situated on the southern banks of the river, where the Meole or Rea brook
joins the Severn. This was until the present century the lowest part of
the town, and consequently most liable to be inundated by floods; but of
late years the street has been raised about nine feet.
The township is populous, and consists of two districts, called Longden
Coleham and Meole Coleham from their respective thoroughfares to those
villages. In the latter direction is Trinity Church, and in the former
the extensive foundry of Mr. Hazledine, where the iron-work used in the
construction of that surprising proof of human ingenuity, the “Menai
Bridge,” was cast, and proved by an engine whose pressure was calculated
at thirty-seven tons.