Water.
WITH this most necessary article Shrewsbury is abundantly supplied, and
it is also of a most excellent quality. The first we shall notice, is
that which is chiefly used for drinking, and is obtained from the
Conduits,
which are placed in several situations about the town for the general
convenience of the inhabitants. The spring which supplies these
fountains, rises at _Broadwell_, in a field near Crow-Meole, about two
miles from the town. The work of conducting it to town in leaden pipes,
was completed about 1574; a reservoir was placed under a shop in the
Butcher Row in 1743, but was afterwards removed to Claremont Hill, and on
the demolition of the town-walls, for the purpose of erecting the new
church of St. Chad on its site, the lodge opposite the Quarry-keeper’s
house, at the top of the centre walk of that beautiful promenade, was
built for this purpose.
Severn Water.
The reservoir for this water is in a large cistern near the butter
market, from whence it is conveyed to almost all the inhabitants by means
of lead pipes, for which they pay in proportion to the quantity of water.
The water is forced up to this reservoir by means of a large wheel placed
at the English or East Bridge, but in consequence of the frequent
fluctuations of the Severn, it is probable that six months out of the
twelve, the town is destitute of this supply, and whatever quantity may
be wanted for culinary and other purposes is carried from the river. It
is much to be wished, that the present waterworks were removed, not only
on account of the deformity which they give to the noble appearance of
the bridge; but the water which is sent to the reservoir after running
nearly round the town and receiving all its filth, would by the removal
of the works to Cotton Hill, and the erection of a steam engine, be
distributed to the inhabitants in a more regular manner, and in a much
purer state.
Baths.
There are two cold baths, one in Kingsland and the other in the suburb of
Abbey Foregate, but neither of them can be recommended as possessing
suitable accommodations, especially when compared with those of other
places.
The Quarry.
This beautiful walk is on the western side of the town near the church of
St. Chad; it occupies a rich meadow of about twenty acres gradually
sloping to the river, and is supposed to have obtained its name from a
small quarry of soft red sand-stone, which was formerly procured here,
and with which some of the ancient buildings were no doubt erected. The
lower walk which skirts the river, is 540 yards in length, shaded with
lime trees, planted by Henry Jenks, Esq. in the year of his mayoralty,
1719. Three walks lead from the town to that on the bank of the Severn,
and two others formerly crossed the entrance.
Few promenades in the kingdom can vie with the Quarry, particularly in
the spring of the year, when it displays all its pride of beauty. Its
spacious fields carpeted with grass, thickly studded with the golden hue
of the butter cup, and the silvery tinge of the modest daisy—its noble
trees clothed with leafy verdure of various hues, and protecting the
pedestrian from the piercing rays of the sun—the Severn rolling its broad
and majestic stream along—whilst the feathered songsters carol their
notes to the God of nature, altogether present a lovely picture of rural
happiness. Nor is the Quarry at “the fall of the leaf” when nature
unburdens herself of her lovely mantle, unworthy the contemplation of the
reflecting mind.
The fading foliage of th’ embrowning grove,
(Which oft has listened to the voice of love,)
In mournful junction with the shortning day,
Reminds us of the circling year’s decay:
While the fleet, whistling winds, dismantling, tear
Each tree’s green honours to the chilling air,
Thence to descend, and in man’s footsteps lie
A just memento of mortality.
In the 16th century, it appears that Shrewsbury was the scene of
theatrical representations. Julian the apostate, was performed here in
1565, and two years afterwards, the Passion of Christ, to see which queen
Elizabeth is said to have come as far as Coventry, but on learning that
its representation was over, returned to London. The particular spot
which formed the rural theatre, was at the top of the rope walk in the
Quarry. The ground which forms a gentle acclivity, was cut into the form
of an amphitheatre, the seats of which may still be traced in the bank.
Beside this, which is the chief walk, the town and neighbourhood furnish
such a variety of picturesque and pleasing promenades as are equalled
perhaps by few in the kingdom.