; but it is expected -that they should be able to read before they are admitted. -For the before-mentioned studies no payment is demanded from the -boys on the Foundation, except 12s. 6d. for entrance, and 2s. -a-year for fire-money. The present Master is the Rev. -Stephen Donne, A.M., who has filled the office since his -appointment in 1833 with singular merit and success, and who has -had the good fortune, during his connexion with the School, to -acquire the esteem and confidence of his pupils, and the warm -approval and regard of their parents and guardians.</p> -<p>The course of instruction in the School is Classical and -Mathematical, embracing strict attention to Religious knowledge, -with History and Geography, both Ancient and Modern; and whilst -pupils are prepared for the Universities, and Addiscombe, -Woolwich, and Sandhurst, boys who have in view the Profession of -the Law or a Commercial life, in addition to their other studies, -are carefully trained in Writing, <a name="page111"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 111</span>Arithmetic, and Book-keeping. -The Head Master receives Boarders into his House, who are treated -in a liberal and gentlemanly spirit. Several Pupils from -this School have, during the time of the late and present Master, -highly distinguished themselves at Cambridge, Oxford, Dublin, -Addiscombe, and Woolwich.</p> -<p>The late Rev. James Donne, D.D., retired from the School in -1833, and died at Llanyblodwel Vicarage (which he had re-built), -January 23rd, 1844.</p> -<p>The early Masters of the School we are unable to -discover. Our list of appointments commences with the year -1537:—</p> -<h5>LIST OF HEAD MASTERS,</h5> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p>— Reynolds,</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">appointed 1537</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>David Morris, Vicar of Llansilin</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1561</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>John Berkley, D.D.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1606</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p class="gutindent">Rector of Llanddoget -1606. He became Vicar of Llansannan 1611, Rector of Newtown -1613, Rector of Llanfyllin 1614, Prebendary of Llanvair Second -Comportion 1621, and Rector of Llandyssil 1622.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>John Kyffin</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">—</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>— Lloyd</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1624</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Edward Payne, A.M.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1636</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p class="gutindent">Rector of Cemmaes 1661, -Vicar of Kinnerley 1668. This gentleman was ejected in the -time of Oliver Cromwell’s Usurpation.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>William Griffiths</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1661</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thomas Clopton</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1672</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p class="gutindent">Rector of Cilken, 1673, -Canon 1675, Rector of Llanrwst 1677, Prebendary of Myfod and -Rector of Castle-Careinion 1678, and Rector of Christleton, -Cheshire.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>John Evans</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1678</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p class="gutindent">Rector of Newtown 1666, -Canon 1681, and Rector of Berriew 1686.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Edward Wicken</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">—</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Andrew Guild</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1694</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thomas Jones</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1697</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Daniel Poole</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1705</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>— Lloyd</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">—</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Robert Patrick</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">—</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p class="gutindent">Rector of Cemmaes 1717, -Canon 1718, and Rector of Mallwyd 1733.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>John Skye</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1733</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p class="gutindent">Rector of Berriew 1730, -Vicar of Llansilin 1755.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Peter Morris</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1763</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="page112"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -112</span>Owen Reynolds</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">about 1769</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Charles Anson Tisdale</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1772</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Eusebius Edwards, Pembroke College, Oxford</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1781</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>James Donne, M.A.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1796</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p class="gutindent">Second Master of the -King’s School, Chester, 1794, Minor Canon of Chester 1796, -Vicar of Llanyblodwel 1798, and Rural Dean of Marchia 1803.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Stephen Donne, M.A., Scholar of St. John’s College, -Cambridge, January</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1833</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h4>NATIONAL SCHOOLS.</h4> -<p>In the work of benevolence the borough of Oswestry has never -acted with a niggardly hand. When the necessity of national -education first engaged the sympathies of the community at large, -Oswestry took a distinguished part in the good work, and -liberally provided education for the children of the poor, who, -until that period, had had none to help them. So early as -the commencement of the last century a Charity School was -established for the benefit of forty children, of whom twenty -were clothed, and all taught by a mistress to read and -spell. When the boys were made perfect in the reading of -certain elementary books, they were transferred to a master; and -the girls were fully instructed, besides reading and spelling, in -spinning, knitting, and sewing. It is stated on one of the -tables of benefactions in the Parish Church, that in 1713 Mr. -Thomas Owen, Vicar of Oswestry, left the interest of £20 -for the use of this Charity School; and that in 1716 the Rev. -Daniel Poole, chief Schoolmaster of the town, left the interest -of £20 for the like use. In a minute of vestry, dated -July 5th, 1737, it is stated that £32 was laid out on the -Poor-house in Church-Street, which sum, it is added, was paid out -of the legacies of the Rev. T. Owen and the Rev. D. Poole. -In December, in the same year, it was ordered at a vestry, that -in lieu of the money laid out as mentioned in the preceding -minute, forty shillings should be paid yearly toward maintaining -the Charity School in the town of Oswestry. It does not -appear what school was intended, or how long the payment was -continued.</p> -<p><a name="page113"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 113</span>The -friends of education in Oswestry, still anxious for the -well-being of the rising generation, united together in the year -1810 to carry out their benevolent intentions. In July of -that year it was agreed, that the Guildhall should be -appropriated for the reception of boys, and the school-room -situated in the church-yard for the reception of girls, until -rooms at the Bailey-Head should be properly fitted up for their -instruction. A public notice was afterwards issued, -announcing “That the Public Charity School, belonging to -the town and parish of Oswestry, is now open for the instruction -of boys of the age of five years and upwards.” In -November following, the boys’ school was removed to the -chapel of the House of Industry, the School Committee considering -that such change would afford an opportunity to the children of -parents residing in the country to attend the school. This -plan partly failed, and soon afterwards convenient school-rooms, -for boys and girls, were fitted up at the Bailey-Head, from plans -by Mr. T. Jones, Architect. These schools were supported by -general subscription and occasional aid from the National -Society. At length it was deemed necessary to provide more -spacious and convenient school-rooms, for the furtherance of the -great <a name="page114"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -114</span>object of education, and arrangements were made for -accomplishing so important a design. A public subscription -was entered into, and this was aided by grants of £338 from -the Committee of Council on Education; £200 from the -National Society; and a contribution of £700 from the funds -of the Oswestry Church Sunday School. The present beautiful -building was accordingly erected under the Welsh Walls, -sufficient accommodation being rendered for an Infant -School. The structure was designed by Mr. Penson, and -raised by Mr. J. Vaughan, Builder. As a tribute of respect -to the memory of the late Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., the building was -commenced on the 22nd of May, 1841, when his son, the present -worthy possessor of Wynnstay, attained his majority. The -sole control of the School is vested by the trust-deed in the -Vicar of the parish for the time being. The number of -children at present educated in the Schools is—Boys, 78; -Girls, 64; Infants, 57.—Master, Mr. S. S. Lees; Mistresses, -Miss Whitfield and Miss Pierce.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p113b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"National Schools" -title= -"National Schools" - src="images/p113s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<h4>THE PARISH CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL</h4> -<p>Was established in 1831. A zealous interest is taken in -its prosperity by the Clergy and many persons of wealth and -influence in the town and neighbourhood. The average -attendance at present is 280 Scholars; Teachers from 30 to -35.</p> -<h4>THE BRITISH SCHOOLS</h4> -<p>Were erected in 1841, at a cost, including the site, of about -£800; the builder being Mr. James Vaughan.</p> -<p>They are held in trust for “the education of children -and adults, or children only, of both sexes, of the labouring, -manufacturing, and other classes, in the town and parish of -Oswestry, and in the several parishes adjoining;” such -education to be conducted on the principles of the British and -Foreign School Society. The trust includes permission to -use the premises on week days, prior to and after school hours <a -name="page115"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 115</span>(i.e. -before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.), for “such moral, literary, -scientific, or other purposes,” as shall be allowed in -manner therein mentioned. The funds for the erection of the -Schools having been subscribed chiefly by members of the -congregation assembling at the Old Chapel, there is a trust -assigning the use of the building on the sabbath to the Sabbath -Schools connected with that place of worship.</p> -<p>The system of education on week days being conducted on the -principles of the British and Foreign School Society, it need -hardly be said that no denominational catechism or dogma is -permitted to be taught; but the Holy Scriptures are in daily -use.</p> -<p>The utility of the institution having become much crippled by -a debt remaining on the building and an accumulation of current -expenses, a special effort was made in the year 1854 to throw off -the incubus. The generous efforts and contributions of -friends in the town and neighbourhood, and others in various -parts of the kingdom, aided by a Bazaar, not only effected the -“consummation” so “devoutly to be -wished,” but also realized a fund applicable to the -substantial repair of the building, and a needed supply of school -materials.</p> -<p>The present Master and Mistress are—Mr. Farmer and Miss -Jones.</p> -<h4>THE YOUNG MEN’S INSTITUTE</h4> -<p>Began its course about the year 1838. It was originated -by the then minister of the Old Chapel (the Rev. W. Reeve), and a -few members of his congregation, chiefly young men, who felt the -importance of adopting some means calculated to promote the moral -and intellectual advancement of the young men of the town, and -which should offer to them a refuge and enticement, during the -evening hours, from listlessness on the one hand, and from low -and debasing pleasures on the other.</p> -<p><a name="page116"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 116</span>The -meetings were for some time held in the vestry of the Old -Chapel. When the British School-rooms were erected in the -year 1841 the opportunity was taken of endeavouring to extend the -benefits of the Institute, by transferring its meetings to the -lower school-room. Still it was felt by its friends, that -it was not so used or supported as they desired; but, necessity -having no choice, no attempt was made for several years to change -its location or enlarge its scope.</p> -<p>At the School-room the Institute prospered for a considerable -time, and did much good; but afterwards, from one cause or -another, it drooped, and well nigh sank. Deeming it, -however, too good a thing to die, and thinking it possible that -many influential parties might have withheld their sympathy and -aid, from an idea (erroneous though it was) that the Institution, -from its antecedents and place of meeting, was not entirely -unsectarian and liberal, its friends made a successful effort in -the year 1850 to resuscitate it. The clergy and dissenting -ministers of the town, together with several influential lay -gentlemen, formed a committee, obtained the use of the Guild-Hall -for the meetings, and raised very extended subscriptions. -Many excellent lectures, professional and amateur, were -delivered, and new life seemed for a time to flow in the veins of -the Institute. The Guild-Hall being found inconvenient for -the Library and Reading-room, these were removed to rooms over -the Shop of Mr. Richard Jones, Hatter, at the Cross.</p> -<p>Subsequently, however, the falling-off of the subscriptions, -and, it must be added, the backwardness of the young men -generally to avail themselves of the privileges offered them, -obliged the committee to relinquish these premises, and for more -than a year past there seem to have been no meetings.</p> -<p>It is said that “all that’s fair must -fade.” May we hope that the Young Men’s -Institute is only slumbering, and will not die, or, that dying, -it will rise again to a stronger, happier, better life.</p> -<h2><a name="page117"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -117</span>Benevolent Institutions.</h2> -<h3>DISPENSARY AND BATHS.</h3> -<p>The establishment of these two institutions is honourable to -the founders, and, we are glad to observe, of great benefit to -the poor and needy afflicted with disease. The origin of -both is part of the annals of the town, and claims especial -record in our volume. We find that in the year 1828 a -meeting of the leading gentlemen of Oswestry was held, for the -purpose of endeavouring to establish a Dispensary. That -assembly was presided over by William Ormsby Gore, Esq., and the -benevolent institution was at once founded under most liberal -auspices. Donations amounting to one hundred and sixty -guineas were subscribed at the meeting, and a Committee was -appointed, to carry out the objects of the Charity. At the -same time a liberal amount in annual subscriptions was determined -upon, that the new institution should be rendered -permanent. The following parties formed the first -Committee, &c.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>President</i>:</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="smcap">Wm. Ormsby -Gore</span>, <span class="smcap">Esq</span>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Committee of Management</i>:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">The Hon. Thos. -Kenyon</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist">T. <span class="smcap">Bulkeley Owen</span>, -<span class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist">J. V. <span class="smcap">Lovett</span>, <span -class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist">H. P. T. <span class="smcap">Aubrey</span>, -<span class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Rev. Thos. -Salwey</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Rev</span>. G. N. K. <span -class="smcap">Lloyd</span>,</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Robt. Morrall</span>, -<span class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist">T. L. <span class="smcap">Longueville</span>, -<span class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist">T. N. <span class="smcap">Parker</span>, <span -class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Rev. Thos. -Hunt</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Rev</span>. C. A. A. <span -class="smcap">Lloyd</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Mr. Lucas</span>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Honorary Treasurer</i>:—C. -T. <span class="smcap">Jones</span>, <span -class="smcap">Esq</span>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Visiting -Physician</i>;—<span class="smcap">Dr. Evans</span>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Surgeons</i>:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Mr. Morris</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Mr. Cockerell</span>,</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Mr</span>. E. D. <span -class="smcap">Bennion</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Mr</span>. <span -class="smcap">Cartwright</span>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Dispenser and -Secretary</i>:—<span class="smcap">Mr. J. M. -Hales</span>.</p> -<p>The original Dispensary rented for the Charity was situated in -Lower Brook-Street; but the premises being found <a -name="page118"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 118</span>too limited -and inconvenient for the benevolent objects contemplated, a new -building was suggested, and accordingly, in March, 1852, the -Committee adopted a resolution to the effect, that it was -desirable to erect a Dispensary, with Baths attached to it, for -the accommodation of the public, as well as for the use of the -patients of the institution. To carry out this excellent -design a handsome subscription was entered into, amounting to -between seven and eight hundred pounds; to which was added, from -the accumulated fund of the Dispensary, the sum of five hundred -pounds. The present Dispensary and Baths were immediately -erected from a design by R. Kyrke Penson, Esq., on ground near -the site of the former Dispensary. The building is roomy -and convenient, containing handsome and suitable rooms for the -Dispensary, with the addition of Warm and Cold Baths, Shower -Baths, a Vapour Bath, and Plunge Baths.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p118b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Dispensary and Baths" -title= -"Dispensary and Baths" - src="images/p118s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>The number of patients who have partaken, within the last -three years, of the benefits which the Dispensary affords, shows -the necessity and value of the institution. From May, 1851, -to May, 1852—Patients, 455. In 1853—Patients, -496. In 1854—Patients, 555.</p> -<p><a name="page119"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 119</span>The -Dispensary, with the Baths, was opened May 1st, 1854. Mr. -Ormsby Gore still holds the office of President of the -institution, and Mr. Hales continues to officiate as Secretary -and Dispenser. The Committee and officers are:—</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Committee of Management</i>:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">E. <span class="smcap">Wright</span>, -<span class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Rev</span>. G. <span -class="smcap">Carew</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist">R. K. <span class="smcap">Penson</span>, <span -class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Thos. Minshall</span>, -<span class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Thos. Lovett</span>, <span -class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist">T. L. <span class="smcap">Longueville</span>, -<span class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Rev</span>. S. <span -class="smcap">Donne</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Rev</span>. J. <span -class="smcap">Luxmoore</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist">J. V. <span class="smcap">Lovett</span>, <span -class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Rowland J. -Venables</span>, <span class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist">E. <span class="smcap">Williams</span>, <span -class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">John Croxon</span>, <span -class="smcap">Esq</span>.,</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Treasurer</i>:—J. T. <span -class="smcap">Jones</span>, <span class="smcap">Esq</span>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Surgeons</i>:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Mr. -Cartwright</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Dr. Fuller</span>,</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Mr. -Blaikie</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Dr. Williams</span>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p>The Trustees to whom the site for the new Dispensary and Baths -was conveyed are, William Ormsby Gore, Esq., Thomas Lovett, Esq., -Edmund Wright, Esq., and Thomas Longueville Longueville, Esq.</p> -<p>The proposition for building the Dispensary with the addition -of Baths originated with Edward Williams, Esq., of Lloran House; -and his efficient and zealous efforts were used in promoting the -benevolent design, which was most successfully accomplished in -the end. In the prosperity of so valuable an institution -all classes in the town and populous neighbourhood, who are -blessed with this world’s goods, should consider it a -Christian privilege to take a lively interest, by contributing to -its funds, and thus extending its usefulness among the labouring -poor who have few to help them.</p> -<h3>THE HOUSE OF INDUSTRY,</h3> -<p>Situated on elevated ground near the river Morda, on the road -from Oswestry to Welshpool, was erected by virtue of an Act of -Parliament obtained in the year 1790, and opened for the -reception of inmates April 28th, 1791. The first steward -and matron were Mr. Thos. Cooper and Mrs. Cooper, <a -name="page120"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 120</span>who held -those responsible situations for the long period of nearly thirty -years. Directors were appointed, under the Act, to manage -the affairs of the institution, on behalf of Oswestry town and -parish, and the other parishes also thereby incorporated: namely, -Saint Martins, Selattyn, Whittington, West Felton, Ruyton, -Kinnerley, Knockin, and Llanyblodwel, in the hundred of Oswestry, -and county of Salop; that part of the parish of Llanymynech which -lies in the hundred of Oswestry; the parish of Chirk, in the -county of Denbigh; and the parish of Llansilin, in the counties -of Salop and Denbigh. The Directors held their first -meeting on Monday, August 11th, 1791: Chairman, John Lovett, -Esq., Mayor of Oswestry. The building, of red brick, which -still looks fresh and fair, cost £12,000. It has ever -excited the attention of strangers, on account of its imposing -stateliness of architecture, the exterior presenting, at the -first view, the appearance of a fine old English baronial -residence. Nicholson, in describing it thirty years ago, -says, “it is a ridiculously-splendid brick building, -intended, not for a purpose which its exterior seems to prompt, -but for the abode of the indigent and wretched.”</p> -<p>In 1851 a slight sensation was created in the united parishes -of Oswestry by a proposal from Mr. Doyle, Poor-Law Inspector, to -admit six additional parishes into union with the Oswestry -Incorporation. The Poor-Law Board had some time before -claimed a general authority over the Incorporation, to which the -Directors, after a slight resistance, submitted. Public -meetings of the rate-payers of the incorporated parishes were -held, to consider Mr. Doyle’s proposal, and one also was -convened in the Old Church, Oswestry, on Saturday, July 21st: -Peploe Cartwright, Esq., in the chair. Mr. Doyle stated -that certain alterations in the House of Industry would have to -be made; and in order to effect these improvements at as small a -cost as possible to the incorporated parishes, he suggested that -six other parishes should be united to the present, the expense -being thus spread over a larger number <a -name="page121"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 121</span>of -rate-payers. The proposal was not favourably entertained, -as such a measure would have involved the immediate dissolution -of the Oswestry Incorporation. A resolution was adopted at -the meeting, “That in the absence of proper information and -details, we are at present of opinion that it is not desirable to -dissolve the Oswestry Incorporation.” From that time -to the present the Poor-Law Board exercise only a general -authority over the Incorporation, whose powers, as defined by the -Act of Parliament, with the exception just named, remain -intact.</p> -<p>In 1853 various alterations, suggested by the Poor-Law Board, -were made in the House, at an expense of £1500. The -average number of inmates in the Institution is 174. The -number which the House can receive is limited by the Poor-Law -Board to 300. The election of Directors is independent of -the Board; they are nominated by the vestries of the several -parishes, and appointed by the Board of Directors.</p> -<p>The present officers of the Institution are as -follows:—The Rev. J. Maude, Chairman; the Rev. E. W. O. -Bridgman, Vice-Chairman; Mr. John Hughes, Clerk to the Directors; -and Mr. R. Richards, Master. Relieving Officers:—For -the <i>Upper Division</i>, comprising Oswestry Town and Parish, -Llanyblodwel, townships of Llwyntidman and Treprenal, Llansilin, -and Selattyn, Mr. Thomas Davies. For the <i>Lower -Division</i>, consisting of Chirk, Saint Martins, Whittington, -Ruyton, West Felton, Knockin, and Kinnerley, Mr. Joseph -Rogers.</p> -<h3>CHARITABLE DONATIONS TO THE POOR.</h3> -<p>In the present age the good old-fashioned mode of bequeathing -some portion of worldly substance for the education or relief of -the poor is recognized by very few of our wealthier -fellow-countrymen. The usual channels of relief to the poor -and needy—the Poor-Law Union, the Night Asylum, the Good -Samaritan Society, and other institutions of like class—are -excellent in their way, and diffuse much <a -name="page122"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 122</span>benefit and -comfort among the aged and indigent; but still our ancient -charities, especially our schools and almshouses, whilst they -secure to their recipients permanent, not precarious good, shed a -brilliant lustre over the land, and denote the kind and benignant -spirit of many of our ancestors. Would that the old -benevolent English spirit were revived among us, and that all -affluent men, who have possessed their money by inheritance, or -obtained it by the force of their talents, or success in trade or -commerce, would, among their testamentary bequests, never fail to -“remember the poor.” Then should we have -comfortable asylums for many hoary-headed men and women, who, -reduced by misfortune, or overwhelmed by the distressing -calamities of life, have no place of quiet shelter—no -resting-place in which to pass the residue of their days.</p> -<p>The following list of Charitable Donations, left for the -benefit of the poor of Oswestry, shows that in days gone by, the -weak were not overlooked by the strong, and that many, imbued -with practical Christian benevolence, deemed it their duty to -aid, not only the poor of their own days, but those also of -succeeding generations. The only Aims-Houses in the town -are those situated near the turnpike-gate in Willow-Street. -They are six in number, and were left by Dame Ellen, widow of Sir -Francis Eure. Mrs. Jane Owen, in 1732, bequeathed to the -twelve poor persons (six men and six women), inmates of the -alms-houses, the sum of 18s. to be paid to them yearly, for ever, -and also ordered her executor to charge her real and personal -estate with the payment thereof. Mrs. M. Ormsby, by her -will in 1805, requested her daughter (the present Mrs. Ormsby -Gore), and those who should succeed her in the Porkington Estate, -would pay “as she had done,” the poor people in the -alms-houses for ever. Mrs. Ormsby Gore regularly -distributes £3 among the inmates on Christmas-Day, that -being the sum her mother had previously given. The -alms-houses are kept in good repair by Mrs. Ormsby Gore, and she -selects the inmates.</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="page123"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -123</span>Names of Donors.</p> -</td> -<td><p>By what Instrument created, and Date.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Nature of Property, or Amount.</p> -</td> -<td><p>When payable.</p> -</td> -<td><p>By whom.</p> -</td> -<td><p>By whom directed to be distributed, and in what -manner.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Time of distribution.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Owen Morgan</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, 31 March 1604</p> -</td> -<td><p>£20 per Annum.</p> -</td> -<td><p>25 March</p> -</td> -<td><p>Haberdashers’ Co., London.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Parson and Churchwardens of the Parish of Oswestry, for -the relief of the poor</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Hugh Yale</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, 2nd Jan. 1605</p> -</td> -<td><p>Several messuages and lands in Oswestry, producing at -present £13, of thereabouts</p> -</td> -<td><p>Rts. payable at different times</p> -</td> -<td><p>Tenants</p> -</td> -<td><p>Bailiffs and Overseers, amongst the poor of the town and -6s. 8d. for a Welsh Sermon</p> -</td> -<td><p>1st January.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>John Morris, & Wife</p> -</td> -<td><p>Deed, 24th Ju. 1629</p> -</td> -<td><p>£1 10s. per annum, on lands in Crickheath</p> -</td> -<td><p>On Feast day of Philip & James & All-Souls</p> -</td> -<td><p>J. W. Eyton.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Trustees to be appointed by the Burgesses, to be -distributed in bread, and for other purposes</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Richard Wycherley</p> -</td> -<td><p>Deed, 23rd Dr. 1624</p> -</td> -<td><p>A field in Beatrice St. let for £7 pr. annum</p> -</td> -<td><p>25 March</p> -</td> -<td><p>R. Brayne, tenant</p> -</td> -<td><p>Bailiff 52s. per annum. for bread and the remainder to set -out an Apprentice</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Dorothy Santley</p> -</td> -<td><p>Deed, 18th Ch. I., 1643</p> -</td> -<td><p>£2 12s. per annum issuing out of a field called Cae -Bychan</p> -</td> -<td><p>25 March</p> -</td> -<td><p>Roberts, Ruthin, Rt. Roberts tenant</p> -</td> -<td><p>Church-wardens, Bailiffs’ and Vicar, in bread, to -the poor of the town</p> -</td> -<td><p>Every Sunday.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td rowspan='2'><p><a name="page124"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -124</span>William Gough</p> -</td> -<td rowspan='2'><p>Will, 1669</p> -</td> -<td><p>£5 6d. 8d. issuing out of lands in Treflach</p> -</td> -<td><p>25 Decbr.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Rd. Hunt, Esq.</p> -</td> -<td><p>£2 10s. by the Overseers of the Parish, and the like -sum by the Overseers of the town, for the Poor, and 6s. 8d. to -the Ministers for a Sermon on St. Stephen’s Day</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>A butt of land in Beatrice St., for which 5s. pr. anm. was -pd.</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td></td> -<td><p>Church-wardens and Overseers <a name="citation124"></a><a -href="#footnote124" class="citation">[124]</a></p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Muckleston Allen</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p>5s. per annum issuing out of houses in Cross-Street</p> -</td> -<td><p>25 March</p> -</td> -<td><p>Reps. of David Oliver</p> -</td> -<td><p>In bread, but not stated by whom to be distributed</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Winifred Matthews</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, 20th Ju. 1709</p> -</td> -<td><p>£2 10s. issuing out of a field, in Trefonen, called -Maes y Benglog</p> -</td> -<td><p>25 March</p> -</td> -<td><p>Sir W. W. Wynn</p> -</td> -<td><p>Vicar and Churchwardens to put out an apprentice, from -Oswestry, and the townships of Trefonen, Treflach, Sweeney, and -Treferclawdd, alternately</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="page125"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -125</span>Mary Lloyd</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will. June 5th 1727</p> -</td> -<td><p>£100 secured on Willow-Street Gate & Road</p> -</td> -<td><p>Dec. 30th</p> -</td> -<td><p>Trustees</p> -</td> -<td><p>Vicar, Church-wardens, and Overseers, in putting out an -apprentice, and in woollen clothing for the poor of the town each -alternate year</p> -</td> -<td><p>Christmas.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>— Peacock</p> -</td> -<td><p>— 1732.</p> -</td> -<td><p>£5 secured with the above</p> -</td> -<td><p>Dec. 30th</p> -</td> -<td><p>Ditto</p> -</td> -<td><p>To be distributed amongst poor house-keepers of the -town</p> -</td> -<td><p>Christmas.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thomas Turner</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, 1777</p> -</td> -<td><p>£20 secured on Llangedwin Turnpike Road</p> -</td> -<td><p>March 25</p> -</td> -<td><p>Trustees</p> -</td> -<td><p>The Church-wardens</p> -</td> -<td><p>Christmas.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Richard Muckleston</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, 20th Jan. 1638</p> -</td> -<td><p>£2 per annum issuing out of estates in -Carmarthenshire</p> -</td> -<td><p>March 25</p> -</td> -<td><p>Rev. Jn. Lloyd Brunant</p> -</td> -<td><p>The Bailiff, Vicar, & Church-wardens, in bread, to the -poor of the Township of Oswestry</p> -</td> -<td><p>Good Friday.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Francis Shore</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, 13 Aug. 1691</p> -</td> -<td><p>£1 per annum issuing out of houses in Ch. Street, -belonging to Mr. David Jones</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td></td> -<td><p>This has hitherto been distributed by Mr. D. Jones, who -claims to do so, as the lineal descendant of the surviving -Trustee of the Testator</p> -</td> -<td><p>Feast of St. Thomas.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="page126"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -126</span>Margaret Lloyd</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, 2nd May 1794</p> -</td> -<td><p>£1 issuing out of her house, forge, yard, & -dwelling-house in Oswestry aforesaid, with one croft of land -thereunto belonging, devised to Richd. Pryce, Mercer</p> -</td> -<td><p>Jany. 1st</p> -</td> -<td><p>Thomas Allen</p> -</td> -<td><p>Mayor and Church-wardens, amongst 20 poor labourers or -decayed tradesmen</p> -</td> -<td><p>New Year’s Day.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Elizabeth Williams.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, 1703.</p> -</td> -<td><p>£2 per annum issuing out of Mixon Hall, and -croft</p> -</td> -<td><p>Plm Mon</p> -</td> -<td><p>Reps. of James Vaughan</p> -</td> -<td><p>Church-wardens, to the poor, in 6d. or 1s. to each</p> -</td> -<td><p>Palm Monday</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Rebecca Lloyd</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, 10th Jan. 1733</p> -</td> -<td><p>£1 per annum issuing out of house in -Cross-Street</p> -</td> -<td><p>25 Decbr.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Rv. J. Thomas</p> -</td> -<td><p>Vicar, amongst the poor</p> -</td> -<td><p>Christmas</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Sir William Williams</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, Sep. 7th, 1734</p> -</td> -<td><p>£200</p> -</td> -<td><p>21 Decbr.</p> -</td> -<td><p>Sir W. W. Wynn</p> -</td> -<td><p>Vicar, Church-wardens, and Trustees, amongst such poor -persons of the Parish as they shall think fit</p> -</td> -<td><p>At such time as they shall please</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Elizabeth Williams</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will</p> -</td> -<td><p>Croft at Croes-Wylan, occupied with Penylan, for which -£1 10s. has hitherto been paid</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p>Croxon & Co.</p> -</td> -<td><p>The tenant of Penylan has hitherto distributed this sum -yearly in clothing for the poor</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="page127"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -127</span>— Pierce</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will</p> -</td> -<td><p>A field called Cae Mark, in the Parish of Llanyblodwel, -occupied by Margt. Oliver; consists now of a house and buildings, -and several small closes</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p>Marg. Oliver</p> -</td> -<td><p>She distributes 10s. upon All-Saints’ Day, at -Sweeney Mountain, to poor persons of Sweeney and Weston, in -money; and also another 10s. in bread</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>James Phillips</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, 24th Ap. 1661</p> -</td> -<td><p>In 1833, £522 7s. 10d., which, after certain -deductions, left £186 8s. 8d. to be distributed between the -Parishes of St. Chad, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ellesmere, and -Whitchurch</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p>Mayor & Corporation of Shrewsbury</p> -</td> -<td><p>Church-wardens, in flannel</p> -</td> -<td><p>Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Lady Eure</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will</p> -</td> -<td><p>Porkington Alms houses, and 18s. per annum to poor people -occupying them, since incrsd. to £3</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p>Reps. of Mrs. Jane Owen</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p>Money to be distribtd. at Christmas</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="page128"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -128</span>Margaret Godolphin</p> -</td> -<td><p>Deed, 2nd Mar 1748</p> -</td> -<td><p>Messuage in Cross St. exchanged in 1823 for one in Brook -St. for the use of the Vicar, if actually resident in the -same</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td></td> -<td><p>If not occupied by the Vicar, then to be let and the rents -distributed by the <i>Country</i> Wardens in placing out children -in the <i>Parish</i> whose Parents’ names are not in the -Poor’s Books</p> -</td> -<td></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Sir Nathaniel Lloyd</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will, 1740</p> -</td> -<td><p>Interest of Stock, at present producing £97 19s. 8d. -per annum</p> -</td> -<td><p>Christmas & Midsummer</p> -</td> -<td><p>Trustees, or person authorized by them</p> -</td> -<td><p>Nomination in the Reps. of Sir N. Lloyd, & the Bishop -of St. Asaph, alternately</p> -</td> -<td><p>Christmas and Midsummer 12 poor persons of Oswestry, & -8 of Whittington</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>— Thomas</p> -</td> -<td><p>Will</p> -</td> -<td><p>£2 12s. annually, out of lands in —</p> -</td> -<td><p>Every Su. in bread</p> -</td> -<td><p>Owner of the Aston property</p> -</td> -<td><p>Ditto</p> -</td> -<td><p>St. Thos. Day</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>— Jeffreys</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td><p>⅓ of an estate at Osbaston, which 3rd now produces -£4 0s. 8d. per annum</p> -</td> -<td></td> -<td></td> -<td><p>Church-wardens of lower division of parish</p> -</td> -<td><p>St. Thos. Day, 4s. out of every 10, to the poor in Morton; -3s. in Maesbury and 3s. in Crickheath.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='7'><p><sup>*</sup><sub>*</sub><sup>*</sup> -Swinnerton’s Charity is lost.</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h3><a name="page129"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 129</span>LIST -OF CHARITIES FOR THE USE OF THE CHURCHWARDENS, CONSISTING OF SUCH -ONLY AS ARE PAID TO AND DISTRIBUTED BY THEM.</h3> -<h4><span class="smcap">Charities relating to the Town -only</span>.</h4> -<p>Yale’s; Morris’s; Witcherley’s; -Sontley’s; Donor unknown, (Owen?) Land in Beatrice Street; -Muckleston Allen’s; Lloyd and Peacock’s; -Muckleston’s (Poor of Oswestry); Margaret Lloyd’s; -Elizabeth Williams’s (Mixon Hall); Rebecca Lloyd’s -(Freeman).</p> -<h4><span class="smcap">Charities relating jointly to the Town -and Parish</span>.</h4> -<p>Morgan’s; Gough’s; Winifred Matthews’s; -Turner’s; Sir William Williams’s.</p> -<h4><span class="smcap">Charities relating to the Parish -only</span>.</h4> -<p>Elizabeth Williams’s (Croft at Croes-Wylan); -Jeffreys’s.</p> -<h4><span class="smcap">The</span> SOCIETY <span -class="smcap">for</span> BETTERING <span class="smcap">the</span> -CONDITION <span class="smcap">of the</span> POOR,</h4> -<p>Within the Hundred of Oswestry, was established in or about -the year 1812, by the late Rev. C. A. A. Lloyd, Rector of -Whittington, and the late Rev. G. N. K. Lloyd, Rector of -Selattyn. The objects of the Society at its original -institution were—the encouragement of schools for the -education of the lower classes; the increase of the comforts of -the poor in their dwellings, by the improvement of cottages; the -distribution of moral and religious books and tracts; the -encouragement and promotion of friendly societies; the -establishment of a bank for the poor, paying interest for small -sums; and, finally, the distribution of rewards among the poor -for extraordinary acts of industry.</p> -<p>During the progress of the Society very much has been done in -the neighbourhood, through its instrumentality, with <a -name="page130"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 130</span>regard to -the above objects. Several schools were established soon -after its commencement, and a vast number of moral and religious -publications have been given as prizes, from time to time, to the -best-informed children, and also as rewards for proficiency in -writing, drawing, sewing, &c. With respect to the -improvement of cottages, the Society issued several small -publications some years ago, directing the attention of owners of -property to this very important social amelioration; some plans -were also engraved, and rules printed, relative to the building -of habitations for the poor. Through the influence of this -institution some Friendly Societies were established, and also -(which is well worthy of notice) a Savings’ Bank for the -poor, about four years <i>before</i> the present excellent -institution commenced operations in conformity with an Act of -Parliament passed on the subject. As soon as the Government -Savings’ Bank was opened, the funds of the former were -transferred to it.</p> -<p>Subjoined are specimens of some of the prizes which were -offered by the Society during the year 1854:—</p> -<p class="gutindent">No. 2.—To the Labouring Cottager who -shall be found to occupy the best-furnished, neatest, and -cleanest Cottage, together with the best-cultivated Garden, the -same being not less than a quarter of an acre in extent:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">£.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">s.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">d.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>First Prize</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">10</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Second ditto</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Third ditto</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">10</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p class="gutindent">No. 5.—To the most deserving Widow, -who under the greatest difficulties has supported herself by her -own unassisted exertions:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">£.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">s.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">d.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>First Prize</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Second ditto</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">15</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Third ditto</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">10</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p class="gutindent">No. 8.—To the Cottager, or Farming -Servant, who shall have accumulated most money in the -Savings’ Bank, the same to have arisen entirely from his or -her own earnings:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">£.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">s.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">d.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>First Prize</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Second ditto</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p><a name="page131"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 131</span>No -recipients of parish relief are allowed to become candidates for -any of the prizes.</p> -<p>It is to be regretted that the Society, since the loss of its -benevolent founders, has been in a declining state; but it is to -be hoped that an institution which has effected so much social -and domestic comfort, and advanced the cause of morality and -vital religion, will not, in this wealthy district, be allowed to -expire for want of support. Franklin has well observed, -that “more will be done for the happiness of the poor by -inuring them to provide for themselves, than could be done by -dividing all your estates among them.” To establish -principles of self-reliance among a people is to secure to them -respectability and a manly independence of character.</p> -<h4>FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.</h4> -<p>There are several Friendly Societies in Oswestry, all of which -are conducted with prudence and judgment, and are at present in a -state of prosperity. The following is a list of these -institutions:—</p> -<p class="gutlist">Sun Friendly Society, established 1765, -consisting of 107 Members.</p> -<p class="gutlist">The Feathers Friendly Society, established -1830, consisting of 150 Members.</p> -<p class="gutlist">King Oswald Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 603 -Manchester Unity; established 1833, consisting of 153 -Members. Held at Osburn’s Hotel.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Philanthropic Lodge of ditto, No. 1637, -established 1838, having 50 Members. Held at the George -Inn.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Duke of Cornwall Court of Foresters, No. 86, -established 1840, consisting of 86 Members. Held at the -Unicorn Inn.</p> -<h2><a name="page132"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -132</span>Ecclesiastical History.</h2> -<h3>THE PARISH CHURCH.</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> ancient fabric, though having -no pretensions to beauty of architecture, externally or -internally, yet, from its size and the massiveness of its -ivy-mantled tower, has a venerable and somewhat imposing -aspect. Girded on the west side by noble elm trees, and on -the north by an avenue of limes, its tower presents on every side -an object of much interest in the surrounding country. The -eye even of the casual observer cannot fail to remark how much -the fabric has suffered in former times, little probably of the -original structure remaining. The different styles of -architecture in the present building might enable the antiquary -to decide with some probability when each particular part was -restored. The only windows possessing any architectural -beauty are those in St. Mary’s chancel, and it is to be -lamented that, when the south side of the chancel was restored -some years ago, the new windows were not made uniform with -these. At present nothing can be more incongruous than the -different styles which present themselves on every side.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p132b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"The Parish Church" -title= -"The Parish Church" - src="images/p132s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>There are perhaps few churches, in a parish so large and -important as Oswestry, which contain so meagre a collection of -records relating to it. Doubtless many of the books -belonging to it were lost during the disturbed times which ended -in the establishment of the Commonwealth. The old Vicarage -House is supposed to have been burnt down, either at this time or -in some former incursions of the Welsh. It stood on the -north side of the church-yard, and when this site <a -name="page133"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 133</span>was -exchanged with the late Mr. Lloyd, of Swan Hill, by the then -Vicar, for what is now the New Church-Yard, and which then became -the Vicar’s Croft, the row of trees forming the north side -of the avenue, though separated by a wall from the church-yard, -was expressly reserved as belonging to the church; and the -present owner of that property has no right to cut down, or even -to lop, the trees; whilst the Vicar has at all times power to -enter upon the premises to plant new trees, if any of the present -ones should be blown down or injured. The croft which -became the Vicar’s, by the above exchange with Mr. Lloyd, -was again exchanged by the late Lord Powis for what is now the -Vicar’s land in Salop Road, and Lord Powis then gave the -croft thus obtained as a free gift to the parish for a new -Burial-ground. This, however, is already nearly filled, and -as the Old Church-yard ought unquestionably to be shut up and -disused for burials, another and a larger Burial-ground is much -needed.</p> -<p>In the year 1748 Mrs. Margaret Godolphin endeavoured to remedy -the loss of the old Vicarage House, by leaving to the Vicar and -his successors for the time being a small tenement at the back of -Cross-Street, as a residence, but coupled with this proviso, that -if the Vicar should not occupy it himself, then it was to be let -by the Churchwardens, and the rent appropriated in putting out -apprentices from amongst the poor. It does not appear that -the house so given by Mrs. Godolphin was ever occupied by any -Vicar, and it consequently fell at once under the second -provision of the will, and became a sort of Poor-house for the -town. This continued till the year 1823, when the house was -exchanged for more desirable premises in Brook-Street, which were -for many years occupied by the present Vicar; but in consequence -of his non-residence, through ill health, the property has been -given up by him, and has once more reverted to the second purpose -of the charity.</p> -<p><a name="page134"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 134</span>The -antiquity of the church, as we have already intimated, is not -clearly defined in any of the books relating to the history of -the county. In the records of the Augmentation Office the -following minutes are made in reference to the Rectory and -Vicarage of Oswestry:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“The Church of Oswestry is doubtless of -great antiquity. There was certainly a vicarage here -antecedent to the formation of the Valor by Pope Nicholas IV., -A.D. 1291; for in the record, the original of which is preserved -in the Exchequer, Oswestry is thus recorded:—</p> -<p style="text-align: center">“ST. ASAPH. -SPIRITUALITIES.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">DEANERY OF MARCHIA.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Church of -Oswalstræ</i>:</p> -</blockquote> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">£.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">s.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">d.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Rectory</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">26</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">13</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Vicarage</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">13</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<blockquote><p>“From this it is evident that the vicarial -endowment of Oswestry must be of a date prior to 1291; and in all -probability, therefore, so ancient as to preclude the expectation -of its being extant,</p> -<p>“The Church of Oswestry was, in early times, given to -the Monastery of Shrewsbury, and afterwards appropriated thereto, -and the rectory and tithes converted to the uses of the said -monastery. They continued to belong to the monastery until, -as one of the great religious houses, Shrewsbury was, by force of -the statute of 31 Henry VIII., dissolved, when its tithes and -other possessions came into the hands of the crown.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The tithes of Oswestry afterwards became the property of the -Earl of Arundel, Lord of Oswestry, and then of the Earl of Powis, -who sold them in 1819 (excepting the liberties of Oswestry town -and Middleton township) to Mr. W. Lloyd, of Aston, Mr. T. N. -Parker, of Sweeney, the Hon. T. Kenyon, of Pradoe, and -others.</p> -<p>Within the tower of the church are eight silver-toned bells, -whose joyous peals on occasions of festivity give hilarity to <a -name="page135"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 135</span>all who -hear them. A new clock was substituted for an old one in -1836, the cost of which was paid by public subscription.</p> -<p>The church is dedicated to St. Mary. A new organ was -erected by subscription in 1812; and the organist, by the -adoption of effective sacred music, and the choir, by its able -execution of the beautiful psalmody selected, contribute much to -the solemnity and effect of public worship in this venerable -church. The present Organist is Mr. Edward Eyeley. It -is stated that the old organ, a fine-toned instrument, is fixed -in one of the metropolitan churches.</p> -<p>The interior of the church, especially on a Sabbath morning, -when a numerous congregation generally assembles, presents a most -delightful spectacle. The place where, for ages past, -divine worship has been held, and the footsteps of grandsires and -great-grandsires have led them to bow before the “throne of -the heavenly grace,” cannot fail to exhibit an affecting -scene to all who understand the frailty and brevity of human -life.</p> -<p>The church was enlarged and beautified in 1807: and in 1831 a -new entrance door was completed at the east or chancel end. -A great improvement in the interior, both as to comfort and -effect, would still be added, were a new set of pews -erected. Many of the present pews are most unsightly and -inconvenient. A new set, formed on the most approved -principle of church seat-accommodation, would be acceptable to -all pew-holders, giving neatness and adding comfort within the -fabric which every member of the congregation would heartily -approve. The inhabitants of the parish have accomplished -much, in the way of public improvement, within the last few -years; and the alterations we have now suggested would be a -crowning point to their spirited exertions for the benefit and -honour of the town.. The altar-piece might be removed, and -a more suitable one introduced, at a trifling expense.</p> -<p>The Communion Plate belonging to the church consists of the -following articles:—A silver cup, bearing the inscription, -<a name="page136"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -136</span>“Ex Dono Dauidi Edwards”; another cup, -dated 1575, the gift of “Richard Stanni,” -“Elder Mercer”; a silver flagon, the letters -“I. H. S.” engraved thereon, with the inscription, -“Given for the use of the Holy Communion, in the Parish -Church of Oswestry, 1707”; and two silver salvers, the gift -of Mrs. Elizabeth Roderick.</p> -<p>The <span class="smcap">Church-Yard</span> is no ordinary -resting-spot for the dead. As we have already said, it -would be well now to close it as a place of sepulture. -Sanitary motives would urge this change; and the feelings of -those whose departed relatives or friends are about to be -consigned to the grave should be religiously deferred to. -The Church-yard may soon be surrounded by human dwellings, and -then the newly-laid dead will lie amidst the busy living.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p136b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"The Church Gate and Avenue" -title= -"The Church Gate and Avenue" - src="images/p136s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>Its beautiful avenue, rendered still more pleasant in spring, -summer, and autumn, by the lofty row of lime-trees which -separates it from the space appropriated to the tenements of the -dead, might be made still more impressive in character, were a -neat lattice-work constructed, extending from tree to tree, to -mark the line of demarcation between the avenue and church-yard -more distinctly. A sketch of the Avenue, with the Alcove at -the west end, is here given, as well as the florid, -chastely-designed Gate leading to it from Church-Street. -This gate was put up in 1738, at the expence of the parish. -Country churchyards are always deeply interesting to the -contemplative and thoughtful; and Gray’s truthful <a -name="page137"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 137</span>and -pathetic Elegy, which appeals so powerfully to the best feelings -of our nature, has invested them, however rude and humble, with -an affecting character that touches the hearts even of the most -indifferent. Oswestry Church-Yard, with its aged elms of -more than a century’s growth; its sombre yews; its stately -tombs and humble graves for patrician and plebeian dust, -“the rich and the poor meeting together,” is a scene -conveying monitory lessons to all who will seriously read -them. Among the tombs are several, bearing appropriate -inscriptions, containing the ashes of French prisoners of war, -who died in Oswestry on their parole, between the years 1811 and -1814. The ancient entrance to the Church-yard from Upper -Brook-Street, through the <span class="smcap">Griddle -Gate</span>, is a curious relic of byegone times. Formerly, -on occasions of burial from the south side of the town, the -coffin of a deceased party was placed temporarily on a bier -within the porch of the Griddle Gate, <a name="page138"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 138</span>and thence conveyed to the -church. It will be seen from the engraving we give of this -Gate that it was erected in 1631.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p137b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"The Griddle Gate" -title= -"The Griddle Gate" - src="images/p137s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>We may here state that the elm-trees in the church-yard were -planted at the expense of the Rev. Thomas Owen, when Vicar of the -Parish, between the years 1707 and 1713.</p> -<h4>Monuments and Tablets within the Church.</h4> -<p>How valuable are Monumental Inscriptions, when they are the -records of truth, and affectionate tributes to departed -worth! The tablets on our church walls are silent, but -often effective monitors, reviving drooping spirits, recalling -scenes of sublunary enjoyments, transient as the stay of the -dew-drop in the sun, and suggesting the brevity and uncertainty -of human existence. Within Oswestry Church, as well as in -its grave-yard, most of the Monuments and Inscriptions are -simple, chaste, and impressive. They either plainly mark -the spot where lies the departed body, or touchingly express the -natural grief of surviving relatives or friends. Whilst -wandering among the habitations of the dead, and viewing, with -“slow and solemn steps,” the houses, for rich and -poor, “appointed for all men living,” we can -sympathize with Salopia’s own sweet poet, in his beautiful -apostrophe:</p> -<blockquote><p>“Thou, sainted Memory, art mine,<br /> -And smiling Hope, of birth divine,<br /> -Ev’n now I feel your mingled pow’r,<br /> -Ev’n in this solitary hour.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>On the north wall, within the church, is an ancient monument -exhibiting a male and female kneeling.</p> -<blockquote><p>“In memory of Mr. <span class="smcap">Hugh -Yale</span>, alderman of this town, and <span -class="smcap">Dorothy</span> his wife, daughter of Roger Roden, -Esq., of Burton, in the county of Denbigh, whose bodies are -interred within ye chancel of this church, commonly called St. -Mary’s, before its demolition in the late wars, anno -1616. They gave to ye poor of this town the yearly interest -and benefice of one hundred pounds, to continue for ever; besides -other good acts of charity.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p><a name="page139"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -139</span>Beneath this inscription:</p> -<blockquote><p>“Underneath are interred the remains of -<span class="smcap">Margaret</span>, the wife of David Yale, -Esq., daughter and heiress of Edward Morris, of Cae-mor, -Gent. She departed this life, the 20th day of December, -1754, aged 66. Also lye the remains of <span -class="smcap">David Yale</span>, Esq., who dy’d January the -29th, 1763, aged 81. This was erected by her son, John -Yale, of Plas yn Yale, Clerk.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>In 1721 died Edward Yale. There is a monument to him in -Wrexham Church, with the following inscription:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Born in America, and in Europe bred,<br /> -In Africa travell’d, and in Asia wed,—<br /> -Where long he liv’d and thriv’d—in London -died.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>On marble tablets on the same side:</p> -<blockquote><p>“Near this small monument lie the remains of -Mrs. <span class="smcap">Mary Griffiths</span>, the wife of -William Griffiths, Gent., one of the aldermen of this -corporation: she died on the 9th day of August, 1774, in the 70th -year of her age. Likewise the remains of the said <span -class="smcap">William Griffiths</span>, who died the 14th day of -November, 1791, in the 81st year of his age.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, the beloved wife of John Jones, -Esq., of Brook Street, who departed this life the 2nd of -February, 1835, aged 68. Also to the memory of the -above-named <span class="smcap">John Jones</span>, who departed -this life the 8th of June, 1846, aged 86.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“<span class="smcap">Vaughan Barrett</span>, -Esq., died 17th October, 1772, aged — years; <span -class="smcap">Mary</span>, relict of Vaughan Barrett, Esq., -daughter of Thomas Kynaston, Esq., of Maesbury Hall, in the -county of Salop, died 28th of May, 1779, aged — years; -<span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, daughter of Vaughan and -Mary Barrett, died 6th March, 1792, aged 58 years; <span -class="smcap">Letitia</span>, daughter of Vaughan and Mary -Barrett, died 25th of March, 1803, aged 71 years. This -testimony of affection and regard is erected to their memory by -Edward Disbrowe, Esq., of Walton-upon-Trent, in the county of -Derby.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“In memory of <span class="smcap">Elizabeth -Venables</span>, who died July, 1772, aged 39; <span -class="smcap">Sarah Venables</span>, who died June, 1807, aged -70; <span class="smcap">Margaret Venables</span>, who died June, -1814, aged 80. Their remains are interred in an adjacent -vault. They lived virtuously, and ‘all died in -faith,’ in stedfast hope of a blessed -resurrection.”</p> -<p>“Likewise in memory of <span class="smcap">Mary -Ashburn</span>, sister of the above-named, who died October 14th, -1817, aged 81, beloved and lamented.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p><a name="page140"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 140</span>On -mural monuments on the north side of the chancel:</p> -<blockquote><p>“M. S. RICHARDUS MAURICE, Arm. Ad pedem -Columnæ huic Marm. oppositæ Exuvias Mortales Uxoris -<span class="smcap">Aliciæ</span>, Filiæ Thomæ -Carpenter, De Home, Com. Herefordiæ, Arm., cum unica ex -eadem Filia Anna, tumulavit, September 4, A.D. 1700, Ætat. -22. Et <span class="smcap">Margaretæ</span> itidem, -Secundis illi Nuptiis conjunctæ, Filiæ Johannis -Price, A.M., ex qua Unum suscepit Filium, Johannem, cum Matre -placide dormientem. Denat. September 4, A.D. 1716, -Ætat. 32. In Uxorum et Liberorum Memoriam, H. M. R. -<span class="smcap">Maurice</span>, P.C., in eodem Tumulo et suos -aliquando Cineres depositurus, Æterna Requie fruiturus, si -erga Deum Pietas, erga Pauperes Benignitas, erga Omnes summa -Benevolentia illam Requiem afferre valeant. Obiit Primo die -Junii, An. Salutis 1749, et suæ Ætatis 84.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“MDCCCXII. In memory of <span -class="smcap">Lewis Jones</span>, Esq., for fourteen years -town-clerk of Oswestry: he died June 5th, in the 56th year of his -age. This tablet was erected by the corporation of this -town, in token of their affectionate remembrance of a man, who -was remarkable for his knowledge of the laws of his country, and -for his readiness in imparting that knowledge, with a view to -prevent litigation among his neighbours.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“To the memory of <span -class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, the wife of Mr. Lewis Jones, who -died 26th of September, 1801, in the 38th year of her age. -This small tribute of affectionate regard, as a testimony of her -worth, and an expression of his own deep regret, is placed by her -surviving husband.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of Captain <span -class="smcap">Robert Watkin Lloyd</span>, of major-general -Gwynne’s regiment of cavalry, only son of Robert Lloyd, -Esq., of Swan Hill, aged 17. He fell a victim to the yellow -fever, on the 26th of June, 1794, at Port au Prince, in Saint -Domingo, having survived the capture of that place. In him -were united a mind firm and vigorous; a disposition kind and -benevolent; manners engaging and mild, giving promise of a -character which might one day have added lustre to his -profession; have adorned the circle of polished society, and have -sweetened the enjoyments of domestic life.” -“Sacred also to the memory of <span class="smcap">Robert -Lloyd</span>, Esq., of Swan Hill, father of the above-named -Robert Watkin Lloyd, who departed this life on the 3rd day of -October, 1803, aged 58. By that event, his family lost an -affectionate husband and father; the county an upright -magistrate; and the public an amiable man.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>A monument at the north end of the chancel:</p> -<blockquote><p>“<span class="smcap">Robert Powell -Lloyd</span>, son of Robert Lloyd, of Swan Hill, Esq., <a -name="page141"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 141</span>by Sarah, -his second wife, died 11th March, Anno 1769, and was interred in -the vault beneath, aged 5 years. <span -class="smcap">Sarah</span>, mother of the above R. P. Lloyd, died -19th of August, 1790, aged 59 years; also <span -class="smcap">Robert Lloyd</span>, Esq., the father, died 5th of -April, 1793, aged 72 years.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>A neat tablet at the same end:</p> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Thomas Trevor</span>, clerk, M.A., son of Roger -Trevor, of Bodynfol, in the county of Montgomery, Esq., Vicar of -this parish 50, and of Ruabon, 15 years; chaplain to Sir W. -Williams Wynne, baronet; and one of his Majesty’s justices -of the peace for the counties of Salop and Denbigh, who died the -29th of February, 1784, aged 76. Of manners unaffected, he -performed the service of the church with a peculiar grace; and by -a propriety of elocution, attracted the attention, and raised the -devotion of his hearers. He was an active and upright -magistrate, tender husband, kind relation, and steady -friend. He married twice—first, Elizabeth, daughter -of Edward Maurice, of Trefedrhyd, in the county of Montgomery, -Esq., 11th June, 1762; afterwards, Anne, daughter of Gabriel -Wynne, of Dolarddyn, Esq., and relict of George Robinson, of -Brithdir, Esq., both in the county of Montgomery, who -survived.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>On tablets near the communion table:</p> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of the Rev. <span -class="smcap">Turner Edwards</span>, L.L.B., Vicar of this -parish, and of Llansilin, in the county of Denbigh; rural dean of -Marchia, in the diocese of St. Asaph; and one of his -Majesty’s justices of the peace for the county of Salop: he -departed this life on the 10th of January, 1803, aged 44, leaving -an afflicted widow, with five children, to deplore his untimely -loss. Also underneath lie the remains of <span -class="smcap">Sarah</span>, relict of the above Rev. Turner -Edwards, and second daughter of the late William Birch Basnett, -Esq.; she departed this life on the 16th December, 1814, aged -52. This monument, a slender token of duty and affection, -was erected by their surviving children, Turner, John, William, -James, and Mary Anne.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of the Reverend <span -class="smcap">Joseph Venables</span>, L.L.B., who was born 31st -August, 1726, and died 14th August 1810. As a minister of -the Gospel, he illustrated his precepts by his example, by his -piety, benevolence, and general character as a man. To his -relations, his affection and kindness were unbounded; for -society, his friendship was ardent and sincere; and when his -Creator called him to another and a better world, he closed a -long and well-spent life, respected and lamented.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p><a name="page142"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 142</span>A -tablet near the communion table:</p> -<blockquote><p>“To the memory of <span class="smcap">Thomas -Kynaston</span>, of Maesbury, Esq., who died in 1710, aged 33; -also of three of his children, and five -grand-children.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>On a plain slab near the town door:</p> -<blockquote><p>“Sweeney Vault.—Underneath lie the -remains of <span class="smcap">Edward Browne</span>, Esq., who -departed this life 22nd of February, 1704, aged 80.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>On a neat marble tablet near the above:</p> -<blockquote><p>“<span class="smcap">Edvardo Browne</span>, -de Oswestry, in comitatu Salopiensi, armigero, qui vixit ann. -80. Decessit 8 Calend. Mart., Anno sacro 1794. Sara, -conjux Thomæ Netherton Parker, haeres ejus, ex asse, pio -gratoque animo in avunculum optime de se meritum, hoc monumentum -faciendum curavit.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Mural monuments near the above:</p> -<blockquote><p>“M. S. Jacobi Donne, S.T.P., Ecclesiæ -Blddwell, in agro Salopiensi, Vicarii, qui, dum Scholæ -Oswestriensi per annos 36 præfuit, quid sit verus -ingenuarum artium finis, quid erga Deum patriamque pietas, quid -strenua illa honestas, nominis Britannici prisca propugnatrix, -præceptis, exemplo, tota vitæ ratione, pro virili -edocuit. Quanta denique Religionis Christianæ vis, -ipse jam tandem placida senectute degens otium, et ad extremam -vitæ horam sacris literis officiisque deditus sanctioribus, -sibi suisque feliciter demonstravit. Hoc monumentum poni -curaverunt, qui, disciplina pueri tam honesta instituti, -provectioribus jam annis venerandi illius capitis testari volunt -desiderium.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Charles Penson</span>, a friend and instructor of -the poor, and a lover of all who loved the Lord Jesus -Christ. He died November 26th, 1836, aged 40 years. -Although nearly blind, he was an honoured instrument in -God’s hand in turning many from darkness to light. -His life was spent in an active course of self-denying Christian -benevolence, yet ever counting himself an unprofitable -servant. In life and in death he had but one ground of -hope, the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. Near this place he -long sat as a Teacher in the Sunday School, labouring to make -known to others that Saviour whom he had found so precious to his -own soul. ‘His faith follow, considering the end of -his conversation; Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and -for ever.’ Heb. xiii, 7, 8. This tablet is -erected to his memory by many who esteemed him very highly in -love, for his work’s sake.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p><a name="page143"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -143</span>Tablet on a pillar in the chancel:</p> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Richard Price</span>, surgeon, one of the senior -aldermen of this town, obt. 26th September, 1790, æt. -68. Also to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Susanna</span>, wife of Nathaniel Price, Esq., who -departed this life February 23rd, 1844, aged 67 years. Also -of <span class="smcap">Nathaniel Price</span>, Esq., who departed -this life May 22nd, 1847, aged 67 years. This tablet was -erected as a tribute of affection by Harriet, daughter of Susanna -and Nathaniel Price.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>A brass plate near the organ gallery steps:</p> -<blockquote><p>“<span class="smcap">Mary</span>, wife of -Humphrey Mostyn, Esq., died September 3rd, 1781, aged 60. -Also of <span class="smcap">Humphrey</span>, youngest son of -William Mostyn, Esq., of Brongwyn, Montgomeryshire, died 12th of -January, 1786, aged 60.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Scroll, surmounted by military insignia, on south-east -wall:</p> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of Captain <span -class="smcap">Owen Arthur Ormsby Gore</span>, of the 43rd Light -Infantry, third son of William Ormsby Gore, Esq., M.P., of -Porkington, who fell in action with the Caffres, at the head of -his Company, on the 6th of April, 1852, at ‘Antas -Cave,’ British Caffraria. This monument was erected -by his brother officers, as a mark of their affectionate -regard.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">Arms—Motto, “In hoc -signo vinces.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Tablet, surmounted by an urn:</p> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Henry Pinson Tozer Aubrey</span>, Esq., of Broom -Hall, in this Parish, who died deeply and deservedly lamented, -September 30th, 1848, aged 69.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">“The memory of the just is -blessed.”</p> -</blockquote> -<h4>Monuments in the Church-yard.</h4> -<p>We select the following from various parts of the -Churchyard:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Samuel Leach</span>, Esq., Llanforda Issa, and an -alderman of the corporation of this town, who departed this life -November 4th, 1833, aged 67 years.”</p> -<p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Mary</span>, relict of the late Samuel Leach, who -departed this life February 25th, 1838, aged 60 years.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p><a name="page144"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -144</span>“To the memory of the Rev. <span -class="smcap">John Sheil</span>, Incumbent of Cannock, -Staffordshire, who died at Oswestry, September 24th, 1841, aged -61. This tribute of esteem and regard, is erected by his -former pupils—Arthur Viscount Dungannon, of Brynkinalt, and -the Rev. John Parker, Vicar of Blodwel.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“<span class="smcap">Thomas Hunt</span>, -died February 17th, 1831, aged 69 years. <span -class="smcap">Susanna</span>, widow of the said Thomas Hunt, died -August 21st, 1844, aged 82 years.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Francis Campbell</span>, Esq., an alderman of the -corporation of this borough, who died September 26th, 1841, aged -73. Also, <span class="smcap">Mary Campbell</span>, relict -of the above, who died April 30th, 1845, aged 78.”</p> -<p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, daughter of the late Thomas -Peate, Esq., of Preeshenlle, who died November 6th, 1841, aged 67 -years.”</p> -<p>“Sacred to the memory of <span class="smcap">John -Tomley</span>, Gent., late of Middleton, in this parish, who died -August 25th, 1808, aged 74 years.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, the beloved wife of John Jones, -Esq., who departed this life, the 2nd February, 1835, aged -68. Also to the memory of the above-named John Jones, who -departed this life the 8th June, 1846, aged 86.”</p> -<p>“Sacred to the memory of <span class="smcap">Randle -Jones</span>, son of John and Elizabeth Jones, who departed this -life April 10th, 1821, aged 23 years.”</p> -<p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Mary</span>, youngest daughter of John and -Elizabeth Jones, who departed this life January 27th, 1833, aged -31 years.”</p> -<p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Emma</span>, the beloved wife of John Jones, -jun. Esq., who died June 19th, 1834, aged 37.”</p> -<p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Eliza</span>, eldest daughter of John and Elizabeth -Jones, who departed this life the 24th May, 1854, aged 61 -years.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Skinner Hancox</span>, Esq., late colonel of the -7th Dragoon Guards, who departed this life January 27th, 1843, -aged 55.” “If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark -iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is -forgiveness with Thee, that thou mayest be feared.” -Psalm cxxx: 3, 4.</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of General <span -class="smcap">John Despard</span>, late colonel of the 5th West -India regiment, who died at Swanhill, September 3rd, 1829, in the -85th year of his age, after having honorably served his country -for 70 years. Also of <span class="smcap">Harriet -Anne</span>, sister of the late Sir Thomas Dalrymple Hesketh, -Bart., of Rufford Hall, Lancashire, and relict of the above -General John Despard. She died at Brighton, May 14th, 1848, -aged 76 years.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p><a name="page145"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -145</span>“<span class="smcap">Conway Longueville</span>, -eldest daughter of Thomas Longueville Longueville and Anne, his -wife, died 17th March, 1854, aged 14 years.”</p> -<p>“<span class="smcap">Charles Henry Longueville</span>, -their youngest son, died 30th June, 1854, aged 6 -years.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“In memory of <span class="smcap">John -Croxon</span>, alderman of this town, who died March 21st, 1803, -aged 66; and of <span class="smcap">Alice</span>, his wife, -daughter of Richard and Alice Jones. She died July the -19th, 1824, aged 87. <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>, -wife of Samuel Tudor, of Shrewsbury, and daughter of the -above-named John and Alice Croxon, died January the 24th, 1811, -aged 36.”</p> -<p>“Sacred also to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Richard Croxon</span>, of this town, eldest son of -the said John and Alice Croxon, who died the 31st July, 1838, -aged 70.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Here lie the remains of <span -class="smcap">Alexander Kyffin</span>, who died August 10th, -1766, aged 51. Also of <span class="smcap">Margaret</span>, -his wife, who died December 20th, 1815, aged 73,”</p> -<p>“In memory of <span class="smcap">Sarah</span>, wife of -Charles Osburn, who died February 11th, 1851, aged 66. Also -of the above-named <span class="smcap">Charles Osburn</span>, who -died February 16th, 1851, aged 66.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">William Price</span>, who died November 4th, 1847, -aged 70 years. Also of <span class="smcap">Jane</span>, -widow of the said William Price, who died April 10th, 1848, aged -68 years.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Charles Thomas Jones</span>, late of this Town, -Banker, who died 16th October, 1847, aged 70 years.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Robert Edwards</span>, late of the Queen’s -Head Inn, in this Town, who died February 2nd, 1843, aged -62. And of <span class="smcap">Sarah</span>, his beloved -wife, who died April 7th, 1843, aged 59. Also of <span -class="smcap">Thomas</span>, third son of the above Robert and -Sarah Edwards, who died June 20th, 1843, aged 27 years. -Life, how short, how uncertain! Look, O! look on this -monument, ye gay and careless; attend to these dates, and boast -no more of to-morrow.</p> -<p>‘Father, thy chastening hand we own,<br /> - And bow submission to Thy rod;<br /> -That must be wise which Thou hast done,<br /> - It must be kind, for Thou art God.’”</p> -<p><a name="page146"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -146</span>“In memory of <span class="smcap">Robert</span>, -second son of Robert and Sarah Edwards, who died December 1st, -1808, aged one year. Also of <span -class="smcap">Robert</span>, their fourth son, who died January -20th, 1818, aged 6 months. Also of <span -class="smcap">Martha</span>, their fourth daughter, who died -March 8th, 1823, aged 11 months. Also of <span -class="smcap">Sophia</span>, their fifth daughter, who died May -15th, 1824, aged 4 months. Also of <span -class="smcap">Robert Edwards</span>, grandfather of the above -infants, who died May 10th, 1837, aged 84.”</p> -<p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Joseph</span>, fifth son of Robert and Sarah -Edwards, who died May 2nd, 1851, aged 32.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“In a vault beneath are deposited the -remains of <span class="smcap">William Jones</span>, late -Ironmonger, of this town, who died December 28th, 1827, in the -71st year of his age. Also the remains of <span -class="smcap">Elizabeth Jones</span>, relict of the above, who -died April 12th, 1843, aged 81.”</p> -<p>“<span class="smcap">Thomas</span>, youngest son of -William and Elizabeth Jones, died June 28th, 1828, in the 27th -year of his age. Also of <span class="smcap">Alice</span>, -eldest daughter of William and Elizabeth Jones, who died March -7th, 1844, aged 50.”</p> -<p>“Sacred to the memory of <span class="smcap">John -Jones</span>, late of Plas-fynnon, who departed this life -December 10th, 1853, aged 61 years.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“In memory of <span class="smcap">Edward -Bennion</span>, Surgeon, Cyrn-y-Bwch, who died July 31st, 1844, -aged 87. Also <span class="smcap">Alice Bennion</span>, -wife of the above Edward Bennion, who died July 16th, 1838, aged -70.”</p> -<p>“In memory of <span class="smcap">Edward Bennion</span> -(senior), Surgeon, who died February 27th, 1788, aged 69. -Also <span class="smcap">Elizabeth Batten</span> and <span -class="smcap">Elizabeth Roberts</span>, who died in their -infancy.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“<span class="smcap">Margaret -Cartwright</span>, wife of Robert Cartwright, Surgeon, died June -28th, 1807, aged 29 years. <span class="smcap">Robert -Cartwright</span>, died July 17th, 1822, aged 51 -years.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">George Dorset Owen</span>, late of this Town, who -departed this life November the 3rd, 1839, aged 52.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Edward Powell</span>, late of Preesgwyn, in this -County, and of the Excise Office in the City of London, second -son of Edward Powell, by Sarah his wife, who departed this life -January 6th, 1825, and was interred the 12th of the same month, -at St. Dunstan’s Church, Mile End, Old Town, Middlesex, -aged 68 years. Underneath rest the mortal remains of <span -class="smcap">John Powell</span>, late of Preesgwyn, youngest son -of the above Edward and Sarah Powell, who departed this life -November 24th, 1825, aged 63 years.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p><a name="page147"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -147</span>“In a vault beneath this stone are deposited the -mortal remains of <span class="smcap">Mary</span>, the beloved -and affectionate wife of Mr. William Faulder, late of this town, -and mother of Margaret, wife of John Richard Powell, of -Preesgwyn, who died February 17th, 1847, in the 73rd year of her -age.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Underneath lie the remains of <span -class="smcap">Margaret Jennings</span>, eldest daughter of Thomas -and Margaret Jennings, of Penylan. She died May 12th, 1826, -aged 59. Also the remains of <span -class="smcap">Mary</span>, youngest daughter of Thomas and -Margaret Jennings, who died 31st of March, 1834, aged 61. -Also the remains of <span class="smcap">Edward</span>, the -youngest son of Thomas and Margaret Jennings, who died November -27th, 1835, aged 61. Also the remains of <span -class="smcap">Thomas</span>, eldest son of Thomas and Margaret -Jennings, who died July 26th, 1844, aged 74. Underneath are -deposited the remains of <span class="smcap">Thomas -Jennings</span>, of Penylan. He died l7th of December, -1805, aged 79. Also the remains of <span -class="smcap">Margaret Jennings</span>, relict of Thomas -Jennings, of Penylan. She died the 31st of March, 1811, -aged 79. <span class="smcap">Jane</span>, the wife of John -Wolfe, of Penylan, departed this life July 19th, 1695. -<span class="smcap">Sinah</span>, the second wife of John Wolfe, -of Penylan, departed this life October 25th, 1736, aged 77. -<span class="smcap">Mary Jennings</span>, of Penylan, (widow), -departed this life November 11th, 1756, aged 51. <span -class="smcap">John Wolfe</span>, of Penylan, departed this life -July 3rd, 1739, aged 80.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“<span class="smcap">Edward Gough</span>, -departed this life March 14th, 1803.”</p> -<p>“Also to the memory of <span class="smcap">Catherine -Williams</span>, who departed this life April 28th, 1840, aged -97.”</p> -<p>“Also to the memory of <span class="smcap">Maria</span>, -relict of the above-named Edward Gough, who departed this life -February 25th, 1853, aged 82.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Thomas Potter Macqueen</span>, late of Ridgemount, -Bedfordshire, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Beds. Yeomanry Cavalry, -and M.P. for that County, born May 28th, 1792, died March 31st, -1854.”</p> -</blockquote> -<h4>In the New Church-Yard.</h4> -<blockquote><p>“In memory of <span class="smcap">Charlotte -Elizabeth Urwick</span>, eldest daughter of Thomas and Frances -Penson, and wife of William Urwick, of Ludlow. She died of -consumption, at Torquay, on the 26th of November, 1846, aged 30 -years. In this dispensation of the Divine will, her parents -have to sorrow for a most dear and dutiful daughter, and her -husband to bemoan the loss of an affectionate wife. Her -remains, with those of her only child, <span class="smcap">Thomas -Penson Urwick</span>, who died on the 27th of May, 1847, aged 13 -months, are deposited beneath.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p>Near this place are deposited the remains of <span -class="smcap">Hannah Penson</span>, who <a -name="page148"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 148</span>died an -infant, on the 28th of September, 1823. And underneath lie -the remains of <span class="smcap">Sarah Maria Penson</span>, who -died on the 25th of April, 1829, aged 8 years. Also the -remains of <span class="smcap">Henry Penson</span>, who died on -the 1st of May, 1832, aged 12 years; children of Thomas and -Frances Penson.</p> -<blockquote><p>‘Happy children, early blest,<br /> -Rest, in peaceful slumbers rest.’”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">Jane</span>, daughter of Edmund Faunce, Esq., late -Lieutenant-Colonel of the 4th or King’s own regiment, and -Bridget his wife, who died April the 12th, 1826, aged 16. -Also sacred to the memory of the above-named <span -class="smcap">Edward Faunce</span>, Esq., of St. Mary’s -Hall, county of Kent, late Lieutenant-Colonel in the 4th or -King’s own regiment. He died September 29th, 1838, -aged 72.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Sacred to the memory of <span -class="smcap">John William Bourke</span>, obiit August 21st, -1823, ætat. suæ 47. Sacred to the memory of -<span class="smcap">Anne</span>, relict of the Rev. John William -Bourke, who died October 22nd, 1833, aged 73.”</p> -</blockquote> -<h3>TRINITY CHURCH.</h3> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p148b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Trinity Church" -title= -"Trinity Church" - src="images/p148s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>The great want of accommodation for the poor in the Parish -Church led to the building of another church, in the outskirts of -the town, in the year 1835. This church, dedicated to the -<span class="smcap">Holy Trinity</span>, was consecrated by the -Bishop of St. Asaph (Dr. Carey) in 1837, and a district, -consisting of the wards of Leg-Street and Beatrice Street, in the -town, <a name="page149"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -149</span>and of the townships of Middleton, Hisland, Wootton, -Aston., and Maesbury, has since been formed for it by the Church -Commissioners. The population of the district so assigned -was estimated at the time at about 2,300. The church -contains accommodation for 700 persons, for about 400 of whom -there are free sittings. The ornamental parts of the -interior were executed at the expense of the Rev. John Parker, of -Sweeney Hall, Vicar of Llanyblodwel. The Viscount Dungannon -presented a handsome bible and prayer book, and the communion -services, for the use of the church. The communion plate -was given by the late Earl of Powis. T. L. Longueville, -Esq., has also been a most liberal contributor to the church, -both in presenting an organ, and in subscribing largely to the -original structure, and to the subsequent improvements. A -school-room at Maesbury, with a house for the master, was built -some years since in this district, and subsequently licensed for -the performance of worship by the Bishop of St. Asaph, and which -is served gratuitously by the Incumbent of Trinity Church. -It is much to be desired that a chapel-of-ease were erected in -this part of the parish. Trinity Church is now altogether -separated from the living of Oswestry, the Vicar of Oswestry for -the time being appointing the Incumbent. The present -Incumbent is the Rev. Frederick Cashel, M.A.</p> -<h3>TREFONEN CHURCH.</h3> -<p>To meet the wants of the Welsh population of the parish, a -church was built in the township of Trefonen, and consecrated in -the year 1821; and in 1842 a district was assigned to it, by an -Order in Council bearing date August 27th, consisting of the -three townships of Trefonen, Treflach, and Treferclawdd. In -1851 this district contained 319 houses, and 1233 -inhabitants—viz., 589 males and 644 females.</p> -<p>Trefonen Church, which is capable of containing about 500 -persons, was built on a piece of land given for that purpose <a -name="page150"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 150</span>by the late -Sir W. W. Wynn, father of the present Baronet. It was -originally intended that the service of this church should be -wholly in Welsh; but, owing to the increase and prevalence of the -English language, that intention was not persevered in, and the -service has for some years past been performed in Welsh and -English alternately. A substantial school-room, with a -house for the Master, was erected in the year 1825, upon a -portion of the glebe given for that purpose, with the sanction of -the Bishop, by the late Incumbent, the Rev. Edward Jones, and -which has been of great advantage to the district. The -living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Earl of -Powis. The present Incumbent is the Rev. D. Lloyd.</p> -<p>Trefonen abounds in mineral wealth. Coal was raised in -considerable abundance some years since in the adjoining township -of Treferclawdd, but the pits there are now exhausted. It -is still worked, however, in the township of Treflach, where -there are also valuable and extensive quarries of lime. A -mine was opened some years since in the Moelydd, which produces -lead and calamine.</p> -<h3>RHYDYCROESAU CHURCH.</h3> -<p>In addition to the above means of providing church -accommodation to the inhabitants of the parish, an additional -advantage has been gained by annexing the two Welsh townships of -Pentregaer and Cynynion to the new church at Rhydycroesau. -This church is situated on the high road to Llansilin, about -three and a half miles from the town of Oswestry. It owes -its foundation to the Rev. G. N. K. Lloyd, late Rector of -Selattyn, who contributed liberally himself, and, with the -co-operation of the first and present Incumbent, the Rev. Robert -Williams, M.A., raised a sufficient fund, by voluntary -contributions, to complete the church and erect a -glebe-house. The church was consecrated August 2nd, 1838, -by the Bishop of St. Asaph, and the glebe-house was built <a -name="page151"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 151</span>in -1840. It is a Consolidated District Church, licensed for -all parochial purposes; and has a legally-assigned district, -consisting of the townships of Cynynion and Pentregaer, in the -parish of Oswestry; a detached portion of the parish of -Llanyblodwel, called Cefnymaes; with portions of the parishes of -Llansilin and Selattyn. A very neat Gothic building has -also been erected by the present Incumbent, aided by voluntary -contributions, and opened as a National School in January, -1850. The sites for the school and playground, as well as -for the church and church-yard, are the munificent gifts of Sir -Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart. The portion of the population -of the parish of Oswestry thus transferred to the district of -Rhydycroesau is about 200.</p> -<p>Nothing is now needed to make the ecclesiastical arrangements -of the parish of Oswestry complete but the building of a -chapel-of-ease at Maesbury, and the annexing a district to Morton -Chapel; the latter of which objects will no doubt be effected -whenever a new Incumbent shall be appointed to it.</p> -<p>Oswestry is a discharged Vicarage, in the gift of the Earl of -Powis. The present Incumbent is the Rev. Thomas Salwey, -B.D.</p> -<h3>LIST OF VICARS.</h3> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p>David Owain</p> -<p class="gutindent">Rector of Whittington 1532, and Prebendary -of Myfod 1534</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">instituted 1534</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Peter Brereton</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1537</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>John Price, L.L.B.</p> -<p class="gutindent">He became Prebendary of Myfod 1558, and -Chancellor 1559.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1552</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>William Owen</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1583</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>William Horton</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1587</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thomas Somerfield</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1588</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>John Bagshaw</p> -<p class="gutindent">Rector of Whittington 1588.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1591</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>William Morgan</p> -<p class="gutindent">Vicar of Pool 1575.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1599</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Richard Pagot</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1602</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Nathaniel Tattersall (deprived)</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1603</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Richard Muckleston</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1612</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="page152"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -152</span>John Kyffin, B.D.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1625</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Humphrey Wynne</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1639</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Rowland Nevet, A.M.</p> -<p class="gutindent">Ejected by the Act of Uniformity.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">—</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Richard Edwards</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1664</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Richard Jones</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1680</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Samuel Wilson, A.M.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1690</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Archibald Guild</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1694</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thomas Jones</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1697</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thomas Owen</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1707</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Edward Parry</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1713</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thomas Trevor, A.M., Bodynfol</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1736</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Turner Edwards, L.L.B., Talgarth</p> -<p class="gutindent">Vicar of Llansilin.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1784</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Daniel Griffiths</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1803</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>J. W. Bourke, A.M.</p> -<p class="gutindent">Vicar of St. Martins 1803.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1807</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thomas Salwey, B.D.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">December, 1823</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p>The present esteemed Vicar of Oswestry, suffering much from -illness, has long been unable to attend personally to the duties -of his office. When however occasion has offered to -promote, by his counsel and aid, any measure of benevolence in -the Parish, he has been active in the good work. There are -two Curates at present attached to the Parish Church—the -Rev. Llewelyn Wynne Jones, and the Rev. George Cuthbert, both of -whom are zealous and faithful in their ministerial labours, and -have acquired the regard and affection of the numerous -congregations to whom they dispense the Bread of Life.</p> -<h3>Dissenting Places of Worship.</h3> -<h4>THE OLD CHAPEL.</h4> -<p>The Congregational Church of Protestant Dissenters now -assembling in the Old Chapel, Arthur-Street, was formed in the -township of Sweeney, in the year 1662, and the Rev. Rowland -Nevet, A, M., ejected from the vicarage of Oswestry <a -name="page153"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 153</span>by the Act -of Uniformity, was its first pastor. Mr. Nevet laboured in -the ministry for thirty years; seventeen as a clergyman of the -established church, and thirteen as a dissenting preacher. -Calamy, in his “<i>Nonconformists’ -Memorial</i>,” mentions to his honour, that when the Plague -prevailed at Oswestry, he still continued with his people, -extending to them both temporal and spiritual aid. He died -December 8th, 1675, and was succeeded by the Rev. James Owen, a -distinguished minister, who bore part, as we have already -mentioned, in a theological controversy which took place in the -Oswestry Guildhall, in the year 1681, in the presence of Bishop -Lloyd. He was appointed pastor at Sweeney in November, -1676, the duties of which office he faithfully discharged, as -well as those of chaplain to Mrs. Baker, a pious lady residing on -her own estate at Sweeney Hall. Vestiges of the ancient -burial-ground of the first Nonconformists are yet to be seen near -the site of the old mansion at Sweeney, enclosed within iron -railings by the late T. N. Parker, Esq. The following -inscriptions are still legible:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Here lieth Mrs. <span class="smcap">Abigail -Chetwood</span>, daughter to Sir Richard Chetwood, who died the -1st May, 1658.”</p> -<p>“<span class="smcap">Thomas Baker</span>, Esq., deceased -March 19, aged 68, A.D. 1675.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The above Thomas Baker served the office of High Sheriff of -the county, in 1649, the first year of Cromwell’s -Protectorate; and in the parliament of 1653 he was summoned by -Cromwell, with John Brown, of Little Ness, as a knight of the -shire. In 1692 the place of worship was removed, for -convenience, from Sweeney into the town of Oswestry. The -room fitted up for religious worship was part of a house in -Willow-Street, now known as the Butchers’ Arms. Here -Mr. Owen laboured for eight years, and then removed to -Shrewsbury, where he was soon placed at the head of the -dissenting theological seminary. He was succeeded by the -Rev. Jenkyn Evans, who died in 1709, and his funeral sermon was -preached by the celebrated Mathew Henry. The Rev. Joseph <a -name="page154"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 154</span>Venables -was the next minister appointed; and after Mr. Venables came the -Rev. Thomas Morgan. During his ministry the site on which -the present chapel and chapel-house stand was purchased, with an -old maltkiln upon it, for £38. The sum of £200 -having been given for the purpose by Mrs. Sarah Lloyd, a chapel -was erected, and opened for public worship in July, 1750. -The immediate successors of Mr. Morgan were Mr. Davies and Mr. -Dewhurst; the latter became Socinian or Arian in his doctrines, -and soon left. In September, 1777, the Rev. Dr. Edward -Williams removed from Ross to Oswestry. In 1783 he enlarged -the chapel; and the Collegiate Institution at Abergavenny having -been removed to Oswestry, Dr. Williams became its Tutor, and for -the accommodation of the students he enlarged the chapel-house -also. In 1791 he removed to Carr’s-Lane, Birmingham; -afterwards to Rotherham College, of which he was appointed -Principal, and there he died. The Rev. John Whitridge, who -had been minister of the Congregational Church at -Newcastle-under-Lyme for nine years, succeeded Dr. Williams, and -he remained the kind and benevolent pastor of his congregation, -which greatly increased under his ministry, till the period of -his death, October 11th, 1826. On the west side of the -chapel, and over the spot where the pulpit then stood, in which -for thirty-five years he had dealt out the bread of life to his -congregation, a plain marble tablet was erected, bearing the -following inscription:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“In Memory of the Rev. <span -class="smcap">John Whitridge</span>, this Tablet is -affectionately inscribed by the Church over whom for 35 years he -was the devoted Pastor. An example—in word—in -conversation—in charity—in spirit—in -faith—in purity. ‘Whose praise is in the Gospel -throughout all the Churches.’ He was born 23rd March, -1760. Died 11th October, 1826. His body reposes in a -tomb beneath, waiting the spirit’s union at the -resurrection of the just.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Dr. Jenkyn, of Wem, succeeded to the pastoral office, and -afterwards the Rev. W. Reeve. The Rev. J. Davies was -followed by the present able pastor, the Rev. James Matheson <a -name="page155"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 155</span>(son of the -Rev. Dr. Matheson, the indefatigable Secretary of the Home -Missionary Society), who entered upon his ministerial labours in -September, 1851, and who, by his distinguished talents, great -urbanity, and ardent zeal for the spiritual prosperity of his -people, has succeeded in greatly increasing the number of his -hearers, and in commending himself to the good opinion of all -classes of his fellow-townsmen.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p155b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"The Old Chapel" -title= -"The Old Chapel" - src="images/p155s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>The present Chapel (of which we give a sketch) was built -during the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Jenkyn. The old Chapel -having become too small for the increased number of hearers, it -was pulled down, with the exception of part of one wall, and the -present one was erected. It is a substantial and commodious -place of worship, and capable of containing, when closely seated, -about eight hundred persons.</p> -<h4>THE BAPTIST CHAPEL,</h4> -<p>Situated on the English Walls (opposite the Cattle Market), -was erected by voluntary contributions, in the year 1805, and -enlarged in 1818. It contains two galleries, and will -accommodate between 300 and 400 persons. The Baptist Church -in Oswestry was formed September 6th, 1806, and then consisted of -a few members dismissed from the Baptist <a -name="page156"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 156</span>Church, at -Shrewsbury, at that time under the pastoral care of the late Rev. -John Palmer, who, with other Baptist Ministers, preached the -Gospel in Oswestry and its neighbourhood some time prior to the -erection of the Chapel. The Rev. William Pain was the first -Pastor, and was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Cooke, in the year -1817, who, for twenty years, honourably sustained the office to -which he had been chosen. In 1838 the Rev. Robert Clarke -(late of Bridgnorth) became the Pastor; and his successor was the -late Rev. H. G. Grainger, who settled in Oswestry, in the year -1846. The present Pastor, the Rev. David Crumpton, took the -oversight of the Church in the year 1852. There is a -Sabbath-School connected with this congregation. The Chapel -is free from debt, as is also the Baptist Chapel at Sweeney, -erected by this Church and congregation in the year 1831.</p> -<h4>THE WESLEYAN-METHODIST CHAPEL</h4> -<p>Is a plain brick building, situated in the Coney Green, and -was erected in the year 1813. The interior is without -galleries, but will accommodate on the ground floor about 500 -persons. The Wesleyan body in Oswestry is included in the -Wrexham Circuit, the present Superintendent being the Rev. Samuel -Atkinson.</p> -<h4>ZION CHAPEL.</h4> -<p>Throughout the Principality the Calvinistic Methodists are the -most numerous body of dissenters, and their annual meetings, or -associations, are seasons of much interest and excitement. -In 1814 a small chapel was erected on the Welsh Walls for the -accommodation of persons of this persuasion resident in Oswestry, -and this was occupied as a place of religious worship until 1836, -when the great increase of the congregation rendered the erection -of a larger chapel necessary. Accordingly the present -building was commenced in Gatacre Place, and opened for public -worship on the 6th of July, 1836.</p> -<p><a name="page157"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 157</span>It is -a substantial stone structure, of rather imposing appearance, and -affords accommodation for upwards of 500 persons.</p> -<h4>THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL.</h4> -<p>The first chapel erected by this body was on the site of the -Bath in Upper Willow Street, and was opened in 1825. So -rapid has been the increase of the members of this denomination, -that from the summer of 1825, when their first travelling -preacher visited Oswestry, to the present time, they have built -in this circuit no fewer than sixteen chapels; and the number of -preachers on their quarterly plan amounts to 120. Their -place of worship in Willow Street having become incapable of -accommodating their increasing numbers, the present chapel and -chapel-house were erected in 1840, in Castle Street. It is -a neat and convenient building, and will seat about 450 -persons. The Superintendent is the Rev. Thomas Parr.</p> -<h4>BETHESDA CHAPEL</h4> -<p>Is a small neat building in Castle Street, erected in the year -1844, for the use of the Welsh Congregationalists, or -Independents. The Rev. Robert Thomas is the present -Minister.</p> -<h4>THE INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHAPEL</h4> -<p>Stands below the Horse-Market, and was built in 1848 by a body -of seceders from the Primitive Methodists. It is a plain -brick building, and capable of seating about 300 persons.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p>Besides the above, there is a small but highly-respectable -body of Christians who hold their meetings in the Assembly Room -at Osburn’s Hotel, under the ministry of the Rev. J, -Stewart; and also a congregation of Welsh Wesleyan-Methodists, -who assemble in a school-room at Black Gate.</p> -<h2><a name="page158"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -158</span>Municipal and Civil Government.</h2> -<p>The Corporation of Oswestry is of great antiquity. Its -civic honours, primitively, flowed from its Barons or Lords, who, -exercising themselves the power of petty sovereigns, appointed -Bailiff’s and other officers to superintend the civic -affairs of the borough. Its first assumption of civic -dignities appears to have been in the reign of Henry II., when -William, Earl of Arundel, granted to the town a short charter -(called by the Welsh “<i>Siarter Cwtta</i>”), -denominated also a Charter of Protection. A clause in this -ancient document sets forth that “I (the Earl of Arundel) -have received in Protection my Burgesses of Blanc-Minster” -(Oswestry). Richard de Chambre was Constable at this -period. Here was subsidiary power given to the inhabitants -of Oswestry, for the government of the town; but in the reign of -Richard II., August 14th, 1399, that monarch granted to Oswestry -its first royal charter, incorporating the Burgesses by the name -and title of “The Bailiffs and Burgesses of Oswestry, -<i>infra Palatinatum Cestriæ</i>, <i>in marchia inter -Angliam et Walliam</i>.” In 1407, as heretofore -noticed, Thomas, Earl of Arundel, granted a comprehensive and -valuable charter, showing that still the exercise of power, in -his lordship or barony, for the good government of the burgesses, -&c., was fully recognized by the crown.</p> -<p>The rights and privileges granted by Richard II. seem to have -been strictly guarded and maintained by the inhabitants down to -the reign of Elizabeth, when they were confirmed by that -sovereign. It would appear, however, that subsequently -“divers doubts and ambiguities” arose concerning the -ancient liberties, franchises, &c., of the borough, and in -the reign of James I., 1616, the king granted a charter to the -town, extending its liberties and privileges, and confirming the -Bailiffs, Burgesses, &c., as a body corporate, by the <a -name="page159"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 159</span>name of -“The Bailiff and Burgesses of Oswestry, in the countie of -Salop.” The charter of Charles II., granted January -13th, 1673, to “the ancient borough and corporation of -Oswestry, alias Oswaldstrey, in the county of Salop,” -enacted “That they be incorporated by the name of the -Mayor, Aldermen, Common-Councilmen and Burgesses of -Oswestry.” This charter, it will be seen, was the -instrument which first called into existence the offices of -Mayor, Aldermen, Common-Councilmen, and Recorder. That -charter was immediately acted upon, and Mr. Richard Pope was -elected <i>the first Mayor of Oswestry</i>. Sir John -Trevor, Knight (afterwards speaker of the House of Commons, and -Master of the Rolls), Morgan Wynne, Esq., Edward Owen, Richard -Edwards, Richard Lloyd, the before-mentioned Richard Pope, -gentleman; Gabriel Edwards, woollen-draper; Hugh Price, -woollen-draper; John Jones, mercer; Richard Jones, John Blodwell, -gentlemen; and John Lloyd, mercer, were chosen as <i>the first -Aldermen</i>. Richard Price, brewer, Richard Jones, mercer, -John Glover, tanner, Richard Jones, glover, Edward Evans, -apothecary, John Jones, glover, John Muckleston, shoemaker, -Thomas Edwards, gentleman, Thomas Edwards, baker, Nathaniel -Jones, brewer, Hugh Edwards, shoemaker, Timothy George, mercer, -Thomas Vaughan, chandler, William Price, butcher, and Thomas -Felton, brazier, were <i>the first Common-Councilmen</i>. -Morgan Wynne, Esq., was <i>the first Recorder</i> of the town, -and John Worral, Esq., first Common Clerk of the Borough, and -Clerk of the Court. It may be mentioned as a fact worth -knowing, that Sir John Trevor was the <i>second</i> Mayor of -Oswestry, under the charter of Charles II. Sir John was an -eminent man, and his history, connected as he was with the -borough of Oswestry, is worthy of brief record in these -pages. He was the second son of John Trevor, Esq., of -Brynkinalt, in the county of Denbigh, by an aunt of Sir George -Jeffreys. He was born about the year 1637, and it is -supposed never received educational advantages beyond <a -name="page160"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 160</span>those -furnished by a village school. He was sent to London to his -uncle, Arthur Trevor, a leading barrister, who employed him as -his clerk in his chambers in the Inner Temple. The Rev. -Robert Williams, in his careful and elaborate -“<i>Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Welshmen</i>,” -says of him, that—</p> -<blockquote><p>“On his first arrival he displayed very -lively parts, although his manners were rather uncouth, and he -could not speak a sentence of correct English. His -diligence, however, was so great, that being entered a student of -the Inner Temple, he rendered himself well versed in all branches -of his profession, and soon acquired extensive practice. -Through the interest of his cousin, Sir George Jeffreys, he was -made a king’s counsel, in 1678, and he obtained a seat in -the House of Commons. Here he acquired considerable -influence among the members, and such was his reputation as a -high prerogative lawyer, that at the meeting of James II’s. -parliament in May, 1685, he was elected Speaker. In October -of the same year he was appointed Master of the Rolls, and in -July, 1688, he was sworn a Privy Councillor. On the -accession of William and Mary, Sir John Trevor was dismissed from -the office of Master of the Rolls. In the Convention -Parliament he sat for Beraldstone, and opposed by every means in -his power the measures of the Government. In the next -Parliament, called in 1690, he made his peace with the Court, and -was unanimously elected Speaker. In May, 1691, he was made -first Lord Commissioner of the Great Seal, which office he held -until May 2nd, 1693, and in January, 1693 he was restored to his -office of Master of the Rolls. Such was his talent for -managing party, and of recommending himself to the Government by -his bold and dexterous measures, that had it not been for his -great indiscretion, he would probably have reached the great -object of his ambition, which was to become Lord Chancellor, and -to be created a peer. In 1695 a violent outcry was raised -against bribery, and a committee was appointed by the House of -Commons, to inquire into the charges, which were <a -name="page161"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 161</span>made -against members, and it reported that Sir John Trevor had -received a bribe of a thousand guineas for furthering a bill -called the ‘Orphan’s Bill,’ promoted by the -City of London. Accordingly, March 12th, 1695, he was -subjected to the unparalleled humiliation of putting the -resolution from the chair, and declaring himself guilty. He -then resigned the chair, and was expelled from the House. -Receiving money for voting in parliament was in those days so -common, that his offence was not regarded in a very serious -light, and he was permitted to retain his high judicial office of -Master of the Rolls, for the long period of twenty-two years -after his expulsion from the House of Commons. By the death -of his elder brother he succeeded to the paternal estates of -Brynkinalt, which, with large possessions of his own acquisition, -have descended through his only daughter Anne to the present -Viscount Dungannon. Sir John Trevor died May 20th, 1717, -being nearly eighty years of age, at his house in Chancery Lane, -and was buried in the Rolls Chapel.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Yorke, in his “<i>Royal Tribes of Wales</i>,” -relates a droll anecdote of Sir’ John, which is worthy of -transplantation.</p> -<blockquote><p>“Among his other virtues,” says Yorke, -“Trevor was an economist. He had dined by himself one -day at the Rolls, and was drinking his wine quietly, when his -cousin Roderic Lloyd was unexpectedly introduced to him from a -side door. ‘You rascal,’ said Trevor to his -servant, ‘and you have brought my cousin Roderic Lloyd, -Esquire, Prothonotary of North Wales, Marshal to Baron Price, and -so forth, and so forth, up my <i>back stairs</i>. Take my -cousin Roderic Lloyd, Esquire, Prothonotary of North Wales, -Marshal to Baron Price, and so forth, and so forth; take him -instantly back, down my <i>back stairs</i>, and bring him up my -<i>front stairs</i>.’ Roderic in vain remonstrated, -and whilst he was conveyed down one, and up the other stairs, his -Honor removed the bottle and glasses.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Trevor had an obliquity of vision, or, in plainer words, he -squinted abominably! When he was expelled from the House of -Commons for bribery, pasquinades <a name="page162"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 162</span>were issued against him, in one of -which it was wittily said, that “Justice was blind, but -Bribery only squinted.”</p> -<p>The charter of the 25 Charles II. (which was the governing -charter previous to the passing of the Municipal Reform Act,) -granted to the Borough of Oswestry a general Court of Quarter -Sessions, to be held before the Mayor, the Steward, and the -Recorder, or any two of them, of whom the Mayor was to be -one. On the passing of that Act the Government refused to -renew the grant of a separate Quarter Sessions, although strong -and unanimous petitions from the town were presented in favour of -this privilege. In 1842, however, when the Ministry of Sir -Robert Peel was in office, Sir James Graham being Secretary of -State for the Home Department, the application was renewed, and -was ultimately complied with. The grant is dated the 27th -May, 1842, and under it John Robert Kenyon, Esq., was appointed -Recorder. The first Quarter Sessions, under this grant, -were held on July 8th in the same year. Mr. Kenyon has ably -and impartially discharged the duties of Recorder since that -period; and to his legal acumen and zealous interest for the -borough the inhabitants are indebted for many advantages.</p> -<p>The Corporation are chosen from the respectable and -enterprising classes of the borough, so that all men who by -perseverance and success in trade or commerce, in the learned -profession of the law, or medical science, or who move in the -quieter and more elevated ranks of life, where the <i>otium cum -dignitate</i> is to be seen in perfection,—if to be seen -anywhere,—are in the legitimate path to Magisterial -authority and Aldermanic greatness.</p> -<p>The Municipal Act came into operation in Oswestry in January, -1836. James Edwards, Esq., was elected Mayor of the borough -in 1834, and held office, pursuant to the new Act, until January -1st, 1836, on which day John Croxon, Esq., was elected the -<i>first Mayor</i> under the Municipal Reform <a -name="page163"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 163</span>Act, and -continued in office till November 9th, 1836, when Francis -Campbell, Esq., was elected as the <i>second</i> Mayor of the -borough under the same Act.</p> -<p>The Hon. Thomas Kenyon (second son of the celebrated Lord -Kenyon, and father of the present Recorder of Oswestry) was -appointed High Steward of the Borough in the year 1823. Mr. -Richard Jones Croxon (who had succeeded Mr. Lewis Jones to the -Town-Clerkship in 1834) was appointed Town-Clerk under the -Municipal Act, and has continued to perform the duties of that -office to the present time, with great credit to himself and -satisfaction to the town.</p> -<p>Under the New Corporation Act the borough was divided into two -Wards, viz., the <i>East Ward</i>, comprising 148 burgesses, and -the <i>West Ward</i>, numbering 166 burgesses.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">The Corporation of Oswestry</span>, for -the year 1854–5, consists of the following -gentlemen:—</p> -<p style="text-align: center">G. H. WILLIAMS, <span -class="smcap">Mayor</span>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Aldermen</i>:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Thomas Longueville -Longueville</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Peploe -Cartwright</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Thomas Hill</span>,</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Thomas -Rogers</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Edward Morris</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Thomas -Minshall</span>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Councillors</i>:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">William -Hodges</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">William -Edwards</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Edward Wynne -Thomas</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">David Lloyd</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">George Morrall -Bickerton</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">William -Hayward</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Francis -Roberts</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">George James -Saunders</span>,</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Thomas -Edwards</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">James Thomas -Jones</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">William Isaac -Bull</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">William Morris</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Richard Kyrke -Penson</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">John Lacon</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">John Minshall</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">John Phillips</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">John Roberts</span>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist"><i>Town-Clerk</i>:—R. J. <span -class="smcap">Croxon</span>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center" class="gutlist"><i>Clerk of the -Peace</i>:—<span class="smcap">Robert Simon</span>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist"><i>Coroner</i>:—<span class="smcap">John -Miles Hales</span>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist"><i>Treasurer</i>:—<span -class="smcap">George Cooper</span>,</p> -<p><a name="page164"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 164</span>We -subjoin a full List of the <span class="smcap">Mayors of -Oswestry</span>, from the earliest period, with the names also of -the entire body of other Corporate Officers, Aldermen, and -Common-Councilmen, elected under the Municipal Reform -Act:—</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1673</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Pope, first Mayor</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1674</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Sir John Trevor, Master of the Rolls</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1675</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1676</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Lloyd, Ford</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1677</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Blodwell</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1678</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Lloyd</p> -<p class="gutindent">Dying in his mayoralty, succeeded by Edward -Owen</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1679</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Price</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1680</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Glover</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1681</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Peter Griffiths</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1682</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Humphrey Foulks</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1683</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">William Price</p> -<p class="gutindent">Appointed instead of Thomas Edwards, who -died before he was sworn</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1684</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Hugh Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1685</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Phillip Ellis</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1686</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Sir Robert Owen, Porkington</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1687</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Roger Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1688</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Morgan Powell</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1689</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1690</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Powell, Park</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1691</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Pritchard</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1692</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Muckleston</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1693</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Price</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1694</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">David Lloyd</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1695</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1696</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Sir Robert Owen (second time)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1697</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Skye</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1698</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1699</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Peter Jones, Llanfyllin</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1700</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Francis Tomkies</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1701</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">William Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1702</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Humphrey Davenport, Hayes-Gate</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1703</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Roger Green</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1704</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Powell, Park (second time)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1705</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Robert Lloyd, Aston</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1706</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Davies</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1707</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Lloyd, Trenewydd</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1708</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Tomkies</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1709</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thos. Kynaston, Maesbury</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1710</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Price (second time)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1711</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1712</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Skye (second time)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1713</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Roger Green (second time)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1714</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Davies (second time)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1715</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Warter</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1716</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">George Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1717</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Robert Lloyd, Aston (second time)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1718</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Owen Hughes</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1719</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1720</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Evans</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1721</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Payne</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1722</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Maurice</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1723</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Price</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1724</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Peter Povall</p> -<p class="gutindent">Dying in his mayoralty, succeeded by Owen -Hughes</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1725</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Kyffin</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1726</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Thomas</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1727</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Lloyd, Llwynymaen</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1728</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Watkin Williams Wynn</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1729</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Charles Lloyd, Trenewydd</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1730</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">William Owen, Porkington</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1731</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Huxley</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1732</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Mytton, Halston</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1733</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Kynaston</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1734</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Powell</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1735</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Robert Williams</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist"><a name="page165"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 165</span>1736</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Robert Barkley</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1737</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1738</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Burgess</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1739</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Corbett Kynaston</p> -<p class="gutindent">Dying in his mayoralty, succeeded by Thomas -Tomkies</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1740</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">William Price</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1741</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1742</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Hughes</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1743</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Mort</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1744</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Peter Williams</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1745</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">David Morris</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1746</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Lloyd</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1747</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richd. Williams, Penbedw</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1748</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Vincent Phipps</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1749</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1750</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Griffiths</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1751</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Williams</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1752</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Griffiths</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1753</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Price</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1754</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1755</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1756</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Rathbone</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1757</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Evans</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1758</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Basnett</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1759</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Price</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1760</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Evans</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1761</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Robert Lloyd</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1762</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Price</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1763</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1764</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1765</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Gregory</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1766</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">William Griffiths</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1767</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Morrice</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1768</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Evans</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1769</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Lloyd</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1770</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Watkin Williams, Penbedw</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1771</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Mytton, Halston</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1772</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Robert Godolphin Owen, Porkington</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1773</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">E. Thornes</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1774</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., -Wynnstay</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1775</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">William Griffiths</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1776</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Francis Chambre</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1777</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Joseph Richardson</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1778</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Croxon</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1779</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Noel Hill, Shrewsbury</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1780</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Brown</p> -<p class="gutindent">Dying in his mayoralty, succeeded by -Nathaniel Price</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1781</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Vernon</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1782</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Wynn Evans</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1783</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Kynaston, Hardwick</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1784</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Bickerton</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1785</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Howell</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1786</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Salisbury</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1787</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Wm. Mostyn Owen, Woodhouse</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1788</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Lewis Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1789</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Gibbons</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1790</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Lovett</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1791</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Probert</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1792</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Mytton, Halston</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1793</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Rev. Turner Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1794</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Arthur Davies</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1795</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Rev. John Robert Lloyd</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1796</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Owen Ormsby</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1797</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Lovett</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1798</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Robert Lloyd</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1799</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1800</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1801</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Croxon</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1802</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Lawton Parry</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1803</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Jebb</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1804</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Skye</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1805</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Rev. James Donne</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1806</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Robert Cartwright</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1807</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Longueville Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1808</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">William Lloyd</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1809</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Robert Roberts</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1810</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Sheppard</p> -<p class="gutindent">Dying in his mayoralty, succeeded by Thomas -Hilditch</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1811</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Edmunds</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1812</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Croxon</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist"><a name="page166"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 166</span>1813</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Rev. Charles Arthur Albany Lloyd</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1814</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Hon. Thomas Kenyon</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1815</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Morris</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1816</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">S. Leach (R. Salisbury, Deputy)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1817</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Rev. George Lloyd, Selattyn (Mr. -Cartwright, Deputy)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1818</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Netherton Parker</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1819</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">H. W. W. Wynn (Mr. Salisbury, Deputy)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1820</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">W. Lovett (J. V. Jones, Deputy)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1821</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Bonnor, Brynygwalia (Robert Roberts, -Deputy)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1822</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Henry Pinson Tozer Aubrey</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1823</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">W. Ormsby Gore</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1824</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Mytton (Thomas Hilditch, Deputy)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1825</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Jones (second time)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1827</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Rev. Turner Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1827</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Roger Mercy Cockerill</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1828</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Robert Morrall</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1829</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Peploe Cartwright</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1830</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Lovett</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1831</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart. (second time) (Dr. -Donne, Deputy)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1832</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Longueville Longueville</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1833</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Jones, jun.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1834</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">James Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1835</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Croxon</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1836</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Francis Campbell</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1837</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Charles Thomas Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1838</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">G. Dorset Owen</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1839</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1840</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Penson</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1841</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1842</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">W. Williams</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1843</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">W. Williams (re-elected)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1844</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">W. Price</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1845</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1846</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1847</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Hill</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1848</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1849</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Morris</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1850</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Morris (re-elected)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1851</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Minshall</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1852</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">William Hodges</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1853</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">1854</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">George Harvey Williams</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h3>ALDERMEN AND COMMON-COUNCILMEN.</h3> -<table> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">ALDERMEN—1835:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Jones</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Croxon</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Morris</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Peploe Cartwright</p> -<p class="gutlist">T. L. Longueville</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Jones, jun.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">COUNCILLORS—1835:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: center" class="gutlist"><span -class="GutSmall">EAST WARD.</span></p> -<p class="gutlist">John Croxon</p> -<p class="gutlist">Francis Campbell</p> -<p class="gutlist">George D. Owen</p> -<p class="gutlist"><a name="page167"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -167</span>Francis Lucas</p> -<p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -<p class="gutlist">James Howell</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Bill</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Price</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Roberts</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center" class="gutlist"><span -class="GutSmall">WEST WARD.</span></p> -<p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward D. Bennion</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Thomas Jones</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Jones, jun.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Sabine</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">James Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Penson</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">COUNCILLORS—1836:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Penson</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -<p class="gutlist">Robert Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Croxon</p> -<p class="gutlist">Francis Campbell</p> -<p class="gutlist">George Dorset Owen</p> -<p class="gutlist">Francis Lucas</p> -<p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -<p class="gutlist">James Howell</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Edwards (in the room of James -Williams, deceased)</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Tomkies</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward David Bennion</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Thomas Jones</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Jones, jun.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Sabine</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">1837:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Francis Lucas</p> -<p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -<p class="gutlist">James Howell</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Penson</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -<p class="gutlist">Robert Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Croxon</p> -<p class="gutlist">Francis Campbell</p> -<p class="gutlist">George Dorset Owen</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Charles Thomas Jones</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Jones Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Davies</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Tomkies</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward David Bennion</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">ALDERMEN—<span class="smcap">Re-elected -in</span> 1838:</p> -<p style="text-align: center" class="gutlist">Peploe Cartwright, -T. L. Longueville, and John Jones, jun.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">COUNCILLORS—1838:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">George Dorset Owen</p> -<p class="gutlist">David Thomas</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Smale</p> -<p class="gutlist">Francis Lucas</p> -<p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -<p class="gutlist">James Howell</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Penson</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -<p class="gutlist">Robert Edwards</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Minshall</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Thomas Jones</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Jones Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Davies</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Tomkies</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" class="gutlist"><a -name="page168"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -168</span>COUNCILLORS—1839:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Penson</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -<p class="gutlist">Robert Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Price (in the room of G. D. Owen, -deceased)</p> -<p class="gutlist">David Thomas</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Smale</p> -<p class="gutlist">Francis Lucas</p> -<p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Salter (in room of James Howell, -deceased)</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Tomkies</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Minshall</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Thomas Jones</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Jones Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Cross (in the room of John Davies, -deceased)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">1840:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Francis Lucas</p> -<p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Salter</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Penson</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -<p class="gutlist">Robert Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Price</p> -<p class="gutlist">David Thomas</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Smale</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Powell (in the room of Thomas -Jones Rogers)</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Cross</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Hughes (in the room of Charles Thomas -Jones, appointed Alderman)</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Tomkies</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Minshall</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">ALDERMEN—1841:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Penson (in the room of John Croxon, -who had left the borough)</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Charles Thomas Jones</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">COUNCILLORS—1841:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Price</p> -<p class="gutlist">David Thomas</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Smale</p> -<p class="gutlist">Francis Lucas</p> -<p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Salter</p> -<p class="gutlist">Robert Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Osburn (in the room of Thomas -Penson)</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Minshall</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Cross</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Hughes</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Powell</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Tomkies</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" class="gutlist"><a -name="page169"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -169</span>COUNCILLORS—1842:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -<p class="gutlist">Robert Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Price</p> -<p class="gutlist">David Thomas</p> -<p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Smale</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Salter</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Osburn</p> -<p class="gutlist">Pryce Morris (in the room of Francis -Lucas)</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Tomkies</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Minshall</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Cross</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Hughes</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Powell</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p class="gutlist">Henry Hughes appointed Coroner -June 20th, 1842.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">1843:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Salter</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Osburn</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Hill (in the room of R. Edwards, -deceased)</p> -<p class="gutlist">Pryce Morris</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Price</p> -<p class="gutlist">David Thomas</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Smale</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Richard Cross</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Hughes</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Tomkies</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Minshall</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">ALDERMEN—<span class="smcap">Re-elected -November</span>, 1844:</p> -<p style="text-align: center" class="gutlist">T. L. Longueville, -Peploe Cartwright, and John Jones, jun.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">COUNCILLORS—1844:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Broughall (in the room of David -Thomas)</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Smale</p> -<p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Salter</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Osburn</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Hill</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Minshall (in the room of Pryce -Morris)</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Minshall</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Savin (in the room of Richard -Cross)</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Jones (in the room of Thomas Hughes)</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Tomkies</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Edwards</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">1845:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Hill</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Price</p> -<p class="gutlist"><a name="page170"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -170</span>Edward Morris (in the room of John Broughall, who had -left the borough)</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Smale</p> -<p class="gutlist">Griffith Evans</p> -<p class="gutlist">Richard Salter</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Minshall</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Phillips</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Humphreys</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Minshall</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Savin</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Jones</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">1846:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Minshall</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Isaac Bull</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Hill</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Price</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Morris</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Smale</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Jones</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">James Weaver (in the room of Charles -Humphreys, deceased)</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Phillips</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Hayward</p> -<p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Minshall</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edw. Wynne Thomas (in the room of Mr. Savin, -deceased)</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">ALDERMEN—<span class="smcap">Elected -November</span>, 1847:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p class="gutlist">John Hayward, Thomas Penson, -and William Williams.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">COUNCILLORS—1847:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Morris</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Price</p> -<p class="gutlist">Jeremiah Jones Thomas</p> -<p class="gutlist">John Lacon (in the room of W. Williams, -Alderman)</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">David Lloyd</p> -<p class="gutlist">Nathaniel Minshall</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Rogers</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">1848:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Lacon</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Hill</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Hodges</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Roberts</p> -<p class="gutlist">George Morrall Bickerton</p> -<p class="gutlist">David Jameson</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p class="gutlist">John Miles Hales appointed -Coroner, and Robert Simon Clerk of the Peace, April 27th, 1848 -(in the room of Henry Hughes, deceased).</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">1849:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Minshall</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Isaac Bull</p> -<p class="gutlist">Walter Edwards</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Jones</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward Williams</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edw. Wynne Thomas</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">ALDERMEN—<span class="smcap">Elected -November</span>, 1850:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p class="gutlist">T. L. Longueville, Peploe -Cartwright, and Thomas Rogers.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" class="gutlist"><a -name="page171"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -171</span>COUNCILLORS—1850:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edward Morris</p> -<p class="gutlist">Jeremiah Jones Thomas</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Edwards</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Jones</p> -<p class="gutlist">David Lloyd</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Morris</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">1851:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Lacon</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Roberts</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Hodges</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">George Morrall Bickerton</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">George Harvey Williams</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">1852:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">William Isaac Bull</p> -<p class="gutlist">Thomas Minshall</p> -<p class="gutlist">Walter Edwards</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Jackson Salter</p> -<p class="gutlist">Francis Roberts</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Hayward</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">ALDERMEN—<span class="smcap">Elected -November</span>, 1853:</p> -<p style="text-align: center" class="gutlist">Thomas Hill, John -Jones, and Edward Morris.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">COUNCILLORS—1853:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Edw. Wynne Thomas</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Morris</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">James Thomas Jones</p> -<p class="gutlist">David Lloyd</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Morris</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td colspan='2'><p style="text-align: center" -class="gutlist">1854:</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">John Lacon</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Roberts</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Hodges</p> -<p class="gutlist">Benjamin Churchill (in the room of Walter -Edwards, resigned)</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">Thomas Edwards</p> -<p class="gutlist">George Morrall Bickerton</p> -<p class="gutlist">George Harvey Williams</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p>[For the above List of Aldermen and Common-Councilmen, up to -and including 1846, we are indebted to the Representative of a -gentleman who filled the Civic Chair, and who for many years -recorded the changes in the Municipal Body. The subsequent -List is from the Corporation Poll Books.]</p> -<h2><a name="page172"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -172</span>Antiquities.</h2> -<h3>OSWESTRY CASTLE.</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">Our</span> readers will have already -learnt that Oswestry, from an early period in the history of the -nation, bore no undistinguished part. Fixed in the midst of -an arena of fierce and convulsive conflicts for many ages; its -early state of warlike defence, rendered so complete by the -sagacious Edward I., and forming a powerful post on the Border -Lands, the eyes of monarchs and their gallant nobles were -frequently directed towards it for succour or defence. The -Castle, in its primitive state, may have been a palace fit for -regal splendour. The honour of erecting it is assigned, as -we have previously mentioned, to Madog, descended from an -illustrious Welsh Prince, the strenuous ally of Henry II., in his -Welsh wars, and whose sire was the constant confederate of Randel -the Third, and of his son, Hugh Cyveiliog, the fourth Earl of -Chester. Madog was a man of high distinction in his day, -and, being Prince of Powys, of which division Oswestry formed a -part, there is presumptive evidence that the Castle was built by -him, as the Welsh historians maintain, or very considerably -enlarged or repaired. The English records fix its existence -even before the Norman Conquest, and show that “Alan, a -noble Norman,” received it immediately from William the -Conqueror, on his accession. “This Alan,” adds -Dugdale, the historian, “was the stock of the Fitz-Alans, -Earls of Arundel; a potent race that flourished (with fewer -checks than are usual with greatness) for near five hundred -years.” It may be necessary to mention here, to aid -the reader as to dates, that Madog died <span -class="GutSmall">A.D.</span> 1159, and that the Norman Invasion -occurred in 1066. If Dugdale is to be relied upon, the -Castle of Oswestry was built at a period anterior to the -Conquest, but he makes no mention of Madog. He says, -“There was a Castle at <i>Oswaldster</i> at the time of the -Conquest;” and Pennant, a good authority, adds to this note -of Dugdale, “I think it very probable.” The -able Welsh tourist further remarks, “The artificial mount -on which it was placed indicates it to have been earlier than <a -name="page173"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 173</span>the Norman -era. The Britons and the Saxons gave their fortresses this -species of elevation. The Normans built on the firm and -natural soil or rock, but often made use of these mounts, which -they found to have been the site of a Saxon castle. I -believe this to have been the case with that in question. A -Fitz-Alan repaired or re-built, and added to that which he met -with here: a tower also (as is not unfrequent) might receive the -name of <i>Madog</i>, complimentary either to the son of -<i>Meredydd</i> (Madog’s father), or some other great man -of the same title.” We have collected all the -authorities we could find on this vexed question; but the actual -date of the building of the Castle, and the veritable party to -whom the honour of founding it is due, are still among the -undiscovered facts of ages past.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p172b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Oswestry Castle" -title= -"Oswestry Castle" - src="images/p172s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>There is still, however, a notable event connected with -Oswestry Castle that gives to its history surpassing interest, -and ranks it among the more remarkable military relics of the -nation. If the pains-taking researches of Chalmers, the -historian of Scotland, are to be relied upon, one of the -distinguished occupants of Oswestry Castle was the founder of the -Stewart royal family. The real origin of that race of -sovereigns had long perplexed genealogists; but the labours of -Chalmers, who has minutely investigated all the written and -printed records on the subject, have proved beyond further -controversy that Walter, the son of Alan (the two first Norman -possessors of Oswestry Castle), the son of Flaald, and the -younger brother of William, the son of Alan, who was the -progenitor of the famous house of Fitz-Alan, the Earl of Arundel, -<i>was the first of the Stewarts</i>. Symon, and other -Scotch historians, trace the Stewart family to a Thane of -Lochabar. Lord Hailes disputed this and other opinions, -treating them as fabulous, but it was reserved for Chalmers to -establish and set at rest the long-contested question as to the -origin of the Stewart race. Lord Hailes himself -acknowledges that Walter, who flourished under David the First of -Scotland, and Malcolm the Fourth, was <i>indeed</i> the first -Stewart of Scotland; but he is unable to determine <a -name="page174"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 174</span>where, and -what was the commencement of this family. The subject is -important to every native of our land; but to the people of -Oswestry it is of paramount interest, as it connects with the -town, however remotely, the genealogy of our present beloved -monarch, <span class="smcap">Queen Victoria</span>.</p> -<p>Chalmers’ evidence on this subject is curious and -interesting. He tells us that the great exploit of Walter, -the son of Alan, was the founding of Paisley monastery, during -the reign of Malcolm IV., by transplanting a colony of Cluniac -monks from the monastery of Wenlock, in Shropshire. Such, -then, he adds, was the connection of Walter the First Stewart -with Wenlock, and with Isabel de Say, who married William, the -brother of Walter. Alan, the son of Flaald, married the -daughter of Gwarine, the famous Sheriff of Shropshire, soon after -the Norman conquest; and of this marriage William was the eldest -son of Alan, and the undoubted heir both of Alan and of -Gwarine. Alan, the son of Flaald, a Norman, acquired the -manor of Oswestry soon after the Conquest. Alan was -undoubtedly a person of great consequence at the accession of -Henry I. He was a frequent witness to the king’s -charters, with other eminent personages of that court. Mr. -Chalmers, in his further investigations, proves the fraternal -connection of William, the son of Alan, by a transaction which -had before been as new to history as it is singular in -itself. It has already been shown that Oswestry was the -original seat of Alan on the Welsh border. Clun was added -to his family by the marriage of his son William, who built Clun -Castle; and John Fitz-Alan, Lord of Clun and Oswestry, by -marrying Isabel, the second sister of William de Albany, the -third Earl of Arundel, who died in 1196, became Earl of Arundel, -and changed his residence from Shropshire to Sussex. Now, -Richard Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel, being with Edward III., -during the year 1335, and claiming to be <i>Stewart of Scotland -by hereditary right</i>, sold his title and claim to the king for -1000 marks, which purchase he cautiously had confirmed to him by -<a name="page175"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 175</span>Edward -Baliol; but Richard Fitz-Alan had not any right to the -Stewartship of Scotland. Walter, who was the first -purchaser of this hereditary office, was the younger brother of -William, the son of Alan, the progenitor of Richard Fitz-Alan, -the claimant; and till all the descendants of the first purchaser -had failed, the claim could not ascend to the common father of -the two families. But Robert the Stewart, who was born of -Margery Bruce, on the 28th March, 1315–16, and became King -of Scots the 2nd February, 1370–1, under the entail of the -crown, was then in possession of the hereditary office of -Stewart, by lineal descent. Walter, the son of Alan, -undoubtedly obtained from David I., and from Malcolm IV., great -possessions, a high office, and extensive patronage, and it may -be reasonably asked, by what influence he could acquire from two -kings so much opulence, and such an office? David I. was a -strenuous supporter of the claims of his niece, the Empress Maud, -in her severe contest with Stephen. William, the brother of -Walter, influenced by the Earl of Gloucester, the bastard son of -Henry I., and other powerful partizans of his sister the Empress, -seized Shrewsbury in September, 1139, and held it for her -interest. He attended her, with King David, at the siege of -Winchester, in 1441, where they were overpowered by the -Londoners, and obliged to flee. Such then were the bonds of -connection between David I. and the sons of Alan, who were also -patronized by the Earl of Gloucester. It was probably on -that occasion that Walter accompanied David into Scotland. -William, the son of Alan, adhered steadily to the Empress, and -was rewarded by Henry II. for his attachment. Thus Walter, -the son of Alan, could not have had more powerful protectors, -than the Earl of Gloucester with David I., and Henry II. with -Malcolm the II. When Walter, by those influences, obtained -grants of Renfrew with other lands, and founded the Monastery of -Paisley for Cluniac Monks from Wenlock, he was followed by -several persons from Shropshire, whom he enriched, and by whom he -was supported. He <a name="page176"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 176</span>married Eschina, of Moll, in -Roxburghshire, by whom he had a son Alan, who succeeded him in -his estates and office when he died, in 1177. Six descents -carried this family, by lineal transmissions, to Robert the -Stewart, whose office, as already stated, was purchased by Edward -III., and who became King of Scots 1371: Walter, the son of Alan, -was followed by his brother Simon. Thus does Mr. Chalmers -treat the history of the Stewarts, whose blood, he says, runs in -a thousand channels.</p> -<p>This historical subject has attracted the attention of a -talented resident of Oswestry, whose taste and research, united -with genius and poetic imagination, have already conferred upon -the town no trivial honour. That gentleman has favoured us -with a notice of the <span class="smcap">Castle Hill</span>, -which bespeaks the enthusiasm of the writer, and adds to the -interest which all lovers of history must feel on a topic so -closely connected with the present amiable Sovereign of the -kingdom. It is only due to Mr. <span -class="smcap">Sabine</span> to state (for to him we are indebted -for aid in endeavouring to elucidate a dark and hitherto -uncertain portion of Border History) that he has shed light even -upon the pains-taking researches of Chalmers, and done much -towards establishing a fact which, as we now consider it to be -“proven,” cannot fail to confer upon Oswestry an -historical importance of no common degree.</p> -<p>Mr. <span class="smcap">Sabine’s</span> paper we have -pleasure in quoting entire:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“There is nothing,” he remarks, -“in the appearance of this Hill very imposing or very -remarkable. It is a somewhat abrupt mound, with some rude -fragmentary remains of the castle, with which it was formerly -surmounted. It has long been a moot question whether this -mound is natural, or whether it has been raised by artificial -means. Its appearance would seem to indicate that it is the -work of man; but an examination of its geological composition, -and a comparison of it with similar surrounding elevations, lead -to the conclusion that it is the accumulated deposit of ages -during a period in which the district has probably been the <a -name="page177"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 177</span>area of -obstructed and pent-up waters, which, having been set at liberty, -have left exposed the present undulated portions of the district, -of which this mound forms one of the most prominent. Its -present abrupt character—abrupt as compared with some of -the more shelving banks—is easily and obviously accounted -for by manifold encroachments, and by the military necessity for -making the Castle as inaccessible as possible to hostile -attacks. But if there is nothing in the appearance of the -Castle Hill of Oswestry that is remarkable, this cannot be said -of its history; for if there can be one fact topographically of -greater interest than another in the history of a kingdom, it is -that which is connected with the origin of its reigning -monarch. To say nothing, then, of the numerous battle -scenes of which Oswestry Castle has been the witness, and of -which, it might say with Æneas, ‘<i>Quorum pars magna -fui</i>,’ a note of Sir Walter Scott’s to the -“Monastery” will be a sufficient warrant for saying -that Oswestry, in point of historic interest, is second to no -town in the united kingdom. ‘The acute pen of Lord -Hailes (says the author of Waverley), which, like the spear of -Ithuriel, conjured up so many shadows from Scottish history, had -dismissed among the rest those of Banquo and Fleance, the -rejection of which fables left the illustrious family of Stewart -without an ancestor, beyond <span class="smcap">Walter</span>, -<span class="smcap">the Son of Alan</span>. The researches -of our late learned Antiquary detected in this Walter the -descendant of Alan, the son of Flaald, who obtained from William -the Conqueror <span class="smcap">The Castle of Oswestry</span>, -<span class="smcap">in Shropshire</span>; and who was the father -of an illustrious line of English nobles, by his first son, -William, and by his second son, Walter, the progenitor of the -royal family of Stewart.’ Few will be bold enough, -even if so disposed, to question the authority of such an -antiquarian as Sir Walter Scott, especially in matters relating -to his own country. Assuming, then, that Alan Fitz-Flaald -is the stirp of the Stewart House, a genealogical table may not -be uninteresting to the readers of this work:—</p> -</blockquote> -<p style="text-align: center"><a name="page178"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 178</span> -<a href="images/p178b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Genealogical table" -title= -"Genealogical table" - src="images/p178s.jpg" /> -</a> <a name="citation178"></a><a href="#footnote178" -class="citation">[178]</a></p> -<blockquote><p><a name="page179"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -179</span>“That Sir Walter Scott is as indubitable an -authority in early English or Welsh History as in that of his own -country may not be admitted by all. According to the Welsh -records Oswestry belonged to Madog, Prince of Powys, who resided -at Oswestry, and built the Castle there about the year -1140. His second wife, Maud Vernon, an English lady of -noble birth, on the death of Madog, married William Fitz-Alan, -Lord of Clun, who in right of his wife obtained the Town and -Castle of Oswestry. This William was a descendant of Alan -who (says the Welsh Historian) came over with William the -Conqueror, and was the first of the Fitz-Alans that was Baron of -Oswestry. Again, the English historians assign to Oswestry -Castle a more ancient date than 1140. They inform us that -it was in being before the Norman conquest; and that Alan, a -noble Norman, had the Town and Castle bestowed upon him by the -Conqueror, soon after his accession. But whether Walter the -Steward was the grandson of Flaald, and of Welsh descent, or -whether his father came over from Normandy with the Conqueror, it -may be taken as a fact that Walter, the son of Alan, the younger -brother of William Fitz-Alan, went from Oswestry Castle, of which -his father was Governor, into the service of David I., King of -Scotland, as that monarch’s Steward, and was the founder of -the house of Stewart. The following extract from -<i>Chambers’ Journal</i> is concurrent in testimony with -the main features of the above, and is fraught with additional -interest, as it shows how greatly Scotland was indebted to the -old Town of Oswestry for its progress in civilization:—</p> -<p>‘During the troublous conflicts of Maud and Stephen, in -their competition for the crown of England, Walter, the son of -Alan, the son of Flaald, fled from the family seat at Oswestry, -and settled in Scotland. David I. made him his Steward, and -gave him lands to support the dignity of his office. By the -charter we learn that these lands were those of “Passaleth -(Paisley), Polloc, Talahee, Ketkert, le Drop, le Mutrene <a -name="page180"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 180</span>Egglesham, -Louchwinnock, and Inverwick.” These estates in -Renfrewshire (then a portion of Lanarkshire) were confirmed by -Malcolm IV. in 1157, when he made the office of Steward -hereditary, and granted, in addition, various other estates in -the same quarter. Besides these possessions, Walter -acquired the western half of Kyle, in Ayrshire, which hence was -called Kyle Stewart. At this period the country was in a -semi-barbarous state; but Walter the Stewart introduced new and -civilized usages. He settled many of his military followers -on his lands, and, founding the Abbey of Paisley, introduced a -body of instructed men, who taught the ancient people domestic -arts and foreign manners. By the marriage of one of these -Stewarts with Margery Bruce, Robert the Stewart was born, and -became, 1370–1, King of Scots.’</p> -<p>“The Hill which claims this unique and unquestionable -honour, in defiance of all the various contradictory and exploded -fables which would give it to Scotland (for no spot in England -seeks to withhold it from Oswestry), has been rescued from the -destruction with which it has long been threatened, both by the -encroachments of time and thoughtless spoliation, having been -purchased by several of the Inhabitants of Oswestry, and vested -in James Thomas Jones, Esq., as their Trustee, and is now planted -as an Arboretum. The panoramic view from this Hill is one -of the most beautiful scenic gems in the neighbourhood; and when -the shrubs which have been planted shall have overcome the -obstacles to their luxuriant growth, arising from exposure to -bleak winds, and a comparatively uncongenial soil, it will -constitute an ornament to the Town of Oswestry, such as few -localities can boast; and which, in addition to its historic -interest, will render it a spot, of which the Inhabitants of the -County of Salop, and of Oswestry especially, may rank among their -most remarkable objects of attraction. While the Hill was -being planted a small silver coin was found, which, on -examination, proved to be of the reign of David I. of -Scotland. <a name="page181"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -181</span>This, though not a direct link in the chain of proof of -the title of Oswestry Castle to the honour it claims, and defies -Scotland to dispute, is a remarkable corroborative incident, most -valuable, as circumstantial evidence, in support of the -claim. A stone has been placed on the Hill, with the -following inscription:—’A.D. MCXXXVIII., Walter, son -of Alan, the progenitor of the Royal House of Stuart, left this, -his ancestral castle, in the reign of Stephen, King of England, -and of David I., King of Scots.’”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The more recent history of the Castle may be given in a few -words. In the sixth of Henry II., Guy le Strange, Sheriff -of Shropshire, accounted in the exchequer for salaries paid out -of the king’s revenues to the wardens in the Castle of -Blancminster (Oswestry), the inheritance of William Fitz-Alan, -then lately deceased. In the fifteenth of John, the nephew -(John) of the Earl of Pembroke, guardian of the Marches of Wales, -was made Governor of Blancminster. In Henry III., John -Fitz-Alan, as heir to Hugh de Albany, Earl of Arundel, had upon -the death of that Earl, assigned for his <i>purpatry</i>, the -Castle of Arundel, and upon paying £1000 fine was admitted -to the possession of Oswestry Castle. In the twenty-fourth -of Henry III., on the death of John Fitz-Alan, John le Strange -had a grant of the custody of the lands of John, his son (then a -minor), with an allowance of 300 marks per annum, for guarding -Blancminster and other places. In the first of Edward I., -John de Oxinden had the custody of the Castle of Blancminster, -upon the death of John, Earl of Arundel. In the third of -Edward I., Bogo de Knovil was Sheriff of the county, and Keeper -of the Castle of Blancminster. In the eighth of Edward I., -Isabel, mother of Richard, Earl of Arundel, had the custody of -the Castle of Blancminster, and also of the hundred of -<i>Oswaldster</i> during the minority of her son; but two years -afterwards her brother, Edmund de Mortimer, supplanted her, and -got the grant to himself. In the eighteenth of Edward I., -Adam <a name="page182"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 182</span>de -Montgomery died Governor of the Castle. In the -twenty-seventh of Edward I., Peter Meuvesine de Berwicke, -<i>juxta Akinton</i>, died in the same office. In the -twenty-seventh of Edward II., after the attainder of Edmund, Earl -of Arundel, Roger Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore, had a grant of the -Castle. In the twenty-first of Richard II., Richard, Earl -of Arundel, being attainted or executed, the king seized upon his -lands and manors, and granted them to William Scrope, Earl of -Wiltshire. In the seventh of Henry IV., Thomas, son of the -attainted Earl, after he was restored in blood, freed the -burgesses from many impositions of the Constable of the -Castle. Amongst the names of subsequent Governors of the -Castle we find those of John Trevor, Vaughan, Jeffrey Kyffyn; and -in the twenty-fifth of James I., Thomas, Earl of Suffolk, his -wife, Lord Walden, Sir Arnold Herbert, and William Herbert, -“grant to the Lady Craven, Sir William Whitmore, George -Whitmore, and their heirs, the lordship, manor, and Castle of -Oswestry.” The state of the Castle in the Civil Wars -has already been described.</p> -<p>In a record of the Inquisition, 21 Richard II., 1398, -preserved in the Tower of London, there is a curious inventory of -articles contained in Oswestry Castle on the attainder of -Richard, Earl of Arundel, taken by order of the King. The -Jurors consisted of inhabitants of the town and district. -The record states, that “the Castle, Vill, and Lordship of -Oswaldestre, in the Marches of Wales, is worth yearly, with its -customs and appurtenances, besides the fees of all the officers -there, and besides all reprizes made there, one year with -another, £252, 16s. 2d.” * * * * “That the said -Earl was seized as of fee of one messuage in the Vill of -Oswaldestre, by his deed enfeoffed one John ap Wyllym, to have to -him and his heirs for ever, worth yearly beyond reprizes, 6s. -8d. Also, that the said Earl was seized as of fee of the -advowson of the free Chapel of St. Nicholas, within the Castle of -Oswaldestre, worth 46s. 8d. Also, that <a -name="page183"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 183</span>the said -Earl of Arundel had within the Castle of Oswaldestre, on the 18th -day of July last past, and afterwards, the following goods and -chattels, that is to say,—in the <i>Wardrobe</i> there, 5 -yew bows, 4 elm bows, 20 sheaves of arrows, 6 cross-bows, lances, -with 6 heads, 1 gun, 1 barrel of gunpowder, 200 quirells, 3 -pol-axes, 2 sparthes, 3 broken jacks, 3 pair of gauntlets, 3 -pallets, 1 banderich for a cross-bow, 1 table, 1 pair of stakes, -3 pair of fetters, 6 pair of iron handcuffs, with iron bolts, 1 -coler, with 2 iron shakylls, 1 file, 1 hammer. In the -<i>Great Chamber</i>, 1 cupboard, 2 tables, 4 forms. In the -<i>Middle Chamber</i>, 3 chests, 2 forms, 1 table. In the -<i>High Chamber</i>, 1 hand-mill, panel of a certain -trefreget. In the <i>Constable’s Hall</i>, 3 tables, -four tressels, 3 forms, 1 bason, with a laver, 1 small -chest. In the <i>Butlery</i>, 1 chest, broken at the top, 1 -bucket, with an iron chain, 1 barrel for weapons, 31 keys of -different locks. In the <i>Chapel</i>, 1 vessel for the -holy water, 1 missal, 1 gilt chalice, 2 linen towels, with a -frontal, 2 surplices, 2 chessibles, with accompaniments, 1 -hand-mill for grinding corn. In the <i>Kitchen</i>, 1 stone -mortar, with a pile of wood. In the <i>Larder</i>, 2 broken -oxheads, with 6 bushels of salt; which said artillery, arms, -goods and chattels, are put into the custody of Madog Lloid, the -Deputy of Robert Legh, Chivaler Constable of the Castle -aforesaid, for the defence of the same.” After -enumerating several other articles, the Inquisition record adds, -“and in a certain house in the Vill of Oswaldestre (the -said Earl possessed) 601 fleeces of wool, weighing 2 sacks, and -⅛th of a sack, at per sack 100s.; 50 gallons of honey, at -7s. a gallon. Also the said Earl had on the 18th day of -July aforesaid, and afterwards, in the said Castle, 1 white -stallion, price £10; 1 race-horse, called <i>Young -Sorrell</i>, price £13 6s. 8d. And in the Park of -Oswaldestre Superior, 16 horse colts, 13 of which are 3 years -old, and 3 of them 2 years old: price in the whole, £66 -13s. 4d.” The record further adds, that the said -“Earl had after the 18th of July, £720 in money, and -that one Thomas Harlyng, late Receiver-General of the said Earl, -took and <a name="page184"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -184</span>carried away the same, whereof he is answerable to the -King.” A great number of articles, with monies, -cattle, &c., are stated to have been taken away by various -persons named, who are made answerable to the King for the -same.—This document is curious, inasmuch as it throws some -light upon the military weapons in use at the period, on the -plain and scanty domestic articles in the Castle, and on the low -value of farming stock, &c. The record presents no -account of the Earl’s apartments, or those of his servants, -or of the furniture there used. Probably all the valuable -property which he possessed in the fortress was carried away and -disposed of before the Earl was attainted. The entire -record furnishes evidence of nothing polished or luxurious; on -the contrary, it is a catalogue of mere rudeness, discomfort, and -barbarity; giving no marks whatever of vice-regal grandeur or -princely state.</p> -<p>As an additional fact it is proper to mention, that the -<i>Bailey-Head</i> was the original <i>ballium</i>, or quadrangle -of the Castle; that the mount in the Castle-field, known by the -name of the <i>Cripple-bank</i>, or <i>gathe</i>, was also the -site of the ancient <i>Barbican</i>, or outer gate, at which the -poor and diseased received relief. Of the free chapel, -dedicated to St. Nicholas, <i>infra Castrum de Oswaldestre</i>, -the advowson of which belonged to the Arundel family, there is -not a trace left to mark its situation.</p> -<p>The sketch of Oswestry Castle which forms one of our -illustrations shows that, in its pristine state, it was a -formidable structure, of great strength and stateliness. -The architecture seems to be of the Saxon order.</p> -<h4>THE WALLS.</h4> -<p>The ancient Walls of the town were the work of Edward I., and -no doubt were well and firmly built; but scarcely a vestige of -them remains. Their circumvallation is, however, correctly -marked in most of the old books, and old inhabitants of the -present day point out various sites on which portions of the <a -name="page185"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 185</span>walls -stood. Edward was generally successful in giving strength -and endurance to his military buildings. Caernarvon, -Conway, and Rhuddlan Castles, all designed and erected under his -superintendence, are noble fortresses in the present age, -notwithstanding the dilapidations they have suffered from -military attack and “Time’s effacing -fingers.” The Walls of Oswestry must have suffered -much injury during the period of the Commonwealth; and perhaps -private encroachments since that time have been the principal -cause of their entire disappearance.</p> -<h3>ANCIENT HOUSES.</h3> -<p>There are still remaining several ancient timber houses, to -mark the architecture of bye-gone times. Among these are, -the <i>Three Tuns</i> public-house, in Bailey-Street, and an -antique edifice forming the angle of Bailey-Street and -Cross-Street, in front of which is the figure of a spread eagle, -raised on the plaster, and supposed to have been the residence of -the Lloyds, of Trenewydd, who bore the eagle in their coat of -arms. The <i>Three Tuns</i> was a popular house in former -days, and was the resort of most of the drapers who visited the -fairs and markets of the borough. Among the other old -timber buildings are Miss Holbrooke’s, in Salop-Road, the -most attractive of any in the town, from the neatness in which it -is kept, the <i>Coach and Dogs</i>, and the <i>Fighting Cocks</i> -public-houses. These relics of past days may not be allowed -to remain much longer, now that improvement in the town is likely -to become so rapid in its strides.</p> -<p>The railway extension, from Oswestry to Welshpool and Newtown, -will effect important changes in most parts of the borough; and -as the antique relics to which we have been alluding are -comparatively useless in a social point of view, their sites may -soon be covered with buildings better adapted to the comforts and -requirements of the present day.</p> -<h2><a name="page186"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -186</span>ANCIENT RELICS.</h2> -<p>A ball found many years ago near the Cross in Oswestry, and -now in the possession of W. Ormsby Gore, Esq., is considered to -be one of the weights used at the end of beams in what was called -<i>Auncel Weight</i>, practised in the reign of Edward I. -It is ornamented with a shield, bearing the arms of England -simply, which dates it before the 15th of Edward, as in that year -he claimed the crown of France, and immediately, on obtaining it, -placed the arms of that kingdom in the first quarter of his -shield. On the second shield appears the bearing of the -Fitz-Alans, a lion rampant. The third shield has an eagle -displayed, most probably of the gentleman who at that period -filled the office of Steward.</p> -<p>Some further antiquities require a brief notice. The -field known by the name of <i>Croft-y-Spytty</i>, that is, <i>the -Croft of the Hospitallers</i>, intimates that the Knight -Hospitallers had once some establishment in the town. The -field known as <i>Erw-Spiridion</i>, <i>the Acre of Sprudion</i>, -or <i>Spiridion</i>, would lead to the conclusion that a church -or chapel, or the ground itself, had been dedicated to the -supposed Saint ycleped <i>Spiridion</i>. In a former part -of this volume we have referred to <i>Maes-y-garreg-llwyd</i>, -that is, <i>the Plain or Field of the Sacred Stone</i>. -That plain is now divided into fields, situated on the Shrewsbury -road, contiguous to Gallows-tree turnpike-gate. In the -field nearest to the town there stands a <span -class="smcap">Stone Pillar</span>, about seven feet in height, -and twelve in circumference; and in the field farthest from the -town, there is a similar Pillar. The late Rev. Peter -Roberts, the learned antiquarian, was of opinion that all the -fields at that end of the town formed a large plain when these -pillars were erected, and bore the name already mentioned, of -<i>Maes-y-garreg-llwyd</i>. <i>Llwyd</i> was an epithet of -the Deity, as in the expression “<i>Duw llwyd</i>,” -the Sacred <span class="smcap">God</span>. Between these -two pillars there is still visible part of a ditch, called <i>the -Devil’s Ditch</i>; and adjacent to the farthest field was -another called “<i>Caerychain Bannog</i>,” or <i>the -Field of </i><a name="page187"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -187</span><i>the bossed Oxen</i>. Mr. Roberts adds,</p> -<blockquote><p>“According to a tradition common in Wales, -these oxen were twins, and employed by <i>Hu Gadarn</i>, a hero -of antiquity, to draw a monster out of a lake, by which means he -saved the country from being inundated. The popular -tradition of the <i>Devil’s Ditch</i> is, that an evil -spirit formed it, in order to convey water to deluge the country, -and that the ditch was in one night carried as far as Wynnstay, -but that when the said evil spirit had carried it so far, the -cock crew, he was obliged to desist, and it was left -unfinished. Absurd, however, as these traditions may -appear, they lead to the true origin, namely, that this ground -and the pillars had some reference to the Deluge, and it may -reasonably be presumed, that in the space included between these -pillars some druidical rites were performed, in commemoration of -the Deluge. The setting-up of a pillar, and consecrating it -to the Deity, was a memorial of reverence to <span -class="smcap">Him</span> in the time of the Patriarchs, as we -read in Genesis that Jacob set up a stone pillar, and consecrated -it, in memory of his devoting himself to the worship of the true -<span class="smcap">God</span>. And hence it may be -concluded, that these and such Pillars were in like manner the -memorials—rude indeed, but durable—of Pagan -tradition.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>In the <i>Shrewsbury Chronicle</i> of March 16th, 1832, there -appeared the following paragraph:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“As some workmen were digging in a field -near Oswestry, last week, they turned up the hilt and part of the -blade of an elegant antique sword. The blade is in two -pieces, completely encrusted with rust, and very much corroded, -but upon cleaning and grinding a part of it, the steel was found -to be of excellent temper. The handle is apparently of -ebony, or some similar wood, but encrusted with the oxyde which -has passed from the steel inserted in it, and worked its way -through the pores of the wood, so as to make it resemble -buck’s horn. The part of the sword which is attached -to the hilt (about four inches in length) remains in the -scabbard, and, what is very remarkable, the canvass of which the -scabbard is composed is still visible. <a -name="page188"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 188</span>The -scabbard and hilt are mounted with highly-chased silver, as -perfect as when it came out of the hands of the graver. On -the end of the hilt is an eagle, pouncing on its prey, and a -representation of Jupiter and Leda. On each side of the -guard is a full-length figure, and on the sides of the sword end -of the hilt are the figures of a spread eagle, and of a doe -<i>couchant regardant</i>. The latter appears as a -crest. On the silver plate which covers the opening of the -scabbard is the representation of an Arcadian Shepherd -scene. The sword is of the description of those which were -worn by the Cavaliers, and there can be no reasonable doubt but -that it was dropped by one of them in the route to which the -Royalist army was put by Sir Thomas Myddelton, when they made an -attempt to regain possession of Oswestry, on the 2nd of July, -1644, after its capture by the Parliament forces. -‘They had taken the passage of water,’ says Sir -Thomas Myddelton, ‘near to Whittington, and very furiously -assaulted and charged us, but were repulsed and forced to retyre, -through the courage of our horse, who most courageously -entertained the enemy. Three several times the skirmish was -doubtful, either side being forced so often to retreat; but in -the end, our foot forces coming up, relieved the horse, beat back -the enemy, and pursued them with such force, that they put them -to an absolute flight, in which we pursued them five miles -towards Shrewsbury, to a place called Felton Heath, and where we -likewise remained after their flight again, masters of the -field. In the skirmish with the enemy, and in the pursuite -we lost several of our horse, some of our troopers, but never a -footman which I am yet informed of. As for the enemy, they -lost many stout men; had many of them taken prisoners, some of -them being of great quality, as the Lord Newport’s eldest -son, and besides in their flight, such was their haste, that we -found in our pursuite, the highway as it were strewed with -ammunition, &c.’ As this relic was found in the -line of this pursuit, the road having passed through the field, -there can be scarcely a doubt of its having belonged to one of -the officers of Charles’s army.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p><a name="page189"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 189</span>The -sword is in the possession of Mr. Sabine, in whose field it was -found.</p> -<p>In March, 1811, two urns were dug out of part of the Coney -Green, belonging to the late Mr. Thomas Hilditch, of -Oswestry. They were both of the same composition, but the -larger one of a finer and more symmetrical form. In the -smaller urn were found the remains of bones, but whether of the -human form could not be ascertained.</p> -<p>A piece of marble, of an oblong form, and resembling an -ancient club, was dug out of the ground at Broom Hall, in Oct., -1836, about five feet below the surface, in a bed of clay. -It was one inch in thickness, but tapered to an edge all round, -the broad edge being very sharp. It is supposed to have -been a weapon of defence in the early British period.</p> -<h3>OSWALD’S WELL</h3> -<p>Is one of the most interesting objects of the town. It -is beautifully situated to the west of the Free Grammar School, -and has easy and pleasant approaches to it from Upper -Brook-Street and from Willow-Street. The Well is supplied -by a spring flowing from the elevated ground beyond it. It -is inclosed in a small square basin, in a recess made of stone, -and arched over. At the back there is a sculptured head of -King Oswald, once “banded by a royal fillet,” and -formerly the front of the Well was secured by an iron -grate. Tradition and superstition have invested the Well -with much interest, but the purity of the water it sends forth -should have secured to it a far higher celebrity. We are -told that Oswald’s remains were interred near the spring; -that a tree was planted there to mark the spot; that when Oswald -was slain, in the battle with Penda, an eagle tore one of the -arms from the body, and, flying off with it, fell down and -perished on the spot from which the waters burst forth, and have -continued to flow ever since, as miraculously as the waters of -St. Winifred’s Well, in Flintshire. A later writer on -<a name="page190"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 190</span>Border -History has ventured to inform us, that so recently as the year -1780 King Oswald’s “skull was found in digging the -pool just below the Well.” How the skull was -identified the writer does not state, probably from the great -difficulty he must have had in establishing such an important -identification. Setting aside all this mystification and -nonsense, we are glad to put on record, that the water from this -Well is justly entitled to the appellation of pure <i>aqua -fontana</i>; and from the analysis of Sir James Murray, which we -subjoin, its medicinal properties are of no mean -order:—“Thermometer at 470 Fahrenheit, the water -consisting of sulphate of lime (gypsum), carbonate of lime, -muriate of soda (common salt), muriate of magnesia, and sulphate -of magnesia.—June 6th, 1822.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p190b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"St. Oswald’s Well" -title= -"St. Oswald’s Well" - src="images/p190s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>It is generally admitted, from the records of the ancient -historical writers, that on the spot where Oswald was slain a -Monastery was founded, dedicated to him in the character of a -Saint. It was called <i>Blanc-Minster</i>, or the White -Monastery, and was situated according to Leland, “on the -south side of the town.” The time of the foundation -or dissolution is not known, but its situation is fixed near the -<a name="page191"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 191</span>site of -the parish church, as some remains of the building are said to -have been discovered in digging graves in the churchyard. A -spot of ground near the church, still called <i>Erw-Myneich</i>, -or Monk’s Acre, would indicate that Blanc-Minster was -contiguous to it. In the reign of Henry VIII., as we have -already stated, Leland visited Oswestry, and noted that at that -period “the cloister only was standing within the memory of -persons then living.”</p> -<p>Before closing this notice we would recommend all visitors to -Oswestry to make a pilgrimage to Oswald’s Well. The -scenery around it is replete with beauty; and if the day be fine -and warm, a draught of the water, which constantly bubbles up in -freshness and pellucid clearness, will cheer and not -inebriate. The inhabitants possess in this Well a valuable -natural treasure which it is their duty to preserve, for their -common benefit, free from all impurities and contaminations.</p> -<h2>ANCIENT CUSTOMS.</h2> -<p>In a work partly descriptive of the Border Lands of England -and Wales, it might be deemed a reproach were we silently to pass -by the customs that once prevailed in the district. Many of -those ancient customs were innocent and harmless in their -character, whilst others were connected with superstition which -kept the people in mental darkness, and impeded the free course -of education and knowledge. Our notice of these customs -will be brief, for they are no longer observed in the town, and -but slightly so, if at all, in the neighbourhood. The -printing-press has exploded such folly, and most of the ancient -customs will very soon, throughout our land, be referred to only -as evidences of the ignorance of our forefathers, and their -disregard of the educational improvement of their -fellow-creatures.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Shrove Tuesday</span> and its observances -were vestiges of a Roman Carnival, when, as Aubanus tells us, -“men eat and drank and abandoned themselves to all kinds of -foolery, as if <a name="page192"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -192</span>resolved to have their fill of pleasure before they -were to die.” “Pancake Bell” is now -unheard, because no sexton or bell-ringer can be found to pull -the rope. Men and women do eat pancakes which, when well -made, even Soyer would not object to; and such gastronomy is, we -believe, the sum-total of Shrove-tide observances in the present -enlightened day. Cock-fighting, bull-baiting, and other -brutal amusements, formerly practised on this day, are abandoned, -we trust, for ever.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Good Friday</span> is still observed so -far, in reference to mundane things, that fathers and mothers -indulge their children with a plentiful supply of Hot Cross -Buns. This observance is harmless enough. The day -being the anniversary of our Saviour’s Crucifixion, it is -now marked by the entire Christian community as one of solemn -worship; and as time rolls on, and religious education prevails, -we may reasonably expect that a still more devotional regard will -be paid to this day.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Easter-Day</span> is no longer observed by -people walking into the fields early in the morning to see the -“sun come dancing from the east.” The -<i>Heaving</i> or <i>Lifting</i> system, formerly much practised -on Easter Monday and Tuesday, is now rapidly on the wane. -By men and women not remarkable for their love of decency or -modesty, it is still partially observed in Oswestry. The -custom would, however, be “more honoured in the breach than -the observance.”</p> -<p><span class="smcap">All Fools’ Day</span> (April 1) is, -we believe, acknowledged by many of that class who are fond of a -joke. The wit formerly displayed on this day consisted in -sending persons on what are called sleeveless errands, for the -history of Eve’s mother, for pigeon’s milk, and in -quest of other absurdities. In the present day rude tricks -are tried even upon philosophers, and with much gusto when they -succeed. The “Verdant Greens,” at this season -of the year, are especially full-blown.</p> -<p><a name="page193"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 193</span><span -class="smcap">May-Day</span> formerly brought with it flowery -decorations in front of our house-doors; but this pretty custom -has long since faded away.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Walking the Boundaries</span>.—A -general custom formerly, but observed now in very few -places. The Mayor, Churchwardens, Overseers, &c., of -Oswestry walked the boundaries in 1813, and that was the last -occasion of this ancient observance.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Palm Sunday</span>, <span -class="smcap">Maundy Thursday</span>, <span class="smcap">Royal -Oak Day</span>, <span class="smcap">Corpus Christi Day</span>, -<span class="smcap">Oswestry Wake</span>, <span class="smcap">All -Saints’ Eve</span>, <span class="smcap">St. Swithin’s -Day</span>, &c., have become, so far as rude observances are -concerned, mere relics of past days. Our ancestors marked -all these days with scrupulous attention; but few if any men of -the present time have boldness enough to set them apart for -rejoicing and merriment—for feast and carnival—as in -days of yore. <span class="smcap">Gunpowder Plot</span> -(Nov. 5) is occasionally noticed by boys, discharging pop-guns, -and alarming the lieges with bonfires, effigies, squibs and -crackers; but that absurd and bigoted observance is in its -downward course, no one being interested in its continuance at -present but the pyrotechnists, who tempt boys to spend their -money in rockets, blue-lights, and other combustibles.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Christmas</span>.—Some twenty years -ago Christmas morn was ushered in with the singing of carols by -“wakeful Waits,” thus joyfully celebrating the -opening of this truly-festive anniversary, and this custom is -still partially observed. The singers of the Parish Church -also greeted the inhabitants at their several dwellings with -sounds of grateful melody. No longer is this latter custom -maintained, but <span class="smcap">Christmas Day</span> is -marked as a sacred and solemn festival; “the rich and the -poor meet together;” on that day the conventionalities of -rank and dignity are thrown aside; hospitality prevails in every -house in the land, from the palace to the <a -name="page194"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 194</span>cottage; -families are collected together to partake of that day’s -joyful festivity; and the nation at large presents the delightful -picture of one happy family. The rich administer kindly to -the poor, and all hearts are touched with benevolence or -gratitude. Long may our merry Christmas-tides thus be -observed; for such customs are based on true religion, which -teaches men “to love one another.”</p> -<h2>Railway Communication.</h2> -<p>We need not enter into detail, now-a-days, to show how railway -communication was rendered necessary a quarter of a century ago -by the great increase of travelling throughout the land, and the -insufficiency as well as inefficiency of stagecoach conveyance to -satisfy the public wants. When railway travelling was first -suggested stage-coaches had been “whipped-up” by -“coming events” into improvement; the people were no -longer compelled to “drag their slow length along,” -for full five wearisome days, from Chester to London. The -“Gee-hos,” and “Highflyers,” at four -miles an hour; “The Birmingham and Shrewsbury Long Coach, -with six able horses, in four days;” even the “Flying -Machine,” from Shrewsbury to London in two days, had all -passed the <i>stage</i> of their creeping existence; and the -liege subjects of the realm were now beginning to be whirled -along, at ten and twelve miles an hour, in -“Quicksilvers,” “Tantivys,” -“Erin-go-braghs,” “Tallyhos,” -“Wonders,” and other well-horsed and well-appointed -vehicles bearing equally excitable names. The Coach called -“The Wonder” made the journey from Shrewsbury to -London in a day. An intelligent contributor -writes,—“The late old Justice Smith, in a -conversation I had with him some 25 years ago, said, ‘I -remember going to London 70 years ago by a coach called The Fly; -we were 7 nights and 8 days on the road, and now they go in a -day—what a man lives to see!’” But -even this increased “pace” did not meet the -requirements of the community. James Watts’ -steam-engine had begun to revolutionize all classes <a -name="page195"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 195</span>and -occupations. In manufactures, hand-looms, spinning-jennies, -shuttles, treddles, and the rest of early inventions were -superseded by steam-power, moving machinery for spinning and -weaving; in packet and marine conveyance generally Watts’ -steam-power wrought as great a change; and in the manufacture of -metal and porcelain goods, the sawing of timber and stone, and -even the making of pins and needles, steam was the great giant -power. With this national revolution in trade, -manufactures, and commerce, came a more active and enterprising -spirit among the people; soft and hard goods, as the manufactures -of the north and midland counties are technically called, were -multiplied until supply exceeded demand; the locomotive wants and -desires of the public increased; and all eyes and heads were -turned towards Watts’ steam-engine as the only mighty agent -of accelerated travelling. The history of the country has -supplied the results of this great experiment. The -ever-honoured George Stephenson succeeded in carrying -heavily-laden trains, of passengers and goods, on the Liverpool -and Manchester Railway, at the rate of thirty miles an hour; and -in the present day such is the appetite for rapid railway -locomotion, that express trains, as they are called, flying over -the earth at a more than race-horse speed of forty miles an hour, -will scarcely satisfy the urgent requirements of manufactures and -commerce.</p> -<p>Railway projects arose in various parts of the kingdom, and -the first step taken towards what has since proved a direct -communication with this borough and the metropolis was the -incorporation of the <i>Great Western Railway Company</i>, by an -Act passed in 5 and 6 of William IV. Some years elapsed -before any measures were adopted to establish railway -communication in this district. At length, in 1845, when -railway “bubbles and squeaks” “affrighted the -isle from its propriety,” a direct line was projected from -Chester, through Whitchurch and Wem, to Shrewsbury. The -scheme <a name="page196"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -196</span>was promoted by the Chester and Holyhead Railway -Company, the London and Birmingham, and other important -interests. Mr. Robert Stephenson was appointed engineer, -and Mr. Mallaby, of Liverpool, solicitor. A Company, called -the “North Wales Mineral Railway Company,” had -previously obtained an Act for making a line of Railway, from -Chester to Rhuabon, and on the scheme for the line from the -former place, <i>via</i> Whitchurch and Wem, being announced, a -Company, in friendly connection with the North Wales Mineral -Railway Company, and called the Shrewsbury, Oswestry, and Chester -Junction Railway Company, was formed for the purpose of extending -the Railway from Rhuabon to Shrewsbury, in opposition to the -other scheme mentioned above. The late Mr. Henry Kelsall, -of Chester, was appointed solicitor, and Mr. Robertson -engineer. A sharp struggle between the rival Companies -ensued, but at length the line from Chester to Shrewsbury, -<i>via</i> Whitchurch and Wem, was abandoned; by the prudent -interposition of Mr. Edward Williams, solicitor, of Oswestry, (of -the firm of “Longueville and Williams,”) the -dissentient landowners were appeased; and the “Shrewsbury, -Oswestry, and Chester Junction Railway Company” obtained -their Act, which passed through parliament as an unopposed Bill, -the royal assent being given to it the 30th of June, 1845. -W. Ormsby Gore, Esq., as Chairman of the successful line, -rendered powerful assistance to its claims, having clearly seen -the advantages which it must render to the important interests of -North Shropshire. The next step was to unite the two lines -between Chester and Shrewsbury, viz., the North Wales Mineral -Railway, and the Shrewsbury, Oswestry, and Chester Junction, and -an arrangement was accordingly entered into by the two Companies, -by which, in 1846, they were united into one, under the title of -“The Shrewsbury and Chester Railway Company.” -The subsequent history of this line is patent to the public; the -battles of the Great Western Railway interest, with those of <a -name="page197"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 197</span>the North -Western, each Company seeking to possess the line, almost -rivalling in intensity the fierce struggles of the ancient -Roses—York and Lancaster. In the Parliamentary -Session of 1854 a Bill was brought into the House of Commons by -Viscount Barrington, Lord Norreys, and Sir Phillip Egerton, to -authorize the consolidation, into one Company, of the Great -Western, the Shrewsbury and Birmingham, and the Shrewsbury and -Chester Railways. The Bill was sanctioned by Parliament, -and the Act is now cited for all purposes under the title of -“The Great Western, Birmingham, and Chester Railway -Section.” By this consolidation of these several -Companies a direct communication with London, under one system of -Railway management, has been secured to the town of Oswestry; the -journey by the <i>Express Trains</i> occupying no more than about -five and a half hours. The country through which the -<i>Great Western</i> line runs is remarkable for its beauty and -interest. Windsor Castle, Oxford, Blenheim, Leamington, -Warwick, and other attractive places, are in close proximity; and -to add to these advantages, the care, attention, and able -management of the entire line, are further agreeable features in -the route, which all travellers on the railway gratefully -acknowledge.</p> -<p>To the inhabitants of Oswestry and its vicinity it is -unnecessary to say anything in praise of the attractive scenery -that gives such lively interest to the railway between Shrewsbury -and Chester. To the stranger, however, and the summer -tourist in search of the sublime and picturesque, we may remark, -that few lines in the kingdom present so many charms to the -admiring gaze as this most delightful railway. Llangollen -Vale has a world-wide celebrity; whilst the Chirk Viaduct, -spanning the Ceiriog Vale; the pretty village of Chirk; Lord -Dungannon’s pleasant seat at Brynkinalt; “Chirk -Castle walls;” Wynnstay Park; the fine tower of Wrexham -Church; Gresford Vale, with its luxuriant and refreshing scenery; -and the graceful approach to Chester, across “Sweet <a -name="page198"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -198</span>Deva’s wizard stream,” and in sight of the -animating race-course (the Roodeye), the fine old Roman walls of -the city, the ancient Castle, a work of Roman art, the Armoury, -county Gaol, St. Werburgh’s Cathedral, the venerable Church -and Priory of St. John the Baptist,—these, with many other -relics of days now</p> -<blockquote><p>“Numbered with those beyond the -flood,”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>must give an intense interest to those who value objects -stamped with natural beauty and hoary antiquity.</p> -<p>All hostility between the Great Western and North Western -Railway Companies having, at least for the present, ceased, both -of these gigantic undertakings can, without ungenerous feelings -one against the other, devote their energies and capital to the -improvement of all departments of their respective undertakings, -rendering to the public the attention, comfort, and assurance of -safety in travelling which railway management ought to -secure.</p> -<h3>EXTENSION LINE FROM OSWESTRY TO WELSHPOOL AND NEWTOWN.</h3> -<p>Whilst this volume was passing through the press a successful -effort was made in carrying through Parliament a Bill for -extending a line of railway through part of Montgomeryshire, -commencing by a junction with the Shrewsbury and Chester Section -of the Great Western Railway. The Bill was introduced into -the House of Commons in the early part of the present Session of -Parliament (1855), and passed through the various stages of that -branch of the Legislature without opposition. In the House -of Lords a slight but unsuccessful opposition was raised, and the -Bill received the Royal assent on the 25th of June. Thus -has been secured to the county of Montgomery, which is rapidly -growing in population and importance, the advantage of railway -communication <a name="page199"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -199</span>direct from the metropolis, and from the busy seats of -manufacturing industry in the north. The manufacturing and -agricultural wealth and enterprise of Montgomeryshire, its rich -mineral resources, and the benefits which will accrue to it by -throwing open to its use the affluent coal-fields of Shropshire -and Denbighshire, were strong claims entitling Montgomeryshire to -the boon she sought. The further objects contemplated by -the promoters of this line, in connecting it, at no far distant -period, with the magnificent national harbour at Milford Haven, -and thus opening a grand route from that capacious landing-place -from the north of Ireland to Manchester, Yorkshire, and the -Midland Counties, were doubtless among the considerations of -Parliament in granting their sanction to this railway. The -line will commence by a junction with the Shrewsbury and Chester -section of the Great Western Railway, at its Oswestry terminus, -and then proceed by Llanymynech, Llandrinio, Llandisilio, and -Buttington, to Welshpool; thence, crossing the river Severn, near -Miltrewydd, will pass between Montgomery and Berriew, and on to -Newtown, on the south side of the river, where it will unite with -the Newtown and Llanidloes line.</p> -<p>The capital authorized to be raised by the “Oswestry and -Newtown Railway Company” is £250,000. Mr. -Benjamin Piercy is appointed resident engineer of the line; and -Mr. Peter Barlow consulting engineer. The contractors for -the making of the entire line are Messrs. M’Cormick and -Thornton, whose previous railway contracts give the best -assurance that the present line will be constructed in an -efficient manner.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p>The first general meeting of the shareholders was held at the -Town Hall, Welshpool, on Saturday, July 21st; <span -class="smcap">William Ormsby Gore</span>, Esq., Chairman of the -Board of Provisional Directors, in the chair. The -attendance was very numerous. <a name="page200"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 200</span>The report stated that it was the -intention of the Directors to proceed with the construction of -the railway with as little delay as possible, that the -certificates of the proprietorship of the shares in the capital -of the Company, under the seal of the Company, could be forthwith -issued to the Shareholders; that the Directors congratulated the -Shareholders and the district upon the unanimity which had -prevailed in the establishment and progress of the Company, and -expressed their hope that this would lead to the speedy -completion of the undertaking, and the further developement of -the resources of the country. The speakers on this occasion -were the Chairman, Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart. M.P., the Rev. C. T. C. -Luxmoore, the Ven. Archdeacon Clive, G. H. Whalley, Esq., the -Rev. Maurice Lloyd, Richard Humphreys, Esq., George Brace, Esq., -and other gentlemen. The Directors named in the Act were, -William Ormsby Gore, Esq., M.P., Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart. -M.P., D. Pugh, Esq. M.P., John Naylor, Esq., John Carnac Morris, -Esq., Richard Herbert Mytton, Esq., John Davies Corrie, Esq., -Rowland Jones Venables, Esq., Arthur James Johnes, Esq., Col. -Herbert Watkin Williams Wynn, M.P., J. Powell Wilding, Esq., and -Wm. Lloyd, Esq., and they were re-elected unanimously. An -important resolution was also passed, “That it is the -opinion of this meeting, that it is of the utmost importance to -the interest of the Company that a communication by railway -should be effected between Newtown and Milford Haven; and the -Directors are hereby requested to afford such co-operation and -assistance to any Companies now existing, or which may be -projected, as would best tend to accomplish that -object.” The entire proceedings were marked by -harmony and good spirit, and all present appeared suitably -impressed with the importance and value of railway communication -through Montgomeryshire, and with the benefits, in connection -with the great national harbour at Milford Haven, which would -ultimately accrue to the “Oswestry and Newtown Railway -Company.” Few, if <a name="page201"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 201</span>any, railway enterprizes were ever -started under a more able and upright management, and perhaps -equally few lines, of so short a distance, had at their outset -such encouraging prospects before them. With these signal -advantages no doubt can be entertained that the undertaking will -be crowned with abundant success.</p> -<h2>Statistics.</h2> -<p>The <span class="smcap">Borough</span> of <span -class="smcap">Oswestry</span> is situated on the north-west -border of Shropshire, in the Diocese of St. Asaph, and Deanery of -Marchia, and in the Hundred to which it gives name. In -1535, by a statute of Henry VIII., Oswestry, with Whittington, -Maesbrook, Knockin, Ellesmere, Down, and Chirbury, was, by Act of -Parliament, severed from Wales, and annexed to the County of -Salop. The <span class="smcap">Hundred</span> of <span -class="smcap">Oswestry</span> is bounded on the west by -Montgomeryshire and Denbighshire; on the north by the rivers -Ceiriog and Dee, and the stream of Shelbrook, which separates it -from Denbighshire and Flintshire; on the east by the Hundred of -Pimhill; and on the south by the rivers Vyrnwy and Severn, which -divide it from Montgomeryshire, and from the Hundred of Ford.</p> -<p>The <span class="smcap">Upper Division</span> of the Hundred -contains the parishes of</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">St. Martin</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Whittington</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Selattyn</span> (part -of),</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Oswestry</span> (part -of),</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Llanymynech</span> (part -of),</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Llansilin</span> (part -of),</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">West Felton</span> (part -of),</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Ellesmere</span> (part -of),</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Llanyblodwel</span>,</p> -<p>and the extra-parochial places of Halston and Heath Farm.</p> -<p><i>The parish of St. Martin</i> contains the townships of -Ifton Rhyn (upper), Ifton Rhyn (lower), Weston Rhyn (upper), -Weston Rhyn (lower), and Bronygarth (east and west).</p> -<p><a name="page202"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -202</span><i>The parish of Whittington</i> contains the townships -of Whittington, Welsh Frankton, Old Marton (part of), Berghill, -Daywell, Fernhill, Hindford, Henlle, and Ebnall.</p> -<p><i>The parish of Selattyn</i> contains the townships of -Porkington (upper), and Porkington (lower).</p> -<p><i>The parish of Oswestry</i> contains the townships of -Oswestry, Middleton, Aston, Hisland, Wooton, Sweeney, Weston -Cotton, Maesbury, Llanvorda, Pentregaer, Cynynion, Coed-tan y -gaer, Treferclawdd, Treflach, Trefonen, and Crickheath. The -parish of Oswestry contains also the township and chapelry of -Morton, which are in the Lower Division of the Hundred.</p> -<p><i>The parish of Llanyblodwel</i> contains the townships of -Llanyblodwel, Abertanat, Blodwel, Bryn, and Llynclis, or -Llunck-Llys.</p> -<p>The <i>parish of Llanymynech</i> contains the townships of -Carreghofa, Llanymynech and Llwyntidman. The parish of -Llanymynech contains also the township of Treprenal, which is in -the Lower Division. The rest of the parish is in -Denbighshire, and, for election and other purposes, is annexed to -Montgomeryshire.</p> -<p>The <i>parish of Ellesmere</i>, in the Upper Division of the -Hundred of Oswestry, contains the townships of Dudleston (upper), -and Dudleston (lower). The other townships in the parish -are in the Ellesmere Division of the Hundred of Pimhill.</p> -<p>The <i>parish of West Felton</i> contains the townships of -Woolston (part of), Sandford, and Twyford. The other -townships in this parish, namely, West Felton, Sutton, Rednal, -Haughton, and Tedsmere, are in the Lower Division.</p> -<p>The <i>parish of Llansilin</i> has only one township in -Shropshire (Sychtyn). The rest of the parish is in -Denbighshire.</p> -<p><a name="page203"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 203</span>The -<span class="smcap">Lower Division</span> of the Hundred contains -the parishes</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">West Felton</span> -(part of),</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Knockin</span>,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Ruyton</span>,</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Melverley</span> (part -of),</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Oswestry</span> (part -of),</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Llanymynech</span> (part -of),</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Kinnerley</span>.</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p>The <i>parish of West Felton</i> contains the townships of -West Felton, Rednal, Sutton, Haughton, and Tedsmere, or -Tedsmore. The other townships in the parish, namely, -Woolston, Sandford, and Twyford, are, as already stated, in the -<span class="smcap">Upper Division</span>.</p> -<p>The <i>parish of Knockin</i> contains only the township of -Knockin.</p> -<p>The <i>parish of Ruyton</i> (<i>of the Eleven Towns</i>) -contains the townships of Ruyton, Cotton, Shotatton, Shelvocke, -Eardiston, and Wikey.</p> -<p>The <i>parish of Kinnerley</i> contains the townships of -Kinnerley and Argoed, Dovaston, Kynaston, or Kinaston, -Maesbrook-issa, Maesbrook-ucha, Edgerley, Tir-y-Coed, and -Osbaston.</p> -<p>The <i>parish of Melverley</i> contains the townships of -Melverley (upper), and Melverley (lower).</p> -<p>The <i>parish of Oswestry</i>, in the Lower Division of the -Hundred, contains only the township of Morton.</p> -<p>The <i>parish of Llanymynech</i>, in the Lower Division of the -Hundred, contains the townships of Carreghofa and Treprenal.</p> -<p>The <span class="smcap">Manors</span> in Oswestry Parish are -Aston, Duparts, and Middleton. <i>Aston</i> includes the -townships of Aston, Hisland, and Wooton, and also Twyford, in -West Felton parish. <i>Duparts</i> includes the township of -Crickheath, <a name="page204"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -204</span>Cynynion, Llanvorda, Maesbury, Morton, Pentre-gaer, -Sweeney, with Weston Cotton, and the township of Sychtyn, in -Llansilin parish. <i>Middleton</i> includes the township of -Middleton, and <i>Oswestry</i> the town and liberties of -Oswestry. Lady of the Manor for <i>Aston</i>, Mrs. Lloyd; -and Lord of the Manor of <i>Oswestry</i> and <i>Duparts</i>, the -Earl of Powis.</p> -<h3>POPULATION.</h3> -<p>The population of the town and parish, in 1801, amounted to -5,839; and the number of houses, 788. In 1811 the -population of the town and parish had increased to 6,733. -In 1821 the returns showed that the population of the town and -parish was still on the increase, the number of males and females -being 7,523. The population of the town and liberties, in -June, 1831, was—males, 2,007; females, 2,471; total, -4,478. The return further showed that the number of houses -in course of being built, was 3; houses uninhabited, 29; ditto -inhabited, 885; families engaged in agriculture, 11; in trade, -276; all others, 613. Total number of families, 899. -Male servants, 42; females, 311; retired tradesmen, 38; clergy, -educated men, &c., 79; handicraft, 567; gardeners, &c., -232. The returns for 1841 were as follows;—Town and -Liberties, 4,569; Parish, 4,277; total, 8,846. Houses -occupied in the town, 931; unoccupied and building, 68; in the -parish, 886; unoccupied and building, 18. In 1851 the -census returns were as follows:—</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p><span class="GutSmall">MALES.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p><span class="GutSmall">FEMALES.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p><span class="GutSmall">TOTAL.</span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Town and Liberties</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2,251</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2,565</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4,816</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>The Parish</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1,972</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2,006</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">3,978</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: right">Total</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4,223</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4,571</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">8,794</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h3>AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.</h3> -<p>A return was made in 1854, giving the following details on -agriculture, in reference to Oswestry Town and Liberties, -Oswestry Parish, and other parishes within the Hundred:—<a -name="page205"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 205</span>The total -number of acres occupied in the Town and Liberties of Oswestry, -the Parish of Oswestry, Llansilin, Llanyblodwel, Selattyn, -Llwyntidman, Sychtyn, St. Martin’s, Chirk, Whittington, -Felton, Ruyton, Knockin, and Kinnerley, was 78,301; sown with -wheat, 7,909 acres; with barley, 6,512; oats, 2,924; rye, -39¾; beans and peas, 275; vetches, 160; turnips, -4,420½; mangold, 48¼; carrots, 24; potatoes, 566; -flax, 5. Total under tillage, 24,013; clover, lucerne, and -other artificial grasses, 6,307¼; permanent pasture, -3,198; irrigated meadows, 2,599¼; sheep walks and downs, -3,095½; total under grass, 63,990; number of acres in -houses, gardens, roads, fences, &c., 1,468¾; number of -acres in waste (if any) attached to the farms, 2,258; horses, -2,618; colts, 802; milch cows, 6,854; calves, 5,571; other -cattle, including working oxen, 4,636; tups, 588; ewes, 12,509; -lambs, 9,047; other sheep, 4,572; swine, 7,142; number of acres -in wood and plantations, 3,749; common lands, 227.</p> -<p>The greatest registered quantity of wheat, according to the -excise returns, ever sold in one day at Oswestry market, was -disposed of on Wednesday, the 11th of July, 1855, namely, 4,373 -imperial measures.</p> -<h2>Natural History.</h2> -<p>Our limits will not admit of extended observation on this -subject, but it is our duty to direct the attention of our -readers to the feathered tribes in the district, which include -many of the more remarkable and beautiful of British birds. -Mr. Cross, of Oswestry, has, in the last few years, made -collections of rare and valuable birds, some delightful -songsters, including the nightingale, the piping bullfinch, with -birds of prey, those of the passerine order, and a large variety -of water birds. The following list, formed more than twenty -years ago, the names given according to Bewick’s history of -birds, will show that the neighbourhood has long abounded with -fine specimens of the feathered creation:—</p> -<p class="gutlist"><a name="page206"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -206</span><i>Kites</i>.—Ring-tailed eagle, osprey, common -buzzard, honey buzzard, kite, goshawk, sparrow-hawk, hen harrier, -kestrel, and marten.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Owls</i>.—Great-eared owl, white owl, -and tawny owl.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Butcher Birds</i>.—Great ash-coloured -shrike, red-backed shrike.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Pies</i>.—Raven, carrion crow, hooded -crow, rook, jackdaw, magpie, jay, starling, ring ousel, ousel -cock or blackbird, missel thrush or storm cock, fieldfare, -throstle or thrush, redwing, cuckoo, and wryneck.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Woodpeckers</i>.—Green, greater -spotted, lesser spotted, nuthatch, and creeper.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Grosbeaks</i>.—Grosbeak or hawfinch, -green grosbeak, bullfinch, pine grosbeak.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Buntings</i>.—Brown, yellow hammer, -blackheaded or reed sparrow, and snow bunting.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Finches</i>.—House sparrow, mountain -sparrow, chaff, or pied-finch, mountain-finch, gold-finch, -linnet, and lesser redpole.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Larks</i>.—Sky-lark, field-lark, -grashopper-lark, wood-lark, and tit-lark.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Wagtails</i>.—Pied, or water wagtail, -grey, and yellow.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Flycatchers</i>.—Pied, or gold-finch, -spotted, or house linnet.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Warblers</i>.—Robin redbreast or -ruddock, redstart or brantail.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Fauvette</i>.—Lesser fauvette, winter -fauvette or hedge sparrow, reed fauvette, black-cap, -white-throat, yellow willow wren, willow wren, least willow wren, -wren, golden-crested wren, white rump or wheat ear, win-chat, or -gorsehopper, stonechat, and nightingale.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><a name="page207"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -207</span><i>Titmice</i>.—Greater, blue or tom-tit, cole, -marsh, long-tailed, or can-bottle.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Swallows</i>.—Chimney swallow, -marten, sand marten, swift or deviling, night jaw or fern -owl.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Doves</i>.—Wild pigeon, ring dove, -turtle dove, and small black rock pigeon.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Gallinaceous</i>.—Domestic cock, -pheasant, turkey, peacock, pintado or guinea fowl, wood grouse, -black grouse, red grouse, partridge, quail, corncrake or -landrail.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Plovers</i>.—Great plover, pee-wit or -lapwing, golden plover, and grey plover.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Water -Birds</span>.—Long-legged plover, water crake, or rail, -water ousel, and kingfisher or haleyon.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Herons</i>.—Heron, bittern or -bog-boom, and curlew.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Snipes</i>.—Woodcock, great snipe, -common snipe, and judcock, or jacksnipe.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Godwit</i>.—Brown sandpiper, common -sandpiper, water, or moor hen, coot, greater coot, great crested -grebe, little grebe, or jack doucker.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Terns</i>.—Common and lesser.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Common gull.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Ducks</i>.—Wild swan, swan goose, -grey-lag goose, tame goose, mallard, or wild duck, shieldrake, -widgeon, and teal.</p> -<p -class="gutlist"><i>Pelicans</i>.—Cormorant,—pelecanus -graculus, or the shag.</p> -<p>The district has occasionally other aërial visitants, -including the <i>peregrine falcon</i>, the bird which furnished -the ancient amusement of falconry, the <i>colymbus troile</i>, or -guillemot, and the <i>corvus caryocatactes</i>, or -nutcracker.</p> -<p><a name="page208"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 208</span>Mr. -Cross’s specimens are of recent date, many of the birds -named having been taken during the last twelve months. We -subjoin his list, which will be read with interest by all lovers -of natural history:—</p> -<p class="gutlist">Peregrine falcon, kite, buzzard, goshawk, blue -hawk, merlin, hobby, sparrow hawk, kestrel, large butcher bird, -small butcherbird. Tawny owl, white owl, long-eared owl, -short-eared owl, night jay or goat sucker-cuckoo. Green -woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, lesser spotted woodpecker, -nuthatch, creeper. Wood pigeon, rock pigeon, coblard -turtle, turtle dove. Rook, crow, jackdaw, magpie, jay, -starling, black bird, wood thrush, thrush, fieldfare, red wing, -stone chat, whin-chat, yellow hammer, mounting finch, red finch, -gold-finch, bull-finch, robin, reed sparrow, hedge sparrow, -common sparrow, green linnet, grey linnet, yellow wagtail, pied -wagtail, red start, black cap, pied flycatcher, spotted -flycatcher, white throat, black cap titmice, small black cap -titmice, blue cap titmice, long tailed titmice, willow wren, -common wren, golden crested wren. Swift, barn swallow, -house marten, sand marten. Woodlark, skylark, meadow pipit, -tree pipit. Pheasant, grouse, partridge, black grouse, -corncrake. Heron, bittern, cormorant, eared grebe, -goosander, smews, curlew, widgeon, silver widgeon, magpie -widgeon, golden eye widgeon, pintail duck, coot, moorhen, jack -curlew, teal, seagull, woodcock, solitary snipe, common snipe, -small grebe, lapwing, grey plover, golden plover, jack snipe, -water rail, ring ouzel, water ouzel, marsh sandpiper, common -sandpiper, knot, and kingfisher.</p> -<h3><a name="page209"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -209</span>ANGLING.</h3> -<p><span class="smcap">Oswestry</span> has no rivers immediately -contiguous to it, but at short and easily-approachable distances -are several, namely, the <i>Severn</i>, the <i>Vyrnwy</i>, the -<i>Tanat</i>, the <i>Dee</i>, the <i>Ceiriog</i>, the -<i>Perry</i>, the <i>Morlas</i>, and the <i>Morda</i>. The -Severn has its rise from a small lake, on the eastern side of -Plinlimmon, whence it flows in a devious direction, under the -Welsh name of <i>Hafren</i>, to Newtown, whence it assumes its -English name of Severn, and pursues its circuitous route to -Shrewsbury. From its source to fair Salopia it runs nearly -one hundred miles, receiving the waters of several -tributaries. From Shrewsbury it continues its winding -course, and receives the Tern, at the foot of the Wrekin, about -which it describes a semi-circle; then curving repeatedly, it -flows towards Coalbrookdale, whence it flows in a north-west -direction to Tewksbury, and eventually to the British -Channel. Blakey, in his recently-published volume on -“Angling,” says, “The best bottom-fishing for -carp, perch, roach, chub, and eel, is within those portions of -the river appropriated to navigation. Grayling are to be -met with in many parts of the Severn.” The Vyrnwy and -Tanat abound with fish; the former so much so that it has -obtained the title of <i>Piscosus Amnis</i>. The Tanat -falls into the Vyrnwy at Aber-Tanat, and the Vyrnwy into the -Severn at a place called <i>Y Cymmerau</i> (the Conflux), at the -lower end of Guilsfield <a name="page210"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 210</span>parish, not far distant from the -Breiddin, Moel y Golfa, and Cefn y Castell mountains. The -scene in this district has been sung in rapturous and beautiful -strains by a Welsh bard and warrior, of the 12th century -(Gwalchmai):—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Rise orb of day! the eastern gates -unfold,<br /> -And shew thy crimson mantle, fring’d with gold;<br /> -Contending birds sing sweet on every spray,<br /> -The skies are bright—arise, thou orb of day!<br /> -I, Gwalchmai, call—in song, in war renown’d,<br /> -Who, lion-like, confusion spread around,—<br /> -The live-long night the Hero and the Bard,<br /> -Near Breiddin’s rocks, have left a constant guard,<br /> -Where cool transparent streams in murmurs glide,<br /> -And springing grass adorns the mountain’s side,<br /> -Where snow-white sea-mews in the current play,<br /> -Spread their gay plumes, and frolic through the day!”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Blakey furnishes some practical information on this branch of -our notice. He says:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“The Vyrnwy has a great number of dependent -feeders, the principal of which are the <i>Eunant</i>, the -<i>Afon</i>, the <i>Gedis</i>, the <i>Afon Gynnan</i>, the -<i>Glasgwn</i>, and the <i>Cown</i>. These undoubtedly -constitute a considerable range of the waters, and are well -adapted for the fly, and some for trolling as well. After -the main river receives all these tributaries, it flows a -south-eastern course for twenty miles, and then receives the -waters of the <i>Twrch</i>, which flows a distance of twenty -miles, through a very interesting section of the country. -This tributary itself has good angling feeders, capable of -affording fair sport with the rod. The Vyrnwy likewise -receives the <i>Cain</i>, and, a little farther down, the -<i>Tanat</i>, both of which contain good fish. The Tanat -itself is fed by several good streams, as the <i>Rhaiadr</i>, the -<i>Afon Harrog</i>, and the <i>Ymrch</i>. Here there is -good fly-fishing. All these waters, large and small, are -bright, sparkling, and flowing, and have that peculiar form of -stream which indicates good sport. As to the colour of the -fly requisite in these mountain streams, little need be said; in -fact, when the fish <a name="page211"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 211</span>are in humour, and they are not here -capricious, they seem to snatch at anything in the shape of an -insect. Very large flies, however, will not answer -well.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The <i>Dee</i> has its origin in Merionethshire, by the -junction of two small streams rising about four miles to the -north-west of Llanwchllyn, and two miles below that village -enters Pimblemere, or Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid); issuing from that, -beneath Bala, it flows under the bridge, takes a north-easterly -direction through the Vale of Eideirnion, and turning to the east -in fine meandering curves, waters the Vales of Glyndwrdwy (Vale -of the Dee), and Llangollen, where it receives the tributary -Brân. Thence, passing through Llangollen Vale, -beneath Pont-y-cysyllte Aqueduct, and the Great Western -(Shrewsbury and Chester) Viaduct, both of which span the Vale, it -curves below Wynnstay Park, emerges into the Vale Royal of -Cheshire, and finally, after passing through Holt, and skirting -Eaton Hall, the magnificent seat of the Marquis of Westminster, -glides past the Church of St. John the Baptist, in Chester, -beneath the ancient and new bridges and railway viaduct there, -and finally, at the estuary of the Dee, enters St. George’s -Channel. The portion of the Dee running through -Denbighshire and Flintshire (not far distant from Oswestry,) is -an excellent locality for trout-fishing, as the well-supplied -dinner-tables of the two hotels in Llangollen (the <i>Hand</i> -and the <i>Victoria</i>) can amply testify. The Ceiriog, -the Perry, the Morlas, and the Morda, are each well stored with -fish, and can supply the angler with tempting rewards for his -patience and skill. The <i>Lake of Llynclys</i>, near -Oswestry, has not only a poetical, but a piscatory celebrity -also. It is the scene of a clever ballad, from the pen of -the poet Dovaston, who, as a prefix to his metrical tale, has -given the following description of the Lake:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“<i>Llynclys Pool</i> is a small but -beautiful lake, of extraordinary depth, on the Welsh border, near -Oswestry. The name in the Welsh signifies <i>Sunk -Palace</i>, and the vulgar have a firmly-believed <a -name="page212"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -212</span>superstition (in which the neighbourhood abounds), -corresponding with the catastrophe of this ballad; nay, some even -at this day go so far as to affirm, that when the water is clear -and the surface smooth, towers and chimneys may be seen in it at -a great depth. In the summer months fishing parties of -ladies and gentlemen frequently spend the day on it in a boat -with music and refreshments; on one of these occasions this -ballad was hastily written.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The Lake is situated near the turnpike-road from Oswestry to -Welshpool, only a short distance from Llynclys -turnpike-gate. It is bordered on some of its sides with -reeds and rushes, and a few years ago the flower of a white water -lily was pulled up, not far from the shore, the stalk of which -measured nearly fourteen feet. The fishery is the property -of the Earl of Powis, and the water abounds with pike, bream, -perch, and dace. R. H. Kinchant, Esq., of Park Hall, near -Oswestry, has also an interest in the fishery.</p> -<p>The <i>Ceiriog</i>, a picturesque and romantic river, winds -among the rocks behind Oswestry, forming deep glens and dingles, -and falls into the Dee below Chirk. The <i>Perry</i> and -<i>Morlas</i> are two bright rivulets arising in the mountains -near Selattyn; the former passes Whittington and falls into the -Severn, near Fitz, whilst the latter unites with the Ceiriog, -near Pont-y-blew. The <i>Morda</i>, no inconsiderable -stream, finds its rapid way between the rocks at Llanforda, -immediately above the town of Oswestry, and, sweeping its course -to the south, falls into the Vyrnwy at Pentreheylin.</p> -<p>The following metrical instructions to the student angler, -although the lines are quaint, may not be deficient of interest -to the younger disciples of Isaac Walton:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“In deep the silver <i>Salmon</i> loves to -rove;<br /> -And marly swifts allure the <i>Barbel</i> drove;<br /> -Sharp streams delight the <i>Trout</i>, still deep the -<i>Bream</i>;<br /> -The fearful <i>Chub</i>, he loves the shaded stream.<br /> -In shady holes and hollow banks, the <i>Perch</i> he dwells,<br -/> -<a name="page213"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 213</span>And, for -his boldness, the finny race excels;<br /> -<i>Roach</i> and <i>Dace</i> the sandy bottom choose,<br /> -And <i>Carp</i> the weeds, and <i>Tench</i> the muddy ooze.<br /> -In streams with gravel bottom <i>Gudgeons</i> do delight,<br /> -The wanton <i>Bleak</i> will ever sport in sight;<br /> -The <i>Pike</i>, the tyrant of the finny brood,<br /> -Near weeds and ledge lies lurking for his food.”</p> -</blockquote> -<h3>Botany of the Parish.</h3> -<p>We are indebted to the <span class="smcap">Rev. Thomas -Salwey</span>, Vicar of Oswestry, for the subjoined interesting -paper on the Botany of the Parish. It gives evidence of his -ardent attachment to this pleasing branch of Natural History, and -its publication may lead others to follow his example, in -studying a science which delightfully leads the mind of its -possessor to an increased admiration of the beauty and wisdom of -the Creator’s marvellous works:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“By cooling streams and softening showers<br -/> - The vegetable race are fed;<br /> -And trees and plants, and herbs and flowers<br /> - Their Maker’s bounty smiling spread.</p> -<p>The flowing tribes all blooming rise<br /> - Above the faint attempts of art;<br /> -Their bright inimitable dyes<br /> - Speak sweet conviction to the heart.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>“The interest and variety of the Botanical productions -of any district will always be found to depend upon its -geological character; and in this respect there are perhaps few -Parishes which comprise within their boundaries so many different -geological formations as that of Oswestry. The lower part -of the Parish, from the neighbourhood of the Town to the -Queen’s Head, consists of the new red sandstone; or rather -to that part of it which is called by modern Geologists the -Permian formation, and which is so called because this formation -is most amply developed in the District of Perm, in Russia. -The Town itself is situated upon the coal-measures. With -this is associated the usual sandstone grit and <a -name="page214"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 214</span>chert, -breaking out in Sweeney Mountain and Mynydd-y-Myfyr. -Immediately at the back of these hills the mountain, or -carboniferous limestone, breaks out, running in a line through -the parish from Cynynion, through Pentregaer, Trefonen, and -Treflach, to Porth-y-waen. This is here and there broken -through by detached masses of Trap Rock, as at the point on which -the Tower of Pentregaer is built, and upon the western slope of -the Moelydd; whilst on the slope of the hill from Cynynion, and -under Coed-y-Coch, the Silurian system begins to shew -itself. In such a district we may reasonably expect a -corresponding variety of plants. In the following list, -however, it is by no means intended to give anything like a -complete enumeration of the plants to be found within the -district, which would be inconsistent with such a publication as -the present. Such plants only have been selected as will -show the character of the Botany, and be a sufficient guide to -any Botanist in conducting his researches.</p> -<p>“Great, however, as is the variety of Geological -formation within the Parish, there is one feature, always of the -greatest interest to the Botanist, which unfortunately it does -not possess, namely, old woods, with their ancient oaks, the -growth of centuries, and the deep mossy dells which are so -favourable to the production of the scarcer cryptogamic -plants. We have no scenery of this kind in our Parish, or -even in the immediate neighbourhood, and hence our mosses are -only those which are found everywhere. The beautiful little -<i>Dicranum bryoides</i> (the moss which so revived the spirit of -the unfortunate Mungo Park when fainting in the deserts of -Africa), may indeed be found in Broom Hall lane; and the -<i>Hypnum commutation</i> may be gathered at the foot of the -Moelydd. The <i>Bryum palustre</i> may also be found above -Morda pool; and the <i>Bryum roseum</i>, and the large and -handsome <i>Bryum ligulatum</i>, in some of the wet and shady -lanes in the upper part of the Parish; but beyond these I am not -aware that there are any mosses of peculiar interest to be found -amongst us. We have, however, a greater variety of <a -name="page215"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 215</span>ferns than -perhaps any other district of equal extent could produce; but -here again only the more scarce ones are enumerated.</p> -<p>“The more minute cryptogamic plants, and especially -those under the head of <i>Fungi</i>, will of course be the least -interesting portion of the list; but any notice of the Botany of -the district would be incomplete without the introduction of a -proportionate number of these obscure, but, to a Botanist, -highly-interesting plants.</p> -<p>“The following are some of the plants which will be -found in the parish, or close to its immediate -boundaries:—</p> -<h4>Phœnogamæ.</h4> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Circæa lutetiana</i>—Penylan -and Llanforda lanes</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Scirpus lacustris</i>—Llynclys -pool.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Arundo phragmites</i>—Llynclys pool. -<a name="citation215"></a><a href="#footnote215" -class="citation">[215]</a></p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Myosotis collina</i>—Hedge banks -about Pentreshanel,</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Anchusa sempervirens</i>—Croes-wylan, -and Llanforda lane.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Menyanthes trifoliata</i>—Bog above -Morda pool.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Campanula trachelium</i>—Hedges -between Cynynion, and Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Viola hirta</i>—Limestone rocks, -Trefonen.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Artropa -Belladonna</i>—Porthywaen.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Gentiana amarella</i>—Moelydd.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>campestris</i>—Ditto.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Parnassia palustris</i>—Meadows -between Sweeney and Morton; and in a field on the west side of -the Brick-kilns, at the High Vawr.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Galanthus nivalis</i>—Upon the ledge -of a low rock on the west side of Sweeney mountain.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Allium ursinum</i>—Lanes and moist -places about the upper parts of the Parish; and in the -Nant-Mawr.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Colchichum autumnale</i>—Meadows at -Sweeney and elsewhere.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Paris quadrifolia</i>—Thickets about -Treflach.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Adoxa moschatellina</i>—Broom Hall -lane; Penylan lane; and other places.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Chrysosplenium alternifolium</i>—Near -the mill at Llanforda; and in other similar wet places.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>oppositifolium</i>—Ditto.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Saxifraga tridactylites</i>—Walls -about the Town; and rocks at Pentregaer and Craig-y-Rhu.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><a name="page216"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -216</span><i>Cotyledon umbilicus</i>—In the lane below the -Race-ground, on the east side.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Sedum anglicum</i>—Rocks below -Coed-y-coch; and between Craig-y-Rhu and Cynynion.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Prunus padus</i>—Below Penylan -mill.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Pyrus aria</i>—Craig-y-Rhu.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Rosa villosa</i>—Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Tilia parvifolia</i>—Croes-wylan -lane.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Cistus helianthemum</i>—Rocks at -Trefonen, above the Nant-Mawr.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Aquilegia vulgaris</i>—Thickets at -Treflach, where it is also found with white flowers.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Ranunculus parviflorus</i>—Not -uncommon on hedge banks; Maesbury road, near the Gallows-Tree -Bank.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Trollius europæus</i>—Fields in -the upper part of the Parish; and below the house at the -Hayes.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Teucrium chamædrys</i>—This was -found some years ago upon an old wall (since taken down) at the -Hayes. It may be found now upon the wall of a garden in -Brook-Street, lately belonging to the Vicar, having been -transplanted there from the Hayes. It grows also sparingly -upon the old walls of Whittington Castle.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Scrophularia vernalis</i>—Penylan and -Llanforda lanes; brought there probably by the celebrated -naturalist, Mr. Lloyd, who lived formerly at Llwynymaen.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Hutchinsia -petræa</i>—Pentregaer and Trefonen; upon the slope of -the hills facing Llansilin.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Arabis hirsuta</i>—Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Geranium colum binum</i>—Hedge banks, -occasionally.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Fumaria -claviculata</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Ornithopus perpusillus</i>—Moelydd, -and Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Anthyllis vulneraria</i>—Treflach, -and Trefonen.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Tragopogon pratensis</i>—Llanforda -(1st park).</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Tussilago petasites</i>—Meadows near -Llwynymaen.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Hieracium paludosum</i>—Maesbury.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Achillæa ptarmica</i>—Upper -part of the Parish.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Listera ovata</i>—Road-side near -Mount Sion.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Myriophyllum spicatum</i>—Pool at -Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Typha latifolia</i>—Morda, and -Llynclys pool.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Carex paniculata</i>—Llynclys -pool.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>hirta</i>—Llanforda</p> -<h4>Cryptogimia.</h4> -<h5>FILICES.</h5> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Polypodium -phegopteris</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><a name="page217"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -217</span><i>Aspidium oreopteris</i>—Ditto.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Grammitis ceterach</i>—Crickheath -Hill and Treflach Hill, above Porthywaen and Blodwel rocks</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Cystea dentata</i>—On the loose heap -of stones below the Tower at Pentregaer; also upon a high wall, -at the back of the house, at Broom Hall.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Hymenophyllum Wilsoni</i>—Upon a rock -in a wood at Treflach.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Osmunda regalis</i>—Maesbury.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Botrychium lunaria</i>—In the 1st -park at Llanforda; and on the brow of the hill between the tower -at Pentregaer and Craig-y-Rhu.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Ophioglossum vulgatum</i>—Fields -about Llanforda and Llwynymaen.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Equisetum limosum</i>—Morda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>fluviatile</i>—Maesbury.</p> -<h5>MUSCI.</h5> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Dicranum bryoides</i>—Broom Hall -lane.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Bryum palustre</i>—Above Morda -pool.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>roseum</i>—Wet and shady lanes in -the upper part of the Parish.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>ligulatum</i>—Ditto.</p> -<h5>LICHENES.</h5> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Calicium furfuraceum</i> (<i>Coniocybe -Fries</i>)—Upon the hedge bank of the Vicar’s field -on Cyrn-y-bwch.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Opegrapha -chevallieri</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>saxatilis</i>—Ditto.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Lecanactis lyncea</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Sphærophoron -coralloides</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>b. cæspitosum</i>—Ditto.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Endocarpon miniatum</i>—Ditto.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, -<i>læte-virens</i>—Mynydd-y-myfyr.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>rufo-virescens</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Verrucaria plumbea</i>—Pentregaer, -and Craig-y-Rhu.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>gemmifera</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>umbrosa</i>—Ditto.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>codonoidea</i>—Craig-y-Rhu.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>immersa</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>epipolœa</i>—Treflach, -Trefonen, and Craig-y-Rhu.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Pyrenothea leucocephala</i>—Park -Sychant.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Variolaria conspurcata</i>—Limestone -rocks, Craig-y-Rhu.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>globulifera</i>—Upon an old ash -tree at Craig-y-Rhu.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Urceolaria calcarea</i>—Limestone -rocks, Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Lecidea morio</i>—Upon the loose -stones under the Tower at Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>lapicida</i>—Mynydd-y-myfyr.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>premnea</i>—Upon an old oak in -Middleton lane.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><a name="page218"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -218</span><i>Lecidea griffithsia</i>—Treflach, near -Woodhill</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>aromatica</i>—Wall in Llanforda -lane, just under the house.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>enteroleuca</i>—The saxicolar -form—same habitat as above.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>synothea</i>—Upon an old gate-post -near Treflach Hall.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>immersa</i>—Limestone rocks, -Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>pruinosa</i>—Wall in the lane -below the house at Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>speirea</i>—Limestone rocks, -Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>incompta</i>—Elm-trees in the -Church-yard at Oswestry; and upon a wych elm at the Hayes.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>canescens</i>—Occasionally found -about Oswestry; but not common.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>quernea</i>—Pentreshanel and -Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>œruginosa</i>—Upon an old -gate-post, Treflach Hall.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, -<i>quadricolor</i>—Mynydd-y-Myfyr.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>rupestris</i>—Limestone rocks, -Moelydd, &c.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>pineti</i>—Llanforda (scarce).</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>lutea</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>polytropa</i>—Mynydd-y-myfyr.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>lucida</i>—Pentreshanel, and other -places.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>erythrella</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, -<i>cœruleo</i>—<i>nigricans</i>—Moelydd.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Lecanora rubra</i>—Craig-y-Rhu (very -scarce).</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, -<i>hæmatomma</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>crassa</i>—Moelydd and -Craig-y-Rhu.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>candicans</i>—Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>repanda</i>—Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Parmelia glomulifera</i>—Upon a -single tree in Llanforda (2nd Park).</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>Borreri</i>—Upon oak trees -opposite to the house at Woodhill.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>conspersa</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>pityrea</i>—Upon a decayed oak -near Old Port; and upon trees opposite to the house at -Trafalgar.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>aquila</i>—Mynydd-y-myfyr, upon a -single isolated piece of rock on the south end of the hill. -This is a very unusual habitat for this plant, which is usually a -marine lichen.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>cæsia</i>—In fruit; but -rarely at Pentregaer and other places.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Sticta pulmonaria</i>—Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Collema fragrans</i>—Llanforda and -Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>ceranoides</i>—Llanforda and -Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>multipartitum</i>—Moelydd.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>marginale</i>—Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, -<i>tunœforme</i>—Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>dermatinum</i>—Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>muscicola</i>—Pentreshanel.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Peltidea scutata</i>—In fruit upon -ash trees at Pentregaer.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><a name="page219"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -219</span><i>Peltidea aphthosa</i>—Craigforda; at the -bottom of the wood a little above the brook (scarce).</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>spuria</i>—Upon a hedge bank, near -Aston.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Gyrophora -polyphylla</i>—Mynydd-y-myfyr (scarce).</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Borrera -furfuracea</i>—Mynydd-y-myfyr.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Cenomyce -cæspititia</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Cornicularia -aculeata</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<h5>CHARACCÆ.</h5> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Chara hispida</i>—Ditches above Morda -Pool.</p> -<h5>ALGÆ.</h5> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Ulva calophylla</i>—Walls of Oswestry -church; east end and lower part of the wall in the great walk; -but not found every year.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>crispa</i>—Oswestry church-yard; -and other places about the town.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Lemania fluviatilis</i>—In the -Morda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Zygnema nitidum</i>—In the lane by -the cottage at Porkington.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Batrachospermum moniliforme</i>—In -the well at Pen-y-lan; and in other places near the Morda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Draparnaldia plumosa</i>—In the -Morda, below Penylan bridge.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Meloseira varians</i>—In the Morda, -below Craigforda, and below Penylan bridge.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Fragilaria hyemalis</i>—In the Morda, -below Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Diatoma vulgare</i>—In the Morda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>flocculosum</i>—In the pool, in -the wood, at Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Meridion circulare</i>—In the well at -Penylan; and in a ditch near the Morda, above Morda pool.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Cymbella minor</i>—Penylan mill.</p> -<h5>FUNGI.</h5> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Agaricus rubescens</i>—In the -shrubbery at Porkington.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>cristatus</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>phyllophilus</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>laccatus</i>—<i>b. -amethystinus</i>—Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>clavus</i>—Blodwel woods.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>galericulatus</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>stellatus</i>—Llanforda -(rare).</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>disseminatus</i>—Near the -Lawnt.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Cantharellus cibarius</i>—By the -lower pool, at Porkington.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Dædalea betulina</i>—In a -timber yard at Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Polyporus sulphureus</i>—On the yew -trees in the church-yard, at Oswestry; but not found every -year.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>salicinus</i>—On stumps of trees, -near Penylan mill.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><a name="page220"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -220</span><i>Polyporus abietinus</i>—On fir poles at -Treflach.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>scoticus</i>—Llanforda, in the -wood above the garden.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>incarnatus</i>—Upon broom by the -pool in the wood, at Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Fistulina hepatica</i>—Upon a Pollard -oak, at Penylan.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Thelephora -purpurea</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Thelephora -quercina</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>lactescens</i>—Llanforda</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>incrustans</i>—Upon an old felled -trunk below Penylan Bridge.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>incarnata</i>—On laburnum in the -wood, by the pool at Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Clavaria rugosa</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Peziza reticulata</i>—Penylan.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>aurantia</i>—Upon the stump of a -tree near Trafalgar.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>humosa</i>—Upon an old mossy trunk -at Llynclys pool.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>anomala</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>cyathoidea</i>—On stems of -herbaceous plants, Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>cinerea</i>—On fallen branches, -Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Bulgaria sarcoides</i>—On an old -stump at Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Exidia glandulosa</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Næmatelia encephala</i>—On -larch and fir rails in Llanforda park (scarce).</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Sclerotium scutellatum</i>—On oak -leaves at Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Phallus caninus</i>—On an old stump -by the pool, in the wood, at Llanforda (scarce).</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Sphæria concentrica</i>—Upon an -old ash tree at Maesbury.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>multiformis</i>—On rails in -Llanforda (first park), and at Craigforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>nummularia</i>—Upon an ash tree -near Penylan bridge.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>lata</i>—On dry wood near Penylan -mill.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>leiphæmia</i>—On dead oak -branches, Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>laburni</i>—On laburnum, -Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>cupularis</i>—On lime branches, -Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>elongata</i>—On broom, -Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>yuccæ</i>—On yucca -glancescens, Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>sanguinea</i>—On timber, at -Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>moriformis</i>—On an old tree -under the Blodwel rocks.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>pulvis-pyrius</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>eutypa</i>—On a dead tree near -Llwynymaen.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Phacidium patella</i>—About -Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Scleroderma vulgare</i>—Woods at -Llanforda and Porkington.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Lycogala -epidendrum</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Reticularia umbrina</i>—On a decayed -larch pole, Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Trichia fallax</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>clavata</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist">,, <i>turbinata</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Trichoderma viride</i>—On fallen -trees, Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><a name="page221"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -221</span><i>Tubercularia granulata</i>—On lime branches, -Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Torula antennata</i>—On fallen -timber, Llanforda.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Puccinia saxifragarum</i>—On adoxa -moschatellina; lanes about Oswestry.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Æcidium -violæ</i>—Mynydd-y-myfyr.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><i>Uredo scillarum</i>—Llanforda.</p> -<h3>Geology, &c.</h3> -<p>The town of Oswestry is situated upon and near the southern -termination of the North Wales Coal Field, which extends a little -farther south of the town, and, north-west, through Ruabon, -Brymbo, Flint, Mostyn, and on to the sea, near the Great -Ormshead. Running parallel, and lying at the back, or to -the west of these coal-measures, is the great belt of mountain -limestone, commencing at Llanymynech Hill, and extending also, -north-westerly, to the Ormshead, and from thence dipping into the -sea.</p> -<p>The metalliferous character of the district is distinguished -for the production of lead, copper, and zinc. Trials have -been made for minerals at Treflach Wood, and portions of -carbonate and sulphuret of copper, of average qualities, have -been found, but not in sufficient quantities to justify extended -operations. At Llanymynech Hill both copper and lead, -sulphurets and carbonates, with carbonate of zinc, or calamine, -have been raised in large quantities by various companies, and -occasionally the ores have reached a high per centage, ranging -from five to twenty-five per cent. The ores are found in -beds or flats, at from thirty to fifty yards from the surface, -and lying between, and running parallel with, the strata of -limestone that inclose them. It is an extraordinary fact, -that the metalliferous belt of limestone abruptly terminates at -the south end of the hill, and cannot be traced farther. -Proceeding west, at the back of Oswestry, in Treflach Wood, there -are some fine beds of Derbyshire marble or entrochal limestone, -that have been worked for mantle-pieces and other ornamental -purposes.</p> -<p><a name="page222"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -222</span>Trials have been made, and small quantities of lead and -copper found in this limestone belt, extending to Minera, -including the Eglwyseg range which bounds a portion of the Vale -of Llangollen, near to Ruabon.</p> -<p>The Minera district is too well known for its rich mineral -products, especially of lead and zinc, to require particular -notice, and the same may be said of the Mold, Halkin, and -Holywell mineral formation, passing on with continued fine -mineral deposits, to Talargoch, near Prestatyn, in -Flintshire.</p> -<p>The coal-measures in the district of Oswestry abound in -fossils, <i>Lepidodendrons</i>, <i>Sigillaria</i>, -<i>Stigmaria</i>, and <i>Calamites</i>, &c.; and the -carboniferous limestone is much more prolific of that class of -fossiliferous productions which usually accompany the old -mountain limestone.</p> -<p>The application of capital and scientific labour to mining -operations, during the last ten years, has given to the district -an active and business-like character, and brought with it a -large increase to the working population. At Llanymynech -Hill, in addition to mining operations, there are annually raised -about 60,000 tons of limestone, which is chiefly used for farming -purposes in Montgomeryshire and Shropshire. At Porth-y-Waen -rocks, in the same range, there is nearly the same quantity of -limestone raised. The united quantities hewn and blasted -from these vast limestone rocks produce about 70,000 tons of -burnt lime, thus showing the extended use now made of limestone -in the cultivation of farm lands in the immediate district.</p> -<p>The manufacture of iron is most extensively carried on in -Ruabon parish, principally by the New British Iron Company, the -quantity of good bar iron made amounting on the average to 350 -tons per week. These works give employment to about 2,500 -people, men and boys. The Company works its own collieries, -and consumes nearly all the coal its <a name="page223"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 223</span>numerous pits produce. In the -same parish there are two extensive manufactories, for the -conversion of the ores of calamine and black jack (carbonate and -sulphuret of zinc) into zinc or spelter, and at each of these -places from twenty to thirty tons of these metals are made.</p> -<p>The coals raised from the coal-fields in and around Oswestry, -worked by Messrs. Croxon and others, amount to about 40,000 tons -per annum; whilst nearly 250,000 tons are raised in the Ruabon -district, and a much larger quantity at Brymbo.</p> -<p>At Minera a powerful Company is actively engaged in working -the old mines that produced so much ore during the former -operations upon them. These mines were closed from the -influx of water, and the inadequacy of the machinery then -employed to carry it off. The present Company have, with an -enterprising spirit, adopted the highest class of machinery, and -employed the best mining talent that could be procured. By -these means, which have called forth the application of at least -£50,000 to this gigantic undertaking, the Company has -fortunately succeeded in discovering rich veins of lead-ore, -which produce from 100 to 150 tons per month. Other mining -companies are also largely engaged in the district, some of which -are producing large quantities of lead-ore.</p> -<h2>Biography.</h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Oswestry</span>, although not the -birth-place of many distinguished men, has amongst its present -population some “choice spirits,” men born not, -perhaps, to wield “the fierce democracy,” or to -attract the nation’s glare by the display of brilliant -talents, yet who possess the happy art of imparting sterling -benefits to their fellow-men, and scattering blessings all around -them. We could point to gentlemen, still honourably -connected with the borough, whose good names must be -well-deserved, because they have been earned among their <a -name="page224"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -224</span>fellow-citizens. The borough has nevertheless -extended education to several eminent characters, and been the -chosen residence of many others. The names of Kenyon, -Charles W. W. Wynn, West, Parker, Longueville, Lloyd, Donne, and -Dovaston, are still cherished with grateful recollections, their -talents and labours having been ably exercised for the social -benefit and intellectual advancement of the town.</p> -<p>We subjoin a few sketches of worthies that did the -“State some service,” and whose connection with -Oswestry claims for them a notice in these pages:—</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Dr. Thomas Bray</span>, an eminently pious -and learned divine of the 17th century, was educated in -Oswestry. He was afterwards entered of Hart Hall, Oxford, -took his degree of Master of Arts there, was chosen by Dr. -Compton, Bishop of London, to model the infant church at -Maryland, and afterwards took the degree of Doctor in -Divinity. He returned from Maryland, after a long and -useful residence there, and rendered immense service to the cause -of foreign missions, by his numerous publications and remarkable -personal exertions. He closed a useful life in 1730, having -reached the age of seventy-three years. He was born at -Marton, in Salop.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">John Freeman Milward Dovaston</span>, -M.A.—The death of this sweet poet, accomplished musician, -and profound naturalist, occurred in August, 1854. Mr. -Dovaston was not a native of Oswestry, but his birth-place -(Westfelton) being so near to the borough, and his social -connexion with it so constant and intimate during the whole of -his life, that he may fairly be ranked among the celebrities of -the town. He was the only son of John Dovaston, Esq., of -“The Nursery,” at Westfelton, a man also of great -natural talents, and who was distinguished for his science, -learning and ingenuity. The subject of our present notice -was educated for the Bar, <a name="page225"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 225</span>but having a dislike for the -profession, and possessing an ample property left by his father, -he preferred a life of literary leisure, amid the charming -scenery in his neighbourhood, to the wordy war and the feverish -excitement of forensic ambition. In his sylvan retreat he -sought amusement and instruction from the glories of nature so -profusely scattered around him, and with the pure taste of the -poet and philosopher, found</p> -<blockquote><p>“Sermons in stones,<br /> -Tongues in trees, books in running brooks,<br /> - - -And good in every thing.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>In early life he published a volume entitled -“Fitz-Gwarine and other poems,” to which he made -considerable additions in later years. He also published an -able discourse on Natural History, and contributed two lectures -on Music and National Melody. He was the author of a most -interesting sketch of Bewick, the clever wood-engraver, whom Mr. -Dovaston styled “the celebrated xyographer and illustrator -of nature;” wrote several prologues and epilogues to -histrionic performances for charitable purposes; and employed his -graceful pen so long as Providence gave him mental and bodily -strength. For several years, however, he was confined to -his bed, and died at the age of 72 years. His education was -commenced at Oswestry Free Grammar School, to which Institution -he reverts, in the pride of his manhood and the fervent -inspiration of the poet; and subsequently he was removed to -Shrewsbury School, where he remained for some years, under the -able tuition of Dr. Butler, afterwards Bishop of Lichfield. -Mr. Dovaston’s poetic genius led him almost entirely into -the realms of nature. His ardent fancy revelled amid -flowers and trees, murmuring rivulets and mountain torrents, or -roamed among “boxen bowers” and greenwood shades, -where no sounds are heard but the drowsy hum of bees, the joyous -notes of the mavis or the lark, or the plaintive warblings of his -“bonny robin.” His metrical romance of -“Fitz-Gwarine” <a name="page226"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 226</span>gives evidence of high descriptive -power; and his Ballad, entitled “Bala Water,” will -bear comparison with the best stanzas of Scott. His works -will live in the district in which they were written, comprising -as they do so many local allusions; but had his muse soared to -loftier themes, he would, in all probability, have transmitted to -posterity a name which the lovers of song throughout the land -would have delighted to honour. Never having been married, -he left a considerable property, which is now in the possession -of his relation, John Dovaston, Esq.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Guto</span> (<span class="smcap">y -Glyn</span>,) or <i>Griffith</i>, of <i>Glyn</i>, having been -elected a burgess of Oswestry, is entitled from that distinction, -as well as from his genius as a poet, to a brief notice. We -have already quoted from his quaint description of Oswestry, but -we shall now give it entire, as it was this production of his -muse that procured for him the honour of enrolment as a burgess -of the town. He was a native of Llangollen, and domestic -bard to the Abbot of Llanegwestl, or Valle Crucis, near that -town, to whom several of his poems are addressed. He is -represented as witty and social, and was an acceptable guest at -the halls of the Welsh nobility and gentry in his triennial -visitations through the Principality. His gentle muse must -have been more than ordinarily gracious when he poured forth such -mellifluous strains as the following, in honour of -Oswestry:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Oswestry is the liberal, the best endowed -of cities;<br /> -The beloved of heaven that draws me to it.<br /> -<i>Oswestry</i> the strong fort of conquerors; the <i>London</i> -of Powys;<br /> -Where the houses are well stored with wine, and the land is -rich.<br /> -Its school is celebrated, and its city for preachers and men of -science.<br /> -<span class="smcap">God</span> is present in its beautiful -temple—<br /> -A church adorned with rich chalices,<br /> -And with bells and a rich-toned organ.<br /> -No better choir is there from it to Canterbury:<br /> -None in which there is correcter singing,<br /> -Or the habilments more suitable.<br /> -To <i>White Minster</i> I know no convent superior.<br /> -<a name="page227"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 227</span>The -handsomest and best-dressed women are those of Oswestry.<br /> -It resembles Cheapside in merchandize,<br /> -And its people are honest and unanimous.<br /> -<span class="smcap">God’s</span> grace be with the city, -and those that dwell therein;<br /> -May <span class="smcap">God</span> be its guardian and kind -preserver.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p><span class="smcap">Humphrey Humphreys</span>, D.D., an -eminent prelate, born November 24th, 1648, was for some years -placed at the Free School of Oswestry, under the care of his -uncle, Humphrey Wynn, A.M., who was master of the school and -vicar of the parish. Bishop Humphreys was an able Welsh -antiquary, and wrote some memoirs of eminent Welshmen, in -addition to those contained in Wood’s <i>Athenæ -Oxonienses</i>, printed in the last edition of that work, and in -the first volume of the <i>Cambrian Register</i>. “He -was a person of excellent virtues during the whole course of his -life, and in his latter years of a piety so extraordinary, as has -but few examples.”</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Thomas Jones</span>, son of John Williams, -was born in Oswestry, and distinguished himself as an able -defender of the Protestant faith. Having received his early -education in his native town, he was entered at Jesus College, -Oxford, at the commencement of the rebellion, but he left the -University soon after, and returned when Oxford was surrendered -to the Parliament, in 1646. He became Fellow of University -College, by authority, of the parliamentary visitors, in 1648, -and was remarkably zealous in the republican cause. He took -the degree of M.A. in the year following, and in 1655 became -rector of Castell Caerinion, in Montgomeryshire, where he -acquired a knowledge of the Welsh language, to serve those parts -where the orthodox clergy were rejected. His subsequent -life was marked by strong zeal against papacy, and in an action -for slander brought against him by Dr. Morley, Bishop of -Winchester, whom he charged as a promoter of popery, he was fined -£300, and the rectory of Llandyrnog, to which he had been -appointed, was sequestered for the payment of it. He -continued this severe course of <a name="page228"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 228</span>polemic warfare, and published -several other works, amongst which, in 1682, “Elymas the -Sorcerer; or a memorial towards the discovery of the bottom of -this Popish Plot.” This effusion exposed him to much -persecution, and would have subjected him to further punishment, -had he not escaped by his decease, which occurred at Totteridge, -Herts, in the same year.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Humphrey Kynaston</span>, surnamed <i>The -Wild</i>.—This remarkable man, whose exploits would furnish -skilful romance-writers with materials for at least three -entertaining volumes, was not a native of Oswestry, but as there -is a tradition that his first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of -Meredydd ab Hywel ab Morris, of Oswestry, and another that she -was Margaret, daughter of William Griffith, of Oswestry, called -Coch-William, or the <i>Red</i>, we have deemed his history -worthy of brief narration in this volume. Kynaston was son -of Sir Roger Kynaston, of Hordley, by Elizabeth, daughter of -Henry Grey, Earl of Tankerville, by Antigony, daughter of -Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester. The enormous debts he -contracted by his imprudent life and conduct caused him to be -outlawed, upon which he fled from Middle Castle, his usual place -of residence, but which he had so neglected that it was falling -into ruins, and sheltered himself in a cave in the western point -of Nesscliff Rock, called to this day <i>Kynaston’s -Cave</i>. The cave is large, and divided into two rooms by -a pillar of the rock, upon which is carved “H. K. -1564.” Yorke says of him, that “he was a -gentleman of many strange pranks, still the talk of the -neighbouring peasantry. The cave in the rock, at Nesscliff, -called Kynaston’s Cave, was the retreat of himself and mad -companions. He was outlawed the sixth of Henry VII., -pardoned the next year, and died in 1531.” -Kynaston’s career was brief, but his exploits and vagaries -within the short period of twelve months filled the country round -with enthusiastic reports of his courage and semi-madness. -His horse, somewhat resembling <a name="page229"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 229</span>the notorious Turpin’s -“Black Bess,” seemed to have an instinctive knowledge -of his master’s love of daring adventure. Tradition -states that this animal was stalled in the cave, the ascent to -which was by a flight of steps, and that when he was grazing in -any of the fields below, on hearing his master’s whistle, -he would immediately attend to the summons, ascend the steps of -the cave, and kneel at Humphrey’s bidding. Kynaston -is represented as no common outlaw, and that in all his -depredatory warfare he ever regarded a sort of justice, giving -freely to the poor, by whom he was idolized, a portion of the -“black mail” he had levied from the rich. On -the road, if he saw a cart with one horse, and another with -three, he made them equal, by taking the fore-horse from the -latter and hooking it to the former. Most of the adventures -ascribed to him seem to have been more dictated by whim than a -desire of plunder. He had a plentiful supply of necessaries -from the people around, the rich paying him tribute through fear, -and the poor from gratitude. <i>Kynaston’s -Horse-leap</i>, a place thus named on Dovaston Common, received -its name from the following circumstance: Kynaston having been -observed to go over Montford Bridge to Shrewsbury, the Sheriff, -intending to take him, caused one of the divisions of the bridge -(then formed of planks laid upon stone pillars,) to be taken up, -and placed a number of men in ambush. When Kynaston had -advanced on the bridge, the men came up and blocked up his -retreat, upon which he put spurs to his horse, which bore him -safely over the wide breach, and carried him to his cave at -Nesscliff; some say the horse leaped into the Severn, and carried -him across! The length of this leap was afterwards measured -on Dovaston Common, with an H cut at one end and a K at the -other. The letters were an ell long, a spade’s graffe -wide, and a spade deep, and were generally cleansed annually by -order of Mr. Kynaston, of Kington, as Gough, the historian of -Middle, informs us. Camden merely mentions Nesscliff and -its cave, but says not a word about Kynaston. Wild <a -name="page230"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -230</span>Humphrey’s adventures were probably much -exaggerated by the vulgar people of the district, some of whom -have not scrupled to declare that his leap was forty yards! -Kynaston, being a desperate man, would not hesitate much at -daring feats, but a forty yards’ leap is fit only for -record in the pages of Major Longbow.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Edward Llwyd</span>, or <span -class="smcap">Lloyd</span>, the celebrated antiquary, although -not a native of Oswestry, was closely connected with it, as he -was the natural son of Edward Lloyd, of Llanforda, a man of -dissolute character, and who, after dissipating his estate, died -without legitimate issue. Edward Llwyd was born in 1660, -and at the age of seventeen was entered in Jesus College, -Oxford. He studied fossils, and became under-keeper of the -<i>Ashmolean Museum</i>, and in 1680 succeeded to the -head-keeper’s place, vacant by the resignation of his -friend and patron, Dr. Plot. In 1704 he took the degree of -M.A. His researches into the languages, histories, and -customs of the original inhabitants of Great Britain obtained for -him a distinguished name; but the chief fruit of his studies and -travels was his “<i>Archæologiæ -Britannica</i>,” of which Baxter, in a letter to Sir Hans -Sloane, said, “That it was the work of an age, rather than -of a few years; that it gave great light to the history and -antiquities of Britain, and was an honour to his ancient -country.” He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society, -and in the following year the University gave “proof of the -high esteem in which it held his extensive learning, by electing -him Esquire Beadle in Divinity;” but he did not long enjoy -the appointment, as he died after a few days’ illness, in -June 1709. His manuscript collections, relating to Welsh -and Irish antiquities, consisted of above forty volumes in folio, -ten in quarto, and upwards of one hundred of smaller sizes. -They were ultimately sold to Sir Thomas Seabright, of Beachwood, -Herts, and were afterwards purchased from Sir John Seabright, -part by the late Thomas Johnes, Esq., of Hafod, and the other <a -name="page231"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 231</span>part by the -late Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., of Wynnstay. Some years -afterwards, Mr. Johnes’ portion of these literary-treasures -were consumed in a destructive fire that broke out at his elegant -mansion, and a similar fate befel the more valuable of the -Wynnstay portion, they having been consumed in a fire which -occurred on the premises of a bookbinder in Covent-garden, -London, where they had been sent for the purpose of being -bound.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">William Maurice</span>, of <span -class="smcap">Cefn-y-Braich</span>, and <span class="smcap">Hugh -Morus</span>, the <span class="smcap">Bard of -Ceiriog</span>.—These two able men, although not -Oswestrians, were so closely connected with the town, as natives -of the neighbouring parish of Llansilin, that a few words on -their biography will not be misplaced. Mr. <i>Maurice</i> -was an eminent antiquary, and the industrious collector of the -library of manuscripts now in the Wynnstay library. He was -descended from Lowri, sister of Owen Glyndwr, and what is -singularly coincident, he married Letitia, a descendant of -Glyndwr’s successful opponent, Henry Bolingbroke. She -was a Kynaston, of Morton, descended from the Greys of Powys, and -the Greys from Antigony, daughter of Humphrey, Duke of -Gloucester, fourth son of Henry IV. William Maurice was so -devoted to Welsh literature, that he erected close to his house, -at Cefn-y-Braich, a building three stories in height, for his -library. It was called “The Study,” but has -long since been in ruins. Mr. Walter Davies says of it, -“From what I recollect of it, and of a print in an old -Oxford almanack of ‘Friar Bacon’s Study,’ in -that university, I judge the one to have been a <i>fac simile</i> -of the other.” This assiduous antiquary died from -about 1680 to 1690.</p> -<p><i>Hugh Morus</i>, the Poet, as he is emphatically called, -because he excelled all others in the smooth and flowing -<i>awen</i>, or song-writing, was born at Pont-y-Meibion, in the -Vale of Ceiriog, in the year 1622. He died in 1709, at the -advanced <a name="page232"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -232</span>age of 87 years, as appears from his tomb-stone in -Llansilin church-yard having lived in six reigns, exclusive of -the commonwealth. His songs, carols, &c., hundreds in -number show his fertile genius, and many of his productions are -marked by wit, irony, fun, satire, and high poetic beauty. -He was a frequent visitor at Porkington and Chirk Castle, and -always a welcome guest.</p> -<p>Mr. <span class="smcap">John Reynolds</span>.—This -gentleman, a native of Oswestry, was a nephew of Mr. John Davies, -of Rhiwlas, Denbighshire, author of a small work entitled -“<i>Heraldry Displayed</i>.” After his -uncle’s death he published a <i>Book of Pedigrees</i>, from -Mr. Davies’s manuscript, in the quarto form.</p> -<p>The <span class="smcap">Rev. Peter Roberts</span>, A.M., an -able writer on Welsh history, resided in Oswestry for some -time. He was born at Rhuabon, Denbighshire, in 1760, and in -1810 was presented to the living of Llanarmon Dyffryn -Ceiriog. He was prevented by the delicate state of his -health from residing on his living for more than a few of the -summer months, his regular home being in the town of Oswestry, -where he was generally respected for his literary talents and -private worth. In 1814 the freedom of the borough was -presented in full assembly to Mr. Roberts, as “Author of -numerous and extensive publications,” “for his deep -and laborious researches of ancient records,” and “in -consideration of his profound learning.” Astronomy -and the Oriental languages were his favourite studies in the -early part of his life, and he had aspired to the Astronomical -Chair in Trinity College, Dublin, as successor to the celebrated -Archbishop Usher, whose friendship and regard he had long -possessed. The illustration of his native language, and of -the ancient history of the Cymry, afterwards deeply engaged his -attention, and to the discussion of these subjects he brought -such powers of mind, united with such multifarious learning, that -he reminded his contemporaries of the gigantic power of the -renowned Edward Llwyd, and <a name="page233"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 233</span>justly entitled himself to the high -eulogium of Bishop Horsley, who declared “there was only -<i>one</i> Peter Roberts in the world.” He closed his -earthly career at Halkin, Flintshire, in 1821, whilst -administering relief to a poor parishioner; he was seized with -apoplexy, and died in a few hours afterwards. His published -works were numerous and able. In the list we find -“Christianity vindicated, in a series of letters to Mr. -Volney;” “Harmony of the Epistles;” “an -essay on the Origin of the Constellations;” “Art of -Universal Correspondence;” “A Sketch of the Early -History of the Cymry or Ancient Britons;” “Review of -the Policy and Peculiar Doctrines of the Church of Rome;” -“Manual of Prophecy,” “Collectanea -Cambrica;” “Letter to Dr. Milner, on the supposed -miracle at St. Winifred’s Well;” “Cambrian -Popular Antiquities,” &c.</p> -<p>“<span class="smcap">Dick Spot</span>.”—A -man figuring under this patronymic, but whose real name was -Edward Morris, flourished at Oswestry some years ago. He -was celebrated as a conjuror or professor of legerdemain, and -pursued his tricks with such marvellous success that the name of -“<i>Dick Spot</i>” was popular among the humbler -classes throughout the district. He professed to tell a -love-sick damsel who was to be her husband; to detect thieves by -turning a key upon the Bible; and by other “craft and -subtlety” inspired his credulous visitors with hopes of -coming grandeur and overflowing fortunes, &c. At length -death arrested Morris in his deceptive career, and his remains -were consigned to the earth in Oswestry Church-yard. -Hulbert, in a notice of Oswestry, in his “History of the -County,” refers to Dick Spot’s career, and says, -“On requesting an eccentric but ingenious inhabitant, now -one of the Churchwardens, to furnish me with some particulars of -a pamphlet said to be the Life of <i>Dick Spot</i>, he thus -replied,—‘I know not who has got his life, but this I -know, that I am in possession of his mortal remains in <a -name="page234"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 234</span>Oswestry -Church-yard, having purchased the spot of earth which contained -them, from his grand-daughter. His skull, which I had in my -hand the other day, was treated with very little respect by the -Hamlet-like grave digger.’ If poor Morris had been -blessed with the gift of foresight, he certainly would have -directed that his mortal remains should be deposited in a more -secure place of sepulture.” Who the eccentric -Churchwarden was the historian does not inform us. We are -half inclined to believe that his <i>grave</i> discovery was a -hoax, a species of pleasantry, somewhat resembling what is called -“Bolton Trotting,” and which two or three well-known -wags were wont to indulge in, many years ago, occasionally with -thoughtless imprudence and merciless severity.</p> -<p>Mr. <span class="smcap">Robert Salter</span>.—This -gentleman’s family had for centuries been connected with -Oswestry, the name of “Salter” being recorded in -civic documents of very ancient date. He was author of a -piscatorial work, entitled “<i>The Modern -Angler</i>,” a <i>brochure</i>, written in a series of -letters to a disciple of Isaac Walton, and evidencing a -thoroughly-practical acquaintance with the art of angling. -It was published in 1811. Like that celebrated lover of the -finny tribes, he looks upon his favourite recreation with the -warmest enthusiasm of his craft, and quotes Walton’s -refreshing picture of some of the angler’s joys on closing -a long day’s sport. Safely landed at some -“friendly cottage, where the landlady is good, and the -daughter innocent and beautiful: where the room is cleanly, with -lavender in the sheets, and twenty ballads stuck about the wall; -there he can enjoy the company of a talkative brother sportsman, -have his trouts dressed for his supper, tell tales, sing old -tunes, or make a catch. There he can talk of the wonders of -nature, with learned admiration, or find some harmless sport to -content him, and pass away a little time, without offence to -<span class="smcap">God</span>, or injury to man.” -Mr. Salter’s Letters are worthy of re-publication.</p> -<h2><a name="page235"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -235</span>Notabilia.</h2> -<p>The use of coaches was introduced into England by Fitz-Alan, -Earl of Arundel, in the year 1580. At first they were drawn -only by two horses, but about the year 1619 six horses were used -by the notorious Duke of Buckingham.</p> -<p>The Duke of Powis visited Oswestry in the Mayoralty of Robert -Barkley, Esq. (1737), in whose accounts are the following -items:—“Aug. 8th—Paid Mrs. Sarah Evans’ -bill for wine, for his grace the Duke of Powis, at the Town Hall, -13s. 3d.; paid John James, for drink to a bonfire when his grace -the Duke of Powis was at the Town Hall, 2s. 6d!”</p> -<p>Oswestry Association, for the prosecution of felons, formed -Dec. 14th, 1771, by John Lloyd, Esq., Solicitor. First -Treasurer, Mr. Edward Browne. Mr. Lloyd was the original -institutor of societies for the prosecution of felons.</p> -<p>Races re-commenced September 1802, under the patronage of Sir -W. W. Wynn, Bart., after being discontinued 17 years.</p> -<p>The foundation of Castle Buildings was laid February 1803.</p> -<p>The first Sheriff’s Court held at Oswestry, on Friday, -June 20th, 1804.</p> -<p>Stage-coach first established from Shrewsbury, through -Oswestry to Holyhead, by Mr. Robert Lawrence, of Shrewsbury.</p> -<p>The Holyhead and London mail-coach first ran through Oswestry, -instead of Chester, 6th September, 1808, when great rejoicings -took place; a saving of 22 miles was effected in the journey by -this change.</p> -<p>Act of Parliament passed in 1809, for paving, cleansing, -lighting, watching, and otherwise improving the streets, and -other public passages and places within the borough.</p> -<p><a name="page236"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 236</span>In -1809 Charles Williams Wynn, Esq., Recorder of Oswestry, received -the thanks of the Corporation and inhabitants of the borough, for -voting independently in the case of the late Duke of York, and -for his strict attention to his parliamentary duties. A -piece of plate, of the value of £60, was presented to him -at the same time.</p> -<p>From 1811 to 1814 about three hundred French prisoners of war -(military and naval) on parol in Oswestry. They were in the -service of Napoleon Bonaparte, and consisted of French, Germans, -Spaniards, Dutchmen, Poles, &c. Among them were the -Prince D’Aremberg, General Phillipon (who broke his parol), -and other officers of distinction.</p> -<p>In 1812 a Grand Musical Festival was held in the Parish -Church, on occasion of the opening of the New Organ. The -<i>Messiah</i> was performed with great <i>eclât</i> in the -church, and a Miscellaneous Concert was given in the Theatre.</p> -<p>In 1814 the freedom of the borough was presented in full -corporative assembly to <i>John Freeman Milward Dovaston</i>, -Esq., A.M., of West Felton, author of <i>Fitz-Gwarine</i>, and -other beautiful poems, “as a mark of their respect and -admiration of his very pleasing poetic talents, and taste for -elegant literature.”</p> -<p>The New Gaol finished in 1816.</p> -<p>Monday, January 6th, 1817, The Archduke Nicholas, of Russia -(the late Emperor), passed through Oswestry from Wynnstay, on his -way to Powis Castle.</p> -<p>William Ormsby Gore, Esq., High Sheriff of the County in -1817.</p> -<p>The New Burial Ground (formerly Vicar’s Croft), -consecrated by the Bishop of St. Asaph (Dr. Luxmoore), October, -1817.</p> -<p><a name="page237"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -237</span><i>Oswestry Herald</i> Newspaper first published by the -author of this book, March 21st, 1820, and discontinued Tuesday, -Dec. 31st, 1822. In those days the newspaper stamp-duty was -4d., and advertisement-duty 3s. 6d. on each advertisement. -The newspaper was swamped by excessive taxation.</p> -<p>February 14th, 1820, the Mayor and Corporation of the borough -proclaimed the accession of George IV. to the throne.</p> -<p>The celebrated Mile Oak Tree felled Monday, May 20th, -1824. The girth of the lower part of the tree, 16½ -feet; the largest branch, 5 feet 10 inches in circumference; -length of the tree, 57 feet.</p> -<p>Evening Lectures commenced June 20th, 1824, in Oswestry -Church, by the Rev. Thomas Salwey, Vicar of the Parish.</p> -<p>The Church and Burial-ground at Trefonen consecrated by the -Bishop of St. Asaph, on Wednesday, January 17th, 1825, and -service commenced on Sunday morning, January 24th, by the Rev. -John Hughes.</p> -<p>The Chancel and new entrance-door to the Parish Church, from -Church-street, finished in 1831.</p> -<p>Our present Gracious Sovereign, when Princess Victoria, on her -way from Powis Castle, visited Oswestry, with her illustrious -mother, the Duchess of Kent, in September, 1832. The royal -visitors were received at Croes-wylan gate by the High Steward -(the Hon. Thos. Kenyon), the Deputy-Mayor, the Coroner, and other -members of the Corporation, in their robes, and a large number of -the gentry and tradesmen of the town bearing white wands. -The Princess and her mother did not alight from their carriage, -but merely changed horses at the Wynnstay Arms. During this -short stay Mr. Kenyon congratulated the royal visitors in the -name of the Corporation, and was commanded by the Duchess of Kent -to inform the <a name="page238"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -238</span>“good people of Oswestry” of the -“very great satisfaction she felt at the manner in which -she was received by the inhabitants of the town and -neighbourhood, and that she felt obliged by their loyal and -affectionate feeling manifested towards herself and the Princess -Victoria.” The Corporation and gentlemen conducted -the cavalcade to the Beatrice Gate, and the Oswestry squadron of -North Shropshire Cavalry, under the command of Captain Croxon, -escorted the royal party to Chirk Bridge. Here they were -met by Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., and a detachment of the -Denbighshire Cavalry. Captain Croxon having been introduced -to the Princess and Duchess, and received their thanks, the royal -party proceeded onward to Wynnstay.</p> -<p>A new Church Clock put up, by subscription, April, 1836.</p> -<p>The first Writ of Enquiry from the Court of Queen’s -Bench, <i>Pierce</i> v. <i>Foulkes</i>, was tried at Oswestry, -December 5th, 1837.</p> -<p>A Vestry held 15th July, 1842, to assess a church-rate. -Objections raised against the Organist’s salary, which, -upon vote, was rejected by a majority of <i>five</i>. The -following Sunday the organ was not played, nor was there any -singing!</p> -<p>November 2nd, 1842, Prince Ferdinand of Austria passed through -Oswestry.</p> -<p>In 1846 the Corporation of Oswestry, assisted by the -inhabitants of the borough, and the gentry of the neighbourhood, -entered into a subscription to present to the Recorder (J. R. -Kenyon, Esq.,) a piece of plate, on his marriage, as a -testimonial of their regard and esteem. The plate consisted -of a salver of chaste and elegant workmanship, weighing upwards -of 164 oz., and measuring across twenty-four inches. The -inscription in the centre was as follows:—(Surmounted by -the Arms of Oswestry). “To John Robert Kenyon, -D.C.L., <a name="page239"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -239</span>on his marriage, from the Corporation and inhabitants -of the town of Oswestry, in testimony of the deep respect in -which he is held as Recorder of the borough, and the grateful -feelings entertained for his liberal support of the different -charitable institutions connected with the -town.”—(The Family Arms below.)</p> -<p>Oswestry is 450 feet above the level of the sea, and 254 feet -higher than the Shrewsbury meadows. Shrewsbury is 196 feet -above the level of the sea.</p> -<p>The following heights of places above the sea, either near or -in sight of the Great Western Railway (Birmingham, Shrewsbury, -and Chester Sections,) taken by the Rev. T. E. Evans, of Trinity -College, Cambridge, are “facts worth -knowing:”—Hawkstone, 834 feet; Grinshill, 696; -Nesscliff, 630; Llanymynech church, 246; Breiddin, 1,236; Wrekin, -1,494.; Cyrn Moelfre, 1,746; Cader Ferwyn, 2,826; Cern-y-Bwch, -1,206. By Mr. Murchison:—Oswestry, 460; plan of -Shrewsbury, 97; surface of the Ellesmere canal under Heathhouse -bridge, 260 feet. The canal at Chirk is the height of two -locks more than the canal near Whittington. Allowing 24 -feet for the rise, it would make the surface of the canal at -Chirk, 334 feet.</p> -<p>The late Rev. Walter Davies, rector of Manafon, in his -Historical notice of Llansilin, published in the first volume of -the <i>Cambro-Briton</i>, says, “In 1699 there was a well -in the parish of Oswestry, called <i>Ffynnon Maen Tysilio</i>, -where the inhabitants resorted to celebrate their annual -Wake.”</p> -<p><i>Oswestry Show</i>, long since discontinued, was generally -held on the first Thursday after Trinity Sunday. As a -pageant it bore no comparison with Shrewsbury Show. The -incorporated companies of the town walked in procession, preceded -with flags, bands of music, &c.</p> -<p><a name="page240"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -240</span>“There was formerly,” says the <i>Oswestry -Herald</i>, “a castle at Maesbury, in that township, as we -find from Domesday Book. Rainald the Sheriff (all whose -estates devolved on the Fitz-Alans,) held Maesburie under Roger -et ibi fecit Rainaldus Castellum Lvvre.” No mention -of this castle is made by Pennant, Bingley, or any subsequent -historian or tourist.</p> -<h3>Poor Rate Return.<br /> -OSWESTRY TOWN AND PARISH (1855.)</h3> -<table> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -center">Town and Parish.</p> -</td> -<td colspan='3' style='vertical-align: middle'><p -style="text-align: center">Acreage</p> -</td> -<td colspan='3' style='vertical-align: middle'><p -style="text-align: center">Gross Rental</p> -</td> -<td colspan='3' style='vertical-align: middle'><p -style="text-align: center">Rateable value<br /> -assessed to the<br /> -Relief of poor.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">A.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">R.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">P.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">£</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">S.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">D.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p><span class="GutSmall">£</span></p> -</td> -<td><p><span class="GutSmall">S.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p><span class="GutSmall">D.</span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Oswestry Town & Liberties.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1753</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">24</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">16604</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">18</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">14933</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">13</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Ditto Parish</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">13911</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">31</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">22280</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">20052</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">10</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">3</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h2><a name="page241"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -241</span>Sketches<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">OF</span><br /> -The Environs of Oswestry.</h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Sufficient</span> has been said in these -pages to justify much more extended notices than we can give to -the ancient castles, fine old mansions, and modern residences of -wealthy proprietors in this neighbourhood, imparting as they do -so much additional beauty and interest to the bold and -picturesque natural scenery in the midst of which they are so -tastefully situated. Oswestry, as we have already -described, is not only a pretty town, but historically curious; -and the charms of nature and art surrounding it render it still -more worthy of admiration. We append brief descriptions of -neighbouring places, all fixed near the Border Lands of England -and Wales, whose history teems with glowing narratives of -embattled hosts, of fierce chieftains in bright array, and of -minstrels famed</p> -<blockquote><p>“In Cambria’s noon of story,<br /> - Ere bright she set in -glory!”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Almost every nook and corner has its historic tale, its love -or war-song, or its tradition. These remains of ancient -times and deeds of bravery, with natural beauties -superadded,—mountains, valleys, and rivers, of surpassing -loveliness, have <a name="page242"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -242</span>invested the Environs of Oswestry with an enduring -interest with which few, if any other towns in the kingdom, can -vie. Our <span class="smcap">District Sketches</span>, -being arranged alphabetically, will commence with</p> -<h3>ASTON HALL,</h3> -<p>The seat of Mrs. Lloyd, widow of the late William Lloyd, -Esq. It is situated on the right of the turnpike-road from -Oswestry to Shrewsbury, about two miles distant from the -former. The highly-respected family who have for so many -years occupied this beautiful estate are of great antiquity, -having descended from Einion, Prince of part of Powys, who -distinguished himself in the wars against Henry I. Yorke, -in his “<i>Royal Tribes of Wales</i>,” writing in -1799, has furnished a copious notice of the house of Aston.</p> -<blockquote><p>“The Lloyds,” he says, “are -descended from Einion. The heiress of the house, Elizabeth, -daughter of Thomas Lloyd, married Foulke Lloyd, of Fox Hall, or -the hall of Foulke, and was great grandmother to the Rev. John -Robert Lloyd, Rector of Whittington and Selattyn, both in his -advowson, the present possessor of Aston. The name of the -Fox Hall family was Rosindale, when they came first from the -north. To a younger branch, settled at Denbigh, we owe our -learned countryman, Humphrey Llwyd. He was of Brazen-nose, -Oxford, studied physic, and lived as family physician in the -house of the last Earl of Arundel, of the name of Fitz-Alan, the -Chancellor of the University. He sat in Parliament for his -native town of Denbigh, and died there in the forty-first year of -his age, and was buried in the Parish Church with a coarse -monument, a dry epitaph, and a psalm-tune under it. He -collected many curious books for Lord Lumley (whose sister he -married), which form at this time a valuable part of the Library -in the British Museum. One of his sons was settled at -Cheam, in Surrey, whose great grandson, Robert Lloyd, was Rector -of St. Paul’s, Covent Garden, and contended, but without -effect, for the Barony of Lumley.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p><a name="page243"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 243</span>Aston -Chapel was built in 1594, at the expense of Richard Lloyd, Esq., -of Aston, and then called Christ’s Chapel. It was -endowed by its founder with £15 per annum, and Anne, his -wife, left by will £5 per annum in land to the Chapel, and -40s. for four Welsh sermons to be preached in the year, with 15s. -to be distributed to the poor of Oswestry parish at each -sermon. The chapel was consecrated by Bishop Parry.</p> -<h3>BRYNKINALT,</h3> -<p>The seat of the Right Hon. Viscount Dungannon, is situated -about a mile from Chirk, and one of the most picturesque mansions -in the Principality. The house was built during the reign -of James I., from a design by Inigo Jones, and is situated on the -brow of a hill, at the foot of which flows the Ceiriog. The -park is fine, and is divided by the river. On the site of -this house formerly stood the residence of Tudor Trevor, a -British nobleman who lived A.D. 924, the head of the tribe of -March or Maelor, and who bore the title of Earl of Hereford in -right of his mother, the daughter and heiress of Lluddocca, ab -Caradog Vreichvras, Earl of Hereford. Trevor had large -possessions between the Wye and Severn, and was Lord of both -Maelors, Chirk, Whittington, Oswestry, &c. His chief -residence was Whittington Castle; he was contemporary of Hywel -Dda, the Welsh law-giver; and Angharad, daughter of Hywel, became -the chieftain’s wife, and had by him three sons and one -daughter. The arms of this distinguished man, which are -still borne by the Trevor family, are—“Parted per -bend sinister ermine and ermines, over all a lion rampant, -or.” Debrett informs us that “Arthur Hill, -first Viscount, was only brother of Trevor, Viscount -Hillsborough, ancestor of the Marquess of Downshire, and grandson -of William Hill, who married secondly Mary, eldest daughter of -Sir Marcus Trevor, Viscount Dungannon; so created, 1662, for his -signal gallantry in wounding Oliver Cromwell at the Battle of -Marston moor. Arthur, succeeding, 1762, to the estates of -his maternal grandfather, Sir John <a name="page244"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 244</span>Trevor, of Brynkinalt, Speaker of -the House of Commons in England, and first Lord Commissioner of -the Great Seal, assumed the name and arms of Trevor, and was -created, April 27th, 1765, Viscount Dungannon.” An -interesting fact connected with this noble family is, that the -mother of the Duke of Wellington, the “Hero of a hundred -fights,” was Anne, Countess of Mornington, daughter of -Arthur Hill, the first Viscount Dungannon. This illustrious -lady was closely allied with two greatly-distinguished men: her -husband, the Earl of Mornington, ranked high as a musical -composer, and “the Duke,” her son, placed himself -high on the roll of fame with conquerors of ancient and modern -renown.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p243b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Brynkinalt" -title= -"Brynkinalt" - src="images/p243s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>The present Viscount Dungannon takes much interest in -archæological pursuits, and is author of an ably-written -work, in two volumes, 8vo., entitled “The Life and Times of -William the Third, King of England, and Stadtholder of -Holland.” His Lordship has acquired the literary -distinctions of M.A., F.A.S., and M.R.S.L., and is an active -magistrate for the district in which he resides. He has -large possessions in the north of Ireland, in which he takes much -interest.</p> -<h3>CHIRK CASTLE,</h3> -<p>The noble residence of Colonel Myddelton Biddulph, is situated -near to Chirk, on elevated ground on the Berwyn range of hills, -commanding delightful views of the surrounding scenery. It -is a bold castellated mansion, built of grey stone, partly -mantled with ivy, and is supposed to have been erected on the -site of an ancient fortress called by the Welsh <i>Castell -Crogen</i>, near which, as is recorded, the celebrated Battle of -Crogen took place in 1164, when the Welsh fought with more than -their usual bravery against Henry II., for the recovery of their -independence. The present castle was built in the reign of -Edward I. by Roger Mortimer, son of Roger, Baron of Wigmore, to -whom the king had granted the united lordship of Chirk and -Nanheudwy.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p244b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Chirk Castle" -title= -"Chirk Castle" - src="images/p244s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p><a name="page245"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 245</span>The -Castle continued in the hands of the Mortimer family but a short -period, it being sold by John, grandson of Roger Mortimer, to -Richard Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel, whose family possessed it for -three generations. It afterwards passed to Thomas Mowbray, -Duke of Norfolk and Justice of North Wales, Chester, and Flint, -in right of his wife, Elizabeth, eldest sister to Thomas, Earl of -Arundel. It then devolved upon the Beauchamp and Neville -families, and afterwards became the property of Sir William -Stanley, together with Holt Castle. Henry VIII. bestowed it -upon his natural son, Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond and -Somerset; in the following reign it was granted to Thomas, Lord -Seymour, brother to the Protector Somerset. Queen Elizabeth -granted it to her favourite Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and on his -death it became the property of Lord St. John, of Bletso, whose -son, in 1595, sold it to Sir Thomas Myddelton, Knight, Lord Mayor -of London, in a branch of whose family it still remains.</p> -<p>It is stated that the erection of the Castle was begun in -1011, and finished in 1013. The building partakes both of -the castle and mansion, the form quadrangular, the angles being -strengthened with bastion-like towers, each surmounted by a small -turret. The principal entrance, through a fifth massive -arched tower, is at the north front, leading into a court-yard -160 feet long by 100 broad. Around this are ranged the -different apartments, and the east side is ornamented by a -handsome colonnaded piazza. The north and east wings are -occupied by the family, and the south and west given up to the -offices. The most remarkable of the apartments are, a -saloon of sixty feet by thirty, lighted by three large mullioned -windows looking towards the court; a drawing-room thirty feet -square; and an oak gallery, extending the whole length of the -west wing, one hundred feet by twenty-two, leading to the -chapel. The ceilings throughout are ornamented by rich -plaster work, and the rooms display a large collection of -paintings. Among <a name="page246"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 246</span>the portraits are those of the -Myddelton family, Sir Orlando Bridgeman, the Duke of Ormond, and -his son Lord Ossory, the Countess of Warwick, daughter of the -fourth Sir Thomas Myddelton, and afterwards wife to the -celebrated Addison, author of the “<i>Spectator</i>” -and other classic writings. Among the landscapes there is a -view of the admired water-fall, <i>Pistill Rhaiadr</i>, in -Montgomeryshire, represented as falling into the sea. Of -this work of art a pleasant story is told. The artist -employed in taking the view was a foreigner, to whom it was -hinted, when he had nearly finished the picture, that the -addition of a few sheep would add to the effect. The -painter replied, “you want some <i>sheeps in it</i>. -O! O! ver veil. I vill put you some <i>sheeps</i> -it.” He then introduced the sea, and with it several -<i>ships</i>! The picture being thus ludicrously -transformed, it was allowed to remain in its altered state as an -artistic curiosity; and the visitor when inspecting it is sure to -have his risible muscles disturbed by so droll a -metamorphosis. The gallery contains several old cabinets, -the work probably of Italian or French Artists; one, an -exceedingly handsome one, a gift from Charles II. to the brave -Sir Thomas Myddelton.</p> -<p>The history of the Myddelton family is one of national -interest. There were four Sir Thomas Myddeltons at Chirk -Castle, the two former knights, and the two latter -baronets. The first Sir Thomas was Lord Mayor of London -when his brother, the celebrated Hugh Myddelton, was knighted for -bringing the new river into the Metropolis. The second Sir -Thomas served in Parliament for the county of Denbigh, and took -arms in its support when he was fifty-seven years old. For -his services at Oswestry, Montgomery, and Holt, in 1643–4, -he received the thanks of Parliament through the Speaker. -When he engaged in the service of the Parliament his own castle -became garrisoned for the king, and the veteran knight was -compelled to besiege it with all his force. It remained, -however, in the hands of the royalists till February <a -name="page247"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 247</span>1646, when -Sir John Watts, the governor, quitted it, and was captured, with -his men, at Churchstoke, Montgomeryshire. Sir Thomas -Myddelton, some ten years afterwards, abandoned the parliamentary -cause, and took up arms with Sir George Booth, a Cheshire -general, to restore the monarchy, and place Charles II. on the -throne. The royalists were few in number, and easily -defeated, by Lambert, who retook Chester, and made Sir George -Booth prisoner. He then laid siege to Chirk Castle, which, -after a sharp resistance, was surrendered by Sir Thomas -Myddelton, who deemed it useless, he said, to oppose the whole -kingdom. A resolution was passed in parliament, authorizing -Lambert to demolish the Castle; but, Cromwell dying the same -year, the threatened destruction did not take place. The -damage and loss sustained at Chirk Castle, during the usurpation, -are said to have amounted to £130,000. Such was the -reward which the veteran Sir Thomas Myddelton received for his -patriotism. His fate resembled that of his co-patriot, -Major-General Mytton, but was somewhat more disastrous.</p> -<p>Sir Thomas’s son, of the same name, was made a baronet -at the Restoration. The son died in 1663, his father -surviving him three years, when he died at the age of 80 -years. His grandson, the fourth Sir Thomas, and the second -baronet, married twice. By his second wife, Charlotte, -daughter of the Lord-Keeper Bridgeman, he had an only daughter, -Charlotte, who married first to the Earl of Warwick, and secondly -to Addison, as already mentioned. Their daughter, Miss -Addison, died unmarried. The baronetage became extinct at -the death of Sir William, son of Sir Richard, brother to the last -Sir Thomas, Sir William having died unmarried in 1718. The -estate, by the entailment, came to Robert Myddelton, eldest son -of Richard, the third son of Sir Thomas, the soldier. He, -dying without issue, was succeeded by his brother John, father of -Richard, father of Richard Myddelton, Esq., for many years M.P. -for the Denbigh boroughs, who died <a name="page248"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 248</span>unmarried in 1796. The estate -was afterwards divided among his three sisters. The eldest, -Mrs. Myddelton Biddulph, had for her share Chirk Castle and its -domain, and it is now in the possession, as before stated, of her -son, Col. Myddelton Biddulph. The second sister, Maria, who -married the Hon. Frederick West, brother of the late Earl of -Delawarr, had for her portion the property in Llangollen, -Rhuabon, Wrexham, and Holt. The third sister had for her -portion Ruthin Castle with its demesnes, and died unmarried; her -property, with that of the Hon. F. West, came into possession of -his son, Frederick Richard West, Esq., M.P. for the Denbigh -Boroughs, who now resides at Ruthin Castle, a portion of which -has been re-built, and the whole greatly embellished under his -tasteful superintendence.</p> -<p>Chirk Castle is among the most interesting and -oldest-inhabited feudal buildings in the kingdom. Its</p> -<blockquote><p>“Towers, unmodernized by tasteless art, -remain<br /> -Still unsubdued by time.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The family have hitherto protected it from injury, as it has -been repaired with care and skill where much decay or damage had -presented itself, but in no degree to impair its original -character. Within the last few years considerable -improvements and alterations have been made in it, under the -direction and superintendence of the late Mr. Pugin. The -lower apartments are of the pure gothic of the fifteenth -century. The large rooms are in the style of Francois the -First. The bed in which Charles I. slept when he visited -Chirk Castle, in his “utmost need,” in 1646, is still -shown in a room adjoining the gallery. The south-west wing -has undergone little if any alteration by modern art, and there -may still be traced the architecture of the period in which the -fortress was erected.</p> -<p>The large estate surrounding the Castle has been much improved -by Col. Myddelton Biddulph; the grounds and <a -name="page249"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 249</span>noble trees -that ornament it are kept in excellent order, and the farms upon -the property are all in a nourishing and healthy condition.</p> -<p>Col. Myddelton Biddulph is Lord Lieutenant of the county of -Denbigh, and representative also for the shire.</p> -<h3>HALSTON,</h3> -<p>The seat of Edmund Wright, Esq., was for several centuries the -property of the Myttons. It is situated within a mile of -Whittington, on the Oswestry and Ellesmere turnpike road. -It is called in ancient deeds <i>Haly-stone</i> or -<i>Holy-stone</i>. Near the house stood the abbey, taken -down about a century and a half ago. The Rev. Peter Roberts -says, “That it had been a sanctuary is evident. -Meyric Lloyd, lord of some part of <i>Uwch Ales</i>, in the reign -of Richard I., would not yield subjection to the English -Government, under which the Hundred of Dyffryn Clwyd and several -others were then, and having taken some English officers that -came there to execute the law, (which was contrary to the customs -of the Britons,) hanged some and killed others. For this -act he forfeited his lands to the king, fled, and <i>took -sanctuary</i> at Halston, where (for his notable enterprises and -merited chivalry,) he was taken under the protection of its -possessor, John Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel, ‘who made him -general of the army in the besieging of Aeon, in Asia, anno dom. -1190, where he behaved himself,’ as Reynolds informs us, -‘with such dexterous attempts as were admirable to the -spectators.’” [See his exploits further -recorded in our notice of “Llanforda.”]</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p248b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Halston" -title= -"Halston" - src="images/p248s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>In the Saxon era the Lordship of Halston belonged to Edric, at -which time there were on the property two Welshmen and one -Frenchman. After the Conquest Halston became the property -of an Earl of Arundel, or of Robert, Earl of Shrewsbury, and was -afterwards bestowed on the Knights of St. John of -Jerusalem. In the 26th Henry VIII. the commandry was valued -at £160 14s. 10d. a year. On <a -name="page250"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 250</span>the -abolition of many of the military-religious orders and -monasteries, Henry empowered John Sewster, Esq., Scutifer, and -afterwards allowed him to dispose of this manor to Alan Horde, -who made an exchange with, or sold it to Edward Mytton, Esq., of -Habberly, ancestor to the present John Mytton, Esq. This -alienation was subsequently confirmed by Queen Elizabeth.</p> -<p>In a manuscript account of Halston, written in 1821 by the -late Rev. C. A. A. Lloyd, we find the following -description:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“The Manor of Halston is -extra-parochial. The Mansion-house of Halston was formerly -situated near the chapel, but in the year 1690 it was removed to -its present situation, which is on an elevated spot of ground -rising out of an extensive flat, and formerly subject to frequent -floods. The grandfather of the present owner (the late John -Mytton, Esq.,) was a gentleman of great spirit and enterprise, -and at considerable trouble and expense drained vast tracts of -the low ground, which rendered the neighbourhood more -healthy. The river Perry here forms several islands, and -its shores are shaded by oaks, perhaps the finest in the -country.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>After describing the pictures and books at Halston at the time -he was writing, he adds,</p> -<blockquote><p>“Mr. W. Mytton was engaged for many years in -collecting materials for a History of the County, but -unfortunately died before he arranged them. Among the -collection is a manuscript copy of the History of the County, by -Mr. E. Lloyd, of Trenewydd, which Mr. Pennant, by some blunder, -mistook for Mr. Mytton’s.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The Chapel of Halston is a donative, without any other revenue -than what the chaplain is allowed by the owner, and is of exempt -jurisdiction.</p> -<p>The Mytton family are of great antiquity, and their connection -with Shrewsbury is of remote date. The late John Mytton, -Esq., sold, among other property belonging to him in that town, a -field called the “Chapel Yard,” on Coton <a -name="page251"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 251</span>Hill. -When Leland visited Shrewsbury the Myttons lived on Coton -Hill. In the bailiff’s accounts for a year from -Michaelmas, 2nd Richard III., among rents in decasu (in decay) is -one “Procapella de Coten Thome Mytton,” the sum -defaced; and his descendant Thomas Mytton, Esq., was rated for it -to the poor as late as 1686. Major-General Thomas Mytton, -the great parliamentary commander in the Civil Wars, was a -descendant of the Myttons of Shrewsbury. Halston was his -birth-place, and he resided there for many years. He was a -zealous and untiring leader of the parliament forces under the -Commonwealth, and gave his days and nights to the -Protector’s cause; but he lived long enough to realize the -truth of the poet’s exclamation,</p> -<blockquote><p>“How wretched is the man that hangs on -Princes’ favours!”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>He saw men of inferior talent, but ostentatious in profession, -placed over him in rank, and had to suffer the penalty which many -others paid for their attachment to Cromwell—the neglect -and indifference of the party whom he had so long delighted to -serve, and the favour of the Protector extended to sycophants and -flatterers.</p> -<p>The late John Mytton, Esq., was the last member but one of the -family who possessed the Halston estates. This unfortunate -gentleman passed a brief life in folly and dissipation, and -closed his existence with an unenviable notoriety. On -reaching his majority he found himself the owner of immense -wealth, in money and landed property. Under pernicious -influences he plunged into extravagance, recklessly squandered -away his patrimony, and in a few years became the inmate of a -gaol,</p> -<blockquote><p>“Deserted at his utmost need,<br /> -By those his former bounty fed.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>He drew his last breath within the gloomy walls of a prison, -at the early age of thirty-eight, and was interred, with his -ancestors, in the burial-ground at Halston Chapel.</p> -<p><a name="page252"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 252</span>It is -painful to advert to so lamentable a career and so distressing an -end. But, whilst we point to Mr. Mytton’s ruinous -habits, we cannot withhold the acknowledgment that he had -redeeming qualities. Like most men of his pursuits, he -often found the means he possessed too limited for his own wants; -yet occasionally he would perform noble and generous deeds, that -might be classed with the purest benevolence. His mental -calibre was of no common order. Had he been rightly -disciplined in his youth, and trained to habits of self-denial -and literary improvement, his life might have been honourable, -and extended to a good old age. “It was the -misfortune of John Mytton,” as a county historian observes, -“to lose his father in his infancy, and it is remarkable -that the heirs of the house of Halston have for several -generations been orphans.”</p> -<p>Mr. Mytton was High Sheriff of Salop in 1823, and represented -Shrewsbury in the last parliament of George III., being elected -May 23rd, 1819. He was a candidate the second time for the -same borough, in March, 1820, the other candidates being Panton -Corbet, Esq., and the Hon. Henry Grey Bennett, but was then -defeated. His Parliamentary career was therefore but of -short duration; but brief and useless as it was, it cost him many -thousand pounds, to raise which a large portion of his Shrewsbury -and other property had to be sold.</p> -<p>Mr. Mytton married in 1818, soon after he became of age, a -daughter of Sir Thomas Jones, and sister of the late Sir Thomas -John Tyrwhitt Jones, of Stanley Hall, near Bridgenorth, by whom -he had one daughter only, who is now the wife of Captain Clement -Hill, a brother of Lord Hill. Mrs. Mytton died in 1820, and -in the following year he married Caroline, one of the daughters -of Thomas Giffard, Esq., of Chillington, in the county of -Stafford, by whom he had an eldest son John, (who sold the -Halston estate to Mr. Wright,) and several other children. -Mrs. Mytton survived her <a name="page253"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 253</span>husband, but at her death, although -from Mr. Mytton’s erratic habits she had been compelled to -separate herself from him, she was, at her own request, laid in -the grave at Halston by his side.</p> -<p>The Halston Estate was purchased in April 1847 by the late -Edmund Wright, Esq., of Manchester, from the present Mr. -Mytton. The property was offered for sale by auction on the -13th of that month, at Dee’s Royal Hotel, Birmingham. -At Mr. Wright’s death it came into the possession of his -son, Edmund Wright, Esq., the present worthy owner. Since -his possession of the estate he has greatly improved it. -Additions have been made to the house, and he has otherwise -rendered it more convenient and ornamental. The park has -been thoroughly drained, four feet in depth, within the last -three or four years, the main drain being carried underneath the -upper pool, by which means an ample fall for the efficient -working of the drain is secured.</p> -<h3>KNOCKIN.</h3> -<p>We briefly notice this place, from its antiquity, and having -possessed a castle, erected in the reign of Henry II. -Knockin is in the hundred of Oswestry, as already stated; is a -rectory discharged, in the diocese of St. Asaph, and the deanery -of Marchia. It is situated five and a half miles south-east -of Oswestry. The origin of the name is not known. -There is no mention of it in Domesday Book, nor in any of the -British Chronicles before the Conquest. Camden refers to it -but with brevity. The castle was built by Lord -L’Estrange, the first of whose family was Guy -L’Estrange (Guido Extraneous,) a younger son of the Duke of -Bretagne. He had three sons, Guy, Hamon, and John, all of -whom held lands in Shropshire by gift from Henry II. The -younger Guy was Sheriff of Salop from the sixth to the eleventh -of Henry II.; and again from the seventeenth to the twenty-first -of Henry II., Ralph, his son, gave (the first of Richard II.) the -chapel of Knockin <a name="page254"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -254</span>to the canons of Haughmond. He left no issue, and -his three sisters became his co-heiresses. John, grandson -of Guy, in the thirty-third of Henry III., procured a market for -the town on a Tuesday, and a fair on the eve-day and day after -the anniversary of the decollation of St. John the Baptist. -Madog, who was at the head of an insurrection against the -king’s officers in North Wales, marched against the Lord -Strange, and defeated him at Knockin. The male line of the -family failed in John Le Strange, who died in the seventeenth of -Edward IV., leaving an only daughter, Joan, who married George, -son and heir of Thomas Stanley, who was created Earl of Derby by -Henry VII. The castle was first demolished in the civil -wars in the reign of King John, and repaired by John Le Strange -in the third of Henry III. The title of Knockin is still -kept up, though the family is extinct, the eldest son in the -Derby family being styled Lord Strange. The castle was long -since a heap of ruins, and scarcely a vestige of it remains to be -seen. The materials of which it was composed were worked up -to build the church-walls, &c.; and, “tell it not in -Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon!” cart-loads -of the stones were carried away to repair the roads! The -Poor-rate return for the parish gives the following -statements:—Acreage, 1,384; gross rental, £2,131; -rateable value assessed to the relief of the poor, -£1,916.</p> -<h3>LLANYMYNECH</h3> -<p>Is situated about six miles from Oswestry, on the -turnpike-road leading from thence to Welshpool. The parish -contains one township, <i>Carreg Hofa</i> (Offa’s stone,) -which, although detached from, yet is within the county of -Denbigh, but attached to Montgomeryshire for election and other -purposes. The other two townships, Llwyntidman and -Treprenal, are within the county of Salop, but on the borders of -Montgomeryshire. The church is dedicated to St. -Agatha. Patron,—the Bishop of St. Asaph. The -present Rector is the Rev. John Luxmoore. In the chancel is -a monument to the memory of <a name="page255"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 255</span>the wife and daughter of George -Griffith, Bishop of St. Asaph, who had been Rector of this parish -whilst Canon of that Chapter. He was of the House of -Penrhyn, in Caernarvonshire, and was consecrated to the above See -in October 1660, in reward for his piety and great sufferings in -the royal cause. A tablet, in another part of the church, -has the following singular inscription:—“Randolph -Worthington, died in the West Indies, <i>of the yellow fever</i>, -<i>nobly fighting for his king and country</i>.” The -church and village are beautifully situated on a gentle slope -above the river Vyrnwy, and from Llanymynech Hill present the -appearance of a charming Swiss scene. Various -interpretations of the name of the village are given. Some -etymological writers have said that the word Llanymynech means -“the Village of the Miners,” whilst others contend -that it signifies “the Church of the Monks, or -Monkstown.” Since the invasion of the Romans the hill -has been known as mineral ground, so that the origin of the name -“Village of the Miners,” is easily understood. -A monastery is said to have been in existence here at an early -date, and hence “the Church of the Monks,” -&c.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p255b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Llanymynech church" -title= -"Llanymynech church" - src="images/p255s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>An ancient mansion called <span class="smcap">Carreg Hofa -Castle</span> once stood in the parish, but was demolished about -the beginning <a name="page256"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -256</span>of the 13th century. Having been built of wood, -not a vestige of the Castle remains. A foss, to guard the -most inaccessible approach on the east, is the only index -left. It was taken and pillaged in 1162, by the two cousins -Owen Cyveiliog and Owen ab Madog. The latter kept -possession of it for twenty-five years, and was eventually slain -in it by Gwenwynwyn and Cadwallon, sons of Owen Cyveiliog.</p> -<p><i>Offa’s Dyke</i> separates the parish into two nearly -equal parts, and continues its course as described in page <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page10">10</a></span>. The -river <i>Morda</i> divides the parish on the east from Kinnerley, -and on the north it joins the parish of Oswestry.</p> -<p><i>Llanymynech Hill</i> is an extensive tract of land, on the -limestone formation, comprising about 160 acres. It belongs -to F. R. West, Esq., M.P., and the minerals upon it are leased to -the “<i>Carreg Hova Copper and Lead Mining -Company</i>.” The limestone rocks, part of which are -900 feet in height, are worked by another Company, and large -quantities of fine limestone are annually raised and sold, -principally for agricultural purposes, in Shropshire and -Montgomeryshire. The ores raised from the hill are -carbonates, sulphurets, and oxides of copper, carbonate of lead, -and calamine (carbonate of zinc). On the north-west side of -the hill are the remains of ancient surface mines, supposed to -have been of Roman origin, and from vitrifications near this -spot, there is no doubt that the Roman miners smelted their -copper there in jars on open hearths. Near these old -workings is an immense cave or level, known in the district by -the name of the <i>Ogo</i>, from the Welsh <i>Ogof</i>—(a -cave). Its windings are so numerous and intricate, that -many years back the labourers, attempting to explore its mazes, -were bewildered in the effort, and a number of miners, who had -been sent in search of them, discovered them lying prostrate on -the ground, in despair of ever again seeing the light of -day. Skeletons, various utensils, and coins of Constantine -and Vespasian, Antoninus and Faustina, have been found within and -about the <i>Ogo</i>. One of these skeletons <a -name="page257"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 257</span>had a -battle-axe by its side, and a bracelet of glass beads, like the -druidical rings or beads called <i>glain neidr</i>, (the <i>ova -anguinum</i> of Pliny,) and another with a golden bracelet -encircling the wrist. In 1849 two other skeletons were -found buried in trenches near the <i>Ogo</i>, by the side of one -of which lay a strong battle-axe, formed of mixed metal, but -sharp at the edge. These skeletons were of a very large -size, the bones evidently being those of remarkably tall -men. The late Mr. J. F. M. Dovaston explored the <i>Ogo</i> -several years ago, and declared that none of the paths extend -more than two hundred yards from the entrance. Great -quantities of human bones were found in many parts, especially -where the cavern becomes wide and lofty, and this fact induced -the belief that the place, at some early period, was a refuge in -battle or a depository for the dead. For years it was -commonly believed in the district that this labyrinth -communicated by subterraneous paths with Carreg-Hofa Castle; and -some persons have exercised their imagination so largely as to -declare that, while in the far recesses of the cave, they have -heard the rivers Vyrnwy and Tanat rolling over their heads, and -that the said labyrinth actually leads down to fairy-land!</p> -<p>On the eastern brow of the hill there formerly stood a -Cromlech, measuring seven feet by six, and eighteen inches -thick. It was called by the Welsh people -“<i>Bedd-y-Cawr</i>,” or the <i>Giant’s -Grave</i>; and under it, according to tradition, a giant’s -wife was buried, with a golden torques about her neck. To -search for this treasure three brothers named Paine, who lived in -the neighbourhood some years ago, threw down the stone from its -pedestal.</p> -<p>The prospect from Llanymynech Hill is indisputably one of the -finest in the kingdom. On the Welsh side are seen the -summits of mountains, rising in every variety of ridge, the -distant in the softest azure, and the nearer in the most -brilliant verdure, with hanging woods, fertile meadows, and the -brightly-shining rivers, Vyrnwy and Tanat, uniting in the valley -below, and sweeping their sunny waters to join the Severn, under -the <a name="page258"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -258</span>abrupt and bold rocks of the Breiddin range of -mountains. At a considerable distance, when enlightened by -the sun, may be seen the glistening water-fall of Pistill -Rhaiadr. Turning towards England the expansive Vale of -Shropshire is seen richly wooded, and profuse in luxurious -vegetation, terminated by the column and spires of Shrewsbury, -the Wrekin, and the far distant hills of Staffordshire and -Cheshire. In a northerly direction the Shropshire Union -Canal is seen glitteringly interlacing the rich meadow land; the -graceful lake at Llynclis peeps out amidst over-shading trees; -and the ancient tower of Oswestry parish church completes the -diversified and enchanting series of landscapes. We lately -heard a visitor from Switzerland, just arrived at Llanymynech -Hill from that far-famed picturesque country, declare that he had -seen nothing in the land of William Tell to compare with the -beauty and grandeur of the scene before him. Enraptured -with the prospects, he enthusiastically exclaimed, as the -celebrated Lord Lyttleton had done on viewing Festiniog Vale, -“With the woman one loves, with the friend of one’s -heart, and a good library of books, one might pass an age here, -and think it a day!”</p> -<p>To the south-west lies Carreg Hofa Hall, formerly the pleasant -retreat of Sir Thomas Jones, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, -and representative for Shrewsbury in 1660. It came into the -possession of Sir J. T. Tyrwhitt Jones, Bart., Usher of the Black -Rod, and father of the first wife of the late John Mytton, Esq., -of Halston. Further in the same direction is Pentre Heilyn, -the seat of the Heilyn family, some members of which occupy a -distinguished place in Cambrian biography. Below the -western brow of the hill is Aber Tanat, formerly the seat of the -Tanats, or Tanads, descended from Einion, who took their name -from the river Tanat, near their house, for the same reason as -the Mostyns, the Glynnes, &c., to avoid the redundancy of -<i>Aps</i>. Blodwel, a little farther north, was the -graceful theme of bards and minstrels when Welsh song and music -went joyously hand <a name="page259"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -259</span>in hand. Llwyn-y-groes, formerly the seat of the -late John Evans, M.D., (but now of Richard Nightingale Broughton, -Esq.,) viewed also from the hill, claims special notice. -Dr. Evans was popular in the literary world, and his didactic -poem, “<i>The Bee</i>,” enriched with instructive -notes, philosophical and botanical, is still read with -delight. Dr. Evans was father of the author of -“<i>The Rectory of Valehead</i>,” a work which -obtained public favour, and still holds its place as a literary -production of high merit. The late Mr. Robert Baugh, of -Llanymynech, was another distinguished parishioner. He -officiated for many years as clerk of the parish, but his talents -as a land surveyor and draughtsman procured for him a high -reputation. His large map of Shropshire, a work honourable -to his talents, is still referred to for its accuracy.</p> -<p>The identification of the Roman encampment at <i>Clawdd -Coch</i>, in the parish of Llanymynech, with the ancient -<i>Mediolanum</i>, is still a disputable point. A learned -antiquary, the Rev. R. W. Evans, Vicar of Heversham (son of the -late Dr. Evans), considers that such identification is clearly -established; and the late Rev. Peter Roberts, who had viewed the -place, “would fain insist, in conversation, that it was the -identical spot where Mediolanum once quartered the legions of -ambitious Rome.” The late Rev. Walter Davies, no mean -authority on questions of antiquity, paid much attention to the -subject, and after personal inspection of Clawdd Coch, came to -the conclusion that Mediolanum is still among the <i>terræ -incognitæ</i>.</p> -<p>The following is the estimated extent, gross rental, and -rateable value of this parish:—</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td></td> -<td colspan='3'><p>Estimated extent.</p> -</td> -<td colspan='3'><p>Gross rental.</p> -</td> -<td colspan='3'><p style="text-align: center">Rateable value.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Townships of</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">A.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">R.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">P.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">£</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">S.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">D.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">£</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">S.</span></p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right"><span -class="GutSmall">D.</span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Llwyntidman, County of Salop.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1052</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">3</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">29</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2227</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">10</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2227</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">10</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Treprenal, County of Salop.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">227</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">16</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">309</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">16</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">309</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">16</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">0</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Carreghofa, County of Denbigh, now annexed to -Montgomery.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1221</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">3</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">8</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2224</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">15</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1968</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p style="text-align: right">Total</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2502</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">23</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4761</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">16</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4505</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">7</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">4</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h3><a name="page260"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -260</span>LLANFORDA,</h3> -<p>The residence of the Right Hon. Sir Henry Watkin Williams -Wynn, K.C.B. and G.C.H., is situated one mile and a half west of -Oswestry. The original estate was part of the possession of -Einion Evell, Lord of Cynllaeth and Mochnant, from whom it -descended, together with Llwyn-y-Maen, to Ievan Vychan, constable -of Knockin, whose heiress, Agnes, carried it into the family of -the Lloyds, by her marriage with Maurice Lloyd, of whom the Welsh -records give the following account:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“The said Maurice Lloyd ab Bleddyn Lloyd, -finding himself much oppressed by the English Laws, did kill one -of the judges and hanged divers other officers on oak trees in -Uch-dûlas, upon whose conviction his lands and inheritance -in Denbigh-land were escheated to the Crown, and so still remains -for most part to this day, and known by the name of the said -Maurice Lloyd; and he for his safeguard withdrew himself to the -sanctuary of Halston, in the county of Salop, and there betook -himself to the protection of John Fitz-Alan, Lord of Oswestry and -Clunne, and after Earl of Arundel. By the said Earl’s -commission he levied a great number of soldiers out of the said -Earl’s Lordships and Hundreds in the marches of Wales, and -made the said Maurice Lloyd Captain over them, and the said Earl -of Arundel being then General of the English forces, the King of -England sent them to assist the Emperor in the Holy Warre against -the Turke, in which service, at the scaling of, and entering, the -breach at the siege of Acon, the Emperor’s colours were -taken by the enemies, and recovered back by the said Maurice -Lloyd, and brought again by him to the Emperor, in reward of -whose valour and faithful service therein the Emperor gave him -the coat of the house of Austria, only changing the field for his -first coat in his achievements before the parental coat of Hedd -Moelwynog.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The bearing thus acquired, and constantly used by his -descendants, was the imperial eagle in a field sable. From -Maurice Lloyd the Llanforda property descended to Richard Lloyd, -who, dying in 1508, divided the <a name="page261"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 261</span>estate, and left Llanforda to his -eldest son John, and Llwyn-y-maen to his second son Edward. -Llanforda eventually passed from the hands of this family, Edward -Lloyd, a man of dissolute character, having sold it to the first -Sir William Williams, Speaker of the House of Commons in the two -last Parliaments of Charles II., about the year 1685, in whose -posterity (the Wynnstay family) it has since continued. The -Edward Lloyd just mentioned was father, as we have stated in our -Biographical notices, of the celebrated scholar and antiquary, -Edward Llwyd. There was formerly a church at Llanforda, but -it was suppressed by Rynerus, Bishop of St. Asaph. The -river Morda passes close to the estate.</p> -<p>Sir Henry Wynn is a Privy Councillor, and for twenty-five -years filled the important office of Minister Plenipotentiary to -the Court at Copenhagen. He is also a magistrate for the -county of Salop.</p> -<h3>LLANSILIN</h3> -<p>Is situated in the county of Denbigh, but the parish being on -the confines of Salop, and near to Oswestry, a brief notice here -will not be inappropriate. The parish has numerous -historical associations. It was the birthplace of Morris -Kyffin, the learned translator into Welsh of Bishop -Jewell’s Apology; of Charles Edwards, the pious author of -“<i>Hanes-y-Fydd</i>,” a history of Christianity; of -John Davies, author of “Heraldry Displayed;” and of -Hugh Morris, the eminent Welsh poet and song-writer. -Glasgoed, a seat of the Kyffins (the last heiress of which -married Sir William Williams, Speaker of the House of Commons), -is now the property of Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart.; and Plasnewydd, an -ancient and pleasant residence, once the property of the Chirk -Castle family, belongs to Thomas Hughes, Esq., who resides -there. The late Rev. Walter Davies contends, in his -historical notice of Llansilin, that Owen Glyndwr “was an -inhabitant at least, if not a native of this parish.” -Pennant makes Sycharth, situated in the valley of the Dee, about -three miles below Corwen, as the mansion of Owen, whilst Mr. -Davies fixes the Sycharth, in the parish of <a -name="page262"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 262</span>Llansilin, -as another of Owen’s houses. He says, “in the -year 1792 I had the curiosity to visit this spot (Sycharth) in -Glyndyfrdwy, and also another place called, and universally known -by the name of Sycharth, in this parish of Llansilin; and when I -returned to Mr. Pennant’s volume, I entered in the margin, -opposite the name Sycharth,—‘Sycharth, the seat of -Owain Glyndwr, described by Iolo Goch, in his Invitation Poem, is -in the parish of Llansilin, about twelve miles to the south by -east of Glyndyfrdwy.’” Mr. Davies adds, -“As Owain was baron of two townships, no one will deny his -having a seat in each; one on the Dee in Glyndyfrdwy, the other -on the Cynllaeth, in this (Llansilin) parish.”—In the -church there is a fine monument of the first Sir William -Williams, Speaker of the House of Commons.—The present -Vicar is the Rev. Walter Jones.—The Poor-rate return for -the present year (1855,) gives the acreage at 13,000; gross -rental, £11,880 13s. 10d.; rateable value assessed to the -relief of the poor, £1,070 16s. 2d.</p> -<h3>LLANYBLODWEL,</h3> -<p>Although now included in the county of Salop, is nevertheless -on the borders of Montgomeryshire, and is in the diocese of St. -Asaph. It is a rectory (<i>cum cap. Morton</i>), dedicated -to St. Michael, and is valued in the King’s books at -£39 5s. Patron, the Bishop of St. Asaph. It is -situated six miles from Oswestry, on the east side of the river, -below Abercynllaeth, and above Aber-tanat. In Domesday Book -it is called <i>Bodowan-ham</i>, and in an old deed of the -Fitz-Alans <i>Blodwel</i> (dated in the time of Henry 6th,) -<i>Vawre Villata</i>, which means “the village of Great -Blodwel.” Welsh etymologists contend that the name of -the place is derived from <i>Blodau</i>, a flower, the spring -there being very early; whilst other writers say that the name -originated in the Saxon “blood” and -“wold,” in consequence of the bloody and inhuman -battle fought there between the Mercians and the Cymry (or -Welsh). In this parish is Blodwel-Hall, the deserted seat -of the Tanats, descended from Einion. The <a -name="page263"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 263</span>heiress of -the house, Jane, married John Matthews, of Court, and the heiress -of the Matthewses, Ursula, married Sir John Bridgman, grandson to -the Lord-Keeper, Sir Orlando, and ancestor to the present Earl of -Bradford, who inherits the estate. The rector of the parish -is the Rev. John Parker, son of the late Thomas Netherton Parker, -Esq., of Sweeney Hall, near Oswestry, and distinguished for his -taste in ecclesiastical architecture and decorations.</p> -<h3>PARK HALL,</h3> -<p>In the parish of Whittington, the residence of Richard Henry -Kinchant, Esq., is situated a little more than a mile east from -Oswestry, and about the same distance from Whittington. It -is one of those ancient timber mansions, few of which are now -remaining in England, perhaps none in so perfect a state of -preservation, and exhibits a fine specimen of the domestic -architecture of bye-gone days. The estate on which it -stands formed a portion, in ages past, of the once extensive and -densely-wooded park appertaining to Whittington Castle, when that -ancient stronghold could boast as its possessors in succession -the powerful baronial families of Tudor Trevor, Peverel, Gwarine -de Metz, and Fitz-Alan.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p262b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Park Hall" -title= -"Park Hall" - src="images/p262s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>In those somewhat rare and beautifully-delineated maps of -English counties, by Saxton, published in 1577, it is styled -“<i>The Park Hall</i>.” This very singular and -time-honoured structure is presumed to have been built in the -reign of Queen Mary (1553–8), by Robert ap Howell, -otherwise Robert Powell, the first of that name seated at Park, -son of Howel ap Griffith, of Oswestry, descended from a younger -son of Ievan Vychan, of Abertanat, a junior branch of the royal -line of Powys. It remained in this family until the death -of Thomas Powell, High Sheriff in 1717; his line terminated in an -heiress, Jane Powell, who sold the estate to Sir Francis -Charlton, Bart., of Ludford, in the county of Hereford. -Subsequently this property and that of Blundel Hall, near -Bishop’s Castle, became vested in the Kinchant family, by -the marriage of John Quinchant (as the name was then spelt), of -Stone <a name="page264"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -264</span>House, near Ludlow, Shropshire, a Captain in the 32nd -Regiment of Infantry, with Emma Charlton, daughter of the -before-mentioned Sir Francis Charlton. By this marriage the -present possessor of Park derives his pedigree from the Princes -of Powys-land.</p> -<p>The house is 126 feet in length, the façade presenting -numerous pointed gables, terminating in pinnacles. The -entrance to the Hall is through a porch, and over the original -oak door, which is of considerable thickness, and studded with -large square-headed nails, is the following inscription, carved -on stone, the letters in bold relief:—“Quod tibi -fieri non vis alteri ne feceris.” The chimnies, of -solid brick-work, are quadrangular, a small space intervening -between each, and crowned with a heavy mass of masonry uniting -them together, and so placed as to present an angle to each of -the cardinal points: thus formed they have resisted the tempests -of three centuries. The hall is wainscoated, and is 33ft. -long by 23ft. wide: it contains several old family portraits of -the Charlton and Kinchant families. There is an oak table -in it, cut from one plank, resting on massive turned pillars; the -length is 23ft. by 4ft. in width, and 2½ inches thick: at -one end is carved the date—1581. Over a door in the -hall, leading to the great staircase, the arms of Powell, -Needham, and Corbet, are painted in separate panels, of a -deeply-recessed oak moulding. Thomas Powell, of Park Hall, -who died in 1588, married Mary, daughter of Sir Robert Corbet, -Knight, of Moreton Corbet, and his son, Robert Powell, married -Anne, daughter of Robert Needham, Esq., of Shavington, sister of -the first Viscount Kilmorrey. The large dining-room is -beautifully wainscoated in diamond-shaped panels, and the -mantel-piece is a noble specimen of rich oak carving. It -bears the date 1640, with this motto carved on a -scroll:—“<i>Nec vi nec vento</i>.” A -Colonel Jones, of Shropshire, engaged with Cromwell’s army, -bore this motto on his banner, yet it does not appear that he -ever resided at Park, or was connected <a -name="page265"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 265</span>with the -Powell family. The ceiling is a fine example of -plaster-work, and, as there appears no date upon it, is probably -coeval with the house. It is ornamented with figures of -birds, horses, and stags, and the central compartment has a -representation in bold relief, of Neptune and his attendant -Tritons. The great staircase, leading to the drawing-room, -long gallery, and bedrooms, is a good specimen of the style of -the 16th century; the balustrade of massive oak, the strong -upright pillars, having pointed finials, are carved with a T like -ornament, such as is of common occurrence on the ancient stone -crosses of Wales. Underneath the window, on the first -landing-place, is carved this sentence:—“Accurate -cogita immutabilia.” Here are also two fine -paintings, the one by Holbein, representing the great reformers, -Luther, Wyckliffe, Melancthon, and others, seated round a table; -the other painting a boar hunt, after Schneider. The upper -rooms are all wainscoated, and abound in elaborately-carved old -oak furniture, some bearing dates early in the 17th -century. The gallery, extending nearly the entire length of -the house, is hung with several old family portraits. There -is a beautiful little chapel abutting on the west wing of the -house; the windows are stained glass, the interior is -wainscoated, and the whole arched over with oak panelling; over -the entrance is carved on stone these words:—“Petra -et ostium Christus est.” There is a gallery to the -chapel, approached by a door from the drawing-room. On the -south side of the garden is a terrace of considerable length, and -in the centre stands a remarkable sun-dial, in stone, bearing -several Latin inscriptions, alluding to the rapid flight of time: -on the pediment is the date 1578. All the letters and -figures on this stone, and all that are found in various parts -round the house, are carved in relief. This dial fronts the -south, and has no less than seven complete dials on it. On -the terrace are likewise the fragments of several large stones -and dials, bearing inscriptions in Latin.</p> -<p><a name="page266"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 266</span>In -the List of the High Sheriffs of Shropshire will be found the -following names, owners of Park Hall:—</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p>Robert Powell</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1647</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thomas Powell</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1717</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Job Charlton</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1748</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>John Charlton Kinchant</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1775</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Richard Henry Kinchant</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1846</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h3>PORKINGTON,</h3> -<p>Situated about a mile from Oswestry, to the right of the road -leading to the race-course, is the seat of William Ormsby Gore, -Esquire, M.P. for North Shropshire. This delightful estate -is associated with some of the most interesting incidents in the -history of North Wales, and has for years been viewed as one of -the great land-marks of the chequered history of the Welsh -border. It derives its name from “Castell -Brogyntyn,” a fortress of the celebrated Owen Brogyntyn, a -natural son of Madog ab Meredydd ab Bleddyn, Prince of half of -Powys, and who, as a gift from his father, enjoyed the title of -Lord of Edeirnion and Dinmael. He flourished in the latter -part of the twelfth century. The site of the ancient fort -still remains in the shrubberies of Porkington, the moat filled -up serving as a gravel walk, surrounded by plantations. -Owen resided at Brogyntyn, whence he assumed his surname. -According to a drawing in the Mytton collection, the fort was of -a circular form, surrounded by a large earthen dyke and a deep -foss, that had two entrances close to each other, projecting a -little from the sides, and diverging, the end of each being -guarded by a semi-lunar curtain. The name of the fortress -and house (for Owen Brogyntyn resided there) was soon altered -into one closely resembling the present, as we find that in 1218 -Henry III., in an address to Llywelyn, Prince of Wales, informs -him that, among others, “Bleddyn Filius <i>Oeni de -Porkinton</i>” had performed the service he owed to the -English Crown. The house was formerly known also by the -name of “<i>Constables’ Hall</i>.” The -precise date of the change of name cannot be ascertained.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p266b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Porkington" -title= -"Porkington" - src="images/p266s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p><a name="page267"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -267</span>Porkington is also historically connected with the -distinguished royalist Sir John Owen, of Cleneney, -Caernarvonshire, a man whose history reveals unshaken fidelity to -the unfortunate Charles I., and a courage undaunted amidst the -most trying reverses. A short biography of this eminent man -will not be deemed out of place in these pages. Sir John -Owen was the eldest son of John Owen, Esq. of Cleneney, and was -born in 1600. His father had been secretary to the great -Walsingham, and had amassed in his service a fortune of -£10,000, a large sum in those days. He married Ellen -Maurice, the heiress of Cleneney and Porkington, about -1597. Their son John entered the army, and soon -distinguished himself. At the siege of Bristol he greatly -signalized himself, and was severely wounded in that -engagement. Throughout indeed the wars against the Common -Wealth he proved himself a faithful and valiant commander on -behalf of the king. At the famous battle of Llandegai, near -Bangor, Caernarvonshire, fortune declared against him, and he was -taken prisoner. This victory was considered by the Cromwell -party of so much importance that Captain Taylor, who communicated -the intelligence to Parliament, was rewarded with £200 from -Sir John’s estate. He was conveyed to Windsor Castle, -where he found incarcerated four of his gallant compatriots, -namely, the Duke of Hamilton, the Earl of Holland, and Lords -Goring and Capel. All these prisoners were put upon trial, -and Sir John Owen maintained a firm and heroic spirit during the -enquiry that eventually saved his life. On being asked by -the Court for his defence, he said “he was a plain -gentleman of Wales who had always been taught to obey the king; -that he had served him honestly during the war; and finding many -honest subjects endeavouring to raise forces whereby they might -get him out of prison, he did the like.” He was -condemned to lose his head, and at the conclusion of the sentence -he bowed to the Court and gave his humble thanks. A -bye-stander, marking his intrepid conduct, asked him what he -meant, when Sir John replied—<a name="page268"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 268</span>“It was a great honor to a -poor gentleman of Wales to lose his head with such noble lords, -for he was afraid they would have hanged him.” Strong -remonstrances were made in Parliament on behalf of the duke and -noble lords, but, finding no one speak in favour of Sir John -Owen, Ireton rose as his advocate, and told the house -“there was one person for whom no one spoke a word, and -therefore he requested that he might be saved by the sole motive -and goodness of the house.” Ireton’s appeal was -effectual, and Sir John was pardoned after a few months’ -imprisonment, and permitted to return to his native -country. He died in 1666, and was buried in Penmorfa -Church, Caernarvonshire, where a monument is erected to his -memory. The estates of Sir John Owen are possessed by his -lineal descendant, Mrs. Ormsby Gore, and many interesting relics -of the gallant knight are preserved at Porkington. Among -these are his official seal as Vice Admiral of North Wales, and a -sword given him by Lord Capel with the following -inscription:—“Lord Capel, the day before his -execution, presented this sword to Sir John Owen, by whom, he -said, he was convinced it would be worn with honour.” -His portrait is also preserved at Porkington, from which the -engraving, in Pennant’s quarto edition of his tours, was -made.</p> -<p>Porkington is chiefly indebted to the wife of Mr. Ormsby Gore -(daughter and heiress of Owen Ormsby, Esq., who married the -daughter of William Owen, Esq., and Mary Godolphin), for its -present beautiful appearance. The mansion having been built -at three several periods presented a confused mass, until the -alterations made by Miss Ormsby conferred on it a correct Grecian -elevation. The present worthy owner assumed on his marriage -the name of Ormsby, prefixed to his own, and has added largely to -the demesne, and to the well-timbered and romantic appearance of -the hills which environ the rear of the building, the sight from -the north-east and south giving extensive views over the counties -of Denbigh, Chester, and Salop.</p> -<p><a name="page269"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 269</span>On -the pediment of the portico are the arms of the present -possessors in <i>alto-relievo</i>. The principal stair-case -is lighted by a dome of stained glass, exhibiting the names and -arms of different proprietors, with the dates of their occupancy, -and the names and arms also of various heiresses connected -therewith, namely, Laken, Maurice, Owen, Anwyl, Wynne, Godolphin, -Ormsby and Gore. The reception rooms are furnished with -remarkable elegance and taste. In the saloon is the -full-length portrait of Mrs. Siddons, a singularly-faithful -likeness, and also a curious painting on panel, being the only -portion saved of the Altar-piece of Valle Crucis Abbey.</p> -<p>The views from the Terrace at Porkington are extensive and -highly picturesque, displaying a variety of rich landscape -scenery. In the foreground (now attached to the Porkington -estate) is <i>Old Oswestry</i>, the <i>Hen Dinas</i> of the -Welsh, (and in still more ancient periods Caer Ogyr-fan, from -Ogyr-fan, a hero contemporary with Arthur,) a densely wooded -hill, and supposed to have been a strong fortification of British -or Roman origin. It is situated on the range of -Watts’ Dyke, which served as a boundary to the neutral -ground on the Welsh side. It is surrounded by three deep -entrenchments, one above the other, in which are two passes, -north and south, to ascend to a very extended plain on the top of -the whole, encompassed with fortifications &c., comprising -upwards of forty-two acres of land. The sides of the -entrenchments are closely wooded, and carefully preserved by Mr. -Ormsby Gore, who has also planted an adjacent hill on the other -side of the valley.</p> -<p>The parish of Selattyn, in which Porkington stands, is divided -into two townships, deriving their names from the same source, -namely, <i>Upper Porkington</i> and <i>Lower Porkington</i>.</p> -<h3>SELATTYN & HENGOED.</h3> -<h4>SELATTYN,</h4> -<p>Or Sylattin, is a parish in the upper division of Oswestry, a -rectory remaining in charge, in the diocese of St. Asaph and <a -name="page270"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 270</span>the deanery -of Marchia. The village is situated about two miles from -the Great Western Railway Station at Preesgwene, and three miles -north-west of Oswestry. The population of the parish has -greatly increased within the last forty years, much land, -hitherto waste, has been brought into a profitable state of -cultivation, and many neat and convenient cottages have been -built. During the long residence in the parish of the late -Rev. G. N. K. Lloyd, rector, who died in his sixtieth year, on -the 17th January, 1846, the social condition of his parishioners -was greatly improved, as he was constantly engaged for their -benefit in every “good word and work.” In -October 1846 a water-ram was erected at the expense of his -nephew, the Rev. Albany R. Lloyd; by which means the water is -forced up, from a fine spring some distance off, to the rectory, -and on towards the village, for the convenience and comfort of -the inhabitants.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p270b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Selattyn Church" -title= -"Selattyn Church" - src="images/p270s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>The village is romantically situated. The church and -school, the small collection of dwellings, with the little <a -name="page271"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 271</span>picturesque -valley leading to it, and the brook, which empties itself into -the Morlas, rolling its limpid stream over a rocky and pebbly -bed, are all delightful features of the scene. In the -church-yard some beautiful and aged ash-trees expand their -immense arms over the precipice beneath, while a noble avenue of -lime trees adorns the northern side, and several lofty firs -enrich the southern. There are also several ancient yews, -which add solemnity to this interesting spot. On the hills -above Selattyn are two large carneddu, with lesser ones near to -them.</p> -<p>The erection of the steeple of the church was commenced upon -in 1703. In 1821 a north transept was added to the fabric, -and in 1828 the south transept was built. A new organ, -built by Bryceson, was placed in the church in 1847.</p> -<p>A whimsical derivation of the name of the place is given by -the late John Davies, Esq., Recorder of Oswestry:—“A -schoolmaster having set up here, and finding that few pupils -attended, imagined that people did not know of him, but passed on -to Oswestry, wrote over his door, ‘I sell -Latin!’” Whether this was veritably the origin -of the name we are unable to prove, but, as Mr. Davies adds, -“if not the best, it is not worse than some derivations -which may be found.”</p> -<p>We subjoin a list of the rectors of the parish since 1537, -including the appointment of the fiery meteor Sacheverell, whose -career we have noticed in preceding pages:—</p> -<h4>LIST OF RECTORS.</h4> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p>John ap Robert</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center">—</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Robert Stanley</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1537</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>T. Thomas</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1556</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Robert Powell</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1557</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Richard Price</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1578</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thomas Topperly</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1587</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>William Horton (Vicar of Oswestry)</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center">—</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Rowland Thackerly</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1592</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Henry Jones</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1600</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>James Wilding</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1610</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p><a name="page272"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -272</span>Thomas Wilding</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1666</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>John Jones</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1681</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Henry Sacheverell, D.D.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1713</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>William Daker</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1713</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Thomas Hammer</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1719</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>William Roberts</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1780</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>John Robert Lloyd</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center">—</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Whitehall Whitehall Davies</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1801</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>George Newton Kynaston Lloyd</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1810</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Charles Arthur Albany Lloyd (Rector of Whittington)</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1846</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Henry James Lloyd</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1852</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>John Husband</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1853</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h4>HENGOED,</h4> -<p>In the parish of Selattyn, is situated about two miles north -of Oswestry, and has derived much interest from the recent -erection of a neat and convenient church, dedicated to St. -Barnabas, built chiefly at the expense of the Rev. Albany -Rossendale Lloyd, the present much-respected Incumbent, aided by -a few subscriptions. The foundation-stone was laid by the -Rev. A. R. Lloyd, Aug. 16th, 1849; the church was opened for -divine service June 11, 1850; and was consecrated by the Right -Rev. Dr. Thomas Voule, Bishop of St. Asaph, August 15th, -1853. A district, with a population of about 650 persons, -has been legally assigned to this church, and was duly gazetted -January 31st, 1854. An excellent Sunday-school is attached -to the church, and was originally used, until the present church -was completed, as a place for divine worship.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p>The amount rated to the poor for the parish of Selattyn, for -the year ending 25th March, 1855, was 1s. 3d. in the pound. -The annual rental of the land and buildings is fixed at -£6,974; rateable value, £6,501 6s. 8d.; and the -estimated extent of acreage, 5,434a. 3r. 13p.</p> -<h3>ST. MARTIN’S</h3> -<p>Is a parish situated about five miles from, and in the hundred -of Oswestry. It is a vicarage discharged, in the diocese of -St. Asaph, and deanery of Marchia. The great tithes were <a -name="page273"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 273</span>given by -one of the Fitz-Alans to the Monastery of Oswestry, -<i>Album-Monasterium</i>. They afterwards became the -property of the Duke of Powis, and now belong in part to Viscount -Dungannon. The living is a vicarage, and is valued at -£9 8s. 8d., but, having received Queen Anne’s Bounty, -is discharged from payments. The church is dedicated to St. -Martin. The tower is a handsome building of freestone, but -the body of the church is of rubble stone, and very inferior in -appearance. In 1811 the church was new pewed, when a -gallery was also erected, and the same year the late Lord -Dungannon made a present of an organ. In the roof of the -chancel were several beautiful wood-carved images, but they were -destroyed by some merciless churchwarden. The Bishop of St. -Asaph had a palace here, but Owen Glyndwr burnt it when he laid -waste the county of Salop. In the Mostyn library is a Welsh -manuscript on parchment, of the life of St. Martin. It was -translated from the Latin by John Trevor, a writer who flourished -between 1430 and 1470. In the parish are two schools, one -founded by William ab Royd, Merchant Taylor, for fifteen poor -children, and the other by the late Viscountess Dungannon, on the -Lancasterian plan, for twenty poor girls. The poor-rate -return for the year 1855 shows that the acreage of the parish is -5,315; the gross rental, £10,016 13s. 9d.; and the rateable -value, £9,534 4s. 3d. The present Vicar is the Rev. -William Hurst.</p> -<p>In the village called <i>The Lodge</i>, in this parish, a -school was erected in the year 1851, and has been productive of -much good among the humbler portion of the inhabitants.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p>In the parish of St. Martin’s there are several -beautiful residences, among which may be enumerated -<i>Preesgwene</i>, <i>The Quinta</i>, <i>Tyn-y-Rhos</i>, and -<i>Greenfield Lodge</i>.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Preesgwene House</span> is historically -connected with the Border Lands. It is the property and -residence of J. R. Powell, Esq., is a neat mansion, embosomed in -rich foliage, <a name="page274"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -274</span>and situated four and a half miles from Oswestry. -The house was built in the sixteenth century, by E. Phillips, -Esq., an ancestor of the present possessor. The Rev. Robert -Williams, in his “<i>Biographical Dictionary of Eminent -Welshmen</i>,” states that “Gwên, the most -valiant of the twenty-four sons of Llywarch Hên, was slain -on the ford of Morlas, a brook which rises in Selattyn mountain, -near Oswestry, and flows into the Ceiriog. The name of -Gwên is preserved in Prys Gwên, a gentleman’s -residence near the Morlas, in the parish of St. -Martin’s.” Llywarch Hên is said to have -died in the parish of Llanvor, near Bala, where a secluded place -called <i>Pabell</i>, or the cot of Llywarch Hên, is still -pointed out. He was a British Prince by birth, and a -distinguished bard, as already stated. [See pp. <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page8">8</a></span> and <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page9">9</a></span>.]</p> -<p><span class="smcap">The Quinta</span> was for many years the -residence of the late Hon. Frederick West, (a gentleman whose -virtues and honour endeared him to all who had the privilege of -his acquaintance,) by whom it was greatly improved. This -delightful estate was purchased by Thomas Barnes, Esq., M.P., for -Bolton, Lancashire, one of the most successful manufacturers of -that county. In his hands the property has undergone still -further improvements.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Tyn-y-Rhos</span>, the seat of the Rev. -John Croxon Phillips, is an ancient mansion. In 1164, the -reign of Henry II., Owen (or Owain) Gwynedd, Prince of North -Wales, slept at this house, and granted to the owner certain -privileges already described. [See p. <span -class="indexpageno"><a href="#page24">24</a></span>.]</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Greenfield Lodge</span> is a -pleasantly-situated villa, the property, and formerly the -residence of F. W. Smith, Esq., Agent to F. R. West, Esq., -M.P. The house is approached by a remarkably fine -avenue.</p> -<h3>WEST FELTON</h3> -<p>Parish comprises many beautiful residences, including <span -class="smcap">Pradoe</span>, the seat of the Hon. Mrs. Kenyon -(widow of the late Hon. <a name="page275"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 275</span>Thomas Kenyon, third son of Chief -Justice Lord Kenyon); <span class="smcap">Woodhouse</span>, the -fine old mansion of W. Mostyn Owen, Esq.; <span -class="smcap">Tedsmere</span>, a house belonging to T. B. Bulkley -Owen, Esq.; and “<span class="smcap">The -Nursery</span>,” formerly the residence of J. F. M. -Dovaston, Esq., but now possessed by John Dovaston, Esq., the -inheritor of the Poet’s estates. The parish church is -dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, and is of great -antiquity, the nave being of Norman date. Within the last -few years a new aisle on the north side, in the early English -style, has been erected. At the east end of it there is an -elegant triplet filled with stained glass of early English -character, displaying scriptural subjects in medallions. -Other improvements have been made in the church from designs by -Mr. G. G. Scott. Near Haughton, in this parish, large -quantities of earthenware have been discovered, of various -colours, blue, red, green, and yellow, and highly glazed. -Their origin or purpose remains a mystery, but is still worthy of -antiquarian investigation. Sandford Hall, in this parish, -was formerly the residence of the celebrated “Bumper Squire -Jones,” the hero of the once popular song of that name.</p> -<p>The present rector is the Rev. T. Hunt. According to the -poor-rate return for 1855 the acreage of the parish is 5,989 -acres 2 roods; the gross rental £10,048 10s.; and the -rateable value assessed to the relief of the poor, £7,948 -6s.</p> -<h3>WHITTINGTON,</h3> -<p>Is a charming village, possessing all the beauties which give -pleasure to the lovers of inland rustic scenery. -Picturesque cottages, neat dwellings for people in retired -circumstances, good-looking farmers’ homesteads, the -village church, in silent repose, surrounded by its grave-yard, -and finally, the vestiges of its ancient Castle, once the -baronial and stately residence of the renowned Norman Chief -Fitz-Gwarine, and the scene of many a romantic story, give to -Whittington village a lively interest in which all who can -leisurely view it must <a name="page276"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 276</span>participate. It is situated -upon the turnpike-road from Oswestry to Ellesmere, and two and -a-half miles from the former, and five and a-half from the -latter. The Great Western Railway passes through the -village, where there is also a station, the trains stopping there -several times a day.</p> -<p>Its antiquity extends so far back as the year 590, when, as -the Welsh poet Llywarch Hên states, it was known by the -name of the <i>White Town</i> (Drev-Wen.) In the reign of -Rhodri Mawr (Roderick the Great,) king of all Wales, A.D. 843, a -British Chieftain (Ynyr ab Cadfarch) built the Castle, which was -afterwards possessed by his son, Tudor Trevor, subsequently Earl -of Hereford. Tudor Trevor’s mother was grand-daughter -to Caradog Vreichvas, who fell in the memorable battle at -Rhuddlan Marsh, A.D. 795. The descendants of Tudor -continued in possession of the Castle for many generations, and -several of the leading families in North Wales can trace their -origin to him. At the conquest Whittington became the -property of Pain Peverel, and afterwards of Roger, Earl of -Shrewsbury. The Castle and lordship next passed into the -hands of Hugh, and subsequently of Robert, both sons of Roger, -the before-named Earl. On the defeat and forfeiture of -Robert, by an Act of Henry I., the property was restored to the -Peverels, in the person of Sir William Peverel, distinguished for -his noble and valiant enterprises. He had two daughters; -the youngest, named Mellet, of martial spirit, resolved to wed no -one but the knight greatest in valour, and her father published -this declaration, promising Whittington Castle as her -dower. This announcement attracted the attention of many a -gallant youth, and soon afterwards Peverel’s domain at the -Peak, near Castleton, Derbyshire, was the scene of contention for -the fair prize. Among the combatants were a son of the King -of Scotland, the Baron Burgoyne, and a noble Lorrainer, Gwarine -de Metz, (Sheriff of Shropshire, and chief Counsellor to the Earl -of Shrewsbury,) the latter of whom appeared with a shield of <a -name="page277"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 277</span>silver, and -a proud peacock on his crest! To him the spirited Mellet -was sincere, he having been declared victor. The son of -this chivalrous pair was “famed for deeds of arms,” -and their posterity, for nine generations, assumed the christian -name of Fulk, and the common name of Fitz-Gwarine. The -Castle of Whittington was possessed by the family from the end of -the reign of Henry I. till the reign of Henry VIII. Gwarine -de Metz died in the reign of Henry I. at Alberbury, the Abbey of -which place he had founded, and there he was interred, his wife, -the famous Mellet Peverel, and her son, the first Fulk -Fitz-Gwarine, being present on the affecting occasion.</p> -<p>This youth was as distinguished, in the arts of love and war, -as his father. He became desperately enamoured with Hawys, -the daughter of Sir Joos, of Normandy; rescued the father from -impending death, while in the hands of Walter Lacy and Sir Arnold -de Lis, two inveterate enemies, and, as a reward for his -gallantry and courage, received the hand in marriage of his -beloved Hawys. Fulk Fitz-Gwarine was heroic in all his -achievements, was knighted by Henry I., made steward of the -King’s Household, and Lieutenant of the Marches. In a -skirmish with the Welsh, under Grufydd ab Cynan, he was defeated, -and Whittington Castle fell into their hands. In the reign -of Henry II. peace was made with Owen Gwynedd, the succeeding -Prince of North Wales: the Castle was retained by Owen; and as -some compensation for his loss, Fulk had the manor of Alston, in -Gloucestershire, bestowed upon him. It is recorded, says -the Rev. W. Davies, in his interesting “History of -Whittington,” that “Fulk Fitz-Gwarine, and John, son -to Henry II. (afterwards King John,) were playing at chess -together, when it happened that they disagreed, and the Prince -gave Fulk a severe blow upon the head with the board, which the -latter returned in such a violent manner as almost to kill the -young Prince, a circumstance, had it happened, not much to be -regretted, were it not in consideration of the glorious Magna -Charta afterwards <a name="page278"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -278</span>obtained from him.” Dovaston, in his fine -descriptive poem, entitled “Fitz-Gwarine,” makes his -hero describe the quarrel in the following lines:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Enough to name our last affray,<br /> -The Prince his temper lost at play,<br /> -The chess-board swung with coward sway,<br /> -And hurl’d my head upon;<br /> -Ill could the wrong my bosom brook,<br /> -I sent him first a furious look,<br /> -Then firm with knuckles clench’d I strook<br /> -The pate of royal John.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Fulk Fitz-Gwarine was succeeded by his eldest son, who bore -the same name, and eclipsed his father by the brilliancy and -skill of his military enterprises. He accompanied Richard -I. in the Crusades, and was made Lord Marcher of Wales. At -the commencement of King John’s reign Whittington was in -the hands of Maurice, brother to the Roger to whom Owen Gwynedd -had presented it. Fulk Fitz-Gwarine applied to John for the -restoration of the ancient property of his ancestors; but John -rejected his application. Indignant at this treatment Fulk -joined the Welsh sovereign, made battle against Maurice, in which -the latter was slain. The English King determined upon -having Fulk Fitz-Gwarine put to death, but the latter fled to -France, under the <i>nom de guerre</i> of Sir Amice, a wandering -knight, and was so much admired by the French monarch for his -honourable and chivalrous conduct, that he tendered to him a -barony of France. After having performed many acts of -valour and renown in France, Fulk returned to England, determined -to see King John and propitiate his favour. Fearing -discovery, he exchanged clothes with a peasant, and wended his -way to Windsor, to confront the monarch. In Windsor Forest -they both met, John being out hunting, and Fulk appearing before -the King as a peasant. Fulk made known to him his errand, -and declared that he was the obnoxious Fitz-Gwarine; with the -courage and dignity of his race he menaced the king for the -unjust treatment he had received, and forced him to restore to -his undisturbed <a name="page279"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -279</span>possession the Castle and lordship of Whittington, his -ancestral property. John immediately repudiated his grant, -and Fulk was again compelled to leave the kingdom, having been -pursued by emissaries of the monarch, charged to slay him. -Fitz-Gwarine was still as adroit as he was brave; he killed the -man who meditated his assassination, fled to Orkney, where he -released a persecuted female from her captivity, and won a -hauberk of hard steel, which, with other ancient pieces of armour -belonging to his family, hung, till Cromwell’s wars, in the -church of Whittington. From Orkney Fulk sailed to Carthage, -where he derived much information, his patriotism was inflamed, -and where also his enthusiastic desire for the improvement of his -native country glowed with increased ardour. Wrapt in these -visions of future glory and happiness, he re-embarked for -England, arrived safely, appealed again to King John, obtained -pardon for all past offences, and with it the restoration of -Whittington Castle and all its appendages. Thus once more -in possession of his ancient halls, he lived in the state and -hospitality which became his princely condition. Then, as -the author of “Fitz-Gwarine” so sweetly -sings—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Other guests than yon lone bird,<br /> -And other music here were heard,<br /> - - -In times of better days;<br /> -Festive revelry went round,<br /> -The board with blushing goblets crown’d,<br /> -And costly carpets clad the ground,<br /> - - -Where now yon cattle graze.<br /> -Days were those of splendour high,<br /> -Days of hospitality,<br /> - - -When to his rich domain<br /> -Welcom’d many a crested knight,<br /> -Welcom’d many a lady bright,<br /> - - -Fitz-Gwarine of Lorraine!”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>This remarkable man was afterwards sent by the English King to -Ireland on an important service, and was distinguished on his -return, with the title of <span class="smcap">The -Great</span>. He subsequently united with the English -Barons in their memorable demand <a name="page280"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 280</span>from King John of Magna Charta, and -so resolute was his conduct on that great occasion at Runnymede, -that the Pope actually conferred upon him the honour of -excommunication from the papal church.</p> -<p>After various other conflicts and disasters, “by flood -and field,” he descended into old age, when he was stricken -with blindness. He was buried in the porch of Whittington -Church, and his remains were found there in an oak coffin, three -inches in thickness, by digging a grave in the year 1796. -He left behind him a son who enjoyed his father’s estates -and titles, but for no considerable time. He followed Henry -III. through all his adverse fortunes, and whilst engaged at the -battle of Lewes was drowned in crossing a river, leaving behind -him a young son, the fourth Fitz-Gwarine.</p> -<p>Fitz-Gwarine the second was married to Clarice of Abbourville, -and he went generally by the peculiar appellation of -<i>Proud-homme</i>, as a mark of respect to his nobility.</p> -<p>Whittington Castle, after the battle of Lewes, was bestowed by -the Earl of Leicester upon Peter de Montford. Leicester -also compelled the captive king Richard II. to deliver it, with -other Border Castles, into the hands of Llywelyn ab Grufydd, -Prince of Wales, who had just received the entire sovereignty of -Wales, and required homage from all the barons under him.</p> -<p>The subsequent history of the Fitz-Gwarines presents but few -interesting features. This illustrious race became extinct -at the death of Henry, fifth Earl of Bath (who inherited the -title of Fitz-Gwarine through the marriage of Elizabeth, sister -and heiress to Fulk the <i>ninth</i>, with Richard Haukford, -Esq.,) and the manor, after various transfers in succeeding ages, -was purchased by Francis (or William) Albany, Esq., of London, -from one of the Earls of Arundel, it having been granted to him -by Queen Mary, but afterwards mortgaged and sold. The -manor, advowsons, and estate of Fernhill passed subsequently to -the house of Aston, by the marriage of <a -name="page281"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 281</span>Sarah, -daughter and heiress of the said Francis Albany, Esq., to Thomas -Lloyd, Esq., of Aston. In the year 1760 the eastern tower -of the Castle fell into the moat after a severe frost, and some -years afterwards one of the northern towers and the western wall -were taken down to repair, it is said, the road leading from -Whittington to Halston bridge.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p280b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Whittington Castle" -title= -"Whittington Castle" - src="images/p280s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>The remains of the Castle are still a picturesque ruin, which -attracts artists from all parts of the kingdom to sketch its -lingering beauties. Our own artist has done justice to the -Castle in the sketch he has taken. The towers of the -gate-house are still entire, and part of the ancient building is -converted into a dwelling, and occupied by Thomas Broughall, -Esq. A running brook passes through the moat, which is -overhung with fine old trees, casting their shade upon the -waters. In the year 1796 three curious bottles, richly -gilt, were found, and subsequently, in clearing the bottom of one -of the old towers, some huge iron fetters, a gyve of ponderous -size, with a number of the heads and antlers of deer. The -Castle, from its position on the frontier of Wales, and from the -warlike spirit of its lords, was in feudal times a place of great -consequence, and, like other border fortresses, alternately the -scene of clashing arms and knightly festivity.</p> -<p>The church, which is dedicated to St. John, is a rectory in -the archdeaconry and diocese of St. Asaph, and was originally -designed as a chapel to the castle. The body of the church -was rebuilt in 1805, from a design by the late Mr. Thomas -Harrison, architect, of Chester. It is a large brick -building of 60 feet by 50, and cost £1500. To lessen -the expense of building the church two briefs were procured that -raised £703 15s. 1d., but of this sum only £42 2s. -1d. was received. In 1810 a new organ was erected in the -church. In the same year the church-yard wall, being much -out of repair, was rebuilt with stone. The Rev. Charles -Arthur Albany Lloyd, who had filled the office of Rector for many -years, died July 24th, 1851, he being also Rector of Selattyn at -the time.</p> -<p><a name="page282"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -282</span>Whittington parish is divided into nine townships, -namely,—Whittington to the south; Berghill and Francton (or -Frankton) to the east; old Marton (or Martin), Hindford, Henlle, -and Ebnall, to the north; and Fernhill and Daywell to the -west.</p> -<p>In a manuscript description of the parish we find the -following derivation of names:—</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Whittington</span>, or -White Town, from White Castle, in Welsh, <i>Drewen</i>.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span -class="smcap">Berghill</span>—Welsh, <i>Byr-Ghill</i>, or -Short Hazles.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Hindford</span>—,, -<i>Hen-fordd</i>, or The Old Road.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Henlle</span>—,, -<i>Hen</i>, old, and <i>Lle</i>, Place.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Daywell</span>—,, -<i>Fynnon du</i>, or <i>dydd</i>. Day Spring (or well).</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Fernhill</span>—,, -<i>Fwrn</i> and <i>Oven</i>, or Hole and Hill.</p> -<p>A tradition long prevailed in the village, that it was the -birth-place of the renowned Sir Richard Whittington, -“thrice Lord Mayor of London town.” It is now, -however, generally understood that he was born in the township of -Newnes, (not far from Whittington,) about one mile north-west of -Ellesmere. Shropshire claims him for her own; and if -Whittington really was “a proud Salopian,” the county -has a right to be proud of the honour of enrolling among its -worthies so distinguished a name. Another vague tradition -prevailed, that the well-known metrical tale of “<i>The -Babes in the Wood</i>” derives its origin from -<i>Babins’ wood</i>, (commonly called <i>Babbys’ -wood</i>,) near Whittington. The tradition adds, that the -murder of the two children by their cruel uncle was perpetrated -at this place. Gough, the historian of Middle, relates -particulars of the murder of a child by its uncle, but his -account is only from tradition, and therefore mixed up with much -error.</p> -<p>The version we now give of this murder, derived from an -authentic source, shews that the ballad of the <i>Babes in the -</i><a name="page283"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -283</span><i>Wood</i> could not have been founded upon it. -The scene of the nursery rhyme is laid in Norfolk, and all the -circumstances it details differ materially from those of the -murder at Knockin heath. The version we have is as -follows:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“1590, 27th March.—A man and woman -were executed at Knockin heath, for murdering a child of the age -of five years, for his land, being an heir of £5 a-year, or -thereabout, which fell after the said child’s death, if he -died without issue, to his uncles, being three of them, which -uncles procured and imagined the death of the said child ever -since his birth. Two of the uncles were executed at -Bridgenorth assizes, and the third <i>pressed</i> to death -there. But the woman being grandmother to the child, and -the man named Geffrey Elkes, being hired to do the deed, were -executed at the said heath where the said deed was -done.” “Elkes, at his execution, affirmed that -he did not kill the child, but brought a pail of water to the -heath, and left it there with the child and the uncle that was -<i>pressed</i> to death, but he confessed that before the deed -was done, and after, two ravens usually would meet him, follow -him, and cry about him; and when he escaped and hid himself, the -said ravens did cry, and flew about the place, and descried him -out, and he was found in a cock of hay by their means.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>The parish register is a curious record of odds and ends, and -from it we make a few quaint selections:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“Died March 11th, 1767.—<span -class="smcap">Thomas Evans</span>, parish clerk, aged 72.</p> -<p>‘Old Sternhold’s lines, or Vicar of Bray,<br /> -Which he tun’d best is hard to say.’</p> -<p>I do make choice of William Evans, his son, to serve the -office of parish clerk, being qualified according to the 91st -canon, viz: above twenty years of age, and of an honest -conversation, and very sufficient for his reading, writing, and -also for his competent skill in singing, tho’ not so clever -a piper as his father. This choice was signified to the -parishioners in time of divine service, on Sunday, the 15th day -of March, 1767.</p> -<p style="text-align: right">(Signed) by me, W. Roberts, -Rr.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p><a name="page284"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -284</span>“1776.—<span class="smcap">Andrew -Williams</span>, in Whittington, aged 84, Decoy-man under the -Aston family, at the Decoy, in this parish, above 60 -years:—</p> -<p>“Here lies the Decoy-man, who liv’d like an -otter,<br /> -Dividing his time between land and water:<br /> -His hide he oft soak’d in the waters of Perry,<br /> -Whilst Aston old beer his spirits kept cheery;<br /> -Amphibious his trim, Death was puzzl’d, they say,<br /> -How to dust to reduce such well-moisten’d clay.<br /> -So Death turn’d Decoy-man, and decoy’d him to -land,<br /> -Where he fix’d his abode till quite dried to the hand;<br -/> -He then found him fitting for crumbling to dust,<br /> -And here he lies mould’ring, as you and I must.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“<span class="smcap">Samuel Peate</span>, of -Whittington Castle, died, aged 84.</p> -<p>“Here lies Governor Peate,<br /> -Whom no man did hate,<br /> -At the age of four-score,<br /> -And four years more,<br /> -He pretended to wrestle<br /> -With Death, for his castle,<br /> -But was soon out of breath,<br /> -And surrender’d to Death,<br /> -Who away did him take,<br /> -At the eve of our Wake,<br /> -One morn about seven,<br /> -To keep Wake in heaven.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<blockquote><p>“Nov. 29th, 1780.—<span -class="smcap">Sarah Browne</span>, of Babe’s Wood, widow, -aged 76.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">“EPITAPH.</p> -<p>Here lies Mammy Brown,<br /> -Who oft sung ding and down<br /> - Over many a brat;<br /> - And what of all that?<br /> -Why she sung herself down,<br /> -So here lies Mammy Brown.</p> -<p>N.B.—She nursed many children besides her -own.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>There are several useful and important charities pertaining to -Whittington parish. Jones’s charity of 1670, and -Griffith Hughes’s bequest in 1706, provide for the -education of the <a name="page285"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -285</span>boys of the parish, as that of Elizabeth Probert does -for the girls. These bequests are now applied to the -National Schools established in the village.</p> -<p>The old National Schools being too small for the increasing -population of the parish, a new School House, for the -accommodation of Boys and Girls, was erected in the year 1853, on -the site of the former Boys’ School, at a cost of -£900, after a design by Messrs W. and J. Morris, Builders, -&c., of Oswestry, by whom also the structure was -erected. The present much-respected Rector is the Rev. -William Walsham How, who purchased the living in the life-time, -and succeeded to it on the death, of the Rev. C. A. A. Lloyd.</p> -<p>The parish of Whittington contains 8,303a. 3r. 10p.; gross -rental, £13,145 5s. 0d.; rateable value, £12,867 10s. -0d.</p> -<p>It is worthy of record in our notice of Whittington, that the -admirable Missionary Hymn, from the pen of the late Bishop Heber, -“From Greenland’s icy mountains,” was written -especially for a public meeting of the friends of Missions, held -in the village about the year 1820, at which the poet Heber -attended. The hymn was sung on that occasion for the first -time; but since then how many thousand voices, in every part of -the habitable globe, have been raised in tuneful melodies whilst -pouring forth this immortal strain! Heber’s hymn -ranks with the sacred songs of our best poets, and has urged many -a Christian heart to the heaven-born work of spreading the gospel -throughout the heathen world.</p> -<p>Amongst the pleasant retreats in the neighbourhood of -Whittington are <span class="smcap">Belmont</span>, the residence -of J. V. Lovett, Esq., an active and intelligent Magistrate for -the county; <span class="smcap">Fernhill</span>, about one mile -from Whittington, the seat of Thomas Lovett, Esq., also an able -county Magistrate; and the <span class="smcap">Derwen</span>, the -house of John Povey, Esq., a gentleman much respected in the -district.</p> -<h3><a name="page286"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -286</span>WYNNSTAY,</h3> -<p>The beautiful seat of Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., M.P. for -Denbighshire, is within twenty minutes’ railway ride from -Oswestry. The talent, wealth, and princely hospitality of -the Wynnstay family have given to this mansion and its extensive -domains a national celebrity. The late Sir W. W. Wynn -(father of the present worthy baronet) did much to maintain the -high character for hospitality and munificent liberality for -which the House of Wynnstay has ever been distinguished, and his -memory is embalmed in grateful recollections by hundreds who -partook of his bounty and were generously aided by his purse and -patronage.</p> -<p>Wynnstay is situated in the parish of Rhuabon, and is erected -on the site of a residence of Madog ab Grufydd Maelor, Prince of -Powys, and founder of the abbey of Llanegwest, or Valle Crucis, -near Llangollen. The original name of this house was -<i>Rhuabon</i>. It was the property of Edward Eyton, Esq., -whose daughter Mary, the heiress, married Richard Evans, Esq., -son of Thomas Evans, Esq., of Oswestry, attorney-general in the -Court of the Marches. Their grandson, Eyton Evans, (son of -Thomas, son of Richard,) altered the name to <i>Watt</i>-stay, on -account of its proximity to Watts’ Dyke; and Jane, sole -daughter and heiress of Eyton Evans, Esq., married Sir John Wynn, -who again changed the name to <i>Wynnstay</i>, in compliment to -his own family, he being grandson of Sir John Wynn, of Gwydir, by -his tenth son, Henry, representative for Merionethshire. -The above-named Sir John Wynn, of Wynnstay, left that and other -estates of great value to his kinsman, the first Sir Watkin -Williams Wynn, grandson of Sir William Williams, Speaker of the -House of Commons in the reign of Charles II., and in the early -part of his career Recorder of Chester. Sir William was one -of the most successful lawyers of his time, and was a zealous and -eloquent advocate of the popular party in Charles’s -reign. The notorious Jeffreys was reprimanded, on his -knees, by him <a name="page287"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -287</span>whilst he was Speaker of the House of Commons; who also -conducted the prosecution of the Seven Bishops, when -solicitor-general; and the “Treating Act,” which -still continues one of the safeguards of the purity and -independence of Parliament, was introduced by him in the House of -Commons. This celebrated lawyer was made a baronet in -1688. He married Margaret, daughter and heiress of Watkin -Kyffin, Esq., of Glascoed, in the parish of Llansilin, near -Oswestry. He left two sons, and the elder, Sir William, of -Llanforda, married another great heiress, Jane, the daughter of -Edward Thelwall, Esq., of Plas-y-ward, and was father, as already -mentioned, of the first Sir Watkin Williams Wynn. The -Speaker’s youngest son, John, was an eminent provincial -lawyer, and practised at Chester, and was direct progenitor of -the present Sir John Williams, of Bodelwyddan, Flintshire.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/p286b.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Wynnstay" -title= -"Wynnstay" - src="images/p286s.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<p>The mansion is a noble pile of building, of fine white stone, -and has, recently, under the direction of the present possessor -of Wynnstay, undergone much improvement. The interior -comprises several noble apartments, which are embellished with -paintings by the first masters, portraits of various members of -the family, and busts by eminent sculptors, of the distinguished -statesmen Lord Grenville, William Pitt, &c. The library -consists of a fine collection of books, in ancient and modern -literature, with valuable MSS. illustrative of early British -history. Among the variety of plate, including elegant -race-cups, &c., is a large silver vase, or punch-bowl, -presented to the late Sir W. W. Wynn, by his countrymen, on his -return from the battle of Waterloo.</p> -<p>The grounds in which the house is situated are remarkable for -their sylvan beauty. The avenue leading to the mansion from -Rhuabon is formed of fine oak, elm, beech, and other trees, one -of which, “The King,” measuring thirty feet in -circumference, and with its outspreading arms appearing to bid -defiance to its fellows, seems to have a just claim to the -monarchical title it bears. A fine sheet of water in front -of <a name="page288"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 288</span>the -house adds much to the picturesque and deeply-wooded scenery -around. Both the near and distant views from the park are -distinct and attractive, those especially towards the Berwyn -chain of mountains, with the grand breach in it beyond -Llangollen, through which rolls the rapid Dee. An obelisk -or handsome free-stone column is erected in the park, after a -design by Wyatt, as a tribute of maternal affection, in memory of -Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, grandfather of the present -baronet. Round the entablature is a gallery, with a -circular iron balustrade, nine feet high, in the centre of which -stands a handsome urn in bronze. The plinth is wreathed -with oak leaves descending from the beaks of eagles. A -door-way leads, by a wide stair-case, to a gallery at the -top. On the lower part of the Cenotaph is the following -emphatic inscription:—</p> -<blockquote><p>“<span class="smcap">Filio Optimo</span>.<br -/> -<span class="smcap">Mater cheu! superstes</span>.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Although this column cannot be seen from the house, a glimpse -of it may be caught on the left side of the railway, in passing -from Rhuabon towards Oswestry. The Nant-y-Bela Tower, in -“The Dingle of the Marten,” is another Cenotaph, -erected by the late Sir W. W. Wynn, after a design by Sir Jeffrey -Wyattville, in memory of his brother officers and private -soldiers slain in Ireland during the rebellion of 1798. It -stands on an eminence, and commands a view of the Vale of -Llangollen, for several miles. The Waterloo Tower, close -also to the railway, is another ornament to the park.</p> -<p>In the days of Sir W. W. Wynn, grandfather to the present -baronet, theatrical performances were often given during the -Christmas Holy days, in a neat theatre near the house, erected -for the purpose. David Garrick, “the British, -Roscius,” as he was called, frequently superintended these -histrionic displays, where wit and revelry prevailed. The -surrounding nobility and gentry participated in these -festivities, which uniformly passed off with -<i>eclât</i>. The late Sir W. W. Wynn divested this -Thespian Temple of its ornaments, and <a name="page289"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 289</span>appropriated it for an annual -agricultural meeting, as an auxiliary to the society at -Wrexham. An annual show of cattle was held at Wynnstay, -where premiums were adjudged, for the best of every species of -stock, for ploughing the greatest number of acres, with two -horses a-breast, without a driver, &c. This bucolic -fete was generally held in September, when a numerous assemblage -of practical agriculturists attended. A dinner at the hall -followed, where covers were laid for five or six hundred -persons. The tables groaned beneath the weight of viands, -including fine samples of roast beef and unctuous venison; -“rosy wine” spread its charms along the festive -board, and “old October,” from the cellars of -Wynnstay, were handed round in huge flagons worthy of the -merriest days of Cambria. On these occasions Sir Watkin -generally presided, and did the honours of the table with an -urbanity and cheerful hospitality that endeared him to all his -visitors.</p> -<p>The present Sir W. W. Wynn represents in parliament the county -of Denbigh, is Steward of the Lordships of Bromfield and Yale, -and is Lieutenant-Colonel of the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry -Cavalry.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p>Among the more attractive residences in the immediate suburbs -of the town the following claim a brief notice:—</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Broom Hall</span>, the residence of Mrs. -Aubrey, widow of the late H. P. T. Aubrey, Esq., is situated near -to the town, on the west side. Mr. Aubrey died in -1848. [See p. <span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page143">143</a></span>.] <span -class="smcap">Drenewydd</span> stands about a mile and a-half -from Oswestry, on the road leading to Whittington, is a very -ancient house, and has some interesting historical facts -connected with it. It was formerly the residence of Edward -Lloyd, Esq., eldest son of Marmaduke Lloyd, Esq., by Penelope, -daughter of Charles Goodman, Esq. He was eminent for his -learning, and after a long and diligent search into ancient -records, wrote <a name="page290"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -290</span>a history of his native county, but did not live to -publish it. A MS. copy of his learned works is preserved in -the Bodleian Library, Oxford. He was elected Mayor of -Oswestry in 1707; in which office, it is recorded of him, -“he corrected many existing abuses.” He left an -only son, Charles, who was the last in the male line of the -Drenewydd family. The old house at Drenewydd is now the -property of William Ormsby Gore, Esq., and is occupied as a farm -house. <span class="smcap">Mount Pleasant</span>, the seat -of Thomas L. Longueville, Esq., (a gentleman distinguished for -his public and private worth,) is situated about one mile from -Oswestry, on the road leading to Llansilin. <span -class="smcap">Oakhurst</span>, a newly-erected mansion, about one -mile north-west of Oswestry, on the road leading to Selattyn, -commands extensive and delightful views of the surrounding -country, including the Vale of Salop and the Breidden -hills. It is built in the Elizabethan style of -architecture, and is the property and residence of R. J. -Venables, Esq., one of the Magistrates of the county, and a -Director of the Great Western and Oswestry and Newtown Railway -Companies. The family of Mr. Venables have for many years -been honourably connected with the borough of Oswestry. At -<span class="smcap">Rhyd-y-Croesau</span> is the residence of the -Rev. Robert Williams, author of “Biographical Dictionary of -Eminent Welshmen.” Mr. Williams is a profound -scholar, and his location in the district, at the head of an -ably-conducted school, may be looked upon as a great advantage to -the inhabitants generally. <span -class="smcap">Pentrepant</span>, the property of T. G. Warrington -Carew, Esq., is the residence of Colonel Frederick Hill. It -is about one mile from Oswestry, on the road to Selattyn. -The estate was for many generations in the Hanmer family, and -John Hanmer, Bishop of St. Asaph, resided here. He died in -1629, and was buried in the church of Selattyn, to the poor of -which parish, and also of Oswestry and St. Asaph, he gave -£15 to be equally divided between them. <span -class="smcap">Penylan</span> is a very beautiful House, about one -mile from Oswestry. The pleasure-grounds and shrubberies -are laid out with much taste and skill. It is the <a -name="page291"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 291</span>residence -of Mrs. Longueville, (Widow of the late T. L. Longueville, Esq.,) -a lady of enlarged benevolence, and who has ever shewn herself -ready to alleviate the sufferings of the poorer classes of the -district. <span class="smcap">Sweeney Hall</span>, situated -about two miles from Oswestry, on the left of the road to -Welshpool, is a handsome mansion built of freestone, and -beautifully placed in the midst of a well-timbered park. -The house was erected by the late Thomas Netherton Parker, Esq., -a gentleman who will be long remembered as an active and -impartial Magistrate of the county; as an enlightened landed -proprietor; and a liberal and warm-hearted friend to the poor of -his district. Mr. Parker was an able writer on agricultural -and social economy, and some clever essays from his pen show how -intimately acquainted he was with the condition of the rural -population of all classes. He was an ardent promoter of -agriculture, and most assiduously employed himself for its -practical advancement. The estate is now the property of -his son, the Rev. John Parker, Vicar of Llanyblodwel, and the -house is occupied by Hugh Beavor, Esq. Some particulars -relative to the ancient burial-ground upon the estate are given -in page <span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page153">153</a></span>. <span class="smcap">Wood -Hill Hall</span>, about two miles from Oswestry, on the right of -the road to Llanymynech, was formerly the property of L. J. -Venables, Esq., but has recently been purchased, and is now -occupied by J. Lees, Esq.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p>In closing our <span class="smcap">Sketches</span> of the -<span class="smcap">Environs</span>, a brief reference to Chirk -and Llangollen Vale, both being within half an hour’s -railway ride from Oswestry, seems to be necessary.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Chirk</span> is situated upon the northern -bank of the river Ceiriog, and is a pleasant and somewhat -picturesque village. The entire parish is the property of -Col. Myddelton Biddulph. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, -contains an interesting monument of the gallant Sir Thomas -Myddelton; and in the church-yard are some fine yew trees, the -growth of centuries. <a name="page292"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 292</span>There is an excellent inn in the -village, <i>The Chirk Castle Arms</i>, kept by Mr. Moses, who is -also post-master there. From the poor-rate return for the -present year (1855), it appears that the acreage of the parish is -4,635a. 3r. 29p.; the gross rental, £9,401 8s. 4d.; and the -rateable value assessed to the relief of the poor, £9,308 -2s. 1d. The present much-respected Vicar is the Rev. Joseph -Maude, who is also, as already stated, Chairman of the Board of -the Oswestry Incorporation. The Vale of the Ceiriog, like -that of the Dee, generally attracts the attention of railway -travellers, from its singular beauty and historical -associations. It is crossed by a Viaduct of the Great -Western Railway, and by an Aqueduct also, extending along the -Ellesmere canal upon long ranges of arches at a considerable -elevation. <i>Llangollen Vale</i> is only a few -minutes’ ride from Chirk, and, we need not add, “the -admired of all observers.” The tourist is amazed with -the first view obtained of it; its hills and slopes display -enchanting spots, and the beauty of the natural scenery is -increased by the massive elegance of Robertson’s railway -viaduct across the Dee, and the classic grace of Telford’s -aqueduct. The Vale, on both sides the river Dee, is at -length brought to a high state of cultivation. Looking down -the valley from the railway viaduct, or from the more elevated -portions of the Holyhead road, the scene presents a strange -admixture of beauty and ugliness; and a stranger, for the first -time viewing the scene, would declare, “I see nothing but -smoke.” On the north side of the river are the -extensive iron works of the New British Iron Company, disgorging -smoke and flame day and night, and on the opposite side of the -river are the Vron limestone quarries and kilns, equally active -in discharging huge volumes of vapour. The tourist must -pass on from these manufacturing localities, and his eye will -soon rest upon scenery of surpassing loveliness and -grandeur. The wood-crowned heights of Trevor, the Eglwyseg -and Berwyn range of mountains, the old battered fortress, -<i>Castell Dinas Bran</i>, the luxuriant Vale, which presents <a -name="page293"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 293</span>the form of -a capacious amphitheatre, and the Dee, vending its course over -beds of clay-slate, limestone, and granitic -boulders,—these, with abundance of full-grown timber, snug -villas, white-washed cottages, and well-managed farms, with -fertile fields and well-farmed hill-sides, show of what materials -the panoramic valley is composed. Could Moore have viewed -it, as we have done on a bright summer day, he would have been -constrained to quote his own beautiful line,</p> -<blockquote><p>“The valley lies smiling before -me.”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Of <i>Llangollen</i> itself we shall attempt no -description. Its charms have been transmitted to glowing -canvass and sung in rapturous verse from Anna Seward downwards; -its hostelries, the <i>Hand</i> and the <i>Royal Hotels</i>, its -“trouts,” its mountain mutton, sparkling ale, and -other delicacies, have too long been the “household -words” of tourists, album-writers, and after-dinner -orators, to render eulogium or even “faint praise” -from us in the slightest degree necessary.</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p>After these poetic visions it is difficult to descend to sober -reality. The tourist, generally speaking, unless he be a -botanist, a geologist, or an artist, penetrates little beyond the -public highway, except in those localities distinguished by a -waterfall, an ancient castle, or a noble residence. -Thousands of people, from the manufacturing districts, cannot in -their visits to the Principality do more than give a passing -glance to the country through which they hurriedly travel. -In the immediate vicinity of the turnpike-roads on both sides of -the Dee the land there lets at a high price, and, generally -speaking, is ably farmed; and ascending the hills, to the heights -of ten or twelve hundred feet, most of the little inclosures -occupied by small farmers, or by parties engaged principally in -other occupation than that of agriculture, are also well -cultivated, and fetch a rental of from 30s. to 40s. per -acre. Some twenty years ago the mountain-land in the Vale -of Llangollen was deemed common, and but few habitations were -erected <a name="page295"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -295</span>upon it; but at the present time neat cottage-dwellings -for the industrious poor are raised in clusters, and most of the -land attached to them is farmed with a skill and success that -would put to the blush many a professed agriculturist. No -doubt that this comparatively high price for mountain-land is -caused by the large number of working-men employed in the various -manufacturing and other working establishments in the -neighbourhood. Such men require small portions of what is -called occupation land, on which to feed a cow and grow a little -wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes. To them the land even at -the price is an advantage; but still it is a fact worthy of note, -that mountain-land in this busy district is in great demand, and -whenever let fetches a high rental. Such is the influence -of manufactures upon agriculture, both of which, as Sir Josiah -Child said years ago, “must wax or wane -together.”</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> - -<div class="gapmediumline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">OSWESTRY: -PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GEORGE LEWIS.</span></p> -<h2><a name="page296"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -296</span>CORRIGENDA. <a name="citation296"></a><a -href="#footnote296" class="citation">[296]</a></h2> -<p>Some few typographical and other errors have occurred in the -progress of the volume, which we are anxious to correct.</p> -<p>In page <span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page210">210</a></span>, line 13, for “old -transparent,” read “<i>cool</i> -transparent.”</p> -<p>In page <span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page223">223</a></span>, line 3, for “carbonate of -zinc,” read “<i>carbonate</i> and <i>sulphuret</i> of -zinc.”</p> -<p>In page <span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page251">251</a></span>, line 4, for “Procapella de -Coton,” read “<i>Pro capella de Coten</i>.”</p> -<p>In the List of Illustrations, for “Corn Market,” -read “<i>Cross</i> Market.”</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<h2>THE POST-OFFICE.</h2> -<p>Since our notice of the Post-Office was printed, a new postal -arrangement has been made, by which Letters to the north and -south can now be posted, without extra charge, till eight -o’clock, p.m.; and, with an extra stamp, till half-past -eight.—Money Orders can be obtained till 5, p.m.; and -Letters registered till 7, p.m.</p> -<h2><a name="page2_i"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -i</span>ADVERTISEMENTS.</h2> -<h3>THE UNITED KINGDOM TEMPERANCE<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">AND</span><br /> -GENERAL PROVIDENT INSTITUTION,<br /> -FOR THE MUTUAL ASSURANCE OF LIVES, &c.,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center">1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, -London.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span -class="smcap">Established</span> 1840.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>ACCUMULATED CAPITAL</b>, -<b>125,000</b>.</p> -<p>This flourishing Institution has just completed its financial -year, within which it has accepted One Thousand Eight Hundred -Proposals for Assurances, covering considerably more than a -Quarter of a Million Sterling. It has issued 4,640 -Policies, making, since its commencement, an aggregate of more -than <span class="smcap">Ten Thousand</span>. Its present -income is above £45,000 per annum. It has paid in -claims, chiefly to the Widows and Orphans of its members, -£36,000.</p> -<p>The Temperance and General Sections are kept separate, the -members of each participating in the Profits of their respective -Sections. The Office transacts every description of Life -Assurance.</p> -<p style="text-align: right">W. R. BAKER, <span -class="smcap">Resident Director</span>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>JOHN WINDSOR, AGENT FOR -OSWESTRY</b>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">Of whom Prospectuses &c. may be -obtained.</p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3>MR. JAMES EDISBURY,<br /> -Auctioneer, Sworn Appraiser, Accountant,<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">AND</span><br /> -GENERAL VALUER,<br /> -Wrexham.</h3> -<p><sup>*</sup><sub>*</sub><sup>*</sup> All Sale Accounts -immediately settled.—Valuations for the Probate of Wills -and Administrations faithfully and promptly attended to.</p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3><a name="page2_ii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -ii</span>GEORGE LEWIS,<br /> -Printer, Bookseller, Stationer, Bookbinder,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>MACHINE RULER, & NEWS -AGENT,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">LEG STREET, OSWESTRY.</p> -<p style="text-align: -center">···························································</p> -<p style="text-align: center">G. L. has constantly on hand a -well-selected Stock of</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>DAY BOOKS, JOURNALS, -LEDGERS,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">And every description of ACCOUNT -BOOKS.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">Bibles, Prayers, and Church -Services,<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">In the most elegant Bindings.</span></p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">SCHOOL BOOKS AND STATIONERY,<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">ON THE LOWEST TERMS.</span></p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">A GREAT VARIETY OF CHEAP MUSIC,<br -/> -<span class="GutSmall">FINE ART, SCRIPTURAL, & OTHER -ENGRAVINGS,</span><br /> -At very reduced prices.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>Magazines, Reviews, and all New -Works, supplied punctually on the Day of Publication.</b></p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3>Foreign and British Wines and Spirits,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>LONDON AND DUBLIN -PORTER,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">AND</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center">MILD AND BITTER ALES,<br /> -From the first Breweries in England.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>JOSEPH JONES</b>.</p> -<p>Being anxious to afford his friends and all respectable -private families who may be kind enough to patronize him, an -opportunity of having their requirements supplied upon the very -best terms, begs to state that they may always rely upon an -excellent Stock of all the above-mentioned of the most superior -quality to select from, and which will be delivered without the -least delay after being ordered.</p> -<p><i>Cross Street</i>, <i>Oswestry</i>, <i>October</i>, -1855.</p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3><a name="page2_iii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -iii</span>ROBERT ROBERTS,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>Gas Proprietor, Hydraulic -Engineer,</b><br /> -<b>PLUMBER, GLAZIER, GAS-FITTER, &c.,</b></p> -<p>Begs to return his most grateful thanks to his numerous -friends and patrons for the very liberal support he has received -the last half century, and begs to inform them and the Public -generally, that he still continues the above business in all its -branches as heretofore, and hopes to merit a share of their -continued support.</p> -<p>He has now on hand every requisite in the PLUMBING, GLAZING, -and GAS-FITTING line. Also a large assortment of first-rate -Gas-fittings, of elegant designs, in glass. Bronze and -Lacquered work, from which may be selected, patterns suited to -every requirement of the palace or the cottage.</p> -<p><i>Brook Street</i>, <i>Oswestry</i>, <i>October</i>, -1855.</p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3>WILLIAM CORNEY,<br /> -Wholesale Dealer in Foreign and British<br /> -Wines and Spirits,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center">MANUFACTURER OF<br /> -<b>Soda Water, Lemonade, & Ginger Beer,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Families and the trade supplied -with<br /> -<b>WINES IN ANY QUANTITIES TO SUIT PURCHASERS.</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Either in Cask or -Bottle</i>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>FRENCH BRANDY, GIN, RUM, -WHISKEY, HOLLANDS,</b><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">And all other Spirits, in quantities of -two gallons and upwards.</span></p> -<p>Parties purchasing as above will reap a decided advantage, -both in quality and price, and a trial is most respectfully -solicited. W. C. has constantly on hand at his -CONFECTIONARY ESTABLISHMENT, a general assortment of plain and -ornamented Bride, Plum, Seed, Almond and other Cakes, in great -variety, and of the best quality.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">FUNERAL -ORDERS EXECUTED ON THE SHORTEST NOTICE.</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Haylock’s Arrowroot Biscuits, -British Wines, Pickles, Sauces,<br /> -Raspberry Vinegar, &c., &c.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">WINE AND SPIRIT STORES, SMITHFIELD -ROAD.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">CONFECTIONARY ESTABLISHMENT, -CROSS-STREET.</span></p> -<p><i>Oswestry</i>, 1855.</p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3><a name="page2_iv"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -iv</span>William Williams,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center">1, KING ALFRED’S PLACE,</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>Near Bingley, Hall, -Broad-Street, Birmingham,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">MANUFACTURER -OF</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>IMPROVED BLINDS FOR SHOP -FRONTS,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall"><b>SPRING -ROLLERS, from 1 to 5in. diameter,</b></span></p> -<p style="text-align: center">NEW ROLLER FURNITURE,<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">ON AN IMPROVED PRINCIPLE, ALL -SIZES,</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Rollers and Iron Work for Bonnet -Blinds,<br /> -VENETIAN BLIND FURNITURE,</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Cornice Poles</i>, <i>with -Rings</i>,<br /> -<b>BLINDS FOR GREEN-HOUSES, SKY-LIGHTS, ETC.,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">MAPS MOUNTED ON SPRING ROLLERS,</p> -<p style="text-align: center">In Boxes, and every other -description of</p> -<p style="text-align: center">BLIND FURNITURE & FITTINGS.</p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3>ESTABLISHED A.D. 1803.</h3> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>J. EDISBURY, & </b><span -class="smcap"><b>Co</b></span><b>.,</b><br /> -(<span class="GutSmall">LATE RATCLIFFES</span>)<br /> -<b>Wholesale and Retail Tea Dealers,</b><br /> -<b>Family Grocers,</b><br /> -<b>CHEESE FACTORS, &C.,</b><br /> -TOWN HILL, OPPOSITE THE TOWN HALL,<br /> -WREXHAM.</p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3><a name="page2_v"></a><span class="pagenum">p. v</span>SALOP -FIRE OFFICE,<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">SHREWSBURY.</span></h3> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">ESTABLISHED 1780.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">TRUSTEES:<br /> -The Rt. Hon. the Viscount Hill, Lord Lieutenant of the County of -Salop.<br /> -Robert Burton, Esq. | George Pritchard, Esq.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">DIRECTORS:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutlist">Jonathon Scarth, Esq.</p> -<p class="gutlist">W. W. How, Esq.</p> -<p class="gutlist">R. Jones, Croxon, Esq.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Charles Wilding, Esq.</p> -</td> -<td><p class="gutlist">J. J. Peele, Esq.</p> -<p class="gutlist">W. H. Perry, Esq.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Timotheus Burd, Esq.</p> -<p class="gutlist">William Cooper, Esq.</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p style="text-align: center">John Hazledine, Esq.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span -class="smcap">Secretary</span>—Mr. Edward B. Tipton.</p> -<p>The advantages offered to Insurers are equal to those of -similar Institutions, and a large PAID-UP Capital, together with -the individual and unlimited responsibility of the Shareholders -is available at all times to meet the Company’s -engagements.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>THE RATES OF PREMIUM</b>:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p>Common Risks</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">1s.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6d.</p> -</td> -<td><p>percent.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p>Hazardous ditto</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">2s.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: right">6d.</p> -</td> -<td><p style="text-align: center">,,</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>FARMING STOCK</b>:</p> -<p style="text-align: center">Premium only (being free from Duty) -2s. percent.</p> -<p>Persons insuring for Seven Years, BY ONE PAYMENT, will be -allowed One Year’s Premium and Duty. No expense is -incurred in removing Policies from other Offices.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>AGENTS</b>:</p> -<table> -<tr> -<td><p><span class="smcap">Oswestry</span></p> -</td> -<td><p>Mr. G. <span class="smcap">Lewis</span>, Stamp Office.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Ellesmere</p> -</td> -<td><p>Messrs. Cooley and Son.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Whitchurch</p> -</td> -<td><p>Mr. R. M. Angior.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Wem</p> -</td> -<td><p>Mr. Josiah Franklin.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Chester</p> -</td> -<td><p>Mr. Henry Lewis.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Wrexham</p> -</td> -<td><p>Mr. John Bury.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Dolgelley</p> -</td> -<td><p>Mr. William Jones.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Corwen</p> -</td> -<td><p>W. B. Williams, Esq.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Llanidloes</p> -</td> -<td><p>Mr. William Jerman, Jun.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Newtown</p> -</td> -<td><p>Messrs. Woosnam & Lloyd.</p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td><p class="gutindent">Welchpool</p> -</td> -<td><p>Thomas Bowen, Esq.</p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3><a name="page2_vi"></a><span class="pagenum">p. vi</span>S. -HOWARD COOMBES,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>BOOT MANUFACTURER,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">CROSS STREET, OSWESTRY.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">AGENT TO THE -TEMPERANCE PERMANENT LAND & BUILDING SOCIETY.</span></p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3>JOHN WINDSOR,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>Agricultural Implement -Manufacturer,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Begs to call Public attention to -his</p> -<p style="text-align: center">STOCK OF IMPLEMENTS,</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">CONSISTING -OF</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>PATENT PLOUGHS AND -HARROWS,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>CAMBRIDGES & PLAIN LAND -ROLLERS,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>SCARRIFIERS,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Corn, Manure, Turnip, & Clover -Seed Drills,</p> -<p style="text-align: center">With the latest improvements.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>STEAM ENGINES,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">(PORTABLE OR -FIXTURE,)</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>PATENT THRASHING -MACHINES,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Of the most approved makes;</p> -<p style="text-align: center">WINNOWING MACHINES,</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">AND</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>CHAFF-CUTTERS OF VARIOUS -KINDS.</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Wire-work of every kind executed on -the shortest notice.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>N.B.</i>—<i>Agent for -Milners’ Fire-resisting and Thief-proof Safes</i>.</p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3><a name="page2_vii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -vii</span>EDWARD WYNNE THOMAS,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>Linen and Woollen Draper, Silk -Mercer</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">AND</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>HABERDASHER,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">GROCER AND TEA DEALER,</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>Oswestry,</b></p> -<p>Invites the attention of the Public to the following -announcements, viz:—</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">IN -GENERAL</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>FANCY DRAPERY</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">He has constantly in stock a large -assortment of goods suitable to the various seasons, and is -receiving from time to time the newest designs and styles as they -appear.</p> - -<div class="gapmediumline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>MILLINERY IN ALL ITS -BRANCHES,</b><br /> -<span class="GutSmall">TO ORDER.</span></p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>In Plain Goods for Furnishing -and Household</b><br /> -<b>purposes, as well as for Personal Wear,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">He is particularly careful to -secure the best and most durable makes, and which he can -confidently recommend.</p> - -<div class="gapmediumline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF WEST OF -ENGLAND BROAD-CLOTHS, AND FANCY DOESKINS, VESTINGS, &C., -&C.</b></p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>AGENT FOR</b></p> -<p class="gutlist">PATENT VICTORIA FELT CARPETS.</p> -<p class="gutlist">TINSLEY’S FRENCH WOVE CORSETS.</p> -<p class="gutlist">FORD’S EUREKA SHIRTS & COLLARS.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">FINE FLAVOURED TEAS AND COFFEES,<br -/> -And every Article in general Grocery,</p> -<p style="text-align: center">Great care being taken to secure -the <b>GENUINESS</b> of every Article.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">FAMILIES -SUPPLIED ON THE MOST ADVANTAGEOUS TERMS.</span></p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3><a name="page2_viii"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -viii</span>LOCAL NEWS.</h3> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">THE ONLY NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES ALL -THE LOCAL<br /> -INTELLIGENCE OF THIS DISTRICT IS THE</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>OSWESTRY ADVERTISER,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Shropshire & North Wales -Herald,</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">Published -every </span><span class="GutSmall"><i>Wednesday -Morning</i></span><span class="GutSmall">.</span></p> -<p>Each number contains the London markets of Monday, and the -Liverpool of Tuesday, accurately reported; a summary of General -News; Telegraphic Dispatches of Latest Intelligence; besides a -quantity of Local News not to be found in any other paper. -Orders for the Paper and Advertisements to be given to the -Publisher,</p> -<p style="text-align: center">J. ASKEW ROBERTS, BAILEY HEAD, -OSWESTRY.</p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3>EDWARD DAVIES,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>Confectioner, Pastry Cook, -Biscuit Baker,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">And Dealer -in all kinds of Fancy Cheese,</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center">CROSS STREET, OSWESTRY.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">BRIDE CAKES & FUNERAL -BISCUITS,<br /> -<span class="GutSmall"><b>On the shortest notice.</b></span></p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">SUPERIOR</span><br /> -BRITISH WINES, JAMS, JELLIES, PICKLES & SAUCES.</p> -<p class="gutindent">Agent for the Dublin China Tea -Company’s Teas.</p> -<p class="gutindent">,, Castle Lansdown & Cos. celebrated -Coffees.</p> -<p class="gutindent">,, Feast’s Superior Calfs’ Foot -Jelly.</p> -<p><i>Adcock’s celebrated Melton-Mowbray Pork -Pies</i>.—<i>Oranges</i>, <i>Lemons</i>, <i>&c.</i></p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3>GEORGE LEWIS,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>Law Stationer and -Accountant,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Leg Street, Oswestry.</p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3><a name="page2_ix"></a><span class="pagenum">p. ix</span>A. -LYONS,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>WATCHMAKER,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Jeweller, Silversmith, and -Optician,</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">LEG-STREET, -OSWESTRY,</span></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Respectfully announces that he has -constantly on sale a large assortment of</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>JEWELLERY,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">Of his own and foreign manufacture; -also</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>SPECTACLES, PRESERVERS, & -EYE-GLASSES,</b></p> -<p style="text-align: center">To suit all sights and ages, made -on the premises, with the best</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>Brazilian Pebbles & -Crystals.</b></p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p>A. L. having been for many years practically engaged in the -best houses on the Continent, is able to suit, at first glance, -the sight of any person from the age of 10 to 70, with Spectacles -or Eye-glasses.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><b>AGENT FOR ANDERSON’S -PATENT SPECTACLES AND GLASSES.</b></p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">IMPORTER OF, -AND DEALER IN</span><br /> -<b>HAVANNAH, AND OTHER CIGARS.</b></p> - -<div class="gapline"> </div> -<h3>PARIS HOUSE,</h3> -<p style="text-align: center">No. 1, Bailey Street, and 1, Market -Street,<br /> -<b>OSWESTRY</b>.</p> - -<div class="gapshortline"> </div> -<h3>JOHN MORETON,<br /> -LINEN & WOOLLEN DRAPER,</h3> -<p>Begs to call the attention of the Public to the above -establishment, where they may rely upon being supplied with every -description of LINEN & WOOLLEN DRAPERY, of the best quality, -selected from the first manufactories, and OFFERED AT THE -SMALLEST REMUNERATIVE PROFIT.</p> -<h2>FOOTNOTES.</h2> -<p><a name="footnote124"></a><a href="#citation124" -class="footnote">[124]</a> When the Railway from Gobowen to -Oswestry was made, this piece of land was sold to the Railway -Company by the Churchwardens and Overseers for £232; and -the money is now invested in their names, on security of the -Oswestry Market and Fair Tolls, at 3½ per cent, payable -half-yearly.</p> -<p><a name="footnote178"></a><a href="#citation178" -class="footnote">[178]</a> [Footnote by transcriber, -DP.] The table reads as follows:—</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Alan</span> of whom: <span -class="smcap">William Fitz-alan</span> and <span -class="smcap">Walter Fitz-alan</span>.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">William Fitz-alan</span> was progenitor of -the Earls of Arundel, and Barons of Oswestry.</p> -<p><span class="smcap">Walter Fitz-alan</span> was progenitor of -the Royal House of Stewart as follows:</p> -<p class="gutlist">Alan.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Alexander.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Walter.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Alexander.</p> -<p class="gutlist">John.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Walter—Margery Bruce.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Robert 2nd, King of Scots.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Robert 3rd.</p> -<p class="gutlist">James 1st.</p> -<p class="gutlist">James 2nd.</p> -<p class="gutlist">James 3rd.</p> -<p class="gutlist">James 4th.</p> -<p class="gutlist">James 5th.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Mary.</p> -<p class="gutlist">James 6th of Scotland, 1st of England.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Sophia, Electress of Hanover.</p> -<p class="gutlist">George 1st.</p> -<p class="gutlist">George 2nd.</p> -<p class="gutlist">George 3rd.</p> -<p class="gutlist">Edward, Duke of Kent.</p> -<p class="gutlist"><span class="smcap">Victoria</span>.</p> -<p><a name="footnote215"></a><a href="#citation215" -class="footnote">[215]</a> This reed is used extensively in -Cambridgeshire, and the fen districts, for thatching. It -has been known to last in this way for 100 years.</p> -<p><a name="footnote296"></a><a href="#citation296" -class="footnote">[296]</a> The Corrigenda has been applied -to this transcription.—DP.</p> -<pre> - - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF OSWESTRY*** - - -***** This file should be named 63840-h.htm or 63840-h.zip****** - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/3/8/4/63840 - - -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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