Is a spacious brick erection, near the Welsh Bridge. It was built in
1821 by Mr. Newton, and as its name imports, is used principally as a
Theatre for the display of Equestrian performances. It is spacious and
commodious, and well calculated for Pantomimical exhibitions.
Races.
The Horse Races continue for three days, and take place in the month of
September. On these days a great number of plates, sweepstakes and
matches are run for; the course is at Bicton Heath, about two miles west
of the town, where booths are erected for the use of spectators. The
gentlemen who are annually appointed stewards, generally being persons of
property and influence, the races are well attended, not only by the
population of the neighbourhood, but also by many families of the first
respectability from distant parts of the kingdom.
Fishing.
The Severn is celebrated for the excellency of its salmon, which was
formerly in such abundance at Shrewsbury, that it was made an article in
the indentures of apprentices, that they were not to be obliged to eat it
oftener than two days in a week. Of its superabundance the inhabitants
cannot at least now complain, little being to be purchased under 2s. 6d.
per pound, and that but seldom.
Besides Salmon, the river Severn contains twenty-one other sorts of fish,
the chief of which are flounders, pike, trout, perch, eels, shad, carp,
lamperns, and lampreys. The two latter are found in many other rivers,
but none are so much valued as those taken out of the Severn, from whence
they are sent to many parts of England. Lampreys are a delicious dish,
but unwholesome if eaten in great quantities: of which we have an
instance in the death of Henry I. who died in consequence of eating too
plentifully of this fish.
Nor is it in the Severn alone that the angler will find amusement, Meole
and Condover brooks affording excellent trout, and the river Tern, a
great variety of delicate fish. Each of these streams are within a short
distance of the town.
Bowling Greens.
Of this most healthful species of amusement Shrewsbury cannot boast;
however, the pleasant villages of Meole, distant one mile, and Uffington,
distant three miles and a half, furnish two very excellent greens, and
where the pedestrian will be well accommodated and attended to, after the
fatigues of his walk.
[Picture: Image of house with lawn in front]