History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Shropshire [1851]

Speake John, Wood Farm

Thomas Arthur, tailor

Turner John, grocer and draper

Vaughan Edwd., shoemaker

Whitefoot Richd., shoemaker

Whitefoot Thos., shoemaker

Woodhouse Samuel, farmer

Woodhouse Thomas, farmer

PONTESBURY

is an extensive parish containing the townships of Arscott, Asterley, Boycott, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Edge, Farley, Halston, Hanwood (Little), Hinton, Lea, Longden, Newnham, Oakes, Onslow, Plealey, Pontesbury, Pontesford, Sascott, and Siberscott, with the hamlets of Exford’s Green, Ford Heath, Horton, Lea Cross, Longden Wood, Moathall, Pansom, Polmer, Malehurst, Shorthill, and Woodhall, which together comprehend an area of 10,635a. 2r. 13p. of land, the rateable value of which is £14,513. 10s. At the census of 1841, here were 697 houses and 3,311 inhabitants; population in 1801, 2,053; and in 1831, 2,936 persons. Edward William Smythe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor. A great portion of the labouring population find employment in the extensive lead and coal works of this parish. The township of Pontesbury is situated seven and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, and fifteen and a half miles N.N.E. of Montgomery, and, with the hamlet of Malehurst, contains 1,119a. 1r. 30p. of land. Francis Harries, Esq., is the principal landowner. Sir Joseph Hawley, Bart., H. D. Warter, Esq., Colonel Wingfield, Henry Gardener, Esq., T. H. Hope, Esq., and Sir Offley P. Wakeman, and others are also proprietors. The turnpike road from Shrewsbury, which joins the Montgomery road at Brockton, passes through this township. In May, 1811, Pontesbury was visited by a most terrific tempest, when “a cloud burst upon the Stiperstone hill,” and the waters rushed down the acclivities with irresistible force, sweeping away cottages, mills, cattle, and trees, and drowning nine persons. The water being in many places from thirteen to seventeen feet deep.

The Church, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, was formerly collegiate, having a dean and two prebendaries. The old structure was taken down in 1825, except the chancel, and was rebuilt of rubble stone in the year 1829. At the west end is a lofty square tower containing a peal of five bells. The interior consists of nave, lofty north and south aisles, and chancel. The living is a rectory divided into three portions, the first portion is in the patronage of the present incumbent, the Rev. William Harrison, M.A. The tithes of this portion are commuted for the sum of £780. 6s. There are 21a. 3r. 21p. of glebe land. The second portion is in the gift of Brazen-nose College, and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Drury, M.A., the tithes of which amount to £774. 11s. 10d., and there are 58a. 2r. 3p. of glebe land. The third portion is in the gift of the present rector, the Rev. William Vaughan, who purchased it from Smythe Owen, Esq., for his life and ten years after. The tithes are commuted for £571. 6s. 4d., and there are 59a. 2r. 36p. of glebe land. The Rev. William Harrison, M.A., also receives £129. 9s. as the impropriator. The Independents have a neat brick chapel, built in 1839, which will accommodate 200 hearers. The Baptists have also a small chapel here. The National School is a spacious brick structure. Charities—It is stated on the table of benefactions that Thomas Davies left £200, John Peers £10, Eleanor Peers £10, and Thomas Higgins, D.D., left £10 the interest thereof to be distributed to the poor. This sum, amounting to £230, was expended in the purchase of 21a. 3r. 2p. of land in 1716, the rent of which is distributed to eight poor widows of this parish.

Arscott is a small township and sequestered village situated two and a half miles N.E. by E. of Pontesbury, which contains 463a. 3r. 5p. of land. The soil is mostly strong. Coal is got in the township. In 1841 here were 24 houses and 127 persons. The tithes are commuted for £93. 15s. 6d., and apportioned to the rector of the second portion. Francis Harries, Esq., is the sole landowner.

Asterley and Inwood is a township and pleasant village, one mile and a half west of the parish church, which at the census of 1841 had 61 houses and 305 residents. The township contains 535a. 3r. 31p. of land. The tithes are commuted, and apportioned to the rector of the third portion, for the sum of £90. 15s. 6d. The principal landowners are Henry Gardner, Esq.; William Gardner, Esq.; and Mr. Everall. Extensive coal works are carried on here. The Primitive Methodists have a small chapel.

Boycott is a small township, three quarters of a mile N.W. by N. of Pontesbury, containing 344a. 2r. 9p. of land. In 1841 here were three houses and 33 persons. The tithes are commuted for £75. 2s. Thomas Baycott, Esq., and Henry Warren, Esq., are the principal freeholders.

Cruckmeole is a township and pleasant rural village four and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 512a. 0r. 13p. of land. At the census of 1841 here were 33 houses and 136 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for the sum of £114. 17s. The township is intersected by the Reabrook and the Shrewsbury and Minsterley turnpike road. H. D. Warter, Esq., and Francis Harries are the principal freeholders. Cruckmeole Hall is a handsome brick mansion, the property and residence of Henry Diggory Warter, Esq.

Cruckton is a township, chapelry, and pleasant village four and a half miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 900a. 1r. 28p. of land. In 1841 here were 27 houses and 155 persons. The tithes are commuted, and £76. 4s. 4d. is paid to the rector of the first portion, to the Rev. Wm. Harrison, as impropriator, £10. 9s. 4d., and to Geo. Tomline, Esq., £7. Francis Harries, Esq., is sole landowner. The Chapel, dedicated to St. Thomas, was built in the year 1839. On the entrance door are two figures of angels carved in oak. It will accommodate 180 persons. This chapel was built for the district comprising the townships and hamlets of Arscott, Sibberscott, Shorthill, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Sascott, Horton, Nox, Onslow, Woodhall, Moathill, Panson, and Little Hanwood, so much of the township of Newnham as is north of Yockleton brook, and for the places on Ford’s Heath. The Rev. Charles Drury, M.A., is patron and incumbent. The Hall, a commodious and handsome mansion in the early English style of architecture, is built of brick, with stone facings, and is the seat and property of Francis Harries, Esq.

Edge township, situated two miles N.W. by W. of Pontesbury, contains 422 acres of land. In 1841 here were 15 houses and 68 persons. The tithes are commuted for £95. 11s. 6d. The executors of the late Mr. Thornes are the principal landowners.

Farley is a small township one mile N.W. by N. of Pontesbury, which contains 172a. 0r. 10p. of land. At the census of 1841 here were three houses and 19 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 3s. 3d. The principal proprietors are Mr. Thomas Inions, and Mr. John Hughes.

Halston is a small township to the S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 275a. 0r. 39p. of land. In 1841 there were three houses and 17 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £78 17s. 9d. W. L. Childe, Esq., is the sole landowner. Hanwood Little is a small scattered township four miles south of Shrewsbury, which contains the hamlets of Moathall, Woodhall, and Pansom, and comprehends an area of 667a. 2r. 37p. of land. In 1142 here were 11 houses and 60 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £133. 13s. 9d. The principal landowners are Miss Oldnell, John Berrington, Esq., and Francis Harries, Esq. Coal is got here in considerable quantities.

Moothall, an ancient half timbered mansion the property of John Berrington, Esq., is still surrounded by a moat filled with water. The interior of the house is of curious workmanship, and has some fine specimens of elaborate oak carving. It is now occupied as a farm residence. Woodhall was built in the year 1684, on the site of a more ancient structure; it is now occupied as a farm house. Hinton is a small rural township one and a half mile north of Pontesbury, which contains 339a. 3r. 13p. of land. In 1841 here were 12 houses and 59 persons. The tithes are commuted for £80. 18s. 3d. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is the sole landowner.

Lea is a small township pleasantly situated on the turnpike road from Pontesbury to Shrewsbury, which comprehends the hamlets of Crosshouses and Shorthill. In 1841 here were 27 houses and 132 inhabitants. There are 481a. 3r. 21p. of land. The tithes are commuted for £143. 6s. 3d., of which £33. 15s. 8d. is apportioned to the rector of the first portion of Pontesbury, and £109 10s. 7d. to the Rev. William Harrison, as impropriator. The principal landowners are Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., and William Henry Nicholls, Esq. There are several collieries at Shorthill. The National School, situated at Shorthill, was built in the year 1842. It is supported by voluntary contributions and a small charge from each scholar. About ninety scholars attend.

Longden is a chapelry and township six and a half miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, which contains 1,604 acres of land, of which Sir Joseph Hawley, Bart., is the principal landowner. John Walton, Esq., Rev. George Jewdwyne, Samuel Harris, Captain Parr, and Robert Hesketh, Esq., are also proprietors. In 1841 there were 80 houses and 371 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £330. 19s. 2d., one half of which is apportioned to the rector of the second and the other half to the rector of the third portion of Pontesbury. The Chapel is a small structure consisting of nave and chancel. The living is a donative curacy in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Edward Homfray, M.A. The Independents have a chapel here built of brick. The British School is held in the chapel. About forty children attend.

Newnham is a small township six miles west of Shrewsbury, which with the hamlets of Polmer and Ford’s Heath contains 345a. 2r. 6p. of land. In 1841 here was one house and nine inhabitants. The rent charge is commuted for £79. 14s. 5d. The principal landowners are W. H. Nicholls, Esq., Francis Harries, Esq., and the Rev. F. D. Dimmock.

Nox is a hamlet in Newnham township, situated five and a half miles west of Shrewsbury, which contains five houses and 22 inhabitants. Mr. Richard Lloyd is the sole landowner in this hamlet.

Oakes is a township and scattered village three miles west of Pontesbury, which contains 630a. 2r. 25p. of land. In 1841 here were nine houses and 42 inhabitants. H. D. Warter, Esq., is lord of the manor and sole landowner. The tithes are commuted for £110. 12s. 3d., and £97. 10s. are apportioned to the rector of the first portion, and £13. 2s. 3d. to the rector of the second portion.

Onslow is a small hamlet three and a half miles W.W. by N. of Shrewsbury, which contains 251a. 3r. 20p. of land. In 1841 here were two houses and twelve persons. The tithes are commuted for £54. 4s. 8d. Colonel John Wingfield is lord of the manor and sole landowner.

Plealey is a pleasant rural township and village seven miles S.W. of Shrewsbury. It contains 664a. 2r. 12p. of land. This township had in 1841 43 houses and 212 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £134. 11s. The principal landowners are Dr. Griffiths, Mr. Thomas Wilkinson, Joseph Phillips, Esq., Rev. Mr. Phillips, Mr. Richard France, and Mrs. Cross. The Wesleyan Methodists have a neat chapel here.

Pontesford is a township seven miles south of Shrewsbury, containing 387a. 2r. 38p. of land, and at the census of 1841 had 67 houses and 283 inhabitants. The tithe is commuted for £82. 12s. 2d. There are coal, lime, and lead works in this township. The Wesleyan Methodists have a small chapel here.

Sascott, a small township five miles west of Shrewsbury, containing 221a. 2r. 28p. of land, in 1841 had 24 persons and three houses. The tithes are commuted for £52. 6s. 6d. Francis Harris, Esq., is the sole landowner.

Sibberscott is a township five and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, having 147a. 3r. 6p. of land, and in 1841 had one house and nine inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 18s. 1d. H. W. Meredith, Esq., is the sole landowner.

Post Office.—At Mr. Samuel Griffith’s. Letters arrive at 6 A.M. and are despatched at 7 P.M.

PONTESBURY & PONTESFORD DIRECTORIES.

Bennett Isaac, inland revenue officer

Birkenshaw Mr.

Chapman Miss

Croft Mr. Richard, registrar

Deakin William, farrier

Drury Rev. Charles, M.A., The Rectory

Eddowes William, surgeon

Harrison Rev. Wm., M.A., The Rectory

Heighway Miss, gentlewmn., Upper House

Jones Frederick, Esq., Pontesford Hall

Jones John and Company, Pontesford Works

Jones Mrs. Sarah

Jones Rev. Thomas, Independent minister

Jones Robert Corbet, gentleman

Jones The Misses

Jones Wm., land surveyor

Nicholls Thomas, parish & vestry clerk

Philpot Charles, mine agent

Plimmer Mrs.

Preece Richard, engineer

Rogers Robert, agent, lead works

Rogers Thomas, schoolmr.

Vaughan Mr. John

Vaughan Rev. William, M.A., The Rectory

Ward and Co., Shorthill Colliery

Agents.

Jones William, (land)

Philpots Charles, (coal)

Rogers Robert, (lead)

Blacksmiths.

Elks William

Griffiths John

Boot and Shoemakers.

Breeze John

Hughes John

Bricklayer.

Barber John, and builder

Butchers.

Cross Forrester

Blackmore William

Broxton William

Coal Merchants.

Harries Francis

Jones Frederick

Snailbeach Co., Nagshead Colliery

Whitegrit Co., Shorthill Colliery

Cooper.

Griffiths Edward

Corn Millers.

Blakeway Richard and Wm.

Edwards Patience

Evans Thomas

Farmers.

Croft William, Pontesford

Inions Edward, Red House

Jones Frederick

Jones Henry, New House

Jones John and Company

Morris Edward, Nills

Morris Thomas, Woodhouse

Price Widow

Ward and Company

Wilde Samuel, White Hall

Grocers and Tea Dealers.

Griffiths Samuel

Owens Owen & Son, drapers, outfitters, shoemakers, & leather cutters

Roderick John, and druggist

Innkeepers.

Breese Mary, vict., Red Lion

Croft Mary, vict., Seven Stars

Langford John, vict., Nag’s Head Inn

Beerhouses.

Evans Ann

France John

Tipton Edward

Wilde Samuel

Lead Merchants, Miners, and Smelters.

Snailbeach Company

White Gritmines Company

Shopkeepers.

Davies Mary

Jones Hugh

Shevlin John

Saddler.

Brazanor Samuel

Tailors.

Davies Richard

Littlehales Mr.

Powell William

Tomlins William

ARSCOTT DIRECTORY.

Bearcroft Rev. Thos., M.A.

Bridgeman John, farmer

Deakin Thomas, farmer

Nicholls Henry, butcher

ASTERLEY DIRECTORY.

Breese John, blacksmith

Chapman Richd., vict., Wind Mill

Everall Richard, farmer

Gardner Hry, Esq., The Hall

Gardner Messrs., coal masters and farmers

Jones Robert, beerhouse

Lewis William, shopkeeper and joiner

Marsh Henry, shopkeeper

Pritchard John, farmer

Tipton Jacob, mine agent

Wheelding John, wheelwrt.

BOYCOTT DIRECTORY.

Andrews Thomas, farmer

Jones Edward, farmer

CRUCKMEOLE DIRECTORY.

Cumpson Joseph, miller & farmer

Pugh William, farmer

Warter Henry Diggery, Esq., The Hall

Weaver William, farmer

Whittall Thomas, miller

Wilding James, farmer

CRUCKTON DIRECTORY.

Bates John, farmer

Crump Thos., vict., Hare and Hounds, maltster & farmer

Harries Fras., Esq., the Hall

Wilding Henry, Holly Bank

Shepherd Mr. Jph., the Lodge

EDGE DIRECTORY.

Jackson George, assistant overseer and collector

Pugh William, farmer

Thornes George, gentleman, The Grove

FARLEY DIRECTORY.

Briscoe John, farmer

Inions Thomas, farmer

HALSTON DIRECTORY.

Bennett Thos., underground bailiff

Blowet Benj., Shorthill farm

Glover Joseph, farm bailiff

Lee Mr. farmer

Ward & Company, farmers

HANWOOD LITTLE DIRECTORY.

Crapper and Proctor, coal-masters, Moathall colliery

Gibbs William, farmer

Passant Jas., Woodhall farm

Savage Thos., Moathall farm

HINTON DIRECTORY.

Everall John, farm bailiff to Sir O. P. Wakeman, Bart.

Parry John, Esq.

LEA DIRECTORY.

Baldwin John, farmer, Shorthill

Bowen John, farmer

Davies Richard, wheelwright

Diggery John, machine mkr.

Edwards John, machine mkr.

Hudson William, vict., the Cross, and farmer

Lashbrook Richard, National Schoolmaster

Rowland David, blacksmith

LONGDEN DIRECTORY.

Bowers William, parish clerk

Casewell Richard, beer retailer, Exford’s green

Crisp Alfred, school teacher

Davies Thos., beer retailer

Deakin Edward, farmer

George Samuel, joiner

Gittins Adams, blacksmith

Harris Mr. Samuel, farmer and maltster

Higley William, wheelwright and beer retailer

Homfray Rev. Edward, M.A.

Jewdwyne Rev. George

Jones Edward, saddler and harness maker

Jones Richard, vict., Tankerville Arms Inn, & farmer

Jones Richard, farmer

Jones William, farmer

Littlehales Rd., blacksmith

Matthews John, vict., Red Lion, the Wood

Morgan Thomas, Hall farm

Munslow Join, farmer, the Wood

Nicholls Henry, butcher

Preece Joseph, tailor

Richards Edward, bricklayer

Roberts William, cowleech

Sutton John Hart, surgeon

Thomas John, farmer

Thompson Wm., farm bailiff

Timmis Rd., grocer & draper

Tipton Wm., pump maker

Whittall Edward, beerseller

Woodcock Samuel, farmer

MALEHURST.

Issard Thomas, farmer

NEWNHAM AND POLMER DIRECTORY.

Niccolls Wm. Henry, Esq., Newnham house

Skyrinsher John Mytton, Polmer farm

NOX DIRECTORY.

Dillow William, blacksmith

Lloyd Richard, gentleman

Nicholls Thomas, farmer

Tomlins Thomas, wheelwright

OAKS DIRECTORY.

Howells Wm., gamekeeper

Lewis Jeremiah, farmer

Perks Thomas, farmer

Whitehurst Jn., the Hall Farm

Woodcock John, farmer

ONSLOW DIRECTORY.

Vaughan Richard, farmer

Wingfield Col. John, the Hall

PLEALEY DIRECTORY.

Bowers James, shoemaker

Bromley Edward, blacksmith

Bromley Richard, farmer

Cross Mrs., the Villa

France Richard, farmer

Hall Mary, farmer

Little Thomas, wheelwright

Peacock George, farmer

Phillips Joseph, farmer

Phillips Mrs., the Cottage

Phillips William, glazier

Wilkinson Thomas, farmer

SASCOTT DIRECTORY.

Evans Robert, farmer

Higginson Thomas, farmer

SIBBERSCOTT DIRECTORY.

France Richard, farmer

France Samuel, farmer

PRESTON MONTFORD, AND DINTHILL

is a township in the parish of St. Alkmund, returned in 1841 as containing 17 houses and 76 inhabitants. Preston Montford is situated four miles N.W. from Shrewsbury, and consists of a few scattered houses leading to Montford Bridge. Dinthill is completely severed from Montford, and lies about three and a half miles S.W. from Shrewsbury, near the Shrewsbury and Welshpool road. It is considered as a distinct township by the parochial officers. Mr. Thomas Hawkins, farmer, Dinthill Hall, is the only resident. The chief inhabitants of Preston Montford are John Bowen, police officer; William Jones, farmer and vict., Swan; John Randles, blacksmith and machine maker; John Thomas, grocer and general dealer; George Whitehorn, vict., Nag’s Head; George Whitehorn, Jun., fish net and shoemaker; Miss Wingfield, The Cottage; Mrs. Wingfield, The Hall.

WESTBURY

is a parish and considerable village situated on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, nine miles S.W. by S. of the former place, and twelve miles N.E. of the latter. It comprises the townships of Marsh district, Newton, Stretton, Vennington, Wallop, Westbury, Westley, Whitton, Wigmore, Winsley, and Yockleton, which have an area of 18,347 acres of land. Rateable value, £10,810. The woodlands are 197 acres, and roads 67½ acres. Edward William Pembroke Smithe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. Colonel John Wingfield and John Michael Severne, Esq., are also considerable proprietors. The rent charge is £1,459. 16s. 5d. Population in 1801, 1,991; 1831, 2,228; and in 1841 there were 314 houses and 2,412 persons. Westbury, anciently written Wesberie, was held in the reign of the Confessor by Ernui, and was free. Roger, the son of Corbet, held of Earl Roger most of that tract of land lying in the hundred of Ford, with parts of Chirbury and Condover hundreds, which in the whole consisted of 39 manors or hamlets, and for his seat he built the Castle of Cause. It is thought that Roger Corbet or his son espoused the cause of his patron, Robert de Belesme, against Henry the I., and upon incurring the king’s displeasure, forfeited his inheritance, which was given to Pain Fitz John. In 2nd Henry III. the king commanded the Earl of Chester to restore to Thomas Corbet the Castle of Cause and all his lands. In 30th Henry III. the said Thomas Corbet had a grant of free warren in Cause and two years after, the grant of a fair to be kept on the eve, the day, and the day after, the translation of Thomas the martyr. The site of the castle is lofty and commanding; it stood on an isolated ridge, rising abruptly from a deep ravine on one side, and sloping towards a vast valley bounded by the Stiperstones on the other. The castle is in a state of complete dilapidation. There is a colliery in this township, and bricks and tiles are also made near the village.

The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, has a square tower, in which are five bells. The interior is neatly pewed, and consists of nave, side aisles, and chancel. There are many neat tablets in the church. The living is a rectory divided into the two portions of Westbury in Dextra and Westbury in Sinistra. The former portion is rated in the king’s book at £13. 9s. 4½d., now returned at £643, and the latter at £11. 12s. 8½d., is now returned at £556.

Charities.—John Topp, by deed, dated 1716, left a yearly rent charge of £30 issuing out of certain lands in Vennington, upon trust, to dispose of the same yearly in the education of poor children of the parish of Westbury, and in putting out such children apprentices. Letitia Barnster, by indenture, dated 1726, left for the benefit of the poor of the parish a small parcel of land fourteen yards in length and six yards eight inches in breadth. On this land a school was built in 1736, and a residence for the master has since been built upon land belonging to E. W. P. S. Owen, Esq.

On the tables of benefactions in the church are noticed charities left by twenty several donors for the benefit of the poor, amounting to the sum of £153. 13s. 4d. This sum, with an additional £6. 6s. 8d., was expended in the year 1710 in the purchase of three parcels of land in the parish of Worthen, containing about 17 acres, the rent of which amounted to £43. 10s. per annum at the time the Charity Commissioners published their reports. One-fourth of these rents are distributed in bread to the poor of the parish on Good Friday, and the residue given away on St. Thomas’s day in clothing, fuel, and money, as is most advisable.

Newton is a small township in Westbury parish, one and a half mile N.E. by E. of Westbury, containing twenty inhabitants. Robert Corbet Jones, Esq., is the sole landowner. Marsh is one and a half mile N.E. by N. of Westbury. The principal landowners are Mr. William Howells, Mr. John Turner, and John Wood, Esq. Stretton and the Heath is situated two miles N.E. of Westbury, and contains 290 inhabitants. The landowners in this township are Mr. J. Cadwallader, Mr. S. Dovaston, Mr. R. James, Mr. William Millman, Mr. Timothy Oakley, Mr. Rd. Evans, Mr. Rd. Hughes, and Mr. R. H. Gwynn. Vennington is a township 1½ miles S.W. by W. of Westbury, which contains 313 persons. The Rev. Mr. Parr is the principal landowner. Wallop is a small township containing 77 inhabitants, situated two miles west of Westbury. John Michael Severne, Esq., is the sole landowner. Westley, a township two and a half miles east of Westbury, contains 88 persons. The principal landowners are Mr. R. Butler, Mr. E. Butler, Richard Gardner, Esq., Mr. John Gardner, Mr. John Smith, and Mr. Rogers. Whitton has a population of 38 persons, and Mrs. Topp is the sole landowner. Wigmore township lies two miles N.W. of Westbury, and contains 63 inhabitants. The freeholders are Mr. Edward Davies, Mr. John Davies, Mr. John Dorricott, Mr. Richard Hillhouse, and Mr. Thomas Randles. Winsley township is situated two miles from Westbury, and contains 15 inhabitants. Mr. John Blakeway Tipton and Mr. John Phillips are the principal landowners. Yockleton is a township containing 231 inhabitants, and situated two miles N.E. of Westbury. The principal landowners are Colonel Wingfield and Thomas Nichols, Esq.

Post Office.—At Thomas Clark’s. Letters arrive at 8 A.M. and are despatched at 6 P.M.

WESTBURY DIRECTORY.

Bebb Thos., farmer, Wigmore

Birch Benj., farmer, Forest of Hayes

Corfield Richard, farmer

Clarke Thos., farmer & vict., Red Lion Inn

Clemson Thomas, farmer, Perton Woods

Cureton Rev. William, M.A., Chaplain to the Queen

Darrell Geo., undergrd. agent

Davies Richard, blacksmith and parish clerk

Dickenson Joseph, Esq.

Evans John, farmer, Wigmore

Hanley Wm., pump-maker

Harrison William, farmer and beerhouse, The Wood

Hayman Elzbth., shoemaker

Hayman William, shoemaker

Inions John, frmr., The Hall

Jasper Jas., carrier to Shrewsbury

Jones Sarah, grocer & draper

Mason Richard, stone-mason

Meredith Mrs.

Owen Jeremh., frmr., Sightly

Parr Rev. Thos., The Rectory

Perry Joseph, farmer, Wigmore Hill

Phillips John, Esq., Winsley Hall

Preece John, farmer, Wigley

Pugh John, farmer, Cause Castle

Randalls Thomas, victualler, The Bear, Wigmore

Reese Edward, farmer

Reeves Rev. J. Somerville, M.A., curate

Roberts Jos., farmer, Marsh

Sambrook Chas., mine agent

Sambrook Mrs., The Cottage

Smith John, frmr., Radbrook

Smout Richard, shoemaker

Smout Thomas, linen weaver

Smout Thomas, butcher and farmer

Trantham Edward, tailor

Webster Thomas, shoemaker

Wood John, Esq., Marsh Hall

MARSH DIRECTORY.

Davies Edward, farmer

Davies John, farmer

Dolphin Edward, farmer and butcher

Dorricott John, farmer

Edwards Thomas, maltster

Hills Wm., farmer, Irongate

Howell William, blacksmith

Kempster Richard, farmer, Woolaston Little

Perry Thos., beerhouse and shopkeeper

Turner Jno., victualler, Half-way House

Turner John, jun., farmer

Wilde George, shopkeeper

Wilde Sml., farmer, Wattlesborough Heath

Wood John, farmer

NEWTON DIRECTORY.

Pitchard Thomas, farmer

Williams William, farmer

STONEY STRETTON DIRECTORY.

Brazenor Thomas, victualler, Elephant and Castle

Beddoe Robert, blacksmith

Cadwallader John, farmer, Heath

Cooper James, shoemaker

Griffiths Mrs., beerhouse and shopkeeper

Jones Elizabeth, shopkeeper

Morgan John, farmer

Nicholls Richard, glazier

Oakley Timothy, farmer

Padduck Robert, tailor

Parry John, farmer, Hinton

Pugh George, farmer

Richards Richard, shopkeepr

Tomkins Thomas, farrier

Tomlins Wm., wheelwright

VENNINGTON DIRECTORY.

Dorricott Richard, farmer

Evans William, blacksmith

Gittins Samuel, farmer

Habberley George, wheelwright

Hanley John, shopkeeper and carrier

Knight George, farmer

Maddocks John, farmer

Mason Thomas, corn miller, farmer, and beerhouse kpr.

WALLOP DIRECTORY.

Davies John, farmer

Gittins Samuel, blacksmith

Marsh Joseph, farmer, Napps

Morris Wm., farmer, Broomhill

Rydar Richard, farmer, Tilled House

Severne John Michael, Esq., The Hall

WESTLEY DIRECTORY.

Gardner John, farmer

Gardner Richard, coalmaster and farmer

WHITTON DIRECTORY.

Brayton Edward, farmer

Dickinson Joseph, farmer

Edwards Thos., frmr., Grange

Palmer Thomas, shoemaker

Parry Joseph, Field Farm

Topp Mrs., Whitton Court

Wilding Matthew, farmer and wheelwright

WINSLEY DIRECTORY.

Corfield William, farmer

Eddowes William, farmer, The Lakes

Morris David, farmer, Forest of Hayes

Nevett William, farmer, The Hem

Parry William, farmer, The Hurst

YOCKLETON DIRECTORY.

Beddoe Edward, shoemaker

Bland Joseph, blacksmith

Bromley Thomas, farmer, Lynches

Bromley William, butcher

Bromley William, farmer

Broughall Richard, farmer

Broughall Richd., grocer, &c.

Gittins George, butcher

Gittins Richard, farmer

Meredith John, Bank Farm

Nichols Thomas, Esq., The Hall

Tudor Mrs., The Villa

SHELTON AND OXON,

a small township and pleasant village, with some neat villa residences, two miles west from Shrewsbury, partly in St. Chad, and partly in the parish of St. Julian, at the census of 1841 had twenty-three houses and 100 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Robert Burton, Esq.; Edward Morris, Esq.; and Sir Richard Jenkins. At this place stands the celebrated Shelton Oak, famed from the tradition that Owen Glendower, in 1403, ascended its branches to ascertain the event of the battle of Shrewsbury. The interior is hollow, and capable of holding a dozen persons. This venerable monarch of the forest, although much decayed, and many of the branches broken off, yet shows vigorous signs of life. The girth, five feet from the ground, is 34 feet 4 inches; and at the base, 44 feet 3 inches.

Directory. Those with * affixed are at Bicton Heath. Miss Ann Burton; * Samuel Cookson, shoemaker; * Stephen Davies, blacksmith and shopkeeper; William Davies, farmer; * George Evans, vict., The Grapes; Edward Evans, pig dealer; William Evans, cow keeper; * Mr. Joseph Lakelin; * Joseph Lloyd, shopkeeper; * Thomas Mansell, tailor; James Martin, butcher, Little Oxon; * Magdalene Morgan, beerhouse; John Morris, Esq., Oxon; Thomas Norton, Esq., solicitor; * John Roberts, joiner and wheelwright; * John Rowlands and Sons, iron and brass founders, engineers, millwrights, and agricultural implement makers; * Mr. William Smith, Zion Villa; * Mrs. Mary Urwick; Francis Walford, Esq.; * John Williams, shoemaker.

THE HUNDRED OF CHIRBURY

is bounded on the north by the hundred of Ford, on the south and west by Montgomeryshire, and on the east by the hundred of Ford and Purslow. It is divided into the upper and lower divisions; the former containing 1,783 inhabitants, and the latter 2,956, at the census of 1841. The upper division contains the parish of Chirbury, and part of Church Stoke; and the lower division the parishes of Shelve, Worthen, and part of Hyssington.

CHIRBURY

is an extensive parish and considerable village in the upper division of the hundred of Chirbury, comprising the several townships of Chirbury, Dudston, Hockleton, Marrington, Marton, Middleton, Priestweston, Rorrington, Stockton, Tunberth, Walcot, Wilmington, Winsbury, and Wotherton, which together embrace an area of 11,041a. 1r. 27p. of land. Gross estimated rental, £12,648. 15s. 5d. Rateable value, £11,442. 12s. 6d. Population in 1801, 1,391; 1831, 1,576; 1841, 1,593; 1851, 1,533; at the latter period there were 303 houses. The most considerable landowners are the Earl of Powis; Sir Offley Pembury Wakeman, Bart; George Pritchard, Esq.; Rev. R. H. M. Price; Edward Humphries, Esq.; William Rubbathan, Esq.; and John Davies, Esq. The former owns the whole township of Chirbury, which contains 1,125a. 1r. 16p. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,606. 10s. At the census of 1841 there were 56 houses and 278 inhabitants. The village of Chirbury is pleasantly situated in a fertile valley on the confines of Montgomeryshire, eighteen miles and a half south-west from Shrewsbury, and two miles and a half east from Montgomery. Petty Sessions are held here the first Wednesday in each month. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. Some few, however, are employed in the lead mines and stone quarries in the immediate vicinity. The village is watered by the Camlad stream, which is noted for the excellency of its trout. It is presumed that the place was at one time of more consequence than it is at present, as it gives name to the hundred in which it is situated, and had a castle, erected in the tenth century by Ethelfleda, Queen of the Mercians, with a view to repel the incursions of the Welsh. It is said to have been a strong and stately structure, but no vestiges of it now remain. Chirbury is celebrated as having given the title of Baron to Edward, Lord Herbert. He was made Knight of the Bath at the coronation of James I., and subsequently appointed ambassador to Louis XIII., King of France, to mediate for the Protestants. On his return he was made Lord Herbert, of Castle Island, in Ireland, where he had a large estate. He greatly assisted his majesty in council and arms, and on that account was created a baron of England by the title of Baron Herbert, of Chirbury. He was author of several publications, among which is a life of Henry VIII. Chirbury Priory was of the order of St. Bennett, and founded in the time of King John. In the 9th of Edward I. the prior and convent removed to Snede, the place of their first institution and abode; for Chirbury it seems was represented as a situation not so convenient for celebrating divine mysteries: the religious were to continue the same good offices to the parishioners, and the right of burials and christenings was reserved to the church at Chirbury. This monastery had a grant of the tithes of Montgomery Wood, and of the mill there. At a subsequent period the chapel of Hyssington was given to the prior of Chirbury. On the dissolution of religious houses, King Henry VIII. granted the house, and lands on which it stood, to Edward Hopton and his heirs forever. In the 13th of Elizabeth, the rectory and parsonage of Chirbury, belonging to the late priory, was given to augment the income of the grammar school of Shrewsbury, where it remains at present.

The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, consists of nave, chancel and side aisles, and was formerly a portion of the conventual church of Chirbury priory. It is a commodious structure, having on each side of the nave six pointed arches rising from circular pillars. There is a fine tower at the west end, surmounted by an open-worked battlement, and eight pinnacles. It contains six musical bells, set up in 1808, and partly re-cast from the fine deep-toned priory bell which was formerly used for ringing the curfew. The living is a vicarage, rated in the king’s book at £9. 6s. 8d., now returned at £180.; in the patronage of the corporation of Shrewsbury: incumbent, Rev. James Wilding, M.A. The tithes have been commuted, and £1000 apportioned to the Free School of Shrewsbury.

Charities.—The Free School was founded and endowed by the Rev. Edward Lewis in 1765. The trust property consists of a farm at Hem, in the county of Montgomery, comprising 38 acres of land, and producing a yearly rental of £65. A farm at Meadow Town, in the parish of Worthen, consisting of 41a. 3r. 23p., with suitable premises, let for £35 a year. The school premises consist of a school and residence for the teacher, with a small garden attached, and the master has a salary of £20 per annum. After paying for repairs and other contingencies, the residue of the rent is distributed among ten poor widows, as directed by the donor.

Thomas Edwards, of Rorrington, gave by will 20s. yearly, to be given in bread on St. Thomas’s-day. There are two other bequests recorded on the table of benefactions, one a sum of £10, and the other a rent charge of 20s. per annum, which have long been lost to the poor.

Dudston, a township and small village, is situated about a mile and a half west from Chirbury, and at the census of 1851 had twelve houses and 96 inhabitants. There are 679a. 3r. 12p. of land, the rateable value of which is £786. The Earl of Powis is owner of the land in this township. Rent charge, £93. 11s. 2d.

Hockleton township comprises 487a. 2r. 9p. of land, and is situated about a mile N.E. of Chirbury. The rateable value is £422. 15s. At the last census there were seven houses and a population of 38 souls. The Earl of Powis is owner of the land. The small stream of the Camlad intersects the township. The tithes have been commuted for £49. 10s. 8d.

Marrington, a small rural village a mile and a half south from Chirbury, is situated in a picturesque glen, watered by a small stream. The hills on each side rise to a considerable altitude, and being richly covered with foliage, it forms one of the most romantic dingles in the county of Shropshire, and is the admiration of every visitor. The township contains 1,002a. 3r. 37p. of land, and at the census of 1851 had 15 houses and 77 inhabitants. Rateable value, £801. The Earl of Powis and John Davies, Esq., are the landowners. Rent charge, £65. 14s. 11d. Merrington Hall is an antique structure composed of timber, the property of John Davies, Esq., and residence of Mrs. Helena Forbes.

Marton is a township and pleasant village situate on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, three miles N.E. from Chirbury. The township contains 1,318a. 2r. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,419. The village contains several good residences, and at the census of 1841 there were 64 houses and 273 inhabitants. Rent charge, £133. 11s. 7d. Marton Pool covers 40a. 2r. 37p., of which 27a. 2r. 35p. are in this township, and the rest in that of Wilmington. It is well stocked with various kinds of fish, and is the frequent resort of wild fowl. John Hamer, Esq., is the principal landowner in this township. A neat Independent Chapel was built some years ago by William Nevitt, Esq., of Marton Villa.

Middleton is a village, township, and chapelry, three miles S.E. from Chirbury, comprising 1,247a. 3r. 33p. of land, and at the last census had 31 houses and 156 inhabitants. Rent charge, £55. 14s. 7d. The Church is a neat structure, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, consisting of nave, chancel, and transepts, and has 280 sittings, of which 262 are free and unappropriated. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the vicar of Chirbury; incumbent, Rev. Robert Edward Warren, M.A. On Middleton hill are some druidical remains, which no doubt originally consisted of twelve upright stones; vestiges of eleven are still to be seen, in an upright position, and about six feet above the surface of the ground. The diameter of the circle is about ninety feet. The National School was built in 1843, and enlarged in 1848. The average attendance of children is about fifty. The principal landowners in Middleton are George Pritchard, Esq., and Mrs. Stokes.

Priestweston is a township in the parish of Chirbury, comprising 1,107a. 2r. 26p. of land, the rateable value of which is £847. 12s. 1d. The village of Priestweston, pleasantly situated three miles S.E. from Chirbury, contains fifty houses and a population of 222 souls. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis, Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., George Pritchard, Esq., David Lloyd, Esq., John Beeman, Esq., and Edward Smith, Esq. Rent charge, £82. 17s. 2d. The Calvinistic Methodists have a small chapel, built in the year 1845.

Rorrington, a small village and township in the parish of Chirbury, four and a half miles east from the church, contains 969a. 0r. 9p. of land, and at the census of 1851 had 23 houses and 111 persons. Rateable value, £532. 12s. 6d. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is the sole landowner in this township.

Stockton township is situated two and a half miles N.E. from Chirbury, and has 404a. 3r. 14p. of land, the rateable value of which is £547. 15s. It contains eleven houses and 53 inhabitants. Rent charge, £35. 2s. 9d. The Rev. H. Mostyn Pryse and Edward Humphries, Esq., are the landowners.

Timberth township has 257a. 1r. 27p. of land, seven houses and 31 inhabitants, and lies about a mile and a half S.W. from Chirbury. Rateable value, £258. 5s. 6d. Rent charge, £24. 11s. 8d. The land is the property of Earl Powis.

Wilmington is a township with a few scattered houses, pleasantly situated four miles N.E. from Chirbury, and has 693a. 1r. 16p. of land, the rateable value of which is £777. 10s. At the census of 1851 there were nine houses and 37 inhabitants. Rent charge, £85. 13s. 10d. A fine sheet of water called Marton Pool covers upwards of forty acres, of which 13a. 0r. 2p. are in this township. The landowners are J. Medlicott, Esq., and Mr. William Rubbathan.

Walcot, a township situated on the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, and about half a mile N.E. from Chirbury, contains 345a. 2r. 1p. of land, and has three houses and a population of 18 souls. Rateable value, £459. Rent charge, £56. 7s. 1d. Edward Humphries, Esq., is the landowner.

Winsbury, a small township a mile and a quarter west from Chirbury, intersected by the Shrewsbury and Montgomery turnpike road, contains 658a. 1r. 4p. of land, and at the census of 1851 had six houses and 41 inhabitants. Rateable value, £850. Rent charge, £96. 7s. 1d. The land in this township is the property of the Earl of Powis

Wotherton, a small village and township, at the census of 1841 had 18 houses and 95 inhabitants. Rateable value, £756. 13s. 4d.

Post Office.—At Mr. William Gough’s. Letters arrive at 9 A.M. and are despatched at 4 30 P.M.

CHIRBURY DIRECTORY.

Bower Edward, blacksmith

Bridgewaters Benjamin, registrar of births, deaths, and marriages

Bridgewaters Saml., blacksmith

Cotterell Richard, shoemakr

Davies Thomas, shoemaker

Evans Samuel, tailor

Fletcher Mr. Geo., assistant overseer

Gough William, shopkeeper and postmaster

Groves Samuel, farmer

Harris Ann, schoolmistress

Langford Jane, farmer, The Hall

Price John, farmer

Pugh Jno. Frederick, schoolmaster (endowed)

Sneade Mrs. Margaret, vict., The Cross

Watts Thomas, farmer

Whittingham Wm., shoemkr

Wilding Rev. James, M.A., vicar, The Vicarage

Williams Henry, shopkeeper, auctioneer, and butcher

Wood Edward, wheelwright

DUDSTON DIRECTORY.

Gardner Humphrey, farmer, Little Moat

Groves Robert, farmer

Harris John, farmer, Great Moat

Jones Matthew Edwd., farmr

Powell Jeremiah, farmer

Smith Philip, farmer

HOCKLETON DIRECTORY.

Hughes Richard, maltster and farmer

Robinson Joseph, farmer

MARRINGTON DIRECTORY.

Bemand John, farmer

Benson Thomas, shoemaker

Farmer Thomas, farmer

Forbes Mrs. Helena, the Hall

Gittins Thomas, miller

Hurdley Francis, farmer

Makelin William, farmer

Pearce John, farmer, Kingswood

Reynolds William, farmer

Thomas John, farmer, The Bank

MARTON DIRECTORY.

Bemand Richard, farmer

Edwards Matthew, wheelwrt.

Gardner John, blacksmith

Gough Joseph, shopkeeper

Griffiths John, maltster and beerhouse keeper

Griffiths John, farmer

James William, beerhouse and shopkeeper

Jones Rev. John Peter (Independent)

Lewis Richard, farmer

Meddings John, farmer

Morgan Richard, victualler, The Sun Inn

Oliver John, cooper, shopkeeper, and carrier

Phillips Richard, farmer

Preece Mary, farmer

Roberts Samuel, blacksmith

Wilcox Richard and Evan, shoemakers & shopkeepers

MIDDLETON DIRECTORY.

Bromley William, farmer

Gittins John, farmer, Kinton

Mellings Jane & Sons, frmrs.

Preece Vincent, farmer

Price Charles, schoolmaster (national)

Rogers Richard, blacksmith

Warren Rev. Robert Edwd., M.A., incumbent

PRIESTWESTON DIRECTORY.

Davies Wm., farmer, Little Weston

Francis John, farmer, Rudge

Gough Thomas, blacksmith

Holloway John, victualler, Red Lion

Mountford John, farmer, Stapeley

Pearce Saml., farmer, Rudge

Poulton Thos., farmer, Over House

Powell Mary, farmer, Lower Aldrees

Prince Thos., farmer, Brook House

Richards Samuel, shopkpr.

Rolands John, farmer

Taylor George T. R., surgeon

Thomas John, farmer, Upper Aldrees

Thomas William, tailor

Ward John, farmer, Little Weston

Ward Thomas, farmer, New House

Williams Thomas, farmer, Hagley

RORRINGTON DIRECTORY.

Bowen William, shoemaker

Corfield John, miller

Gittins Edward, farmer

Parry William, farmer, Rorrington Hall

Powell John, farmer

Roberts Mary Ann, farmer

Stokes John, shoemaker

Whettall John, blacksmith

Whettall Martha, farmer

STOCKTON DIRECTORY.

Croft Richard, blacksmith