which contains 630A. 2R. 25P. of land. In 1841 here were nine houses and
42 inhabitants. H. D. Warter, Esq., is lord of the manor and sole
landowner. The tithes are commuted for £110. 12s. 3d., and £97. 10s. are
apportioned to the rector of the first portion, and £13. 2s. 3d. to the
rector of the second portion.
ONSLOW is a small hamlet three and a half miles W.W. by N. of Shrewsbury,
which contains 251A. 3R. 20P. of land. In 1841 here were two houses and
twelve persons. The tithes are commuted for £54. 4s. 8d. Colonel John
Wingfield is lord of the manor and sole landowner.
PLEALEY is a pleasant rural township and village seven miles S.W. of
Shrewsbury. It contains 664A. 2R. 12P. of land. This township had in
1841 43 houses and 212 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £134.
11s. The principal landowners are Dr. Griffiths, Mr. Thomas Wilkinson,
Joseph Phillips, Esq., Rev. Mr. Phillips, Mr. Richard France, and Mrs.
Cross. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a neat chapel here.
PONTESFORD is a township seven miles south of Shrewsbury, containing
387A. 2R. 38P. of land, and at the census of 1841 had 67 houses and 283
inhabitants. The tithe is commuted for £82. 12s. 2d. There are coal,
lime, and lead works in this township. THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS have a
small chapel here.
SASCOTT, a small township five miles west of Shrewsbury, containing 221A.
2R. 28P. of land, in 1841 had 24 persons and three houses. The tithes
are commuted for £52. 6s. 6d. Francis Harris, Esq., is the sole
landowner.
SIBBERSCOTT is a township five and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury,
having 147A. 3R. 6P. of land, and in 1841 had one house and nine
inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 18s. 1d. H. W. Meredith,
Esq., is the sole landowner.
POST OFFICE.—_At Mr. Samuel Griffith’s_. Letters arrive at 6 A.M. and
are despatched at 7 P.M.
PONTESBURY & PONTESFORD DIRECTORIES.
Bennett Isaac, inland revenue officer
Birkenshaw Mr.
Chapman Miss
Croft Mr. Richard, registrar
Deakin William, farrier
Drury Rev. Charles, M.A., The Rectory
Eddowes William, surgeon
Harrison Rev. Wm., M.A., The Rectory
Heighway Miss, gentlewmn., Upper House
Jones Frederick, Esq., Pontesford Hall
Jones John and Company, Pontesford Works
Jones Mrs. Sarah
Jones Rev. Thomas, Independent minister
Jones Robert Corbet, gentleman
Jones The Misses
Jones Wm., land surveyor
Nicholls Thomas, parish & vestry clerk
Philpot Charles, mine agent
Plimmer Mrs.
Preece Richard, engineer
Rogers Robert, agent, lead works
Rogers Thomas, schoolmr.
Vaughan Mr. John
Vaughan Rev. William, M.A., The Rectory
Ward and Co., Shorthill Colliery
Agents.
Jones William, (land)
Philpots Charles, (coal)
Rogers Robert, (lead)
Blacksmiths.
Elks William
Griffiths John
Boot and Shoemakers.
Breeze John
Hughes John
Bricklayer.
Barber John, and builder
Butchers.
Cross Forrester
Blackmore William
Broxton William
Coal Merchants.
Harries Francis
Jones Frederick
Snailbeach Co., Nagshead Colliery
Whitegrit Co., Shorthill Colliery
Cooper.
Griffiths Edward
Corn Millers.
Blakeway Richard and Wm.
Edwards Patience
Evans Thomas
Farmers.
Croft William, Pontesford
Inions Edward, Red House
Jones Frederick
Jones Henry, New House
Jones John and Company
Morris Edward, Nills
Morris Thomas, Woodhouse
Price Widow
Ward and Company
Wilde Samuel, White Hall
Grocers and Tea Dealers.
Griffiths Samuel
Owens Owen & Son, drapers, outfitters, shoemakers, & leather cutters
Roderick John, and druggist
Innkeepers.
Breese Mary, vict., Red Lion
Croft Mary, vict., Seven Stars
Langford John, vict., Nag’s Head Inn
Beerhouses.
Evans Ann
France John
Tipton Edward
Wilde Samuel
Lead Merchants, Miners, and Smelters.
Snailbeach Company
White Gritmines Company
Shopkeepers.
Davies Mary
Jones Hugh
Shevlin John
Saddler.
Brazanor Samuel
Tailors.
Davies Richard
Littlehales Mr.
Powell William
Tomlins William
ARSCOTT DIRECTORY.
Bearcroft Rev. Thos., M.A.
Bridgeman John, farmer
Deakin Thomas, farmer
Nicholls Henry, butcher
ASTERLEY DIRECTORY.
Breese John, blacksmith
Chapman Richd., vict., Wind Mill
Everall Richard, farmer
Gardner Hry, Esq., The Hall
Gardner Messrs., coal masters and farmers
Jones Robert, beerhouse
Lewis William, shopkeeper and joiner
Marsh Henry, shopkeeper
Pritchard John, farmer
Tipton Jacob, mine agent
Wheelding John, wheelwrt.
BOYCOTT DIRECTORY.
Andrews Thomas, farmer
Jones Edward, farmer
CRUCKMEOLE DIRECTORY.
Cumpson Joseph, miller & farmer
Pugh William, farmer
Warter Henry Diggery, Esq., The Hall
Weaver William, farmer
Whittall Thomas, miller
Wilding James, farmer
CRUCKTON DIRECTORY.
Bates John, farmer
Crump Thos., vict., Hare and Hounds, maltster & farmer
Harries Fras., Esq., the Hall
Wilding Henry, Holly Bank
Shepherd Mr. Jph., the Lodge
EDGE DIRECTORY.
Jackson George, assistant overseer and collector
Pugh William, farmer
Thornes George, gentleman, The Grove
FARLEY DIRECTORY.
Briscoe John, farmer
Inions Thomas, farmer
HALSTON DIRECTORY.
Bennett Thos., underground bailiff
Blowet Benj., Shorthill farm
Glover Joseph, farm bailiff
Lee Mr. farmer
Ward & Company, farmers
HANWOOD LITTLE DIRECTORY.
Crapper and Proctor, coal-masters, Moathall colliery
Gibbs William, farmer
Passant Jas., Woodhall farm
Savage Thos., Moathall farm
HINTON DIRECTORY.
Everall John, farm bailiff to Sir O. P. Wakeman, Bart.
Parry John, Esq.
LEA DIRECTORY.
Baldwin John, farmer, Shorthill
Bowen John, farmer
Davies Richard, wheelwright
Diggery John, machine mkr.
Edwards John, machine mkr.
Hudson William, vict., the Cross, and farmer
Lashbrook Richard, National Schoolmaster
Rowland David, blacksmith
LONGDEN DIRECTORY.
Bowers William, parish clerk
Casewell Richard, beer retailer, Exford’s green
Crisp Alfred, school teacher
Davies Thos., beer retailer
Deakin Edward, farmer
George Samuel, joiner
Gittins Adams, blacksmith
Harris Mr. Samuel, farmer and maltster
Higley William, wheelwright and beer retailer
Homfray Rev. Edward, M.A.
Jewdwyne Rev. George
Jones Edward, saddler and harness maker
Jones Richard, vict., Tankerville Arms Inn, & farmer
Jones Richard, farmer
Jones William, farmer
Littlehales Rd., blacksmith
Matthews John, vict., Red Lion, the Wood
Morgan Thomas, Hall farm
Munslow Join, farmer, the Wood
Nicholls Henry, butcher
Preece Joseph, tailor
Richards Edward, bricklayer
Roberts William, cowleech
Sutton John Hart, surgeon
Thomas John, farmer
Thompson Wm., farm bailiff
Timmis Rd., grocer & draper
Tipton Wm., pump maker
Whittall Edward, beerseller
Woodcock Samuel, farmer
MALEHURST.
Issard Thomas, farmer
NEWNHAM AND POLMER DIRECTORY.
Niccolls Wm. Henry, Esq., Newnham house
Skyrinsher John Mytton, Polmer farm
NOX DIRECTORY.
Dillow William, blacksmith
Lloyd Richard, gentleman
Nicholls Thomas, farmer
Tomlins Thomas, wheelwright
OAKS DIRECTORY.
Howells Wm., gamekeeper
Lewis Jeremiah, farmer
Perks Thomas, farmer
Whitehurst Jn., the Hall Farm
Woodcock John, farmer
ONSLOW DIRECTORY.
Vaughan Richard, farmer
Wingfield Col. John, the Hall
PLEALEY DIRECTORY.
Bowers James, shoemaker
Bromley Edward, blacksmith
Bromley Richard, farmer
Cross Mrs., the Villa
France Richard, farmer
Hall Mary, farmer
Little Thomas, wheelwright
Peacock George, farmer
Phillips Joseph, farmer
Phillips Mrs., the Cottage
Phillips William, glazier
Wilkinson Thomas, farmer
SASCOTT DIRECTORY.
Evans Robert, farmer
Higginson Thomas, farmer
SIBBERSCOTT DIRECTORY.
France Richard, farmer
France Samuel, farmer
PRESTON MONTFORD, AND DINTHILL
is a township in the parish of St. Alkmund, returned in 1841 as
containing 17 houses and 76 inhabitants. Preston Montford is situated
four miles N.W. from Shrewsbury, and consists of a few scattered houses
leading to Montford Bridge. Dinthill is completely severed from
Montford, and lies about three and a half miles S.W. from Shrewsbury,
near the Shrewsbury and Welshpool road. It is considered as a distinct
township by the parochial officers. Mr. Thomas Hawkins, farmer, Dinthill
Hall, is the only resident. The chief inhabitants of Preston Montford
are John Bowen, police officer; William Jones, farmer and vict., Swan;
John Randles, blacksmith and machine maker; John Thomas, grocer and
general dealer; George Whitehorn, vict., Nag’s Head; George Whitehorn,
Jun., fish net and shoemaker; Miss Wingfield, The Cottage; Mrs.
Wingfield, The Hall.
WESTBURY
is a parish and considerable village situated on the Shrewsbury and
Montgomery turnpike road, nine miles S.W. by S. of the former place, and
twelve miles N.E. of the latter. It comprises the townships of Marsh
district, Newton, Stretton, Vennington, Wallop, Westbury, Westley,
Whitton, Wigmore, Winsley, and Yockleton, which have an area of 18,347
acres of land. Rateable value, £10,810. The woodlands are 197 acres,
and roads 67½ acres. Edward William Pembroke Smithe Owen, Esq., is lord
of the manor and the principal landowner. Colonel John Wingfield and
John Michael Severne, Esq., are also considerable proprietors. The rent
charge is £1,459. 16s. 5d. Population in 1801, 1,991; 1831, 2,228; and
in 1841 there were 314 houses and 2,412 persons. Westbury, anciently
written _Wesberie_, was held in the reign of the Confessor by Ernui, and
was free. Roger, the son of Corbet, held of Earl Roger most of that
tract of land lying in the hundred of Ford, with parts of Chirbury and
Condover hundreds, which in the whole consisted of 39 manors or hamlets,
and for his seat he built the Castle of Cause. It is thought that Roger
Corbet or his son espoused the cause of his patron, Robert de Belesme,
against Henry the I., and upon incurring the king’s displeasure,
forfeited his inheritance, which was given to Pain Fitz John. In 2nd
Henry III. the king commanded the Earl of Chester to restore to Thomas
Corbet the Castle of Cause and all his lands. In 30th Henry III. the
said Thomas Corbet had a grant of free warren in Cause and two years
after, the grant of a fair to be kept on the eve, the day, and the day
after, the translation of Thomas the martyr. The site of the castle is
lofty and commanding; it stood on an isolated ridge, rising abruptly from
a deep ravine on one side, and sloping towards a vast valley bounded by
the Stiperstones on the other. The castle is in a state of complete
dilapidation. There is a colliery in this township, and bricks and tiles
are also made near the village.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, has a square tower, in which are five
bells. The interior is neatly pewed, and consists of nave, side aisles,
and chancel. There are many neat tablets in the church. The living is a
rectory divided into the two portions of Westbury in Dextra and Westbury
in Sinistra. The former portion is rated in the king’s book at £13. 9s.
4½d., now returned at £643, and the latter at £11. 12s. 8½d., is now
returned at £556.
CHARITIES.—_John Topp_, by deed, dated 1716, left a yearly rent charge of
£30 issuing out of certain lands in Vennington, upon trust, to dispose of
the same yearly in the education of poor children of the parish of
Westbury, and in putting out such children apprentices. _Letitia
Barnster_, by indenture, dated 1726, left for the benefit of the poor of
the parish a small parcel of land fourteen yards in length and six yards
eight inches in breadth. On this land a school was built in 1736, and a
residence for the master has since been built upon land belonging to E.
W. P. S. Owen, Esq.
On the tables of benefactions in the church are noticed charities left by
twenty several donors for the benefit of the poor, amounting to the sum
of £153. 13s. 4d. This sum, with an additional £6. 6s. 8d., was expended
in the year 1710 in the purchase of three parcels of land in the parish
of Worthen, containing about 17 acres, the rent of which amounted to £43.
10s. per annum at the time the Charity Commissioners published their
reports. One-fourth of these rents are distributed in bread to the poor
of the parish on Good Friday, and the residue given away on St. Thomas’s
day in clothing, fuel, and money, as is most advisable.
NEWTON is a small township in Westbury parish, one and a half mile N.E.
by E. of Westbury, containing twenty inhabitants. Robert Corbet Jones,
Esq., is the sole landowner. MARSH is one and a half mile N.E. by N. of
Westbury. The principal landowners are Mr. William Howells, Mr. John
Turner, and John Wood, Esq. STRETTON AND THE HEATH is situated two miles
N.E. of Westbury, and contains 290 inhabitants. The landowners in this
township are Mr. J. Cadwallader, Mr. S. Dovaston, Mr. R. James, Mr.
William Millman, Mr. Timothy Oakley, Mr. Rd. Evans, Mr. Rd. Hughes, and
Mr. R. H. Gwynn. VENNINGTON is a township 1½ miles S.W. by W. of
Westbury, which contains 313 persons. The Rev. Mr. Parr is the principal
landowner. WALLOP is a small township containing 77 inhabitants,
situated two miles west of Westbury. John Michael Severne, Esq., is the
sole landowner. WESTLEY, a township two and a half miles east of
Westbury, contains 88 persons. The principal landowners are Mr. R.
Butler, Mr. E. Butler, Richard Gardner, Esq., Mr. John Gardner, Mr. John
Smith, and Mr. Rogers. WHITTON has a population of 38 persons, and Mrs.
Topp is the sole landowner. WIGMORE township lies two miles N.W. of
Westbury, and contains 63 inhabitants. The freeholders are Mr. Edward
Davies, Mr. John Davies, Mr. John Dorricott, Mr. Richard Hillhouse, and
Mr. Thomas Randles. WINSLEY township is situated two miles from
Westbury, and contains 15 inhabitants. Mr. John Blakeway Tipton and Mr.
John Phillips are the principal landowners. YOCKLETON is a township
containing 231 inhabitants, and situated two miles N.E. of Westbury. The
principal landowners are Colonel Wingfield and Thomas Nichols, Esq.
POST OFFICE.—_At Thomas Clark’s_. Letters arrive at 8 A.M. and are
despatched at 6 P.M.
WESTBURY DIRECTORY.
Bebb Thos., farmer, Wigmore
Birch Benj., farmer, Forest of Hayes
Corfield Richard, farmer
Clarke Thos., farmer & vict., Red Lion Inn
Clemson Thomas, farmer, Perton Woods
Cureton Rev. William, M.A., Chaplain to the Queen
Darrell Geo., undergrd. agent
Davies Richard, blacksmith and parish clerk
Dickenson Joseph, Esq.
Evans John, farmer, Wigmore
Hanley Wm., pump-maker
Harrison William, farmer and beerhouse, The Wood
Hayman Elzbth., shoemaker
Hayman William, shoemaker
Inions John, frmr., The Hall
Jasper Jas., carrier to Shrewsbury
Jones Sarah, grocer & draper
Mason Richard, stone-mason
Meredith Mrs.
Owen Jeremh., frmr., Sightly
Parr Rev. Thos., The Rectory
Perry Joseph, farmer, Wigmore Hill
Phillips John, Esq., Winsley Hall
Preece John, farmer, Wigley
Pugh John, farmer, Cause Castle
Randalls Thomas, victualler, The Bear, Wigmore
Reese Edward, farmer
Reeves Rev. J. Somerville, M.A., curate
Roberts Jos., farmer, Marsh
Sambrook Chas., mine agent
Sambrook Mrs., The Cottage
Smith John, frmr., Radbrook
Smout Richard, shoemaker
Smout Thomas, linen weaver
Smout Thomas, butcher and farmer
Trantham Edward, tailor
Webster Thomas, shoemaker
Wood John, Esq., Marsh Hall
MARSH DIRECTORY.
Davies Edward, farmer
Davies John, farmer
Dolphin Edward, farmer and butcher
Dorricott John, farmer
Edwards Thomas, maltster
Hills Wm., farmer, Irongate
Howell William, blacksmith
Kempster Richard, farmer, Woolaston Little
Perry Thos., beerhouse and shopkeeper
Turner Jno., victualler, Half-way House
Turner John, jun., farmer
Wilde George, shopkeeper
Wilde Sml., farmer, Wattlesborough Heath
Wood John, farmer
NEWTON DIRECTORY.
Pitchard Thomas, farmer
Williams William, farmer
STONEY STRETTON DIRECTORY.
Brazenor Thomas, victualler, Elephant and Castle
Beddoe Robert, blacksmith
Cadwallader John, farmer, Heath
Cooper James, shoemaker
Griffiths Mrs., beerhouse and shopkeeper
Jones Elizabeth, shopkeeper
Morgan John, farmer
Nicholls Richard, glazier
Oakley Timothy, farmer
Padduck Robert, tailor
Parry John, farmer, Hinton
Pugh George, farmer
Richards Richard, shopkeepr
Tomkins Thomas, farrier
Tomlins Wm., wheelwright
VENNINGTON DIRECTORY.
Dorricott Richard, farmer
Evans William, blacksmith
Gittins Samuel, farmer
Habberley George, wheelwright
Hanley John, shopkeeper and carrier
Knight George, farmer
Maddocks John, farmer
Mason Thomas, corn miller, farmer, and beerhouse kpr.
WALLOP DIRECTORY.
Davies John, farmer
Gittins Samuel, blacksmith
Marsh Joseph, farmer, Napps
Morris Wm., farmer, Broomhill
Rydar Richard, farmer, Tilled House
Severne John Michael, Esq., The Hall
WESTLEY DIRECTORY.
Gardner John, farmer
Gardner Richard, coalmaster and farmer
WHITTON DIRECTORY.
Brayton Edward, farmer
Dickinson Joseph, farmer
Edwards Thos., frmr., Grange
Palmer Thomas, shoemaker
Parry Joseph, Field Farm
Topp Mrs., Whitton Court
Wilding Matthew, farmer and wheelwright
WINSLEY DIRECTORY.
Corfield William, farmer
Eddowes William, farmer, The Lakes
Morris David, farmer, Forest of Hayes
Nevett William, farmer, The Hem
Parry William, farmer, The Hurst
YOCKLETON DIRECTORY.
Beddoe Edward, shoemaker
Bland Joseph, blacksmith
Bromley Thomas, farmer, Lynches
Bromley William, butcher
Bromley William, farmer
Broughall Richard, farmer
Broughall Richd., grocer, &c.
Gittins George, butcher
Gittins Richard, farmer
Meredith John, Bank Farm
Nichols Thomas, Esq., The Hall
Tudor Mrs., The Villa
SHELTON AND OXON,
a small township and pleasant village, with some neat villa residences,
two miles west from Shrewsbury, partly in St. Chad, and partly in the
parish of St. Julian, at the census of 1841 had twenty-three houses and
100 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Robert Burton, Esq.;
Edward Morris, Esq.; and Sir Richard Jenkins. At this place stands the
celebrated SHELTON OAK, famed from the tradition that Owen Glendower, in
1403, ascended its branches to ascertain the event of the battle of
Shrewsbury. The interior is hollow, and capable of holding a dozen
persons. This venerable monarch of the forest, although much decayed,
and many of the branches broken off, yet shows vigorous signs of life.
The girth, five feet from the ground, is 34 feet 4 inches; and at the
base, 44 feet 3 inches.
DIRECTORY. _Those with * affixed are at Bicton Heath_. Miss Ann Burton;
* Samuel Cookson, shoemaker; * Stephen Davies, blacksmith and shopkeeper;
William Davies, farmer; * George Evans, vict., The Grapes; Edward Evans,
pig dealer; William Evans, cow keeper; * Mr. Joseph Lakelin; * Joseph
Lloyd, shopkeeper; * Thomas Mansell, tailor; James Martin, butcher,
Little Oxon; * Magdalene Morgan, beerhouse; John Morris, Esq., Oxon;
Thomas Norton, Esq., solicitor; * John Roberts, joiner and wheelwright; *
John Rowlands and Sons, iron and brass founders, engineers, millwrights,
and agricultural implement makers; * Mr. William Smith, Zion Villa; *
Mrs. Mary Urwick; Francis Walford, Esq.; * John Williams, shoemaker.
THE HUNDRED OF CHIRBURY
is bounded on the north by the hundred of Ford, on the south and west by
Montgomeryshire, and on the east by the hundred of Ford and Purslow. It
is divided into the upper and lower divisions; the former containing
1,783 inhabitants, and the latter 2,956, at the census of 1841. The
upper division contains the parish of Chirbury, and part of Church Stoke;
and the lower division the parishes of Shelve, Worthen, and part of
Hyssington.
CHIRBURY
is an extensive parish and considerable village in the upper division of
the hundred of Chirbury, comprising the several townships of Chirbury,
Dudston, Hockleton, Marrington, Marton, Middleton, Priestweston,
Rorrington, Stockton, Tunberth, Walcot, Wilmington, Winsbury, and
Wotherton, which together embrace an area of 11,041A. 1R. 27P. of land.
Gross estimated rental, £12,648. 15s. 5d. Rateable value, £11,442. 12s.
6d. Population in 1801, 1,391; 1831, 1,576; 1841, 1,593; 1851, 1,533; at
the latter period there were 303 houses. The most considerable
landowners are the Earl of Powis; Sir Offley Pembury Wakeman, Bart;
George Pritchard, Esq.; Rev. R. H. M. Price; Edward Humphries, Esq.;
William Rubbathan, Esq.; and John Davies, Esq. The former owns the whole
township of Chirbury, which contains 1,125A. 1R. 16P. of land, the
rateable value of which is £1,606. 10s. At the census of 1841 there were
56 houses and 278 inhabitants. The village of Chirbury is pleasantly
situated in a fertile valley on the confines of Montgomeryshire, eighteen
miles and a half south-west from Shrewsbury, and two miles and a half
east from Montgomery. Petty Sessions are held here the first Wednesday
in each month. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agricultural
pursuits. Some few, however, are employed in the lead mines and stone
quarries in the immediate vicinity. The village is watered by the Camlad
stream, which is noted for the excellency of its trout. It is presumed
that the place was at one time of more consequence than it is at present,
as it gives name to the hundred in which it is situated, and had a
castle, erected in the tenth century by Ethelfleda, Queen of the
Mercians, with a view to repel the incursions of the Welsh. It is said
to have been a strong and stately structure, but no vestiges of it now
remain. Chirbury is celebrated as having given the title of Baron to
Edward, Lord Herbert. He was made Knight of the Bath at the coronation
of James I., and subsequently appointed ambassador to Louis XIII., King
of France, to mediate for the Protestants. On his return he was made
Lord Herbert, of Castle Island, in Ireland, where he had a large estate.
He greatly assisted his majesty in council and arms, and on that account
was created a baron of England by the title of BARON HERBERT, of
Chirbury. He was author of several publications, among which is a life
of Henry VIII. CHIRBURY PRIORY was of the order of St. Bennett, and
founded in the time of King John. In the 9th of Edward I. the prior and
convent removed to Snede, the place of their first institution and abode;
for Chirbury it seems was represented as a situation not so convenient
for celebrating divine mysteries: the religious were to continue the same
good offices to the parishioners, and the right of burials and
christenings was reserved to the church at Chirbury. This monastery had
a grant of the tithes of Montgomery Wood, and of the mill there. At a
subsequent period the chapel of Hyssington was given to the prior of
Chirbury. On the dissolution of religious houses, King Henry VIII.
granted the house, and lands on which it stood, to Edward Hopton and his
heirs forever. In the 13th of Elizabeth, the rectory and parsonage of
Chirbury, belonging to the late priory, was given to augment the income
of the grammar school of Shrewsbury, where it remains at present.
THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, consists of nave, chancel and side
aisles, and was formerly a portion of the conventual church of Chirbury
priory. It is a commodious structure, having on each side of the nave
six pointed arches rising from circular pillars. There is a fine tower
at the west end, surmounted by an open-worked battlement, and eight
pinnacles. It contains six musical bells, set up in 1808, and partly
re-cast from the fine deep-toned priory bell which was formerly used for
ringing the curfew. The living is a vicarage, rated in the king’s book
at £9. 6s. 8d., now returned at £180.; in the patronage of the
corporation of Shrewsbury: incumbent, Rev. James Wilding, M.A. The
tithes have been commuted, and £1000 apportioned to the Free School of
Shrewsbury.
CHARITIES.—_The Free School_ was founded and endowed by the Rev. Edward
Lewis in 1765. The trust property consists of a farm at Hem, in the
county of Montgomery, comprising 38 acres of land, and producing a yearly
rental of £65. A farm at Meadow Town, in the parish of Worthen,
consisting of 41A. 3R. 23P., with suitable premises, let for £35 a year.
The school premises consist of a school and residence for the teacher,
with a small garden attached, and the master has a salary of £20 per
annum. After paying for repairs and other contingencies, the residue of
the rent is distributed among ten poor widows, as directed by the donor.