Chapter I: Part 1

[Picture: Book cover]

A GUIDE,
DESCRIPTIVE AND HISTORICAL,
THROUGH THE
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY,

INTERSPERSED WITH BRIEF NOTICES OF THE MORE

REMARKABLE OBJECTS IN THE ENVIRONS,

TO WHICH ARE APPENDED, LISTS OF
THE EMINENT NATIVES OF THE TOWN,
WITH REFERENCES TO BIOGRAPHICAL WORKS;

OF
THE BIRDS SEEN IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD;

AND OF
THE RARER SPECIES OF PLANTS
INDIGENOUS TO THE VICINITY.

BY THE
REV. W. A. LEIGHTON, B.A. F.B S.E.
AUTHOR OF “A FLORA OF SHROPSHIRE,” &c.

* * * * *

“I held on way to auncient Shrewsebrie towne,
And so from horse at lodging lighting downe,
I walkt the streats, and markt what came to vewe.”

CHURCHYARD.

* * * * *

FOURTH EDITION.
Illustrated with Sixty=one Engravings on Wood.

* * * * *

SHREWSBURY:
PUBLISHED BY JOHN DAVIES, XV. HIGH STREET.
SOLD BY ALL BOOKSELLERS.

* * * * *

“Without aiming to be great—we aspire only to be useful.”

_Dr. Butler’s Inaugural Address_, 1835.

LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.

PAGE.
1 Organ Screen in St. Mary’s Church 1
2 Norman Doorway, ditto 1
3 Town Hall 7
4 Market House 9
5 Statue of Richard Duke of York, on ditto 10
6 Angel under canopied niche, on ditto 10
7 Public Rooms 12
8 Ireland’s Mansion 14
9 “Bennette’s Halle” 15
10 Timber Houses on Pride Hill 16
11 Gateway of the Council House 19
12 Ditto of the Castle 22
13 The Castle 23
14 Laura’s Tower 24
15 Royal Free Grammar School 27
16 Principal School-Room, ditto 43
17 Bible Stand in the Chapel, ditto 44
18 The Library, ditto 45
19 Railway Station 48
20 Berwick Chapel 53
21 St. Michael’s Church 54
22 Battlefield Church 56
23 St. Mary’s Church 62
24 Monument to Rev. J. B. Blakeway, in ditto 72
25 Triple Lancet Window, ditto 74
26 Ancient Stone Font, ditto 76
27 Monument to Admiral Benbow, ditto 77
28 Altar-tomb, Simon de Leybourne, ditto 79
29 Monument to Master Wigram, ditto 79
30 Statue to Bishop Butler, ditto 81
31 Salop Infirmary 86
32 St. Alkmund’s Church 94
33 Guild House of the Holy Cross 99
34 St. Julian’s Church 100
35 Old St. Chad’s Church 107
36 Tower on the Town Walls 119
37 English Bridge 122
38 Abbey Church, or Church of the Holy Cross 130
39 Ditto, eastern end 133
40 Stone Railing, in ditto 134
41 Monument to Roger de Montgomery, ditto 136
42 Altar-tomb to Richard Onslow, Esq. ditto 137
43 Ditto to Alderman Jones and his Wife, ditto 138
44 Reader’s Pulpit, ditto 141
45 White Hall 145
46 Column in honour of Lord Hill 147
47 St. Giles’s Church 148
48 Interior of ditto 151
49 “Pest-Basin,” in St. Giles’s Churchyard 152
50 Altar-tomb at Longner 155
51 Roman Wall at Wroxeter 155
52 Trinity Church 156
53 Meole Bridge, &c. 157
54 Window in Franciscan Friary 158
55 The Quarry 159
56 St. Chad’s Church 163
57 Font in ditto 165
58 Figure of St. Chad in ditto 167
59 Welsh Bridge 171
60 St. George’s Church 173
61 Shelton Oak 176

* * * * *

_August_, 1855.

SHREWSBURY.

SHREWSBURY, the capital town of Shropshire, lies nearly in the centre of that fertile county, and occupies a commanding eminence which gradually rises from the bed of the river Severn, whose stream gracefully bends its course around three sides of the town, thus forming a peninsula, having its narrow isthmus towards the north-east. From whatever point the traveller approaches, his mind cannot fail of being forcibly impressed with the singular beauty of its situation and general aspect;—its dark and frowning castle, the elegant towers and gracefully tapering spires of its ecclesiastical structures; the undulating, irregular, yet picturesque disposition of its buildings, and above all, the beautiful windings of “Severn’s ambient wave;”—all combine to form a prospect surpassed by none and equalled but by few other towns of our island.

[Picture: Organ Screen in St. Mary’s Church]

From the gradual and progressive improvements of civilization, the present condition of the town presents few points of resemblance to the appearance indicated in its original Saxon name, Scrobbesbyrig, _the fenced eminence overgrown with shrubs_; a dense population of more than 20,000 inhabitants {2} now dwelling within its extent, busily engaged in the manufactures of linen, thread, iron, brawn, &c.—not forgetting those far-famed cakes

“Whose honour’d name th’ inventive city own,
Rendering thro’ Britain’s isle Salopia’s praises known.”

[Picture: Norman Doorway, St. Mary’s Church]

Its earliest history, like that of most other ancient places, remains involved in obscurity; though it is now the generally received opinion, that the town was founded by the Britons, who, expelled from the adjacent station of Uriconium, or Wroxeter, which they continued to inhabit after the final departure of their Roman masters, sought here that refuge against their Saxon enemies which the then nature of the country was so well capable of affording them. During the progress of succeeding ages, our town and its inhabitants, have, of course, by turns flourished amid the calm prosperity of peace, and trembled at the terrors and desolations of overwhelming warfare. But the ample details of its important history are totally foreign to the purpose of the present manual; the highest aim of which, is to furnish to the intelligent and inquisitive traveller, a faithful, though humble guide, in conducting him, in his survey of the place, to those objects which, from general or local circumstances, are most deserving his attention and observation. {3}

To all classes, in their various and varied pursuits, our town will be found replete with matter of interest and instruction. The refined traveller will here meet with customs and manners peculiar, singular, and interesting—the artist, subjects for his pencil and exercise for his judgment, in imitating the tints and stains of time and nature’s never-ceasing powers—the historical antiquary will, with enthusiastic delight, trace its connexion with many of the grandest features of our national history—the architectural antiquary will find ample scope for many an hour’s delightful meditation on the massive grandeur of the “oulden time”—whilst to the scrutinising eye of the naturalist, the vicinity will, at every step, unfold objects of beauteous and wondrous design, which will uplift his enraptured mind, as he fondly gazes on them, in heartfelt gratitude, adoration, and praise, to the bounteous Giver of all good.

Commencing then at the centre, let us first survey that emporium of civic honour,

THE TOWN HALL.

The ancient Guild Hall was a large, low, timber structure, with a high clock-turret, erected in the reign of Henry VIII. and stood across the Market Square, nearly at right angles to the centre of the New Hall. The lower part consisted of shops, and a covered way for carriages communicating with the High Street. The upper story contained the rooms in which the business of the town was transacted, and the assizes held. The Exchequer, in which the municipal records were preserved, stood on the south-east side, and was a strong square stone tower of three stories, erected in 1490.

This incommodious building was in 1783 levelled with the ground, and a new hall erected in its place, after the design of the late Mr. Haycock of this town, at an expense of £11,000, and opened for public business on 17th March, 1786. In excavating the foundations, considerable deposits of what was apparently manure were discovered, indicating, in all probability, the existence of a farm-yard on the spot, at some very early period. The new structure exhibited a handsome stone front towards the Market Square, and consisted of a spacious vestibule, and two not very convenient courts for the assizes, on the ground floor. A large assembly room, grand jury room, and spacious offices for the business of the town and county, occupied the upper story, to which an elegant spiral staircase of stone led from the vestibule below.

Considerable sinkings having in 1832 been observed in different parts of the structure in consequence of the instability of the foundations, the building was surveyed by eminent and experienced architects, and pronounced unsafe and dangerous. The matter was immediately deliberated upon by the proper authorities, and after due investigation, it was determined to take down the whole edifice and erect a more commodious one on its site. For the double purpose of obtaining a more eligible foundation, and of adding a considerable additional space in front to the Market Square, some adjoining premises were purchased by subscription, and a substantial structure, well adapted for all the purposes of the business to be therein transacted, was, in 1837, completed by Messrs. Birch, of this town, after a design by Sir Richard Smirke. The cost of this building was about £13,000, and was raised by a county-rate.

The disposition of the interior embraces on the ground floor, a vestibule, affording a communication with rooms on either side for the mayor, counsel at the assizes, and witnesses, and beyond with two spacious courts and robing rooms for the judges. On the second floor are arranged the clerk of the indictments, grand jury and witnesses attendance rooms; and on the upper floor, the town clerk’s and clerk of the peace’s offices, and a great room, 45 feet by 32 feet, for general purposes; on this floor are also fire-proof chambers for the safe preservation of the municipal records. Under the crown court are cells, &c. for the prisoners, and a room for the deliberations of juries. Its exterior elevation is here represented:—

[Picture: Town Hall]

The following pictures, presented at various times to the Corporation, adorn the walls of the Town Hall: Charles I.; Charles II.; William III.; George I.; George II.; George III. and his Queen Charlotte; Admiral Benbow; Lord Hill, by Sir William Beechy; and Admiral Owen, painted by our townsman, R. Evans, Esq. R.A. by subscription. An excellent likeness of The Honourable Thomas Kenyon, late Chairman of Salop Quarter Sessions, and various other local portraits, are arranged around.

The Norman Earls of Shrewsbury, to whom the town belonged after the Conquest, ruled the burgesses with the iron sway of tyranny. From this thraldom they were somewhat relieved by Henry I., who conferred on them many valuable privileges, and diminished the rent of their town. Henry II. was the first king who granted them a written charter, but from his time to the reign of James II. almost every successive sovereign has confirmed or enlarged their privileges and customs. A guild merchant existed here, antecedent to the 11th John, and was recognized and established by charter of 11th Henry III. 1226–7, by which, every one carrying on business in the town was compelled to become a member of it. The town was anciently governed by two Bailiffs or Provosts, until the Corporation was remodelled by charter of 14th Charles I., under which it consisted of a Mayor, (annually elected,) Recorder, Steward, Town Clerk, 24 Aldermen, 48 Common Councilmen, 2 Chamberlains, and inferior officers. Under the Municipal Reform Act, Shrewsbury was divided into five wards, and is now governed by a Mayor, 10 Aldermen, and 30 Councilmen. There are also 12 magistrates appointed by the Crown to assist in the local government of the town.

THE MARKET SQUARE

presents an interesting and antique appearance, on account of the numerous old timber houses, which still remain on its sides. It consists of a large oblong space, the northern half of which affords room for an excellent Green or Vegetable Market, whilst the southern half is occupied

THE MARKET HOUSE,

[Picture: Market House]

which, according to an inscription over the northern arch, was erected in 1595, at the expense of the Corporation. It is one of the most spacious and magnificent structures of its kind in the kingdom; is of wrought freestone, and in the fantastic style of the 16th century. The principal front faces the west, and has in the centre a spacious portal; over which are sculptured, in high relief, the arms of Elizabeth, under a canopy adorned with roses, with the date 1596. Attached to the imposts of the great arch are pillars, each supporting a figure of a lion, with a blank shield on its breast. Above are two stories, with large square mullioned windows. On each side the portal is an open arcade of three spacious round arches, reposing on massive pillars; over which, a range of square mullioned windows lights the upper story, which is surmounted by a rich, though singular parapet, with grotesque pinnacles. [Picture: Statue of Richard of York] [Picture: Angel under canopied niche] Large open arches occupy the north and south ends, which are terminated above in sharp pointed gables. Above the northern arch, in a tabernacled embattled niche, is a statue of Richard, Duke of York, father of Edward IV. clothed in complete armour, and a surcoat emblazoned with his armorial bearings, removed from the tower on the Old Welsh Bridge, on its demolition in 1791. On his left are the town arms, _azure_, _three leopards’ heads_, _or_, sculptured in relief. The south end is decorated with a sculptured stone, representing an angel, with expanded wings, under a canopied niche, bearing in his hands a shield, charged with the arms of France and England, quarterly. This fragment of antiquity formerly stood in the southern tower of the Castle or North Gate of the town, and was removed hither in 1825, when that building was taken down to widen the street. The exterior of this fine old building has of late years undergone a needful reparation and careful restoration, and its northern front has recently received the useful appendage of an excellent clock, illuminated by gas, constructed by Joyce, of Whitchurch, in this County. The lower area is appropriated to the excellent Corn Market held here every Saturday.

General Markets are held on Wednesday and Saturday in every week, and Fairs for Cattle of all kinds, in the Smithfield, on alternate Tuesdays, and for Butter and Cheese, on the second Wednesday in each month.

The spacious apartments in the upper story of the Market Hall are occupied by the

MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION,

originally established in 1825, and supported by subscriptions and donations. The present number of the members is 200. The Library comprises 2000 volumes, and the Reading Room is supplied with Periodicals and Newspapers. There are Classes for the English and French languages, Arithmetic, Mathematics, Music, Writing, Modelling and Drawing; and during the winter months Lectures are delivered every fortnight. The subscription is Ten Shillings and upwards per annum for members, and Five Shillings for students.

On the south side of the Market Square are

THE PUBLIC ROOMS,

[Picture: Public Rooms]

erected in 1840, by Mr. Stant, after the design of Mr. Haycock. On the ground floor in front is the principal entrance to the

PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION NEWS-ROOM,

which is immediately above, and also to the spacious

MUSIC HALL,

which occupies the remaining portion of the second floor. The third story is divided into various rooms, used as Billiard Rooms, &c. The back apartments on the ground floor are appropriated to the Street Act Offices, and dwelling for hall-keeper, &c.

The Public News-Room, supported by annual subscriptions, is supplied with the principal London and Provincial Newspapers, Journals, Magazines, &c. and is open from 8 a.m. till 10 p.m.

The Music Hall is 90 feet in length, and 42 feet wide, and 38 feet high, with an Orchestra at the south end, containing a very fine-toned and powerful Organ, built by Bishop of London, and presented to the Choral Society of the town, by the late Rev. Richard Scott, B.D.

Adjacent are the Stamp Office, the Salop Fire Office, the Police Station, and Post Office,—the two latter in the “Talbot Buildings,” recently well known as the old established “Talbot Inn,” formerly the warehouses of an eminent draper of the town, of the name of Oteley, of the family of Oteley, of Pitchford, County of Salop, and erected on the site of some of the buildings probably belonging to Vaughan’s Mansion, as is evident from the old stone foundations and singular vaults still existing in the basement.

Looking towards the north, and turning on the left, we enter the High Street, where on the left-hand side is a noble timber house, now divided into separate dwellings, once the town residence of the (now extinct) family of Ireland, of Albrighton. When entire, it must have presented a grand and imposing appearance. The front consists principally of four deep ranges of bow windows, four stories high, very lofty, and terminated above in pointed gables, on each of which, are escutcheons of the arms of the Ireland family. _Gules_, _six fleurs de lys_, _three_, _two_, _and one_, _argent_. The principal entrance is through a flat Gothic arch. The premises are now the property of the Corbets of Sundorne.

[Picture: Ireland’s Mansion]

Immediately fronting the High Street, behind the premises of Mr. Burrey, upholsterer, are the remains of some extensive building of red stone, probably ecclesiastical, and in the style of the 14th century. Considerable doubts have been entertained by our best antiquarians concerning these remnants of fallen grandeur, and no record is extant by which their use or name can be ascertained with any certainty. In an entry in the chartulary of Haughmond Abbey, in this county, of the early date of 2d Rich. II. 1378, these premises are mentioned, as having been known before that time, by the name of

“BENNETTE’S HALLE,”

but when or from what cause they acquired that appellation is unknown.

[Picture: “Bennette’s Halle”]

Turning to the right, we proceed up Pride Hill, on the right-hand side of which may be seen many curious old timber houses, the ancient mansions of our honest burghers.

Midway of Pride Hill, on the right, is the

DOUBLE BUTCHER ROW,

in which are also many interesting specimens of domestic architecture.

At the top of Pride Hill, on the right, is

THE BUTTER CROSS,

intended for the accommodation of persons bringing Butter, Eggs, and Poultry to the markets. The old cross, a heavy, inconvenient brick building, with a large reservoir on its top for supplying the upper parts of the town with water, stood nearly in the centre of the thoroughfare, whence it was removed in 1818, and another erected at the expense of the Corporation, on the present site; which also proving insufficient and inconvenient, was taken down, and the present structure, on an enlarged scale, built in 1844, by the Corporation, aided by the subscriptions of the town and neighbourhood.

[Picture: Timber Houses on Pride Hill]

In early times a Cross stood on this spot, of which frequent mention is made in old documents, by the name of the High Cross, and the adjoining street was called the High Pavement. Here proclamations were accustomed to be made, and criminals executed. This cross is remarkable as the place on which David, the last of the British Princes of Wales, underwent a cruel and ignominious death, by order of Edward I. and where many noblemen, taken prisoners at the battle of Shrewsbury, were executed.

On part of the site of the present Cross stood, previously, an ancient timber structure, probably part of the collegiate buildings of the adjacent church of St. Mary.

Nearly opposite the Butter Cross, on the left-hand side of the street, is an old mansion, now new-fronted, modernised, partially rebuilt, and divided, once, it is believed, the residence of the opulent and ancient, but now extinct, family of the Prides, who gave their name to the street “Pride Hill.” Some idea of its former splendour may have been collected from the ornamented plaster ceilings, which remained in several of the rooms, but which, by recent alterations, are probably now removed.

Proceeding onwards, we shortly reach, on the left,

THE RAVEN INN,

where the ingenious George Farquhar wrote his sprightly but licentious comedy of “The Recruiting Officer,” during his residence in our town in 1704, in that capacity. The scene of the play is laid in Shrewsbury, and though the plot may not have had any foundation in reality, it has been ascertained, on indubitable evidence, that the author took for the originals of his characters, many distinguished persons, living or well known at that time, in the town and neighbourhood. The window of the room, which tradition points out as that in which the drama was composed, still exists, and may be seen from the yard of the Inn.

At the end of Castle Street, on the right side, the remains of

ST. NICHOLAS’S CHAPEL

present themselves to the spectator; the architecture of which, with the exception of a pointed window at the west end of later date, is entirely of the early Norman era: and it is highly probable that the Chapel was erected by Roger de Montgomery, the first Norman Earl of Shrewsbury, for the use of such of his retainers as resided in the outer works of the Castle. The only portions of this edifice at present remaining, are the nave, a massive semicircular arch, formerly opening into the (now entirely destroyed) chancel, and two similar side arches. The building is the property of the Lysters of Rowton, and has been converted into two stables and a coach-house.

Immediately adjoining, on the right, is the venerable and highly-ornamented timber

GATEWAY OF THE COUNCIL HOUSE,

[Picture: Gateway of the Council House]

which presents an interesting and curious specimen of the domestic architecture of the year 1620; that date, and the initials W O E, indicating it to have been built by one of the Owens of Condover, the then possessors of this property, being still visible on the south-eastern front.

Entering through this gateway, we approach

THE COUNCIL HOUSE,

which is so called from having been the occasional residence of the Council of the Marches of Wales, during their annual visit to our town. {20} It is situated on a lofty bank, which abruptly rises above the river Severn, and commands a most interesting and enlivening prospect of the surrounding country. The buildings occupy three sides of a small court, and are now divided into three excellent houses. Of late years they have been so considerably altered and modernised that little of the original structure is at present discernible. That portion which includes the Hall and the Great Chamber over it, comprises nearly the whole of the building which retains any resemblance of its original features. These once magnificent apartments, during the last alterations, were subdivided and despoiled of the stained glass, elaborately carved chimney pieces, {21} and richly ornamented ceilings, which contributed so largely to their former splendour. The carved wooden porch, once affording entrance to the hall, has, with other relics, been carefully preserved.

The house was originally erected about 1501, by Peter Newton, Esq. one of the Council of the Marches, and having passed through numerous hands, is now the property of the Lysters of Rowton.

This venerable mansion afforded, in 1642, an asylum to the unhappy Charles the First, upon the commencement of his troubles. His Majesty resided here for six weeks, during which time the gentry of Shropshire flocked around him, and testified their deep attachment and unshaken loyalty, by contributing most liberally in this hour of need to their sovereign’s exigencies. James II. also on his visit to the town, kept his court here on the 24th of August, 1687.

The next object which demands our attention is

THE GATEWAY OF THE CASTLE,

the arch of which is the only existing part of the original Norman fortress of Roger de Montgomery. It is eighteen feet in height, semicircular, with plain round facings, and its walls appear to have sustained a tower, from whence hung the portcullis.

[Picture: Gateway of the Castle]

Through this gateway we are conducted into the inner court of whence we obtain a comprehensive view of the existing remains, which consist of the keep, the walls of the inner court, and a lofty mound on the south side, probably part of the early fortress constructed here by the Britons. From the various dilapidations and changes which the fortress has undergone during the course of many centuries, no adequate idea can now be formed of its original size and strength. The Castle stands boldly elevated on a steep bank of earth, on the narrow isthmus formed by the Severn, and is approached from the town by a gentle ascent.

[Picture: Laura’s Tower]

The Keep, the walls of which are of great strength and thickness, was erected by Edward I. and is a square building, connected with two round towers of equal diameter, embattled and pierced, and originally consisted of one great apartment on each of the upper floors. The interior, as well as the exterior, has been greatly altered. A handsome stone staircase, of modern construction, leads from the vestibule (in which is a statue of the founder, Roger de Montgomery), to the principal apartments. The drawing room, used as a guard-chamber in the time of Charles 1st, is spacious and handsome. A stone stair-case within the wall, lighted by narrow chinks, leads to an apartment in the western tower, in which was a recess, with a strong groined ceiling, and small acutely pointed windows.

[Picture: Watch tower] The summit of the mound above mentioned, is crowned with ruinous walls, and an ancient watch tower, which, during the last repairs was converted into a delightful summer room, commanding a fine panoramic view, and now called LAURA’S TOWER.

On the east side of the court is a postern, built probably during the civil wars; and adjacent to it are the massive foundations of an ancient tower.

In the area of the court, now entirely cleared of buildings, the Knights of the Shire have, from time immemorial, been girt with their swords by the Sheriff.

Of that invariable appendage of castles, the Chapel of St. Michael, all traces have long been swept away. Its site is even now a matter of conjecture. Originally it was endowed with considerable landed estates, was a “Royal Free Chapel,” and was subsequently granted, with its appendant, the Church of St. Juliana, in this town, by Henry IV. to his College erected at Battlefield, in commemoration of his victory there.

Roger de Montgomery, the first Norman Earl of Shrewsbury, is regarded as the founder of the Castle, though it is more probable that he only enlarged a smaller fortress which is known to have existed here anterior to his times. To afford an eligible site for his new buildings, he is stated to have destroyed fifty-one houses; a fifth part of the whole town at that period. On the forfeiture of Earl Robert de Belesme, in the time of Henry I., the castle became a royal fortress, and was entrusted to the custody of the Sheriff, and the vast possessions annexed to it were parcelled out among various knights, to be held by the service of castle ward. During the turbulent reign of Henry III. the castle fell into a state of great dilapidation, but his son, Edward I., immediately on his accession, almost entirely rebuilt the structure; which, upon the submission of the Welsh, being no longer needed as a military fortress, was again abandoned to ruin and decay.

In the reign of Elizabeth a grant was made of its site and buildings to Richard Onslow, Esq. who subsequently transferred his interest to the Corporation. During the civil wars it was repaired and garrisoned for the royal party; but being besieged by the parliamentary forces, it surrendered in 1645, and escaped demolition by being entrusted to Colonel Mitton, a native of the county. On the Restoration it reverted to the Corporation, who, in 1663, surrendering their title to Charles II., that monarch presented it to Francis Viscount Newport, afterwards Earl of Bradford, from whom it has passed to the present proprietor, the Duke of Cleveland.

Nearly opposite the Castle is

THE ROYAL FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL OF KING EDWARD VI.

founded by that monarch by letters patent, dated 10th February, 1552, and endowed with portions of the estates of the late dissolved Colleges of St. Mary and St. Chad, in this town. The original endowment, on the request of the learned, estimable, and ever to be venerated Thomas Ashton, the first Schoolmaster, was considerably enlarged by Queen Elizabeth, in the 13th year of her reign, by a donation of other portions of the properties of those ecclesiastical institutions. Mr. Ashton himself left by will a handsome legacy; and Dr. John Taylor, the learned editor of Demosthenes, bequeathed the greater part of his valuable library.

[Picture: Royal Free Grammar School]

The amount of the present annual revenue is £3086. 15s. 1d. which is appropriated in the payment of the Salaries of the Masters and Bailiff, the maintenance of scholarships and exhibitions in the Universities, the stipends of the Vicar of Chirbury, and the Curates of St. Mary, Clive, and Astley, the necessary repairs, &c. of the school-buildings and estate, the Library, Rewards, Prizes, &c., providing residences for the Incumbents of the School livings, and a Play-ground. The surplus is applied to the formation of a Reserved Fund, not exceeding £5000, to be applied from time to time, under the direction of the Court of Chancery, for repairs, &c. of the School buildings and Estate.

The head-master receives a salary of £425, including £100 for Mathematical instruction, and a further sum of £40 as catechist and reader; the second master £200, and the third master £100, with the use of dwelling-houses, free from rent, taxes, and repairs; the French and German master £50, and the writing master £50.

The exhibitions and scholarships from this school to both Universities, are numerous and valuable, and are mostly confined to the sons of burgesses, (who have attended the school for two years), born in the town or suburbs, or in the Abbey Foregate; or in default of such, to persons born in the parish of Chirbury; or in default of such, to those born in the county of Salop.

ADVANTAGES OPEN TO ALL BOYS EDUCATED AT SHREWSBURY SCHOOL.

Four scholarships of £63 per annum each, on the foundation of John Millington, D.D. at Magdalen College, Cambridge, tenable during residence till M.A. Electors, the Master and Fellows of the College.

One Fellowship of £126 per annum, on the same foundation, in the same College. Electors, the same.

One Exhibition of £23 per annum, on the foundation of John Taylor, D.D. open to any College. Electors, the Head and Second Masters, and the Mayor of Shrewsbury.

One Exhibition of £10 per annum, on the foundation of Mrs. Nonnely, for a boy proceeding to the University of Oxford.

One Exhibition of £30 per annum, on the foundation of Mr. Podmore, for a boy nominated by the Head Master, and proceeding to Trinity College, Cambridge.

Prizes for Composition in the Greek, Latin, and English Languages, are awarded annually, with a Gold Medal to the best Scholar leaving School for the University. There are also Exhibitions for which Shrewsbury School has a preference, at Balliol College, Oxford, and at St. John’s College, Cambridge.

ADVANTAGES LIMITED IN POINT OF QUALIFICATION.

Five Exhibitions of £50 per annum each, tenable for four years. Electors, the Trustees of the School.

Two Exhibitions founded by Mr. James Millington, for sons of burgesses born in Frankwell, and proceeding from the School in Millington’s Hospital to Shrewsbury School, and thence to Magdalen College, Cambridge. Electors, the Trustees of Millington’s Hospital. Value £40 per annum each.

Two Exhibitions, founded by Oswald Smith, of £25 per annum each, for sons of burgesses. Electors, the Head and Second Masters, and the Incumbent of St. Mary’s, Shrewsbury.

Four Exhibitions to Christ Church, Oxford, founded by Mr. Careswell, for natives of Shropshire. Examiners, the Dean of Christ Church, or his Deputy. Electors, two or more Justices of the Peace for the County. Present value £60 per annum each.

The whole management of the school and revenue, was, by Act of Parliament, 38 George III. vested in the Bishop of Lichfield as Visitor, and Thirteen Governors and Trustees. The election of the head and second masters rests solely in the Master and Fellows of St. John’s College, Cambridge. The under-master is appointed by the head-master.

All the sons of burgesses of Shrewsbury, who are not under eight nor more than twenty years of age, may be admitted on the foundation, on application to the head-master, provided they are able to write and read English. Any boys not sons of burgesses may be admitted on payment of certain fees,—viz. two guineas admission, and fifteen guineas yearly.

The instruction in the schools is “in the Holy Scriptures, the Church Catechism, the Liturgy, Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England, the Greek, Latin, English and French languages, Reading, Writing, and Grammar, in Ancient and Modern History, sacred as well as profane, and Geography, in Arithmetic and Mathematics, and also in such other modern Languages, Arts and Sciences, as the Governors, with the consent of the Visitor, shall think proper.”

The head-master is Rev. B. H. Kennedy, D.D.; the second master is Rev. W. Burbury, M.A.; the third master, H. Greenwood, Esq. M.A.; the assistant classical master, Edward Calvert, Esq. M.A.; Mathematics and Arithmetic, Rev. A. T. Paget, M.A.; Modern Languages, T. A. Bentley, Esq.; Latin Accidence and Writing, Mr. T. N. Henshaw.

Among the many persons of eminence who have received their education at this school we may enumerate Sir Philip Sidney; his friend, Sir Fulke Greville, Lord Brook; the son of Edwyn Sandys, Archbishop of York; the cruel Judge Jeffries; Lord Chief Justices Jones and Price; Dr. Bowers, Bishop of Chichester; Dr. John Thomas, Bishop of Salisbury; Dr. John Taylor, editor of Lysias and Demosthenes; Dr. Edward Waring, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics; James Harrington, the author of “Oceana;” Wycherley, the Dramatist; Ambrose Phillips, the Poet; and the Venerable Archdeacon Owen, and the Rev. J. B. Blakeway, the learned and estimable Historians of Shrewsbury.

Through the indefatigable exertions and learning of the late venerated head-master, (The Right Reverend Samuel Butler, D.D. F.R.S. &c. late Lord Bishop of Lichfield,) the institution attained to an unrivalled celebrity and repute, most deservedly ranking among the first public schools in England. And as an earnest of continued prosperity, we cannot do better than refer to the words of the venerable Bishop, who, on resigning his arduous duties to his learned and talented successor, stated “that he considered Dr. Kennedy, as the most brilliant scholar he had ever sent forth, as the brightest star in that galaxy of distinguished pupils whose names adorn the ‘Boards’ of Shrewsbury School.—That from Dr. Kennedy’s experience of his system, both as a pupil and assistant master at Shrewsbury School, from his constant practice as a lecturer and private tutor at College, and as an assistant master for six years or more at Harrow, as well as from his own unrivalled talents and high literary distinctions, from his fine taste and sound learning, there was not a shadow of doubt but that he would fully maintain the reputation which Shrewsbury School had already acquired, and would add, at least as many distinguished names to its Boards, during his superintendence of this important foundation, as had been inscribed there by himself in any equal period.” These bright anticipations of the venerated Bishop have been already, and are daily more and more fully realized.

More than 100 gentlemen educated at Shrewsbury School have during the present century been elected Fellows of various Colleges in both Universities, and nearly 250 Scholars and Exhibitioners; of whom more than forty have subsequently been Tutors or Lecturers in their several Colleges.

Permission having been kindly granted, we are enabled to give the following copy of the BOARDS alluded to:—

1806 THOMAS SMART HUGHES, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Browne
Medal_, _Latin Ode_.
1807 THOMAS SMART HUGHES, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Browne
Medal_, _Greek Ode_.
JOHN TURNER, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Second
Bachelor’s Prize_.
1809 THOMAS SMART HUGHES, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _First
Bachelor’s Prize_.
1810 THOMAS SMART HUGHES, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _First
Bachelor’s Prize_.
WILLIAM HENRY PARRY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Third
Bachelor’s Prize_.
1811 ROBERT WILSON EVANS, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Second
Medallist_.
1812 MARMADUKE LAWSON, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Browne
Medal_, _Latin Ode_.
ROBERT WILSON EVANS, Trinity College, Cambridge, _First
Bachelor’s Prize_.
1813 WILLIAM HENRY PARRY, St. John’s College, Cambridge,
_Norrisian Prize_.
ROBERT WILSON EVANS, Trinity College, Cambridge, _First
Bachelor’s Prize_.
1814 MARMADUKE LAWSON, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Pitt
University Scholar_, (the first elected on that
foundation.)
1816 MARMADUKE LAWSON, Magdalen College, Cambridge, _Medallist_.
RICHARD P. THURSFIELD, St. John’s College, Cambridge,
_Second Bell’s Scholar_.
1817 REV. T. SMART HUGHES, Fellow of Edmund College, Cambridge,
and Proctor of the University, _The Seatonian Prize_.
1819 SPENCER WILDE, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Recorded
Equal to Bell’s Scholar_.
1821 EDWARD BAINES, Christ College, Cambridge, _Second Bell’s
Scholar_.
1822 T. WILLIAMS, Oriel College, Oxford, _First Class_, _Lit.
Hum._
1823 JOHN PRICE, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Recorded Equal
to Bell’s Scholar_.
BENJAMIN HALL KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _The
Porson Prize_.
BENJAMIN HALL KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge,
_Adjudged the Browne Medal_, _Latin Ode_.
1824 BENJAMIN HALL KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Pitt
University Scholar_.
BENJAMIN HALL KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge,
_Browne Medal_, _Greek Ode_.
BENJAMIN HALL KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge,
_Browne Medal_, _Latin Ode_.
BENJAMIN HALL KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _The
Porson Prize_.
1825 THOMAS WILLIAMSON PEILE, Trinity College, Cambridge,
_Davies University Scholar_.
JOHN HODGSON, Trinity College, Cambridge, _The Parson
Prize_.
BENJAMIN HALL KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge,
_Browne’s Medal_, _Epigram_.
1826 JOHN HODGSON, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Second
Medallist_.
HORATIO HILDYARD, Peterhouse, Cambridge, _First Bell’s
Scholar_.
THOMAS BUTLER, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Recorded
Equal to Bell’s Scholar_.
BENJAMIN HALL KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _The
Porson Prize_.
1827 BENJAMIN HALL KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge,
_Senior Medallist_.
GEORGE H. JOHNSON, Queen’s College, Oxford, _Ireland
University Scholar_.
THOMAS WILLIAMSON PEILE, Trinity College, Cambridge,
_Second Undergraduate’s Latin Essay_.
1828 CHARLES KENNEDY, Trinity College, Cambridge, _First Bell’s
Scholar_.
THOMAS WILLIAMSON PEILE, Trinity College, Cambridge,
_Second Medallist_.
EDWARD MASSIE, Wadham College, Oxford, _Ireland University
Scholar_.
BENJAMIN HALL KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge,
_First Bachelor’s Prize_.
GEORGE H. JOHNSON, Queen’s College, Oxford, _Double First
Class_.
1829 CHARLES BORRETT, Magdalen College, Oxford, _Ireland
University Scholar_.
JOHN THOMAS, Wadham College, Oxford, _Craven University
Scholar_.
CHARLES KENNEDY, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Browne
Medal_, _Greek Ode_.
CHARLES KENNEDY, Trinity College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
HERBERT JOHNSON, Wadham College, Oxford, _First Class_,
_Lit. Hum._
1830 CHARLES KENNEDY, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Pitt
University Scholar_.
PETER S. PAYNE, Balliol College, Oxford, _Ireland
University Scholar_.
JAMES HILDYARD, Christ College, Cambridge, _Browne Medal_,
_Greek Ode_.
CHARLES KENNEDY, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Browne
Medal_, _Greek Ode_.
ROBERT SCOTT, Christ Church, Oxford, _Craven University
Scholar_.
CHARLES KENNEDY, Trinity College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
1831 JAMES HILDYARD, Christ College, Cambridge, _Battie
University Scholar_.
THOMAS BRANCKER, Wadham College, Oxford, _elected Ireland
University Scholar_, while yet in the Sixth Form of
Shrewsbury School.
GEORGE KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _First
Bell’s Scholar_.
GEORGE H. JOHNSON, Queen’s College, Oxford, _Mathematical
University Scholar_, (the first elected on that
foundation.)
JAMES HILDYARD, Christ College, Cambridge, _Browne Medal_,
_Greek Ode_.
JAMES HILDYARD, Christ College, Cambridge, _Browne Medal_,
_Latin Ode_.
JAMES HILDYARD, Christ College, Cambridge, _Browne Medal_,
_Epigrams_.
GEORGE KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
PETER S. PAYNE, Balliol College, Oxford, _First Class_,
_Lit. Hum._
1832 GEORGE KENNEDY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Davies
University Scholar_.
HORATIO HILDYARD, Peterhouse, Cambridge, _Second Bachelor’s
Prize_.
JOHN THOMAS, Trinity College, Oxford, _Latin Verse Prize_.
JAMES HILDYARD, Christ College, Cambridge, _Browne Medal_,
_Greek Ode_.
JAMES HILDYARD, Christ College, Cambridge, _Browne Medal_,
_Latin Ode_.
JAMES HILDYARD, Christ College, Cambridge, _Member’s
Prize_, _Latin Essay_.
1833 ROBERT SCOTT, Christ Church, Oxford, _Ireland University
Scholar_.
JAMES HILDYARD, Christ College, Cambridge, _Second
Medallist_.
GEORGE H. MARSH, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Bell’s
Scholar_.
JOHN GIBBONS LONGUEVILLE, Wadham College, Oxford, _First
Class_, _Lit. Hum._
ROBERT SCOTT, Student of Christ Church, Oxford, _First
Class_, _Lit. Hum._
THOMAS F. HENNEY, Pembroke College, Oxford, _First Class_,
_Lit. Hum._
JAMES HILDYARD, Christ College, Cambridge, _First
Bachelor’s Prize_.
WILLIAM FLETCHER, Trinity College, Oxford, _First Class_,
_Lit. Hum._
1834 ALEXANDER G. HILDYARD, Pembroke College, Cambridge, _Second
Bell’s Scholar_.
ROBERT SCOTT, Student of Christ Church, Oxford, _Bachelor’s
Latin Essay_.
1835 WILLIAM GILSON HUMPHRY, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Pitt
University Scholar_.
GEORGE AUGUSTUS MAY, Magdalen College, Cambridge, _Bell’s
Scholar_.
EDWARD J. EDWARDS, Balliol College, Oxford, _Kennicott
Hebrew Scholar_.
1836 WILLIAM DICKENSON, Trinity College, Oxford, _Latin Verse
Prize_.
W. G. HUMPHRY, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Latin Essay_.
W. G. HUMPHRY, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Second
Medallist_.
1837 HENRY HOLDEN, Balliol College, Oxford, _First Class_, _Lit.
Hum._
1838 JAMES FRASER, Scholar of Lincoln College, Oxford, _Recorded
Second to Ireland University Scholar_, with the words
“_proxime accesssit_.”
REV. R. SCOTT, M.A. Fellow of Balliol College, Oxford,
_Denyer’s Theological Essay_.
ROBERT MIDDLETON DUKES, Scholar of Lincoln College, Oxford,
_First Class_, _Lit. Hum._
THOMAS EVANS, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
WILLIAM DICKENSON, Trinity College, Oxford, _Latin Essay_.
1839 JAMES FRASER, Lincoln College, Oxford, _Ireland University
Scholar_.
EDWARD M. COPE, Scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge, _The
Porson Prize_.
JAMES FRASER, Lincoln College, Oxford, _First Class_, _Lit.
Hum._
1840 EDWARD BATHER, Merton College, Oxford, _First Class_, _Lit.
Hum._
JOHN BATHER, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Reexamined
with Craven’s University Scholar_.
1841 HUGH A. JOHNSTON MUNRO, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Lord
Craven’s University Scholar_.
GEORGE DRUCE, St. Peter’s College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
GEORGE NUGEE, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Latin Essay_.
1842 EDWIN H. GIFFORD, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Pitt
University Scholar_.
HUGH A. J. MUNRO, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Senior
Chancellor’s Medallist_.
GEORGE DRUCE, St. Peter’s College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
WILLIAM GEORGE CLARK, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Browne
Medal_, _Epigrams_.
THOMAS RAMSBOTHAM, Christ College, Cambridge, _Latin
Essay_.
W. T. BASIL JONES, Trinity College, Oxford, _Ireland
University Scholar_.
1843 E. H. GIFFORD, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Senior
Chancellor’s Medallist_.
GEORGE DRUCE, St. Peter’s College, Cambridge, _Junior
Chancellor’s Medallist_.
REV. M. BRIGHT, Magdalen College, Cambridge, _Tyrwhitt’s
Hebrew Scholar_.
W. G. CLARK, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Browne Medal_,
_Greek Ode_.
W. G. CLARE, Trinity College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
G. NUGEE, B.A. Trinity College, Cambridge, _Latin Essay_.
1844 W. G. CLARK, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Second
Chancellor’s Medallist_.
GEORGE OSBORNE MORGAN, Balliol College, Oxford, _Craven
University Scholar_, while yet in the Sixth Form of
Shrewsbury School.
J. G. FUSSELL, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Browne Medal_,
_Epigrams_.
J. G. FUSSELL, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Latin Essay_.
1845 JAMES RIDDELL, Balliol College, Oxford, _First Class_,
_Lit. Hum._
H. DE WINTON, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Browne Medal_,
_Greek Ode_.
GEORGE NUGEE, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Sir Peregrine
Maitland’s Prize for Christian Essay_.
1846 GEORGE OSBORNE MORGAN, Balliol College, Oxford, _Sir R.
Newdigate’s Prize for English Poem_.
1847 GEORGE OSBORNE MORGAN, Worcester College, Oxford, _First
Class_, _Lit. Hum._
1848 H. C. TAYLER, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Browne Medal_,
_Epigrams_.
1849 WILLIAM OWEN, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Recorded
Second to Craven University Scholar_.
WILLIAM OWEN, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _The Marquis
Camden’s Gold Medal for Latin Poem_.
FRANCIS KEWLEY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
1850 T. CLAYTON, Trinity College, Oxford, _Hertford University
Scholar_.
WILLIAM OWEN, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
P. PERRING, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Browne’s Medal_,
_Greek Ode_.
G. O. MORGAN, Worcester College, Oxford, _English Essay_.
G. B. MORLEY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
G. O. MORGAN, University College, Oxford, _Eldon Law
Scholarship_.
H. C. A. TAYLER, Trinity College, Cambridge, _Latin Essay_.
1852 S. H. BURBURY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
D. TRINDER, Exeter College, Oxford, _Mrs. Denyer’s
Theological Essay_.
J. L. BALFOUR, Queen’s College, Oxford, _Ellerton’s
Theological Essay_.
HENRY PARKER, Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford, _Latin
Essay_.
W. INGE, Worcester College, Oxford, _First Glass
Moderations_.
1853 EDWARD L. BROWN, Trinity College, Cambridge, _First Bell’s
Scholar_.
S. H. BURBURY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _Craven
University Scholar_.
S. H. BURBURY, St. John’s College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.
W. INGE, Worcester College, Oxford, _First Class_, _Lit.
Hum._
A. B. ROCKE, Christ Church, Oxford, _First Class_,
_Moderations_.
1855 E. L. BROWN, Trinity College, Cambridge, _The Porson
Prize_.

Cambridge First Class Classics.

1824 Edward Baines, Christ College 4th
1825 John Price, St. John’s College 3rd
John Hodgson, Trinity College 5th
Frederick E. Gretton, St. John’s 7th
College
1827 BENJAMIN HALL KENNEDY, St. John’s SENIOR.
College
George A. Butterton, St. John’s College 3rd
1828 T. W. Peile, Trinity College 2nd
1829 Horatio S. Hildyard, Peterhouse 5th
Robert Smith, St. John’s College 6th
Thomas Butler, St. John’s College 7th
1831 CHARLES KENNEDY, Trinity College SENIOR.
Charles J. Johnstone, Caius College 4th
1832 Richard Shilleto, Trinity College 2nd
Edward Broadhurst, Magdalen College 7th
1833 James Hildyard, Christ College 2nd
1834 GEORGE F. KENNEDY, St. John’s College SENIOR.
Edward Warter, Magdalen College 4th
1835 George F. Harris, Trinity College 3rd
John Cooper, Trinity College 7th
1836 Geo. Hy. Marsh, St. John’s College 2nd
William H. Bateson, St. John’s College 3rd
Richard Edward Turner, Trinity College 6th
1837 W. GILSON HUMPHRY, Trinity College SENIOR.
1838 George A. C. May, Magdalen College 3rd
Henry Thompson, St. John’s College 7th
William Parkinson, St. John’s College 8th
1839 Augustus W. Hopper, Trinity College 6th
1840 FRANCIS FRANCE, St. John’s College SENIOR ÆQUAL.
1841 EDWARD M. COPE, Trinity College SENIOR.
John Bather, St. John’s College 2nd
Henry Thring, Magdalen College 3rd
1842 Hugh A. J. Munro, Trinity College 2nd
Francis Morse, St. John’s College 7th
1843 GEORGE DRUCE, St. Peter’s College SENIORS ÆQUAL.

EDWIN H. GIFFORD, St. John’s Coll. 1844 William G. Clark, Trinity College 2nd 1846 H. De Winton, Trinity College 3rd 1848 J. E. B. Mayor, St. John’s College 3rd 1849 H. C. A. Tayler, Trinity College 4th 1851 J. W. Taylor, St. Peter’s College 12th 1852 ROBERT BURN, Trinity College SENIOR ÆQUAL. Philip Perring, Trinity College 4th W. Chandless, Trinity College 5th Arthur White, Magdalen College 16th 1854 S. H. Burbury, St. John’s College 2nd G. M. Campbell, St. John’s College 7th H. Day, St. John’s College 9th

Cambridge Wranglers.

1808 W. H. Parry, St. John’s College 16th 1809 John Evans, Clare Hall 6th W. R. Gilby, Trinity College 7th 1811 R. W. Evans, Trinity College 7th 1824 W. Crawley, Magdalen College 27th 1826 John Hodgson, Trinity College 16th 1827 George A. Butterton, St. John’s College 8th 1828 T. W. Peile, Trinity College 18th 1830 CHARLES WHITLEY, St. John’s College SENIOR. Edward Yardley, Magdalen College 40th 1834 Henry Trentham, St. John’s College 13th 1835 Francis Procter, Catharine Hall 30th John Cooper, Trinity College 33rd 1836 W. Twiss Turner, Trinity College 15th Thomas E. H. Headlam, Trinity College 17th 1837 Alexander J. Ellis, Trinity College 5th William Gilson Humphry, Trinity College 27th 1838 H. J. Hodgson, Trinity College 24th G. A. C. May, Magdalen College 36th 1840 Henry Cadogan Rothery, St. John’s College 19th 1843 Edwin H. Gifford, St. John’s College 15th 1851 J. S. Clarke, St. John’s College 11th 1854 B. W. Horne, St. John’s College 4th H. Day, St. John’s College 5th S. H. Burbury, St. John’s College 15th

The structure is large, lofty, and of freestone, and surrounds two sides of a small quadrangle. The portion immediately fronting the street was erected in 1630, and contains on the first and second floors dwelling houses for the assistant masters. The upper story is entirely occupied by

THE PRINCIPAL SCHOOL-ROOM,

[Picture: Principal School-Room]

and was originally divided into three apartments by wooden carved partitions, now removed. The centre of this front is pierced by a gateway, adorned on each side with a Corinthian column, supporting statues of a scholar and graduate, bare-headed, and in the costume of the times. Over the arch is a sentence in Greek from Isocrates, importing that a love of literature is essential to the formation of a scholar. Above are the arms of Charles I. The windows, with the exception of a large pointed one in the style of the 14th century, at the south-end of the principal school-room, are all of the square form of the Elizabethan age. The walls are crowned with a singular and clumsy battlement of curled leaves and pinnacles.

Situated at right angles to this is the remaining wing of the edifice, originally erected in 1595, comprising the chapel and library, with the tower containing the staircases in the angle.

The Chapel, in which prayers are read by the headmaster every morning, occupies the ground floor, and is divided from the ante-chapel, by an oak screen, carved in the grotesque manner prevalent in the days of Elizabeth. The pulpit and BIBLE-STAND are in a similar style. The ceiling is adorned with carved foliated bosses, interspersed with the arms of the founders, and of the first and late head-masters.

[Picture: Bible Stand in the Chapel]

Above the chapel and of the same size, is

THE LIBRARY,

[Picture: The Library]

containing a very valuable and extensive collection of MSS. and books. This part was lately rebuilt and repaired at a considerable expense. Two large pointed windows, filled with mullioned tracery, afford light to this venerable apartment; in the northern one of which are the arms of Edward VI.; Queen Elizabeth; St. John’s College, Cambridge; the See of Lichfield and Coventry impaling Cornwallis; and those of the town: and in the southern one, those of the four principal benefactors, with appropriate inscriptions in Latin. Richly foliated bosses, the arms of the founders, visitors, and thirteen first trustees, decorate the ceiling. Around the walls are portraits of Henry VIII. half-length; his son Edward VI. when a boy of ten or twelve; an Admiral, full length, in the dress of the time of Charles II.; five of the former head-masters, and the late head-master, Bishop Butler, by Kirkby.

By the late scheme made by the Court of Chancery, (1853) a sum not exceeding £70 yearly, is to be applied to the purchase and repairs of Books, Mathematical, Philosophical and other instruments and articles for instruction.

We would venture to suggest the propriety of persons educated at Shrewsbury School, or natives of the town and county, presenting to the Library copies of any works which they may publish. Such a practice would at once form an interesting memento of their connection with the venerable institution, and add to the valuable and useful stores already accumulated on its shelves, which in former years have been so greatly enriched by similar benefactions.

The Library also contains three sepulchral inscribed stones, and various other Roman antiquities from Wroxeter, and a small collection of fossils and natural curiosities.

A court, enclosed by a stone wall, intervenes between the street and the schools. At the back of the school-buildings are two spacious houses for the head and second masters, most delightfully situated, and commanding extensive views of several portions of the town, the river and Welsh bridge, and the rich woods of Berwick and Almond Park. On this side are extensive play-grounds for the use of the school.

Passing down Castle Gates, we have on our right

THE INDEPENDENT MEETING-HOUSE,

and see immediately before us

A BRIDGE

of cast-iron of 64 feet span, which carries over the street five lines of rails of the Chester Railway.

On the right

THE STATION

of the United Railway Companies opens to view.

This striking and handsome building is in a late perpendicular English style, and presents a frontage of upwards of 150 feet in length, and two stories in height, with a large square tower nearly 70 feet high, in which is one of the principal entrances, through a large four-centered arched doorway, above which is an oriel window projecting from a richly ornamented base, and a circular opening, within which is an excellent eight-day clock, with the latest improvements, manufactured by Messrs. Joyce and Son, of Whitchurch, in this county. A richly carved battlement, with octagonal turrets at the corners, of considerable elevation, terminates the summit.

[Picture: Railway station]

On either side of the tower extends a large wing, divided into four equal spaces by projecting turrets, corresponding with those of the tower, surmounted with ornamental caps. These spaces are subdivided again horizontally above the heads of the upper and lower windows by enriched string-courses. Above the cornice a rich embrasured parapet runs the whole length of the edifice. The ridge of the roof is finished with an ornamental cast-iron crest. The windows are divided by stone transoms and mullions, with projecting drip-stones, terminating in corbel heads.

The ground floor is appropriated to booking offices, ladies’ and gentlemen’s waiting rooms, and a large refreshment room. Beneath the ground-floor are a large kitchen, cellars, &c. A board-room and offices for the various officers and clerks, occupy the upper floor.

In the left wing, as the visitor approaches, is a door opening into the booking and parcel offices: At the end of the right wing an entrance to the arrival and departure

PLATFORMS,

respectively 600 feet and 450 feet in length, and 16 feet wide. A wrought-iron roof of 70 feet span covers the platforms and lines of rails for a space of 450 feet.

The water required for the use of the Station, Engines, and Carriages, is conveyed in iron pipes along the rim of the railway from high ground in the neighbourhood of Hencott, (60 feet above the level of the rails at the Station,) to a large iron tank near the Station, whence a constant supply can be immediately obtained in the event of fire breaking out.

The Goods, Engine Station, and Coal Depôts of the Shrewsbury and Chester Railway are situated between Coton Hill and the General Passenger Station, with convenient access from the Castle Foregate Street, where an abundant supply of Welsh Coal and Lime is always on hand.

Branch lines diverge from behind the railway platforms, which pass under Howard Street to the Canal Wharf, where is the Depôt of the Shropshire and Staffordshire Coals and Cokes.

The Station House and Offices were designed by Mr. Thomas Penson, jun. of Oswestry. The Engineering works by Messrs. Robertson and Baylis. The former cost £6,000, the latter about £45,000, and the Goods, Engine, Station, and other necessary works, above £20,000.