This annual pageant is perhaps, with the exception of Coventry, the only
one of the kind in the kingdom. It originated in the celebration of the
splendid festival of Corpus Christi in the church of Rome, which was
observed with much pomp and solemnity by the masters and wardens of the
different trading companies, the members of the corporation, the
parochial clergy, and the religious fraternities of the town.
The procession, so far back as the 27th of Henry VI. appears to have been
“tyme owt of mynde,” and which several of the guilds were obliged to
support. This is apparent from their “compositions,” or bye-laws,
containing regulations to that effect. That of the Weavers (anno 1444)
provides, that certain fines shall be applied to the “sustentacon and
encreece of the lyght of the seyd crafte of Wev’s, at the feast of Corpus
Xp’i daye.” The composition of the Mercers, Ironmongers, and Goldsmiths
directs that they shall provide “300 mede of wax yearly, to be burnt in
the p’cession of the feast of Corpus Xp’i.”
After the Reformation, the religious part of the ceremony was set aside,
and as a substitute the second Monday after Trinity Sunday adopted as a
day of recreation and feasting on Kingsland, where each company had a
small enclosure, within which is a building called an “arbour,”
surrounded by trees, and where refreshment was accustomed to be liberally
provided by the respective trades. Only seven of the arbours now remain,
each of which had formerly the arms of the company carved or painted over
the entrance.
The anniversary has often been anticipated by Salopians with feelings of
delight,—as affording an annual treat of hospitality and good cheer. The
town on the occasion has presented an appearance of lively interest,
conducive also to its trade; the bells of the different churches sent
forth their melodious and enlivening peals, while the incorporated
companies were passing to their places of muster; at noon they assembled
together at the Castle, from whence they proceeded through the streets to
Kingsland, accompanied by their respective flags, banners, and music of
all kinds, most of the companies having some character dressed in
personification of a king, or emblematical of their respective crafts,
and followed by a goodly array of com-brethren walking (as it were) hand
in hand together. The mayor and his friends followed afterwards on
horseback, and were wont to be entertained by the trading companies with
a dejeune in each arbour.
Such was “Shrewsbury Show.” An attempt was made in 1823 to revive the
ancient pageantry; but during the last few years there has been a sad
falling off in the display, and it is to be feared that the manifold
changes of the present times, and the refined dispositions (probably) of
some modern minds, are causes that will soon hasten to a discontinuance
what remains of this ancient custom and lively picture of old English
manners. {110}
The following extract from a scarce poem published in the year 1770,
entitled “Shrewsbury Quarry,” is probably the only authentic account
which will afford some idea of the “Show” at that period:—
What friendly forms in social pomp draw near,
With thankful smiles to bless the bounteous year!
In glad procession, brotherhood, and bloom,
(Like _Flora’s_ festals near thy walls, oh Rome,)
The bands distinguished, yet harmonious move,
Their ensigns concord, and their leaders love;
To KINGSLAND’S Arbours once a year they go,
In ordered elegance serene and slow;
The Bodies Corporate in classes bright—
In different classes, but in one delight;
There blend with mutual hands the friendly bowls,
There blend their wishes and there blend their souls;
The yearly _Archon_ {111} over all presides,
Their state he governs, and their joy he guides,
There mixing jovial with each jovial band,
To each he gives his heart—to each his hand;
With each he quaffs the invigorating cheer,
To friendship sacred, and the hallow’d year;
There union, brotherhood, and mirth combine,
In every face these vital virtues shine.
The sun would gladly in his course delay,
And stretch beyond its lengthened bound the day,
To gaze with rapture, as each bosom glows,
On these rich blessings which his beam bestows;
His prone career, his cadence they behold,
His western stage in crimson clad, and gold,
They see his orb reluctant now go down,
Then march in happy order back to town;
There polish’d pleasures teem with new delight,
And balls and banquets crown the genial night.