Chapter III: Part 3

1395.—An Inquisition taken at Salop, on Wednesday next after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, before John de Eyton, Sheriff of Salop, by virtue of a certain Writ to the said Sheriff directed, and to this Inquisition annexed, by oath of William Banaster of Bromdon, and others, who say upon their oath that William Tyrington, late Parson of this Chapel, had committed waste, dilapidation, and destruction in this Chapel, to wit, in throwing down, dilapidating, and destroying this Chapel, to the value of one hundred pounds, through the defect of the roofing, repairing, and supporting of this Chapel, that is, in lead, stone, timber, and glass windows, and also in the carrying away one chalice and divers entire vestments, with all the ornaments ordained for the said chalice and vestments pertaining to the said Chapel, and by destroying divers images lately being in the same Chapel, by reason of his improvident custody of the said Chapel, and of his neglect of the repairing of this Chapel, to the value aforesaid, beginning the defects aforesaid in the Feast of Easter, in the 48th year of King Edward the Third, till the death of this William Tyrington, so that this Chapel was utterly destroyed and wholly thrown down and laid in ruins by this William de Tyrington, late Parson of this Chapel, and so that two hundred marks were not sufficient to amend and repair it, with the ornaments lately being therein.

1410.—A Grant by King Henry the Fourth, reciting, that whereas he had granted to “Roger Yve, of Leeton, Rector of our Chapel of St. John the Baptist at Adbrighton Husee,” “certain lands in fields called the Batteleyfield, in which field the battle between us and Henry Percy, deceased, and certain of our rebels, lately took place,” in order to build “a certain Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene,” of which he was appointed Warden, with power to choose five Chaplains to celebrate Divine Service in the said Chapel every day. The Grant then proceeds to endow the said Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene at Battlefield with various possessions, and among others with the Advowson of “the King’s Free Chapel of St. Michael within the Castle of Salop, to which the Chapel of St. Julian of Salop is appurtenant or appendant.”

1417.—John Repynton, then Warden of the said Chapel of Saint Michael, surrendered the same to the King.

1558.—John Halliwell took of Richard Burper, among other property, all manner of tithes, oblations, obventions, fruits, profits, and emoluments, of the Rectory, Church, and Chapel, of Saint Julian, and of “the Chapel of Saint Michael.”

1583.—Was a Fine, passing the same property.

Queen Elisabeth having granted a lease of the Castle and its appurtenances to Humphrey Onslow, Esq. at the yearly rent of 13s. 4d. that gentleman’s lease expired in 1596, when the Castle and its appurtenances came into the possession of the Corporation.

In the records of the Corporation is the following entry:

1605.—“Agreed that persons shall view the stones in the Castle belonging to St. Michael’s Chapel, and take account thereof, and enquire what stones are taken away.”

There can be little doubt, however, but the Parish of St. Michael’s had originally some connexion with St. Mary’s parish; for in the reign of Henry II. it seems that Walter de Dunstanville, Rector of St. Michael’s, sold a tract of land called Wogheresforlong and a moiety of Derefold to a person named Gilbert, reserving to himself a rent of three shillings and sixpence; and that John the son of Gilbert soon afterwards conveyed it to one Nicholas le Poncer, who subsequently granted it to Haghmond Abbey, free from all secular service, saving a rent of four shillings to be annually paid (in lieu of the tithes of Derefold) to the parson of the parish of the church of St. Michael within the Castle.

This commutation is assented to and witnessed by the Dean and Chapter of St. Mary’s, “for us and our successors for ever;” an attestation which would appear as quite unnecessary, if this district had not once been connected with their jurisdiction.

The etymology of Derfald, or Deerfold, is an enclosure or park (which will be noticed hereafter) for keeping deer, an appendage not unusual to our early fortresses. This circumstance (and at a period when little respect was shown to boundaries civil or ecclesiastical) might have induced Roger de Montgomery, as feudal lord, to assign it as the parochial limits of his church, although at the cost of the parish of St. Mary.

THE ABBEY CHURCH.

[Picture: The Abbey Church]

THE ABBEY CHURCH is situated in the suburb to which it has given the name of Abbey Foregate. It is built of a deep red stone. A noble simplicity combined with a massive solidity characterizes the whole structure, to which time has given a most venerable appearance; and, though marks of mutilation are too evident throughout, it displays many curious features of ancient Norman architecture combined with the earlier pointed style.

It originally formed part of the richly endowed monastery founded in 1083 by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, and when entire was a stately cruciform building, equal in size to some of our cathedrals, having a central and western tower, transepts, &c. The whole eastern portion, two-thirds of the structure, was barbarously destroyed at the dissolution of monasteries in the time of Henry the Eighth. The neglect of after-times has contributed much to disfigure its external elevation, the eastern portion of the upper clerestory having from decay fallen down some time about the close of the 17th century.

The present church consists of the nave, side aisles, and western tower of the Abbey church, and owes its escape to the circumstance of the western end having always been used as the church of the parish of HOLY CROSS, the name it still retains.

The west front is composed of the tower, flanked by the ends of the Norman side aisles, and has a bold appearance. The tower is broad and massive; the basement early Norman, surmounted by a well-proportioned superstructure of the 14th century. The portal is a deeply recessed round-headed arch, having a pointed doorway inserted within it; to preserve uniformity, the exterior rib of the outward round arch springs on each side from a Norman shaft with an indented capital, and the combination displays much skill and ingenuity.

Above this is one of the most magnificent windows in the kingdom, 46 feet high by 23 feet wide; the intrado of the arch is enriched by a series of small trefoil panels; the label rises high above it in the ogee form, richly crocketed and terminated in a finial. The window is in the decorated style, and divided horizontally by transoms, and perpendicularly by six mullions, into seven compartments for the glass, the lower division having blank panels which have never been pierced for glazing. The arched head is gracefully pointed and filled with a profusion of the most rich and delicate tracery.

On each side of the window are the remains of a canopied niche, which once contained statues, probably of Saint Peter and St. Paul, the tutelar saints of the Abbey.

The north and south-west angles of the tower are flanked by shelving buttresses, having their sets-off worked into pedimented weatherings. The bell chamber has two windows on each side, between those of the western front is an elegant canopied niche containing the statue of an armed knight, bearing in one hand a mutilated sword, the other appears to have once projected from the body, but is now broken. The figure has a conical basinet, encircled by a crown, fastened to a camail of mail, which covers the neck, shoulders, and breast to the hips, and is finished by an emblazoned jupon. The thighs and legs are encased in plate armour. This statue is supposed to represent Edward the Third, in whose reign the tower was probably built.

On the north side of the church is a lofty and handsome porch, the entrance to which is under a pointed arch resting on round columns, and peculiarly recessed within a square aperture charged with shields; above is a chamber (formerly in two stories) lighted by small mullioned windows whose arches are nearly flat. On each side are niches, in one of which is the remains of a figure. The ceiling of the porch is cylindrical, without ornament, and the interior doorway a plain semi-circular arch with round mouldings.

The exterior of the side aisles displays a series of modern gables, each of which contains a mullioned window. The eastern end of the church is finished by a wall run up between the remains of the two western piers that supported a central tower, in which a pointed window is inserted. This, however, will soon be removed, and three elegant Norman lights substituted by private munificence.

On the south side the gables are at present miserably repaired with brickwork, but it is to be hoped that ere long the public spirit and good taste of the town will be exercised in such a manner as to assist the parishioners in the proper restoration of this side of the church, which presents so striking a feature from the new line of the London road.

The south aisle is entered by a plain Norman arch, resting on slender shafts, and which once communicated with the western wing of the cloister; the approach from the opposite eastern wing was by a pointed doorway; adjoining this is the ruined wall of the transept, in which are two round arches, supposed to have formed portions of a side aisle, or small chantry chapel west of the transept.

THE INTERIOR

presents a majestic appearance of solemnity, calculated to raise devout and profound veneration towards that ALMIGHTY BEING to whose service and honour the edifice is dedicated, as well as to enchain the attention to the scriptural motto inscribed upon the north portal—“REVERENCE MY SANCTUARY.”

The nave is separated from the side aisles by five arches: two, which on each side join the tower, are in the pure style of the 14th century, and delicately lined with deep mouldings resting on clustered columns, and exhibit very distinctly the taste which prevailed in engrafting the more elegant pointed upon the massy Anglo-Norman style; the former, it will be clearly seen, have been formed out of the original semi-circular arches, similar to the three eastward, which rest on short thick round pillars (16½ feet in circumference) of the plainest Norman character. Above these is a story of smaller arches in the same style, now filled up, but which evidently shew that it was the intention of the monastery to assimilate them to the style adopted in the side windows of the tower and western portion of the nave: the alteration, however, was not completed.

The pointed arch opposite the north porch is partly filled by a skreen, the remnant of a small chantry chapel which formerly occupied this portion of the church. This skreen is adorned with a series of foliated niches once enriched with sculpture.

The ceiling of the church is painted in imitation of an oak ribbed roof, ornamented with flowers, the intersections of the ribs being finished with bosses, and the interstices with quatrefoils. A lofty beautiful pointed arch, 52 feet high, springing from richly moulded imposts divides the tower from the nave, by which the whole front of the great western window is displayed. This window is filled with a series of armorial bearings in stained glass, restored in 1814 at the expence and under the direction of the Rev. W. G. Rowland, M.A. from a drawing in the Heralds’ College.

_First row_: 1. Beauchamp; 2. Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester; 3. King Richard the Second; 4. John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster; 5. Edmund of Langley, Duke of York; 6. Stafford.

_Second row_: 7. Audley; 8. Clare; 9. B. a lion rampant O. (the arms of the monastery); 10. Barry of twelve, A. and S.

_Third row_: 11. Mortimer Earl of March; 12. Fitzalan and Warren.

_Fourth row_: 13. Montague; 14. Boteler of Wem; 15. Ufford Earl of Suffolk; 16. B. on a bend A. three escallops S.

_Fifth row_: 17. Warren Earl of Surrey; 18, 19, 20. B. a lion rampant within a bordure O. (probably intended for the three Norman Earls of Shrewsbury); 21. Blundeville Earl of Chester; 22. Sir Philip de Burnell.

_Sixth row_: 23. England and France quarterly; 24. John of Hainault; 25. Strange of Blackmere; 26. Strange of Knockin; 27. Lisle; 28. Mortimer Earl of March; 29. Arundel and Warren; 30. France semée and England; 31. Arundel and Maltravers; 32. Corbet; 33. Albini; 34. Latimer; 35. Roger de Montgomery; 36. Sir Simon de Burley impaling Stafford; which last bearings will probably fix the date when the original window was put up, viz. about the 12th of King Richard the Second.

The whole extent of the tower is occupied by a spacious gallery, in which is an excellent organ made by Gray, of London, and erected in 1806 at a cost of 365 guineas. The front of the gallery is a gothic skreen of three arches, divided by buttresses, and displays the armorial bearings of the principal benefactors to the organ.

The eastern window contains six resplendent figures in stained glass, executed by Mr. David Evans, of Shrewsbury, viz. ST. JAMES, KING DAVID, ST. JOHN, KING SOLOMON (as in the act of consecrating the Temple), ST. PETER, and ST. PAUL, with their respective emblems. The figures were placed in rich tracery work in 1836, but the window was originally set up in 1820, with the following inscription:—AEDI . SANCTAE . CRUCIS . Post . Annos . Viginti . Septem . In . SACRIS . EJUS . Administrandis . Impensos . Dono . Dedit . Gvlielmvs . Gorsvch . Rowland . anno . salvtis . MDCCCXX.

Below this window is a series of highly-enriched Norman arches, forming the altar skreen, erected from a design by Mr. Carline, and at the expense of the Rev. Richard Scott, B. D. which has given a most imposing feature to this part of the church.

The north-east window was the gift of the late Lord Berwick, and previously to the year 1820 stood over the altar. In the centre compartment is a large figure of St. Peter, and the remainder of the window is occupied by the arms of the See of Lichfield, those of the munificent donor, and thirteen escutcheons of the incumbents from the Reformation to 1804. A rich border lines the mullions, and at the bottom is inscribed—MVNIFICENTIA • VIRI • PRAENOBILIS • THOMAE • NOEL • BARONIS • BERWICK • DE • ATTINGHAM • HVJVS • ECCLESIAE • PATRONI • ANNO • SALVTIS • MDCCCVI.

Small windows divided by a single mullion are placed in the eastern arches of the side aisles (which formerly opened with the transepts); that on the north side has the arms of Mortimer, Fitzalan, Talbot, and Berkeley, in stained glass. The corresponding window of the south aisle has three ancient shields (originally in the great chamber of the abbey) bearing the arms of France and England, Roger de Montgomery, and the symbols of the Patron Saints, the key and sword, in saltire.

In the south aisle is a beautiful mosaic window of stained glass, by Mr. D. Evans, containing twelve shields of the armorial bearings of families connected with the late Rev. John Rocke. Underneath is inscribed—MAJORVM SVORVM INSIGNIA DEPINGI CURAVIT JOHANNES ROCKE, MDCCCXX.

The western portion of the south aisle is walled from the church for a vestry, near which, on a pavement of emblazoned tiles, stands the Font: the pedestal is carved with zigzag mouldings, and supports a round basin, ornamented with chevron work and small arched panels. This originally belonged to the church at High Ercall.

Another font, found some years since in the adjoining garden, is at the eastern end of the north aisle. Its basin represents an open flower, over which is festooned drapery supported from the mouths of grotesque heads; the pillar on which it is fixed formed the upper part of the ancient cross which formerly stood opposite the south door of St. Giles’s church. On the sides are sculptured the Crucifixion, the Visitation, the Virgin and Child, and a person in the act of devotion.

Length of the church from east to west 123 feet, breadth (including aisles) 63 feet; the tower is 104 feet in height, and contains a fine mellow peal of eight bells.

MONUMENTS—SOUTH AISLE.

The oldest monument in the church is the mutilated cumbent figure of a warrior clad in mail of the date of King John’s reign, and conjectured by the heralds at the visitation in 1623 to be the effigy of the Founder of the abbey, who died July 27th, 1094. It has been placed on a basement of early pointed arches, by the Rev. W. G. Rowland, M.A. to whose taste this church is mainly indebted for its interior beauty and interest.

On the fall of St. Chad’s and the demolition of St. Alkmund’s church, several ancient monuments found an habitation within the aisles of this church. To enumerate all the inscriptions on these and other memorials would far exceed the prescribed limits of these pages: a brief survey must therefore suffice.

Commencing at the eastern end of the south aisle, we find—a bust, under a Roman arch, in alderman’s robes, representing John Lloyd, alderman of this town, who died in 1647, aged 53.

Near this is a handsome altar-tomb bearing two cumbent figures, an alderman in his civic robes, with picked beard and bareheaded, and a lady in a scarlet gown, finished after the stiff habit of the times, denoting William Jones and Eleanor his wife; the former died in 1612, and the latter in 1623. These were brought from St. Alkmund’s.

An alabaster tomb from Wellington old church, described by Dugdale as “a faire raised monument, whereon is cut the portraiture of a man in armour, and by him his wife, with this inscription”—

Hic jacet in Tumba corpus Will’mi Chorlton armigeri et Anne Uxor’
ejus; que quidem Anna obiit vii die mensis Junii, Anno D’ni Mill’imo
cccccxxiiii. et dictas Will’ms obiit p’mo die mensis Julii anno d’ni
mill’imo cccccxliiii. quorum animab’ p’picietur Deus.

On the sides of the tomb are a series of canopied niches, with figures of angels and friars bearing shields, on which are emblazoned armorial bearings of the families of _Charlton_, _Zouch_, and _Horde_; one of the friars is remarkable, having a fox’s head peeping out from under his long gown.

In this part are handsome mural tablets with Latin inscriptions to the memory of individuals of the families of ROCKE, PRINCE, BALDWIN, &c. &c.

Near the south entrance is the cumbent figure of a cross-legged knight in linked armour, with surcoat, sword in scabbard, gauntlets on his hands, spurs on his heels, and his feet resting on a lion. It is considered to be the effigy of _Sir Walter de Dunstanville_, Lord of Ideshale, and a benefactor to Wombridge Priory, from whence the figure was brought. He died 25th Henry III.

NORTH AISLE.

Resting on a basement is a curious ancient ridge-backed gravestone, on which is cut a foliated cross; under this is a small figure clad as a priest, close to whose head is attached the outline of a bell. On the right side is a chalice, a book, and a candle; round the edge of the stone is T: M: O: R: E: U: A, which is conjectured to mean Thomas More, Vicarius Abbatiæ. It was removed from St. Giles’s.

Among other ancient cumbent figures in this aisle, one is supposed to represent a Judge who died in Shrewsbury, being robed to the feet, and having a coif drawn close over his head, and tied under the chin. It is of the date of Edward I.

Another monumental statue clad in plate armour displays a long loose robe as the surcoat, which is curiously disposed on one side to shew the warlike character of the deceased, whose armour, belt, and dagger would have been otherwise concealed. The head is wrapped in a close cowl. From the peculiarity of the robe being thrown back, this effigy is probably unique. Froissart asserts that a similar dress was worn in battle, and that this kind of long loose drapery proved fatal to Sir John Chandos, for he “wore over his armour a large robe which fell to ye ground;” and as it appears, when he marched “entangled his legs so that he made a stumble, and was killed by the enemy.” The costume of the present figure (which originally stood on an altar-tomb in St. Alkmund’s church) may be attributed to the close of the 14th century; but whom it represents is now unknown.

On the side walls are several neat tablets. An elegant canopied niche with pinnacles commemorates Edward Jenkins, Esq. of Charlton Hill, co. Salop, who ably distinguished himself in the first American war, being then a lieutenant in the 60th regiment, and died May 1, 1820, in his 81st year.

At the eastern end is a large altar-tomb, on which are recumbent figures of Richard Onslow, Esq. (Speaker of the House of Commons in the reign of Elizabeth), and his lady Catherine; the former is dressed in his robes of office, and the latter in the dress of the times. On the sides and ends of the monument are small figures of his sons and daughters. He died in 1571, and was buried at St. Chad’s.

Above this is a mural monument representing a gentleman and lady kneeling opposite to each other under a rich Grecian entablature; the former is clad in a ruff and long gown, and the latter has a long veil thrown back. They represent Thomas Edwards, Esq. who died 1634, and Ann his wife, daughter of Humfrey Baskerville, alderman of London. Over the entablature is a lady in a richly-laced habit, and a little girl kneeling, intended for Mary, wife of Thomas Edwards, Esq. and daughter of Thomas Bonham Norton, Esq. who died in childbirth, 1641.

In the vestry is an old painting of the Crucifixion, which was a century ago “turned out of the church,” and occasioned at the time some strife between the parson and his flock.

The living is a vicarage, with St. Giles’s annexed, in the gift of the Right Hon. Lord Berwick, who received it from the Crown in exchange for three small livings in Suffolk.

The ruins of the monastic buildings, which are now scattered over an extent of about nine acres, are not considerable, and will be described in a notice of the suburb of Abbey-foregate.

SAINT GILES’S CHURCH.

[Picture: St. Giles’s Church, N.W.]

Sacred edifices, under the invocation of this Saint, were generally founded “without the city;” that in this town occupies a situation at the eastern extremity of the suburb of Abbey-foregate.

The structure is unquestionably as old as the early part of the twelfth century; and while presenting an interesting picture of the work of former times, has a tendency to lead the mind, under fit impressions, to the hope of a less perishable, “greater, and more perfect tabernacle.”

It consists of a nave, chancel, and north aisle, with a small turret at the western end, in which a bell has lately been introduced. The principal entrance is at the south, under a Norman arch. The north aisle is separated from the nave by three pointed arches sustained on plain round columns, formed (it appears) in the thickness of the wall, and peculiarly flanked on the north side by square piers, having an upper and lower narrow moulding adorned with recessed quatrefoils. These piers, it is presumed, originally served as buttresses to strengthen the outward wall of the fabric, which on receiving the addition of a north aisle (evidently at a very early period), a communication was then opened with the nave by perforating the wall into arches, which are of the era when the Norman was giving way to the pointed style. It is not improbable but this aisle was made for the accommodation of persons afflicted with leprosy, to which they had access from the adjoining hospital by a pointed doorway, and where they might hear the offices of religion without endangering other worshippers with their contagious malady. At the east end is a curious round-headed window with mullions.

A fine pointed arch separates the nave from the chancel, which is terminated by a flat-arched mullioned window, containing a noble collection of stained glass, executed by Mr. David Evans, of Shrewsbury. The four lower compartments have full-length figures of THE EVANGELISTS, standing upon hexagonal pedestals, through the external circular arches of which is exhibited the groined roof of a crypt supported by slender pillars. Over each figure is a beautiful canopy of tabernacle work, and in the intersections of the tracery are the symbols of the Evangelists, each supporting a tablet, on which is respectively inscribed, in small characters—

Mattheus Christi stirpens et genus ordine narrat
Marcus Baptistam clamantem inducit eremo
Virgine pregnatum Lucas describit Jesum
Prodit Joannes verbi impenetrabile lumen.

The three principal compartments in the upper division display fine representations from ancient designs of THE SALUTATION, THE WISE MENS’ OFFERING, and THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE, beneath each of which is a Latin text: the first is taken from Luke i. 28; the second from Psalm lxxii. 10; the third from Luke ii. 29, 30. At the bottom of the window, GULIELMUS GORSUCH ROWLAND DONO DEDIT.

The small Norman loop-hole on the north side contains a figure of St. Giles, and is an exquisite imitation of ancient stained glass.

On the south side of the chancel is a low pointed arch, the stone-work of which projects outside the building, and was no doubt originally intended to contain the remains of a master of the hospital. After the plaister had been removed in 1826, which brought to view this archway, the ground at its base was opened, when a stone grave cased with brick-work was discovered, with part of the bones of two individuals. In 1685 it appears to have been used for the interment of the individual whose name is inscribed on the stone, and to prevent (if possible) that ejection of himself which must have befallen the remains of a former tenant, it is further added

STVR NOT MY BONES
WHICH ARE LAYDE IN CLAYE
FOR I MVST RISE AT
THE RESVRRECTION DAY.

THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH

[Picture: St. Giles’ Church—Interior View]

Possesses much of its primitive character, being unencumbered with pews, and until the last few years exhibited a still more rude appearance of damp and neglect. Many important improvements, however, have been effected within and around the building, especially in placing drains around the exterior, which have not only rendered the interior free from damp, but contributed also to the dryness of the cemetery. The alterations in the nave consist in levelling and repairing the floor, ceiling the roof, and appropriately colouring the walls and rafters; removing the pulpit from the corner of the fine arch leading into the chancel to the south-east corner of the nave, and placing stone tracery of a bold design in the large pointed window of the south wall. The windows of the north aisle are filled with fragments of stained glass ingeniously disposed, so as to represent the outline of figures. {82}

In feet, whoever has visited this ancient church during its former wretched state will be astonished; it now truly looks

“As though we own’d a God, adored his power,
Rever’d his wisdom, loved his mercy.”

And its sacred walls will, it is to be hoped, no more echo with the twittering of birds,—the sparrow find a place of security over the altar, or the swallow be permitted to “build her brooding nest” above its antique pulpit; altho’ these are striking resemblances of the tranquillity and peace which the means of grace are to a christian, and which seem to inhabit the house of the Deity.

But the sentiment which this venerable place impressed was in some measure checked by its disuse, divine service being only celebrated within its walls twice a year.

Since the foregoing account was written, the author of these Memorials has the pleasure to record that regular service was commenced in this church on Sunday, June 19, 1836, which will form a great convenience to the increasing population of the neighbourhood. Nine new oak pews have been subsequently erected within its walls, from a design by Mr. Carline, and at the expence of the Reverend Richard Scott, B. D. who has also contributed a sum that will, with the letting of the pews, further increase the stipend of a minister. Much has been very justly said against the deformity which the introduction of pews has rendered to churches; those, however, placed in this structure meet every objection, and are perfect models of what pews should be,—fixed forms having backs, but without doors;—adapted for a devotional rather than a lounging posture. On the outside partition of each is a small carved finial, and the whole are in unison with the style of the church and ancient benches still remaining on the south side. A new altar-piece has been placed above the communion-table: the latter was presented by an inhabitant of the parish, and the former by Mr. Scott.

The dimensions of the church are—nave 45 feet by 36, chancel 20 feet by 15, total length 65 feet. The font is the upper portion of a Norman pillar with the capital hollowed, and originally belonged to the Abbey church.

It may be mentioned, that after the monks of Shrewsbury had obtained possession of the bones of St. Wenefrede in 1137, those precious relics were deposited on the altar of this church, until a shrine worthy their reception could be prepared in the Abbey.

On the floor are several ancient stones bearing crosses, no doubt denoting the interment of some of the masters of the old hospital of St. Giles.

A spacious cemetery surrounds the building, where the contemplative mind,

“Free from noise and riot rude,”

may resort, and, unmolested by the vulgar gaze of unsympathizing intruders, pour the grateful tribute of a sigh, or embalm afresh the memory of that departed spirit with whom he once took generous and undesigning counsel; and renew in imagination, through time’s dim mist, hours consecrated to friendship.

In this silent repository are gravestones 200 years old, many inhabitants of the town having selected it as their last resting place, from a feeling similar to that inscribed upon a tomb in the south-west corner of the church-yard:

Ut Nemini noceret Mortuus,
Qui Unicuique pro re nata succurrere voluit Vivus,
Hic extra Urbem sese contumulandum præcipiebat,
CHENEY HART, M.D.
Warringtoni in agro Lancastriensi natus Nov. 17–28, 1726.

A stone near the south window covers the remains of John Whitfield, surgeon, on which is recorded an epitaph, the very quintessence of chemical brevity—

I. W.
COMPOSITA SOLVANTUR.

Opposite the south door is the socket of an ancient stone cross, the upper portion of which supports a font in the Abbey church.

From hence likewise is an extensive view of the town, with the different churches displayed to much picturesque advantage, the vale below being watered by the meanderings of the Rea brook; while the more distant prospect, chequered with mountains and woody knolls, verdant pastures and rural habitations, presents a striking picture of

“Life’s fair landscape, mark’d with light and shade.”

SAINT MICHAEL’S CHURCH

[Picture: St. Michael’s Church, Castle-foregate]

Stands on a pleasant site in the populous suburb of Castle Foregate. The western side commands an interesting view of the town. The venerable Castle with its towers and hoary walls, the Royal Free Grammar School, and the lofty spires of St. Mary’s and St. Alkmund’s churches, combine to form a most pleasing group; whilst the fine church of Saint Chad, backed by distant mountains, stands prominent in the front. On the northern side of the building is a picturesque dell, along which the majestic Severn formerly poured its crystal stream.

The church is a respectable building in the Doric style, composed of brick. It was erected by subscription, and consecrated for divine worship August 24th, 1830.

In plan, it consists of a tower, nave, side aisles, and an elliptical recess for the communion, with a vestry in the base of the tower.

The tower is of three divisions, and rises to the height of 70 feet; the basement is square, on which rests an octagonal belfry, crowned by a similar division of smaller dimensions, having a cornice charged with lions’ heads, the whole being surmounted by an angular lead roof and a gilded cross.

The body of the church is in length 70 ft. 6 in. and in breadth 40 ft. 6 in. and has a stone plinth, cornice, and parapet. The windows throughout are circular-headed, having unbroken stone dressings surrounding them.

THE INTERIOR is approached by two entrances, north and south, beneath a stone cornice sustained on pilasters; and, if not splendid in decoration, it has that solemnity which becometh the House of God: it possesses, however, one great advantage, in being capable of comfortably accommodating a congregation of 800 persons, 620 of whom may possess free sittings. On the floor are thirty-six pews, the other part being entirely free. There are galleries over the north and south aisles, and at the western end, the whole of which are free sittings. These galleries are sustained on cast-iron columns, which are also continued for the support of the roof.

The ceiling has a good effect, being panelled in large square compartments, and beautifully painted in imitation of oak. The pulpit and reading desk are octagonal, and are placed on opposite sides of the church.

The eastern end is finished by three panels, inscribed with the Decalogue, &c. Three windows of splendid stained glass decorate the chancel. The subject of the centre one is the NATIVITY, from the celebrated “La Notte” of Correggio, and is a most masterly production of the art of glass-staining, especially in the management of light suitable to the time and scene of the subject. Underneath is the inscription in Roman capitals—“AND THEY CAME WITH HASTE, AND FOUND MARY, AND JOSEPH, AND THE BABE LYING IN A MANGER.”

The windows on each side of the above are designed from the ANNUNCIATION, and the PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE, the former from a painting by Guido in the chapel of the palace on the Monte Cavallo of Rome. The angel, a beautiful figure arrayed in yellow drapery tastefully displayed, is in the act of presenting to the virgin a lily, while his attitude and countenance seem to bespeak the emphatic words of the motto inscribed beneath—“HAIL! THOU THAT ART HIGHLY FAVOURED AMONG WOMEN; THE LORD IS WITH THEE.” The other is from the celebrated picture at Antwerp, by Rubens, and founded on the words of holy Simeon—“LORD, NOW LETTEST THOU THY SERVANT DEPART IN PEACE: ACCORDING TO THY WORD.”

These windows, perfect gems of the art, were executed by Mr. David Evans, of Shrewsbury, and were the gift of the Rev. W. G. Rowland, M.A. Minister and Official of St. Mary’s.

There is a small but excellent organ in the west gallery, and the tower contains a light peal of six bells, cast in 1830. The architect of the church was Mr. J. Carline; and when it is considered that it was erected at an expence of little more than £2000, criticism is disarmed in the substantial appearance which it possesses.

The cemetery surrounding the church is particularly neat; a gravel walk extends along its sides, and the ground is laid out in divisions for graves and vaults, which are numbered according to a plan kept with the sexton.

This church is in St. Mary’s parish, with the minister of which the presentation is vested.

SAINT GEORGES CHURCH.

[Picture: St. George’s Church, Frankwell]

SAINT GEORGE’S CHURCH is situated at the upper end of the suburb of Frankwell, and is dedicated to the tutelar saint of England, from its proximity to the site of an ancient religious foundation called in old writings “The free chapel of St. George.”

The present church was consecrated January 30th, 1832, and is cruciform in plan, having a small tower rising at the west end; it is built with fine Grinshill stone, from a design by Mr. Haycock. The architecture adopted throughout the building, with the exception of the tower, is of the lancet or early pointed style.

The west front is of three divisions guarded by projecting buttresses, the centre portion forming the principal entrance, a pointed arch bounded by a sweeping label; above this is a lancet light, succeeded by a panel intended for a clock dial. From this part the tower shows itself above the roof to the height of about 20 feet, and has mullioned windows in the style of the 16th-century, surmounted by an embattled parapet and four crocketed pinnacles crowned with finials. The flanks of the west end are quite plain, having in their centre narrow blank loopholes.

The nave has on each side four lancet windows, bounded by labels; and the northern and southern extremities of the transepts, with the chancel or eastern end, have triple lancet windows with recessed mouldings, resting on grotesque carved heads. The transepts and chancel terminate with gables, having on their apex a crocketed pinnacle.

The extreme length of the church is about 84 feet, and 30 feet in width, the transepts from north to south are 66 feet, and the tower to the summit of the pinnacles 60 feet.

THE INTERIOR

possesses a very pleasing appearance. The basement of the tower forms the vestibule, which is flanked on one side by the vestry, and on the other by the stairs leading to the gallery. The aisles of the nave and transepts are occupied by free benches, with a passage on either hand, the pews being placed along the side walls of the entire building.

The font is of free-stone, and placed on a pedestal in the area between the transepts; the basin is octangular, having on its side compartments a small quatrefoil sunk within a square panel.

On each side of the communion table are two carved gothic chairs; and nearly the whole extent of the eastern wall of the chancel is covered with a handsome altar skreen.

The three lancet windows are filled with splendid stained glass.

The subject occupying the centre window is a full-length figure of ISAIAH, in an attitude strikingly prophetic, and clothed in a brilliant vest of purple, over which is thrown a green robe lined with ermine, denoting his royal descent.

The corresponding windows on each side have spirited figures of ST. MATTHEW and ST. MARK. The former exhibits deep and serious meditation, with a most benign countenance; in his right hand is a halbert, and in his left a Greek manuscript. ST. MARK is a most venerable figure, whose head appears covered with the frost of hoary years, and he is pointing to an open gospel which he holds in his left hand.

The figures stand on rich bases, which display an highly ornamented quatrefoil, and are surmounted by canopies of the most elegant crocketed tabernacle work, which have a truly pleasing effect.

At the base of the window is a series of pointed arches in ruby glass, beneath which is the following inscription: HANC • FENESTRAM • PICTURATAM • AEDIS • SANCTI • GEORGII • DECORANDAE • ERGO • DONAVIT • RICARDUS • SCOTT • SACRAE • THEOLOGIAE • BACCALAUREUS • ANNO • SALUTIS • MDCCCXXXIII.

The triple windows of the north and south transepts are also embellished by the same benefactor with elegant mosaic patterns of elaborate workmanship, vying in richness and mellowness of colouring with the finest specimens of ancient stained glass.

The taste displayed in the execution of these windows is highly creditable to the talents of our townsman, Mr. David Evans, and will, we trust, long remain as a noble example of private generosity.

Attached to the west end is a deep gallery of free seats, which contains a small organ, presented by the Rev. Richard Scott, B.D. in 1834.

The church was erected by a public subscription and a grant from the commissioners for building churches. The total cost, exclusive of the site, was nearly £4000, of which sum, however, £400 has been vested in the name of trustees as a fund for future repairs.

There are 57 pews which will accommodate 290 persons, and 460 free and unappropriated sittings.

The right of presentation is in the vicar of St. Chad’s.

* * * * *

THE OLD HOSPITAL OF ST. GEORGE stood on a site eastward between the present church and the Welsh bridge, which latter, as early as the reign of Henry II. was called “Saint George’s Bridge.” About the year 1150, the Bishop of Coventry, considering the great poverty of the brethren of the Hospital of St. George, Salop, released to all who should contribute to their necessities “thirteen days of penance enjoined them, and a share of all the prayers and alms within his Bishoprick.” In 1418 the church appears to have been in the gift of the Crown, and is supposed to have been taken down early in the reign of Elizabeth.

TRINITY CHURCH.

[Picture: Trinity Church, Coleham]

The necessity of additional church accommodation for a population of 2200 persons who inhabit the SUBURB OF COLEHAM having been generally acknowledged, inasmuch as most of them were destitute of sittings in the parish church, where many of the pews are freehold, and others let at such rents as are beyond the means not only of the labouring poor (who form the greater part of the township) but of the class immediately above them, a meeting of the parishioners and others interested in the spiritual welfare of this isolated district of the town, was therefore held in the vestry of St. Julian’s church, Dec. 7th, 1835, when it was resolved to be highly necessary to erect a chapel of ease in Coleham, with free sittings for at least two-thirds of the number it may contain.

A committee was formed for the purpose of carrying the proposed design into execution, and of soliciting pecuniary assistance in all proper quarters. No sooner was this announced than Salopian generosity was immediately excited, and the town and neighbourhood by their contributions, in co-operation with those of the parishioners, soon raised one thousand pounds, which has been subsequently increased by a grant of £600 from the Lichfield Diocesan Society for building churches, and a further grant of £150 from the Incorporated Church Building Society.

The parishioners of St. Julian’s, desirous also of remedying the inconvenient and crowded state resulting from repeated interments in the cemetery adjoining their church during a period of one thousand years, purchased an eligible piece of land in MEOLE ROAD, for the two-fold purpose of erecting the new church and affording additional burial ground. The foundations of the church were commenced in July, 1836, and (under active management) the structure is now in rapid progress towards completion, and will be dedicated to the Holy Trinity.

The front elevation is sufficiently detailed in the foregoing vignette; the body has four windows on each side, corresponding with those in the front. The chancel is an elliptical recess, separated from the nave internally by a circular arch.

The interior is 72 feet by 46, and intended to afford 812 sittings, 500 of which will be free, having a gallery over the principal entrance.

Without further detail of the building, it may be observed that it possesses one paramount advantage, viz. _usefulness_; and it is to be hoped, that as the inhabitants of the suburbs of our town become possessed of greater facilities for hearing the Word of God, they may value the blessing, and support it practically by their influence and example.

The estimated cost is about £1835; builder, Mr. Stant. The appointment of minister is vested with the incumbent of the parish church.

* * * * *

RELIGIOUS HOUSES or Chapels, in former times, stood at five different approaches into Shrewsbury: of these St. Giles’s only remains.

The chapel of St. Mary Magdalene appears from the following extract to have occupied a site near Trinity church. Edward III. 5 June, 1356, granted to his beloved in Christ _Roger_, Hermit of the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, situated without Salop, a certain plat of waste called Spelcrosse, contiguous to the said chapel, and containing an acre of land: to hold the same to him and his successors, hermits there, for their habitation, and to find a chaplain to pray in the chapel for the king’s soul, &c. A deed also of 1634 mentions “The Hermitage lane leading into Meole-field.” A tea-garden near the site of “Belle Vue” was, in the recollection of many inhabitants, called “the Hermitage.”

DISSENTING MEETING HOUSES.

The first regular Presbyterian congregation formed in Shrewsbury was by the Reverends John Bryan, M.A. and the learned Francis Tallents, who were ejected by the Act of Uniformity in 1662 from the livings of St. Chad’s and St. Mary’s. After experiencing the various alternations of suffering and indulgence during the unsettled reign of Charles the First, and assembling for some time in private houses, they at length built a meeting house in the High-street, in 1691. But while they separated themselves from the established church on account of her discipline, they did not renounce the leading doctrines of the gospel as preserved in that church, which is evident from the inscription set up in their new building:—

“This place was not built for a faction, or a party, but to promote
repentance and faith, in communion with all those who love our Lord
Jesus Christ in sincerity.

“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

The year 1715 was particularly unfortunate for the Protestant Dissenters in this and the adjoining counties: several of their places of worship were destroyed by riotous mobs raised against the king and his government. During the violence of these insurrections, the High-street meeting house was demolished, in the night of July 6th, 1715, and the pulpit publicly burnt. Government, however, speedily caused it to be rebuilt; after which the royal arms were placed within the building.

The good and pious Job Orton preached here for several years. On his resignation in 1766, a difference of sentiment arose among the members of the congregation in the choice of a minister. The building is now used for worship by the Unitarians. It is 70 feet by 30, and fitted up in the heavy style of the last century.

THE INDEPENDENTS.

The place occupied by this denomination had its origin in consequence of the schism in the High-street congregation, and is situated in a retired area on Swan-hill. It is a substantial square edifice, with a neatly finished interior. On a stone tablet in the front is the following inscription:

“This building was erected in the year 1767, for the Public Worship
of God, and in defence of the Rights of Majorities in Protestant
Dissenting Congregations to choose their own Ministers.”

On the north-east side is a spacious vestry, containing portraits of the Rev. Mr. Tallents and other ejected clergymen. The space adjoining three sides of the building is used as a cemetery.

BAPTISTS.

A society of this persuasion is stated to have existed in this town in the time of the Commonwealth. The meeting house, in Claremont-street, was opened in 1780, and enlarged in 1810. It contains a monument in memory of Mr. Palmer, who was pastor of the congregation 27 years, and died in 1823.

THE SECOND BAPTISTS

Seceded from the above society in 1827, and built a place for worship in Castle Foregate, which was opened April 9, 1830. They retain, however, the doctrines of Particular or Calvinistic Baptists, as professed by the former society.

THE WESLEYAN METHODISTS

Assemble on St. John’s hill, in a building erected in 1804, and which was enlarged and decorated in 1825. Galleries surround the interior, in which is a small organ. The pulpit stands in the middle aisle.

A small building erected at Spring Gardens, Castle Foregate (by the proprietor of the land) was opened Feb. 26, 1826, in connexion with this society. The service is free, and the place is used at certain hours on the Sunday as a school.

THE METHODIST NEW CONNEXION

appear to claim a mutual relationship to the founder of Methodism with the Wesleyans, and retain the doctrines, ordinances, and general discipline common to that body, from which they differ only in the form of church government and professed dissent from the Church of England. This society formed a congregation here in 1833, and in Jan. 1834, an edifice for their service was commenced near the Old Tower, Murivance, which was opened June 13 in the same year.

The exterior is handsome, having two entrances with a Doric portico to each, and is divided into three parts, viz. a centre and two wings, formed with Corinthian pilasters, frieze, and cornice; the centre terminates with a pediment, and the wings with a broken blocking and Grecian tiles. The interior is without galleries, and arranged on rather a novel plan; the middle is occupied by two rows of pews, with a row on each of the sides which ascend gradually from the floor, and thereby afford great economy of space.

Two ends of the building being flanked by dwellings, light is admitted from the side portions, but a good effect, notwithstanding, is produced from the blank walls, which display arches and plain pilasters supporting a frieze and cornice.

The ground at the back declining considerably from the street, spacious school-rooms, a vestry, and a house for the door-keeper, are formed underneath the building, which is calculated to contain 700 persons, and cost £1500.

THE WELSH CALVINISTIC METHODISTS

meet in a neat structure in Hill’s Lane, erected by a subscription on a portion of the site of a former edifice, and was opened for worship Dec. 25, 1826. The service is in the Ancient British language.

THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS

introduced themselves into this town in 1822, by preaching in the streets and suburbs. The place originally built in Castle-court, Castle-street, for the Sandemanian Baptists (a society in this town nearly extinct), was purchased for them, and they commenced service there June 4th, 1826.

THE QUAKERS

have a convenient meeting-house, fitted up with much simplicity, and neatness, on St. John’s Hill, to which a small burial ground is attached.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL

Is situated near the southern portion of the town walls. The exterior exhibits a stuccoed pedimented front, surmounted by a plain cross. The interior was enlarged in 1826, and is elegant in decoration, and calculated to contain nearly 250 persons.

* * * * *

ROYAL FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

[Picture: Royal Free Grammar School]

“Learning is an addition beyond
Nobility of birth: honour of blood,
Without the ornament of knowledge, is
But a glorious ignorance.”

SHIRLEY.

This noble public institution for the education of youth was founded by KING EDWARD THE SIXTH, in 1561, on the supplication of Hugh Edwards and Richard Whitaker, and endowed with the greater portion of the revenues of the two dissolved colleges of Saint Mary and Saint Chad.—QUEEN ELIZABETH greatly augmented her brother’s donation in 1571, by adding the whole rectory of Chirbury, in this county, with additional tithes and estates in St. Mary’s parish, which now produce a considerable revenue.

In 1798, the School having sunk into a state of comparative insignificance, a bill was passed for the better government and regulation of the Grammar School of King Edward the Sixth in this town, by which the management of the revenues, and the removal or discharge of the masters, is vested in the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry (as visitor) and thirteen trustees or governors. The appointment of head and second masters rests with the Fellows of St. John’s College, Cambridge. The school is open for the gratuitous instruction of the sons of freemen, and has maintained a character of high repute from its earliest formation. We learn that under the care of its first master, Thomas Ashton, there were 290 scholars, among whom were many of the sons of the gentry of the county and from North Wales, as well as from the first families in the kingdom. Camden, when he wrote, says, “it was the best filled in all England, being indebted for their flourishinge state to provision made by the excellent and worthie Thomas Ashton,” who was instrumental in procuring the grant of augmentation from Elizabeth, and contributed greatly to the school himself, and from whose exertions and judicious regulations it preserved its usefulness for many generations.

Many persons of eminence in by-gone days received their education in Shrewsbury School. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth it sent forth one of the most brilliant ornaments of her court, the gallant and accomplished SYDNEY,—the “miracle of the age;”—and in the present day, under the able management and profound learning of the late head-master, Dr. Butler, it has maintained a pre-eminent rank among THE PUBLIC SEMINARIES OF SOUND LEARNING AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION in this country, having produced numerous individuals who have been distinguished for their eminent classical attainments; whilst it is an acknowledged fact that scarcely any gentleman can be pointed out who has sent so many pupils to the Universities, the greater part of whom have risen into general notice and estimation, mainly owing to the excellent manner in which their natural capacities had been directed by the distinguished and successful talents of their tutor.