is a township in the parish of Church Stoke, six miles north-west by west of Bishop’s Castle, containing 1,560 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,168. 18s. 4d. At the census of 1841 there were 22 houses and 119 persons returned as in Brompton, and 10 houses and 71 persons in Riston. Church Stoke parish is situated in the hundred of Cawrse, in Montgomeryshire, excepting the above township. There is a good Inn in the village, called the Blue Bell, situated on Offa’s Dyke, at the junction of the Montgomery, Newtown, Bishop’s Castle and Shrewsbury turnpike roads. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis; Rev. Richard John Davies, M.A.; Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart.; Mr. George Montford: Mr. Lloyd; and Thomas Brown, Esq.
Brompton Directory.—Thomas Barrs, farmer; Samuel Beamond, wheelwright; Richard Blaney, farmer, The Ditches; Edward Davies, farmer, Penyllan; William Davies, farmer and vict., Blue Bell; William Ellis, farmer; Edward Evans, blacksmith; William Lockley, mason; George Montford, farmer, Pentra-heylin; William Pugh, farmer, Wellingwern farm; Evan Watkin, miller and farmer; Stephen Williams, farmer, Lock. Riston Directory.—David Blaney, farmer, Gwarthlow; Richard Griffiths, wheelwright; Samuel Groves, farmer, Rockley; Richard Lewis, farmer, Gwarthlow; Edward Price, farmer, Cœprion Farm.
Mucklewick is a township in the parish of Hyssington, in the Chirbury hundred, the rest of the parish being comprised within the bounds of the county of Montgomery. The village of Mucklewick lies in a valley five miles north of Bishop’s Castle, and at the census of 1851 had 13 houses and 64 inhabitants. The township contains 296 acres of land, exclusive of common lands, the rateable value of which is £292. 18s. 6d. The principal landowners are Richard Tibby, Esq.; R. B. More, Esq.; and Mr. William Llewellyn; besides whom there are several other smaller proprietors. An act of parliament has recently been obtained for the enclosure of the common lands in this township.
The principal residents are Thomas Evevall, farmer; William Llewellyn, farmer; William Mellings, farmer; John Preece, farmer; and Robert Preece, farmer.
is a sequestered parish, situated in the lower division of the hundred of Chirbury, six miles north of Bishop’s Castle, containing about 587 acres of enclosed land, 200 acres of common, and 18¾ acres of glebe; the rateable value of which is £456. 6s. 10d., and gross estimated rental, £507. 4s. Robt. Bernard More, Esq. is lord of the manor and sole landowner. At the census of 1841 there were 14 houses and 69 persons; population in 1801, 71; and in 1831, 71. This manor formerly belonged to the Corbets of Caux Castle, though it is not mentioned in Doomsday book. In the 45th Henry III., Thomas Corbet had the grant of a market here on a Friday, and a fair on the vigil, the day, and the day after the Invention of the Cross. On the Lords Corbet of Caux dying without male issue, in the 24th Edward III., Robert de Harley paid twenty-five marks relief to the king for the fourth part of the barony of Caux, of which Shelve was a parcel. The White Grit and the Bog lead mines are near this township. It is supposed that these mines were worked by the Romans in the time of Adrian; a pig of lead having been found, on which was a Roman inscription. Messrs. Edward Lloyd, Ward, and Company are the proprietors, and Mr. Edward Dickin, manager. The Church, dedicated to All Saints, is a stone edifice, with square tower, in which is one bell. It was built in the year 1839 by Robert Bernard More, Esq. The Rev. Thomas Frederick More, M.A., is the incumbent. A National School was built in the same year by the same benevolent individual, by whom it is also munificently supported.
Directory.—John Beamond, farmer, Benree; William Bennett, underground steward; Edward Dickin, manager, The Lead Works; John Higgins, schoolmaster; Jeremiah Powell, farmer; Thomas Powell, farmer; Thomas Price, farmer, Squilva Farm; William Rawson, farmer; Messrs. Ward and Co., White Grit Lead Mine proprietors and smelters.
is an extensive parish twelve miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains the townships of Aston Pigott, Aston Rogers, Beachfield, Brockton, Bromlow, Bynweston, Grimmer, Habberley Office, Hayes, Heath (Upper and Nether), Hope, Leigh, Meadow Town, Walton, Worthen, Leighton, Rhos Goch, and Trelystan,—the last three townships are partly in Montgomeryshire. The townships of Grimmer, Habberley Office, Hayes, Upper and Nether Heath, and part of Hope, are in the Ford hundred. The entire parish comprehends an area of 14,798a. 3r. 31p. of land, the rateable value of which is £11,520. Population in 1801, 1,602; in 1831, 2,290; in 1841, 3,195; and in 1851 here were 701 houses and 3,227 inhabitants. The parish is divided into five parts or districts, namely—Bynweston district, which comprehends the townships of Bynweston, Walton, and Beachfield; Worthen, comprehending the townships of Worthen, Brockton, Aston Rogers, and Aston Pigott; Bromlow district, containing Bromlow, Meadow Town, Leigh, Grimmer, and Hope; the Heath division comprehends Upper and Lower Heath and Habberley Office; and Trelystan district, Trelystan, Rhos Goch, and Leighton. The township of Worthen is situated nine miles N.E. of Montgomery, and contains 707a. 1r. 39p. of land, the rateable value of which is £755. 16s. 6d. In 1841 there were 223 inhabitants, and in 1851 had 48 houses and 240 persons. This division of the parish contains the townships of Worthen, Aston Rogers, Aston Pigott, and Brockton, which together have an area of 3,300 acres of land. The rent charge apportioned to the rector is £461. 2s. 10d. The principal landowner in the township is Sir John Roger Kynaston, Bart., who is also lord of the manor; the Rev. Charles Awdry, Mr. Joseph Bunts, the Venerable Archdeacon Clive, Mr. Thomas Hughes, Mr. John Inions, Baldwin Francis Leighton, Esq., John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., Mr. Thomas Morris, Mr. Thomas Vaughan, and Mr. Robert Woodward, are also proprietors. The name of Worthen is derived from Worth, an old Saxon word, signifying an habitation. This manor was part of the portion that fell to Roger Corbet at the conquest. In 30th Henry III. Thomas Corbet had a grant of free warren here, and in the 54th year of the same reign he had a market on Wednesday, and a grant of two fairs, one on the eve, day, and day after the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the other on the eve, day, and day after the exaltation of the Holy Cross. Fairs are now held on April 7th, July 7th, and October 6th, for the sale of cattle and merchandise, and on the 2nd of May for the hiring of servants. The fairs are well attended with all kinds of stock.
The Church is an ancient stone edifice, dedicated to All Saints, having a square tower in which is a clock and a peal of six bells. The interior consists of nave, side aisles, and chancel, the various compartments are neatly pewed with oak. The chancel was rebuilt in the year 1761, at the expense of the then rector, and the arch which separates it from the body of the church by the parish. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £28. 14s. 7d., now returned at £1,495 in the patronage of the New College, Oxford, and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Awdry, B.C.L. The tithes of the whole parish amount to £1,194. 14s. 4d., and there are 160 acres of glebe land. There is a free school now building, chiefly at the expense of the rector.
Charities.—Martha Scarlett, by will, dated 1725, bequeathed £100, the interest thereof to be paid annually to six poor widows. Besides the above there are nine other pecuniary gifts recorded on the benefaction table, amounting to £160, making in the whole £260. There are no deeds or documents relative to these bequests in the parish, but it is understood that about £160 was laid out many years ago in the purchase of a farm in Chirbury, which was sold in 1793 for £375, which, with £100 then on private security, was soon after placed out on the Pool and Montgomery House of Industry. The interest of this sum is distributed among the poor at St. Thomas’s-day.
Robert Nicholson left a house and yard in Aston for the benefit of the poor of Worthen parish for ever. In the year 1793 they were sold for £211. 2s., which, after paying the solicitor’s bill, left £204. 11s. clear. This sum was taken by the overseers of the parish (to defray an expense incurred by a new survey and valuation), who pay an annual sum of £10 as interest, which is distributed to the poor on St. Thomas’s-day.
Peter Scarlett also left a rent charge of £3 per annum for the benefit of the poor of the parish of Worthen. John Powell, by will, in 1774, bequeathed to the minister and churchwardens £150, in trust, to distribute the interest amongst the poor of the parish.
Aston Pigott is a small township and pleasant village eleven miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, containing 541a. 0r. 16p. of land, the rateable value of which is £495. At the census of 1841 here were 14 houses and 82 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Mr. John Leech Rowlands, Mr. Kennedy Smith, Mr. George Griffiths, and Mr. John Inions. The Primitive Methodists have a small chapel here.
Aston Rogers is a small rural township and village ten and a half miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, which had at the census of 1851 35 houses and 140 persons. It contains 807a. 1r. 31p. of land, the rateable value of which is £747. 15s. The principal landowners are Captain Clutton, Mrs. Platt, Mr. Kennedy Smith, and Mr. Phillips.
Beachfield is a small township two and a half miles west of Worthen, which contains 597a. 2r. 4p. of land, the rateable value of which is £604. 13s. 9d. At the census of 1851 here were five houses and 23 inhabitants. The principal freeholder is Thos. Nicholls, Esq.
Brockton is a township and well built village thirteen miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, containing 1,114a. 1r. 21p. of land, the rateable value of which is £914. 3s. 6d. Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., is the principal landowner; Baldwin Francis Leighton, Esq., Mr. Benjamin Broston, Mr. Aaron Davies, Mr. John Evans, Mr. Alexander Hughes, Mr. Joseph Hickman, Mr. Evan Stephen, and several others are also proprietors. In 1851 here were 72 houses and 295 persons.
Bromlow is a scattered township two miles S.W. of Worthen, situated in a bold undulating district, containing at the census of 1851 96 houses and 406 residents. The township contains 864a. 3r. 6p. of land, the rateable value of which is £557. 0s. 6d. The principal freeholders are Mr. B. Betton, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Richard Betton, Mr. John Blakemore, Mr. Thomas Blakemore, Mr. Thomas Bromley, Mr. Job Davies, and John Eddowes, Esq. Bromlow district comprehends the townships of Bromlow, Grimmer, Hope, Leigh, and Meadow Town, and contains 3,406a. 2r. 19p. of land, the rent charge on which is £282. 2s.
Bynweston is a township and small well built village fourteen and a half miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury. It contains 998a. 0r. 28p. of land, the rateable value of which is £835. 11s. 6d. At the census of 1851 here were eleven houses and eighty persons. John Arthur Lloyd, Esq., is lord of the manor and sole proprietor. Bynweston district comprises the townships of Bynweston, Walton, Beachfield, and the Forest of Hayes, and contains 2,112 acres of land, the rent charge on which is paid to the rector of Worthen, and amount to £229. 7s. 3d. annually.
Grimmer is a small township one and a half mile south of Worthen, which in 1851 had eight houses and 39 persons. It contains 382a. 2r. 31p. of land, the landowners of which are the Venerable Archdeacon Clive, M.A., and the Marquis of Bath.
Habberley Office is a scattered township three miles S.E. by S. of Worthen, containing 61 houses and 313 inhabitants in 1841, and 58 houses and 302 persons in 1851. The township contains 1,779a. 2r. 1p. of land, the rateable value of which is £895. 17s. 3d. The Marquis of Bath is the principal landowner. The Earl of Tankerville and the Venerable Archdeacon Clive, M.A., are also proprietors. There are lead mines in this township worked by a company of shareholders.
Hayes, a small township two and a half miles S.W. of Worthen, contains two houses and 13 residents at the census of 1851. The landowners in this township are Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., and the trustees of the late John Edwards, Esq.
Heath Upper and Nether are townships situated about three miles S.E. of Worthen, containing 1,679a. 0r. 32p. of land, a great portion of which is heath and moor land. At the census of 1851 here were 142 houses and 719 persons. The principal landowners are the Marquis of Bath, Earl Tankerville, and Mr. John Rogers. The Batholes and Stiperstone lead mines are in this district. The lead ore obtained at these mines is of a superior quality, and got in large quantities. The works are carried on by Messrs. Jones and Company, who are erecting new offices and powerful engines for the purpose of extending their mining operations. Mr. William Baratt is the resident manager. The Heath division of the parish comprises the townships of Upper and Nether Heath, and Habberley Office, which together contain 4472a. 2r. of land, the tithes of which are commuted for £158. 19s. 6d.
Hope is a chapelry and township in Worthen parish, eight miles and a half N.E. by N. of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 664a. 3r. 30p. of land, the rateable value of which is £425. 12s. At the census of 1851 here were 78 houses and 355 inhabitants. The Chapel is a small structure, erected in 1843, and consists of nave and chancel, having a small turret. It is neatly pewed with open benches, and will accommodate 280 persons. In consequence of a grant from the Incorporated Society, 230 sittings are free and unappropriated. The Hope school was built in 1844, by means of a government grant and private subscription. The average attendance of scholars is 80. The principal freeholders are Mr. James Davies, Mr. William Eddowes, and John Arthur Lloyd, Esq.
Leigh is a small township, one mile from Worthen, which contains 868a. 3r. 6p. of land, the rateable value of which is £559. 9s. In 1851 there were seven houses and 29 persons. The Venerable Archdeacon Clive is sole proprietor of the township.
Leighton is a township and well built village, one mile and a half S.E. by S. of Welshpool, containing 1,568 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,792. 8s. 4d. John Naylor, Esq., is the sole proprietor of this township. In 1841 here were 44 houses and 220 persons. The village is situated on the eastern bank of the river Severn, which is crossed by a stone bridge. This estate was purchased a few years ago by its present owner, who has at a great expense drained the land, and erected new homesteads and farm buildings, and is now engaged in building a magnificent mansion. In July, 1851, the worthy proprietor commenced building a new district church, and a parsonage house for the minister. The tithes of this township are commuted for £172, of which sum £100 is given to the incumbent of Leighton. This township is in the county of Montgomery.
Meadowtown is a scattered township, situated between the Hope and Shelve hills, having a population of 131 persons at the census of 1851 and 27 houses. It contains 264a. 2r. 26p. of land, the rateable value of which is £151. 13s. 6d. Mr. J. M. Edwards, Mrs. Wildblood, Mr. Morris, the Trustees of Chirbury School, and Mr. Edward Parry are the principal landowners in this township.
Rhos Goch is a small township, in the parish of Worthen and the county of Montgomeryshire, eight miles and a half north-east of Montgomery. At the census of 1841 here were six houses and 38 inhabitants. It contains 851 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,060. The tithes are commuted for £57. 15s., and apportioned to the Rector of Worthen. John Naylor, Esq., is the principal landowner. Rhos Goch is celebrated for its mineral springs, which are efficacious in the cure of scorbutic complaints. The Beacon Ring, or mountain, is in this township, on the summit of which are the remains of a Roman encampment.
Trelystan is a chapelry and district in Worthen, comprising the townships of Rhos Goch, Trelystan, and Leighton, which comprehend an area of 3,528 acres of land, the rent charge of which is £292. 10s. The township contains 21 houses and 113 inhabitants, and has an area of 1,109 acres of land. Trelystan is situated in the county of Montgomery.
Walton is a small township, two miles and a half west of Worthen, which had at the census of 1851 three houses and twenty three persons. The principal freeholders of this township are Mr. Wm. Thomas, Miss M. Shuker, Sir J. R. Kynaston, Bart., Thos. Howell, Esq., and Mr. Edward Menlove. The township contains 953a. 0r. 3p. of land, the rateable value of which is £601.
Post Office at Miss Woodward’s. Letters arrive at 9 A.M., and are despatched at 5 P.M.
Awdry Rev. Chs., The Rectory
Bennett Jsh., farmer, Scantley
Bryan Edw., farmer, Leighton
Bunce William, shoemaker
Butler Jno., farmer, The Hall
Downes Arthur, saddler and harness maker
Downes Mr. William
Downes Rd., grocer & draper
Downes Rchd., jun., relieving officer & carrier to Shrewsbury, Wednsy. & Saturday
Gough Geo., c. police const.
Gorner Rbt. plumber & glazier
Green Rev. Mr., B.A., P. C. Trelystan
Howells Thomas, shoemaker
Hughes Alx. farmer, Leighton
Hughes Susannah, farmer, Trelystan
Jacks Job, farmer, Rhos Goch
James David, farmer, Red House, Trelystan
Jones Jno. contractr. & buildr.
Jones Thos. farmer, Trelystan
Maddox Thomas, carpenter
Menlove John, Bank Farm
Morris Mr. Thomas
Naylor John, Esq., Leighton Hall
Passant Wm., Rowens Farm
Poston Rbt. farmer, Shelfield
Preece Philip, farmer, Capsill
Speake William, farmer, Minsterley Bank
Thomas William, joiner
Tomlins Edwd. farmer, Rhos Goch
Tomlinson Rev. Edward, B.A., curate
Trantem Edward, tailor
Vaughan Evan, farmer, Grove Trelystan
Weaver Mr. John
Weaver Wm., farmer & vict., Kynaston’s Arms
Williams Wm., shoemaker
Woodhouse Edward, farmer, Hogstow
Woodward Robt., grocer, draper, maltster, porter agent, and vict., White Horse
Young Alexander, vict. and maltster, Plough, Little Worthen
Cumpston John, farmer
Evans John, farmer
Home Samuel, wheelwright
Kempster Thomas, farmer
Meredith John, wheelwright
Randle Ths. maltster & farmer
Williams John, miller
Bromley Thomas, farmer
Croft Thomas, blacksmith
Done Richard Sutton, farmer
Lloyd John, maltster and beer retailer
Owen Richard, farmer
Parry Jno. farmer, The Hurst
Platt Sarah, farmer
Groves Sarah, farmer
Braxton Benjn., wheelwright
Broston Benjamin, farmer
Davies Aaron, shopkeeper
Davies Mr. William
Evans Mr. John
Evans William, wheelwright
Hickman Joseph
Lloyd Edward, wheelwright
Menlove John, farmer, The Bank
Savage Richard, farmer
Stevan Evan, farmer
Timmis Thos. the Hall Farm
Wall William, farmer
Young Thomas, blacksmith
Bright Samuel, farmer
Butler John, blacksmith
Eddowes Edwd. Betton Farm
Eddowes John, farmer
Edwards Edwd., shopkeeper
Ellis Thomas, farmer
Hammons Jane, farmer
Jones Thos., farmer, Mincop
Rogers John, victualler, Sun Inn, and shopkeeper
Watkin Evan, farmer
Davies John, farmer
Eddowes Richard, farmer
Jebb Thomas, farmer
Wall Robert, farmer
Eddowes John, farmer
Morris John, farmer
Bromley William, farmer, Lord’s Hill
Cadwalader Thomas, farmer
Johnson Wm., wood bailiff
Powell Hannah, farmer
Speake William, farmer
Vaughan John, farmer
Williams William, farmer
Corfield Jno. farmer, The Has
Jones Saml., farmer, Hampton Hall
Rarratt Wm., mine steward, Batholes
Davies Thos., farmer, Snailbeach
Horton, Johnson, Stainsby and Jones, lead mine proprietors, Batholes and Stiperstones
Lakin Jos. farmer, Crow Nest
Passant John, shoemaker, Gravells
Rawson Arthur, mine manager, Snailbeach
Rogers Edward, victualler, Tankerville Arms
Rogers John, victualler and shopkeeper, Gravel mine
Rogers Richard, blacksmith
Rogers Wm. farmer, Batholes
Dorricott Richard, carrier
Eddowes Edward, Hogster Farm and Mill
Gough Ths. farmer, Ivy House
Lindley Wm., farmer, Hope’s Gate
Rogers Mary Ann, dress mkr.
Rogers Sarah, school teacher
Williams John, farmer
Jebb Thos. farmer, The Hall
Clare Thos., miner & farmer
Evans Evan, frmr., Whitchley
Gwynne David, cooper
Harrison John, lead mine manager
Higginson Thomas, farmer
Jones William, shoemaker
Powlter Abrm. tailor & carrier
Quilt John, farmer
Reece Cornelius, farmer
Titley Richard, farmer
Brown Richard, farmer
Hilton William, farmer
Menlove Edward, farmer
Menlove John, farmer
Smout Richard, farmer
is divided into the Bishop’s Castle and Stow divisions; the former of which contains the parishes of Bishop’s Castle, Lydbury North, Lydham (part of), Mindtown, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, and Wentnor; and the latter, Bedstone, Bucknell (part of), Clunbury, Clungunford, Edgton, Hopesay, Hopton Castle, Sibdon Carwood, Stowe, and Wistanstow. At the census of 1841 the two divisions of the hundred contained a population of 9,016 persons.
is a parish and township, situated six miles north-east of Knighton, which contains 737 acres, the rateable value of which is £926. 17s. At the census of 1851 here were 28 houses and 151 persons. This place was part of the inheritance which Isabel de Say, Lady of Clun, brought to William Fitzallen, her husband, in King Stephen’s time. Edward Bennett, Esq., is lord of the manor, and sole proprietor of the land. The Church is a small structure, consisting of nave and chancel, and dedicated to St. Mary. It is undergoing a complete reparation, at the expense of the rector and the lord of the manor. The living is a rectory, valued in the king’s book at £4. 13s. 4d., in the patronage of Benjamin Brown, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. James R. Brown. The tithes are commuted for £135, and there are 68 acres of glebe land.
Directory.—John Abley, wheelwright; Edward Bennett, Esq., Bedstone House; William Bryan, blacksmith; James Chandler, tailor; Mrs. Rosannah Edwards; John Gittins, stone mason and well sinker: Rev. Thomas Green, The Rectory; Thos. Jones, carpenter; Richard Pitchford, shopkeeper; William Plant, carrier to Ludlow and Knighton on market days; Edward Tilley, farmer; William and John Smith, farmers; William Steadman, farmer, Bedstone Hall.
is a parish, borough, and market town, twenty miles south-west of Shrewsbury and seventeen miles north-west from Ludlow. It contains the townships of Bishop’s Castle, Broughton, Colebatch, Lea and Oakley, and Woodbatch, which comprehend an area of 5,630 acres, the rateable value of which is £9,220. 10s. The town is pleasantly situated on a declivity, near the course of the Clun, and the houses are irregularly built. In the 20th Edward I. the Bishop of Hereford claimed for his tenants of Bishop’s Castle an exemption from attending the county or hundred court, and the privilege of keeping a market every Friday, and a fair on the eve and feast of the Decollation of St. John the Baptist, and the day following. A market is still held every Friday, and fairs on the Friday before February 13th, March 26th and 27th, the first Friday after May day, on the second Monday in June, on July 5th, September 9th, and November the 13th. Bishop’s Castle, prior to the passing of the Reform Bill, returned two members to parliament. The government of the town is vested in fifteen burgesses, inclusive of a bailiff, justice, and recorder, whose jurisdiction is co-extensive with the borough. The property at their disposal produces an annual income of £38. John Beddoes, Esq., is the present bailiff; Richard Wollaston, Esq., justice; and Richard Beddoes, Esq., recorder. On the site of the Castle Inn formerly stood a castle, belonging to and a residence of the Bishop of Hereford, from whence arises the name of Bishop’s Castle. The township of Bishop’s Castle contains 1,717 acres of land. At the census of 1841 here were 373 houses and 1510 inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis and R. H. Kinchant, Esq. The bailiff of the town for the time being is lord of the manor. In 1801 the parish had a population of 1313; 1831, 2,007; 1841, 1,781. The Church, dedicated to St. John, is a cruciform structure, with a fine old Norman tower of massive proportions. On the south side is an entrance of beautiful Norman workmanship. On a board in the church is the following inscription:—“This church being burned in ye civil wars, Walter Waring, Esq., of Owlbury, gave ye timber yt rebuilt it, and ye rest of ye charge was defrayed by contributions of ye parishioners.” The living is a vicarage, in the patronage of the Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. William M. Rowland. There are two small chapels in the town, one belonging to the Independents, and the other to the Primitive Methodists. The National School is built of stone, in the Elizabethan style, and was erected to commemorate the majority of Viscount Clive, on November 5th, 1839.
The County Court, for the recovery of debts not exceeding £50, is held at the Town Hall. The jurisdiction of the court embraces the following parishes, viz:—Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Clunbury, Clungunford, Church Stoke, Hopton Castle, Hyssington, Hopesay, Lydbury North, Lydham, Mainstone, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, Sneade, Shelve, and Wentnor. Judge, Uvedale Corbet, Esq., Aston Hall, near Shiffnal: Clerk, Frederick Pardoe, Esq.: Bailiff, Mr. Edward Griffiths.
The Union House is a brick structure faced with stone, which was built in 1844, and is capable of accommodating 240 inmates. The union embraces the parishes of Bishop’s Castle, Clun, Clunbury, Clungunford, Edgton, Hopesay, Hopton Castle, Hyssington, Lydbury North, Lydham, Mainstone, Myndtown, More, Norbury, Ratlinghope, Shelve, Sneade, and Wentnor. The Medical Officers are Henry Brook, Robert Jones, Robert D. Shield, and Richard G. Wollaston: Master and Matron, Mr. and Mrs. Hamar.
Charities.—Mary Morris, by will, dated 1785, left £1000 to be placed out at interest, and applied in the support of a charity school; and she also bequeathed £200 for the purpose of erecting a schoolhouse, to be called Mr. Wright’s Charity School, in remembrance of her first husband, John Wright, Esq. The testatrix further directed, that if her estate should exceed £1000, the further sum of £200 should be invested, and the interest applied to the benefit of the school. The property belonging to this charity consists of £1,598. 13s. 1d. three per cent. consols, which produce an annual dividend of £47. 19s. 2d. There is a house in Bishop’s Castle, called the Stone House, the rent of which was formerly applied in teaching poor children to read. The rent now amounts to £6. 6s., and is distributed by the churchwardens to the poor. George Baxter, by will, in 1658, left 20s. a year for ever to the poor of this parish. John Tanner, by will, dated 1677, bequeathed an annuity of £6 a year for ever, in trust, to dispose of the same as follows; viz.:—52s. yearly to be distributed in bread to twelve poor people of Bishop’s Castle; 4s. 4d. to be given to the clerk in bread annually; 20s. to be paid to the vicar of Bishop’s Castle for preaching a sermon on the second day of June, yearly; and the remaining 43s. 8d. to be given to the poor persons of the town that attend divine service on the aforesaid day. Walter Wollaston, in 1818, gave 40s. yearly for the benefit of the poor of this parish. George Bostock left £5, the interest to be given to the poor. Thomas Jones bequeathed £20 to the poor of Bishop’s Castle. The poor also participate in Mousell’s Charity, the particulars of which have been already given. Ann Gwilliam also left £100, the interest to be given to poor housekeepers resident in the out liberties of the town.
Broughton is a township one mile north-west of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 850 acres of land. Rateable value, £848. 10s. At the census of 1841 there were nine houses and seventy inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Earl of Powis; Rev. Arthur Oakeley; John Coates, Esq.; William Summonds, Esq.; and Isaac Maddox, Esq.
Colebatch is a township one mile and a half south-west by south of Bishop’s Castle, containing 1,119 acres, the rateable value of which is £1,171. 10s. The principal landowners are Beriah Botfield, Esq.; Earl of Powis; Miss E. Sayce; Samuel Home, Esq.; and Joseph F. Spencer, Esq. At the census of 1841 there were 22 houses and 104 persons.
Lea and Oakeley is a township two miles north-east of Bishop’s Castle, containing 1,060a. 10p. of land. Rateable value, £1,171. 10s. In 1841 there were six houses and 48 persons. The land is the property of the Rev. Arthur Oakeley. There are some small remains of a castle here.
Woodbatch is a township containing 886a. 0r. 24p. of land, the rateable value of which is £838. 10s. In 1841 there were seven houses and 49 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Beriah Botfield, Esq.; T. Hunt, Esq.; and Robert Chester, Esq.
Anstey Jno. vict., Three Tuns
Bailey Thomas, shopkeeper
Beddoes Mr. Jno. Green Fields
Beddoes Rd. maltster & farmer
Bird John, blacksmith
Bird Martha, dress maker
Bond Henry C., watch maker
Bowen John, registrar of birth and deaths
Bowen Ths. painter, plumber and glazier
Bowyer Richard, butcher
Bluck Ths. vict. White Horse
Bright Edward, chair maker
Bright John, carpenter, and carrier to Shrewsbury
Bright Samuel, manager of North & South Wales Bank
Brook Henry, surgeon
Butler Mary Ann, tea dealer
Cooke George, shoemaker
Davies, Legge & Co, drapers and grocers
Davies Edward, chemist and druggist, & agent for Shropshire & North Wales Fire Office
Davies John, shoemaker
Davies Jno. vict. The Plough
Davies Thomas, hair dresser
Davies Agnes, dressmaker
Dubber William, printer, stationer and bookseller
Edwards George, butcher
Edwards Thomas, butcher
Farmer George N., solicitor
Green Charles, skinner
Green John, butcher
Green Richd., beerseller and chair maker
Greenhouse Howard, carrier to Shrewsbury & Ludlow, and vict., Boar’s Head
Griffiths Mr., postmaster, stationer and printer
Griffiths James, saddler and harness maker
Griffiths Thomas, solicitor
Griffiths Wm. H. watchmaker
Hammonds Charles, farmer
Hebet Mary, shopkeeper
Holl George, ironmonger
Home Edward, shopkeeper
Home Fanny, dressmaker
Home George, tea dealer
Home Hannah, dressmaker
Home Levi, vict., Red Lion
Howells Rebecca, shopkpr.
James Elizabeth, staymaker
Jenkins George, painter, plumber and glazier
Johnston John, grocer
Jones and Norton, wine and spirit merchants. (Henry H. Jones & Wm. Norton)
Jones Samuel, glass & china dealer
Knill Thomas, grocer
Lewis Richard, saddler
Lewis Thomas, blacksmith
Matthews John, watchmaker
Medlicott Jeremiah, surgeon
Meredith Richard, Academy
Minton Andrew, boot and shoe maker
Newbery, James, vict., The Castle, Excise Office and Posting House
Newell Elizbh., Stamp Office
Nicholas Edwd. stone mason
Nicholas Jno. painter & glazr.
Nicholas Richd. stone mason
North & South Wales Banking Company, Samuel Bright, Esq., manager
Nightingale John, carrier to Shrewsbury
Norton Charles, carpenter
Norton John, butcher
Norton John, tailor & woollen draper
Norton John, tanner, currier, maltster, butcher & farmer
Norton Robert, ironmonger
Norton Robert, farmer
Norton William, draper
Onians John, vict., The Harp
Palmer Francis, tailor
Pardoe Frederick, solicitor
Partridge John, blacksmith
Phillip Jno. & Co. ironmngrs.
Playfair Thomas, shopkeeper
Pugh Edward, beerseller
Pugh Thomas, carpenter
Pugh Willm. tailor & draper
Richards Thos., turner, &c.
Rimboult Rev. Samuel F., Independent
Robinson Jas. vict., The Bull
Robinson Wm., blacksmith
Rowland Rev. Wm. M., vicar
Sayce James, beerseller
Sayce John, shoemaker
Sayce John, stone mason
Thomas George, tailor and woollen draper
Tomlins Edward, shoemaker
Vickers John, cooper
Watters John, cooper
Woodhouse James, farmer
Wollaston Richard, surgeon
Williams John, baker
Bailey Thomas, farmer
Beddoes John, farmer
Maddox Isaac, farmer
Carden William, farmer
Harris William, farmer
Howard Richard, farmer
Mason Hamar, farmer
Owen John, carpenter
Thomas Edward, farmer
Davies Wm. farmer, The Lea
Harris Jerh. farmer, The Lea
Oakeley Rev. Arthur, rector of Lydham, Oakeley House
Morris Edward, farmer
Thomas Richard, farmer
is a parish, partly in the hundred of Wigmore, in Herefordshire, and partly in that of Purslow, in Salop. That portion which is situated in Shropshire contains 2,976a. 0r. 14p. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,079. 7s. 6d. At the census of 1841 here were 85 houses and 416 persons. The village is pleasantly situated five miles N.W. of Knighton. W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq., is lord of the manor; Samuel Hotchkiss, Esq., James Steadman, Esq., P. M. Matthews, Esq., and Mr. Thomas Jones, are also proprietors. The Church is a small edifice mantled with ivy, and dedicated to St. Mary. The body of the church was repewed in the year 1684. There are three bells, one of which is dated 1639. The living is a rectory valued in the kings book at £5. 6s. 8d., in the patronage of the Grocers’ Company, London, and incumbency of the Rev. Joseph Richard Coope.
Charities.—Joseph Freemantle, by will, in 1635, left a rent charge of 40s. to the poor of the parish. There is a sum of £321. 10s. 6d., three per cent. consols, standing in the names of John Stedman and Thomas Edwards, who were churchwardens about the year 1812. Of this sum £200 is supposed to have been given by John Davies, in 1745, and £50 was probably the gift of — Gretton, who is stated to have left that sum, in the Parliamentary returns of 1786. The dividends of this money are distributed to the poor of the parish. Edward Jones, by will, in 1815, left a rent charge of 20s. per annum, to be distributed to the poor in bread.
Beavan William, farmer, The Lye
Botwood Chas., shopkeeper
Coope Rev. Joseph Richard
Crow Richard, shoemaker
Davies John, builder and cabinet maker
Evans Richard, shopkeeper
Ford Thomas, agent to W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq.
George Joseph, wheelwright
Green Bine, vict., Sitwell Arms
Hotchkiss Samuel, farmer, New House
Hull Edward, beerseller and blacksmith
Jerdan William, wheelwright
Jones Richard, house agent to W. G. H. Sitwell, Esq.
Jones Thomas, farmer, Woodside
Lello Edward, farmer, Mynde
Mason John, miller
Matthews Philip Morris, Esq. Turkey Hall
Pitch Mary Ann, shopkeeper
Price William, land surveyor
Probert John, butcher
Powell Joseph, schoolmaster
Rogers Samuel, shoemaker
Sitwell Wm., G. H., Esq.
Steadman Edward, woollen draper and tailor
Steadman Miss Margaret, New House
Steadman Richard, farmer, The New Farm House
Williams John, miller
is a parish, comprising the townships of Clunbury and Causton, Clunton, Kempton, Obley, and Purslow, which at the census of 1841 had a population of 994 persons. The township of Clunbury is pleasantly situated 7 miles south-east of Bishop’s Castle, and contains with Causton 1,661a. 3r. 36p. of land, the principal owners of which are Edward Turner, Esq.; Captain Gordon; John Morris, Esq.; John Rocke, Esq.; and Charles Meteyard, Esq. In 1841 here were 66 houses and 279 persons. The Church is dedicated to St. Swithin. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Earl of Powis, and incumbency of the Rev. T. J. Hogg. The tithes are commuted for £179. Causton township in 1841 had five houses and 21 inhabitants. Clunton lies about two miles east of Clun, and contains 1,974a. 3r. 33p. of land, the rateable value of which is £2,436. 5s. The tithes are commuted for £173. In 1841 here were 69 houses and 304 persons. The principal landowners are Philip Morris, Esq.; Rowland Statham, Esq.; and Rocke, Eyton, and Co. Kempton, a small village and township, one mile west of Clunbury, contains 1,885a. 3r. 33p. of land. Rateable value, £2,095. 10s. In 1841 here were 43 houses and 216 inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is sole landowner. Obley is a township on the south-western extremity of the parish, containing 1,025a. 3r. 33p. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,023. 1s. The tithes are commuted for £110. In 1841 here were 30 houses and 164 inhabitants. The Earl of Powis is the sole landowner. Purslow is a small township in this parish, containing five houses and 31 persons.
Charities.—The Parish School of Clunbury was built on the waste, by subscription, and is partly supported by the rents of two closes of land. In the parliamentary returns of 1686 it is stated that Mr. Tankard left £12, the interest thereof to be given to the poor.
Directory.—Clunbury: Thomas Anthony, shopkeeper; Richard Hints, beerseller; Rev. Thomas J. Hogg, curate; Edward Jones, victualler, Purslow Hundred House; Charles Meteyard, surgeon; John Morris, farmer; John Rudd, farmer; Edward Turner, Esq., Causton Hall; Edward Tomkins, schoolmaster; John Woolley, farmer; Thomas Taylor, farmer, Causton; Thomas Weyman, farmer, Purlow Hall. Clunton: Richard Brown, farmer; John Farmer, victualler, Crown; George Hamar, farmer; Richard Williams, beerseller. Obley: James Edwards, farmer, The Combs; Joseph Edwards, farmer, Pool House; Richard Edwards, farmer; Richard Jones, farmer, New House; John Palfrey, farmer, Llanadevey. Kempton: Samuel Bright, farmer; and Francis Southern, farmer.
is an extensive parish, comprising the townships of Abcott, Beckjay, Broadward, Clungunford, and Shelderton, which have an area of 3,397 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £3,054. 13s. 2d. In 1841 here were 107 houses and 554 persons. Population in 1801, 436: and in 1831, 488. The township is situated nine miles north-east of Knighton. This manor was part of the ancient inheritance of the Fitzalans, Earls of Arundel, who were also patrons of The Church, which is dedicated to St. Cuthbert. It is in the Gothic style of architecture. In the interior are some fine specimens of stained glass. The living is a rectory, in the patronage of John Rocke, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. Thomas O. Rocke. The tithes are commuted for £538. 12s. 1d., and there are 51 acres of glebe land. The principal landowners are John Rocke, Esq.; Mr. John Bridgewater; Mr. John Langslow; and Mr. John Howells. There is an Endowed School here for the benefit of the children of this parish and Broom, in Hopesay. It is endowed with 25a. 2r. 29p. of land, the rent of which is paid to a schoolmaster. There is the sum of £150 three per cent. consols, standing in the name of the Rev. John Rocke, the dividends of which are given to the poor and the school.
Abcott is a small township, half a mile from Clungunford, which contained at the census of 1841, 17 houses and 87 persons. The principal landowners are John Rocke, Esq.; Mr. John Langslow; Rev. John Knight; Mr. Thomas Bird; and the Trustees of Clungunford School. Beckjay and Broadward is a scattered township, two miles from Clungunford, containing 15 houses and 91 persons. The principal landowners are the Rev. S. J. Knight and George Bright, Esq. Shelderton is a township, two miles from the parish church. W. W. Sitwell, Esq., and the Rev. Henry Cowdell are the principal landowners.
Directory.—Clungunford: William Anslow, victualler, Cross Keys; Timothy Bishop, farmer, Rowton; John Bridgewater, farmer; Samuel Eyre, schoolmaster; John Howells, farmer; Edward P. Langslow, butcher; John Rocke, Esq., Clungunford House; Rev. Thomas O. Rocke, rector; Richard Yapp, blacksmith. Abcott: Thomas Bird, tailor; John Greenhouse, victualler, The Bird on the Rock; John Langslow, farmer, Abcott Cottage; Aaron Woolley, farmer; Thomas Woolley, farmer. Beckjay: Samuel Urwick, farmer. Shelderton: Rev. Henry Cowdell, and Charles Blakeway, farmer.
is a parish situated five miles S.E. by E. of Bishop’s Castle, comprehending an area of 1,645a. 1r. 30p. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,304. 0s. 9d. In 1841 here were 47 houses and 214 inhabitants. The principal landowners are the Rev. Humphrey Sandford, George Beddoes, Esq., and the Earl of Craven. The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a small structure consisting of nave and chancel, with a tower in which are three bells. The living is a perpetual curacy in the patronage of the Rev. Humphrey Sandford, and incumbency of the Rev. Folliett Sandford.
Horderley is an Extra Parochial Liberty eight miles east of Edgton, which is included in that parish by the population returns. There is only one house here, called Horderley Hall, the property of Thomas Hotchkiss, Esq., and residence of John Hotchkiss, farmer.
Charities.—It is stated in the parliamentary returns of 1786 that Edward James, in 1620, left £5, Humphrey Sandford, in 1735, £5, and Charles Lucas, in 1728, £2, the interest thereof to be given to the poor of this parish.
Directory.—George Beddoes, Esq.; William Bird, farmer; John Brown, farmer; Elizabeth Herbert, farmer; Thomas James, farmer; William Lucas, farmer; Charles Luther, farmer; Mary Norncott, shopkeeper; Thomas Poundley, parish clerk; and Roger Wellings, farmer.
is an extensive parish and rural village situated six miles S.E. by E. of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 3,857a. 1r. 18p. of land. Rateable value, £4,430 8s. 8d. The Earl of Powis is lord of the manor. The principal landowners are William M. Beddoes, Esq., Captain Henry Beddoes, James Baxter, Esq., Mr. Samuel Griffiths, and Mr. Francis Davies. In 1841 there were in this parish 160 houses and 660 inhabitants. The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, comprises nave, chancel, and a massive square tower. The living is a rectory in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Philip P. Adams.
Aston is a township and considerable village on the Ludlow and Bishop’s Castle turnpike road, seven miles S.E. of the latter place. In 1841 here were 70 houses and 292 persons. The principal landowners are Richard Marston, Esq., Mrs. Margaret Nicholls, Mr. John Cadwallader, and John Whitefoot, Esq. There is a small Baptist chapel in this village. Barlow township is returned as having one house and eight inhabitants. Broom and Rowton is partly in Hopesay parish and partly in Clungunford; in the former in 1841 there were 25 houses and 96 inhabitants, and in the latter parish two houses and fifteen persons. The principal landowners are George Bright, Esq., Miss A. M. Tunstall, and Ralph Benson, Esq. Carwood township is returned as having seven houses and 29 inhabitants at the census of 1841. Little Brompton is a township four miles east of Clun, which contains eleven houses and 44 persons. The Earl of Powis is sole landowner. Thomas Parks, by will, dated 1726, left £50, in trust, to be placed out at interest and given to a schoolmaster to teach six poor children of this parish. Dennis Harris left a rent charge of 10s. per annum to be given to the poor. Elizabeth Newnham, by will, dated 1750, bequeathed £30, the interest to be given to the poor of Hopsay. Jane Pugh, by will, dated 1808, bequeathed an annuity of £10, for the benefit of the poor of this parish.
Directory.—Hopesay: The Rev. Philips B. Adams, rector; William Bedell, stone mason; John Childe, shopkeeper; John Cruckson, farmer; Francis Davies, farmer; William Evans, farmer, Barlow; Samuel Griffiths, farmer; Joseph Price, vict., New Inn; The Rev. Folliett Sandford, P.C., of Edgton. Aston: John Beddoes, vict., Kangaroo; John Cadwallader, tailor; Thomas Childe, farmer; Charles Childe, farmer; James Dislee, blacksmith; Martha Griffiths, shopkeeper; Edward Jacks, farmer; Edward Lewis, corn miller; George Proctor, farmer; William Pugh, postmaster; Sarah Weyman, farmer, The Hall; John Whitefoot, Esq. Broom: George Bright, farmer; William Jacks, farmer. Little Brompton: Richard Smith, wheelwright; John Weyman, farmer.
is a parish and pleasantly situated village nine miles south of Bishop’s Castle, which contains 2,366a. 3r. 5p. of land, exclusive of the hills, the rateable value of which is £1,730. At the census of 1841 here were 31 houses and 164 persons. Population in 1801, 138; and in 1831, 145. Thomas Salway Beale, Esq., is lord of the manor and the principal landowner. This manor was anciently the possession of Roger Lord Mortimer, who obtained a charter of free warren in the 14th of Edward I. In this township are the remains of a castle, from which this parish takes its name. Camden mentions Hopton Castle as being given to Walter de Clifford by Henry II. The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a small structure consisting of nave and chancel. The living is a rectory in the patronage of T. S. Beale, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. George D. Pardoe. The tithes are commuted for about £280. There are eighty acres of glebe land.
Directory.—Richard Filer, steward to T. S. Beale, Esq.; Thomas Harley, joiner; Thomas Mansell, Esq.; Rev. George D. Pardoe, rector; John Sawyer, shopkeeper; and Edward Tanner, farmer.
is an extensive parish and considerable village, two and a half miles south-east from Bishop’s Castle. The parish includes the townships of Acton, Brockton, Lower Down, Eaton and Choulton, Eyton and Plowden, North Lydbury, and Totterton, which together in 1841 had a population of 908 souls; 1801, 829; 1831, 955. The township of North Lydbury contains 2,253a. 0r. 35p. of land, and in 1841 had 84 houses and 337 inhabitants. Rateable value £2,651. 7s. The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a plain substantial structure with a massive tower. The living is a vicarage, with the perpetual curacy of Norbury annexed, in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. John Bright. The vicarial tithes are commuted for £486, and the rectoral for £439. 8s., of which £411. 8s. have been apportioned to W. Plowden, Esq., £11 to the parish clerk, for the time being, and £17 to the rector of Pontesbury. The church contains many elegant monuments to the Plowden and Walcott families. The chief landowners are Earl Powis, and William Plowden, Esq. Walcott Hall is a spacious and elegant mansion, the occasional seat of the Earl of Powis. It contains a fine collection of paintings and Indian curiosities, collected by the first Lord Clive. The pleasure grounds are very beautifully laid out, and the park is richly wooded. At Tangley Hill are prominent vestiges of a British encampment, called the Bury Ditches. The interest of £200, bequeathed by John Shipman, in 1662, is applied in the support of the national school, another £100 has been raised by the liberality of the parishioners and the Earl of Powis for the same object, in addition to which a considerable sum is raised by annual subscriptions. The school, a substantial stone building, has been built about six years. The Poor’s Estate produces a yearly sum of £27. 10s., out of which £7 per annum is paid for educational purposes, and the residue applied in a general distribution among the poor. Richard Sayce, in 1754, left a rent charge of £2. 12s. per annum, to be given in bread.
The following are the out-townships of this parish, namely: Acton, situated two miles south-west from Lydbury, having 816 acres of land, and in 1841, 23 houses and 108 inhabitants. Brocton township lies about a mile from Lydbury, and has 694 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £1,102. 4s. In 1841 there were 30 houses and 137 inhabitants. Lower Down, a small village and township, lies to the south west of Lydbury, and contains 1,207 acres, the rateable value of which is £875; population in 1841, 116; at which period there were 25 houses. Eyton and Plowden township has 872 acres, and in 1841 had 11 houses and 59 inhabitants. Rateable value £747. 13s. Eaton and Choulton in 1841 had 16 houses and 87 inhabitants, and contains 699 acres of land. Totterton township is distant about a mile from Lydbury, and contains 775 acres of land. In 1841 there were 11 houses and 64 inhabitants; William Plowden, Esq., and the Earl of Powis, are the landowners in the above townships.
Beddoes Geo. farm., Brunslow
Brereton John, farmer
Brown John, schoolmaster
Colgan Rev. Rd. (Rom. Cathol.)
Gwilt Rd., farmer, The Folly
Hodgkiss John, farmer
Lane Thomas, farmer
Lawrence John, blacksmith
Mason William, farmer
Newell Joseph, agent to the Earl of Powis
Norncott Rd. farmr. & shopkpr
Owens John, farmer
Phillips William, farmer
Southern William H., farmer
Statham John, farmer
Whitefoot Mrs. E. the Vicarage
Williams John, parish clerk
Gwilt Richard, farmer
Luther Robert, farmer
Price George, farmer
Robinson Joseph, farmer and blacksmith
Bluck William, beerseller
Blayney Thos., vict., New Inn
Bore Mr., vict., Wheat Sheaf
Davies Jane, farmer
Hamar Thomas, miller
Evans Samuel, farmer
James Mr. Thomas
Marston Richd., wheelwright
Mountford Edward, farmer
Powell James, blacksmith
Powell John, farmer
Tomlins John, farmer
Edwards Ann, farmer
Gwilt Evan, farmer
Gethyn, Thomas, farmer
Wood Thomas, blacksmith
Watkins Joseph, farmer
Amies Samuel, farmer
Evans Gabriel, miller & farmr
Gwilt William, farmer
Hacock Thomas, farmer
Watts Thomas, farmer
Williams John, farmer
Farmer George, farmer
Hamar Thomas, farmer
Titley John, farmer
Whittall John, farmer
Whittall Thomas, farmer.
Bright Rev. John, vicar of Lydbury
Everall Jph. farmer, Friezland
Hodges William, farmer
Shuker William, farmer