certain lands, at Great Ryton, with the payment of 53s. yearly, and
directed a distribution of bread to be made every Sunday after divine
service. _Henry Brickdale_, in 1700, bequeathed £44, to be laid out in
land, and the proceeds expended in bread, and distributed to six poor
housekeepers every Sunday. This bequest, and certain gifts in the hands
of the parish officers of Condover and Pulverbatch, amounting in the
whole to £65. 17s. 6d. was laid out in 1709, in the purchase of a rent
charge of £2. 11s. 8d., of which £1. 5s. 10d. is applied in a
distribution of bread in Condover; 6s. 8d. is carried to the church rate,
and the remaining part of the rent charge, 20s., is given in bread among
the poor in Pulverbatch. _William Haynes_ gave £1. 6s. per annum, which
is charged on lands in Berrington. It is stated, in the Parliamentary
returns of 1786, that _Mr. Owen_ left land for bread to the poor, then
vested in the Rev. Mr. White, and producing £2. 12s. per annum. Mr.
White was the vicar of this parish, and he and his successors have always
paid this sum, which, with the above, is added to the bread charity.
_Henry Haynes_, in 1659, left a rent charge of 26s. per annum, issuing
out of land at Netley, for the benefit of the poor. The owner of this
property, Mr. Hope, in the year 1800, sold it to Mr. Edwards; but the
charge was accidentally omitted to be mentioned in the conveyance, and
Mr. Hope continues to pay the rent charge. _Richard Plumer_ in 1811,
bequeathed £50, in trust, the interest to be distributed on Christmas day
yearly. This money is placed in the Salop bank, and the proceeds
expended in bread for the poor. _Benjamin Price_, in 1797, gave the poor
of the parish of Condover £50, to be given in bread; one-half exclusively
to such poor as should reside in Dorrington, without regard to what
parish they should belong. He also gave to the churchwardens and
overseers of Condover, £500 stock three per cent. consols, in trust, to
receive the interest, and purchase bread therewith for the most
distressed poor, one-third of which interest, or £5 per annum, he
directed should be yearly laid out exclusively for poor persons residing
in Dorrington; and the remaining two-thirds in like manner for the poor
residing in the remaining part of the parish. The sum of £50 above
mentioned, was given away soon after the testator’s death. The dividends
of the £500 stock ore applied in the purchase of bread, and given away on
two different days in the year. _Joseph Pryce_, in 1824, directed his
executors to invest £200, free of legacy duty, in public stock, and to
apply the dividends thereof, as the same should from time to time be
received, in providing a competent person to superintend the education of
poor children residing at Dorrington. This sum of £200 was laid out
together with the like sum belonging to the chapelry, in purchasing £453.
16s. 3d. stock, in the three per cent. consols, immediately after the
testator’s death. The share of the dividends applicable to this charity,
amounting to £6. 16s. 1d. annually, is paid to a person who keeps a
school at Dorrington, who in respect thereof, teaches six or eight
children without any charge. It is stated on the table of benefactions
that Edward Owen left 12d. weekly to the poor. The churchwardens used to
receive this charity at Condover Hall, but it does not appear that
anything has been paid in respect of this charity since the year 1804.
_Benjamin Hodges_ gave £10 for the benefit of the poor, this sum was in
the hands of the churchwardens, who paid 8s. yearly previous to the year
1805, since which nothing has been paid in respect of this charity.
_John Reynolds_ left £50, the interest to be given by the churchwardens
among the poor. In 1786 this sum was vested in the overseers, who paid
£2 per annum as the interest. The same interest was paid by the
overseers to the churchwardens up to the year 1829. In that year the
church was broken open and the communion plate stolen; and it was agreed,
at a vestry, that the sum of £50 owing by the overseers to the
churchwardens should be called in and laid out in the purchase of plate,
which was accordingly done. The parishioners contend that this was money
lent by the churchwardens to the overseers, out of the rents of the
church lands, but as there is no entry in the churchwardens accounts to
justify such a notion, it appears to us more likely to have been the
produce of Reynolds’ charity, which was in the hands of the overseers in
1786, and which is not otherwise accounted for.
There are two parcels of land in the parish of Condover, which forms what
is called the Church Estate, one parcel containing 6A. 3R. 23P. is
situate in the township of Dorrington, and the other containing 8A. 2R.
29P. is situate at Mount Sion, in the same parish. These lands were
originally given for the reparations of the church, and other things
thereto appertaining. The land at Dorrington is let for £22 per annum,
and the land at Mount Sion at the yearly rent of £9. The amount is
applied by the churchwardens to the general purpose of a church rate.
CONDOVER, BAYSTON, BORETON, CHATFORD, LYTH, RYTON, WESTLEY, AND WHEATHALL
DIRECTORIES.
Bowen John, shoemaker, Wheathall
Boyer Thomas, maltster, Condover
Bromley John, farmer, Bomere
Bromley William, farmer, Boreton
Brwyne Richard, wheelwright, Ryton
Carter John, rope maker, Lyth
Cloud John, maltster, Ryton
Crowe Mr. Henry, The Syche, Ryton
Davies John, wheelwright and beerseller, Bayston
Deakin Benjamin, grocer, Condover
Downes Edward, farmer, Weathall
Edmonds Edward, farmer, Lyth
Edmonds Thomas, farmer, Chatford
Edmonds Thomas, farmer, Lyth
Everall Miss Martha, Condover
Ferriday William, farmer, Condover
Frank Thomas, farmer, The Grange
Gittings Thomas, shopkeeper, Bayston
Goff Harriett, farmer, Chatford
Goff John, farmer, Westley
Gough Thomas, shoemaker, Condover
Hampton George, farmer, The Grove, Condover
Hampton Thomas, farmer, Condover
Hancocks Richard, bricklayer, Condover
Harden Rev. J. W., vicar, Condover
Hartshorn John, tin plate worker, Bayston
Heighway Mr. William, Ryton
Hickman Thomas, farmer, Ryton
Hotchkiss John, farmer, Condover
Hotchkiss Richard, farmer, Condover
Holden William, farmer, Bayston
Howells John, blacksmith, Bayston
Hughes Thomas, farmer, Ryton
Humphreys Mrs. Elizabeth, Condover
Hussey Richard, tailor, Condover
Jones George, maltster and shoemaker, Bayston
Jones Richard, farmer, Lyth
Jones William W., farmer, Wheathall
Jones William, schoolmaster, Condover
Loxdale John, Esq., solicitor, Lyth
Lucas John, farm bailiff, Ryton
Mansell Elizabeth, vict., Three Fishes, Condover
Meire Joseph, farmer, Norton
Millington Richard, surgeon, Ryton Fields
Millman Thomas, blacksmith, Condover
Morgan Thomas, farmer, Westley
Owen Edward William Smythe, Esq., Condover Hall
Olliver John, farmer, Bayston
Pincher Richard, wheelwright, Bayston
Probert Samuel, grocer, Wheathall
Roberts Thomas, farmer, Condover
Rogers Richard, butcher, Condover
Russell Mr. William, Ryton
Stewart Robert, Esq., Ryton Grove
Thomas Mrs. Ann, Condover
Thomas John, farmer, Ryton
Thomas William, saddler, Condover
Watters Miss Jane, Condover
Wilcox Philip, gentleman, Condover
Williams John, parish clerk, Condover
Wood Benjamin, vict., Condover Arms
Wood Richard, farmer, Pigeon Door
Wycherley George, painter & glazier, Bayston
DORRINGTON
is a township and improving village in the parish of Condover, six and a
half miles N. from Church Stretton, and seven miles S. from Shrewsbury,
having in 1841 66 houses and 328 inhabitants. It is expected a railway
station will be formed at Dorrington, on the Shrewsbury and Hereford line
of railway, now in course of formation, which will no doubt add greatly
to the importance of the place. A new District Church has been erected
at Dorrington; it exhibits the early English style of architecture, and
contains about 300 sittings, the greater part of which are free. Its
simple and unassuming exterior harmonises well with the retired and
pastoral character of the surrounding country, and forms a very
picturesque object from every point of view. It is built of free stone,
and consists of nave, chancel, and transepts, with a tower surmounted
with pinnacles. The interior decorations are neat and appropriate, and
it has a groined roof; a vestry has since been added. The church was
built by John Thomas Hope, Esq., at an expense of £3,000, and endowed
with the sum of £3,800 by the same individual. An elegant and spacious
parsonage house, commanding a beautiful and extensive view of the Lawley,
Caradoc, and Longmynd hills, has since been erected by the munificence of
the same respected gentleman, at a cost of £1,800. The living is a
perpetual curacy enjoyed by the Rev. George Masters, M.A. The district
embraces 545 acres. Convenient schools have also been erected in the
village. Edward W. Smythe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor. John Thomas
Hope, Esq., and Mr. George Heyward, are the principal landowners. The
Independents have a small chapel in the village; the congregation is
under the pastoral care of the Rev. J. Beynon.
Beynon Rev. J. (Independent)
Bromley Thomas, farmer
Cavill John, nurseryman and seedsman
Clayton Francis, maltster
Cloud Samuel, schoolmaster
Crumpton Jonathan, brazier and tin plate worker
Evans Eleanor, agricultural implement maker
Evason Thomas, butcher
Farmer Thomas, maltster and vict., Grey Hound Inn
Farr James, cooper
Heighway Philip, saddler & harness maker
Heighway Thomas, vict., Cock Inn
Heyward George, farmer, Walford House
Hope John Thomas, Esq., Netley Hall
Hughes Thomas, plumber and glazier
Jones John, tailor
Jones Mr. Thomas
Jones Mrs. Mary
Maddox John, farmer
Masters Rev. George, M.A., Parsonage
Morgan John, draper and grocer
Pugh Thomas, blacksmith
Shakeshaft Mr. Edward
Snaxton Edward, maltster
Taylor Thomas, beerhouse keeper
Tedstone Richard, boot and shoemaker
Turner Edward, vict., Horse Shoe Inn
COUND
is a parish and small village delightfully situated six miles S.S.E. from
Shrewsbury, and six miles N.W. from Much Wenlock. The township contains
1,406 acres of land, and in 1841 had 107 houses and 511 inhabitants.
Rateable value, £2,006. Mrs. Thursby is the principal landowner and lady
of the manor. The church is an ancient structure, consisting of nave,
chancel, and side aisles, with a tower, in which is a peal of bells. It
contains several monuments, one of which remembers Edward Cressett, D.D.,
bishop of Llandaff, who died February 13th, 1755. The pulpit exhibits an
elaborate specimen of oak carving. The living is a rectory with the
chapelry of Cressage annexed, valued in the king’s book at £33, now
returned at £906. The patronage is vested in Mrs. Thursby; incumbent,
Rev. Henry Thursby, M.A.
HARNAGE is a scattered village containing some respectable residences,
one and a half miles S.E. from Cound: the township contains 1,642 acres
of land, the principal owner of which is John Thomas Smytheman Edwards,
Esq.; the population returns are included in Cound. Rateable value,
£1,854. 6s.
GOLDING is an estate of 385 acres, the property of the Earl of Liverpool.
It is rated as a separate township in the parish books at £441. There
was however no distinct return of it as a separate township at the census
of 1841.
CHARITIES.—_Thomas Langley_, in 1694, left a rent charge of £2. 10s. per
annum for a distribution of bread every Sunday in the year except two,
“for which two Sundays better provision was made.” _Thomas Bishop_, in
1768, bequeathed to the minister and churchwardens of Cound £20, the
interest to be given in penny loaves to the churchwardens on Sunday
mornings. A further sum of £60, supposed to have been left by a person
of the name of _Sicke_, for the benefit of the poor of the parish, with
the above £20, was laid out in the purchase of £102. 4s. 9d. stock, three
per cent consols. _Mr. Dodd_, in 1774, left £20, the interest to be
distributed in bread to the poor. There is a sum of £100, three per cent
consols, standing in the name of John Dodson Esq., which was purchased
with £50, a legacy left by _Richard Dutton_, to poor housekeepers, and
£10. 2s. 6d. added by John Dodson Esq.; of the dividends 30s. are
distributed in Cressage and an equal amount among the poor of Cound.
_Richard Cheese_, in 1808, bequeathed £50 in trust, and directed the
interest to be distributed in bread to the poor on Christmas day. This
bequest was subsequently invested in the purchase of £65. 18s., three per
cent consols.
_Marked_ 1 _reside at Cound_, 2 _Harnage_.
1 Thursby Mrs. Frances, The Hall
1 Thursby Rev. Henry, M.A., rector
1 Bowen Edward, schoolmst
2 Brazener Miss Ann
1 Burd Rev. George
2 Clayton Martha, farmer
2 Clayton William, farmer
2 Corbett Rev. Robert, curate
2 Cuckson John, vict., Fox Inn
1 Farmer Mr. Joseph
2 Granger Edward, farmer
Hill Richard, farmer, Golding Hall
2 Horton Thomas, farmer
1 Linell, George, farmer
1 Meire Thomas L., farmer
2 Norris John, farmer, Mosterley
1 Price John, farmer
1 Price Richard, farmer
1 Richards John, farmer
2 Woodcock Richard, farmer
CRESSAGE
is a chapelry in the parish of Cound, four miles N.W. from Much Wenlock,
and eight miles S.E. from Shrewsbury. The village is delightfully
situated near the Severn, in a fertile district, beautifully diversified
with picturesque scenery. The township contains 1,900 acres of land, the
gross estimated rental of which is £2,393. 12s. 3d. Rateable value,
£1,995. 19s. 4d. At the census in 1841 here were 63 houses and 297
inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Duke of Cleveland, Sir
George Harnage, Bart., and William Morris, Esq. Cressage is supposed to
have derived its name from a venerable oak of gigantic proportions which
stands near the village. Some time ago a fire was kindled in the hollow
of the tree, by which it was greatly injured and nearly destroyed; it is
supported by iron cramps, and there is now flourishing in the midst of
the tree a young oak, raised from an acorn of the old tree. It was
formerly called Christ’s Ache, Ache being the Saxon word for oak, and
eventually became corrupted to Cressage. The shade of spreading trees we
often find were chosen by the early missionaries as preaching places for
the propagation of the Christian faith. Hence we have Bishop’s Oak,
Postle’s Oak, and at Cressage, Christ’s Oak. THE CHAPEL OF EASE is a
small unadorned structure, subordinate to the church of Cound. It was
built in 1841 at a cost of £1,400, and contains 260 sittings. The funds
were raised by voluntary subscriptions and grants from the government and
diocesan church building societies. The original structure was situated
in a meadow a short distance from the village, and from its dampness and
dilapidated condition was totally unfit for divine worship. The Rev.
George Burd is the curate.
This village is celebrated as the birth place of Thomas Lodge, who
settled in London as a grocer, accumulated great wealth, and rose to the
civic honour of Lord Mayor of London in the year 1562. BALSWARDYNE HALL
is a handsome mansion, the seat and property of Sir George Harnage,
Bart.; the estate comprises 750 acres, and is partly in this chapelry,
and also extends into the liberties of Wenlock, Leighton, and Harley. It
was purchased by the ancestor of the present proprietor in the year 1541.
By indenture bearing date January 13th, 1672, it was agreed on the part
of the churchwardens and overseers of the parish of Cound, that 20s.
yearly should be paid to the churchwardens and overseers of Cressage, as
their proportion of the yearly produce of a legacy therein stated to have
been left for the benefit of the poor, by the will of Dame Ann Eldred in
the year 1671. Nothing appears to be known of this charity either in the
parish of Cound, or in the chapelry of Cressage.
Harnage Sir George, Bart., Balswardyne
Brazier William, shopkeeper
Brookes Andrew G., surgeon
Carrington Margaret, vict., Crown Inn
Cross Decima, farmer
Dodson George, farmer
Dorricutt William, tailor, and post office
Edwards John, farmer, The Buildings
Hudson Edward, farmer
James William, joiner and shopkeeper
Langley Mr. Samuel
Lewis William, farmer
Mullard Edward, blacksmith
Mullard Michael, blacksmith and shopkeeper
Pinkey Joseph, farmer
Rogers Thomas, shoemaker
Studley Edward, Esq.
Tudor Joseph, butcher
Wild Sarah, vict., Eagle Inn
Williams Robert, saddler and harness maker
CHURCH PREEN,
sometimes called Preen Church, is a parish and small rural village five
miles W. by S. from Much Wenlock. The parish contains 1,026 acres of
land, the principal owners of which are F. T. Webster, Esq., and the Rev.
Samuel Minton. In the year 1801 here were 84 inhabitants; 1831, 75, and
in 1841, 17 houses and 101 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,026. 18s. 6d.
Here was formerly a small cell of cluniac monks, subordinate to the
priory of Wenlock. “In the 29th of Edward I., the cell of Preene was
holden of the lords of Holgod, and that on a vacancy the lords of that
castle had the custody of the same, and the prior of Wenlock in such a
vacancy presented the custodes to the lords of Holgod, who being so
presented received the temporalities.” THE CHURCH is remarkable for its
length, and the chancel, which belongs to the lay impropriators, occupies
more than half the space. It is situated close to the hall, and indeed
the walls are so incorporated as to form a part of the mansion. The
living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of F. T. Webster, Esq., and
enjoyed by the Rev. Robert Armitage. No tithe or rent charge is paid to
the perpetual curate, but a small modus is due from the landowners, and
the living is also endowed with £800 royal bounty, and £200 parliamentary
grant. THE MANOR HOUSE or HALL, an ancient mansion, originally formed
part of the cell above noticed, is now the residence and property of
Frederick T. Webster, Esq. The main portion of the land in this parish
lies upon a sunny slope, the high grounds of which command some extensive
and beautiful prospects. It is generally thought that coal abounds
beneath the soil in this parish.
DIRECTORY.—Frederick T. Webster, Esq., The Hall. _Farmers_, John Aslop,
John Dixon, John Everall Newhouse, and Edward Madeley.
CHURCH PULVERBATCH,
usually called CHURTON, is a parish and small rural village 7½ miles
S.S.W. from Shrewsbury, and about half a mile from the turnpike road
leading from Bishop’s Castle to the former town. The village is
delightfully situated, and commands a most extensive and beautiful
prospect over thousand of acres of land, with a fine undulating surface
teeming with fruitfulness; the majestic Wrekin, Caradoc, and the Lawley
are seen in the distance, and give an additional charm to the scene. The
parish contains the townships of Church Pulverbatch or Churton, Castle
Pulverbatch, Cothercott, Wilderley, and Wrentnall. In 1801 here were 439
inhabitants; 1831, 557, and in 1841, 543. Acres, 3,583. Pulverbatch was
formerly a place of some consequence, and had a weekly market. We find
Philip Marmyn in the 38th of Henry III. obtained a charter for a market
to be held on a Monday, and a fair on the eve, the day, and the morrow of
St. Edith. An annual fair is still held on September 27th, but the
market has long been obsolete. A short distance south from the village
formerly stood a castle, the site of which may still be traced. In the
6th of King John, William de Cantilupe was governor of this castle. It
was afterwards the seat of the Botelers, and was a place of great
strength. The escheat roll of the 6th of Henry VI., makes mention of a
free chapel belonging to the castle, in the patronage of Edward le
Botiler. THE CHURCH is an ancient structure dedicated to St. Edith. The
living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £10. 13s. 4d., now
returned at £566 in the patronage of Lord Kenyon; incumbent, Rev. George
C. Guise. The township of Churton or Church Pulverbatch at the census in
1841 contained twenty houses and ninety inhabitants. The Hon. H. W.
Powis is the principal landowner and lord of the manor.
CHARITIES.—The poor of this parish have 20s. yearly from Henry
Brickdale’s charity, noticed with Condover. It appears the poor of this
parish are entitled to receive 6s. more in respect of this charity, the
division at present made between this parish and Condover not being
according to the directions of the donor. _Ann Jaundrell_, in 1777, left
by will £20, the interest to be expended in bread for the poor. This
gift was subsequently laid out in pewing the church, and a yearly sum of
20s. is paid by the parish as the interest thereof. The bread is
distributed on St. Thomas’s-day. _James Perkins_, by his will, bearing
date 11th July, 1790, charged his tenement and farm at Marton, in the
parish of Chirbury, with the payment of £1. 6s. per annum to the minister
for the time being of Church Pulverbatch, in trust, to lay out the same
in the purchase of bread to be distributed every Sunday to six decayed
widows, who should attend divine service at the church. There is a
distribution of bread every alternate Sunday, with this gift and
Brickdale’s charity, among the most necessitous poor. _Richard Perkins_,
who died in 1798, left £1. 6s., charged upon his estate at Church
Pulverbatch, to be distributed to the poor on New Year’s-day. The 26s.
is annually expended in bread and given on the above day among the most
deserving poor.
Bowen George, schoolmaster
Bradley John, shoemaker
Gittins Abraham, saddler
Gittins Richard, farmer
Guise Rev. George Clifford, The Rectory
Madewell Rev. Mr.
Oakley John, farmer
Rowson Orlando, butcher
Tibbey Richard, farmer
Woodcock Samuel, farmer and maltster
CASTLE PULVERBATCH
is a small village and township in the parish of Church Pulverbatch,
pleasantly situated on the high road from Shrewsbury to Bishop’s Castle,
nine miles S.S.W. from the former place, and eleven miles N.E. from the
latter. The township contains 994 acres of land, and in 1841 here were
36 houses and 154 inhabitants. Rateable value, £912. 12s. 10d.
DIRECTORY.—Thomas Bromley, farmer; John Brunt, farmer and vict., White
Horse Inn; John Clare, vict., Woodcock Inn; The Misses Gilpin; Thomas
Jordan, shoemaker; Humphrey Roberts, blacksmith; John Savage, maltster.
COTHERCUTT
is a township with a few scattered houses, delightfully situated in a
hilly district, commanding pleasing views of the surrounding country; the
air is peculiarly dry and salubrious, and the situation is one of a
retired and pastoral character. Not far from here is Stiperstone Hill,
which rises an immense height, and is seen at a considerable distance.
Upon this hill are several great heaps of stones, close together, called
by the Britons _Carneddan tewion_. It is uncertain whether these were
some of those alluded to by Giraldus Cambrensis in these words, “The last
Harold on foot with a company of foot soldiers lightly armed, and
furnished with such provisions as the country produced for them, went
over all Wales, and made his way through it in so brave a manner that he
left very few alive. In token and perpetual memory of this victory, you
will find in Wales many heaps of stones, according to the ancient custom
of the places where he gained an advantage, with these letters inscribed
on them:—‘_Hic fuit victor Haraldus_; Here Harold was victorious.’”
Cothercutt is situated eleven miles S.W. from Shrewsbury, and the
township contains 560 acres of land. In 1841 here were six houses and 33
inhabitants.
The resident farmers are David Clayton, John Smith, and William Woodcock.
WILDERLEY
township lies about a mile from Church Pulverbatch, and ten miles S.W.
from Shrewsbury. It contains 671 acres of land, the rateable value of
which is £659. 1s. 4d. In 1841 here were 11 houses and 71 inhabitants.
The principal residents are the following farmers, viz., James Ambler,
Richard Dovaston, Joshua Roderick, and Thomas Jarratt.
WRENTNALL,
a township with 927 acres of land, is situated about a mile N.W. from
Church Pulverbatch; the scenery around is beautifully picturesque, and
the situation one of quiet retirement. In 1841 here were 38 houses and
195 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,195. 8s. The Baptists have a small
place of worship in the village. James Freme, Esq., is the principal
landowner in this township, and resides at an elegant mansion most
delightfully situated on elevated ground, commanding views of great
diversity and beauty.
The principal residents are James Freme, Esq.; John Breese, farmer; and
Benjamin Burgwin, farmer.
FRODESLEY