Chapter XLV: Part 45

Merchants’ and Tradesman’s.—Geo. Cocking, Bull ring

North Wales.—Philip Wayn, Corve street

Norwich.—William Felton, King street

Phœnix.—Thos. Laurence, Broad street

Salop.—Richard Marston, Broad street

Sun.—T. Griffiths, Bull ring

Fishmongers.

Messer James, Bull ring

Russell Mr., Old street

Williams William, High st

Fruiterer.

Humphries George, Bull ring

Furniture Broker.

Williams William, High st

Glass and China Dealers.

Brown Elizabeth, Bull ring

Crump Ann, Broad street

Milner Benjamin, Harp lane

Jolley Sarah, Broad street

Jones Edward, Broad street

Glover.

Bottomley Mary, Bull ring

Grocers, Tea Dealers, and Cheesemongers.

Bowen John, Narrows

Brown Charles, Tower street

Harding William, Narrows

Hawkins Joseph, Broad st

Mason Charles, King street

Morris Benjamin, Tower st

Morris Thomas, Castle street

Patrick William, Old street

Penny William, Bull ring

Pugh George, Harp lane

Reynolds John, Bull ring

Stokes Mary, High street

Valentine Samuel, Broad st

Gun Makers.

Holland Titus, Old street

Lonorgan Timothy, Old st

Hair Dressers and Perfumers.

Anthony John, Bull ring

Crundell George, Broad st

Griffiths Catharine, Broad st

Pearce Benjamin, King st

Hat Manufacturers.

Ashworth John, Broad street

Jones Blanch, High street

Hop Merchants.

Lloyd Henry, Old street

Rawlins William, Corve st

Hosiers.

Jones Mary Ann, Broad st

Powell Edward, High street

Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.

Angel, Eliz. Cooke, Commercial Inn & Posting House, Broad street

Barley Mow, Eliz. Juckes, Broad street

Bear and White Lion, Mary Ann Harrington, Bull ring

Bell, Ths. Js., Upper Gaolford

Bell, Jas. Pillinger, Lower Broad street

Black Boy, Thomas Jenkins, Tower street

Blue Boar, J. Davies, Mill st

Bricklayers’ Arms, Andrew Fielding, Upper Gaolford

Bull Inn, William Whiteman, Commercial Inn & Posting House, Bull ring

Coach and Horses, Henry Oliver, Bell lane

Compasses, J. Pearce, Corve st

Crown and Horse Shoe, G. Davies, Lower Broad st

Dolphin, Thomas Cooper, Upper Gaolford

Eagle, Jno. Mantell, Corve st

Elephant & Castle, Matthew Evans, Bull ring

Feathers Hotel, T. Prothero, Commercial Inn & Posting House, Bull ring

Fox, Esther Davies, Upper Gaolford

Friars, John Hancock, Old st

George Inn, Margaret Bach, Castle st

Globe, William Coates, Hand and Bell lane

Golden Lion, Wm. Morris, Old street

Green Dragon, Ed. Edwards, Corve street

Green Dragon, Tho. Hodges, Old street

Greyhound, Wm. Thompson, Upper Gaolford

Half Moon, John Davies, Lower Gaolford

Hand and Bell, Jas. White, Hand and Bell lane

Harp, James Dye, Harp lane

Hop Pole, Jno. Wems, Mill st

Horse and Jockey, Wm. Key, Old Gate Fee

Horse Shoes, William Lugg, Upper Gaolford

Mitre, Robert Allum, Corve st

Lowe Frederick, beerhouse, New road

King’s Arms, Ann Owen, Bull ring

Knight John, beerhouse, Lower Broad street

Nag’s Head, James Evans, Corve street

Old Red Lion, Timothy Price, Hand and Bell lane

Ozyer John, beerhouse, Old Gate Fee

Paul Pry, Richard Powis, Lower Broad Street

Pheasant, Henry Hardwick, Tower street

Plough, Thomas Whatmore, Raven lane

Plumbers’ Arms, Jas. Collier, Raven lane

Portcullis Arms, Ed. Painter, Gaolford

Prince of Wales, Wm. Pea, Raven lane

Queen’s Arms, Richard Bird, Corve street

Queen’s Head, Tho. Sheldon, Lower Gaolford

Railway Arms, Hy. Thomas, Old Gate Fee

Ram, John Evans, Corve st

Raven, Jas. Harding, Upper Gaolford

Raven, Rd. Pugh, Raven lane

Rose and Crown, Thomas Amies, Bull ring

Royal Oak, William Pearce, Lower street

Spread Eagle, Ann Ellis, Corve street

Star and Garter, Thomas Coston, Corve street

Sun Inn, William Shepherd, Castle street

Talbot, Jph. Weaver, Tower st

Three Tuns, Thomas Dunn, Mill street

Trotting Horse, Richard Coleman, Corve street

Unicorn, Hny. Oliver, Corve street

Wheat Sheaf, Thomas Humphries, Lower Broad st

White Hart, Thos. Berrington, Old street

Wright John, beerhouse, Lower Broad street

Ironmongers.

Cooper & Bluck, Castle st

Egginton Edward, Bull ring

Hodges Chaplin, Dinham

Penny Thomas, Bull ring

Smith John C., King street

Joiners.

Davies Samuel, Raven lane

Evans John, Mill street

Smith Rd., Lower Broad st

Land, Estate, & House Agents.

Baines Thomas (wool agent), Castle street

Harrison John (wool agent), Linney

Linen and Woollen Drapers and Silk Mercers.

Boulton Francis, Corve street

Evans James, The Cross

Gardener Robt. G., Bull ring

Harding Jas. & Ewd., High st

Harper Charles, High street

Jones Wm. & Harley, High st

Leake James, Castle street

Shepperd John, Broad street

Steward Mr., Narrows

Maltsters.

Acton William, Corve street

Atkins Robert, Corve street

Corfield John, Corve street

Davies Richard, Corve street

Harding Henry, Corve street

Hand James, Corve street

Hockey James, Old street

Jones James, Bull ring

Jones John, Corve street

Lloyd Henry, Old street

Rawlins Wm., Corve street

Smith John, Corve street

Millers and Corn Dealers.

Harding William, Mill street

Hockey James, Old street

Williams Joseph, Dinham

Whatmore John, Broad street

Milliners & Dress makers.

Cartwright Martha, Corve st

Daniel Decime & Catherine, Corve street

Glaye Matilda, Broad street

Hotchkiss Elizabeth, King st

Heighington Harriet, Brown street

Jones Ann M., Broad street

Lello Mary, Bull ring

Montgomery Margaret

Pearce Sarah, King street

Price Sarah, Castle street

Poole Mary, Harp lane

White Mary, Corve street

Millwright.

Hodges Chaplin, Dinham

Nursery and Seedsmen.

_Marked * are Nurserymen only_.

Bowen Ann, Broad street

Cooke Ann, Raven lane

* Cox Elizabeth, Old street

Hand James, Corve street

* Pillar Thomas, Old gate fee

* Rooke Owen, Corve street

* Tyler William, Old street

Painters.

Bowen John, Broad street

Cooke Thomas, Old street

Gwynn William, Old street

Osborn John, Old street

Powell Edward, Castle street

Powell Samuel, Raven lane

Ward James, Raven lane

Wayn Philip, Corve street

Pawnbroker.

Collins Francis, Corve street

Paper Manufacturer.

Wade John, Paper mills

Physician.

Bryce Charles, Broad street

Plumbers and Glaziers.

Collins Samuel, Old street

Cooke Thos. (and gas fitter), Old street

Powell Edward, Castle street

Powell Samuel, Raven lane

Round Jas., Lower Gaolford

Ward James, Raven lane

Wayn Philip, Corve street

Williams Richard, Brand lane

Poulterers.

Evans Sarah, The Narrows

Jenson Mary, Harp lane

Professor and Teacher.

Price John (dancing and fencing) Corve street

Saddlers & Harness Makers.

Amies Samuel, Bull ring

Gough John, Castle street

Hotchkiss Thos., King street

Jones James, Bull ring

Roberts Edward, High street

Sharebroker.

Bach James, Broad street

Shopkeepers.

Bradley Thos. Lower Gaolford

Dukes Richd. Lower Gaolford

Frances Rosetta, Corve street

Griffith Martha

Hodnett Martha, Lower Broad street

Jones David, Tower street

Leary Edward, Tower street

Pelly Thomas, Old gate fee

Small Wm., Lower Broad st

Spade Tree Makers.

Harper John, Linney

Sankey Jeremiah, Broad st

Stone & Marble Masons.

Greenhouse John, Broad st

Hammond Andrew, Corve st

Russell Edward, Old street

Russell John, Mill street

Stead Samuel, Castle street

Watkins Jas. Upper Gaolford

Straw Hat Makers.

Baker Maria, High street

Gray Hannah, Bull ring

Powell Jane, Old street

Wall Ann, High street

Surgeons.

Hodges George, Broad street

Hodges Henry, Broad street

Meymott Henry, Broad street

Southern John, Broad street

Valentine Richard, College

Walker Henry, Broad street

Surveyors.

Brettle Cornelius (land and mine), Broad street

Clark Edwin F., Corve street

Evans Herb. (land), Castle st

Smith E. Blakeway, Corve st

Tench John & Richard (and land agents), Church-yard

Tailors.

_Marked * are Woollen Drapers also_.

* Carter John, Narrows

Crosse Samuel, Mill street

Crundell Daniel, High street

Downes Edward, Tower street

* Jones Isaac & Son, High st

Morgan Edwin, Bell lane

Pearce Samuel, Bell lane

* Wall Henry, High street

Wall Richard, Brand lane

Williams Henry, Harp lane

Tanner.

Unwick Benjamin, Corve st

Timber Merchants.

Harper John, Linney

Hind James, Upper Gaolford

Sankey Jeremiah, Broad st

Toy and Fancy Repositories.

Crosse Elizabeth, High street

Crundell George, High street

Woodyett Mary, High street

Trunk Maker.

Powell John, Harp lane

Turner in Wood.

Bennett Wm., Lower Gaolfrd

Veterinary Surgeons.

Cresswell Charles, Broad st

Jones James, Corve street

Watch and Clock Makers.

Ashby John, Raven lane

Edwards Robert, Raven lane

Farmer Joseph, Old street

Payne George, Bull ring

Phillips William, Castle street

Wood Samuel, Bell lane

Whitesmiths.

Day George, Lower Broad st

Halford Thomas, Bell lane

Wells Henry, Old street

Wine & Spirit Merchants.

Evans Edward, The Cross

Massey Francis, Bull ring

Parry Jas., Hand & Bell lane

Powell Edward, Castle street

Sankey Eleanor, Broad street

Woollen Manufacturer.

Evans Wm., Lower Broad st

Carriers.

To SHREWSBURY—Dodd Daniel, Corve street

To WORCESTER—Webb Hry. and James, Upper Gaolford street

THE HUNDRED OF STOTTESDEN.

The hundred of Stottesden is bounded on the north by the Wenlock franchise, on the south by the hundred of Overs and the county of Worcestershire, on the east by the liberty of Bridgnorth and the county of Staffordshire, and on the west by the Wenlock franchise and the hundreds of Munslow and Overs. Farlow is a detached part of the hundred of Herefordshire, bounded by this hundred and an isolated part of Overs. The minerals found in this hundred are coal, ironstone, and limestone. On the western verge of the hundred is a range of hills, some of which rise to a considerable altitude; there are also considerable inequalities of surface, and bold swells in most parts of the hundred. The soil is various; the land which lies over the limestone is mixed with a calcareous gravel, and mostly fertile; the soil over the freestone produces good turnips and barley. The population in 1821, exclusive of the borough of Bridgnorth, was 12,160; and in 1841 there were 12,282 inhabitants, and 2,426 inhabited houses. At the latter period the liberty of the borough of Bridgnorth contained 1,231 inhabited houses, and a population of 6,198 souls. This hundred is divided into the Chelmarsh and Cleobury divisions.

The Chelmarsh division contains the parishes of Acton Round, Alveley, Astley Abbotts, Billingley, Chelmarsh, Chetton, Cleobury North, Deuxhill, Glazeley, Higley, Middleton Scriven, Morville, Neenton, Oldbury, Quatford, Quatt, Rudge Sheinton, Sidbury, Tasley, and Upton Cressett.

The Cleobury division contains Aston Botterell, Burwarton, Cainham, Cleobury, Mortimer, Coreley, Dowles, Hope Baggot, Hopton Wafers, Kinlet, Neen Savage, Stottesden, Wheathill and Farlow chapelry.

ACTON ROUND, OR ROUND ACTON,

in a parish and small village six miles north-east by east from Bridgnorth, which contains 1,940 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,447. At the census of 1841 there were 36 houses and 180 persons. Population in 1801, 200; and in 1831, 203. Sir John Acton, bart., is the principal landowner, and lord of the manor. THE CHURCH is an ancient edifice, situated on an eminence commanding extensive and varied prospects of the surrounding country. In the church are several monuments to the memory of deceased members of the Acton family. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Sir John Acton, Bart.; Rev. William G. Day is the incumbent.

DIRECTORY.—William Ainsworth, farmer; William Davies, farmer; Rev. William G. Day, perpetual curate; Margaret Duff, cow keeper; Thomas Embrey, farmer; Richard Evans, farmer; George Farmer, farmer; Samuel Littlewood, farmer; William Lowe, farmer; Jasper Madeley, farmer; Francis Powell, wheelwright; John Powell, bailiff; William Preen, farmer; Charles Rhodes, farmer; Richard Russell, farmer; Edward Tipton, farmer; Henry Wadlow, farmer, the Hall.

ALVELEY

is a considerable parish in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden hundred, which comprises the townships of Alveley, Nordley Regis, and Romsley Liberty. Population in 1801, 791; 1831, 949; 1841, 1,062; 1851, 1,041. The parish is bounded on the western side by the river Severn, on the south and east by the county of Stafford, and on the north by the parishes of Quatt and Claverley. The soil in this parish is variable; in some parts a red sand and loamy earth prevails, and in other parts it is light and sandy. The farms are generally large, and particular attention has been paid to draining and the improvement of the lands; the farm houses are mostly of brick, and have been greatly improved of late years. The village of Alveley is well built and pleasantly situated, six miles and a half south from Bridgnorth, and eight miles north from Bewdley. The township in 1841 contained 187 houses and 914 inhabitants; and has 5,147A. 2R. 37P. of land, 122A. 3R. 15P. of which are in woods and plantations. Rateable value, £5,601. Among the landowners are Miss Green; Mrs. Brittle; Mr. John Crowther; Mary Hayward; Rev. William Wakeley; Trustees of Claverley school; Mr. Edward Hughes; Christ Church College, Oxford; Mr. Richard Veal; Mr. Homer; Messrs. Tunnicliff; Mr. John Hall; Mr. William Wyer; Mr. John Stockall; Rev. Dr. Jenkins, dean and chapter of Bath and Wells; Thomas Beach, Esq.; William Beach, Esq.; Lord Standford; John Bacon, Esq.; the poor of Alveley; John M. Wingfield, Esq.; William Trow, Esq.; Mr. William Corser; Mrs. Hand; Mr. Thomas Feriday; Mr. William Bowen; and others.

THE CHURCH is an ancient structure, dedicated to St. Mary, and consists of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a square tower, in which are six musical bells. The nave is divided from the side aisles by four semi-circular arches, and there are two side chapels belonging to the owner of the Coton estate. The tower was taken down and rebuilt in 1666, part of the chancel was rebuilt in 1585, and the south part was repaired in 1638. There are several neat tablets. The church will accommodate 416 hearers. At the east end of the church is a large stone coffin. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Edward G. Gatacre, Esq.; incumbent, Rev. Robert Augustus Wellesley Considine, M.A. THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, and residence for the teacher, are situated in the churchyard. It is endowed with certain lands, as will be seen on reference to the charities, from which the teacher receives £25 per annum, in consideration of which he teaches a limited number of scholars free; the rest pay a small weekly stipend; about fifty scholars attend. The feast is held on the first Sunday after the 15th of August. A court leet and baron is held for the manor every three years. Stone quarries near the village are worked to a considerable extent; immense blocks are raised and worked into grinding stones for gunsmiths and others.

NORDLEY REGIS is a township with a few scattered houses in the parish of Alveley, pleasantly situated two miles north-east from the church. COTON is a small hamlet in Nordley Regis. COTON HALL and estate have recently been sold by E. L. Gatacre to the Rev. Mr. Wakeley. The house is a stuccoed mansion pleasantly situated on a gentle eminence, commanding some fine views of the adjacent country. The park comprises about eighty acres, and is pleasingly diversified with graceful undulations.

ROMSLEY is a township and village situated about two miles east from Alveley, which at the census of 1841 contained 27 houses and 110 inhabitants; and has 1,900 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,334. 5s. 6d. Abraham Stephen Cresswell, Esq., is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. Dr. Jenkins is also a considerable owner; and John M. Wingfield, Esq., the Misses Cresswell, Mr. Richard Palmer, and Mr. Stephen Cresswell, are also freeholders.

CHARITIES.—_John Grove_, by will, dated 10th of December, 1616, bequeathed a yearly stipend of £10 to the schoolmaster of Alveley, and a like yearly payment of £10, to have continuance for ever, to be distributed among five poor aged and impotent men. For the establishing of these yearly stipends, the executors purchased a messuage, with the appurtenances, called Longhurst, situated in Ledbury and Eastnor, in Herefordshire, which contained 74A. 2R. 4P. of land, and which was exchanged with Charles Lord Somers in the year 1793 for certain lands in Alveley parish, containing 111A. 0R. 27P. of land, which was held at the time the Charity Commissioners published their report at a rent of £73 per annum. The schoolmaster’s stipend was increased in 1800 to £20, and has since been augmented to £25, with a house rent free, and an allowance of two loads of coal; and five poor men of Alveley receive from this charity a yearly stipend of £6 each.

_Thomas Grove_, in 1743, left certain lands, comprising 31A. 3R. 0P., upon trust, that the annual rents and profits should be divided among the poor of the parish of Alveley. The land is let to several tenants, at a rent of £42 per annum.

This parish participates in the charity of _Mr. William Seabright_, who, by his will, dated 1620, gave certain premises, the rents thereof to be employed towards the relief of the poor of several parishes in Worcester, Stafford, and Salop, of which Alveley is one. The parish receives from the charity money wherewith to distribute fourteen pennyworth of bread every Sunday, which is given among the poor.

_James Bowen_, by will, dated 1st April, 1715, gave to the poor of Alveley the sum of £6, to be put forth at interest by the churchwardens, and the proceeds to be applied to the purchase of good books, to be distributed to the poor families of the parish. About thirty years ago this charity was lost, in consequence of the bankruptcy of the person in whose hands it was placed.

_George Garbett_, by will, dated 19th June, 1758, bequeathed £100, to be put out at interest, which was to be disposed of on the 1st of January every year to such poor persons of the parish of Alveley as should not receive parochial relief.

_Humphrey Dovey_, in 1700, left £20, the interest thereof to be distributed among the poor of the parish in bread. In respect of which forty-three penny loaves are distributed on Good Friday, and forty on St. Thomas’s day.

_Arthur Arden_ left a piece of land, containing two acres and a half, the profits of which were to be expended in bell ropes (when required) for the use of the parish church. At the time the Charity Commissioners published their report the land was let at a rent of £6 per annum. It is said the land was given to the parish clerk on condition that he should find bell ropes, but the original conveyance, which had been kept in the church chest, was lost about fifty years ago; and it appears that for more than 100 years the rents of the land have been received by the parish clerk for his own use, and he has provided the bell ropes as they were wanted.

_Thomas Russell_, in 1842, gave the sum of £40, and directed the interest to be appropriated for the benefit of poor parishioners.

POST OFFICE—_At William Evans’s_. Letters from Bridgnorth at 9.45 A.M.,
and are despatched at 3.30 P.M.

ALVELEY DIRECTORY.

Ameys Edmund, farmer

Ameys Thomas, farmer, Dunbolds

Bache William, farmer, Leekhouse

Bacon Jno., farmer, Hall Close

Brewer William, Gorton’s Flour Mills

Bridge James, farmer

Clarke John, butcher and shoemaker

Clarke Stephen, butcher and farmer

Considine Rev. Rbt. Agustus Wellesley, M.A.

Craig John, farmer

Crow Wm., farmer, Turley Green

Davies Henry, farmer

Doolittle Samuel, maltster

Evans George, stone mason and farmer

Evans John, farmer

Evans Thomas, farmer, Moor House

Evans William, postmaster

Fellows Michael, farmer, Pool Hall

Fereday Thomas, farmer

Fox John, farmer

Foxall Mary, farmer, Dod’s Green

Giles Thomas, vict., Bell Inn

Griffiths William, tailor and shopkeeper

Haines Joseph, blacksmith

Harris Rchd., farmer

Hayward John, farmer, The Butts

Hayward Mary, Little London farm

Head John, beer-retailer, Kitlands

Hick Thos., farmer, Hadleys

Higgs John, butcher

Hobbs William, victualler, Squirrel Inn

Hobbis Mary, vict., Three Horse Shoes

Jenning William, shoemaker

Jones James, Hollies farm

Lane John, quarry-master and farmer

Lane Thomas, quarry-master and mason

Lowe Thomas, farmer

Millward John, beerhouse-keeper and wheelwright

Powell Francis, shoemaker

Richards Thomas, farmer

Stockall John, farmer, Cookscroft

Taylor Job, farmer

Veal Rd., farmer, Langford

Walker Charles, butcher and farmer

Warder John, farmer, Hay farm

Webb Benjamin, carpenter

Wilks Jos., farmer, Turley Green

Williams Thos. quarry-mstr.

Wood James, stone mason

Wood James, quarry-owner

Wyer Wm., farmer, Cookscroft

Yates William, wheelwright

NORDLEY REGIS DIRECTORY.

Bache Thomas, Esq., Greenfield House

Berkin Geo., farmer, Astley

Bowen Thomas, farmer

Bowen William, farmer

Cox Thomas, miller, Alan Bridge

Crowther John, farmer, Bolthole

Edmonds William, farmer, High Barns

Edwards Martha, farmer, Hubbolds

Fereday Thomas, farmer, Tuck Hill

Hobbs Wm., farmer, Bird’s Green

Lowe Thomas, farmer, Perry House

Marston George, farmer, Barretts

Massey William, shopkeeper

Nicholls John, farmer

Page William, farmer

Webb Benjamin, shopkeeper, Bird’s Green

Wootton John, beer-retailer

ROMSLEY DIRECTORY.

Cox Thomas, miller and farmer, Alam Bridge

Cresswell Abraham Stephen, Esq.

Cresswell, Ezekiel, farmer, Pool House

Cresswell Nancy, gentlewoman, The Hall

Cresswell Sarah, farmer, The Hall

Cresswell Stephen, farmer

Doolittle Wm., beer-retailer

Edmonds John, farmer, Bowels farm

Foxall John, blacksmith

Foxall William, blacksmith

Gritton Jos., farmer, Harts Green farm

Hincks Wm., farmer, Ulet Hall

Leigh George, wheelwright

Winnell John, farmer, New House

ASTLEY ABBOTTS,

a parish and village in the Chelmarsh division of the Stottesden Hundred, two miles and a half north from Bridgnorth, contains 3,137 acres of land, intersected by the Broseley turnpike road and the Tasley and Linley streams, and is bounded on the eastern side by the river Severn. 193 acres are in woods, plantations, and water. The soil in some parts is a mixture of earth and sand, and in other places a strong loam. Rateable value £4,023. 1s. 2d. At the census in 1801 there were 740 inhabitants; 1831, 666; and in 1841, 657. At the latter period there were 139 inhabited houses. The situation of Astley Abbotts is pleasant and highly salubrious, and there are several handsome residences. The farms are mostly of considerable extent, and by a judicious outlay of capital in draining and other improvements have been brought to a state of great productiveness. The principal landowners are Thos. Charlton Whitmore, Esq.; Lady Tyrwhitt Jones; John Stephens, Esq.; Mr. John Ward; Miss Pilkington; Mr. John Bowen; Rev. C. Whitmore; Lord Forester; Mr. John Lee; Sir John Acton, Bart.; Mr. Thomas Yapp; and George Pritchard, Esq. The former is lord of the manor. There are also several smaller proprietors. THE CHURCH, an ancient fabric neatly pewed with oak sittings, has a groined roof, resting on hammer head projections, upon which are carved figures of the apostles. A neat tablet remembers Sir Tyrwhitt Jones, Bart., F.R.S. and M.P., who died in 1811. The same tablet also records the deaths of several other members of the family. An elegant tablet commemorative of Sir Thomas Jones, Knt., is dated 1782. A memorial of elaborate workmanship to Francis Billingsley, Esq., of Astley, an officer in the army of King Charles, is dated 1656. It also records the deaths of various other members of the Billingsley family. Upon a garland suspended from the sounding board hangs a pair of white kid gloves, and from an inscription we learn that Henry Phillips died in 1707 when presenting himself at the altar to be married. The lady to whom he was about to be united survived him but a short period. The reading desk and pulpit exhibit an exquisite specimen of carved workmanship. The living is a perpetual curacy, enjoyed by the rector of Stockton; officiating minister, Rev. John Wing, B.A. The lord of the manor is patron of the living. The tithes are commuted for £220. ASTLEY HALL, the elegant mansion of Alfred Darby, Esq., is delightfully situated near the banks of the river Severn, and presents a beautiful specimen of the decorative style of the Elizabethan age. The house was originally built in 1642, but has been greatly enlarged and beautified at subsequent periods. The pleasure grounds are tastefully laid out, and the park is richly clothed with sylvan beauty. ASTLEY ABBOTTS HOUSE is an ancient timbered mansion, the residence and property of George Pritchard, Esq. ALBYNES, a good house of modern erection, the residence and property of John Stephens, Esq., is pleasantly situated in a bold undulating district, and surrounded with park-like grounds. DUNVALL HOUSE, the property and residence of Mr. John Bowen, is a place of great antiquity, and was formerly the seat of the Acton family. It is chiefly composed of massive timber and plaster, and is an interesting specimen of the domestic architecture of by-gone days.

CHARITIES—_John Huxley_, _Esq._, in the year 1714, gave by his will a rent charge of 20s. per annum, to be distributed among twenty poor widows. A sum of £20, supposed to have been left by one _Litttehales_, was lent to a person named Bache, of Bridgnorth, and afterwards to William Bourne, a baker, of the same place, who used to send a monthly supply of bread to the amount of the interest. Shortly before the Charity Commissioners published their report Mr. Bourne became bankrupt, and the parish officers had not applied to prove this debt, from an idea that they had not the means of substantiating the claim. _Mrs. Catherine Phillips_, by will, 1815, gave to the incumbent and churchwardens of Astley Abbotts the sum of £300 stock in the three per cent. consols, in trust, to pay out of the yearly dividends the sum of 20s. among twenty poor widows on St. Thomas’s day, and the remainder to some proper person for teaching poor children to read and write, and for bringing them to church every Sunday in an orderly manner.

Baldwin William, block and pump maker, and vict., Fox and Hounds, Linley Brook

Bate William, beer-retailer and bricklayer

Bentley John, butcher, Cross Houses

Bowen John, farmer and maltster, Dunvall House

Bromley James, farmer, Frog Mill

Clutton Wm., farmer, Nordley Common

Clutton William, butcher

Cox John, farmer, Binnall

Craig Wm., farmer, Bowlings

Crowe John, farmer

Darby Alfred, Esq., Astley Hall

Downes Edw. farmer, Rhodes

Farmer Thomas, farmer

Hall John, farmer, Raven’s Nest

Jones Thos. market-gardener

Littlewood Jane, beer-retailer, Cross lane head

Lowe Launcelot, beer-retailer, Nordley

Morris Wm., farmer, Severn Hall

Nock Thomas, Severn Hall

Nock Thomas, farmer, Cross lane head

Phillips Richard, farmer

Pritchard Geo., Esq., Astley Abbotts House

Pugh Wm., farmer, Hoard’s Park

Reynolds Mrs., Weavers’ Coppice

Smith Caroline and Sarah, Cantern Bank

Stephens John, Esq., The Albynes

Ward John, farmer & brick maker

Wing Rev. John, B.A., curate

Yardley John, blacksmith

Yardley William, shopkeeper

ASTON BOTTEREL

is a parish and scattered village nine miles S.W. of Bridgnorth, containing 2,198A. 0R. 14P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,960. 11s. 10d. Population in 1801, 247; 1831, 260, and in 1841 173. The principal landowner is the Duke of Cleveland. John W. Sparrow, Esq., John Hincksman, Esq., and Henry George Mytton, Esq., are also proprietors. The manor of Aston was formerly held under the Fitzalans Earls of Arundel, by the family of Botterels, from whom it received the addition of their name to distinguish it from the other Astons in the county. In the 48th of Henry III. Thomas Botterel had a grant of a market on Tuesday, and a fair at Michaelmas, and also the privilege of free warren. At the time of the commonwealth circular letters were sent to chose one hundred and four godly men to assist Cromwell in his government, and for this county the choice fell upon William Botterell, and Thomas Baker.

THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is an ancient structure built of stone, having a square tower, in which are three bells. The interior contains nave, chancel, and south aisle, in which is a monument to the memory of John and Mary Botterel, supposed to have been erected about the year 1585. The side aisle is separated from the body of the church by three pointed arches. The church was enlarged and repaired in the year 1830, when one hundred and eight free sittings were provided, in addition to twenty formerly free. The registers of the parish commenced in the year 1559. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £7. 1s. 0½d. The tithes are commuted for the sum of £345. There are seventy acres of glebe land. Patron of the living, His Grace the Duke of Cleveland; rector, Rev. Forbes Smith, B.A.

DIRECTORY.—Rev. Forbes Smith, B.A., The Rectory; Thomas Beddoes, farmer, Moor Brook; Richard Bishop, farmer, Norton; William Bryan, tailor; Edward Davies, farmer, Norton; Richard Eddowes, farm bailiff, The Bould; John Hincksman, farmer, Charlcott; Francis Lawley, farmer and vict., The Fox; Mrs. Elizabeth Lowe, farmer, Aston Hall; George Meredith, farmer; William Meredith, farmer; Ann Miles, farmer, Charlcott; Joseph Wellings, blacksmith; Nathan Weatherall, farmer, Haywood.

BILLINGSLEY,

a parish in the Chelmarsh division of the hundred of Stottesden, six miles S. of Bridgnorth, is pleasantly situated on the Bridgnorth and Cleobury Mortimer turnpike road. It contains 1,285 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £900. 10s. In 1841 there were 29 houses and 149 persons; population in 1801, 320; 1831, 161. The Duke of Cleveland is the principal landowner. William Lacon Childe, Esq., and the rector are also proprietors. This place it is said was anciently called Biligesleague, and that an important congress was held here in 1055 between King Harold and Griffin Prince of Wales, in which they engaged to maintain peace and mutual good will. Dr. Thomas Hyde, the great linguist and librarian, was born at this place in 1638. THE CHURCH is a small structure containing nave, chancel, and has a turret, in which are two bells. The accommodation of this church was increased in 1836, by which means twenty additional sittings were obtained, and in consequence of a grant from the Incorporated Society fourteen of that number are declared free and unappropriated for ever. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., now £195. The Duke of Cleveland is patron of the living, and the Rev. Thomas Vaughan is rector.

DIRECTORY.—John Barker, blacksmith; Margaret Benbow, farmer, The Hall; William Birchley, farmer and vict., The Cape of Good Hope; John Green, shoemaker; Darius Griffin, farmer and carrier to Bridgnorth (every Saturday); Edward Humphries, farmer, The Oak; John Humphries, farmer, The Upper House; Rev. William Lewis Jones, curate; Samuel Jordin, farmer; Mary Lawley, farmer, The Bank; John Parry, farm bailiff, The Hall; Benjamin Reynolds, shoemaker.

BRIDGNORTH

is a populous and well built market town and borough, both corporate and parliamentary, having separate jurisdiction, and locally situated in the Stottesden hundred, 139 miles N.W. from London, twenty miles S.E. from Shrewsbury, thirteen miles S.W. from Wolverhampton, and eight miles S.E. from Much Wenlock. The town is situated on the banks of the Severn which divides it into two portions called the Upper and Lower towns. The Upper town is on the western bank of the river, on the sides and summit of a red sandstone rock which rises to the height of near two hundred feet above the level of the river. The appearance of this part of the town is remarkably picturesque, and the view is very fine, especially from that part where the remains of the castle stand, where a terrace walk has been laid out, overlooking the Lower town, the river, and a widely spreading country. This walk extends 622 yards, and was much admired by King Charles I. who was at Bridgnorth three times during the civil wars, and preferred it to all other terraces, in the kingdom. Persons visiting Bridgnorth universally consider it highly interesting, and are charmed with the beautiful scenery it opens to view. The town contains many good houses and handsome shops in the different branches of the retail trade, there are also some good family mansions and villa residences, which are ornamented with pleasure grounds tastefully laid out. Under the brow of the hill are many rude dwellings cut out of the sandstone rock, with several caves, over which the inhabitants have gardens, which gives the whole a very romantic appearance. The road from the Low town to the High town winds round the rock, but the nearer approaches for foot passengers are by several flights of steps, one of which called the Stoneway-steps formed by pebbles secured by a framing of ironwork, consists of 179 steps. The town comprises the two parishes of St. Mary Magdalene and St. Leonard, and at the census of 1801 had 4,408 inhabitants; 1831, 5,065; and 1841, 5,770. Rateable value of St. Mary’s parish, £7,402. 12s. 8d. Rateable value of St. Leonard’s parish, £7,635. 10s. 11d. The principal trade of Bridgnorth is an extensive establishment for the manufacture of carpets and rugs, malting, worsted spinning, and boat building. The town, however, derives its chief importance from its situation on the river, and is a thriving inland port. A large portion of the labouring class obtains employment in the navigation of the Severn, but the market and retail trade with the neighbourhood afford the principal source of profit to the inhabitants.

Bridgnorth is a place of great antiquity; it was originally called Brugia, or Bruges, and derived its name from a bridge erected over the Severn here. The first memorable transaction that we find of this town was in King Alfred’s days, A.D. 894, when the Danes being driven from Norfolk, were forced to leave their ships and spend the winter at Brug upon Severn, on the borders of Wales, where they built a strong fort. Whether the fort was destroyed by the chance of war we are unable to discover, but it is stated that Elfled, daughter of King Alfred, repaired both the town and castle, then fallen to decay. It subsequently underwent the common vicissitudes of the country, being harassed both by the Saxons and the Danes, till Roger de Montgomery having obtained a grant of the earldom of Salop, built a new castle here. Robert de Belesme, eldest son of the said Roger, in the time of Henry I. declared for Robert Curthose, and fortified his castle against the king, but after a siege of three weeks it was surrendered, and with the rest of his possessions annexed to the crown. In the 16th of Edward III. the out-liberties of the castle which anciently were held of the Norman earls of Shrewsbury by the annual service of ten marks, were incorporated with the town. The fee of the keeper of this castle in the time of Elizabeth was £9. 2s. 6d. The castle having not been a sufficient defence of the town without walls about it, therefore in the 11th of Henry III. an aid was granted for two years for the walling of the town, and six years after another aid was granted for the same purpose. The first charter of which any knowledge exists is of the 16th of King John, which grants to the burgesses of Bruges and their heirs, certain liberties and free customs, and freedom from toll throughout the kingdom, except within the liberties of London. The burgesses maintained a suit at law against the Salopians, who hindered them from bringing raw hides and flannel cloth in their market, both towns depending on the validity of their charters which were fully enquired into. In the 10th of Henry III. the grant of a fair was obtained to be held on St. Luke’s day, which subsequently became remarkable for the sale of hops, cheese, and walnuts. The burgesses had liberty in this reign of holding pleas in personal actions, and of erecting fraternities or guilds of tradesmen. In the 33rd of Edward III. the inhabitants obtained the grant of a fair to be held at the feast of the Translation of St. Leonard, and for the three days following. Fairs are now held on the third Thursday in February, third Tuesday in March, 1st May, third Tuesday in June, first Tuesday in August, third Tuesday in September, 20th October, and the first Tuesday after Shrewsbury December fair. The market is held on Saturday, and well supplied with butchers’ meat, butter, poultry, and other provisions of excellent quality. The corn market is numerously attended, and business to a considerable extent is usually transacted.

The old corporation consisted of two bailiffs, a recorder, a deputy recorder, twenty-four aldermen, forty-eight common councilmen, two chamberlains, and two bridge masters, with a town clerk, sergeants at mace, and other officers. The bailiffs were justices of the peace, and justices of the court of record; the senior acted as coroner for the borough. The recorder held his office for life; his deputy whom he appointed was always a barrister, and the legal adviser of the corporation. The bailiffs were chosen every year on St. Matthew’s day, out of the twenty-four aldermen, in the following remarkable manner:—The court being met, the names of twelve aldermen, seniors of those then present, being separately written upon small bits of paper, all of them of the same size and rolled up close by the town clerk, were thrown into a large purse, which after being well tossed by the chamberlains was held betwixt them before the bailiffs, when each bailiff according to seniority took out a scroll; by these scrolls the callers were fixed, who immediately mounting the chequer, alternately called the jury out of such persons as are burgesses, and then presented them to the court to the number of fourteen; these being all sworn, (neither to eat nor drink till they, or twelve of them, had made choice of two fit persons, who have not been bailiffs before for three years), were locked up until they were agreed, a regulation which has sometimes occasioned long fasting. At the election in 1793, the jury fasted no less than seventy-four hours. By the new municipal act, Bridgnorth is governed by a bailiff, or mayor, four aldermen, and twelve councillors. A commission of the peace has been granted, and a court of quarter sessions and recorder appointed. The following is a list of the members of parliament, borough magistrates, and corporate body, for the year 1851:—

_Members of Parliament_: Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., and Sir Thomas Pigot, Bart.

_Borough Magistrates_: Henry Slater Richards, Esq., mayor; William Jones, Esq., Henry George Mytton, Esq., Thomas Whitmore Wylde Brown, Esq., Edward Farrer Acton Esq., Joshua Sing, Esq., Farmer Taylor, Esq., Thomas Bangham, Esq., Wm Hallen, Esq., and John Stephens, Esq.

_Mayor_: Henry Slater Richards, Esq.

_Aldermen_: John Smalman, Esq., Thomas Nock, Esq., Edward Ridley, Esq., and Benjamin Boucher, Esq.

_Councillors_: Thomas Deighton, James Brown Grierson, Joseph Southwell, Joseph Minton Glase, Samuel Nicholls, James Henry Martin, Robert Harrison, Joshua Sing, Henry Slater Richards, James Edward Newall, Frederick Homfray, and William Jones. _Recorder_: Uvedale Corbet, Esq. _Coroner_: William Dones Batte, Esq. _Town Clerk_: John Jacob Smith, Esq. _Clerk to Borough Magistrates_: Edward William Hazlewood, Esq. _Town Crier_: George Evans.

The ruins of a CASTLE fortified by Robert de Belesme, the third Norman earl of Shrewsbury, are still standing. The edifice was erected on the site of a former structure, but a portion of the square tower now standing 17 degrees out of its perpendicular is almost the only relic of this baronial fortress left. A chapel within the walls of the castle was made collegiate, and had a dean and six prebendaries. When Robert de Belesme held this castle in rebellion in 1102, against Henry I., Ralph de Pitchford behaved himself so valiantly, that the king gave him the little Brugg near it to hold by the service of finding dry wood for the great chambers of the castle, against the coming of his sovereign. A romantic act of loyalty is related of Hubert de St. Clare, who with King Henry II. was besieging the castle of Bridgnorth, and seeing one of the enemy taking aim at his sovereign, stepped before him and received the arrow in his own breast, and therewith his death-wound. In the civil wars the castle was garrisoned for the King, who marched here from Shrewsbury to meet the parliamentary army; an engagement took place near to St. Leonard’s church wherein the royalists were defeated, the castle totally demolished, and the collegiate church so injured that it had to be taken down and rebuilt. The GATES and WALLS of the town were thrown down in the civil wars. The north gate was afterwards rebuilt at the expense of the corporation, over which is a room now used for the Blue Coat School. A handsome and substantial stone BRIDGE crosses the Severn, and stands near the site of a former bridge erected by the Saxons. A _portion_ of the Lower town is subject to be flooded by the Severn overflowing its banks. THE RACES have been discontinued for several years, but have been revived during the present year. The race-course is situate about a mile from Bridgnorth, in the parish of Tasley. There are BILLIARD TABLES at the Raven Inn, Whitburne street, and the Star Inn, Underhill street. Mr. Edwards has generously granted the use of Trap-field for a CRICKET GROUND.

There is a BOWLING GREEN at the Hundred House Inn, situated about a mile from Bridgnorth; Mr. George Jarratt is the proprietor. BATHS were established in 1841 upon the premises of the South Shropshire Infirmary. The SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF RELIGIOUS AND USEFUL KNOWLEDGE hold their meetings annually in December. The depository for the CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY is at Messrs. Wilmot and Brickley’s, Market street. THE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTION, situated in High street, is furnished with a library comprising 366 volumes. A reading room has also been established, which is furnished with periodicals, and some of the leading London and provincial journals; Joseph L. Whatmore, secretary. THE TOWN LIBRARY is situated in Castle Terrace, and contains 3,037 volumes; John Pinkstone is the librarian. The Public Library in St. Leonard’s church-yard contains upwards of 4,000 volumes. There are also Circulating Libraries at Mr. Smith’s and Miss Partridge’s. THE STAMP OFFICE is at Mr. Southwell’s, West Castle street, and the EXCISE OFFICE at the Castle Inn.

THE TOWN HALL, situated in the centre of the market place, is an antique structure, built in 1682, and supported by pillars and arches. The large room is appropriated to the town’s business and magisterial purposes. The space under the hall is used for the sale of butter and poultry on the market days. No sessions were held in the town in 1646 by reason of the war. In this conflict the high town was burnt.

THE INFIRMARY, in Listley street, is a handsome structure salubriously situated, and constructed with every attention to the convenience and convalescence of the inmates. This institution was established in 1841, and is chiefly supported by subscriptions, and a few small benefactions left by charitable individuals; the Rev. J. Purton is the treasurer.

THE WATER WORKS.—The town is supplied with water raised from the Severn, and forced by machinery through a four inch main into a tank, situated upon Castle Walk, which when full is capable of holding about 6,500 gallons. The funds for the support of the works are levied by a rate upon the inhabitants. These works being inefficient for the supply of the town, it is proposed to construct a capacious reservoir near Palmer’s Hospital, six feet above the present tank, and twenty feet above High street, capable of holding 14,000 gallons, and so to improve the hydraulic machinery, as to give the inhabitants an abundant supply of this pure beverage of nature; Mr. Thomas Corser is the superintendent.

THE GAS WORKS, situated on the western banks of the Severn, were established in 1838, by Mr. Edward, of Wellington. There are two gasometers for the reception of the luminous vapour, and a charge of 8s. 6d. per cubic feet is made to the consumer; John Lloyd Whatmore, manager.

THE POLICE OFFICE is in East Castle street; Thomas A. Wilmot is the superintendent. THE LOCKUP is in Whitburne street. The mayor and borough magistrates hold a court every alternate Monday for the trial of petty offences committed within the borough. The county magistrates hold quarter sessions and petty sessions every alternate Saturday, and the borough has continued to return two members to parliament since the time of Edward I. The places embraced within the jurisdiction of this borough are the parishes of St. Mary, St. Leonard, Quatford, Oldbury, Tasley, and Astley Abbots, and the townships of Quatt, Jarvis, and Eardington, and the liberty of Romsley. In the year 1850 there were 721 electors to vote in the choice of members to serve in parliament. Of this number 387 were freemen of the borough, and the rest electors in right of occupation. The principal freeholders in the parishes of St. Mary and St. Leonard are Lord Sudeley, Thomas C. Whitmore, Esq., Sir John Acton, Bart., Trustees of Christ Church, Oxford, Messrs. Grierson and Law, A. F. Sparkes, Esq., Mr. John Green, Joshua Sing, Esq., Earl of Shrewsbury, Robert Harrison, Esq., Messrs. F. and J. Oakes, Mr. John Reece, Mr. Thomas Southall, Mr. John Summers, and others, are also proprietors.

THE COUNTY COURT, St. Leonard’s place, for the recovery of debts, and in all pleas of personal action where the damage does not exceed £50, comprises the following parishes and townships, namely:—Alverley, Astley Abbotts, Acton Round, Aston Eyres, Billingsley, Burwarton, Chelmarsh, Chetton, Claverley, Cleobury North, Deuxhill, Ditton Priors, Eardington, Glazeley, Middleton Scriven, Monkhopton, Morville, St. Leonard’s, St. Mary Magdalene, Neenton, Oldbury, Quatford, Quatt, Romsley, Sidbury, Stanton Long, Tasley, Upton Cressett, and Worfield. _Judge_, Uvedale Corbett, Esq., Aston Hall. _Clerk_, Harry Childe, Esq. _High Bailiff_, Mr. John Lacon Bennett. _Appraiser_, George Evans. _Treasurer_, W. B. Collins, Esq.

THE BRIDGNORTH UNION HOUSE stands in an open and pleasant situation at the Innage, and was built in 1850, at a cost of £5,299. 17s. 8d., and will accommodate 200 inmates. The number at present on the books is 53. The union embraces an area of 68,076 acres of land, and a population of 15,805 souls. The parishes in the union are 29 in number, namely:—Acton Round, Alverley, Astley, Abbotts, Aston Eyres, Billingsley, Burwarton, Chelmarsh, Chetton, Claverley, Cleobury North, Deuxhill, Ditton Priors, Eardington, Glazeley, St. Leonard’s, St. Mary Magdalene, Middleton Scriven, Monk Hopton, Morvill, Neenton, Oldbury, Quatford, Quatt, Romsley, Sidbury, Stanton Long, Tasley, Upton Cressett, and Worfield. _Chairman to the Guardians_, Richard H. Gwyn, Esq. _Vice Chairman_, John Wilson, Esq. _Clerk to the Guardians_, Arndell Francis Sparkes, Esq. _Surgeons_, William P. Brookes, Charles Pothecary, William Thursfield, James H. Martin, and Thomas Haslehust. _Chaplains_, Rev. George Bellett, Rev. William K. Marshall, and the Rev. Robert A. W. Considine. _Relieving Officers_, George Griffin and William Wall. _Master and Matron_, Seth Bennett Barber and Mrs. Barber. _Superintendent Registrar_, James H. Martin. _Deputy Registrar for Bridgnorth_, William Roberts.

THE SAVINGS’ BANK is situated in Bank street, the capital stock of which on November 20th, 1850, amounted to £81,045. 2s. 3d., at which time there were 2,167 depositors; 60 charitable societies and 24 friendly societies had accounts with the bank. Of the depositors there were 1,161 whose respective balances did not exceed £20; 531 were above £20 and not exceeding £50; 290 were above £50 and not exceeding £100; 102 not exceeding £150; 59 not exceeding £200; and 24 exceeding the latter amount. The gross amount of capital invested by the charitable societies is £5,170. 16s. 1d., and of the friendly societies £2,672 19s.

THE CHURCH of St. Leonard, an ancient and venerable edifice, rebuilt in 1448, was nearly destroyed during the civil wars, but repaired soon after the restoration. It is built of red sandstone, in the Gothic style of architecture, and has a massive square tower, crowned with pinnacles, containing a peal of six bells, a clock, and sun-dial. The interior consists of nave, side aisles, and chancel, the latter of which underwent a complete reparation a few years ago. The south compartment is separated from the body of the church by three arches. The church is neatly pewed with oak, and in the gallery is a powerful and fine-toned organ. The roof is supported by a framework of oak, each beam of which is ornamented by a figure of one of the apostles. The window at the east end was restored by subscription, and beautified in memory of the late Thomas Whitmore, Esq., who by will gave the rectoral tithes of Bridgnorth, due to him as impropriator to the minister of this church, and also to that of St. Mary Magdalene. On the south side is a stained glass memorial window, “restored in 1847 in memory of Mr. Boulton, formerly of the grammar school, by a priest of the English church, as a poor offering of thankfulness to Almighty God for many means of grace and good instruction vouchsafed both in this church and at the adjoining grammar school.” This church had near it a college for the habitation of two chantry priests, appointed to pray for the rest of the soul of Thomas à Beckett, archbishop of Canterbury. It was destroyed, with most part of the high town and church, at the time the parliamentary forces took possession of Bridgnorth. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. George Bellett. The tithes are commuted for £308. The parish of St. Leonard contained at the census of 1841, 627 houses and 2,997 inhabitants.

THE CHURCH dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene is a handsome edifice in the Grecian style of architecture, built in the year 1792, of white freestone, at an expense of £6,027. 11s. 9d. It has a tower, surmounted by a cupola, containing six bells, a clock, and four dials. The interior is spacious and handsome, and on the western gallery is a fine-toned organ. The altar is of oak, richly carved. The church is styled in ancient records, “_Liberia regia capella_;” that is, a free chapel of the kings, made exempt from episcopal jurisdiction by King John, who personally visited this town on his way to Worcester. It was made parochial in 4th Edward III. This church was a free collegiate chapel, founded by William the Conqueror, consisting of a dean and five prebends. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Thomas Charlton Whitmore, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. W. K. Marshall. The tithes are commuted for £268. There are thirteen and a half acres of glebe land. The parish of St. Mary Magdalene in 1841 contained 577 houses, and 2,773 inhabitants.

THE BAPTIST CHAPEL, situated in West Castle street, is a brick structure, and will accommodate about 280 persons. It was built in the year 1704.

THE CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH, in West Castle street, is a commodious edifice, built of freestone in the year 1835. The building has Gothic windows, ornamented with stained glass. The interior has a beautiful appearance; the altar is of stone, and there are richly carved oak stalls and desks for the priests. The seats are all free. “The congregation is under the rule and government of the apostles, being in charge of an angel, who, with priests, assisted by deacons, fulfil their several duties clothed with appropriate vestments.”

THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, built of brick in the year 1711, will accommodate about 400 hearers. It is situated on the Stoneway Steps.

THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHAPEL, situated on St. Mary’s Steps, was erected in the year 1832, and has since been enlarged. It is now capable of seating 250 persons. A Sabbath school is connected with the chapel, where about seventy children attend.

THE NATIONAL AND INFANT SCHOOLS, situated on elevated ground in Listley street, were established in 1820. There is accommodation in these schools for 300 children: 150 boys and 50 girls attend. The schools are supported by annual subscriptions, donations, charity sermons, and small weekly payments from the scholars. The income for the year ending March 25th, 1851, amounted to £228. 14s. 3d.

THE BRITISH SCHOOL, in West Castle street, is held in a spacious and convenient room under the Baptist chapel: it is numerously attended. There is also a school taught in a room over the Independent chapel, where about sixty children are instructed.

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL, situated in the Low Town, is a commodious building of brick, erected by public subscriptions in 1847, at a cost of £756. Upwards of 100 children attend the school.

THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.—This school was founded more than three hundred years ago, by the bailiffs and burgesses, for the purpose of affording, free of expense, to “_all comers_,” instruction in literature and good learning, until they shall be capable to be sent to the universities of Oxford or Cambridge. For the better maintenance of the school, Sir Rowland Hayward, in 1624, gave a rent charge of £20 per annum; £4 a year was left by his son; £2 a year was left by Sir John Hayward for the usher; and £8 a year, called the king’s allowance, was also paid to the usher out of the audit money. In 1639, the lease of a house was granted by Sir William Whitmore, at an annual rent of 8s., for a residence for the master. In 1687 Sir William Whitmore renewed the lease, and by a covenant therein, bound his successors to continue the lease on the same conditions, as long as the school should continue to be a free school. It appears that the master of the free school has always received some allowance from the corporation, which in 1726 amounted to £10; in 1817 it was increased to £30; and it was further agreed to supply from the private funds of those members of the corporation who sent their sons to this school, as much money as, in addition to the several sources of emolument before particularised, would make up an annual salary of £100 for the master. For the last two years the grant from the corporation has been discontinued: it is hoped, however, the corporate body will see the propriety of renewing their grant. The various bequests to this school, and the exhibitions at Christ College, Oxford, will be found noticed with the following account of the general charities of Bridgnorth.