No. 24, High Street, Opposite the Old Bank, Shrewsbury.
* * * * *
RICHARD MARSTON,
GLASS, CHINA, & EARTHENWARE
Warehouse,
MARKET STREET, SHREWSBURY.
* * * * *
A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF GLASS SHADES.
ORDERS EXECUTED AND ARTICLES MATCHED
_With the greatest possible promptitude_.
AGENT FOR THE
United Kingdom Temperance and General Provident Institution,
39, Moorgate Street, London.
* * * * *
LONDON HAT WAREHOUSE.
* * * * *
J. G. SAUNDERS,
(_Late Wilding_,)
33, HIGH STREET, SHREWSBURY.
* * * * *
Samuel Butler, D.D. Bp. of Lichfield.
* * * * *
PORTRAIT OF THE RIGHT REVEREND SAMUEL BUTLER, D.D. [late] Lord Bishop of
Lichfield, Painted by Thomas Phillips, R.A., Engraved by S. Cousins,
A.R.A.
_£_ _s._ _d._
Prints, (Published at 1 1 0) 0 5 0
Proofs, (Published at 2 2 0) 0 10 0
Proofs before Letters, (Published at 3 3 0) 0 15 0
Proofs with Autograph, (Published at 3 3 0) 0 15 0
Shrewsbury: JOHN DAVIES, 15, High Street.
* * * * *
JAMES PHILLIPS,
TAILOR AND HABIT
Maker,
37, HIGH STREET,
SHREWSBURY.
* * * * *
Maker of the Ladies’ Waterproof Tweed Cloaks and
Riding Jackets.
* * * * *
No. 10, HIGH STREET, SHREWSBURY.
* * * * *
EDWARD LEE,
FURNISHING IRONMONGER, CUTLER, &c.
* * * * *
BAR IRON, NAILS, OILS, COLOURS, &c.
* * * * *
Just Published, Price 6d.
A Plan of the Town and Suburbs of Shrewsbury,
corrected to the present time.
Published by JOHN DAVIES, 15, High Street.
Sold by all Booksellers.
* * * * *
In a wrapper, 4to. Price 2s.
Twenty-one Views in Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury: JOHN DAVIES 15, High Street.
* * * * *
DAVID DAVIES,
COACH BUILDER,
AND
Designer,
ST. JULIAN’S FRIARS,
SHREWSBURY.
* * * * *
HENRY SHAW,
FISHING TACKLE MANUFACTURER,
AND ORNITHOLOGIST,
HIGH STREET, SHREWSBURY.
ESTABLISHED UPWARDS OF HALF A CENTURY.
* * * * *
B. EVANS,
Confectioner, Fancy Bread and Biscuit-Baker,
HIGH STREET, SHREWSBURY.
* * * * *
Rich Bride, Citron, Rout, Dessert, Plain and Ornamental Cakes. Captains,
Bath, Sponge, Savoy, French and Baby Biscuits, Best Gingerbread, Hunting
Nuts, and Pastry of all kinds. Shrewsbury Cakes and Funeral Biscuits
made to order at the shortest notice.
* * * * *
JAMES ICKE,
WHOLESALE, FAMILY, AND RETAIL
Grocer and Tea Dealer,
_Opposite the Post Office_,
MARKET STREET,
_And Two Doors from the_
BUTTER CROSS, PRIDE HILL,
SHREWSBURY.
* * * * *
BISCUITS, PICKLES, FISH SAUCES, &c. &c.
AT
WHOLESALE PRICES.
* * * * *
CLASS V. PARIS INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.
* * * * *
WILLIAM D. JONES,
Hunting, Racing, & Steeple
Chase Saddler,
HARNESS AND CAP MANUFACTURER,
SHREWSBURY.
—o—
Hunting Horns and Caps, Racing Jackets and Caps, Greyhound
Clothing; Retriever Starters, Universal Game Carriers, &c. &c.
SOLE MAKES OF
THE IMPROVED PATENT GREYHOUND SLIPS:
_One trial will prove their decided superiority over all others_.
Trunks, Portmanteaus, Carpet and Enamelled Leather Travelling
Bags; Ladies’ Travelling Cases; Letter Bags, &c. &c.
* * * * *
The London _Morning Post_ thus speaks of the Race Saddle now at the Paris
Exhibition, made by the Advertiser:—
“Foremost in the list of exhibitors for beautiful workmanship stands
the name of Mr. W. D. Jones, of Shrewsbury. This gentleman shows a
very elegant racing saddle, designed and manufactured by himself, and
exhibited for its extreme lightness, its comfort combined with
elegance of shape, and the novelty of its embellishments. The saddle
is little if anything more than 2lbs. in weight, though, of course,
that can always be increased to please the customer; it is
sufficiently long in the seat to give the greatest ease to the rider,
and it is embellished with bunches of roses, thistles, and shamrocks,
interwoven with oak foliage and acorns—the whole of the ornamentation
being executed in relief by hand labour only. The case containing
this beautiful saddle is always surrounded by large numbers of the
higher class of visitors to the Exhibition, to whom it appears to
give universal satisfaction. Mr. Jones was an exhibitor in Hyde Park
of the Royal Albert Shot Belt, which is very highly approved and
extensively used by those who take a delight in the sports of the
field.”
* * * * *
The Antiquities of Shropshire,
Drawn and etched by W. Pearson, _forty-one plates_, 4to. 6s.
Gateway in Waterlane, Battlefield Church Middle Castle
Shrewsbury
The Roman Wall at Red Castle at
Shrewsbury Wroxeter Hawkestone
Shrewsbury Castle Buildwas Abbey Lilleshull Abbey
The Old Welsh Bridge, Buildwas Abbey, 2nd Lilleshull Abbey.
Shrewsbury View 2nd
The Abbey Church, Wenlock Monastery Clungunford Church
Shrewsbury Old Church,
Wenlock Monastery, Wellington &
Oratory, in the Abbey Bridgnorth, 2nd View Uffington Church (on
Garden, Shrewsbury one Plate)
The Hanging Tower,
St. Giles’s Church, Bridgnorth Acton Burnell Castle
Shrewsbury
Ludlow Castle Interior of Acton
Porch of St. Mary’s Burnell Castle
Church, Shrewsbury Ludlow Castle. 2nd
View Acton Burnell Church
Franciscan, or Gray
Friars, Shrewsbury Ludlow Castle, 3rd Hales Owen Abbey
Do.
Upton Magna Church St. Kenelm’s Chapel
Bromfield Priory
Haughmond Abbey Moreton Corbet Castle
Hopton Castle
Chapter House, Moreton Corbet
Haughmond Abbey Hopton Castle. 2nd Castle, 2nd View
View
Millichope Hall
Stoke Castle
Clun Castle
Published by JOHN DAVIES, 15, High Street, Shrewsbury.
* * * * *
HENRY URWICK,
ALBION INN,
NEAR THE RAILWAY STATION,
Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury.
* * * * *
C. PHILPOTT,
Family Tea Dealer, Grocer, &c.
PRIDE HILL,
SHREWSBURY.
* * * * *
FOURTH EDITION, with SIXTY-ONE Engravings on Wood, Price 1s.
A GUIDE,
DESCRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL,
THROUGH THE
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY,
INTERSPERSED WITH BRIEF NOTICES OF THE MORE
REMARKABLE OBJECTS IN THE ENVIRONS,
TO WHICH ARE APPENDED, LISTS OF
THE EMINENT NATIVES OF THE TOWN,
WITH REFERENCES TO BIOGRAPHICAL WORKS;
OF
THE BIRDS SEEN IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD;
AND OF
THE RARER SPECIES OF PLANTS
INDIGENOUS TO THE VICINITY.
BY THE
REV. W. A. LEIGHTON, B.A. F.B S.E.
AUTHOR OF “A FLORA OF SHROPSHIRE,” &c.
“I held on way to auncient Shrewsebrie towne,
And so from horse at lodging lighting downe,
I walkt the streats, and markt what came to vewe.”
CHURCHYARD.
* * * * *
NOTICES OF THE WORK.
“We are exceedingly pleased with this elegant and judicious Guide.
We think it is formed after the best plan, that of pure and terse
description of those objects which are actually presented to the eyes
of the stranger, neither overloaded with history and biography, which
he may study more appropriately in other works, and on less hurried
occasions, nor degraded by the introduction of mean and insignificant
subjects. To the residents of Shrewsbury, the utility of this little
volume is enhanced by a catalogue of its eminent natives, and lists
of native birds and plants. The whole work bears evidence of the
ability and good taste of the author.
“We must particularly praise the pains taken to give a full account
of the Grammar School, and its eminent scholars, who, under the
conduct of the late and present head masters, (the late Bishop of
Lichfield and Dr. Kennedy), have won an extraordinary proportion of
the prizes at both universities, as is shewn in the highly honourable
lists here printed. The volume is embellished with no less than
sixty engravings on wood.”
_Gentleman’s Magazine_.
“This ‘Guide through the Town of Shrewsbury’ is, in every particular,
a well-arranged, comprehensive, correct, and intelligent book of
reference.
“There is no town in England better known by name than
Shrewsbury—from its cakes and annual show, to its famed Grammar
School and useful Institutions; but this Guide will make both natives
and strangers better acquainted with its antiquity, its internal
regulations, and the character of its inhabitants, than could have
been derived from any previous publication of the kind. It goes so
minutely into particulars, traces sources with so much industry and
accuracy, and details events with so much vividness and perspicuity,
that it should be called a miniature History of Shrewsbury.” . . .
_Analyst_.
“It really is one proof, and that not the least remarkable, of the
rapid improvement of provincial literature within the past fifteen
years, that the standard of guide-books is of a far higher degree of
excellence than formerly was the case. THIS _Guide to Shrewsbury_ is
neatly written, abounds with every species of information,
historical, descriptive, and other, which relates to the subjects
noticed, is profusely illustrated with wood-cuts, and lastly, has
appended to it what is of much value to works of this kind a _Flora_
and _Fauna_ of the neighbourhood. As a specimen of country printing,
the book is remarkable; it might have passed for the work of a
VIZETELLY or BRADBURY.”—_Critic_.
“A pleasing little volume, not more remarkable for the neat and
workmanlike manner in which it is ‘got-up,’ than for the simple and
unaffected style in which it is written.”—_Manchester Chronicle_.
“An excellent Guide to this interesting old town, its antiquities,
curiosities, surrounding scenery, botany, and, in short, all that an
inquiring tourist could wish to inspect in a visit to
Shrewsbury.”—_Literary Gazette_.
“It will be found to be an admirable companion to the antiquities and
other noticeable points of the place; and when the visitors leave the
old town this guide will call to mind its outward forms and
semblances. This book has much more permanent value than guide-books
usually have. Would that books of greater pretensions were always as
complete!”—_Pictorial Times_.
“Made memorable by the pen of the inimitable bard in his play of
_Henry IV._, the town of Shrewsbury naturally becomes an object of
curiosity to the reader of Shakspere. Excited by this feeling, we
took up this little volume, and we were so well pleased with it that
we step aside from our usual course of passing by publications of a
local character to notice its excellence. It is tastefully and
correctly printed, amply illustrated with numerous and beautiful wood
engravings, and its descriptions graphic and clear, so as to render
it a pleasing and unerring guide to the visitor of Shrewsbury,
instructive to the historical and architectural antiquarian, the
traveller, and the general reader.
“We recommend it to all whom business or pleasure may call to that
ancient and celebrated town.”—_Liverpool Chronicle_.
Shrewsbury: Published by JOHN DAVIES, 15, High Street.
Sold by all Booksellers.
* * * * *
THOMAS PHILPOTT,
UNICORN INN, WYLE COP,
SHREWSBURY.
* * * * *
EVERY ACCOMMODATION FOR TRAVELLERS.
_Wines and Spirits of the best quality_.
* * * * *
ENGLISH BRIDGE, SHREWSBURY.
* * * * *
T. FIRMSTON,
BUILDER,
Has constantly on Sale all the sizes and varieties of the Celebrated
Llwynenion Pipes, Junctions, Bends, &c. for Sanitary and ordinary
Drainage; the whole being of the best construction, and admirably glazed.
* * * * *
Silk Mercery, and General Drapery Establishment.
[Picture: Silk Mercery]
Warwick House, 26 and 27, High Street, Shrewsbury.
MACGEAGH AND FIELDING,
Silk Mercers and General Drapers,
Beg to call the attention of the inhabitants of Shrewsbury, its vicinity,
and the public
generally, to their
LARGE AND VARIED STOCK,
combining, as it does, every Novelty in Dress, as well as every thing
plain and substantial
for family use, and all on the most moderate terms.
* * * * *
THE SHREWSBURY WATERPROOF TWEED CLOAKS
MAY BE HAD OF THE MAKERS,
MACGEAGH & FIELDING, WARWICK HOUSE, SALOP.
* * * * *
PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO SHROPSHIRE, &c.
SALOPIA AND OTHER POEMS, by J. W. Bythell, Esq. sm. 8vo. _cloth_, 2s. 6d.
HISTORY, GAZETTEER AND DIRECTORY OF SHROPSHIRE, _with a large coloured
Map of the County_, 9s.
PEARSON’S ANTIQUITIES OF SHROPSHIRE, in Forty-three Etchings, _in a
wrapper_, 6s.
LEIGHTON’S FLORA OF SHROPSHIRE, 8vo. 8s.
ORDNANCE MAP OF THE COUNTY OF SALOP _mounted on Canvas and Case_,
WALKER’S DITTO DITTO, 2s. 6d.
COLLINS’S DITTO, _in paper cover_, 6d.
TWENTY-ONE VIEWS IN SHREWSBURY, _in a wrapper_, 2s.
PLAN OF THE TOWN OF SHREWSBURY, brought down to the present time, 6d.
PORTRAIT OF THE LADY HARRIET CLIVE, Painted by Sir T. Lawrence, P.R.A.
Engraved by S. Cousins, A.R.A.
PORTRAIT OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD VISCOUNT HILL, Lord Lieutenant
of the County of Salop, Painted by Francis Grant, A.R.A., Engraved by J.
Thompson, Prints £2 2s. Proofs, £4 4s.
PORTRAIT OF THE LATE LORD VISCOUNT HILL, C.B., G.C.H., &c. Proofs, 10s.
6d. Prints 7s. 6d.
PORTRAITS OF THE LATE RIGHT HONOURABLE EDWARD HERBERT, EARL OF POWIS,
K.G., Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Montgomery, Painted by F. Grant,
Engraved by H. Cousins, £1 1s.
MONUMENTAL EFFIGY OF THE LATE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF POWIS, K.G. erected
in St. Mary’s Church, Welshpool; and EFFIGIAL MEMORIAL of ditto, erected
in the same church, drawn on Stone by the Sculptor, E. Richardson, Esq.
plain 5s. tinted 7s. 6d. each.
PORTRAIT OF THE HONOURABLE THOMAS KENYON, Painted by Pardon, Engraved by
Lupton, 10s.
PORTRAIT OF JOHN MYTTON, ESQ. OF HALSTON, Painted by Webb, Engraved by
Giller, India Proof, £1s. 1s.
PORTRAIT OF THE RIGHT REV. SAMUEL BUTLER D.D. late Lord Bishop of
Lichfield. Painted by Thomas Phillips, R.A. Engraved by S. Cousins,
A.R.A. Prints, 5s. Proofs 10s. Proofs, 10s. Proofs, with Autograph,
15s. Ditto before letters 15s.
RAILWAY STATION, SHREWSBURY, From a Drawing by T. N. Henshaw, Esq. 2s.
6d.
VIEW OF ELLESMERE CHURCH, Drawn on Stone by Hawkins, 3s. 6d.
VIEW OF THE ABBEY CHURCH, SHREWSBURY, in tinted Lithography, by Hyde, 1s.
On Sale at JOHN DAVIES’S, 15, High Street, Shrewsbury.
FOOTNOTES.
{i} In the original the list of streets is on front inside cover: it has
been moved to the end in this transcription to make the start easier to
follow.—DP.
{2} The population of the Borough is 19,681; that of the Registrar’s
District 23,104. There are 13 Churches, affording 9,618 “sittings;” and
25 Dissenters’ Meeting Houses, with 5,805 “sittings.” The numbers of
attendants, March 30, 1851, including Sunday Scholars, were at the
Churches, in the morning, 6,080; afternoon, 3,135; and evening, 2,853;
and at the Dissenters’ Meeting Houses,—morning, 2,089; afternoon, 398;
evening, 2,232.
{3} We would refer the visitor, who may be desirous of acquainting
himself with our local history, to the inestimable History of Shrewsbury
by Owen and Blakeway, 2 vols. 4to; a work of high historic authority, and
abounding with deep and true antiquarian research. From this valuable
publication we have condensed our accounts of the ecclesiastical
structures of the place.
{20} The Council usually sat in Ludlow Castle, but for the greater
dispatch of business occasionally assembled at Shrewsbury, Bewdley, and
Hereford.
{21} The chimney piece of the Great Chamber is now, it is believed,
preserved in Condover Hall, near this town. Its sculpture consists of
Adam and Eve amid the trees of Paradise.
{53} Should the visitor feel disposed to prolong his walk in this
direction, he will find himself amply compensated by the enjoyment of an
extensive prospect of the town, and the windings of the Severn, amid the
romantic and richly wooded banks of Shelton and Berwick.
A few minutes’ stroll along the turnpike road, beautifully shaded by
overhanging beech trees, will also bring him to the magnificent iron
gates which afford entrance to the delightful grounds of Berwick,
abounding in trees of great size and beauty. The Mansion-House, the seat
of the Honourable Wentworth Powys, soon presents itself; and at a short
distance, embosomed in trees, stands the small, but picturesque CHAPEL,
erected in 1672, on the site of an ancient ruinous structure, and
appropriated to the use of the inmates of the adjacent Hospital for
decayed housekeepers, erected and endowed at the above period by Sir
Samuel Jones, Knt. the then possessor of the Berwick estates.
[Picture: The Chapel]
To the lover of sylvan scenery, the neighbouring woods of Almond Park and
the picturesque and woody declivities of Leaton Shelf, will afford a rich
treat; and the experienced botanist will find in them many rare and
beautiful species of brambles, and other floral treasures, well worthy
his careful investigation.
{56} The turnpike road in this direction will conduct the stranger to
Battlefield, “the royal field of Shrewsbury,” the site of the important
Battle of Shrewsbury, fought on 20th July, 1403:—
“the bloody rout that gave
To Harry’s brow a wreath,—to Hotspur’s heart a grave.”
To detail the events of this direful contest would far exceed our
prescribed limits, and we must, therefore, content ourselves by referring
our readers to works of a higher order:—
“Trace, Visitor, the tale as beats thy vein,
Clad in cold-hearted History’s homely weeds,
Or garlanded with Avon’s dewy flowers.”
[Picture: Battlefield Church]
The spot, where it is said the bodies of the slain were interred, is now
covered by a church, once collegiate, founded by Henry IV., in gratitude
for his victory. It contains a handsome monument, in the florid Gothic
style, to the memory of the late John Corbet, Esq. of Sundorne. A short
walk over the adjacent fields brings us to the splendid Gothic mansion of
Sundorne, the seat of A. W. Corbet, Esq. In the Library and Drawing-room
are several fine and valuable paintings by Titian, Salvator Rosa,
Rembrandt, Guido, Raphael, Rubens, Wouvermans, and Van Huysum. Within
the grounds, midway of Haughmond’s “bosky hill,” are the venerable ruins
of HAUGHMOND ABBEY, rich in many a curious remain of early architecture.
One peculiar feature of the earlier portions of this Abbey, which merits
the attention of the architectural antiquary, is, that whilst the round
or Norman arch is used, the mouldings and pillars belong to the Early
English era:—a singular and uncommon instance of transition in style.
Tradition points out a knoll, planted with a clump of fir trees, called
the Queen’s Bower, where Eleanor, the Queen of Henry IV. received the
news of the victory at Battlefield. Her Majesty hearing the tidings of
the messenger imperfectly, is said to have exclaimed “hey man,” from
whence the hill subsequently acquired its name. A more probable
derivation of the name is “Haut mont,” the High Mount. From these crags
“that sprightly Scot of Scots, Douglas,” in endeavouring to escape after
the battle, is said to have fallen, and sustaining considerable injury,
was captured by his pursuers. The noble view from these heights cannot
fail to rivet the attention.
{67} See first page.
{71} See Initial, page 1, for that on the south side.
{86} Those who may feel interested in tracing the rise and progress of
this Institution will do well to consult “Records of the Salop Infirmary,
by Henry Bevan, 4to. 1847,” a work of great accuracy and pains-taking,
and especially deserving of praise for its valuable statistical tables.
{97} Engravings of the Old Church will be found in the Gentleman’s
Magazine, vol. 81, p. 9, (N. E. view,) and vol. 66, p. 369, (E. end.)
{109} See a north-west view of this once fine old Church in the
Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. 77, p. 297.
{126} At this Parliament, held Sept. 30th, the patriotic and unhappy
David, the last Prince of Wales, was tried, and condemned to an
ignominious and cruel death, which, to the disgrace of Edward, was
permitted to be carried into execution. To this convention two knights
were summoned from each county, and two deputies from certain of the
principal cities and towns, (of which Shrewsbury was one,) and thus was
laid the foundation of the British House of Commons. After the trial of
David the Parliament adjourned to Acton Burnell, where the famous statute
of that name received the royal assent.
{127} Henry VIII. had previously by an Act of the twenty-sixth year of
his reign appointed twenty-six suffragan or assistant bishops, to whom he
assigned twenty-six borough towns dispersed over the kingdom as their
sees. Shrewsbury was judiciously selected as one. This useful law was
however seldom enforced, one only suffragan Bishop of Shrewsbury being
known; Lewis Thomas, late Abbot of Cwmhîr, consecrated suffragan Bishop
of the see of Salop by Archbishop Cranmer, 24th June, 1537. He died 1560
or 1561.
{133} The engraving represents the eastern end previous to the
alterations.
{153} A short walk along the retired and shady lane opposite St. Giles’s
church brings us to a small but highly picturesque wood, covering the
ragged bank of the Meole Brook; embosomed in which is Sutton Spa, the
water of which has been found by experience to be highly serviceable in
scrofulous disorders. The attendant resides on the spot, in a neat
cottage, near to which are hot and cold baths, with suitable
accommodations.
{154} Continuing our walk for three miles along the London-road, we
arrive at the little village of Atcham, with its picturesque church on
the margin of the Severn, which river is here crossed by an elegant stone
bridge, designed by the architect Gwyn.
The village of Atcham is memorable as the birth-place of Ordericus
Vitalis, one of the best of our earliest Historians, who was born 16th
February, 1075.
Within sight of the village, on the confluence of the rivers Tern and
Severn, is the noble edifice of Attingham Hall, the seat of the Right
Honourable Lord Berwick, built from designs by the celebrated Athenian
Stuart. The mansion consists of a centre and two wings, connected by
corridors, and is adorned by a handsome tetrastyle portico of the
composite order.
[Picture: Tomb of Confessor Burton] Close adjoining, amid the beautiful
woods and plantations on the banks of the Severn, is the fine Gothic
mansion of Longner, the residence of Robert Burton, Esq. In the Garden
is preserved, with sacred care, the ALTAR-TOMB of one of the ancestors of
the Burton family, known as the “_Confessor Burton_,” who died suddenly
for joy on the restoration of the Reformed Religion on the accession of
Elizabeth, and whose corpse being refused burial in the family vault in
St. Chad’s, the parish church, by the Romish clergyman who then
officiated there, was carried back and interred in this spot by his
family.
[Picture: Portion of Roman City Wall] About a mile from Atcham is the
Roman station of Uriconium, or Wroxeter. A PORTION OF THE CITY WALL is
still standing, and the foundations of the boundary walls of the whole
place may be traced with tolerable accuracy in the adjoining fields.
Many sepulchral inscribed stones, altars, pavements, coins, fibulæ,
vases, &c. have at various times been ploughed up by the inhabitants.
The church is well deserving of notice: and in the walls of the chancel
may be seen curious remains of early Anglo-Norman arches. The interior
contains the fine altar-tomb, with cumbent effigies, of Sir Thomas
Bromley, Lord Chief Justice of England, one of the Executors of Henry
VIII. There are also monuments to the Barkers of Haughmond; Sir Richard
Newport, ancestor of the Earls of Bradford; Francis, first Earl of
Bradford, and several others of the Newport family. From the village a
fine prospect of the adjacent Wrekin is obtained.
{157} Continuing our walk we speedily reach the peaceful and sequestered
village of Meole Brace, celebrated for its excellent trout stream, on the
banks of which was born and educated Thomas Barker, from whom honest
Izaak Walton, in his delightful book, “The Complete Angler,” acknowledges
that he derived the greater portion of his information, relative to
fly-fishing. Mr. Barker published in 1691 a work entitled “Barker’s
Delight, or the Art of Angling,” which ran through three editions in the
space of eight years, and which is still in much repute among the lovers
of the “gentle art.” Near the Bridge are Evans’s Alms-houses, built in
1844, under the will of the late Mr. John Evans of this town, for nine
poor widows, who each have a liberal yearly allowance.
[Picture: Meole Bridge, &c.]
At the distance of a mile from Meole are the Sharpstones Hill and Bomere
Pool, noted for their lovely scenery, and as the habitats of many of the
rarer species of plants indigenous to the vicinity.