an Extra-parochial Liberty, three and a half miles N.E. from Shrewsbury, contains 1,564a. 0r. 3p. of land, and at the census of 1841 had 27 houses and 169 souls. This place forms a portion of the Sundorne demesne, which comprises 8,634a. 1r. 26p., and is the property of Andrew William Corbet, Esq. The stately pile of Haughmond Abbey is now fallen into almost total decay, but the magnificent ruins have an imposing appearance; they stand on rising ground, backed by woods, and command an extended view the plain of Shrewsbury, its town, and castle, and the fine demesne of Sundorne. From the extent of the ruins it must have been a place of great magnitude. Of the Abbey Church few remains exist: the south door of the nave, which opened into the cloister, exhibits an elegant specimen of Anglo-Norman architecture. The outer walls of the chapter house are in a perfect state of preservation. The entrance is by a finely ornamented round arch, with a window on each side, divided into small lights. Southward of the chapter house are the remains of the refectory, and beyond it the shell of a noble hall, measuring eighty-one feet by thirty-six feet. The windows were formerly filled with Gothic tracery. The ruins of the cloister and abbots’ lodging may also still be traced. The monastery was founded in the year 1110, by William Fitz Alan, for canons of the order of St. Augustine. It was richly endowed with lands by the founder, and other individuals, and had many valuable privileges and immunities granted by the Popes Honorus III., Nicholas III., Boniface IX., and Martin IV. The yearly revenues of the abbey at the dissolution were £269. 13s. 7d., according to Dugdale, and £294. 13s. 9d. according to Speed. Leland says, “There were an hermitage and chapel on this spot before the abbey was built.” William Fitz Alan and other members of the family were buried here.
Sundorne Castle, a spacious and splendid Gothic mansion, adorned with battlements and turrets, is situated on a beautiful lawn, amidst the rich verdure of the adjoining grounds, which are pleasingly diversified with shrubberies and pleasant walks, and ornamented with a fine sheet of water, covering upwards of sixty acres. The interior of the mansion is superbly furnished. The chairs in the drawing room are of ebony, most elaborately carved. It also contains a remarkably fine antique statue of Venus. There are some exquisite paintings by Titian, Salvator Rosa, Rembrandt, Guido, Raphael, Rubens, Wouvermans, and Van Huysum, among which is the original design for the altar-piece at Antwerp, by Rubens, and the Holy Family, exquisitely executed by Raphael. The library contains a valuable and extensive collection of rare books, and the windows are ornamented with stained glass. Amongst a collection of antiquities is the chapter roll of Haughmond Abbey, and the seal of the abbot: the latter was found about thirty years ago, near the ruins of the abbey. A beautiful sequestered carriage drive, of five miles in length, leads through the woods of the Sundorne demesne. The kitchen gardens and vineries are situated at the back of the castle, and cover an extent of about four acres. The Corbets of Lee removed to Albright Hussey in the reign of Charles I., and to Sundorne Castle in the middle of the last century.
Directory.—Andrew William Corbet, Esq., Sundorne Castle and Pimley House; Henry Jarvis, butler; Martin King, gardener; John Metcalf, bailiff. Richard Ford, farmer, Home barns; Elizabeth Latham, farmer; Samuel Whitehouse, farmer, Haughmond hill.
a township and chapelry in St. Mary’s parish, pleasantly situated on the Shrewsbury and Whitchurch road, three miles N. from the former place, contains 800 acres of land, of which 90 acres are in woods and plantations; rateable value, £883. In 1801, there were 58 inhabitants; and in 1841, 12 houses and 85 souls. Colonel Studd owns all the land in this township, about two-thirds of which is arable. The soil is various: in some places a rich loam prevails, in other parts it is not so fertile.
The Episcopal Chapel, a neat structure in the Elizabethan style, situated on elevated ground, near the turnpike road, is built of red sand stone, and has a neat porch on the south side, and a small belfry at the west end. The living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £52 per annum. The income arises from a farm in Wales, which, since the return was made, has augmented in value. The Rev. George H. Moller is the incumbent, and the Rev. John D. Letts, B.A., officiating curate. The magistrates hold a petty session for the Albrighton division the second week in every month, at the Fox Inn. The Hall, a spacious brick mansion, formerly the seat of the Ireland family, is now unoccupied. The principal residents in this township are:—Charles Smallman, farmer, Perrill farm; Richard Yates, farmer; Ann Brown, victualler, Fox Inn; and Richard Gough, blacksmith.
a township, chapelry, and scattered village, five miles N.N.E. from Shrewsbury. In 1801 had 141 inhabitants, and in 1841, a population of 264 souls, and 55 houses. The township contains 1181a. 3r. 3p. of land, more than two-thirds of which is the property of John Bishton Minor, Esq., of Astley House; besides whom, Mr. Richard Minton and Mrs. Wildig are proprietors. There is also a farm belonging to the trustees of the charities for St. Chad’s parish. Gross rental £1,936. 13s. 5d. Rateable value, £1,763. 13s. The Episcopal Chapel, a neat stone fabric in the Gothic style, was repaired and beautified in 1837, when a new tower was added at the west end. The entrance, formerly on the south side, exhibits the Saxon style of architecture. In the interior is a neat marble tablet, in memory of the Minor family, of Astley House. A new font was added at the time the tower was built. The living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £56, in the patronage of the corporation of Shrewsbury, and enjoyed by the Rev. William Vaughan. In the church yard are the following lines, on a grave stone in memory of Rowland Deakin, who died in 1751, aged 95 years:—
“Many years I’ve seen, and
Many things I’ve known:
Five kings, two queens,
And a usurper on the throne;
But now lie sleeping in the dust.
As you, the reader, shortly must.”
The governors of the Free Grammar School, in Shrewsbury, are the impropriators of the tithes, which are commuted for £211. Astley House, a handsome mansion, beautified with pleasure grounds and shrubberies, and pleasantly situated a short distance from the church, is the residence and property of John Bishton Minor, Esq. The Primitive Methodists have a chapel in this township, situated on the Hadnal road. The particulars of the several charities, founded by the will of Joseph Jones, in 1729, will be found noticed with the parish of Atcham. Out of the residuary rents of the estates, held in trust for the purposes mentioned in the testator’s will, £10 per annum is applied in educating poor children of this chapelry, and £6 per annum paid to the minister of Astley chapel, for reading prayers and preaching in the said chapel every first and last Sunday in the month, and administering the sacrament four times during the year. It appears when Mr. Jones made this bequest, that divine service in Astley chapel was only held every third Sunday in the month.
Minor John Bishton, Esq., Astley House
Adams Edward, farmer
Adams James, farmer
Barker James, shoemaker
Birch William, farmer, Braidway House
Davies Charles, butcher
Dodd William, blacksmith
Hughes John, shoemaker
Minton John, farmer
Minton Richard, farmer
Minton Samuel, farmer
Minton Thomas, farmer
Moreton Ann, butcher
Morgan John, farmer
Oliver Rev. William, Astley Lodge
Powell John, farmer, New House
Stanley Thomas and Richard, brick and tile makers
Williams Richard, provision dealer and victualler, Dog Inn
a township pleasantly situated two miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury; at the census of 1841 had 67 houses, and a population of 271 souls. Here the country has an undulating surface, richly clothed with timber, and presents many interesting views of picturesque beauty. The estate is now the property of the Honourable Henry Wentworth Powys. Berwick House is a handsome mansion, of considerable extent, composed of brick with stone finishings. It is delightfully situated in a spacious and finely wooded park; and the immediate vicinity of the house is richly beautified with shrubberies and pleasure grounds. The iron gates, at the entrance of the park, are of the most elaborate workmanship; they have a noble and magnificent appearance, and are said to have cost £1,000. Berwick House is now the temporary residence of Thomas Hope, Esq.; and Upper Berwick House, a neat brick structure, is the occasional seat of the Hon. Henry Wentworth Powys.
A short distance from the hall are the almshouses, erected and endowed in 1672 by Sir Samuel Jones. They consist of sixteen tenements, and a small room for the use of the chaplain, with gardens attached thereto, and are surrounded by a lofty wall. The yearly income amounts to about £183. 7s. 6d. per annum, and arises from the following sources:—Nine acres of land in Castle Foregate, let for £36 per annum; the several sums of £20, £40, and £80 per annum charged on the Berwick estate; and the dividends on £245. 18s. 3d. South Sea Annuities. From the sources above mentioned, each inmate receives about £5. 8s. annually, besides clothing and coal. The emoluments of the chaplain amount to about £54. 9s. per annum. Between the almshouses and the hall is the chapel appropriated to the use of the inmates of the adjacent almshouses. It is a small fabric, of a primitive appearance, with a tower at the west end, and was built in 1762, on the site of a former edifice which had become ruinous. There is a free school in the township, supported by the Hon. Henry W. Powys, where forty scholars are educated. Leaton Knolls, the delightful residence of John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., is just within the bounds of this township, situated in a picturesque glen, and surrounded with beautiful shrubberies and thriving plantations.
Powys Honourable Henry Wentworth, Upper Berwick House
Hope Thomas, Esq., Berwick House
Lloyd John Arthur, Esq., Leaton Knolls
Briscoe, Mrs. Mary
Davies John, blacksmith
Davies Samuel, farmer, Cross Green
Gough Edward, farmer
Jones John, wheelwright
Maddox Martha, schoolmistress
Morris Jeremiah, shoemaker
Oakley Thomas, farm bailiff
Roberts Mary, farmer
Roberts Thomas, farmer, Great Berwick
Slinn John, gamekeeper
Vaughan Richard, farmer, Almond Park
is a chapelry in the parish of St. Mary, Shrewsbury, 3½ miles south from Wem, and eight miles north from Shrewsbury. In 1801 there was a population of 289 souls, and in 1841 there were 61 houses and 273 inhabitants. The township contains 1370 acres of land, mostly highly productive; the soil is a mixture of sand and loam, and considered good turnip land. Rateable value, £2,546 10s. The Duke of Cleveland is the principal owner and lord of the manor; Mr. Joshua Holmes, George Harding, Esq., Mrs. Nickson, Mrs. Griffith, and others, are also freeholders. The village is pleasantly situated on high ground, and commands some pleasing views of the romantic and rural scenery by which it is surrounded.
The Church is a plain stone fabric, dedicated to All Saints, and consists of nave and chancel, with a small turret containing two bells; it is neatly pewed, and the roof is of groined timber. The pulpit is of white free stone exquisitely carved, and a new front has recently been added. The windows on the south side and at the west end were beautified, and had new mullions introduced in 1849, when other alterations and improvements were made by the incumbent. The living is a perpetual curacy returned at £66 in the patronage of the corporation of Shrewsbury; incumbent, Rev. William Jaudwine, M.A. The Independents have a small chapel built in 1844; the congregation is under the pastoral care of the Rev. David Jones. Clive Hall, a plain substantial stone edifice in the Elizabethan style, was built by Daniel Wycherley, father of the poet William Wycherley; it is now the property of George Harding, Esq. Sansaw Hall, the residence of Captain Martin, a handsome and commodious brick residence, is delightfully situated in park-like grounds, and surrounded by lawns and shrubberies laid out with great taste and beauty. Shooters’ Hill, another good house delightfully situated, is the property and residence of Mrs. Griffiths.
Clive is said to have been the birth place of the poet Wycherley, though some affirm that he was born at Wem. Wycherley was one of the wits and poets of Charles II., and was born about the year 1640. After receiving an education at school, he was sent to France, where he embraced the Roman Catholic religion. A little before the restoration he returned to England, and entered as a gentleman commoner at Queen’s College, Oxford; but, being never matriculated, he quitted the university without a degree, and took chambers in the middle temple. He soon, however, deserted the law, and following the taste of that dissipated age, devoted himself to the composition of comedies. His first piece, “Love in a wood, or St. James’ Park,” made its first appearance in 1672, and quickly brought its author into notice. He was much esteemed by Villiers, the witty Duke of Buckingham, and was honoured with the attentions of his Majesty. His marriage with the Countess of Drogheda proved an unhappy one. His lady was excessively jealous of him, and though on her death a few years after, she settled her whole estate on her husband, the title was disputed, and he became so involved in his circumstances by law expenses and other incumbrances, that he was thrown into prison. He remained in confinement about seven years, when James II., going to see his comedy of “The Plain Dealer,” was so much delighted with it that he gave orders for the payment of the author’s debts, and granted him a pension of £200 a year. Wycherley died in 1675, at the age of 75. His posthumous works in prose and verse were published in 1728.
Abbot James, carrier to Shrewsbury
Cartwright Margaret, schoolmistress
Done Richard, quarry master and bricklayer
Green Hannah, shopkeeper
Griffiths Mrs., Shooters Hill House
Groom William, farmer
Harding Miss Elizabeth, The Hall
Harding Geo., farmer, Hall Farm
Hill Ann, schoolmistress
Huffa George, blacksmith
Huffa Sarah, vict., Three Horse Shoes.
Jones John, grocer, builder, and quarry master
Lea George, farmer, Sansaw farm
Lee Francis, farmer, Hopes.
Martin Capt. Murrey, Sansaw Hall
Massey Thomas Harris, farmer, The Wood
Needham John, farmer
Northwood Richard, farmer
Parker Thomas, shopkeeper and cattle salesman
Parr Lawrence, farmer, Clive farm
Peters Edward, shoemaker
Peters George, tailor
Puliston Mrs. Charlotte
Puliston Francis, farmer
Smith Thomas, quarry master and stone mason
Williams William, wheelwright
Yeomans William, farmer, Holbrook
township, four and a half miles N.W. by N. from Shrewsbury, in 1841 contained 60 houses and 245 inhabitants. John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., is the proprietor of the whole township, and resides at Leaton Knolls, a beautiful modern mansion, which has been erected about thirty years. The house stands on the acclivity of a hill, overlooking a romantic glen, planted with thriving plantations. The grounds are beautifully diversified with shrubberies and pleasant walks; and in no place in the county is there to be seen such a fine collection of rare shrubs and choice forest trees as are to be met at Leaton Knolls. Among the more remarkable objects is an extensive and valuable collection of the conifera tribe, with their curious and varied foliage. A short distance from the house a large plot of ground has been enclosed with a lofty brick wall, for a kitchen garden, which is now in course of formation. The house and a portion of the pleasure grounds stand within the bounds of Berwick township. There is also a neat free school, at the cross of roads, built in 1828, by John A. Lloyd, Esq., who also pays for the education of the children, of whom 35 attend. Leaton Hall, now a good farm residence, was built in 1683. The Shrewsbury and Chester railway intersects the township, and has a station here. Bomere Heath is partly in this township and partly in Preston Gobalds.
Directory.—John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., Leaton Knolls; Thomas Daighton, land agent, Leaton Lodge; Charles Kynaston, carpenter and beerhouse keeper, Bomere Heath; Richard Littlehales, shoemaker; John Morgan, schoolmaster; William Nevett, farmer, Leaton Hall; Oliver Francis, farm bailiff; Sarah Legh, farmer; John Wilson, gardener to J. H. Lloyd, Esq.; and William Withers, carpenter.
a small township, comprising two farms only, is the property of the Hon. Henry Wentworth Powys, and Richard Betton, Esq., and is situated three and a half miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury. At the census of 1841 there were 2 houses, and a population of 21 souls. The Shrewsbury and Chester railway passes through the township. The farm premises of Samuel Davies, at Cross Green, Berwick, are situated within the bounds of this parish.
The resident farmers are Samuel Davies and Charles Kent.
another small township in the parish of St. Mary’s, is situated four miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury. In 1841 there were 4 houses and 23 inhabitants. John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., and Lady Tyrwhitt are the land owners. The occupants of the farms are James Teece and Richard Tonkies.
is a township and chapelry in the parish of Middle, five miles N.N.E. from Shrewsbury. The village is pleasantly situated on the turnpike road from Shrewsbury to Chester, and contains some good farm houses and a commodious and respectable inn. The township contains 814a. 2r. 19p. of land. Viscount Hill is the principal land owner; besides whom Sir Andrew V. Corbet, Mr. Charles Woodward, Mr. Joseph Morris, Mrs. Wildig, and others, are also owners. The population in 1801 was 362; and in 1841 there were 92 houses and 429 souls in the chapelry, and 221 in the township. Rateable value, £1,119. 16s. 8d. Rent charge, £107. 18s.
The Episcopal Chapel is a neat stone edifice, mantled with ivy; it has a square castellated tower, ornamented with a clock, and the chapel is surrounded with a spacious cemetery, the margin of which is fringed with flourishing limes, yews, and fir trees, which give it a pleasing and rural appearance. In the east window are several fragments of stained glass, apparently of the date of the erection—the sixteenth century. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the rector of Middle, and enjoyed by the Rev. William Oliver, of Astley Lodge. In the Liber Ecclesiasticus the living is returned at £55. The annual value, however, now is upwards of £70, arising from the sum of £400, royal bounty, and the moiety of the rent of a farm in the township of Criggion, which was purchased with money belonging to the livings of Preston Gubbals, Hanwood, and Hadnal, by the then incumbent, who, in consequence of enjoying several benefices, was denominated “St. John of the Seven Churches.” The chapelry contains the townships of Alderton, Hardwick, Haston, Shotton, and Sneethcott. Rateable value of the chapelry, £5,614. 17s. 9d; acres, 2,418 0r. 20p. The Banasters, a family of considerable note in former times, had an estate and seat at Hadnal as early as the time of William the Conqueror. The hall was a spacious mansion of chequered timber work, and occupied a site near the episcopal chapel. The moat may still be traced, adjoining the turnpike road. Mr. Hulbert is of opinion that Hadnal Hall was the place where the Duke of Buckingham was betrayed by Humphrey Banaster, in 1483, from whence he was taken to Shrewsbury, and, without trial, beheaded, by command of Richard III. Thomas Banaster, of Hadnal, was sheriff of the county in 1403.
Providence Grove is a neat house, the residence and property of Mr. Charles Hulbert, the author and publisher of an elaborate history of the county, and numerous other publications. On the 7th of January, 1839, an awfully destructive fire occurred at Providence Grove, and so rapid was the progress of the devouring element, that all the valuable property, consisting of a library of more than 3,000 volumes, manuscripts, curiosities, paintings, furniture, a large stock of new books and engravings, with the whole of the house, and a great portion of the houses adjoining, were consumed. The loss to the proprietor was irreparable, as only the premises were insured, and those at one half of their value. Mr. Hulbert has now arrived at a good old age, and is publishing an account of his own life, which he entitles “Seventy Years of an eventful Life.”
The Independent Chapel, a neat stone fabric, was built in 1832. The congregation is under the pastoral care of the Rev. David James.
The Free School is endowed with £300, bequeathed by Dame Mary Hill, in 1787, who at the same time made the following bequests, viz., £30 towards building a school-house in Hadnal, £100 to the treasurer of the Salop Infirmary, the interest of £100 to be distributed among poor persons residing in Hadnal, the same amount for the benefit of the poor of Middle, and the residue of her personal estate for such charitable purposes as she by a codicil to her will should direct. The residue of the personal estate amounted to £1,305 2s. 5d., in respect of which £30 per annum is paid to a dissenting minister at Hadnal, £14 towards the support of the school, and £10 to Prees school. These several sums appear to be the interest of £1,200, at 4½ per cent.; it is stated the balance, £105. 2s. 5d. was applied in building the school at Weston. In respect of the £300 bequeathed to Hadnal school, £12 per annum as the interest thereof is paid to the teacher. It does not appear that any new trustees have been appointed for carrying into effect the trusts declared in the will of Dame Mary Hill. The management has therefore continued in that family.
It is stated in the parliamentary returns of 1786, that Mr. Watkins gave £15 for the use of the poor of Hadnal. About thirty years ago Sir Andrew Corbet gave £10, on the marriage of his son, for the same purpose. These two sums are in the hands of Viscount Hill, and he pays 20s. annually as the interest thereof.
Birch William, provision dealer
Brittain Mr. Thomas
Brookes Benjamin, farmer
Cooper the Misses, the Academy
Davies John, farmer
Dodd Samuel, blacksmith
Ellis William, farmer
Heath Thomas, provision dealer and boot and shoe maker
Hulbert Charles, author and publisher, Providence grove
James David, Independent minister
Lee William, farmer
Leech John, farmer
Leech Sarah, schoolmistress
Payne Stephen, farmer
Powell John, wheelwright
Preston John, farmer
Walton Ann, vict., Saracen’s head
a township and village in the chapelry of Hadnal, three miles N.N.W. from the latter place, contains 239a. 3r. 37p. of land, the owners of which are Mrs. Minor, Miss Corbett, and Mr. William Teece. Population in 1841, twenty-five. Rateable value, £410. 6s. 8d. Rent charge, £54. 5s. The resident farmers are John Clay, Cornelius Maddocks, and Richard Williams. The following are resident in the village of Alderton, but situated within the boundaries of the parish of Broughton, viz.: Joseph Mullinex, blacksmith; William Sutton, wheelwright; and Richard Williams, blacksmith.
is a small township about a mile north from Hadnal, which comprises 372a. 2r. 1p. of land, the rateable value of which is £551. 6s. 2d. Inhabitants in 1841, thirteen. Rent charge, £23. Hardwick Hall, a handsome mansion delightfully situated in a well wooded park, was the country seat of that distinguished warrior, the late General Lord Hill, who greatly improved the hall and pleasure grounds, and erected a handsome lodge of Grinshill free stone, at the entrance from the Shrewsbury turnpike road. A more detailed account of this illustrious commander, who spent his last years amidst the rural beauties of Hardwick, has been given at a preceding page. The property is now vested in Viscount Hill, and the Misses Hill reside at Hardwick Hall. Robert Blantern, Hardwick Grange, is the only resident farmer in this township.
township, situated one mile W.W. by N. from Hadnal, contains about 400 acres of good land, the owners of which are Viscount Hill, Wilbraham Egerton, Esq., and Messrs. Richard and William Boodle Pickstock. Rateable value of the township, £574. 18s. 6d. Population in 1841, 78, Rent charge, £62. There are two respectable farm residences in this place, one of which has recently been built by the Messrs. Pickstock. The resident farmers are Mr. George Blantern and Messrs. Richard and William Boodle Pickstock.
a small township pleasantly situated on elevated ground, two miles N.W. from Hadnal, contains 230a. 2r. 13p. of land, the rateable value of which is £417. 4s. 6d. Colonel Watkins owns the whole township. The number of inhabitants at the census in 1841 were twenty-two, at which period the land was divided into two farms. Within the last few years the two farms have been united, and the whole township is now farmed by Mr. John Groome. The tithes are commuted for £54. 5s.
township, situated a mile and a half W. by N. from Hadnal, in 1841 had a population of seventy souls. The houses are scattered, and the land is well timbered, which gives the whole a pleasing and rural appearance. The township contains 588a. 0r. 28p. of land, the owners of which are Mrs. Sarah Bayley and the two Mr. Edward Groomes. Rent charge, £92. 3s. 6d. Rateable value, £767. 9s. 1d. The Black Birches is a handsome and pleasantly situated house, the property and residence of Mrs. Sarah Bayley; besides whom, Mr. Francis Lloyd Bayley, Mr. Edward Groome, farmer, and Mr. Edward Groome, farmer, are residents in this township.
is a parish township, and small village 4½ miles N. from Shrewsbury, on the turnpike road from that town to Chester. The township contains 1350a. 3r. 5p. of land, the principal owner of which is Lady Tyrwhitt; R. R. Slaney, Esq., M.P., is a small proprietor, and there are also a few small freeholders. The former is lady of the manor and impropriatoress. Population in 1801, 313, and in 1841, 388. Rateable value, £1,386. This place is said to have derived its name from one Godebalte, a clerk to Roger de Montgomery, and was anciently called the priests town of Godebalte, which eventually became corrupted to Preston Gubbals. The Church, dedicated to St. Martin, is a small fabric of primitive simplicity, with a porch on the south side, composed of massive oak timber; the living is a perpetual curacy, annexed to the vicarage of Prees, and is endowed with a farm at Criggion, in Montgomeryshire, of 58a. 3r., with a sheep walk of about 28 acres; the Rev. William Stephens Burd, M.A., is the incumbent, and resides at a neat residence near the church, which has been built with the intention of attaching it to the living. There is a small library, of standard divinity, in the vestry of the church, which was given by Charles Mather, Esq., for the use of the officiating clergyman. The tithes are commuted for £170. This township includes a portion of Bomere Heath, where there are a number of small cottages, and a Wesleyan New Connexion chapel within the bounds of it. In the parliamentary returns of 1786 it is stated that Richard Brethens in 1777 bequeathed £100 for the benefit of the poor of Preston Gobalds; the interest is usually laid out in coals, and distributed among the most deserving poor of the parish. Besides the farmers given in the directory, John B. Minor, Esq., holds the Lea Hall farm in the township. There are 220 acres of wood land in the parish.
Directory.—Rev. William Stevens Burd, M.A.; Farmers, Edward Acton, Robert Hales, and Richard Poole; William Littlehales, wheelwright; William Thompson, wood bailiff to Lady Tyrwhitt.
township, 1¼ miles N.W. from Preston Gobalds, and 5½ N.N.W. from Shrewsbury, contains 898a. 1r. 26p. of land, which is the property of Lady Tyrwhitt, except one farm held by R. R. Slaney, Esq., M.P. The population in 1841 was returned at 188 souls, at which time there were 46 houses. Rateable value, £1073 5s. 6d. This township comprises a considerable portion of Bomere Heath, which was enclosed upwards of forty years ago; it is now the most densely populated part of the township, and consists chiefly of small detached cottages, with a few acres of land or a garden plot attached to each cottage. Here is an Independent chapel, a Wesleyan chapel, and a Wesleyan New Connexion chapel, not far from each other, the two former are in this township, and the latter in Preston Gobalds township. There is also a free school for all the children in the parish, which is supported by R. R. Slaney. About two-thirds of the land in Merrington is arable, a deep loamy soil prevails in some places, and in other parts a cold clay.
Directory.—Farmers, John Jones, Joseph Kent, William Kent, John Shore, and William Shore; William Dodd, blacksmith; the rest are at Bomere Heath, Richard Ellis, shoemaker; James Holmes, contractor; Martha Owen, butcher; John Price shopkeeper; and John Wright, schoolmaster.
is a parish and small village delightfully situated on the banks of the Severn, three miles E.N.E. from Shrewsbury. The parish contains 1309a. 3r. 9p. of land, and forms a part of the Sundorne domain, which is the property of Andrew William Corbett, Esq. At the census of 1801 the population was returned at 120 souls and in 1841 there were 32 houses and 163 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1804. 19s. The picturesque beauty of the village, surrounded by a lovely and fertile country, and its contiguity to Haughmond Hill, which commands a most delightful view of the surrounding district, causes this to be a place of much attraction in the summer season for pleasure parties from Shrewsbury and other places. There is a good inn, with a spacious bowling green, which is kept in admirable order, where parties may recreate themselves and have every attention and comfort at a moderate charge, from the worthy host of the “Corbet Arms.” A spacious room which opens upon the bowling green will accommodate nearly a hundred persons.
About half a mile east from Uffington is Haughmond Hill, from the summit of which is seen a most beautiful, panoramic view of the fertile plains of Shropshire, the lofty steeples of its ancient capital, the windings of the graceful Severn, and in the distance the blue mountains of Wales, whilst in the foreground is seen the stately mansion of Sundorne Castle, adorned with battlements and turrets, which forcibly reminds us of the beautiful lines of Mrs. Hemans:—
The stately homes of England,
How beautiful they stand!
Amidst their tall ancestral trees,
O’er all the pleasant land.
Upon the summit of the hill has been built a castellated tower, which is a conspicuous object for many miles around. Near the tower is a steep crag, down which the Earl of Douglas leaped with his horse, on being closely pursued, after his escape from the battle of Shrewsbury. He was seriously injured by this daring act, and on his being taken prisoner, the king set him at liberty, in admiration of his valour.
The Church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is a small fabric of venerable appearance, with a porch on the south side, and a small belfry. The interior harmonizes with the simplicity of the structure. The font is large and circular. The living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £49, in the patronage of Andrew William Corbett, Esq.; incumbent, Rev. John Oliver Hopkins, M.A. In the churchyard are several fine old yew trees.
Pimley House is a handsome residence, pleasantly situated about a quarter of a mile from the village. It stands on a gentle acclivity rising from the Severn, and commands some fine prospects. The house was completed in 1849; it is of brick, with stone finishings, exhibiting the Elizabethan style of architecture. Pimley House is the occasional residence of Andrew William Corbet, Esq., of Sundorne Castle.
A Neat Schoolhouse and residence for the teachers was built in 1849, on the turnpike road leading to Shrewsbury, by A. W. Corbet, Esq., who also munificently supports the institution, which is free to all the children of the tenants upon the Sundorne estate. There is also a good Sunday school nearly opposite the church. This parish is intersected by the river Severn, and the Shropshire union canal.
Corbet Andrew William, Esq., Sundorne Castle, and Pimley House
Allen John, farmer, corn miller, and brick and tile makers
Bullock Richard, blacksmith
Davies John, farm bailiff, Pimley
Evans John, farmer
Evans Robert Lloyd, gentleman
Grice Thomas, vict., Corbet Arms
Hazledine John and Co., coal merchants; John Mabury, agent
Heath Thomas, shoemaker
Hopkins Rev. John Oliver, M.A., Parsonage
Jarratt Stephen, schoolmaster
Ralphs Samuel, carpenter and clerk
Sproston Edward, tailor
The Oswestry hundred is bounded on the east by the hundred of Pimhill, on the north and west by Denbighshire, and on the south-west by Montgomeryshire. The river Ceiriog bounds the hundred at the northern extremity, and the Vernieu and the Severn form the southern boundary. The population of this hundred in 1821 was 17,189; and in 1841, 19,858, of whom 3,956 were in the lower division of the hundred, and 15,902 in the upper division. Of the total number of inhabitants at the latter period, 9,805 were males, and 10,054 females.
The lower division of the hundred contains the following parishes and townships, viz., Cotton, Dovaston, Eardiston, Edgerley, Felton West, Haughton, Kinnerley, Knockin, Kynaston, Maesbrook Issa, Maesbrook Ucha, Melverley, Osbaston, Rednal, Ruyton of the Eleven Towns, Sandford, Shelvock, Shotatton, Sutton, Tedsmore, Twyford, Tyricoed, Woolston, and Wykey.
The upper division contains Aston Abertanatt, Berghill, Blodwell, Bryn, Cynynion, Crickheath, Daywell, Ebnall, Fernhill, Frankton, Halston, Henlle, Hindford, Hisland, Ifton Rhyn, Llanvorda, Llanyblodwell, Llanytidman, Llanymyneck, Lynclys, Maesburg, Marton Old, Martin St., Middleton, Morton, Oswestry, Pentregaer, Porkington, Selattyn, Sychtyn, Sweeney, Treprenal, Trefarclawdd, Treflach, Trefonen, Weston Cotton, Weston Rhyn, Whittington, and Wootton.
an Extra-parochial Liberty, three-quarters of a mile east from Whittington, and three and a quarter miles E.N.E. from Oswestry, contains upwards of 500 acres of land, which is the property of Edmund Wright, Esq., of Halston Hall. This place formerly belonged to the Knights Templars, or Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. It is called in deeds Halystone, or Holystone, and was formerly a sanctuary. Meyrick Lloyd, lord of some part of Uwch Ales, in the reign of Richard I., would not submit to the English government, to which the hundred of Dyffryn Clwydd, and several others, were at that time subject; and having seized some English officers, who came there to execute the laws, put several of them to death. From this fact the lands were forfeited to the king, and Lloyd fled and took sanctuary at Halston, where its possessor, John Fitz Alan, Earl of Arundel, received him under his protection. It was given by this family to the Knights Templars, and in the 26th of Henry VIII. we find the commandary valued at £160. 14s. 10d. a-year. On the abolition of this religious order, King Henry VIII. empowered John Sewster, Esq., to dispose of this manor to Alan Horde, who made an exchange with Edward Mytton, Esq., which alienation was confirmed by Queen Elizabeth. Halston was the birth place of the celebrated General Mytton, who was born in 1608. By his courage and conduct many strongholds in North Wales and Shropshire were subdued, and he greatly distinguished himself in several battles. An ardent love of liberty, it seems, was the motive which governed his conduct; for finding that Cromwell’s views were ambitious, he resigned his command and retired. General Mytton died in London, in 1656: his remains were conveyed to Shrewsbury, and interred in St. Chad’s church. The church or chapel is a small fabric, situated in the park, about five hundred yards from the south front of the hall. The interior is neatly fitted up, and contains an ancient font, of an octagonal shape, rudely carved; an old stone coffin which has been dug up, lies near the tower. The living is a donative, without any other revenue than what the chaplain is allowed by the owner. The Halston estate, after being held by the Myttons from the time of Henry VIII. to the present century was sold in 1817 to Edmund Wright, Esq., the present proprietor. The hall, a spacious and elegant mansion of brick with a stone portico, has been greatly improved by the present owner. It is beautified with pleasure grounds and shrubberies, and opens into a beautiful and finely-timbered park of about 200 acres. Near the front of the hall is a fine sheet of water, and the river Perry, a small stream, takes its course through the park. The kitchen gardens are in a sheltered situation a little west from the hall, and cover upwards of five acres. Pineries and greenhouses are now in course of erection. At the census of 1841, Halston is returned as containing three houses and thirty-four inhabitants.
Directory.—Edmund Wright, Esq., Halston Hall; Charles Galloway, gardener, the Hall; Thomas Ward, farmer, Kinsall.
parish contains the townships of Kinnerley and Argoed, Dovaston, Edgerley, Kynaston, Maesbrook Issa, Maesbrook Ucha, Osbaston, and Tyrycoed, which together have an area of 5,891a. 2r. 28p. of land. Rateable value, £7,761. 9s. 9d. Rent charge, £942. 1s., of which £170 is apportioned to the vicar, and £772. 1s. to the impropriators. Population in 1801, 1,110; in 1841, 1,286.
Kinnerley and Argoed, a township and pleasantly situated village, seven miles S.E. from Oswestry, and twelve miles N.W. by W. from Shrewsbury, contains 848a. 0r. 9p. of land, mostly an undulating district, producing good wheat and barley. The principal land owners are Edward Downes, Esq.; John Morris, Esq.; Mr. John Doune; Rev. Thomas Frank; Mr. John Hilton; Mr. William Parkes; Mr. John Lewis; Mr. Thomas Barlow; Mr. Henry Bowman; Mr. Edward Baddow; Mr. John Pugh; Mr. Edward Evans; the vicar of Kinnerley; Mr. Jones; Mr. Griffiths; and others. George Edwards, Esq., is lord of the manor, and holds a court, the jurisdiction of which extends over Kinnerley Argoed and Edgerley. It is stated in ancient records that Kinnerley Castle was plundered and destroyed by Llewellyn, prince of Wales, during the early part of the reign of Henry III. We afterwards find that he was compelled to promise to make satisfaction for the injury he had done; but it appears the restoration of the castle never took place.
The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, is built of red sandstone, and has a square tower, with the date of 1600. The nave and chancel were enlarged and beautified in 1755. There are several beautiful monuments in the church, one of which remembers the Rev. John Bridgeman, D.D., bishop of Chester, who died in 1719. In the tower are three fine-toned bells, which were re-cast at Kinnerley. It is related that a farmer returning from Shrewsbury fair, where he had sold two cows named Dobbin and Golden, passing the furnace, was asked what he would give towards the new bells, when he jocularly replied that he would give Dobbin and Golden, at the same time emptying a large handkerchief of silver coin into the furnace. From this circumstance the bells have ever since been called Dobbin and Golden. The living is a vicarage, valued in the King’s book at £7. 6s. 8d.; now returned at £114; in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor, and incumbency of the Rev. Edmund Wolryche Orlando Bridgeman. The vicarial tithes of this township are commuted for £18. 12s. 2d.; and £103. 4s. 6d. are paid to Mrs. Tayleur, and £2. 16s. 6d. to other impropriators. There are 30a. 1r. of glebe land. The tithes formerly belonged to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, in whom the patronage of the living was also vested.
Charities.—John Payne left £6, Edward Payne a yearly sum of 4s., and Richard Payne the sum of 10s. yearly, for the benefit of the poor. These sums are secured upon a piece of land in Lwynygo. Nicholas Thornes bequeathed £10, Roger Thornes a like sum, and Thomas Thornes £5, which gifts are secured upon land in Edgerley township, called Brokist. Mr. Kynaston gave the interest of £10 to the poor; Elizabeth Morgan bequeathed £50. Henry Morgan a rent charge of 10s. per annum. The three last bequests are secured on land in Melverley. A yearly sum of £2 is paid to the churchwardens from land which was formerly the property of the Hanmer family. There are two pieces of land in Edgerley, the rent of which, £2. 17s. 6d. per annum, is received by the churchwardens, but from whom it was derived is not known. The amount of these rents, with the produce of the several charities above mentioned, being £11. 7s. 6d. per annum, are distributed in small sums on Good Friday. Roger Gethin left £40, which was laid out in the purchase of two small crofts in Tyr-y-coed, for the benefit of the poor. The land produces £3. 10s. yearly. John Hickin left a rent charge of 10s. yearly, and the poor have a like sum yearly from the bequest of Margaret Dyos—noticed with Great Ness. Hester Farmer, in 1691, gave the rent of a close every fourth year, to be distributed among the poor of Kinnerley. The field is now let for £23 per annum:—See the charities of St. Chad, Shrewsbury.
Post
Office—At Mr. Jonathan Rodgers. Letters
arrive from Oswestry at 11.30, and are
despatched at 2 40 P.M.
Barrett Richard, grocer and provision dealer
Bather Thomas, grocer, druggist and seedsman, wholesale and retail
Beddow Thomas, carrier to Oswestry and Shrewsbury
Bevan Edward, thrashing machine and drill man
Bridgeman Rev. Edmund W. O., vicarage
Croft William, farmer
Davies Thomas, blacksmith
Davies William, shoemaker
Downes Edward, Esq., Argoed hall
Glover Timothy, carrier to Oswestry and Shrewsbury
Griffiths Edward, carpenter
Griffiths Joseph, wheelwright
Hanmer John, corn miller
Jones Richard, shoemaker, Argoed
Morgan John, farmer
Morris John, farmer
Morris Richard, shoemaker
Parkes William, grocer and vict., Cross Keys
Pugh John, maltster and farmer
Roberts Edward, cooper
Rodgers Elizabeth, boarding and day school
Rodgers Henry, painter and glazier
Rodgers Henry, farmer
Rodgers Jonathan, vestry and parish clerk and assistant overseer
Rodgers Jonathan, vict., Swan Inn
Thornes Mr. Henry, Argoed farm
township is pleasantly situated one mile and a half N.E. from Kinnerley, and seven and a half S.E. from Oswestry, and contains 353a. 2r. 10p. of land. In 1841 there were 39 houses and 157 inhabitants. Rateable value, £725. 8s. 6d. The soil is good pasture land, and, being a mixture of peat and loam, produces good barley. The Earl of Bradford is the lord of the manor; and the principal landowners are J. F. M. Dovaston, Esq., Mr. Richard Candlin, Mr. John Frank, Mr. John Hilton, Mr. James Jones, Mr. Joseph Lloyd, Mr. John Mansell, the Vicar of Kinnerley, Millington Hospital, Mrs. Thornes, Mr. Thomas Pugh, and Mr. Henry Whitford. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £6. 17s. 8d., and the rectorial for £36. 3s. 1d.
Bennion John and Edward, carpenters
Bevan John, farmer and carrier
Butler Samuel, farmer
Cambage George, farmer
Davies David, carpenter, The Heath
Davies Thomas, sawyer
Davis William, carrier
Edwards Richard, stone-mason
Griffiths Edward, sawyer, Knuckin Heath
Griffiths Samuel, carpenter
Grindley George, farmer
Jones Thomas, shoemaker
Jones Thomas, farmer
Lloyd John, wheelwright, The Heath
Mansell John, farmer
a scattered village and township in the parish of Kinnerley, three miles and a quarter S. from Kinnerley church, contains 1383a. 0r. 9p. of land, and in 1841 had a population of 265 souls and 64 houses. Rateable value, £1,694, 4s. 8d. The rectorial tithes are commuted for £120. 18s. 4d., and the vicarial for £44. 9s. 9d. The following are the chief landowners:—The Earl of Bradford, Mr. Thomas Bather, Mr. James Candlin, E. H. Dymock, Esq., Mr. John Comberbach, Sir B. Leighton, Bart., Thomas Mansell, Esq., Mr. Owens, Mr. Parker, Messrs. Rogers, Rev. William Thomas, and others. George Edwards, Esq., is lord of the manor. Pentre is a small scattered hamlet, in the township of Edgerley, where is a venerable ash tree of immense girth, remarkable as standing upon a site where the dioceses of Hereford, Lichfield and Coventry, and St. Asaph, all unite. It also marks the division of the parishes of Great Ness and Kinnerley.
Croxen Richard Jones, Esq.
Davies Mrs. Elizabeth, Edgerley Hall
Davies John, farmer
Davies Richard R., butcher
Edwards Richard, tailor
Evans Robert, mason
Heatley E., Brookhouse farm
Higginson Saml., victualler, Royal Hill Inn
Hopkins Richard, gardener
Jones John, farmer and butcher
Jones Thomas, farmer
Jones William, farmer
Lloyd John, wheelwright
Lloyd Samuel, farmer
Newall Thomas, farmer
Owens Robert, farmer
Price Jeremiah, farmer
Pritchard Thomas, horse breaker
Rigley Smith, beerhouse & shopkeeper
Rodgers William, farmer
Roberts William, farmer
Williams John, bricklayer
Williams William, farmer & grazier
is a small township, mostly an undulating district, with a fertile soil, one mile and a half S.E. by S. from Kinnerley, and nine miles from Oswestry. In 1841 here were 32 houses and 135 inhabitants. The township contains 517a. 1r. 39p. of land, of which 245 acres are arable, 240 meadow, 11 woodland, and the remainder in gardens and homesteads. The landowners are the Earl of Bradford, Mrs. Eleanor Bather, Rev. S. S. Burroughs, Mr. John Candlin, John Hilton, Esq., Mr. William Duckett, Mr. Thomas N. Parker, and Mrs. Thornes. The tithes were commuted in 1836, when £11 was apportioned to the vicar, and £61 to the impropriators. The Independents and the Primitive Methodists have each a small chapel in this township. Directory.—Farmers: John Candlin, John Mansell, William Probert, William Rodgers, and William Rodgers, jun. William Davies, tailor.
a township situated two miles S.W. by S. from Kinnerley, and seven and a quarter miles from Oswestry, contains 864a. 3r. 28p. of land, and in 1841 had 19 houses and a population of 101 souls. Rateable value, £1,226. 17s. 2d. Of the land, 254a. 1r. 27p. are arable, 584a. 0r. 33p. rich meadow land, and the remainder 24a. 2r. 12p. are in homesteads. The land has an undulating surface, and the soil is a stiff loam, producing good wheat and barley. The land owners are the Earl of Bradford, Mr. Richard Bennett, Mr. R. J. Croxon, Mr. John Edmunds, Mr. John Frank, The Earl of Liverpool, Mr. James Payne, Mr. Richard Savage, Mr. Hugh Skelhorn, the executors of William Shuker, and the Vicar of Kinnerley. The Earl of Bradford is lord of the manor. The vicarial tithes were commuted in 1845 for £25, and the large tithes for £103. 2s. 6d. The freeholders are the impropriators. Pentreheylin Hall, a delightfully situated residence commanding beautiful views of the country, is the property of Richard Jones Croxen, Esq., and residence of Mr. John Edwards. The farm premises are spacious and admirably arranged. The cattle are chiefly stall fed; there are stalls for feeding 90 head of cattle, besides accommodation for upwards of fifty milk cows. The cheese made is of a superior quality.
Bennett Catherine, farmer
Brown Mrs. Elizabeth, Pentre Parva House
Brown Joseph, farmer
Davies John, farmer and corn miller
Edwards John, farmer, Pentreheylin
Edwards John and Sons, cattle dealers
Howells Samuel, wheelwright
Jones Edward, grocer, draper, and general provision dealer
Lloyd John, farmer, The Grove
Pritchard Samuel, farmer
Skelhorn Hugh, farmer
is a pleasant village and township, containing some genteel residences, two miles and a half W. from Kinnerley and seven miles S. from Oswestry. The township contains 1060a. 3r. 36p. of superior land; the meadows producing an abundance of vegetation, on which large flocks of sheep and herds of cattle are grazed. The land stretches to the extreme western verge of the county, and is separated from Montgomeryshire by the river Vernieu. The up-land has a gravelly soil, and produces wheat, barley, and oats. In 1841 here were 49 houses and 264 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,461. 4s. 1d. The land owners are the Earl of Bradford, Richard Croxen, Esq., George Edwards, Esq., the Earl of Liverpool, James Payne, Esq., Mr. Evan Arthur, Mr. William Shuker, William Taylor, Esq., John William Thornes, Esq., Rev. Mr. Thomas, Samuel Ward, Esq., and others are also proprietors. The Earl of Bradford is lord of the manor. The tithes were commuted in 1847, when £37 was apportioned to the Vicar of Kinnerley, £146. 19s. 9d. to Mrs. Tayleure, and £9. 2s. 6d. to Samuel Ward, Esq. Pentra Ucha Hall, the residence of Frederic Alexander Payne, Esq., is a handsome stuccoed mansion, commanding beautiful views of the surrounding country. Dyffryd House is the property and residence of William Taylor, Esq., celebrated as a breeder and feeder of superior stock. The house is pleasantly situated near the banks of the Vernieu, and the farm premises exhibit a pattern of completeness. The turnpike road from Burlton to Llanymyneck crosses the township. The Baptists and the Primitive Methodists have each a place of worship here.
Adams John, painter, plumber, and glazier
Breadley Richard, wheelwright
Davies Edmund, butcher
Davies John, gentleman, Greenfield House
Davies John, farmer
Davies Thomas, farmer
Davies Thomas, farmer and carrier
Dean Thomas, painter, plumber, and glazier
Grindley John, farmer
Hayes George, grocer and vict., Black Horse
Lawrence Samuel, farmer
Lewis John, farmer
Lloyd John, farmer
Payne Frederick Alexander, Esq., Pentra Ucha Hall
Perry Edward, farmer, The Wood
Ridge Mrs., farmer, The Field
Rodgers John, farmer
Taylor William, farmer and grazier, Dyffryd House
Tudor John, blacksmith
Ward Charlotte, farmer
Ward Samuel, gentleman, The Wood
township, two miles N.W. by W. from Kennerley, and 5½ miles S. from Oswestry, contains 558a. 3r. 11p. of land, and in 1841 had 23 houses and 125 inhabitants. Rateable value, £757 18s. 6d., of the land; 259a. are meadows and pasture 267 areable, and 8 acres are in wood and homesteads. The soil is a mixture of marl and sand; the farmhouses are well built and provided with convenient out premises. The principal landowners are the Earl of Bradford; Mr. Thomas Clemson; J. F. M. Doveston, Esq., Mrs. Ann Williams; John Jones, Esq.; Mrs. Jones; Mr. James Knight; Rev. E. H. Dymock; J. J. Thomas, Esq.; and Mr. Samuel Ward. The tithes were commuted in 1848, when £120 was apportioned to John E. Pugh, Esq., the impropriator, and £17 5s. to the vicar of Kennerley.
The following are the principal residents, viz.: Capt. Thomas Evans, R.N., Osbaston Wood; Farmers, Thomas Griffiths, James Knight, Edward Pugh, and George Peacock; George Bate, gardener; John Lloyd, blacksmith; and John Rogers, tailor and clothier.
a scattered township 1½ mile S.W. from Kennerley, and 8½ S.S. by W. from Oswestry, in 1841 had 7 houses and 29 inhabitants, and has 305a. 0r. 3p. of land, of which 105 are arable, and the remainder meadow and pasture. The soil is chiefly a strong loam. Rateable value, £363 9s. 6d. The tithes were commuted in 1847, when £9 was appropriated to the vicar and £51. 9s. to the impropriators. The chief landowners are Sir Edward C. Disbrowe Knt., Mr. David Adams, Mr. Richard Downes, Trustees of Millington Hospital, Mr. William Downes, Mr. William Duckett, Rev. E. Dymock, Mr. John Edmunds, Mr. John Jones, Mr. James Payne, Mrs. Thornes, Mr. John Suckley and others. The residents are John Gittins, gentleman; William Richards, farmer, The Field; Joseph Evans, bricklayer; and William Rogers, basket maker.
a parish and pleasant rural village, contains several genteel residences, and is situated six miles S.S.E. from Oswestry, and twelve miles N.W. by W. from Shrewsbury. It has 1389a. 3r. 16p. of land, and had in 1801 210 inhabitants, in 1831 311, and in 1841 54 houses and 271 souls. The soil is a mixture of sand and loam. The returns of 1841 include Heath Farm an extra parochial liberty, having two houses and seven persons. Rateable value, £1,982. 1s. The principal land owners are the Earl of Bradford; Joseph Lloyd, Esq.; Mrs. Sarah Jones; Richard Hilton, Esq.; John Hilton, Esq.; Mrs. Ann Williams; Mr. Thomas Higginson; Mr. William Thomas; Edware Downes, Esq.; Edward Parry, Esq.; and lady Tyrhwitt. There are also several smaller freeholders. The Earl of Bradford is lord of the manor, and holds a court at the Bradford Arms.
The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, a small handsome structure in the early English style of architecture, was re-built in 1847 of red sand stone. The interior has a very chaste and elegant appearance, and the fabric exhibits some fine specimens of decorated workmanship. The living is a rectory in the patronage of the Earl of Bradford, enjoyed by the Rev. Robert Ridsdale, a non-resident. The Rev. F. B. Foulkes is the officiating minister. The tithes are commuted for £325.
The National School and residence for the teacher is a neat building, erected by the Earl of Bradford. It is supported by subscriptions and a small charge from each scholar. The income is about £60 per annum.
Knockin Hall, situate on the east side of the village, a spacious mansion of brick, is the seat of the Hon. Captain Charles Orlando Bridgeman. It stands on a gentle eminence commanding delightful views into Wales. The interior is finely adorned with antique carved furniture, and the walls are ornamented with valuable and beautifully executed paintings. The park is small, but pleasingly diversified with graceful undulations, and enriched with fine timber. A beautiful avenue leads to the hall. The Knockin Heath Farm, situated about two miles S.E. from the church, contains 350a., and is the residence of John Cooke, Esq. The Hall Farm, an extensive range of premises a short distance from the village, is the residence of Richard Hilton, Esq.
Knockin is said to have given name to the ancient family of L’Estrange, who built Knockin Castle, and fixed their seat here. Guy L’Estrange had three sons, Guy, Hamon, and John, all of whom held lands in Shropshire by gift of Henry II. The younger, Guy, was sheriff of this county from the 2nd to the 11th of Henry II.; other branches of the family were subsequently appointed knights of the shire. Ralph, son of the above Guy, gave the chapel of Knockin to the canons of Haughmond. John L’Estrange, in the 33rd of Henry III., procured a market for the town on Tuesday, and a fair on the eve, day, and day after the anniversary of the decollation of St. John Baptist. Madoc, who was at the head of an insurrection against the king’s officers of North Wales, marched against Lord L’Estrange and defeated him at Knockin. The male line of the family failing in John L’Estrange in the 17th of Edward IV., who leaving an only daughter Joan, she married George Stanley, who was created Earl of Derby by Henry VIII. The title of Knockin is still kept up, though the family is extinct; the eldest son of the Derby family being styled Lord Strange. The castle was demolished during the civil wars in the time of King John. At present there is scarcely a vestige remaining. Some of the stones were used to build the churchyard walls, and a bridge over the brook, and a large quantity of them were carried away to mend the roads. The fairs and market have long been obsolete.
Bridgeman The Hon. Capt. Charles Orlando, R.N., Knockin Hall
Adams Mr., painter, plumber, and glazier
Barrett Thomas, farmer and vict., Bradford Arms
Barneby Alban M., schoolmaster
Burroughs John, vict., Cross Keys
Cooke John, farmer, Heath house
Davies Edward, farmer
Davies Edward, farmer, Heath Farm
Evans John, butler
Evans Mrs., shopkeeper and baker
Foulkes Rev. F. B., The Wain
Griffiths Alice, farmer
Griffiths Edward, farmer and land agent
Griffiths Edward, builder and contractor
Gwynne George, cooper
Haustin William, tailor
Hilton John, Esq., farmer, Knockin House
Hilton Richard, farmer, Hall Farm
Jones John, joiner and carpenter
Jones John, surveyor and collector
Lloyd Joseph, builder and contractor
Lloyd William, farmer
Maddox John, veterinary surgeon
Maddox William, blacksmith
Maddox William, assistant overseer and collector
Morris John, tailor
Morris Samuel, grazier and butcher
Price William, butcher
Price S. M., shopkeeper
Ratcliffe James, shopkeeper
Ratcliffe Richard, saddler and harness maker
Roberts Thomas, boot and shoemaker
Thomas William, farmer