with intense application to his studies, at length impaired his health,
and in 1777 he was induced to visit Switzerland for the benefit of his
native air. He continued at Nijon, the place of his nativity, and its
vicinity for nearly three years; during which period, though his health
was gradually improving, he was still too weak to undertake much public
duty, but he employed his time in writing, giving private exhortations,
and in instructing the children who assembled, in the first principles of
religion. The fearless intrepidity of Mr. Fletcher’s Christian character
was strikingly exemplified in his conduct towards one of his nephews
during his residence in Switzerland. This young man had been in the
Sardinian service, where his profligate ungentlemanly conduct had given
such general offence to his brother officers that they were determined to
compel him to leave their corps or fight them all in succession. After
engaging in several duels he was obliged to quit the service, and return
to his native country. As a desperate man he resorted to desperate
measures. He waited on his uncle, General de Gons; and having obtained a
private audience, he presented a pistol, and said, “Uncle de Gons, if you
do not give me a draft on your banker for five hundred crowns, I will
shoot you.” The general, though a brave man, yet seeing himself in the
hands of a desperado capable of any mischief, promised to give him the
draft if he withdrew the pistol. “But there is another thing, uncle, you
must do; you must promise me, on your honour as a gentleman and a
soldier, to use no means to recover the draft or bring me to justice.”
The general pledged his honour, gave him the draft for the money, and at
the same time expostulated freely with him on his infamous conduct. In
the evening, passing the door of his uncle, Fletcher, the fancy took him
to call and pay a visit. As soon as he was introduced he began to tell
him, with exultation, that he had just called upon his uncle, General de
Gons, who had treated him with unexpected kindness, and generously given
him five hundred crowns. “I shall have some difficulty,” said Mr.
Fletcher, “to believe the last part of your intelligence.” “If you will
not believe me, see the proof under his own hand,” holding out the draft.
“Let me see,” said Mr. Fletcher, taking the draft and looking at it with
astonishment; “It is indeed my brother’s writing, and it astonishes me to
see it, because he is not in affluent circumstances; and I am the more
astonished because I know how much and how justly he disapproves your
conduct, and you are last of his family to whom he would make such a
present.” Then folding the draft, and putting it into his pocket: “It
strikes me, young man, that you have possessed yourself of this note by
some indirect method, and in honesty I cannot return it, but with my
brother’s knowledge and approbation.” The pistol was immediately at his
breast; and he was told as he valued life instantly to return the draft.
‘My life,’ replied Mr. Fletcher, ‘is secure in the protection of Almighty
power who guards it, nor will he suffer it to be the forfeit of my
integrity and your rashness.’ This firmness drew from the other the
observation that his Uncle de Gons, though an old soldier, was more
afraid of death than he was. ‘Afraid of death,’ rejoined Mr. Fletcher,
‘do you think that I have been twenty-five years the minister of the Lord
of life to be afraid of death now? No, sir; thanks be to God who giveth
me the victory! It is for you to fear death who have reason to fear it.
You are a gamester—a cheat. You call yourself a gentleman. You are a
duellist, and your hand is red with your brother’s blood; and for this
you style yourself a man of honour. Look there, sir; look there. See,
the broad eye of heaven is fixed upon us. Tremble in the presence of
your Maker, who can in a moment kill your body, and for ever punish your
soul in hell!’ By this time the unhappy man was pale: he trembled
alternately with fear and passion: he threatened, he argued, he
entreated. Sometimes he withdrew the pistol, and fixing his back against
the door, stood as a sentinel to prevent all egress; and at other times
he closed on his uncle, threatening instant death. Under these perilous
circumstances Mr. Fletcher gave no alarm to the family, sought for no
weapon, and attempted neither escape nor manual opposition. He conversed
with him calmly; and at length perceiving that the young man was
affected, addressed him in language truly paternal until he had fairly
disarmed and subdued him. ‘I cannot,’ said he, ‘return my brother’s
draft; yet I feel for the distress in which you have so thoughtlessly
involved yourself, and will endeavour to relieve it. My brother de Gons,
at my request will, I am sure, voluntarily give you a hundred crowns. I
will do the same. Perhaps my brother Henry will do as much. And I hope
your other family will make out the sum among them. He then prayed with
him and for him. By Mr. Fletcher’s mediation, the family made up the sum
he had promised; and with much good advice on one side, and fair promises
on the other, they parted.
In March, 1781, Mr. Fletcher took a final leave of Switzerland and
returned to England, and in the autumn of the same year was married to
Miss Bosanquet, a lady of respectable family and eminent piety. From the
time of his marriage Mr. Fletcher experienced no return of his
consumptive symptoms, and his general health materially improved. In
compliance with the solicitation of Mr. Wesley, Mr. Fletcher was
sometimes present at the annual conference, when his sermons and pious
conversation became the theme of every tongue. No employment of Mr.
Fletcher’s seemed more pleasing to him than that of being engaged in
preparing food or medicines for the poor. On Sundays he provided for
numbers of poor people who came to the church from a distance. Indeed he
scarcely seemed to enjoy his meals unless he knew that some sick or
indigent neighbours should partake of them. But with all his generosity
he was still careful to live within his income. If he overtook a poor
person on the road with a burden too heavy for him, he did not fail to
offer his assistance to bear part of it; and under such circumstances he
would not easily take a denial. As he approached the end of his course
the graces he had kept in continual exercise for so long a season became
more illustrious and powerful, his faith was more assured, his hope more
lively, his charity more abundant, his humility more profound, and his
resignation more complete. After lingering some time under the pressure
of an exhausted constitution, but supported by the hopes and consolations
of Christianity, Mr. Fletcher calmly expired on the 14th August, 1785, in
the fifty-sixth year of his age.
As a clergyman he was never exceeded in zeal, disinterestedness,
affection for his flock, or anxiety for their spiritual welfare. As a
writer Mr. Fletcher was considerably above mediocrity, and had he been a
candidate for literary distinction he had talents to have occupied no
inconsiderable rank. His deportment and manners were of the most
engaging and courteous kind, presenting such a combination of gravity,
condescension, and gentleness as few have ever witnessed. Of his
appearance in the pulpit the liveliest fancy could not frame from any of
the ancient saints an aspect more venerable or more apostolic. The
abundant current of his charity flowed in affection towards all, and his
liberal heart rejoiced in the spiritual welfare of other denominations.
In the church-yard is a plain and simple tomb to his endeared memory,
covered with a cast iron plate, on which in raised letters is the
following memorial:—
“He lies the body of
The Rev. JOHN WILLIAM DE LA FLECHERE,
vicar of Madeley.
He was born in Nijon, in Switzerland,
September 12th, MDCCXXIX,
and finished his course in this village,
August 14th, MDCCLXXXV,
where his unexampled labours will be long remembered.
He exercised his ministry for the space of
twenty-five years in this parish,
with uncommon zeal and ability.
Many believed his report and became his joy
and crown of rejoicing,
while others constrained him to take up the
lamentation of the prophet:—
‘All day long I have stretched out my hands
unto a disobedient and gainsaying people,
yet surely my judgment is with the Lord
and my works with my God.’
‘He being dead yet speaketh.’”
The following is a copy of the entry in the parish register:—“John
Fletcher, clerk, died on Sunday evening, August 14th, 1785. He was one
of the most apostolic men of the age in which he lived. His abilities
were extraordinary, and his labours unparalleled. He was a burning and
shining light, and as his life had been a common blessing to the
inhabitants of this parish, so the death of this great man was lamented
by them as a common and irreparable loss. This little testimony was
inserted by one who sincerely loved and honoured him. Joshua Gilpin,
vicar of Wrockwardine.”
MADELEY DIRECTORY.
Albert William, plumber, glazier, & painter
Alker Thomas, plumber, glazier, & painter
Bailey John, builder
Bailey John, chartermaster
Bailey Joseph, chartermaster
Bailey William, assistant clerk, county court
Barker John, boot and shoemaker
Bartley Thomas, grocer and draper
Bartlett Rev. John, M.A., Marnwood
Beddell Thomas, beerseller
Blanthorne Isabella, beerseller
Bowdler Henry, farmer, Cuckoo Oak
Brewer Francis, grocer
Brickhill Mr. Solomon
Bryan Arnold F., draper
Cartwright George, butcher
Caswell John, boot and shoemaker
Chalmers Rev. John, curate
Currier Thomas, cabinet maker
Dainty William, chartermaster
Davies John, brick, tile, & draining pipe mkr
Dawes William, organ builder
Dyas Charles, vict., Royal Oak
Dyas William, butcher, farmer, maltster, and grocer
Eastwick Miss Mary
Edwards Mr. Edward
Farmer Miss Ann
Farr James, wheelwright
Farr John, beerseller
Fenton Samuel, brazier and tin plate worker
Ferriday Charles James, Esq.
Ferriday Miss Jane
Fisher Jesse, manufacturing chemist
Ford John C., draper
Foster & Co., iron & coal masters; Francis Pearce, agent
Garner Joseph, stone mason
Glaze George, beerseller
Glover Thomas, hair dresser
Green Henry, beerseller
Griffiths Philip, tailor and clothier
Groom Richard, tailor
Guy Benjamin, beerseller
Gwyther Rev. James H., vicar, surrogate for granting marriage licenses,
and chaplain to Madeley union
Harper Ann, draper and grocer
Harper William, farmer
Harris William, chartermaster
Harvey Richard and Randall John, grocers and ironmongers
Harvey Thomas J., vict., Horse Shoes
Headley James, chemist and druggist
Heaford William, tailor and woollen draper
Holmes John, chartermaster
Hopley Peter, farmer and chartermaster
Hopley William, chartermaster
Jacks John, chartermaster
Jacks Joseph, painter and glazier
Johnson William, schoolmaster
Jones George, mine agent to James Foster, Esq., Madeley Court
Jones Jonas, chartermaster
Kearsley James, chartermaster
Kearsley Sarah, milliner
Keay John, beerseller and grocer
Keay John, chartermaster
Keay Peter, beerseller
Lane John, wheelwright
Lavender Samuel, draper and milliner
Lissiter William, beerseller
Madeley Wood Company ironmasters; Mr. Anstice, agent
Millard Thomas, gardener and seedsman
Mollineaux Thomas, grocer
Molloy Rev. William
Morgan Mr. Joseph, Gothic Villa
Morris Richard, blacksmith
Munday Thomas, bookseller and stationer
Onions James, confectioner
Owen Thomas, saddler and harness maker
Page William, butcher
Patrick Miss Mary Ann
Pearce Francis, agent to James Foster, Esq., Park Cottage
Peirce Richard, surgeon
Penn Thomas, furnace manager to James Foster, Esq.
Powell William, beerseller
Rayner Mr. Charles, Holley House
Roberts Charles, boot and shoemaker
Rodgers William M., grocer
Rose Mrs. Appilona
Rushton Jane, milliner
Rushton Samuel, blacksmith
Rushton William, grocer
Smith Edward, ale and porter merchant, and maltster and limeburner
Smith Samuel and Co., brick, tile, and drainage pipe manufacturers
Smith Thos., architect, builder, & surveyor
Street Elizabeth, earthenware dealer
Thompson Matthew, chartermaster
Trevor Thomas, grocer and chandler
Walker John, beerseller
Wall William, shopkeeper
Ward Mrs. Alice
Ward George, mine agent to Madeley Wood Company
Ward William, chartermaster
Watson Andrew, tailor
Webb Matthew, surgeon
Wilkins James, grocer and ironmonger
Willcox Mr. Thomas
Williams Mrs. Elizabeth
Williams James, beerseller
Williams Joseph, wheelwright
Williams Richard, farmer, and furnace manager to Madeley Wood Company
Williams Richard, farmer, The Cottage
Williams Susannah, beerseller
Wones John, beerseller and shopkeeper
Yate Joseph, Esq., Madeley Hall
* * * * *
POST OFFICE at _Mr. Henry P. Baldwin’s_, Bridge street. Letters arrive
at 7 45 A.M., and are despatched at 5 50 P.M.
IRONBRIDGE AND MADELEY WOOD DIRECTORIES.
Anstice John, Esq., manager to Madeley Wood Company, The Lloyds
Anstice Wm. Reynolds, solicitor and clerk to Madeley Board of Guardians,
Church street
Bartlett Rev. John, M.A., Marnwood
Ball William, supervisor, Church street
Bayliss William, engineer to Madeley Wood Company, The Lloyds
Cartwright Mrs., Hodge Bower
Clarke William, tea and whiskey dealer, Severn Terrace
Cock Miss Ann, Brockholes
Cooke Emanuel, locksmith, Lincoln’s Hill
Davies Mrs., The Orchard
Evans William, secretary to Mechanics’ Institution, house, Broseley
Fisher, John, Esq., Madeley Wood
Ford John, parish clerk, Church street
Gordon, Wm. Pierson, Esq., solicitor & clerk to magistrates, residence,
Linley
Haywood John, wire worker, Bridge street
Jetter Rev. John Andrew, incumbent, The Parsonage
Jones Thomas, nail maker, Madeley Wood
Kelsall Rev. Henry, curate, Brockholes
Lewis John Bennett, inland revenue officer, Severn Terrace
Lewis Edward, manager to Joseph Reynolds, Esq., Coalport
Madeley Wood Company, ironmasters, and brick and tile manufacturers, John
Anstice, Esq., manager, The Lloyds
Nicholas Joseph, patten maker, Lincoln Hill
Nickless Enoch, ale, porter and cider merchant, Lincoln Terrace
Pugh Charles, agent to Lilleshall Company and Beriah Botfield, Esq.,
Coalport
Pugh William, Esq., porcelain manufacturer, Coalport
Reeves William, chartermaster, Lincoln Hill
Riddiough William, patten and clog maker, Madeley Wood
Rose John & Co., porcelain manufacturers
Rose William, Esq., porcelain manufacturer, Coalport
Stokes William Smith, gent., Old Parsonage
Wase John, farmer, The Hay
Whiteley Mr. James, agent to Jno. Rose & Co. porcelain manufacturers,
Coalport
Wildblood Wm., governor of Union House, Brockholes
Woodruff James, gent., Lincoln Terrace
Wright Henry, ale & porter dealer, Lincoln’s Hill
Yates Adam, gent, Madeley Wood
Weare William, auctioneer, house and estate agent, accountant, agent to
Shropshire and North Wales Fire Office, and British Empire Life Office,
Madeley Wood
* * * * *
Academies.
Brassington & Southern, the Misses, (Ragged School), Severn Side
Evans Wm., Waterloo street, house, Broseley
Johnston John, (Boarding) Brockholes
Lusmore Miss, (Parochial) Severn Side
Timmis Mrs and the Misses, (Ladies Brdng) Dale Coppy
White Miss, (Ladies Boarding) Church street
Attornies.
Anstice Wm. Reynolds, and clerk to Madeley Board of Guardians, Church
street
Gordon Wm. Pierson, & clerk to magistrates for borough of Wenlock, house,
Linley
Bakers and Flour Dealers.
_See also Shopkeepers_.
Broadbridge Chas., Bridge st
Milner George, Bridge street
Bankers.
Savings Bank, Church street, William Smith, manager, residence,
Bridgnorth
Shropshire Banking Compy., Hy. C. T. Dickenson, Esq., manager, The Elms
Barge Owners.
Bailey James, The Lloyds
Burton J. & Edw., The Wharf
Goodwin George, The Wharf
Owen Benjamin, The Wharf
Owen Thomas, The Wharf
Owen Edward, The Wharf
Yates Francis and John, The Wharf
Blacksmiths.
Bisall John, Madeley Wood
Edwards Jno., Madeley Wood
Walton John, Church street
Booksellers, Binders, Printers and Stationers.
Slater John, Bridge street
Smith Geo. Mortimer, Market square
Smith Saml. C. Bridge street
Boot & Shoe Makers.
Blocksidge John, Coalport
Crowder John, The Lloyds
Dodd Richd., Church street
Hughes Chas., Bridge street
Lloyd Benj., Madeley Wood
Price Thos., Madeley Wood
Roberts Thos., The Wharfage
Wood Thos., The Wharfage
Braziers & Tin-plate Workers.
Bartham Chas., Bridge street
Fenton Thomas, & constable, Waterloo street
Brick & Tile Manufacturers.
Bayliss John and George, Madeley Wood
Burton John and Edward, The Wharfage
Davis John, Madeley Green
Madeley Wood Company, Waterloo street
Roden Saml., Hodge Bower
Butchers.
Barnett Thos., Bridge street
Barnett Wm., Bridge street
Delves Joseph, Bridge street
Dyas William, Bridge street
Page John, Bridge street
Poole Charles, The Lloyds
Wilcox John, Madeley Wood
Wilcox William, Brockholes
Cabinet Makers and Upholsterers.
Davies George, High street
Jones William, The Wharfage
Chemists & Druggists.
Baldwin Henry P., and post master, Bridge street
Hartshorne Wm., Market sqre
Clothiers.
Cohen Luke, Bridge street
Gotthimer Aaron, Waterloo st
Confectioners.
Barclay William, & dealer in British Wines, Bridge st
Milner George, Bridge street
Rogers Mary, Bridge street
Cooper.
Roberts Richd., Church street
Curriers.
Cock John and James, Madeley Wood
Stirrop Robert J., and leather cutter, Bridge street
Drapers & Silk Mercers.
Brown Samuel, and laceman, Bridge street
Bowyer Thomas, and woollen draper, Market square
Charlton Henry, Bridge st
Evans Thos., Madeley Wood
Goodwin Wm., The Wharfage
Greenhalgh Brothers, Bridge street
Pardoe Edward, Bridge street
Farmers.
Barnett Thos., Bridge street
Dyas William, Bridge street
Thompson Isaac, Lodge Farm
Wase John, Hay Farm
Yates Francis and John, Castle Green
Fire & Life Office Agents.
British Empire Life, William Weare, Madeley Wood
Clerical, Medical & General Life, George M. Smith, Market square
Medical, Legal and General Mutual Life, George M. Smith, Market square
Shropshire and North Wales Fire, Wm. Weare, Madeley Wood
Furniture Brokers.
Davies George, High street
Franks William, High street
Jones Wm., The Wharfage
Grocers & Tea Dealers.
Dax William, Madeley Wood
Evans Wm., Madeley Wood
Franks Benj., Madeley Wood
Greenhalgh Brothers, Bridge street
Hammond Thos., Brockholes
Latham John, & glass dealer, Madeley Wood
Milner Betsey, Bridge street
Price Chas. L., (firm, Smith and Price) Bridge street
Smith & Price, Bridge street
Smith Charles W., Bridge st
Smith Henry, (firm, Smith and Price) Bridge street
Wilcox Thos., Madeley Wood
Hair Dressers.
Baugh George, Bridge street
Poole Thomas, Bridge street
Reynolds Rd., The Wharfage
Hat Manufacturers.
Shingler John, The Lloyds
Shingler John, Bridge street
Hosiers and Haberdashers.
Brown John, Madeley Wood
Crowther The Misses, The Wharfage
Owen Miss Sarah, Bridge st
Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.
Bird in Hand, John Shingler, The Lloyds
Blockhouse, John Heighway, The Lloyds
Golden Ball, John Wilcox, Madeley Wood
Half Moon, Joseph Pugh, Madeley Wood
Horse, Joseph Edwards, Lincolns Hill
Lake Head, William Yates, The Lloyds
Retreat, William Shingler, Bridge street
Robin Hood, James Bailey, The Lloyds
Rodney, Susannah Lloyd, The Wharfage
Royal Oak, Thomas Nivitt, Church street
Swan Inn, John Barrow, The Wharfage
Swan, Wm. Fowler, Lincolns Hill
Talbot, George Boycott, The Wharfage
Three Tuns, Thos. Corfield, and licensed to let post horses, Bridge
street
Tontine Hotel, and commercial and posting house, Elizabeth Jones, Bridge
st
Unicorn, Samuel Harvey, Madeley Wood
White Hart, commercial and posting house, William Shingler, The wharfage
Beerhouses.
Broadbridge Chas., Bridge st
Davies Jas., Madeley Wood
Franks Benj., Madeley Wood
Harper Joseph, Brockholes
Jones Ann, The Wharfage
Lloyd Samuel, Waterloo st
Morrall Rd., Madeley Wood
Hoole Fred. W., Bath lane
Pugh Thos., Madeley Wood
Taylor Catherine, The Loyds
Thompson Isaac, Madeley Wood
Wood Thos., The Wharfage
York Mary, Madeley Wood
Ironmongers.
Davies Richard, and patten maker, Wharfage
Smith Chas. W., Bridge st
Joiners and Builders.
_Marked * Builders only_.
Bailey Wm., senr., Madeley Wood
Bailey Wm., jun., Madeley Wood
* Barclay John, Bridge street
Davies George, High street
* Jenks Thomas, High st
Nevitt & Co., Madeley Wood
Nickless Enoch, Lincoln ter.
Maltsters.
Barrow John, The Wharfage
Lloyd Benj., Severn Terrace
Smith Edward, Park lane
Yates Francis and John, The Wharfage
Milliners & Dressmakers.
Armstrong Miss Maria, Market street
Crowther Miss Sarah, The Wharfage
Ferrington The Misses, Church street
Owen The Misses, Bridge st
Stodd Miss Emma, Bridge st
Painters, Plumbers, & Glaziers.
Crowther Leonard, The Wharfage
Hinsley John, The Loyds
Williams Abr., The Wharfage
Saddlers & Harness Makers.
Poole George Hy., Bridge st
Woof Edwd., The Wharfage
Spirit Vaults.
Charlton Humpy., Bridge st
Stirrop Robert, Bridge street
Straw Bonnet Makers.
Acton Mrs., Market square
Hartshorne Mrs., Bridge st
Surgeons.
Proctor Richd., Esq., Severn Terrace
Rowlands Jas., Esq., Church street
Tailors.
Bates Edwin, Madeley Wood
Gwynne Thomas, & woollen draper, Market square
Heaford Hiram, & woollen draper, The Wharfage
Shotton John, Madeley Wood
Timber Merchant.
Chune Joseph Fred., Lincolns Hill
Watch & Clock Makers.
Hinkley Wm., Bridge street
Peplow Fran., The Wharfage
Omnibuses.
_To Shiffnal_ at 7-30 A.M. from the Tontine Hotel, returning at 6-45 P.M.
_To Wellington_ at 8 A.M. and 4-30 P.M. from the Tontine Hotel, returning
at 2-45 P.M. and 9 P.M.
COALBROOK DALE DIRECTORY.
_Marked_ 1 _reside at the bottom of the dale_.
Bailey Benj., boot & shoekr.
Bailey John, beerhouse kpr.
Bailey William, grocer
Biddiough William, grocer
Boycott Thomas, accountant
Branford Thomas, painter, plumber and glazier
1 Chune George and Joseph, timber merchants
Chune John H., miller and corn factor, Coalbrook Dale Mill
1 Clarke William, grocer and seedsman
Coalbrook Dale Company, ironmasters
Cookson Samuel, engineer
Crookes Mr. Chas., manager of the foundry, Paradise House
Darby Abraham, Esq., The Chesnuts
Darby Mrs. Hannah, White House
Darby Mrs. Lucy, Dale House
Darby Richard, Esq.
Delves Joseph, butcher
1 Dickenson Henry C. T., bank manager, The Elms
1 Dickinson Barnard, Esq., East Field
1 Dickinson Henry, Esq., Severn House
Dorsett Joseph, shopkeeper and blacksmith
1 Dunbar Sarah, hosier
Edwards Edward, surgeon
Fox John, accountant
Gething George, tailor
Graham Mr. Thos., Woodside Cottage
Harbridge John, accountant
Hughes John, draughtsman
Lane Julia, schoolmistress
1 Lloyd Aaron, grocer
1 Lowe Geo., tailor & draper
Morgan The Misses Priscilla and Rebecca
Norris William, cashier
1 Oliver William, shopkeeper
Onions Isaac, schoolmaster
1 Owen Benj., barge owner
1 Owen Edwd., barge owner
1 Owen Mr. Thomas
1 Phillips John, tailor
Ramsell Edward, shoemaker
Robinson Mr. John
Roberts William, clerk
Rose Mrs. Ann
Buckley Mrs Sarah, Hawkeshead Cottage
Sankey Mrs. Hannah
Smith and Price, grocers
1 Turton George, inland revenue officer
Timmis Mrs., boarding schl.
Weston Phillip, accountant
Wilbraham Charles, draper, (travelling)
Wright Benjamin, registrar of births, deaths, and marriages, & Commercial
Inn and posting house
Wright Peter, farmer, and agent to the Royal Exchange Fire & Life Office
COALPORT DIRECTORY.
Anstice John Esq., agent to Madeley Wood Company
Blocksidge John, grocer & shoemaker
Doughty Daniel, butcher
Fennell Susannah, shopkr.
Hargreave Rebecca, beerhse
Harper John, butcher
Harper Joseph, beerhouse
John Rose and Co., porcelain manufacturer
Lewis Edward, manager to Joseph Reynolds, Esq.
Musgrave Wm., beerhouse
Oakes George, shopkeeper
Pugh Chas., agent to Lilleshall Company and Beriah Botfield, Esq.
Pugh Wm., Esq., porcelain manufacturer
Rose William, Esq., porcelain manufacturer, Rock House
Wase John John Holland, farmer, Hay Farm
Wheeler Thomas, beerhouse
Whiteley James, Esq., agent to porcelain manufactory
MONK HOPTON
is a parish and small rural village pleasantly situated six miles W. from
Bridgnorth, and four and a half miles S. from Much Wenlock, contains
2,240A. 0R. 37P. of land, chiefly the property of Lord Wenlock, who is
also lord of the manor. The farm houses and cottage residences are
mostly neat structures, having been in many instances rebuilt by the late
proprietor Sir Francis Lawley. Rateable value, £1,814. 13s. 9d. At the
census in 1801 this parish had a population of 212 souls; 1831, 208, and
in 1841 there were thirty-five houses and 189 inhabitants.
THE CHURCH, a small structure, has been beautified and repaired within
the last few years. The living is a perpetual curacy in the gift of the
lord of the manor, and incumbency of the Rev. Robert W. Dayrell. There
is a school in the village, which is chiefly supported by Lord Wenlock
and the minister; about forty children attend. WESTON is a hamlet in the
parish of Monk Hopton, about two miles from the church; the Duke of
Cleveland and Mrs. Susannah Butcher are the landowners.
The principal residents are Edward Bradley, farmer; Rev. Robert W.
Dayrell; William Dixon, farmer and corn miller; Mary Evans,
schoolmistress; Elizabeth Evans, blacksmith; Edward Marston, farmer, Monk
Hall; Richard Nichols, vict., Wenlock Arms; William Shiston, bailiff;
Richard Wall, wheelwright. The residents in Weston are Susannah Butcher,
farmer; Richard Lewis, farmer; and Thomas Reynolds, farmer.
MUCH WENLOCK
is a parish, market town, and borough, having separate and independent
jurisdiction, twelve miles south east from Shrewsbury, and 148 miles from
London. The town consists principally of two streets, at right angles to
one another. The houses in general have an ancient appearance, and are
ill built; there are, however, several houses and shops of modern
appearance of a more respectable character. The parish contains 8,821
acres of land; and at the census of 1841 had 2,487 inhabitants. In 1851
there were 2,398 souls, of whom 1,179 were males, and 1,219 females; and
at the same period there were 487 inhabited houses and 17 uninhabited.
Rateable value, £14,006. 11s. The townships comprised in this parish are
Much Wenlock, Atterley, Bourton, Callaughton, Farley, Wyke, and Bradley,
Harley Wigwig and Homer, Presthope, and Walton. The township of Much
Wenlock contains 2,492 acres of land, the principal owners of which are
W. W. Wynne, Esq., and Lord Forester. At the census of 1841 there were
373 houses and 1,627 inhabitants in the township. Gross, estimated
rental, £7,440. 6s. 2d. Rateable value, £6,549. 5s. The tithes have
been commuted, and £341 apportioned to the vicar, and £387. 14s. to the
impropriators. Monday is market day, for which the town is indebted to
the Prior and other religious brethren. Fairs are held second Tuesday in
March, May 12th, October 17th, and December 4th. The fair held on July
5th has been discontinued within the last few years.