portion of grey, and of the Anglo-Norman and early pointed styles of
architecture. The entrance is on the west side, through a plain pointed
arch of the very earliest kind, springing from square jambs with regular
impost mouldings, and having an internal arch, nearly triangular,
inserted within the head. On the opposite eastern side, a very early
pointed arch without mouldings, resting on short round Norman pillars
with indented capitals, communicates with the nave. Two tiers of small
round-headed windows pierce the lower stories, on all sides except the
east. The upper story is lighted on each side by two united and handsome
pointed windows, bisected by single mullions, forming quatrefoil heads,
and divided by transoms in the middle. A facia, charged with roses, and
terminating at the angles in projecting grotesque heads, ornaments the
upper and lower portions of this story, which is finished with a plain
embattled parapet, and crocketed pinnacles at the corners. From the
summit of the tower rises an octagonal spire, “fine by degrees, and
beautifully less,” pierced on alternate sides, with three tiers of
tabernacled openings, and crowned with an open flower, cross and vane.
In the tower is a peal of ten bells, the eight largest of which are
extremely melodious. This beautiful tower and spire have been thoroughly
repaired and restored at considerable cost, raised by subscription, under
the superintendence of Mr. S. Pountney Smith, of this town, whose skill,
judgment, and taste, in ecclesiastical architecture, are worthy of the
highest praise.
The nave and side-aisles, externally in the pointed style of the 15th
century, and of grey stone, are entered on the north and south-west by
beautiful semicircular arches, adorned with chevron, lozenged, and
foliated mouldings. Before the south-west entrance is an ancient porch,
principally of Anglo-Norman architecture; the outer arch of which is
circular, enriched with chevron mouldings, and issues from clustered
columns with foliated capitals. The interior rib is obtusely pointed and
unadorned. On each side is a small pointed window, exhibiting specimens
of the earliest rudiments of the mullioned Gothic style, in which have
been lately placed some highly interesting “roundels” of old painted
glass, of German execution, on which are depicted various incidents,
chiefly from the Apocrypha. The groined ceiling rests on two strong and
plain ribs, crossing in the centre. Over this is a small chamber, with a
plain pointed window.
A stone porch, entered by a pointed arch, has recently been erected
before the corresponding door, on the north side.
The nave is separated from the side-aisles by four semicircular arches,
overspread with deep-cut early Gothic mouldings, springing from elegant
clustered columns with foliated capitals of varied and beautiful designs.
This union of the round arch and clustered pillar, which belong to such
different æras, is singular and very unusual in our ancient architecture.
Above is a clerestory, which is continued along the walls of the chancel,
lighted by short double windows, bluntly pointed, and bisected by single
mullions.
By the pious munificence of the late Minister, the Rev. W. G. Rowland,
the west end has been enriched by an elegant Organ-screen, {67} in the
style of Henry 7th’s time, designed and executed by Mr. John Carline, of
this town. Three obtusely pointed arches, overspread with deep-cut
mouldings and richly foliaged spandrils, and separated by intervening
buttresses elaborately adorned with open flowers in relief set in
reticulated divisions, open to the nave and form the lower portion of the
front. Above which, from a string-course, charged with finely sculptured
heads, flowers, &c. rises the upper part or parapet, consisting of a
series of similar, though smaller arches, divided by slender buttresses,
and filled with the like ornamented reticulations. Around the soffits of
the larger arches are the following inscriptions, in ancient
church-text:—
Venite Domino exultemus;
Rupi salutatis jubilemus;
Jehovam hymnis concinamus;
Et grates illi persolvamus—Hallelujah.
Jehovam virgines laudate,
Senes et pueri celebrate;
Psalmis ecclesia sanctorum
Extollat Dominum Dominorum.
Laudate carminis clamore,
Laudate buccinæ clangore,
Laudate organo sonoro,
Laudate cymbalis et choro.
This spacious gallery contains a remarkably fine-toned organ, made by
John Harris and John Byfield, 1729.
The beautiful ceiling of the nave is of pannelled oak, richly studded
with elegant and exquisitely carved pendants and foliated bosses, and
merits the most minute attention, not only on account of its elaborate
workmanship, but as being one of the richest and most highly preserved
specimens of its kind now in existence.
The side-aisles are each lighted on the sides by three pointed traceried
windows, with smaller and earlier ones at the western terminations, and
communicate at their eastern extremities with the transept, by
semicircular arches, rising from thick round pillars with indented
capitals.
In the windows of the western ends are figures of St. Andrew and St.
John. The central window of the north aisle contains some beautiful
stained glass from Holland, depicting the following subjects—Holy Family;
Kneeling figure; Balaam and the Angel; the Donor and patron Saint; Adam
and Eve; Mater Dolorosa; Angel appearing to the Shepherds; Disciples
washing each other’s feet:—Justice; Kneeling figure; a Bishop in grief or
disgrace; the Donor’s Wife and patron Saint. The windows on either side
are filled with various ecclesiastical subjects. The central window of
the south-aisle contains part of the history of St. Bernard; that on the
west, the adoration of the Magi; and the east one, St. Helena, Kneeling
figure, and Charlemagne.
A lofty and graceful pointed arch, including in its span the entire
breadth of the nave, rises from richly clustered piers with foliated
capitals, and divides the nave from the ancient choir. Against the north
pier is a beautiful Stone Pulpit, designed and executed by Mr. S.
Pountney Smith, of this town, and erected by the parishioners as a
Memorial of their late revered Minister, Rev. W. G. Rowland. Its plan is
an unequal octagon, the sides of which are carved into deep-pointed
arches, springing from round pillars with rich foliated capitals, resting
on a basement of gradually receding mouldings, terminated by a richly
carved boss representing the Saviour preaching. The trefoil and the
dog-tooth are the prevailing ornaments throughout. The central panel
towards the south bears a bas-relief of the Crucifixion; the arch on the
east, a statue of St. Peter, and that on the west, St. Paul; the eastern
panel represents the Angels appearing to the Shepherds; the western one,
the Ascension; and the northern arch, the statue of St. John the
Evangelist.
Eastward of this, on each side, is a similar arch of like dimensions,
springing from the same pier. From these, the wings of the transept,
corresponding in size and style, branch off to the north and south. In
the eastern wall of each wing are two semicircular arches, those nearest
the choir being larger than the others, and communicating with the
chauntry chapels. At each extremity of the transept is a fine triple
lancet window, highly enriched with slender shafts, foliated capitals,
and delicate mouldings, and filled with beautiful stained glass. That at
the north is of a rich and elaborate mosaic design, with oval
compartments, enclosing figures of the Apostles and an escutcheon of the
arms of George III., executed by Mr. David Evans. That at the south
contains the memorial stained glass to the late Rev. W. G. Rowland,
comprising figures of the Virgin and Child, St. Thomas, and St.
Bartholomew, under rich florid canopies, with groups of angels above,
bearing scrolls with inscriptions. The side walls are pierced with
narrow lights, in couplets, in a similar but plainer style; one of which,
on the west side of the north transept, contains the Virgin and Child,
under a canopy; whilst the corresponding window in the south transept
contains the arms of France and England quarterly, and the armorial
bearings of the late Bishop Butler, and the alliances of his family. The
narrow doorways {71} are semicircular, rising from round pillars with
foliated capitals, and enriched with a moulding, consisting of a round
branch, swelling at intervals into lozenged panels, charged with roses.
Under the triple lancet window of the south transept is a large and bold
Gothic monument, in three compartments, to the family of Lloyd, and to
the widow of the late Bishop Butler: and around the walls of the north
transept are placed the splendid Gothic monuments to
THE REV. J. B. BLAKEWAY,
[Picture: Monument to Rev. J. B. Blakeway]
and the families of Dukes, Parry, and Hughes.
The following is the inscription on the former:—
TO THE MEMORY OF THE REVEREND
JOHN BRICKDALE BLAKEWAY, M.A. F.S.A.
THIRTY-ONE YEARS ORDINARY AND OFFICIAL,
AND THIRTY-TWO YEARS MINISTER OF THIS PARISH,
THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED
BY THE VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION OF HIS PARISHIONERS
AS A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT FOR HIS TALENTS,
ESTEEM FOR HIS VIRTUES,
AND GRATITUDE FOR HIS LONG AND FAITHFUL SERVICES
AS THEIR FRIEND AND PASTOR.
HE DIED THE TENTH DAY OF MARCH, MDCCCXXVI,
AGED SIXTY YEARS.
These exquisite specimens of monumental skill, (together with many others
in various parts of the edifice,) unrivalled in chaste elegance of
design, and richness of execution, are the masterly productions of Mr.
John Carline.
[Picture: Triple lancet window] The chancel is elevated above the rest of
the church, and is filled with carved oak stalls recently erected for the
scholars of the Free Grammar School. It has on each side a narrow
pointed arch, with deep mouldings rising from clustered pillars, opening
to the chauntry chapels. On the north side near the richly decorated
altar, is a beautiful and uncommon TRIPLE LANCET WINDOW; the central
arch, remarkably acute, rising far above the lateral ones, and resting
internally on two slender insulated columns, with capitals richly
decorated with a combination of heads and foliage. These ornaments are
continued as a frieze to the wall, and from the imposts project busts of
monsters. This window contains some remarkably fine and highly finished
stained glass, representing the history of the life of St. Bernard, said
to be by Albert Durer, or at all events of his age. Another portion of
this glass is in the central window of the south aisle of the nave. The
great eastern window occupies the whole extremity of the chancel. Its
arch is broad and inelegant, divided by clumsy mullions and tracery, and
exhibits a specimen of the debased style of church architecture of the
Elizabethan sera. In this window is the curious and beautiful ancient
stained glass which filled the east window of Old St. Chad’s Church,
prior to its demolition, and which was presented to this church in 1791.
The subject is that favourite one of the old glass-stainers—the Genealogy
of Christ from Jesse. Jesse is represented reclining in sleep; from his
loins springs a vine, which overspreading the whole window, encloses in
its branches the several kings his descendants. In the lower
compartments are figures of three knights banneret, and three ladies,
kneeling under foliated tabernacles; the former habited in hawberks and
yellow surcoats, charged with a lion rampant gules. Underneath is an
inscription, requesting our prayers for “Monsr. John de Charleton and
Dame Hawis, sa companion,” from which, and from the armorial bearings, we
learn that this exquisite piece of ancient art was set up by the great
Sir John de Charleton, lord of Powis, and must have been executed between
4 Edward II., (1310,) when he was married to Hawise Gadarn, the heiress
of the ancient Princes of Powis, and 1353, the year of his death. It has
been conjectured that this glass was originally presented to the Grey
Friars, in this town, to which religious house Sir John and his wife were
great benefactors, and that it was removed to St. Chad’s at the
dissolution—a singular instance of so fragile a material surviving the
destruction of two vast and substantial edifices. The whole of this
window has lately been thoroughly and most judiciously restored. The
clerestory windows are filled with figures of Apostles and Angels.
On the north side of the chancel is the vestry, recently erected in the
Norman style, the windows of which are filled with “roundels” of old
German and Flemish glass, exquisitely finished; and immediately adjoining
is the chauntry chapel of St. Catharine; in the east wall of which is a
window of very uncommon form, consisting of a pointed arch, within which
is a trefoil, containing, in stained glass, Christ seated on a throne
amid the clouds and the dead rising to judgment. Immediately beneath is
a round-headed window, in which is a kneeling figure in stained glass of
the Virgin Mary, with angels hovering over her head, bearing in their
hands a crown. On the north side is a large window, of three lights,
with perpendicular tracery, containing fine old German glass representing
the Crucifixion; Saint and kneeling figure; Judas betraying Christ; and
St. Lambert and kneeling figure. This chapel is now used as a
Baptistery, and the beautiful ANCIENT STONE FONT stands in the centre, on
a rich pavement of modern encaustic tiles. Against the north wall, an
alabaster slab, engraved with figures of a warrior and lady, commemorates
Nicholas Stafford, Esq. and Katherine, his wife, the reputed founders of
this chapel, who died 1463, which formerly lay under the arched recess in
the north wall.
[Picture: Ancient Stone Font, St. Mary’s Church]
Over the door leading into the vestry is the monument, in white marble,
erected by subscription, to the memory of the brave ADMIRAL BENBOW, a
native of the parish. [Picture: Monument to Admiral Benbow] It
represents an obtuse pyramid of black marble, against which leans an oval
medallion full faced bust of the Admiral, surrounded with anchor, flags,
and cannon; and below a delicately sculptured representation in
bas-relief of a naval fight: underneath is the following inscription:—
ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION TO COMMEMORATE
THE SERVICES OF
JOHN BENBOW, ESQ. VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE,
A SKILFUL AND DARING SEAMAN
WHOSE HEROIC EXPLOITS LONG RENDERED HIM THE BOAST OF
THE BRITISH NAVY,
AND STILL POINT HIM OUT AS THE NELSON OF HIS TIMES.
HE WAS BORN AT COTON HILL IN THIS PARISH, AND DIED AT
KINGSTON IN JAMAICA,
NOVEMBER 4TH, 1702, AGED 51 YEARS,
OF WOUNDS RECEIVED IN HIS MEMORABLE ACTION
WITH A FRENCH SQUADRON OFF CARTHAGENA IN THE
WEST INDIES,
FOUGHT ON THE 19TH AND FIVE FOLLOWING DAYS OF AUGUST
IN THAT YEAR.
Attached to the south side of the chancel is a large and lofty chapel, in
ancient times variously called “The Leybourne Chapel” and “The Trinity
Aisle.” There is every probability that it was founded about the year
1300, by one of the Leybournes of Berwick, as a place of sepulture for
the family, and was subsequently enlarged into its present form by the
Drapers’ Company of the town, soon after their incorporation in 1461. In
the south-east wall are three stone sedilia, with canopied arches; and on
the north side of the altar, a small locker, once used for keeping the
Eucharist. A fine pointed arch, in the pure style of the 14th century,
communicates with the chancel through the north-east wall. Under this is
an altar, tomb, (probably of SIMON DE LEYBOURNE, lord of Berwick, who
died between 1300 and 1315,) [Picture: Altar-tomb, Simon de Leybourne]
the sides of which are adorned with canopied niches, formerly containing
figures; and on the table reclines the figure of a knight, cross-legged,
and in chain armour. In this tomb the headless corpse of Thomas Percy,
Earl of Worcester, “ill-spirited Worcester,” who was taken prisoner at
the battle of Shrewsbury, 1403, and beheaded, is believed to have been
interred. The windows on the south side contain figures in stained
glass:—commencing eastward the subjects are—St. Christopher, Count Horne,
St. Catherine:—Bishop, Count Horne, St. John, St. Catherine, St.
Barbara:—St. John the Baptist, Angel, Count Horne, Joseph of Arimathea,
and the dead Saviour, St. Anne, Angel, Countess Horne:—Bishop, Countess
Horne, St. James, with armorial bearings of the family of Horne. Several
of these figures are old, the rest are modern, executed by Mr. D. Evans,
after designs by P. Corbet, Esq., of this town. Underneath which is a
rich Gothic monument to Master WIGRAM.
[Picture: Monument to Master Wigram]
MAN KNOWETH NOT HIS TIME.
AT THE WEST SIDE OF THIS CHURCHYARD ARE INTERRED THE
MORTAL REMAINS OF
HEATHCOTE WIGRAM,
SECOND SON OF MONEY WIGRAM, ESQ. AND MARY HIS WIFE,
OF WOODHOUSE, IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX,
HE WAS A PUPIL IN THE ROYAL FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL OF
THIS TOWN AND WAS DROWNED WHILE BATHING IN THE SEVERN
SEPTEMBER I, MDCCCXXXVIII, AGED XIV YEARS.
THE CONDUCT OF THIS AMIABLE YOUTH HAD GREATLY ENDEARED
HIM TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS
HIS NATURAL TALENTS IMPROVED BY SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION
HAD ALREADY GIVEN PROMISE OF FUTURE EXCELLENCE
WHEN HIS HEAVENLY FATHER CALLED HIM AWAY FROM THIS
EARTHLY STATE OF TRIAL
FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THEM THAT FEAR HIM
AND HOPE IN HIS MERCY TO DELIVER THEIR SOUL FROM DEATH.
THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY HIS MASTERS AND
SCHOOL-FELLOWS
TO THE MEMORY OF HIM WHOM THEY LOVED AND LAMENTED
AND FOR THE CONTINUAL ADMONITION OF THE YOUNG IN THIS
CONGREGATION THAT THEY—
REMEMBER NOW THEIR CREATOR IN THE DAYS OF THEIR YOUTH.
Against the east wall are large gothic monuments to John Jeudwine Esq.
and Thomas Sutton, Esq. and between them is the statue erected by his
pupils, at a cost of eight hundred guineas, to the memory of the late
BISHOP BUTLER. The figure is full-length, clothed in the Episcopal
robes, sitting in an easy and graceful attitude; the right hand hanging
over the chair, and the left supporting the head, which is leaning in
thought. It is of pure white Carrara marble, and was sculptured by F. H.
Baily, Esq. R.A. The pedestal which supports the statue is of
dove-coloured marble from the Clee Hill, and bears the inscription
below:—
SAMVELI BUTLER, S.T.P. R.S.S.
EPISCOPO LICHFIELDENSI
PRAESVLI PIO DILIGENTI DESIDERATO
PRAECEPTORI IN PRIMIS DOCTO AC SOLLERTI
CVIVS FAVSTIS ADMINISTRATA CONSILIIS
SCHOLA REGIA SALOPIENSIS
LITERARVM STVDIIS LAVDEM OMNEM SVPERGRESSA EST
DISCIPVLI MVNICIPES AMICI ET FAVTORES EIVS
VIRO EGREGIE MERITO
HONORIS EXEMPLIQVE CAVSA POSVERVNT
A.S. MDCCCXLIV.
[Picture: Statue to Bishop Butler]
Dispersed in various parts of the edifice will be found many monuments of
modern date, some of which bear elegant inscriptions.
The northernmost of the windows immediately above, is filled with stained
glass representing our Blessed Saviour receiving young children, and
figures of Charlemagne and Edgar below, and in the window adjoining, is
the Adoration of the Magi, and figures of Alfred and David below, the
latter the gift of Daniel Rowland, Esq. brother of the late Incumbent.
On the exterior western wall of the tower are some quaint verses,
recording the death of Robert Cadman, who, on 2nd February, 1739, rashly
attempted to slide down on his breast along a rope, extended from the
summit of the spire to the opposite side of the river. The rope being
drawn too tight snapped asunder as he was passing over the Dominican
Friars, and he fell lifeless on the ice-bound earth.
On the south-west side of the church-yard lies Lieutenant Thomas
Anderson, one of the last persons executed for adherence to the Stuart
family. He was tried at Worcester for desertion, and shot here on 11th
December, 1759.
On the west side, “grav’d in the hollow ground,” close to the tomb of the
Rev. J. B. Blakeway, also repose the ashes of that amiable man, and
indefatigable antiquary, Mr. David Parkes, who died 8th May, 1833, of
whom there is a mural tablet in the Trinity Chapel. And also on the
north-east side, those of the late zealous incumbent, the Rev. J. O.
Hopkins, M.A. over which is a stone bearing the following inscription:—
JOHN OLIVER HOPKINS, M.A.
INCUMBENT OF THIS CHURCH, DIED AUGUST 1ST, 1853,
IN HIS 43RD YEAR.
“BE YE ALSO READY FOR IN SUCH AN HOUR AS YE THINK NOT,
THE SON OF MAN COMETH.”—MATT. XXIV. 44.
Westward of the church-yard are
ST. MARY’S ALMSHOUSES,
the safe asylum of feeble age and decent poverty. This foundation arose
from the benevolence of the Worshipful Company of Drapers of this town,
at a very early period; and was remodelled during the wardenship, of that
company, of Degory Watur, a worthy burgess and draper of Shrewsbury, in
the days of Henry IV., who, is believed (though whether on sufficient
grounds is uncertain,) to have charitably devoted a portion of his
substance to the erection and endowment of an almshouse, for thirteen
poor persons of both sexes. This beneficent man is said to have “dwellyd
in the almeshowse hall amongst the poor,” and a truly affecting sight
must it have been to behold the pious old man, white with “the silver
livery of advised age,” deprived of sight, and bowed with the weight of
ninety-six years, daily accompanying the participators of his bounty to
St. Mary’s church, where he “wold kneele amongst them in a fayre longe
pewe made for them and hym selfe,” and offer up the grateful incense of
thanksgiving to that Eternal Being, with whom there is no respect of
persons. The good Degory
“Even in the downfall of his mellowed years,
When Nature brought him to the door of death,”
forgot not the objects of his charity, but in his will, dated on the day
of his decease, 28th July, 1477, devised certain lands to the Wardens of
the Drapers’ Company to “sufficientlie susteyne poore people in St. Mary
Allmeshowse.” Other charitable individuals made subsequent additions to
the endowment.
The almshouses originally stood within the churchyard, and were confined,
unwholesome, and highly incommodious to the thoroughfare. In 1825 they
were entirely removed, and the present comfortable habitations erected on
the opposite side of the street, by the Drapers’ Company, at an expense
of nearly £3000. The houses are sixteen in number, and the inmates, who
must be parishioners of St. Mary’s, are appointed by the Drapers’
Company, and supported by them, at an annual expense of upwards of £100.
In an ancient timber house in the south-west corner of the church-yard,
is
THE DRAPERS’ HALL.
This curious and spacious apartment retains many features of the good old
fashioned days. Elevated on a dais, “richlie dyghte withe blazon’d
tyle,” stands the massive oaken table at which the Company hold their
meetings, and below at right angles, is another table, which in former
times was wont to groan beneath the solid cheer, with which the worthy
drapers feasted their tenants and dependents. A rudely carved muniment
chest occupies the lower end, and portraits of the excellent Degory Watur
and his spouse, and of King Edward IV. “The Royal Founder of their
Companie,” decorate the dark and gloomy wainscot.
The Drapers were incorporated by Charters of Edward IV. and James I. and
their Company is recognized by several subsequent Acts of Parliament.
Seven years’ apprenticeship to a member of the company is the necessary
qualification for admission, though foreigners may be admitted on payment
of a fine, at the discretion of the company. Their income, which chiefly
arises from lands originally purchased by the voluntary contributions of
the members, is considerable, and is expended in the support of the
inmates of St. Mary’s Almshouse, in liberal subscriptions to the
charitable institutions of the town, and in relief to the widows and
families of deceased members.
The traffic in Welsh woollen-cloths, the staple trade of the place during
three centuries, is now very inconsiderable, the market formerly held
here every Thursday having been long since removed to Welshpool and
Newtown in Montgomeryshire.
The next object which demands our attention is
THE SALOP INFIRMARY. {86}
“Here all have kindness, most relief—for some
Is cure complete,—it is the SUFFERS’ HOME.”
[Picture: Salop Infirmary]