Chapter III: Part 3

Upon the south side of the church is a stone porch of early Norman architecture. Its outward arch is circular, with diagonal or zig-zag mouldings, the inner rib obtusely pointed. The small pointed windows on each side are curious specimens of the very earliest rudiments of the mullioned window. The ceiling also presents an example of the most ancient kind of groined vault, and consists of four round massive ribs crossing each other in the centre, without any boss or ornament. The semicircular arch of the interior door is a good specimen of the style of building in fashion from the conquest to the days of Henry II. The north door is an elegant example of this ancient kind of building. Formerly it was an unsightly wooden porch, which was removed in 1801. The arches of the north and south doors of the transept are in the same early style. The decorations of the latter are rather uncommon, having lozenge pannels placed alternately, and each filled with an embossed flower. The side aisles, with the upper story of the nave and choir, have pointed windows with mullions, while those of the transept are long and lancet shaped, without any. The higher walls of the nave were, in the repair of 1786, very injudiciously raised some feet above their original level, which altogether destroys the ancient proportions, and gives the whole building a top-heavy appearance. Formerly the church was crowned with pinnacles, which issued from the spaces between each window and the corner buttresses of the transept and choir, but now, excepting those on the chapel, not one remains.

Within, the church is spacious, lofty, interesting, and from its venerable and solemn appearance, admirably adapted to the purposes of religious meditation.

As chanced, the portal of the sacred pile
Stood open, and we entered. On my frame,
At such transition from the fervid air,
A grateful coolness fell, that seem’d to strike
The heart, in concert with that temperate awe
And natural reverence which the place inspired.

WORDSWORTH.

The walls of the nave are supported on each side by four semicircular arches, with moulding peculiar to the pointed style, and these spring from finely clustered pillars, their shafts having the small flat rib which belongs to the 13th century. The capitals are highly enriched with foliage, and, as is usual in ancient churches, are all of different designs. Above the arches is a clere-story, with a high range of short windows on both sides, running the whole length of the church. These are irregularly ranged in couplets, and have heads very obtusely pointed, each divided by a single mullion. The ceiling of the nave, which is of oak, rises into an extremely flat arch, separated by its principal beams into square pannels, including circles richly adorned with quatrefoils and foliage. The ribs and bosses at their intersections, are carved, with double roses, devices and knots; those attached to the centre beam having pendant ornaments, pelicans, angels with musical instruments, and grotesque sculptures. The chancel is considerably elevated by two ascents of steps. On each side is a pointed arch, blocked up, resting upon imposts similar to the clustered pillars in the nave. Several

— marble monuments are here displayed
Upon the walls: and on the floor beneath
Sepulchral stones appear, with emblems graven
And foot-worn epitaphs, and some with small
And shining effigies of brass inlaid,

belonging to the Lyster, Morhall, Lloyd, Gardner, and Sandford families. On the north side, near the altar, is a beautiful triple window, with arches remarkably sharp pointed, the centre rising much higher than those of each side and supported upon slender insulated columns, whose capitals are adorned with foliage, busts, and grotesque heads. The ceiling of oak pannelling, was in this part quite plain. The interstices between the beams have been plastered over and painted with trefoil and other appropriate enrichments, and the intersections adorned with carved roses and devices, collected from the ruins of St. Chad’s and St. Alkmond’s. In the chancel, is an altar tomb, upon which is a recumbent figure of a cross legged knight, in linked armour, the sides adorned with rich foliated niches, once containing figures. This monument is supposed to belong to John de Leyborne, of Berwick Leyborne, last of the family. In the vestry, under a low pointed arch, is a plain altar tomb, which has formerly been ornamented with shields; on the massy alabaster slab which covers it, are engraven the figures of a man in armour, bareheaded, with his wife, both in the act of prayer. From the inscription which is somewhat defaced, we learn, that it was erected to — Stafford and Catherine his wife, in 1463. In the transept and nave there are some singular monumental figures, brought here from the ruins of St. Chad’s and St. Alkmond’s, but to whom they belonged has not been ascertained.

The lower divisions of the great window which terminates the chancel, is occupied by some ancient painted glass brought from old St. Chad’s, representing the root of Jesse: the arch or head is made up with ancient coats of arms and modern stained glass. The altar piece is a rich Grecian design. The altar is a fine slab of Sienna marble bordered with jasper, and was the gift of the Rev. Hugh Owen, vicar of St. Julian’s, when curate here in 1789. In the gallery at the west end of the nave, is a very handsome organ, made by John Harris and John Byfield, and as this church, with the exception of St. Lawrence, at Ludlow, is the handsomest in the county, so the organ with a like exception, is the most powerful and best toned. In the tower is a musical peal of ten bells, the harmony of which is not exceeded by that of any other peal in the town.

On the south-west side of the church-yard is a tomb-stone erected to the memory of Thomas Anderson, a lieutenant in Ligonier’s regiment of light horse, who was tried at Worcester for desertion, in the first German war of George II. and removed here for execution. He was shot on Kingsland, near this town, on the 11th of December, 1752, and met his fate with calmness and fortitude. At the foot of the tower is a stone in memory of Robert Cadman, who in January, 1740, in an attempt to descend from the top of the spire by means of a rope affixed to it, the other end of which was placed in the fields on the opposite side of the river, fell lifeless in St. Mary’s Friars, through the breaking of the rope, amidst an immense number of spectators. The inscription is quaint:—

Let this small monument record the name
Of Cadman, and to future times proclaim,
How from a bold attempt to fly from this high spire,
Across the Sabrine stream, he did acquire
His fatal end: ’Twas not for want of skill
Or courage to perform the task, he fell,
No, no, a faulty cord being drawn too tight,
Hurried his soul on high to take her flight,
Which bid the body here beneath, good night.

The right of presentation to this living is vested in the Corporation of Shrewsbury at large; and in the choice of a minister, (who must at least be a M.A.) the son of a burgess who has been brought up at the Free Schools; or one born in the parish of Chirbury, is to have the preference. The church is a royal peculiar, the Official having cognizance of all ecclesiastical matters arising within the parish and its subordinate chapelries. He is stiled “Ordinary and Official, Principal of the peculiar and exempt jurisdiction of the Free Royal Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” The present minister, who is also official, is the Rev. John Brickdale Blakeway, M.A.—Organist, Mr. Thomas Tomlins.

St. Julian’s Church,

Situated at the top of Wyle Cop, originally of Saxon election, is a plain substantial structure of brick and stone, rebuilt in 1750, at an expense of £2000. At the west end is the square tower of the old church; the lower part being of red stone and in a more ancient style than the higher story, which is of the 16th century. It is furnished with six bells. In the east wall of the chancel is a small female figure within a foliated tabernacle, preserved from the reins of the old church, and probably representing St. Juliana, the patroness.

The form of this church is an oblong square, 83ft. by 48ft. the roof being supported by four Doric columns on each side. The ceiling is ornamented with the fret work of the old church. The altar-piece is adorned with Ionic pilasters, supporting a rich cornice and architrave. The east window is filled with fine painted glass, consisting chiefly of a large ancient figure of St. James, bearing the Scriptures in his hand, purchased in 1804, from the splendid collection of glass brought from Rouen, in Normandy, during the French Revolution, and is extremely well executed. Above the Apostle are escutcheons of the arms of France and England, quarterly, and those of the corporation, and see of Lichfield. The arms of the present and ancient patrons of the church, Earl Tankerville, Sir John Astley, and Prince, together with those of the families of Rocke, Powys, Bowdler, &c. &c. are exhibited in various situations in the edifice, which is likewise beautified with a variety of painted and stained glass. The only ancient monument in this church which is worthy the attention of the antiquarian, is a slab of coarse alabaster, lately removed from the church-yard into the chancel. It is nearly a foot in thickness and as hard as flint; and besides a modern epitaph which has been inserted in the centre of it, it contains round the edge this inscription, in Longobardic capitals, now nearly obliterated, but capable of being read, EASMONYND TROVMWYN GIST ICI DIEV DE SA ALME EN EYT MERCI AMEN. i.e. Edmund Trowmwyn lieth here, may God have mercy on his soul. Amen.

There is an organ in the gallery.

The Earl of Tankerville is the patron. The present incumbent is the Rev. Hugh Owen, F.A.S. Archdeacon of Salop, portionary of Bampton, Oxfordshire, and prebendary of Salisbury.

Old St. Chad’s Church

Is situated at the top of Belmont.

This once venerable pile was founded previous to the Norman conquest, by one of the kings of Mercia, soon after the expulsion of the Britons, on a site of a palace belonging to one of the princes of Powis, which was destroyed during the wars between the Britons and their Saxon invaders. In 1393, a considerable part of the structure was burnt down through the carelessness of a plumber, then repairing the lead on the roof, who, frightened at beholding the edifice in flames, endeavoured to escape over the ford of the Severn, near the eastern gate, but was drowned in the attempt. In the early part of the year 1788, the church was observed to be decaying fast, and a respectable architect, who was employed to survey it, advised that the tower should be taken down, in order to relieve the mouldering pillars of their vast weight. Unfortunately, this salutary advice was not acted upon; in lieu thereof, partial repairs were undertaken, and the attempt to remove a shattered pillar, that a firmer one might be erected in its place, completed its ruin. On the second day after the workmen had commenced their destructive operations, the decayed pillar gave way, and in consequence, the tower fell about four o’clock the following morning, July 9, 1788, on the roof of the church, and overwhelmed the greater part of the sacred edifice in ruinous desolation.

About a month previous to this occurrence, the church had been thronged with thousands, who had assembled to witness the interment of an officer with military honours.

Although a considerable part of old building remained, it was not deemed advisable to rebuild the church on its ancient site. The present fragment of it, which was formerly the Bishop’s chancel, was fitted up for the purpose of performing the rites of sepulture in, and at this time it is used as a charity school.

It is worthy of remark, that the light of the reformation first dawned in Shrewsbury in this church.

St. Alkmond’s Church,

Situate immediately adjoining St. Julian’s, was originally founded by Elfrida, daughter of Offa, king of Mercia; and like some others in Shrewsbury, was erected at different periods and in different styles of architecture in the form of a cross. At the destruction of St. Chad’s church, the parishioners, alarmed for the safety of their ancient structure, caused it to be thoroughly examined, and in consequence of some symptoms of decay exhibited in the roof, they determined on the demolition of the old church and the erection of a new one on a part of its site. The present building was accordingly opened for divine worship in November, 1795, at an expence of about £3000, one half of which might have been saved by a judicious repair of the original erection, and thus preserved for ages. The beautiful spire-steeple at the west end, is the only part which escaped the general devastation. It is 184 feet in height, and is highly ornamental to the town, especially when seen from the adjacent country. It contains a musical peal of eight bells.

The plan of the church is an oblong square, 84 feet by 44, with a small recess for the altar, over which is a handsome painted window, by Eginton; the subject is emblematical of Faith, kneeling on a cross, with the eyes elevated and arms extended towards a celestial crown which appears amidst the opening clouds. “Be faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life,” is the motto.

Previous to the demolition of the old church, there were a variety of ancient inscriptions, few of which are now visible. In the church-yard is a monument to the memory of Alderman William Jones and his wife, the former of whom died in 1612. It formerly stood in the chantry north of the chancel; and about sixteen years ago it was munificently repaired by the late Sir Thomas Tyrwhit Jones, Bart, M.P. the worthy and respected representative of the family.

The living is in the gift of the crown. Its present incumbent the Rev. J. Wightman.

St. Giles’s Church,

Of the origin of which no authentic account is known, stands at the eastern extremity of the Abbey Foregate, and bears marks of considerable antiquity. By some it has been thought to be the earliest parochial foundation in Shrewsbury; but others, with more semblance of truth, give the palm in this respect to the Abbey, to which St. Giles’s is now attached, merely as a convenience for the performance of funeral ceremonies; public worship being only celebrated within its walls, twice every year.

It is a small plain building, consisting of a nave, chancel, and north aisle, with a small turret for the reception of a bell. Its interior presents several varieties of architecture, whilst its antique and worm-eaten benches, its homely pavement, and its almost altogether unadorned state, combine to give it a simply interesting appearance.

The church-yard contains the tombs of various inhabitants of the town; among others is one raised to the memory of Cheney Hart, M.D. a native of Warrington, and an eminent physician of this town for thirty-three years, on the pedestal of which, crowned with a handsome urn is a Latin inscription. On the north side the yard is a tomb in memory of William Congreve, esq. formerly lieutenant-colonel of the 17th foot, and his relict Jane. This gentleman was a descendant of the ancient family which gave birth to our celebrated dramatic writer, while his lady, a Waller, was sprung from that of elegant poet of Beaconsfield. The grave stone of William White, who was a quarter-master of horse in the reign of William III. bears the following lines:

In Irish wars I fought for England’s glory;
Let no man scoff at telling of the story:
I saw great Schomberg fall, likewise the brave St. Ruth,
And here I come to die, not there in my youth.
Thro’ dangers great I’ve passed many a storm;
Die we must all as sure as we are born.

_PROTESTANT DISSENTERS_.

IT is always painful to men of sober and moderate principles, to recur to the Act of Uniformity, which in Bartholomew’s day, 1662, drove from their livings at least 2000 clergymen, “many of them distinguished by their abilities and zeal,” to seek subsistence from the charity of friends, and consolation in times of oppression from the calm testimony of a good conscience. To this act however, Shrewsbury is indebted for its first regular dissenting church. The place where they assembled is called

The Presbyterian Chapel.

This congregation was founded by Mr. Bryan and Mr. Tallents, the ministers ejected from St. Chad’s and St. Mary’s. It was destroyed in 1715, by a mob, soon after the accession of the House of Hanover, and was rebuilt by government. It stands on the north side of the High Street, and is a plain building of brick, neatly fitted up. It is now used by a respectable congregation of Unitarian Dissenters. Minister, the Rev. G. Case.

In the year 1766, a disagreement took place among the congregation frequenting the Presbyterian chapel, relative to the choice of a minister, in consequence of which, they separated, and a part of them erected a new chapel. It is called

The Independent Chapel,

Situate on Swan Hill, and is a commodious brick erection of an oblong form. It has a numerous and very respectable society. On the north side is a vestry. A neat stone tablet on the front bears 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.

Minister, the Rev. T. Weaver.

The Methodist Chapel,

Called also St. John’s Chapel, is situate on St. John’s Hill, and previous to the erection of a house in front of part of it, was a great ornament to the street. It is a neat and extensive brick building of an oblong form, and is calculated to accommodate a large congregation. Behind the chapel is a vestry, in which are placed the stairs leading to the pulpit, which in consequence, has rather a novel appearance to a stranger, no steps being visible in the chapel. The congregation is numerous and respectable.

The Baptist Chapel

Is in Dog Lane; with a well-finished interior, it is, perhaps, from the awkward situation of the pulpit and its extreme lowness, one of the most unpleasant chapels in the town, especially when crowded, which is often the case on particular occasions. It is a plain respectable brick building, and has a numerous congregation. The Baptists were established here in 1780.

The Quaker’s or Friends Meeting House

Is situate on St. John’s Hill, and, like the respectable body who assemble within its walls, is a plain unadorned building.

The SANDEMANIANS and WELSH METHODISTS, also have Chapels in Hill’s Lane; and the ROMAN CATHOLICS a neat one near the Town Walls at the back of the Lion Inn.

CHARITABLE ERECTIONS & INSTITUTIONS.

The Free Schools.

EDUCATION is, in the British empire, an object of national concern. Our various universities and public schools are splendid monuments of the attention paid by our ancestors to the important object of training and enlightening the youthful mind. The provision made for the support of these establishments, especially in England and Ireland, is, generally speaking, munificent. At the same time, it is not sufficient to afford a temptation to the indulgence of idleness, by the conversion of respectable offices into sinecures. The dignity hence accruing to their teachers and professors, invests them with high authority, and imparts additional weight to their instructions; while the respect in which they are habitually held by long established prescription, gives a powerful sanction to the system of their discipline.

This observation applies with peculiar force to the munificent edifice of the Royal Free School of King Edward VI. which is situate at the northern extremity of Castle Street. Its erection was completed in 1630, the ancient school-room, which was composed of timber, having been removed in order to the completion of the present spacious and convenient structure of free-stone. The building surrounds two sides of the court with a square pinnacled tower in the angle. In the centre of the front is a gateway, adorned on each side with a Corinthian column, very rudely designed, upon which stand the statues of a scholar and a graduate, bareheaded, and in the dress of the times. Over the arch is a Greek sentence from Isocrates,

’Εὰν ῆς φιλομαθὴς ἔσῃ πολυμαθής.

Importing that a love of literature is necessary to the formation of a scholar. Above are the arms of Charles I. The ground floor on one side the gateway, contains a room originally used as an accidence school; on the other the third master’s house, now given to the head master, who places his assistant in it. In the middle story are comprised the lodging rooms of the assistant’s house, and the lower master’s apartment, which for many years has been converted into a writing school. The principal school room, which occupies the upper story, is 80 feet by 21.

The chapel is on the ground floor of the other part of the building, and is divided from the anti-chapel by a handsome open screen of oak, richly embellished with grotesque carving, as are the pulpit and bible stand. The ceiling is adorned with a variety of foliage, devices, and rebusses, preserved from the ruins of St. Alkmond’s Church. The arms of the first and present masters are placed along the middle. Prayers are read here twice on school days, by the head master, who is chaplain and catechist, for which he has a distinct salary of £20 a year.

Over the chapel, and of the same size, is the library, which contains a most valuable collection of books, and in size and decoration is in no respect inferior to the majority of those in the Universities. A half length of Henry VIII. and his son Edward VI. when a boy; a full length of an Admiral in the dress of Charles II. reign, probably Benbow, together with five portraits of head masters, ornament the walls. In this room are also preserved three sepulchral stones discovered at Wroxeter.

A small museum is separated from the lower end of the room, in which are some Roman antiquities, chiefly from Wroxeter, with a few fossils and other natural curiosities. Among the latter, is the dried body of a sturgeon, caught in 1802, in a weir adjoining the island, a quarter of a mile below the castle. When alive, it weighed 192 pounds, and was 9 feet long and 3 feet 4 inches round.

In front of the schools on the town side, is a play ground enclosed from the street by iron railing, and a considerable piece of ground is used for a similar purpose at the back, which opens to the country and is entirely secluded from the town. Two large houses most delightfully situated contiguous, belong to the masters, with every accommodation for boarders. The revenues are very handsome, and are derived chiefly from the tithes of a number of townships in the parishes of St. Mary and St. Chad, and the whole rectory of Chirbury, which were granted by King Edward VI. and Queen Elizabeth.

This seminary has been long celebrated for the erudition of its scholars. Under the “excellent and worthie” Thomas Ashton, it flourished eminently. At one period he had 290 pupils, among whom we notice Sir Henry Sydney, whose son, the heroic Sir Philip Sydney, laid here the seeds of that exemplary friendship with the celebrated Sir Fulk Greville, Lord Brook, which he maintained through the whole of his short but splendid career. Beside these, the noted Jeffries, Lord Chief Justices Jones and Price; Drs. Bowers and Thomas, Bishops of Chichester and Salisbury; the Rev. John Taylor, L.L.D. and the celebrated Dr. Waring, received their education here. Nor does the present character of the school fall short of that distinguished pre-eminence which it formerly sustained. Under the judicious direction of the learned Dr. Butler, it is in a flourishing state. Not only do the children of the principal families in the adjacent counties and North Wales, receive the rudiments of their learning here, but also those of many families of distinction from distant parts of the empire. The appointment of master rests solely in the fellows of St. John’s College, Cambridge; that of ushers and the mode of instruction is vested in the head master.

The House of Industry.

This handsome brick building, situated on the opposite side of the river to the Quarry, was erected in 1765, as a Foundling Hospital, at an expence of £12,000. Numbers of children were sent here from London, and placed out at nurse during their infancy with the neighbouring cottagers, under the superintendance of the surrounding gentry. When arrived at a proper age, they were brought into this house and employed in various branches of a woollen manufactory, and afterwards apprenticed to various individuals. About 1774, however, the governors finding their funds inadequate to the support of the charity, the house was shut up; and a few years after was rented by government, who in the American war used it as a place of confinement for Dutch prisoners.

In 1784, an act of parliament was obtained to incorporate the five parishes of Shrewsbury and Meole Brace, as far as related to their poor, and to erect a general House of Industry. The governors of the Foundling Charity were glad of an opportunity to dispose of their erection at a considerably reduced rate, and the building was accordingly purchased, together with about twenty acres of land, for about £5,500, and it was opened for the reception of paupers in December in that year. For a short period they were employed in the fabrication of woollen cloths, but this being found injurious to the pecuniary resources of the house, it was discontinued, and at present their employment chiefly consists in manufacturing the various articles of their clothing. They breakfast, dine, and sup in the dining hall, a very long room, the men, women, boys and girls, being each placed at separate tables. Divine service is performed twice each Sunday, in a neat chapel parallel with the hall. There is also an infirmary, where the sick and infirm are lodged in proper wards, and attended to by nurses and the apothecary belonging to the house. The whole is under the management of twelve directors, chosen from persons assessed in the associated parishes at £15. or possessed of property to the amount of £30. per ann. who appoint a governor and matron, to superintend the domestic economy of the establishment.

Mr. Nield, the worthy disciple of the philanthropic Howard, remarks of this place, which he visited in 1807, “This House of Industry is certainly a house of plenty, for the books every where, bear record of good living, and the famous beef slaughtered here. The average number in the house is 340; the children delicate and pampered, from being accustomed to abundance and variety of provisions, and comfortable rooms, very dissimilar to the hardy peasant, and therefore ill calculated to rear up useful assistances in the employments of agriculture, or to make useful servants in this agricultural county. They would prefer a race of hardy lads, inured from their infancy to combat weather and temporary want; whose nerves are strong by early exertions, and their understandings furnished with some knowledge of rural life.”—Mr. Nield’s extensive observation and experience, qualified him to judge of the most proper aliment and employment of this class of persons, far better than most of the directors and governors of similar institutions can reasonably be expected to do; and as indulgence and plenty cannot be supposed to be the portion of the children of the poor in their progress through life, we may indulge a hope that the directors will speedily devise some plan for the initiation of their young dependants into habits of judicious labour and healthy abstinence.

Along the north front of the house is a beautiful gravel walk, from whence the town is seen to great advantage. On the right, the Abbey-foregate, with its two venerable churches, various manufactories, Lord Hill’s Column, and a great extent of fertile land, are seen backed by the Wrekin, Haughmond Hill, &c. In front, the river Severn flowing close underneath, the beautiful verdure of the quarry, and the town, present themselves; whilst on the left are descried a large portion of this extremely fertile county, together with the distant Montgomeryshire and Denbighshire hills. This extensive prospect over the neighbouring country, with the endless variety of scenes that present themselves to the spectator are finely described in the following lines:

Ever charming, ever new,
When will the landscape tire the view?
The fountain’s fall, the river’s flow,
The wooded vallies warm and low;
The windy summits wild and high
Roughly rushing on the sky!
The pleasing seat, the ruin’d tow’r,
The naked rock, the shady bow’r
The town and village dome and farm
Each give each a double charm,
As pearls upon an Ethiop’s arm.

DYER.

It was from this house, that the benevolent but eccentric Mr. Day, deluded by the fascinating eloquence Rosseau, selected two girls on whom to try an experiment on female education, in which he proposed to unite the delicacy of a modern female, with the bold simplicity of a Spartan virgin, which should despise the frivolity and dissipation of the present corrupted age.

Having obtained the object of his wishes, he repaired with them to France, taking no English servant, in order that they might receive no ideas but those which he chose to instil. After spending about eight months in France, he placed the one in a respectable situation in London, and with his favourite actually proceeded some years in the execution of his project; but experience and mature reflection at length convinced him, that his theory of education was impractible, and he renounced all hope of moulding his protegee after the model his fancy had formed. He therefore placed her in a boarding school at Sutton Coldfield, in Warwickshire; and after completing her education, she resided some years in Birmingham, and subsequently at Newport, in this county: and by her amiable deportment secured a large circle of friends. Mr. Day frequently corresponded with her parentally. In her 26th year she married Mr. Bicknell, a gentleman who accompanied Mr. D. to Shrewsbury, at the commencement of this singular experiment.

Salop Infirmary.

This noble asylum, situated in St. Mary’s Churchyard, was formed in the memorable year 1745, for the accommodation and relief of the diseased and indigent poor. The munificence with which this excellent institution has been supported by the inhabitants of the county at large, has enabled its conductors to proceed upon the most liberal principles. Admission is given to the diseased from whatever quarter they may come, provided they are recommended by a subscriber; but in case of sudden accident, this recommendation is dispensed with.

It was opened in 1747, and has the honour of being one of the earliest of similar erections, those of Bristol, Northampton, Winchester, and Exeter, being the only provincial ones established prior thereto. The building is of brick with a stone portal, and the back windows, which look into the country, command a varied and extensive prospect. Considered with respect to its internal cleanliness and economical management, and the humane and skilful attentions of the medical gentlemen of the town, its advantages are such as will vie with those of any similar provincial institution, and are calculated to excite in the minds of the benevolent and reflecting, feelings of the most compassionate regard and generous sensibility.

Since its foundation, £126,671. 9_s._ 10_d._ in voluntary subscriptions and benefactions, has been contributed for its maintenance and support. By the last report it appears, that up to June 1822, 33,589 in-patients have been received into the house, 18,373 have been cured, and 3,481 relieved; also 52,142 out-patients, of whom 37,720 have been cured, and 4,877 relieved.

Besides the physicians and surgeons of the town who attend gratuitously, a surgeon resides in the house, in order that medical aid may not be wanting in cases of emergency. The domestic economy is superintended by a matron. The pecuniary concerns are managed by a secretary, under the inspection of a Board of Directors and deputy Treasurer. A Treasurer also is appointed annually from among the subscribers of five guineas and upwards, and on the Friday in the Shrewsbury race week, a sermon is preached by the chaplain, and a collection made for the benefit of the charity, the plates being held by two ladies, supported by two gentlemen of distinguished rank or opulence. The clergy of the established church, residing in the town, officiate in rotation weekly; two of the subscribers also resident in Shrewsbury, are weekly appointed as house visitors.

Millington’s Hospital

Stands in the suburb of Frankwell, and is so called from its benevolent founder, the late Mr. James Millington, draper of Shrewsbury, who in 1734, bequeathed nearly the whole of his property to its erection.

The hospital is a respectable building of brick. Over the pediment, in the centre, is a turret, in which is a clock. In this part is a chapel, used also for a school room, and houses for the master and mistress. On each side are six small houses for the poor.

The will of Mr. Millington appointed a schoolmaster and mistress, who have each a house and £40. per annum, and the master £10. additional for keeping the accounts. A chaplain, with a stipend of £25. Twelve poor men or women chosen from the single housekeepers of Frankwell, or the part of St. Chad’s parish nearest to it, to each of whom is allotted an apartment in the hospital, consisting of two comfortable rooms, a small garden, a gown or coat, given on St. Thomas’s day, a load of coals on All Saints’ day, and an allowance of £6. per annum. Gowns or coats and 40_s._ each, are also dispensed every year to ten poor single housekeepers resident in Frankwell, and when a vacancy happens in the hospital, the person who has longest received the garments is elected to it. The hospitallers and out-pensioners have also two twopenny loaves weekly. Twenty poor boys and as many poor girls, born in Frankwell, are completely clothed twice annually, and receive their education in the hospital. When arrived at the age of fourteen, the boys are apprenticed, £7. 10_s._ is given with each, and £2. 10_s._ is expended in cloathing: £5. is also presented to those, who at the expiration of their first year’s apprenticeship, can bring a certificate of their good behaviour. The girls are allowed £5. on going out apprentices.

Two exhibitions of £40. a year each are founded for students of St. Magdalen’s College, Cambridge. Those who have been originally scholars on the hospital foundation, claim the preference, or one born in Frankwell, and educated in the free grammar school is most eligible.

Allatt’s School

Was erected in 1800, at the bottom of Swan Hill, pursuant to the will of the late Mr. John Allatt, formerly chamberlain to the corporation of Shrewsbury.

The structure is of free-stone, and contains two houses for the master and mistress, connected with the school rooms by arcades. It cost about £2000, erected from a plan by Mr. Haycock. The interest of the residue of Mr. Allatt’s property, maintains a schoolmaster and mistress, and educates twenty poor boys, and as many girls, whose parents have not received parochial relief. The children are taught reading, writing, and arithmetic, and the girls sewing; they are cloathed once a year, and at a proper age apprenticed. Twenty coats and eighty good stuff gowns are also distributed annually, to that number of poor old men and women.

Bowler’s School,

In the Back Lane, near the Wyle Cop, is a plain brick building, founded in 1724, pursuant to the will of Mr. Thomas Bowdler, alderman and draper, for instructing, cloathing, and apprenticing poor children, of the parish of St. Julian. The dress is blue.

Public Subscription Charity School

Was erected near the Abbey church, in 1778. The institution is supported by voluntary subscription, and children from every part of the town, boys as well as girls are admissible. The system of instruction pursued is that of Dr. Bell, the master having a salary of £40. and the mistress £30. The dress of the children is brown, and hence it is sometimes called the brown school. The number in the school at the date of the last report, June 1822, were, boys 190—girls 150.

Royal Lancasterian School.

This edifice was built in 1812, in consequence of a lecture delivered on the subject of Education, by the celebrated Joseph Lancaster, at the Town Hall, in Shrewsbury. As its name imports, the system of instruction is that of Mr. Lancaster. There is one apartment for boys and one for girls, to each of which children are admitted, on being recommended by subscribers. It is supported by voluntary subscriptions and donations. Number of boys 260; girls 217.

St. Chad’s Alms-Houses.

“This yeare 1409, one Bennett Tupton, being a common Beere Bruar, and
dwellinge in St. Chadd’s Churche Yarde in Shrousberie, now called the
Colledge, founded the Almeshouses in the sayde St. Chadd’s Churche
Yarde in Shrousberie, beinge then a man at that tyme of 60 yeares of
age.”

Originally they were 13 in number, but not having any funds, two are fallen to decay. The present allowance to the poor is about 16s. per annum, including 2_s._ 2_d._ paid by the company of mercers.

St. Mary’s Alms-Houses,

Situate at the western end of St. Mary’s church-yard, were founded 1460, by Degory Watur, draper. They are 16 in number, extremely wretched and filthy in appearance, and dangerous and unwholesome from their smallness, each having only a single apartment 11 feet by 8, without any outlet. The centre house, originally inhabited by the founder, and called the hall, is larger than the others, and has a wooden porch, on which is a painting of Watur and his wife, and on the front is the effigy of King Edward IV. The poor people, who must be parishioners of St. Mary’s, have each £2. 6_s._ 10½_d._ allowed them annually, by quarterly payments from the draper’s company, and an upper garment once in two years.

St. Giles’ Alms-Houses,

Near St. Giles’ church, in the Abbey Foregate. The houses are four in number. The residents in them are nominated by the earl of Tankerville, who allows them 1_s._ 6_d._ per week, with a quantity of coals and an upper garment annually.

Sick Man’s Friend and Lying-In Charity.

The objects of this Institution, which was begun in 1810, are the relief of the diseased, and of poor married women in childbed, at their own houses; who not only receive medical assistance, if necessary, but the use of bed linen, food and every other necessary that their situation requires. The meetings of the Committee are held at the Independent Chapel, on Swan-hill.

Samaritan Society & Lying-In Charity,

Is similar in its objects and institution to the former. Its operations commenced in 1814, and the meetings of its Committee are held in the vestry of St. John’s Chapel.

Ladies’ Charity,

Was instituted in 1814, by some benevolent females, solely for the purpose of assisting poor married women with cloathing, food, and other necessaries requisite for their situation. The meetings of the Committee are held in the vestry of St. Chad’s church.

The extensive scale on which the three last named charities are conducted, and the liberality with which their benefits are dispensed, to the deserving poor, place them among the first charitable institutions which so much distinguish the town of Shrewsbury. Their operations are confined to no sect or party, and they design nothing but the purest philanthropy. Their laudable plans are promoted by the individual exertions and charitable subscriptions of the members, each of whom pay 2_s._ per quarter and upwards. The number of the members is about 300. No public buildings are connected with these praise-worthy establishments, the present mode of relief being considered superior to those of an hospital.

Shrewsbury General Sunday School

Is held in the large room in the linen manufactory in Coleham. The order and regularity observed in this institution has been noticed by strangers from distant parts of the kingdom. Its numbers according to the last report were boys 215, girls 247. In addition to this, a separate room is allotted to the instruction of Adult scholars, whose number is 44. The whole are taught reading and writing.

Swan Hill Sunday School

Is a similar institution and similarly conducted. The number of scholars are, boys 96, girls 104.

Besides this, St. Chad’s Boys Sunday School, has about 100 boys, under the superintendance of its committee.

St. Mary’s Sunday and Day School

Is held in the chapel of St. Mary’s church. The children are taught reading and writing; their number is about 162.

St. Chad’s Ladies’ School.

This is carried on in that part of St. Chad’s old church which escaped entire destruction. It is a most praise-worthy establishment, and is superintended by many respectable ladies of St. Chad’s parish, who devote a considerable portion of their time in furtherance of this object of their anxious solicitude.

The latter institutions deserve the close inspection of the benevolent and humane. The recurrence of stated days, on which the well-ordered artizan and peasant, emerging from the dirt and impurities of their vocations, to practice the virtue of cleanliness, produces an easy association between a sense of self-decency, and the reverence due to the service for which the sabbath is set apart. To strengthen this feeling and principle, becomes therefore an important object to all those interested in the good order, peace and happiness of the people of the British empire; and to enfix it as deeply as possible, the impression cannot be made too early.

Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

In conjunction with this excellent institution, a District Society has been established here for the purpose of co-operating with the Society at Bartlett’s Buildings, in the distribution of Bibles, Testaments, Prayer Books, and other religious books and tracts. The praise-worthy objects of the Society are supported by some of the most respectable and opulent residents in the county.—Secretary, the Rev. Archdeacon Owen, M.A., F.A.S.

Shropshire Bible Society

An auxiliary Bible Society, to co-operate with the British and Foreign Bible Society, in London, was instituted here on the 11th of November, 1811. The late Rev. Francis Leighton, explained to the meeting, summoned on this occasion, the nature and objects of this charity. A number of liberal donations were offered, and an extensive annual subscription entered into. The important object of this society, as its name imports, is, the gratuitous distribution of the scriptures among the poor inhabitants, and also by its contributions, to aid the noble design of the parent society in translating the Bible into all languages which are represented by letters, and to circulate them throughout the earth. The Rev. Archdeacon Corbett is the president, and the annual meeting is held on the first Wednesday in July.

REMAINS OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS.

The Council House

Received its name from having been the residence of the Court of the Marches of Wales; for though their principal abode was at Ludlow, they were accustomed to hold one term in the year at this place, for the convenience of suitors, and another at Bewdley, and sometimes at Hereford.

The house is in the immediate vicinity of the castle (in the outer court of which, it is supposed to have been built,) on a steep bank overhanging the river. The entrance to it from the town is by a venerable timber gate-house, the ornaments of which have lately been plastered over. The great hall and chamber, which were the only apartments not _modernized_, have just (1815) been pulled down and rebuilt, and the rich old chimney-piece which stood in the hall, in the centre of which were the arms of Owen of Condover, has been removed to that venerable mansion. Charles I. kept his court here, as also did James II. in 1687.

St. Nicholas’s Chapel

Is still standing in part on the left hand entrance to the council house, and is now used as a stable. The building consisted of a nave and chancel without aisle; the former is nearly perfect, and there is no doubt, but that its erection is of great antiquity. The whole length is 50 feet, the breadth 19 feet.

Austin’s Friars.

The convent of the Eremites of St. Augustine, stood at the bottom of Barker-Street {89}, near the river. A small part only remains, little of it being to be seen excepting the shell of a large building of red stone, with two pointed arched door ways. It is now used as a tan-house.

Franciscan Friary.

The house of the Franciscan or Grey Friars, stood under the Wyle Cop, on the banks of the Severn. A part of this friary still remains, converted into houses. A large stone coffin lies in the garden of an old timber house, erected soon after the dissolution.

Dominican Friary.

Scarcely a fragment of this friary now remains. It is supposed to have occupied nearly the whole of the meadow between the Water-lane-gate and the English Bridge.

The lady of king Edward IV. twice lay in at this convent, and was delivered of Richard and George Plantagenet. The former perished in the tower with his unfortunate elder brother, in the subsequent reign, by the machinations of his cruel uncle Richard. Prince George died young.

PLACES OF AMUSEMENT.

The Theatre.

THIS building, if we may credit the affirmation of Phillips, is part of the ancient palace of the princes of Powisland; who in their frequent transactions with the sovereigns of England, often resided at Shrewsbury. John de Charlton, who married an heiress of the line of Powis, obtained a license in 1308, to embattle this mansion, and hence it acquired the name of Charlton Hall. In 1445, Henry Gray, Earl of Tankerville and of Powis, granted the premises to Thomas Bromley; from whom, twenty-five years after, they were demised to Nycholas Warynge, of Salop, merchant of the staple of Calais. After various changes and transfers, it became the property of the Waring family.

The ancient boundary walls of this mansion, inclosed all the space contained between Cross Hill, St. John’s Hill, Murivance, or Swan Hill, and Shoplache. The house doubtless formed one, if not two quadrangles, which may still be traced. The most considerable remnant is a building of red stone, in length 100 feet, and in breadth 31 feet, which is the present Theatre. The side next the street has been plastered and washed with stone colour, to give it the semblance of a modern front; but surely, nothing was ever so disgraceful to the town as its present appearance, especially when considered as a public building. The other side exhibits the original walls with some blocked-up pointed arches, and other features of high antiquity. It is probable, that in the old edifice, this part was the great chamber, appointed according to the usage of the times, for receiving company, and occasionally for exhibiting shows and interludes. The interior being now fitted up as a modern Theatre, retains few of its original appurtenances, except the remains of a small spiral stone staircase. It consists of a pretty roomy pit, a ground tier of boxes, with upper side boxes, and a tolerably spacious gallery. The stage is well adapted to the size of the place, and the decorations are in the usual style of provincial playhouses. The same remark may apply to the performers, who are, generally of that middling class, which consists of persons in their first career to excellence, and of others that have got half-way, and remain stationary. The taste of the Salopians being rather of the retired kind, which delights most in domestic society, does not contribute much to encourage dramatic exhibitions, and the house is scarcely ever crowded, except during the race week, and in the summer visits of the London performers. The audiences, however, if not numerous, are select; and it may be mentioned to their honour, that they never tolerate any thing that borders on buffoonery and indecorum. One of their most favourite plays, for obvious reasons, is the first part of Henry IV. and when Jack Falstaff talks of having fought Hotspur “a full hour by Shrewsbury clock,” he never fails to draw down a thunder of applause.

Assembly Room.

An elegant apartment erected for this polite amusement, at the back of the Lion inn, and is extremely commodious, having a gallery for the musicians at the northern end. The dancing and card assemblies commence in the month of September, and are held generally once a month. The town and neighbourhood of Shrewsbury furnishing a variety of genteel society, they are generally attended by a very numerous and respectable company. They are supported by subscription.

The Circus

Is a spacious brick erection, near the Welsh Bridge. It was built in 1821 by Mr. Newton, and as its name imports, is used principally as a Theatre for the display of Equestrian performances. It is spacious and commodious, and well calculated for Pantomimical exhibitions.

Races.

The Horse Races continue for three days, and take place in the month of September. On these days a great number of plates, sweepstakes and matches are run for; the course is at Bicton Heath, about two miles west of the town, where booths are erected for the use of spectators. The gentlemen who are annually appointed stewards, generally being persons of property and influence, the races are well attended, not only by the population of the neighbourhood, but also by many families of the first respectability from distant parts of the kingdom.

Fishing.

The Severn is celebrated for the excellency of its salmon, which was formerly in such abundance at Shrewsbury, that it was made an article in the indentures of apprentices, that they were not to be obliged to eat it oftener than two days in a week. Of its superabundance the inhabitants cannot at least now complain, little being to be purchased under 2s. 6d. per pound, and that but seldom.

Besides Salmon, the river Severn contains twenty-one other sorts of fish, the chief of which are flounders, pike, trout, perch, eels, shad, carp, lamperns, and lampreys. The two latter are found in many other rivers, but none are so much valued as those taken out of the Severn, from whence they are sent to many parts of England. Lampreys are a delicious dish, but unwholesome if eaten in great quantities: of which we have an instance in the death of Henry I. who died in consequence of eating too plentifully of this fish.

Nor is it in the Severn alone that the angler will find amusement, Meole and Condover brooks affording excellent trout, and the river Tern, a great variety of delicate fish. Each of these streams are within a short distance of the town.

Bowling Greens.

Of this most healthful species of amusement Shrewsbury cannot boast; however, the pleasant villages of Meole, distant one mile, and Uffington, distant three miles and a half, furnish two very excellent greens, and where the pedestrian will be well accommodated and attended to, after the fatigues of his walk.

[Picture: Image of house with lawn in front]

PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS.

Water.

WITH this most necessary article Shrewsbury is abundantly supplied, and it is also of a most excellent quality. The first we shall notice, is that which is chiefly used for drinking, and is obtained from the

Conduits,

which are placed in several situations about the town for the general convenience of the inhabitants. The spring which supplies these fountains, rises at _Broadwell_, in a field near Crow-Meole, about two miles from the town. The work of conducting it to town in leaden pipes, was completed about 1574; a reservoir was placed under a shop in the Butcher Row in 1743, but was afterwards removed to Claremont Hill, and on the demolition of the town-walls, for the purpose of erecting the new church of St. Chad on its site, the lodge opposite the Quarry-keeper’s house, at the top of the centre walk of that beautiful promenade, was built for this purpose.

Severn Water.