PIMHILL HUNDRED.

The Hundred Pimhill is bounded on the north by Flintshire, on the west by the Oswestry Hundred, on the east by the Albrighton division and the Bradford Hundred, and on the south by the Hundred of Ford and the Albrighton division. The population of this hundred in 1801 was 11,874; the number of inhabited houses 2,112. In 1841 there was a population of 11,857 souls, of whom 5,900 were males., and 5,857 females. At the same period there were 2,297 inhabited houses, 48 uninhabited, and 10 houses building. This hundred comprehends the Baschurch and Ellesmere divisions. The former contains the following townships and chapelries, viz., Alderton, Baschurch, Birch, Boreatton or Bratton, Ensdon, Eyton, Felton Butler, Fennemere, Hopton, Kinton, Merehouse, Montford, Ness Cliff, Ness Great, Ness Little, Newtown, Petton, Prescott, Shrawardine, Stanwardine-in-the-Fields, Stanwardine-in-the-Wood, Walford, Weston Lullingfield, Wilcott, and Yeaton.

The Ellesmere division contains Balderton, Birch and Lythe, Burlton, Cockshutt and Crosemere, Colemere, Crickett, Criftins, Dudleston, Eastwick, Ellesmere, Elson and Greenhill, Frankton, Hampton Welsh, Hampton Wood, Hardwick, Hordley, Kenwick Stockett and Whattall, Kenwicks Park, Kenwicks Wood, Lee, Lineal, Loppington, Marton, Middle, New Marton, Newnes, Newton, Noneley, Northwood, Oteley, Newton and Spoonhill, Sleap (part of), Stocks and Coptiviney, Tetchill, Trench.

BASCHURCH

is a respectable village, pleasantly situated about half a mile west of the Baschurch railway station, and eight miles N.W. from Shrewsbury. The parish contains the several townships of Baschurch, Birch, Boreatton, Eyton, Fennemere, Merehouse, Newtown, Prescott, Stanwardine-in-the-Fields, Stanwardine-in-the-Wood, Walford, Weston and Yeaton, which together have an area of 10,758 acres of land. Rateable value, £11,470. 11s. 6d. Population in 1801, 1,059; in 1831, 1,321; and in 1841, 1,491. Baschuch is a place of great antiquity. Cynddylan, the British prince, slain at Whittington by the Saxons, about the year 570, was interred here. The parish church is one of the eighteen churches found in the county at the Doomsday survey, at which time Baschurch was the head of a hundred. About a mile from the village is a remarkable British fortress, or hold, the remains of which are very distinct, and an object of great attraction to the antiquary. It consists of two positions, one a natural eminence about forty-five feet high, surrounded at the bottom by a circular vallum; the other an elliptical entrenchment, on which more pains have been bestowed, very much lower than the other, and perfect on three sides, the fourth being open, and apparently extended into a wider and more irregular form. The vallum of this elliptical entrenchment, where it faces the eminence described above, is thrice the height of any other part of it. These two positions are surrounded, on one side by a deep pool, on the other sides by an extensive tract of black peaty soil, which was probably at an early period covered with water. The works are connected by a low road, made, by incredible labour, of small stones heaped together; and both are connected with the main land by a similar road leading across the morass in a curve. If this road was covered with water, as probably it was to the depth of a few inches, strangers would not know where it was; and the loftier fortress had a farther defence in an interruption of the roads, which do not reach all the way to it, but cease within a few feet of the point of juncture, and thus act as a kind of rude draw-bridge, where those in the fortress might lay down a plank for those without to pass over. At the point where this interruption of the road exists, was evidently the road into the fort, which is there defended by two outworks; one on each side. It was in this fastness that Cynddylan, imitating his aboriginal forefathers, who fortified themselves in woods and marshes, sought an asylum after his expulsion from Pengwern (Shrewsbury). No reason can be assigned why he should be buried at Baschurch, but that his residence was in the immediate vicinity.

The Church is an ancient structure, dedicated to All Saints, and consists of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a square tower, in which are four bells. There is a gallery at the west end, upon which is a fine-toned organ. The south side of the church was built about the year 1615, and the north side in the year 1790. It contains several handsome tablets and memorials to some of the principal families in the neighbourhood; one of which, a handsome pyramidal monument of elegant and costly workmanship, executed in marble, records the death of William Basnett, Esq., of London, a native of Baschurch, whose nephew and adopted heir, William Birch, assumed the name of Basnett. Another memorial remembers Rowland Hunt, Esq., and there are others to the Preslands, Slaneys, Mucklestons, and Corbets. There is an ancient Bible chained to the reading desk. The living is a vicarage, valued in the King’s book at £10. 16s., in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor, and enjoyed by the Rev. William Jones. The church stands on the site of a former edifice, which was burnt down in the year 1404. Divine service was performed in the Manor House, at Walford, till a new church was built. A stone in the churchyard remembers William Green, who died at the age of ninety years; and about fifteen years ago Mrs. Jones Hill Green died at the age of ninety-nine years. The tithes were commuted in 1844 for £285. The vicarage is a good residence, pleasantly situated, and stands a little east from the church. It has been considerably improved by the present incumbent

Newtown may be considered to form a part of Baschurch. It is a separate township, situated between the railway station and the village, the Shrewsbury and Chester railway intersecting the eastern side of the township. In 1841 here were 25 houses and 131 inhabitants. There are two neat and capacious schools at Newtown, and a preparatory school at Weston, supported from the funds of Mrs. Harris’s charity. In consequence of the advantages of gratuitous education, the village is constantly improving. The salubrity of the air, the facilities of railway communication, and the general order and quiet retirement, render it a desirable place for the erection of villa residences. A commodious inn has recently been built at the railway station, which is conducted by Mr. Thomas Wilkinson. A market has been established on Friday, for the sale of corn, butter, and poultry, which is held near the railway station. There is a bowling green at the Admiral Duncan, and a female benefit society, which is well supported. Rowland Hunt, Esq., is lord of the manor. The principal landowners are the lord of the manor; the Rev. William Jones; Robert A. Slaney, Esq., M.P.; Richard Edwards, Esq.; Frederick Edwards, Esq.; Edward Edwards, Esq.; William Sparling, Esq.; Mary Pickstock; and others are also proprietors. The soil is a mixture of gravel and loam, highly productive, and about one half may be considerable arable. The river Perry divides Baschurch from Ruyton, and skirts Boreatton Park.

Charities.—Eleanor Harris, by will, bearing date 17th May, 1709, devised certain land and tenements, at Stanwardine-in-the-Fields, in trust, to pay certain annuities therein mentioned, and to dispose of the residue for the providing of schooling for the boys and girls of such of the lowest rank of inhabitants within the parish of Baschurch as should not be able to give them a proper schooling; and she directed that such children should be taught to read and spell well, and to write fair hands and cast accounts, so as to fit the boys for ordinary trades; and that when the profits of the trust estate should be sufficient her trustees should apply a reasonable part thereof for putting out the boys apprentices, and for providing portions for the girls, to be given them on marriage; and she further directed that her trustees should pay yearly 20s. to the officiating minister of the parish for a sermon in the church, on the afternoon of the Sunday next after the anniversary of her death, at which time she desired such minister to declare publicly the principal directions of her will, to the intent that the same might never be concealed or suppressed; and that the trustees should lay out 20s. for a dinner for themselves. The property belonging this charity consists of 267a. 2r. 36p. of land and certain houses, besides 7a. 2r. 31p., which was planted about fifty years ago with oaks, and the school premises, consisting of 1a. 1r. 32p., at Newtown. When the Charity Commissioners published their report the yearly income amounted to £323. 10s. The boys are taught reading, writing, and accounts, and the girls reading and needlework. They are all supplied with every article of clothing, except linen, once a year, and with books and all school requisites; and they are permitted to remain in the school till they are of sufficient age to go out to service, or to be bound apprentice. When the children go out to service they receive a complete suit of clothing, and a Bible and a Prayer Book; and if they continue in the same place with credit for five years, they receive a gratuity of £3; and if for seven years, £5. In this respect no difference is made between the boys and girls. The boys are occasionally placed out apprentice, with a premium of £6 each. Nothing is paid out of the fund for marriage portions. There is also a dame school supported out of the funds, for teaching the younger children of poor persons residing at Weston. The present trustees are R. A. Slaney, Esq., M.P.; William Matthews, Esq.; Richard Wall, Esq.; and Mr. John Jebb.

Thomas Baker, in 1839, gave a rent charge of £4 per annum, to be expended in bread, and given to the poor of the parish on Sundays for ever.

Edward Tomkies, by will, in 1771, bequeathed to the poor of the parish of Baschurch £100. The interest to be laid out in sixpenny loaves of good bread, and given to the poor over and above their usual allowance on Christmas days and Easter Sundays.

Richard Wilkins gave £20, the interest to be distributed by the vicar and churchwardens to such poor people as should not receive relief.

Rev. John Barnet gave £20, and directed the interest to be distributed to the poor.

A yearly sum of £4. 11s. 2d. is paid to a schoolmaster, as the interest of £114 in the hands of R. Hunt, Esq. It does not appear from whose benefaction this money was derived; but it appears it was formerly laid out on turnpike security, with £130 belonging to two other charities, making altogether £244; which sum was afterwards placed in the hands of R. Hunt, Esq.

Sarah Atcherley gave £30 to the poor, the interest to be given in bread on Christmas days.

Thomas Presland, in 1779, gave £20, the interest to be distributed yearly to poor distressed housekeepers.

Post Office.—At Mr. John Morris’s. Letters arrive at 8.45 A.M., and are despatched at 4 45 P.M.

Those marked 1 reside at Baschurch; 2 New town; 3 Railway Station.

1 Birch Edward, Esq., The Hall

2 Birch Miss M. A., boarding school

1 Buckley and Davies, milliners and bonnet makers

1 Carr William, tailor

2 Crookenden Mrs., schoolmistress

1 Davies Richard, baker and parish clerk

3 Haycock Robert, agent to the Brymbo Company, dealer in coal, lime, slate, &c.

1 Hinksman John, shoemaker

2 Humphreys Mary, provision dealer

2 Jebb John, station master

2 Jones Joseph, farmer and maltster

2 Jones Joseph, butcher

2 Jones Mary, farmer

2 Jones Thomas, farmer

2 Jones William P. schoolmaster, and collector of rates

1 Jones Rev. William, The Vicarage

1 Leek Thomas, wheelwright

1 Matthews William, farmer

2 Morris Charles, licensed to let post horses

3 Morris Charles, agent to Mr. Ward for the Black Park Coal, dealer in lime, slate, &c.

1 Morris John, grocer and innkeeper

2 Mullinex John, blacksmith

2 Oliver Joseph, shoemaker

1 Pickstock Henry, farmer

1 Poole Edward, tailor

2 Poole Sarah, beerhouse-keeper

1 Pugh John, shoemaker

1 Pugh Thomas, farmer

1 Roberts Thomas, blacksmith

1 Simpson John, joiner and builder

2 Throckmorton J. Esq.

1 Thomas John, shoemaker

3 Thomas William, agent to G. Young for the Cefn coal, and dealer in lime and bricks, &c.

3 Wilkinson Thomas, victualler, Station Inn and Posting House, and Admiral Duncan Inn

BIRCH

is a small township in the parish of Baschurch, two miles N.W. from the Baschurch Railway Station, which in 1841 was returned as containing two houses and twenty-two inhabitants. The river Perry divides this township from Ruyton, and is skirted on the east by Boreatton Park. Rowland Hunt, Esq., is the landowner, and lord of the manor. The township contains 432 acres of land. Rateable value, £439. The Birch Park farm is occupied by John Vaughan.

BOREATTON, OR BRATTON,

is a township pleasantly situated nine miles and a half N.W. by N. from Shrewsbury, and about two miles from the Baschurch Railway Station. In 1841 there were seven houses and 32 inhabitants. (The acres are given with the parish.) Rateable value, £708. 5s. The soil is of a superior quality, producing good wheat and barley. Large flocks of sheep are kept in this neighbourhood. Boreaton Hall, an elegant mansion of brick in the Elizabethan style of architecture, is the seat and property of Rowland Hunt, Esq. The mansion is approached by a handsome portico of free stone, supported by four circular pillars. The grounds are tastefully laid out with pleasure grounds and shrubberies; and the Park, though not of great extent, is richly wooded, and beautified with some fine avenues of beech and other trees.

The principal residents are Rowland Hunt, Esq., Boreatton Hall; Miss Hunt, Boreatton Park House; John Grant, farm bailiff; George and Henry Hunt, farmers and corn millers, Platt Mills, Thomas Payne, gamekeeper.

EYTON,

a small township and sequestered village, is situated about two miles N.E. by E. from Baschurch. At the census of 1841 there were 11 houses and 56 inhabitants. The township is intersected by the railroad from Shrewsbury to Chester. Here are several large pools of water, covering many acres of land, and are well stocked with fish. The land has an undulating surface, and the soil is a mixture of loam and clay. The principal landowners are the Duke of Cleveland, and D. F. Atcherley, Esq.; besides whom there are several smaller proprietors. The Birch Grove House, the residence of John Evans, Esq., is a neat edifice, stuccoed, and is surrounded with pleasure grounds tastefully laid out. Near it is a fine sheet of water. Elizabeth Waring bequeathed £20, and directed the interest to be distributed among the poor of this township on the Sunday before Christmas day.

The farmers in Eyton are Richard Cutt, Samuel Price, Ann Teece, John Weston, and Thomas Whittingham. John Mason, blacksmith.

FENNEMERE,

another small township in Baschurch parish, had six houses and 43 inhabitants at the census of 1841. It is situated two miles and a quarter from Baschurch, and five miles S.W. of Wem. (The acres are returned with the parish.) The land presents gentle undulations and inequalities on the surface, and the soil is in general heavy, producing good crops of wheat and barley. The Duke of Cleveland is the sole proprietor. In this township there is a fine sheet of water, covering a considerable extent of land. The farms are extensive, and the houses and out-buildings are conveniently arranged. The resident farmers are Edward Kent, Joseph Lee, and Charles Wood.

MEREHOUSE

is a township intersected by the Shrewsbury and Chester railway, situated about a quarter of a mile from the Baschurch station, and eight miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury. The township contained one house and sixteen persons in 1841. Rateable value, £200. 5s. Rowland Hunt, Esq., is the lord of the manor, but the land is the property of Richard Wall, Esq., who resides on the estate, having erected a pleasantly situated house to the east of Baschurch station, with commodious and conveniently arranged farm buildings. In this township is situated the British Fortress, previously noticed with Baschurch, as the retreat of Cynddylan, a British Prince, after being driven by the Saxon invader from the city of Pengwerne (Shrewsbury). It is protected by a pool of water of considerable extent, called the Berth, and a morass. Richard Wall, Esq., of Merehouse Hall, is the only resident.

NESS LITTLE, OR NESS CLIFF,

is a chapelry and village, consisting chiefly of respectable farm houses, in the parish of Baschurch, pleasantly situated two miles and a half S.W. from the Baschurch station, and seven miles and a half N.N.W. from Shrewsbury. In 1801 the population was 202, and at the census of 1841 there were 46 houses and 238 inhabitants. The tithes were commuted in 1847 for £232. 10s. The rectoral tithes of this township are paid to the Rev. David Birds, except those of the Milford and Adcott Hall estates. The incumbent of Baschurch receives the small tithes. The township contains 1,348 acres of land. The soil is generally a stiff sandy loam, producing good crops of wheat, barley, and beans. About two-thirds of the land is arable. Rateable value, £1,326. 13s. Earl of Powis is lord of the manor. The principal landowners are Henry Dickinson, Esq.; George Edwards, Esq.; R. A. Slaney, Esq., M.P.; Edward Brayne, Esq.; William Matthews, Esq.; Mrs. Jones; and Samuel Bickerton, Esq. Henry Dickinson, Esq., has recently purchased an estate from the Earl of Powis, and is now erecting an extensive and costly range of farm premises on the most approved principles. The Church is an ancient structure, paved with encaustic tiles, and was new pewed in 1835, the expense of which was defrayed by public subscription. It contains a fine old font, with the date of 1565. The communion cup, which is of silver, exhibits a curious piece of handicraft, and has the date 1565 upon it. The living is a curacy annexed to the vicarage of Baschurch. Adcott Hall, the residence of Thomas Mansell, Esq., is an ancient erection, with extensive farm premises, conveniently arranged, connected with it. Milford Hall, an ancient timbered residence in good preservation, exhibits a fine specimen of the domestic architecture of by-gone days.

Directory.—Farmers: Edward Brayne, and maltster; Thomas Brookfield, Adcott Mills; Andrew Mansell; Thomas Mansell, Adcott Hall; James Payne, Milford House; Abraham Powell, Milford Mill; Alice Smith, Milford Hall; Abraham Woolrich; Thomas Gilston, farm bailiff to Henry Dickinson, Esq. Edward Griffiths, shoemaker; William Hughes, parish clerk; William Jones, shopkeeper, Vale lane; Edward Pugh, wheelwright.

PRESCOTT

is a township and pleasantly situated village on the Shrewsbury and Baschurch turnpike road, seven and a half miles N.E. by N. from the former place, and one mile south from the latter. In 1841 there were 23 houses and 103 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Robert A. Slaney, Esq., M.P.; John Bromley, Esq.; and Mrs. Barrett; besides whom there are several other freeholders. The land has an undulating surface, with a strong loamy soil.

Directory.—John Bromley, Esq.; Andrew Mellor Needham, Esq.; Thomas Pearce, blacksmith; John Poole, tailor; Richard Smith, farmer; William Thomas, grocer and provision dealer; David Vaughan, farmer; Griffith Windsor, builder.

STANWARDINE-IN-THE-FIELDS

is a township and well-built village, near the line of the Shrewsbury and Chester railway, one and a half mile N.W. from Baschurch, and nine miles N.W. by N. from Shrewsbury. The railway is here crossed by a substantial stone bridge. At the census of 1841 there were 30 houses and 160 inhabitants. The land in this township is generally good, and produces fine crops of wheat and turnips. The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the manor; and the trustees of Mrs. Eleanor Harris’s charily, Mrs. Phillips, Mr. Hilton, Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., Miss Emma Jones, and the vicar of Baschurch, are the principal landowners. The Park House, a good residence of brick, stands about half a mile north-west from the village, and is the residence of Mr. Richard Hiles. It was built two years ago. The farm premises are admirably contrived, and replete with every convenience.

The residents are—Farmers: Thomas Atcherley, Edward Corden, Thomas Davies, the Beith; Richard Hiles, Stanwardine Park; John Pembrey, Thomas Perry, and James Windsor. Edward Griffiths, blacksmith; Richard Parbutt, shopkeeper.

STANWARDINE-IN-THE-WOOD

is a small township and secluded village with a scattered population, four and a quarter miles north from Baschurch, and 12 miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury. In 1841 there were 9 houses and 69 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,037. 8s. The Hall is an antique mansion, built about the year 1681, and occupied by Stephen Denston, Esq. It is approached by a flight of steps and a portico; the sides of the great hall are of panelled oak, enriched with carved work, and upon one of the scrolls is the date 1588. The apartments are decorated with some fine paintings and costly prints; the steps of the staircase are of solid blocks of oak, and the floors are laid with oaken planks four inches thick. In the front of the hall is a pedestal of stone, upon which is affixed a sun-dial; on the plate, which is of silver, is a beautiful engraving and some fine tracery, bearing the arms of the Corbets and the Wynns, and the date 1560. The ancient hall of Stanwardine was a moated mansion, and stood a little south from the present structure. It was in early times the seat of a branch of the ancient family of Corbet, and subsequently of the Wynns. In the front of the present hall are the family arms of the Corbets and the Wynne, exhibiting a beautiful specimen of chiselling. Wicherlry Hall, an ancient structure chiefly composed of timber, has recently undergone considerable reparations, and a new front has been added. It is the property of C. K. Mainwaring, Esq., and occupied by Mr. George Belliss, who farms upwards of 200 acres of the land in this township. William Sparling Esq., is the principal landowner; Charles Kynaston Mainwaring, Esq., and others, are also proprietors.

Directory.—Farmers, George Belliss, Wicherley Hall; John Williams, Stanwardine Hall; Mary Jones, Andrew Jones, and John Young.

WALFORD,

a small township with a scattered population, is situated two and a half miles S.E. from Baschurch, and six miles and a half N.W. by N. from Shrewsbury. In 1841 there were 74 inhabitants. The Duke of Cleveland is lord of the manor; Robert A. Slaney, Esq., M.P., is a considerable land owner. The land has generally a fertile soil. The turnpike road from Shrewsbury to Baschurch intersects the township. Walford Manor is a handsome mansion of modern erection, the seat and property of Robert Aglionby Slaney, Esq., M.P. for Shrewsbury; Mr. Slaney has been a member of parliament for thirty years, devoting himself to the advancement of the people, labouring to disclose and have removed the causes injurious to the public health, and to increase the means of instruction and healthful recreation of the working classes. Free trade and political reforms have had his constant support. He has also published several works, on subjects identical with those which have busied him in public life—an “Essay on the employment of the poor,” (to this was awarded a silver medal from the Board of Agriculture); an “Essay on the beneficial direction of rural expenditure;” a “Plea to power and parliament for the working classes,” &c. The old Manor House is an ancient dilapidated structure, now occupied as a farm dwelling.

Slaney Robert Aglionby, Esq., M.P., Walford Manor

Burroughs Joshua, farmer, The Heath

Davies John, blacksmith

Griffiths Richard, shoemaker

Jennings Thomas, beerhouse

Jones Isaac, wheelwright

Jones John, farmer

Jones Mary, farmer

Jones William, gamekeeper

Lee Wm. farmer, The Heath

Price Thos. farmer, Leasows

Price Thomas, jun., butcher

Shore Thomas, farmer and maltster

Smith Richard, farmer, bailiff, The Manor

Speake Samuel, joiner and carpenter

Williams William, tailor

Wycherley John., farmer, The Hayes

WESTON LULLINGFIELD

is a township and straggling village two and a half miles north from Baschurch, and ten and a half miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury. There are several good farm houses here, with commodious and conveniently arranged out premises. The chief landowners are the trustees of Mrs. Harris’s charity, Mrs. Bowman, William Birch, Esq.; the Earl of Bradford, the Vicar of Baschurch, Thomas Tisdale, Esq.; William Sparling, Esq.; D. F. Atcherley, Esq.; C. K. Mainwaring; Esq.; Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart.; Mrs. Mary Parton, and Mr. Hilton. The Primitive Methodists have a neat stone chapel here. The Free School for the junior children of the parish is a branch in connection with the school at Newtown, under the management of the trustees of Mrs. Eleanor Harris’s charity. The master receives a progressive payment according to the number of children instructed. This place is returned at the census of 1841 as having a population of 213 souls, at which time there were 46 houses. A branch of the Chester and Ellesmere canal runs into this township.

Adams John, farmer

Adams William, farmer

Birch William, farmer

Boliver Edward, cooper

Boliver Richard, shopkeeper

Boliver William, tailor

Cotton Thomas, farmer

Griffiths Wm., wheelwright

Haycocks John, blacksmith

Higgins John, farmer

Jones Thomas, farmer

Jones Thomas, wheelwright

Lee George, tailor

Lee John, shoemaker

Lee John, farmer

Parton Thomas, shoemaker

Price Richard, shopkeeper & vict., Boat Inn

Trevor William, farmer and tailor

Williams Edward, agent to Richards & Co., Ruabon, coal and lime merchants, Canal Wharf.

YEATON

is a village and township two and a half miles S.E. from Baschurch, and six and a half miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury, returned in 1841 as having 37 houses and 195 inhabitants. The principal landowners are Robert A. Slaney, Esq., M.P.; J. A. Lloyd, Esq.; Captain James Parry, Mr. Richard Williams, and John Smith, Esq.; the former is lord of the manor and impropriator. The hall, a handsome stuccoed residence occupied by George Wade, Esq., is pleasantly situated near the turnpike road from Shrewsbury to Baschurch. There are also several neat villas of modern erection.

The principal residents are Miss Beech, The Hall; Captain James Parry, The Grove; George Wade, Esq., The Hall. Farmers, Richard Cotton, William Cotterhill, Upper Corn Mills; Samuel Onions, Medley Farm; James Perry, The Grove Farm; William Turner, and corn miller, and Richard Williams, The Flour Mills.

ELLESMERE

is a respectable market town and extensive parish, partly in the hundred of Maylor, in the county of Flint, but chiefly in the Ellesmere division of the Pimhill hundred, in the county of Salop, sixteen miles N.N.W. from Shrewsbury, and eight miles N.N.E. from Oswestry. The parish contains the following townships in this county, viz.:—Birch and Lythe, Cockshutt and Crosmere, Crickett, Dudleston, Eastwick, Ellesmere, Elson and Greenhill, Frankton, Hampton’s Wood, Hardwick, Kenwick Stockett and Whattall, Kenwick’s Park, Kenwicks Wood, Lee, Lineal, New Marton, Northwood, Oteley Newton and Spoonhill, Stocks and Coptiviney, Tetchill, and Trench, which together contain 25,676a. 0r. 20p. of land. Rateable value, £42,341. In 1801 there were 5,909 inhabitants; 1831, 7,057, and in 1841, 7,080. The rectoral tithes have been commuted for £2,351, when £1,576 were apportioned to the trustees of the Earl of Bridgewater, £515 to C. K. Mainwaring, Esq., £174 to J. Dickin, Esq., £46 to Richard Wynn, Esq., and £15 to Mr. Benyon. The vicarial tithes were commuted for £430.

Ellesmere, formerly written Aelsmere, is a place of considerable antiquity, and derives it name from a fine sheet of water or mere on the east side of the town, which covers one hundred and sixteen acres. Leland describes the town in his day as having four streets, while Camden speaks of it, “as a small tract of rich fertile ground, together with a small castle, which King John settled on Llewellyn, Prince of North Wales, when he made up the match between him and Joan, his natural daughter.” The town now contains several respectable inns, and many good houses and shops, in all the different branches of the retail trade. The malting business is extensively carried on. Mr. John Frumston’s is one of the largest establishments in the county. The cultivation of barley being particularly attended to in the neighbouring country, causes the farmers usually to attend the market here, which is held on Tuesday. Fairs are held on the first Tuesday after February 2nd, third Tuesday in April, Whit Tuesday, first Tuesday in July, last Tuesday in August, and the third Tuesday in October and November for horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. The castle of Ellesmere stood on an artificial mount, near to the church. At the present time there are no vestiges of it to be seen, the top of the mount being formed into a bowling green, which is kept in admirable order, and supported by the gentry and tradesmen of the town. From this eminence a most extensive and delightful panoramic view of the fertile plains of Shropshire is seen; the fine mere and the beautiful residence of C. K. Mainwaring, Esq., are charming objects in the vicinity. History is silent as to the time and by whom the castle was built. In the 6th of King John, the king gave the castle and manor of Ellesmere in marriage with his daughter Joan to Llewellyn, Prince of North Wales; in the 10th of that reign Bartholomew Turve, the governor, he having turned his arms against the English, was commanded upon his allegiance to put the place into the possession of William, Earl of Shrewsbury, the king’s natural brother, and Thomas de Edginton. In the 4th of Henry III., Roger L’Estrange held this castle, and it continued to his successors for a long period. In the 25th of Henry III., David, son of Llewellyn, late Prince of Wales, by his charter, surrendered up Ellesmere and Englefend to the crown of England, and after that we hear no more of its being in the hands of the Welsh. This being a frontier town and of some importance to the marches, and consequently not to be left in the power of the Prince of Wales. The continued skirmishes between the English and the Welsh, made the tenure of the latter very uncertain; and though King Henry II. and King John, being embroiled in foreign wars, gave the town and castle in dower, the first with his sister and the latter with his daughter, in order to conciliate the ancient animosities of both people; yet upon the least appearance of a rupture those kings might and did resume at pleasure, or gave what recompense they thought fit upon the seizure, and such as the Prince of Wales holding upon their good behaviour were glad to receive. On the 12th of Edward II., Roger L. Estrange, with the king’s approbation, granted several parcels of land, part of the demesnes of the manor, to several persons in fee, at which time the wastes and the commons of the manor were enclosed, and converted into freeholds. Two years after Oliver de Ingeham, who adhered so firmly to the king, upon the insurrection of the Earl of Lancaster and other lords, was governor of this castle. In the following reign a writ was issued, to inquire concerning the encroachments made by the tenants of the neighbouring manors, and to settle the boundaries, which being performed, the king gave the castle and manor of Ellesmere to Eubule L. Estrange, a younger son of the baron of Knockin. In the reign of Elizabeth we find Thomas Egerton, an ancient lawyer, created Baron Ellesmere; in the 23rd of Elizabeth he was made Solicitor-General, and afterwards Attorney-General, from which advancement he was soon after promoted to the Mastership of the Rolls and the office of Keeper of the Great Seal, which he held till that queen’s death. The Duke of Bridgewater is deserving of notice in this place, as having been possessed of large estates in Ellesmere and its neighbourhood, and as being distinguished for his public spirit, and for the vast plans he formed and executed for the improvement of his estates. He died in 1803, and the dukedom became extinct. On the death of the late Countess of Bridgewater the estates became vested in Viscount Alford, and he dying in the autumn of the year 1850, they are now vested in trustees.

The Church, dedicated to St. Mary, stands on a considerable elevation, overlooking the Mere, and presents a fine specimen of ecclesiastical architecture, for the most part in the decorative style. It is a spacious cruciform structure, comprising nave, chancel, side aisles, transepts, two side chapels, and a handsome square tower, adorned with pinnacles. The sacred edifice underwent a thorough restoration during the year 1849, when an entirely new nave and side aisles were built, at a cost of upwards of £8,000, from a design of George G. Scott, Esq., architect. The original nave bore marks of being the most ancient part of the building, and presented traces of the old Norman style. One of the pillars which stands near the pulpit on the north side of the western arch of the tower is the only part of the old nave remaining. On entering the church at either of the transept doors the spectator cannot fail to admire the bold span of the central arches on which the tower rests. The exterior of the eastern end remains as it was, the work of enlargement being confined to the western side. The roof is of open timber work of very high pitch, and the curve of the beams according so exactly with the form of the central arches, renders the vista of the church singularly fine. The same character of roof is extended over the side aisles. This part of the building receives the bulk of the congregation, and is neatly fitted up with open seats of oak, uniform in their character, with their facings relieved by tracery of various patterns, and affording about 900 appropriated sittings. The transepts have been provided with benches, thereby affording room for more than 300 sittings. On the north side of the western arch of the tower stands the pulpit, which is of stone, and richly carved. On the opposite side is the desk for reading prayers; and under the central part of the tower is placed the lectern, from which the lessons are read. The chancel has been thoroughly restored and altered, and the old screens which separated it from the side chapels renovated, and decorated with highly-finished tracery. On each side are stalls with carved finials, and otherwise ornamented, containing seats for the clergy and the choir. The paving is composed of encaustic tiles, in patterns which increase in richness as they approach the east. The altar stands on an elevation of five steps from the level of the entrance of the chancel, and is backed by a reredos of encaustic tiles. The three sedilia on the south side, which were in good preservation, have been restored to their original use. By means of a separate subscription a new organ, which cost 300 guineas, built by Holditch, of London, has been placed in the south chapel: the instrument is of great power and sweetness, and finely contributes to the musical part of the services. A new octagonal font of carved stone—an exact representation of the old one—has been placed in the south aisle. The south chapel, commonly called the Otely chapel, is distinguished by a curious oak roof, with carved panels, and though it cannot lay claim to a date earlier than the 16th century, yet it forms one of the most beautiful features in the old part of the church. This chapel contains a fine altar tomb, elaborately ornamented, on which are recumbent figures cut in marble, to the memory of Francis Kynaston and his wife, with the date 1790.

Other decorations, in various parts, are not wanting to help the effect and beauty of the restoration. Besides the rich carving in stone on the corbels and doors, and the wood tracery and highly-finished screen work, eighteen of the windows are richly ornamented with stained glass, by the liberality of various donors. The magnificent east window, the gift of Robert Clarke, Esq., late agent to the Bridgewater estates, was executed by Evans, of Shrewsbury, some twenty years ago. In the different compartments of the window are the four evangelists; the arms of David Prince of Wales; Llewellyn Prince of Wales; Sir Roger le Strange, who in the reign of Edward III., granted the second charter to the town; Lord Chancellor Egerton, &c., &c. The west window, a beautiful specimen of the decorated Gothic, is conceived and executed in the highest taste, and is illustrative of the four Christian graces of Faith, Hope, and Charity. It was the joint presentation of J. and G. Stanton, Esqs., in memory of Thomas Stanton, Esq., and was executed by Warrington of London. In the south transept is a fine window by Wailes of Newcastle, in memory of the late vicar, the Rev. J. A. Cotton, added by his surviving family. The three windows in the south aisle are by the same artist, and all gifts to the church. The first, representing the crucifixion of our Lord, was presented by the widow of the late Captain Fowler; the next, the gift of the Oswell family, is illustrative of our Saviour’s ascension into heaven; the third represents infant and adult baptism, and was presented by Colonel Salisbury. Some of the other windows are filled with ornamental glass, with a light pattern foliage upon each square, and scrolls containing texts of scripture running obliquely through them. One of the same sort, but more richly ornamented, is placed in the Oteley chapel, in memory of some of the faithful retainers of the household of C. K. Mainwaring, Esq. The church has thus been rendered one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical edifices in the county, by the liberality of the parishioners and other donors, under the skill and taste of its able architect. The extreme length of the church is 140 feet, and width 79 feet. The late Countess of Bridgewater gave the munificent sum of £3,300 towards the restorations; the Diocesan Society, £350; the Incorporated Society for Enlarging and Building Churches, £150; and £227. 2s. 6d. was collected after a sermon preached by the Bishop of Lichfield at the consecration of the church, on the 11th October, 1849. The living is a vicarage, valued in the King’s book at £17. 18s. l½d.; returned in the Clergy List at £386; in the patronage of the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater, and incumbency of the Rev. John David Day, M.A.; curate, Rev. John Peake, B.A. The churchyard was enlarged in 1850, by the addition of near half an acre of land on the west side of the church. The vicarage is pleasantly situated on elevated ground near the south side of the churchyard. Ellesmere is remarkable for the longevity of its inhabitants: in 1767 Jane Holt died, at the age of 108 years; and her husband died in 1757, aged 98 years. Among the various memorials in the churchyard is a remarkable epitaph to William Parks, who died at Lee, in 1746, aged 104 years:—

“Interr’d here, lies one hundred years and four; No one knew scripture less and virtue more: Peace his ambition, contentment was his wealth, Honesty his pride,—his passions health, The father’s duty, and the husband’s guide; By nature good, the age’s wonder died.”

The Independent Chapel, situated in Chapel street, is a plain brick building, erected in 1815; it is provided with galleries, and has accommodation for about 500 worshippers. The Wesleyan Chapel is a small fabric in Watergate street, erected in the year 1844. There is also a Wesleyan Association Chapel, built in 1835, and a Primitive Methodist Chapel, built in 1840, both situated in Scotland street. The National School, which stands near the wharf, has an attendance of 160 scholars. The school room is spacious and lofty, and was built at the sole expense of the Countess of Bridgewater, who also gave the sum of £200 towards the support of the school. The Girls’ National School, situated on St. John’s hill, has an attendance of 85 children. The vicar, with a laudable desire to extend the advantages of education, established what is termed the Middle School, in 1848, on St. John’s Hill, where the youths are instructed in the higher branches of learning. The school is built of wood, and covered with thatch, and the interior lined with panelled oak, taken from the old church on its restoration. It was built at the sole expense of the vicar, whose zeal and persevering efforts in the education of youth are worthy of commendation. The Town Hall, a handsome building of freestone, was erected by the munificence of the late Countess of Bridgewater. The lower compartment of the structure is used for the sale of butter, poultry, &c., on the market days; above it is a spacious room for magisterial and other purposes, with suitable offices. The magistrates hold a petty sessions here on the first Monday in the month. The Countess of Bridgewater kindly granted the use of the large room to the Mechanics’ Institution, which was established in 1845. There are about forty members, adults paying 6s. per annum, and apprentices 4s. A library has been established, and gratuitous lectures are occasionally given by the clergy and gentlemen in the neighbourhood, on interesting and scientific subjects. G. H. Smith is the secretary. A Court Leet is held annually, when a coroner and two bailiffs are appointed. The Savings’ Bank is situated in Scotland street. It was established in 1817, and then held in a private house. The present structure was built in 1830, from the surplus funds of the bank, at a cost of £550. The capital stock of the bank on November 20th, 1849, was £29,562. 15s. 2¼d., at which time there were 752 separate accounts, of which eight were charitable societies, having deposits to the amount of £854. 14s. 10½d., and twelve friendly societies, the deposits of which amounted to £3,527. 15s. 2¼d. Of the total depositors there were 392 whose respective balances did not exceed £20; 180 above £20 and not exceeding £50; 90 above that sum and not exceeding £100; 41 not exceeding £150; 21 not exceeding £200; and 8 above £200. Mr. William Lee is the actuary. Gas Works have been established in the town by a company of shareholders. The works are situated near the canal wharf. The commercial intercourse of Oswestry is facilitated by the Shropshire union canal, previously noticed. The township of Oswestry, in 1841, comprised 446 houses and 2,326 inhabitants.

The Ellesmere Union House is a spacious brick structure, pleasantly situated about a quarter of a mile from the church, on a gentle acclivity overlooking the Mere. It was built in 1792, and will accommodate 350 inmates. The average number in the house is usually about 150. The internal arrangements are well managed, and have a clean and orderly appearance. The union comprehends eighteen parishes, of which nine are in the county of Flint, and nine in Shropshire, embracing an area of 109 square miles. The parishes are Bettisfield, Bronington, Halghton, Hanmer, Iscoyd, Overton, Penley, Tybroughton, Willington, Baschurch, Ellesmere, Hadnal Ease, Hordley, Middle, Ness Great, Ness Little, Petton, and Welsh Hampton. The south-west wing is occupied by the males, and the north-east wing by the females. In the latter is the Chapel, which is neatly and appropriately fitted up, and set apart for divine worship. In this respect, we think the authorities of the Ellesmere union have set a laudable example, which might be followed by other unions; for the honest poor are scarcely put on a level with the felons of our prisons in chapel accommodation. There are twenty-three guardians appointed by the different parishes. Richard George Jebb, Esq., is chairman; Thomas Wood Lee, Esq., vice-chairman; Rev. George Walker, chaplain. The surgeons are:—Thomas Gwynn, for the house and town district; Thomas Mousley, for Hordley and Dudliston district; Edward Ellis Eyton, Welsh Hampton district; Charles Tomlinson, Hanmer district; John Ellis Eyton, Overton district; Mr. Broughton, Baschurch district; and Andrew M. Needham, for the Middle district. Clerk: Andrew Bickley. Relieving officers: John Wood Jones, Ellesmere district, and John Poycott, Hanmer district. Master: John Pembrey Pritchard. Matron: Sarah Pritchard. Schoolmaster: Edward Jones. Schoolmistress: Mary Pay.

Charities.—Edward Jeffereys, by his will, bearing date January 4th, 1687, devised a messuage and lands, in Osbaston, to the churchwardens and overseers of the parish of Oswestry and Ellesmere, upon trust, to dispose of two parts of the yearly profits for the relief of poor inhabitants of Ellesmere, 16s. 8d. at Christmas, and the rest on Good Friday; and 16s. 8d. of the yearly profits to be divided among the poor inhabitants of Maesbury, Moreton, and Crickett—6s. 8d. to the former, and 5s. each to the two latter townships. The property thus devised consists of two cottages and six closes, containing together 5a. 1r. 22p. It is let, from time to time, by the churchwardens of Ellesmere, and now produces a rental of £12. 2s.

The following benefactions were probably laid out in the purchase of the Whixall estate, as hereafter noticed:—£10 given by Jerome Hanmer, the interest to be applied in apprentice fees; £6 by Hugh Dod, for a distribution of bread in Hardwick and about the Perthy; £20 by William Thorowgood, for the instruction of poor children; £50 by John Lyth, for the use of the poor; £50 by Catherine Pennant, the interest to provide twelve blue coats for six poor men and six poor women; £20 by Catherine Wenlock, the interest to educate five boys; £10 by Thomas Pitchford, for the poor of Trench and Northwood; £5 by Catherine Higginson, for a distribution of bread in Ellesmere; £5 by Edward Teggin, for bread to be distributed in Hardwick; £7 by William Pearce, for charitable uses; £40 by John Powell, the interest to be given among poor inhabitants of Ellesmere and Colemere; £20 by Mrs. Powell, for the same purpose; £10 by William Pearce, for the benefit of the poor of Welsh Northwood; £10 by John Davies, for a distribution of bread every Sunday; £10 by John Higginson, for the good of the poor; £5 by Charles Mason, for charitable uses; £10 by Margaret Eddowes, the interest to be given away among the poor of Trench, Northwood, and Hampton’s Wood. These several gifts amount in the whole to the sum of £288. About the year 1733, the several charitable legacies left to the poor of the parish had for some time laid dead, with interest, when the churchwardens purchased an estate at Whixall, for the sum of £320, having borrowed £30 to make up that sum. The estate consists of seven closes in Whixall, containing 22a. 0r. 30p. There is also an allotment of peat ground on Whixall Moss, containing 1a. 2r. 25p. The premises are let at a yearly rent of £28, and after deducting the amount of any incidental expenses that may be incurred, is generally applied in the following manner, viz.:—£10 as a subscription to the National School; £2 to Dudleston School; £4 to Cockshut School; £3. 14s. 9d. for three gowns and three coats for old men and old women; 12s. to the poor of Colemere; 12s. to the poor of Northwood; 12s. to the poor of Trench; £1. 16s. for a distribution of bread; and the residue is distributed by the vicar and the churchwardens in small sums among the most necessitous poor.

William Wenlock, by will, 1691, charged his tenement, with its appurtenances, in Northop, in the county of Flint, with the payment of £6 per annum, to buy yearly good books, and particularly Bibles, the Whole Duty of Man, and other books of practical divinity, to be distributed in the parish of Northop and Ellesmere—£3 thereof to be expended for each parish. The £3 is annually received by the vicar of Ellesmere, and the amount is laid out in the purchase of Bibles, and other books published by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

Jane Higginson, by will, 1707, gave to the poorest and most necessitous children of the parish of Ellesmere, the sum of £6, payable out of certain premises once in every five years—20s. thereof to be expended in clothing. The sum of £6 is received by the vicar once in five years, which is generally disposed of in buying different articles of clothing; but occasionally a portion has been paid for their schooling.

Ruth Davies left £10, the interest to be given in bread to the poor, every Sunday in Lent. This sum is secured, with other charity money hereafter mentioned, on the Ellesmere House of Industry. The yearly sum of 9s. is paid as interest, and given away in bread. John Higginson, in 1771, bequeathed £20 for the benefit of the poor. This sum is also secured on the House of Industry, and 18s. paid as the interest thereof.

Richard Oulton, by will, 1780, gave to the vicar and churchwardens of Ellesmere £100, to be placed out on good security, and the interest applied in buying coals for the use of poor decayed housekeepers. This sum of £100, with £10 belonging to Davis’s charity, £20 the legacy of John Higginson, and £20 left by the same person to the use of the organist of Ellesmere, making altogether £150, is secured by a bond, bearing date 13th October, 1795, given to the vicar and churchwardens by the directors of the Ellesmere House of Industry, which was established under an act passed 31st George III.

John Whittall, of East Greenwich, by will, 1798, bequeathed to the parish of Ellesmere £200 five per cent. annuities, the dividends to be paid by the churchwardens and overseers to ten poor housekeepers, on the 24th of December annually. In respect of this legacy there are now £210 new four per cents, standing in the names of certain trustees. The dividends, amounting to £8. 8s. per annum, are distributed by the vicar and overseers every 24th of December equally among ten poor housekeepers; no person being appointed two successive years.

Penelope Vaughan, who died in 1805, bequeathed to the churchwardens and overseers of the parish of Ellesmere £100, to be disposed of for the use of the poor of the said parish. The sum of £90, the produce of this legacy after the payment of the duty, was invested on the security of the Ellesmere House of Industry, the bond bearing date 7th January, 1808. The interest, amounting to £4. 1s., at four and a half per cent., is applied by the vicar, partly for the support of different schools, and partly distributed in small sums among the poor of the parish.

Richard Wynn, Esq., who died in 1823, bequeathed £100 to the vicar and church wardens of Ellesmere, upon trust, to place out the same, and pay the interest, on St. Thomas’s day yearly, to poor widows and widowers resident in the township of Crickett, Hardwick, and Upper and Lower Ridge, in such proportions as the owner, for the time being, of the testator’s mansion at Crickett should think fit. The sum of £90, received in respect of this legacy (£10 being deducted for duty), is placed in the Savings’ Bank at Ellesmere.

Lady Bridgewater bequeathed £200 for the support of the National School at Ellesmere

Post Office, Scotland street; Andrew Bickley, postmaster. Letters arrive at fifty eight minutes past six in the morning, and are despatched at six o’clock in the evening.

Antley John, boot & shoemaker, Birch lane

Antley Thos., boot & shoemaker, St. John’s hl

Astley Mr. James Lancaster, Sparbridge

Atcherley Richard, linen & woollen draper, Cross street

Badger John, assistant overseer, Willow st

Bailey Thos., supervisor of inland revenue, Sparbridge

Barlow Edward, ironmonger and brazier, and tin plate worker, Cross street

Barlow John, grocer, tea dealer, and cheese factor, Cross street

Bate Edward, corn miller, Mere side

Baugh Ann, hair dresser, High street

Baugh Edward, bookseller, printer, and stationer, Stamp Office; agent to the Sun Fire Office, and depôt of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, Cross street

Becket William, saddler & harness maker, Cross street

Bennett John, boot & shoemaker, Watergate street

Bickley Andrew, post master, and registrar of births, deaths, and marriages for the Ellesmere district, Scotland street

Bickley Robert, vict., White Hart, Birch ln

Birch Miss Amelia, Scotland street

Birch Eliza, boarding school, Woodbine Cottage

Birds Rev. David, Church street

Blackburne Edward, Esq., solicitor, clerk to the magistrates, deputy superintendent registrar, commissioner for taking deeds of acknowledgements of married women, and agent to Crown Life and Law Fire Offices, Town Hall; residence, Trimpley

Blackburne Mrs. Jane, Trimpley

Boyling John, shoemaker, Charlotte row

Brookfield John, slater, St. John’s hill

Brotheridge Charles, grocer & tea dealer, Cross street

Burrows Rev. Samuel Holinshead, Church st

Butler John, currier and leather cutter, Watergate street

Butter John, shopkeeper, Sparbridge

Butter Robert, farmer and vict., Bull & Dog, Scotland street

Chandler Charles, Esq., solicitor, and agent to Shropshire and North Wales Fire Office, The Retreat

Clay Edward, butcher, Charlotte row

Clay John, blacksmith and vict., Cross Keys Church street

Clay John, butcher, Cross street

Coffin Mr. Arthur, Watergate street

Coffin Thomas, ironmonger, cutler, and locksmith, Scotland street

Colemere Ann, provision dealer and baker, Cross street and St. John’s hill

Colemere John, parish clerk, St. John’s hill

Cooke Charles, grocer, tea dealer, and maltster, Watergate street

Cooley Charles E., land agent, and agent to Salop Fire Office, Canal wharf

Cooley William Wilson, land surveyor, Canal wharf

Cotton William Aldrich, Esq., St. John’s hill

Copnall Richard, butcher, Church street

Copnall Thomas, vict., Dolphin Inn, Church street

Cross William, watch and clock maker, Cross street

Cumpstone Joshua, county police officer, St. John’s hill

Cumpstone Susannah, school teacher, St. John’s hill

Davenport Richard, boot and shoemaker, Scotland street

Davies David, blacksmith, Cross street

Davies Edward, builder and wood bailiff to Viscount Alford, Canal wharf

Davies Martha, vict., Canal Tavern, Canal wharf

Davies Mary, nail manufacturer and vict., George and Dragon, St. John’s hill

Davies Mary, school teacher, St. John’s hill

Davies Richard, hater and confectioner, Swine Market street

Davies Thomas, linen and woollen draper and silk mercer, corner of High street

Davies Thomas, tailor, Scotland street

Davies Thomas, whitesmith and blacksmith, Scotland street

Davies William, tailor, Chapel street

Day Rev. John David, M.A., vicar, The Vicarage

Deighton Mrs. Jane, Church street

Dymock Mrs. Mary, The Mount

Dymock Robert Middleton, Esq., solicitor, The Mount

Edge Rev. George (Independent), Scotland st

Edge William, wheelwright, Birch lane

Edwards Mr. Edward, Trimpley

Edwards Mr. Edward, Scotland street

Edwards John, vict., Bull’s Head Inn, Cross street

Edwards Miss Mary, Church street

Edwards Mary, boarding school, Scotland st

Ellis Thomas, plumber, painter, and glazier, Cross street

Evans Thomas, hair dresser, St. John’s hill

Evans William, blacksmith, Willow street

Everett Simon, hair dresser, Swine Market st

Fallowes Mrs. Mary, Church street

Freeman Edward, cooper, Watergate street

Furmston John, maltster and cheese factor, Scotland street

Furmston Mrs. Sarah, Trimpley

Gibbons Mr. John Gibbons Parry, High st

Gough Ann and Mary, boarding school, St John’s hill

Gough William, saddler and harness maker, High street

Gwynn Thomas, surgeon, St. John’s hill

Haley Mary Ann, milliner, Cross street

Hampson John, linen and woollen draper and maltster, Cross street; residence, Trimpley

Hampson Thomas, veterinary surgeon, Sparbridge

Hampson Thomas, spirit vaults, Cross street

Hanley Thomas, pump maker, Church st

Harris James, baker & confec., Church st

Harrison Samuel, baker, confectioner, and shopkeeper, Scotland street

Hawkins, Mr. William, Willow street

Hewitt John, linen and woollen draper and maltster, Cross street

Higginson Sarah & Elizabeth, dressmakers, Watergate street

Hollis William, boot and shoemaker, Watergate street

Howell Margaret, bonnet maker, Watergate street

Howell Rowland, plasterer & slater, Chapel st

Hughes Mrs. Mary, Watergate street

Humphreys Richard, tailor, Watergate street

James Robert, shoemaker, Sandy lane

James Thomas, Esq., Higher Grange

Jenks Edward, bricklayer, Scotland street

Jenks Joseph, builder & vict., spirit vaults, Cross street

Jenkins Edward and Son, auctioneers and valuers, Willow street

Jones Anna Maria, berlin wool dealer, Scotland street

Jones Edward, vict., Black Lion Inn, Scotland street

Jones Edward schoolmaster, Union House

Jones Elizabeth dressmaker, Scotland street

Jones James, butcher, Cross street

Jones James, tailor, Scotland road

Jones John, coal merchant, Canal wharf; residence, Scotland street

Jones John, grocer and tea dealer, confectioner and baker, Scotland street

Jones John, cooper, Watergate street

Jones John, gardener and seedsman, Swine Market street

Jones John Wood, relieving officer for Ellesmere district, Watergate street

Jones Jonathan, schoolmaster, St. John’s hl

Jones Robert, vict., Talbot Inn, Sparbridge

Lacy George, boot & shoemaker, Sparbridge

Langford John Davies, Esq., Chapel street

Lea John, maltster, Elston Cottage

Lea Samuel, grocer and tea dealer, chemist and druggist and hop merchant, Scotland street, and tallow chandler, Canal wharf

Lee Helen, milliner and dressmaker, Scotland street

Lee William, saddler and harness maker, High street

Lee William, actuary at Saving’s Bank, Scotland street

Lloyd Edward, plumber, painter, & glazier, St. John’s hill

Lloyd Edward, artist, Watergate street

Lloyd Mrs. Mary, Trimpley

Lloyd Thomas, plumber, painter, & glazier, Watergate street

Lloyd Wm., plumber, painter, and glazier, St. John’s hill

Lovett Elizabeth, bonnet maker, Willow st

Lovett Samuel, tollgate contractor, Willow st

Lowe Samuel, chandler, High street

Lowe Samuel, butcher, Church street

Lowe Thomas, Esq., Church street

Maddocks Charles, vict., White Lion, Swine Market street

Marsh John, vict., Golden Lion, Watergate st

Menlove Joshua Lewis, tanner, Church st

Menlove Miss Sarah, Trimpley

Menlove William Edward, Esq., solicitor, Church street

Morgan Samuel, butcher, Watergate street

Morrall Robert, Esq., solicitor, superintendent registrar, and recorder of Viscount Alford’s Court Leet; office, Town Hall

Morris Edward, maltster, Trimpley

Morris Peter, provision dealer, and depot for British and Foreign Bible Society, High street

Morris William, boot & shoe maker, Cross st

Mousley Thomas, surgeon, Chapel street

Oswell Mrs. Mary Dorothy, Scotland street

Oswell Thomas Stephen, Esq., Scotland st

Paddock William, wine merchant and vict., Bridgewater Arms, High street

Parry John, ropemaker and vict., Unicorn Inn, Cross street

Parry Thomas, grocer, tea dealer, baker, and confectioner, Cross street

Parry William, grocer, tea dealer, ironmonger and nail manufacturer, High street

Pay William, vict., Red Lion Inn, Church st

Peake Rev. John, B.A., curate, Sparbridge

Pearce Charles, bookkeeper to Shropshire union railway and canal company; office, Canal wharf

Pearce Richard, maltster, Sparbridge

Pearce Thomas, timber merchant and wheelwright, Swine Market street

Pemberton Richard, hatter, St. John’s hill

Perkins John, painter, Willow street

Phillips William, butcher, Scotland street

Platt Frederick, tailor, Willow street

Ponton James Batt, Ellesmere Academy, Willow street

Povey Francis, grocer & tea dealer, druggist, ironmonger, and seed and hop merchant, High street

Povey Thomas, grocer and tea dealer, ironmonger, brazier, and tin plate worker, glass dealer, and nail manufacturer, Market place, and spirit Vaults, Scotland street

Povey Thomas, jun., linen and woollen draper and silk mercer, Scotland street

Povey William, coal, lime, slate, and brick agent, Market place

Powell Richard, boot and shoe maker, Birch lane

Price Elizabeth, shopkeeper, Charlotte row

Price Mrs. Hannah, Trimpley

Pritchard John Pembrey, master of Ellesmere union, The Union House

Pritchard Peter, Esq., solicitor, and clerk to commissioners of property and assessed taxes, agent to Farmers’ Royal Insurance Office, and solicitor to Ellesmere union, Chapel street

Provis William, Alexander, Esq., The Grange

Ralphs James, vict., Eagle Inn, Birch lane

Ralphs Edward, bricklayer, bird preserver, and vict., Bricklayers’ Arms, Scotland st

Randles Joseph, inland revenue officer, Sparbridge

Randles Mary, Elizabeth, and Maria, school teachers, Sparbridge

Reay Maria, ladies boarding school, Scotland street

Reynolds Mark, tailor, Watergate street

Roberts Ann, milliner and dress maker, Swine Market street

Roberts Ann, bonnet maker, Scotland street

Roberts John, tailor, Scotland street

Roberts Robert, earthenware dealer, Scotland street

Roberts Robert, tailor, Scotland street

Roberts William, grocer, tea dealer, and linen and woollen draper and silk mercer, High street

Robinson John, blacksmith and earthenware dealer, Scotland street

Rodenhurst Thomas, tailor, St. John’s hill

Rodenhurst William, maltster, Cross street

Rowland John, cooper, Scotland street

Rowland John jun., cooper, Scotland st

Rowland Richard, inland revenue officer, Church street

Salter George, Esq., solicitor, a commissioner for taking deeds of acknowledgments of married women, Willow street; residence, Prynallt

Scott Mr. William, Willow street

Sheraton Harry, land agent to Viscount Alford, Church street

Sheraton Mrs. Jane, Church street

Shuker Mrs. Catherine, Scotland street

Stanton John, Esq., The Hollies

Stant Richard, vict., Back’s Head, Watergate street

Stokes William, schoolmaster, Chapel street

Stoker John, vict., Three Tuns, St. John’s hl

Thomas Mary, dressmaker, Watergate street

Thompson Edward, cabinet maker and upholsterer, Watergate street

Thompson Henry, maltster, Watergate street

Thompson Robert, tailor, Church street

Thompson Thomas, bookseller, printer, and stationer, and agent to Royal Exchange Fire and Life Office, High street

Tilston John, maltster, Church street

Tomkin’s John, vict., New Inn, Trimpley

Towler Samuel, plumber, painter & glazier, and brazier and tin plate worker, High st

Townsend Daniel, inland revenue officer, Sparbridge

Turner George, boot and shoemaker, High st

Turner Wm., boot & shoemaker, Birch lane

Varley Elizabeth, bonnet maker, Scotland st

Wace Charles Rd., Esq., solicitor, Cross st

Walter Rev. George, M.A., Trimpley

Watson James Eyton, surgeon, High street

Wellings Mary, shoemaker, Chapel street

White Captain John, Watergate street

Whitechurch and Ellesmere Banking Co., High street, (open on Tuesdays), John Lowe, manager

Wilkinson Jones, vict., Swan Inn, Cross st

Williams Mr. George, Scotland street

Williams John, tailor and woollen draper, Cross street

Wilson Elizabeth, school mistress, Willow st

Windsor George, maltster, Sparbridge

Worrall Mark, gardener & seed dealer, Cross street

Wright Henry Joho, currier and leather cutter, Church street

Young John, canal inspector, Canal Office.

Academies.

Those with * affixed are Boarding Schools.

* Birch Eliza, Woodbine cottage

Cumpstone Susannah, St. John’s hill

Davies Mary (National), St. John’s hill

* Edwards Mary, Scotland st

* Gough Ann and Mary, St. John’s hill

Grange Elizabeth, Chapel st.

Jones Jonathan, St. John’s hill

* Ponton James Batt, Willow street

Randles Mary Elizabeth and Maria, Sparbridge

* Reay Maria, Scotland street

Stokes William, Chapel street

Wilson Elizabeth, Willow st

Attorneys.

Blackburne Edward (and clerk to magistrates), Town hall

Chandler Charles, The Retreat

Dymock Robert Middleton, The Mount

Menlove William, Church st.

Morrall Robert (and superintendent registrar), Town hall

Pritchard Peter, Chapel st.

Salter George, Willow street

Wace Charles Richard, Cross street

Auctioneers.

Jenkins Edward and Son, Willow street

Bakers and Flour Dealers.

Colemere Ann, Cross street and St. John’s hill

Davies Richard, Swine market street

Harris James, Church street

Harrison Samuel, Scotland street

Jones John, Scotland street

Morris Peter, High street

Parry Thomas, Cross street

Banks.

Shrewsbury Old Bank, High street; open on Tuesdays; draw on Robarts, Curtis, and Company, London

Savings’ Bank, Scotland street; open on Tuesdays; William Lee, actuary

Whitchurch and Ellesmere Banking Company, High street; open on Tuesdays; draw on the Union Bank, London; John Lowe, manager

Blacksmiths.

Clay John, Church street

Davies David, Cross street

Davies Thomas (and whitesmith), Scotland street

Evans William, Willow street

Robinson John, Scotland st.

Booksellers, Printers, Bookbinders, and Stationers.

Baugh Edward (and stamp office), Cross street

Thompson Thomas, High street

Boot and Shoe Makers.

Antley John, Birch lane

Antley Thomas, St. John’s hill

Bennett John, Watergate st.

Boylin John, Charlotte row

Davenport Richard, Scotland street

Hollis William, Watergate st.

James Robert, Sandy lane

Lacy George, Sparbridge

Morris William, Cross street

Powell Richard, Birch lane

Turner George, High street

Turner William, Birch lane

Wellings William, Chapel st.

Braziers and Tin Plate Workers.

Barlow Edward, Cross street

Povey Thomas, sen., Scotland street

Fowler Samuel, High street

Builders.

Davies Edward (to Viscount Alford), Canal wharf

Jenks Joseph, Cross street

Bricklayers.

Jenks Edward, Scotland st.

Jenks Joseph, Cross street

Ralphs Edward, Scotland st.

Ralphs William, St. John’s hill

Butchers.

Clay Edward, Charlotte row

Clay John, Cross street

Copnall Richard, Cross street

Jones James, Cross street

Lowe Samuel, Church street

Morgan Samuel, Watergate street

Phillips William, Scotland street

Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer.

Thompson Edward, Watergate street

Cheese Factors.

Barlow John, Cross street

Furmston John, Scotland st.

Chemist and Druggist.

Lea Samuel, Scotland street

Coal Merchants.

Jones John, Canal wharf

Povey William, Marketplace

Confectioners.

Barlow John, Cross street

Davies Rich., Swine market

Harris James, Church street

Harrison Samuel, Scotland street

Jones John, Scotland street

Parry Thomas, Cross street

Coopers.

Freeman Edward, Watergate street

Jones John, Watergate street

Rowland John, Scotland st.

Rowland Jn., Jnr., Scotland st

Corn Miller.

Bate Edward, Mere side

Curriers and Leather Cutters.

Butler John, Watergate street

Wright Henry John, Church street

Cutler and Locksmith.

Coffin Thomas, Scotland st.

Fire and Life Office Agents.

Crown, Edward Blackburne, Town hall

Eagle, Charles Richard Wace, Cross street

Farmers’ Royal Insurance, Peter Pritchard, Chapel street

Law, Edward Blackburne, Town hall

Metropolitan, Edward Jenkins, Willow street

Mutual, Edward Barlow, Cross street

Royal Exchange, Thomas Thompson, High street

Salop, Charles E. Cooley, Canal wharf

Shropshire and North Wales, Charles Chandler, The Retreat

Sun, Edward Baugh, Cross street

Gardeners and Seedsmen.

Jones John, Swine market street

Worrall Martha, Cross street

China, Class, and Earthenware Dealers.

Povey Thomas (glass), Market place

Roberts Robert, Cross street

Robinson John, Scotland st.

Grocers and Tea Dealers.

Barlow John, Cross street

Brotheridge Charles, Cross street

Colemere Ann, Cross street

Cooke Charles, Watergate st.

Jones John, Scotland street

Lea Samuel, Scotland street

Morris Peter, High street

Parry Thomas, Cross street

Parry William, High street

Povey Francis, High street

Povey Thomas, Market place

Roberts William & company, High street

Hair Dressers.

Baugh Ann, High street

Evans Thomas, St. John’s hill

Everett Simeon, Swine market street

Hatter.

(See also Linendrapers and Hatters.)

Pemberton Richard, St. John’s hill

Hop and Seed Dealers.

Cooke Charles, Watergate st

Lea Samuel, Scotland street

Povey Francis, High street

Povey Thomas, Market place

Hotels, Inns, and Taverns.

Black Lion, Edward Jones, Scotland street

Bricklayers’ Arms, Edward Ralphs, Scotland street

Bridgewater Arms (excise office and posting house), William Paddock, High street

Buck’s Head, Richard Stant, Watergate street

Bull and Dog, Robert Butter, Scotland street

Bull’s Head, John Edwards, Cross street

Canal Tavern, Martha Davies, Canal wharf

Cross Keys, John Clay, Church street

Dolphin, Thomas Copnall, Church street

Eagles, James Ralphes, Birch lane

George and Dragon, Mary Davies, St. John’s hill

Golden Lion, John Marsh, Watergate street

New Inn, John Tomkin, Trimpley

Red Lion, William Pay, Church street

Swan, Jonas Wilkinson, Cross street

Talbot, Robert Jones, Sparbridge

Three Tuns, John Stocker, St. John’s hill

Unicorn, John Parry, Cross street

White Hart, Robert Bickley, Birch lane

White Lion, Charles Maddocks, Swine market st.

Wine and Spirit Vaults, Joseph Jenks, Cross street

Ironmongers.

Barlow Edward, Cross street

Coffin Thomas (and cutler and locksmith), Scotland street

Parry William, High street

Povey Francis, High street

Povey Thomas, Market place

Linen and Woollen Drapers and Hatters.

Atcherley Richard, Cross st.

Davies Thomas, High street

Hewitt and Hampson, Cross street

Povey Thomas, jun., Scotland street

Roberts William and Co., High street

Milliners and Dress Makers.

Haley Mary Ann, Cross st.

Higginson Sarah and Elizabeth, Cross street

Jones Elizabeth, Scotland street

Lee Helen, Scotland street

Roberts Ann, Swine market street

Thomas Mary, Watergate st.

Maltsters.

Cooke Charles, Watergate st.

Furmston John, Scotland st.

Hewitt and Hampson, Cross street

Lea John, Elson cottage

Morris Edward, Trimpley

Pearce Richard, Sparbridge

Rodenhurst William, Cross street

Thompson Henry, Watergate street

Tilston John, Church street

Windsor George, Sparbridge

Nail Makers.

Davies Mary, St. John’s hill

Parry William, High street

Povey Thomas, Marketplace

Plumbers, Glaziers, and Painters.

Ellis Thomas, Cross street

Lloyd Edward, St. John’s hill

Lloyd Thomas, Watergate street

Lloyd William, St. John’s hill

Perkins John (painter), Willow street

Towler Samuel, High street

Plasterers and Slaters.

Brookfield John, St. John’s hill

Howell Rowland, Chapel st.

Howell William, Church st.

Rope and Twine Maker.

Parry John, Cross street

Saddlers & Harness Makers.

Beckett William, Cross street

Gough William, High street

Lee William, High street

Shopkeepers and Dealers in Groceries and Sundries.

Butter John, Sparbridge

Harrison Samuel, Scotland street

Jones John, Scotland street

Price Elizabeth, Charlotte row

Wright, Henry John, Church street

Spirit Vaults.

Hampson Thomas, Cross st.

Jenks Joseph, Cross street

Povey Thomas, Scotland st.

Straw Bonnet Makers.

Howell Margaret, Watergate street

Lovett Elizabeth, Willow st.

Roberts Ann, Scotland street

Varley Elizabeth, Scotland street

Surgeons.

Gwynn Thomas, St. John’s hill

Mousley Thomas, Chapel st.

Watson James Eyton, High street

Surveyor.

Cooley William Wilson, Canal wharf

Tailors.

Davies Thomas, Scotland st.

Davies William, Chapel st.

Humphreys Richard, Watergate street

Jones James, Scotland street

Platt Frederick, Willow street

Reynolds Mark, Watergate street

Roberts John, Scotland st.

Roberts Robert, Scotland st.

Roberts William, Swine market street

Rodenhurst Thomas, St. John’s hill

Thompson Robert, Church street

Williams John, Cross street

Tallow Chandlers.

Lea Samuel, Canal wharf

Lowe Samuel, High street

Tanner.

Menlove Joshua Lewis, Church street

Veterinary Surgeon.

Hampson Thomas, Sparbridge

Watch & Clock Maker.

Cross William, Cross street

Wheelwrights.

Edge William, Birch lane

Pearce Thomas (and timber merchant), Swine market street

Omnibuses.

To Wrexham & Chester, from the Red Lion Inn, at 7 o’clock in the morning, returning at 8 in the evening.

To Ruabon, from the White Lion Inn, at half-past 6 in the morning, returning at 7 o’clock in the evening.

To Whittington Station, from the White Lion Inn, at 8 o’clock in the morning and 6 in the evening.

Carriers.

Shropshire Union Railway and Canal Company, general carriers to all parts of the kingdom; Charles Pearce, agent, Canal wharf

BIRCH AND LYTHE

is a small township, nearly a mile S.E. from Ellesmere, comprising 652a. 2r. 27p. of land, and in 1841 had eleven houses and 65 inhabitants. The township contains some good land, has an undulating surface, and is intersected by the Shropshire Union Canal, on the banks of which are a commodious residence and offices erected by the Canal Company. The landowners are the trustees of the Earl of Bridgewater and Richard George Jebb, Esq. The latter gentleman resides at a neat mansion, pleasantly situated and beautified with pleasure grounds, called The Lythe. Birch Hall is a good farm house, with commodious out-buildings, of modern construction.

The principal residents in Birch and Lythe are Richard George Jebb, Esq., The Lythe; William Shingler, farmer, Birch Hall; William Whalley, builder; and John Young, canal inspector, Canal-office.

COCKSHUT AND CROSEMERE

is a township and well-built village on the turnpike road from Ellesmere to Shrewsbury, four miles S.E. from the former town. The village contains some good residences, and is situated in an important and flourishing agricultural district, noted for producing fine cheese. The magistrates hold a petty sessions at the Court-room on the second Thursday in every month, except in the months of April and November, when they are held on the first Thursday in each month. The presiding magistrates are Sir John R. Kynaston, Bart., C. K. Mainwaring, Esq., Richard G. Jebb, Esq., and Wm. Sparling, Esq. The township contains 1,533a. 1r. 19p. of land, and in 1841 there were 93 houses and 434 inhabitants. The principal landowners are the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater; Mr. Samuel Lee; Mr. Thomas Austin and Mr. John Trevor are also owners. William Sparling, Esq., is lord of the manor. Fairs are held on May 3rd and the last Friday in October for the sale of cattle, sheep, and general merchandise, which are well attended. A Feast is held on the first Sunday after the 25th of October. The Church is a neat brick structure, erected in 1776, consisting of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a square tower containing two bells and a clock. The interior has a neat appearance, and is fitted up with oak sittings. The chancel contains a beautiful altar piece, and a neat mural monument in memory of F. Lloyd, of Crosemere. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Vicar of Ellesmere, and enjoyed by the Rev. Samuel Hollinsend Burrows. The church was repaired and beautified in 1842. The Primitive Methodists have a neat chapel, ejected in 1847. Crosemere is a joint township with Cockshut, about three miles S.E. from Ellesmere, and is noted for the extent of its meres or pools. That of Crosemere covers a surface of 44 acres; and Sweat-mere is also of considerable extent; they are well stocked with different sorts of fish. Crosemere Hall is a good house, the residence and property of Mr. Samuel Lee. Wackley Lodge, a neat house, with commodious farm premises, is the residence of Richard Hampson.

Francis Lloyd, Esq., in 1691, gave a rent charge of 6s. per annum, issuing out of a croft in Frankton, to be distributed to the poor of Cockshut, Crosemere, and Frankton.

John Parker, in 1849, bequeathed £200, the interest to be expended in bread for the poor, by the minister and chapel wardens, at such times and in such quantities as they shall think fit.

Post Office.—At John Green’s. Letters arrive from Ellesmere at 9.10 A.M., and are despatched at 3.20 P.M.

Those marked * reside at Crosemere.

* Austin Thomas, farmer

* Belliss Richard, farmer

* Birch Edward, farmer

* Buckley William, farmer

Burlton William, shoemaker

Burroughs Thomas, farmer

Burroughs William, farmer

Butler James, maltster and beerhouse

* Cartwright Sml. wheelwright

Chester Jeffrey, vict., Lloyd’s Arms and Excise Office

Dickin Thomas, butcher

Evans John, saddle & harness maker

* Faulkes George, farmer

Faulkes Richard tailor

Green John, schoolmaster and parish clerk

Hampson Richard, farmer, Wackley Lodge

Haycocks Richard, blacksmith

Haycocks Thos., shoemaker

Haycocks William, farmer

Haycocks William, butcher and salesman

* Lee Samuel, farmer, Crosemere Hall

Lee Samuel, farmer

Maddocks Thos., bricklayer

Marsh Richard, farmer

Peevar John, shoemaker

Read John, shopkeeper and farmer

Read John, baker and shopkeeper

Read John, blacksmith

Shingler Thomas, farmer

Thomas Edward, wheelwright

* Thomas Edwd., shoemaker

Thompson James, tailor

Townsend Ann, victualler, Golden Lion

Townsend William, glazier

Trevor John, farmer & vict., Crown Inn

White Edward, farmer

Wynn John, farmer

COLEMERE

is a township, having a scattered population, three miles E.E. by S. from Ellesmere, containing 1,449a. 3r. 8p. of land, of which 1,248 acres are vested in the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater. The soil is generally fertile, and produces good crops of wheat and barley. There is a fine mere or pool of water, which covers a considerable surface, within the bounds of this township. At the census in 1841 there were 39 houses and 192 inhabitants.

The principal residents in this township are the following Farmers, viz.:—William Bate, Thomas Baty, Mary Birch, William Birch, John Clark, Jane Haycock, Richard Jones, and tailor, Thomas Jones, and corn miller, Thomas Thomas, William Wenlock, Hannah Wilkinson, and Catherine Young. Mary Butler, shopkeeper.

CRICKETT

is a small township, containing 339a. 1r. 12p. of fertile land, situated two miles and a quarter S.W. from the church of Ellesmere. Richard Wynn, Esq., is the proprietor of the whole township. In 1841 the township is returned as containing four houses and 30 inhabitants.

Directory.—Richard Wynn, Esq., Old Crickett; Thomas John Rider, gentleman New Crickett.

DUDLESTON, OR DUDLISTON,

formerly written Duddlestone, is a township and chapelry in the parish of Ellesmere, four miles and a half N.W. from that town, and eight miles N.N.E. from Oswestry. The chapelry comprises the townships of Pentrecoed, Criftins, Chapel, Coadyrallt, and Dudleston, which together have an area of 4,640a. 1r. 24p. of land, mostly an undulating district, in some parts highly productive, and in other parts of an inferior quality. At the census of 1841 there were 950 houses and 1,207 inhabitants. The houses are in general scattered, and there are a considerable number of detached cottages, which in many instances were originally built upon the unenclosed land; and they have generally a small plot, or a few acres of land attached to each cottage. The principal landowners are Edward Morrall, Esq.; Lord Dungannon; George Harper, Esq.; James Edwards, Esq.; Rev. John Morrall; George Bennett, Esq.; John Owen, Esq.; Charles Brown Owen, Esq.; John Davies, Esq.; William Dickin, Esq.; Hon. William M. B. Nugent; Mr. Richard Edwards; Miss Benyon; Mr. Samuel Lea; Mr. Robert Grindley; Mrs. Elizabeth Jones; Miss Boydell; Mr. Dymock; Mr. John Vaughan; Miss Kynaston; Mr. James Munslow; and Miss Broom; besides whom are several other freeholders. Edward Morrall, Esq., is lord of the manor of Traian, which includes the parish of St. Martin’s and Dudleston chapelry. The Chapel is a neat structure, situated on elevated ground, built of rough stone, with hewn quoins and finishings. It consists of nave and side aisles, with an octagonal tower surmounted with short pinnacles. The body of the church was rebuilt in 1819, at a cost of £431. 13s., towards which the Society for Building and Enlarging Churches gave the sum of £200. It contains several neat mural monuments to the Boydells, of Kilhendre and Sodylt Hall, and the Morralls. The pulpit is of oak, curiously carved. At the west end of the church are three venerable yew trees, now much decayed. The living is a perpetual curacy, returned at £238, in the patronage of the Vicar of Ellesmere, and enjoyed by the Rev. David Birds. The Wesleyan Methodists and the Independent Methodists have each a small chapel on Dudleston Heath. The Association Methodists have a chapel at the Gravel Holes. There are two manufactories of bricks, tiles, and brown earthenware, in this township; and coal is got at the Flannag colliery, near to Coed-y-rallt. The pits, however, are within the bounds of St. Martin’s parish, but the underground works extend into this chapelry. The coal is of a superior quality, and the seams are from one foot to three feet in thickness.

About a quarter of a mile from the church, on the brow of a hill, overlooking a beautiful valley richly wooded, is Kilhendre, the residence of Captain Johnson. On the site of the present house, about fifty years ago, stood a very ancient mansion of chequered timber and brick work, the residence of the Edwards, who had been settled there for upwards of six centuries, and possessed considerable estates, in Dudleston, St. Martin’s, and the neighbouring townships. Here Colonel Jones, governor of Dublin, a very active and successful officer during the Commonwealth, for some time found a peaceful asylum after Cromwell’s death. In the centre of the house was a chamber, into which you descended by steps, and the passages to which were hidden by tapestry, evidently intended as a place of concealment in cases of sudden danger. The rooms were low, gloomy, and inconvenient, and a large hall occupied half the house. The house and demesnes were alienated in the year 1800, and soon after purchased by Mr. Boydell, in whose representative, Miss Boydell, they are now vested. Plas Yollen is a handsome and pleasantly situated dwelling, the residence of Robert Morrall, Esq. Plas-warren, an ancient house, the residence and property of Edward Morrall, Esq., who is also the owner of Plas-yollen. The Erway is a handsome house of modern construction, and the residence of Richard Ellerton, Esq. Sodylt Hall is a pleasantly situated house, with tasteful pleasure grounds, the residence of George Bennett, Esq. Shelbrook is a good house, the residence and property of John Jones, Esq. Pentre-coed is the residence and property of William Dickin, Esq. Dudleston Hall, a modern brick house, stands about 100 yards south from the site of the old hall, and is the residence and property of John Davies, Esq. At the northern extremity of the chapelry of Dudleston the county terminates in an elevated and precipitous rock, called Coed-y-rallt, which commands one of the most beautiful views of bold and romantic scenery that can well be conceived. The shelving precipice is clothed with a thriving plantation; and deep below wind the dark waters of the Dee, which separates this county from Wales. Other features in the scenery are the beautiful grounds and woods of Nant-y-lielan, the aqueducts of Chirk and Ponte-y-cysyllte, Chirk Castle, and Bryn-Kynalt, the beautiful seat of Lord Dungannon, all backed by the bold swells and the Alpine heights of the Welsh mountains.

Charities.—Frances Edwards, in 1719, conveyed certain premises in Dudleston, and directed them to be converted into a school and residence for a schoolmistress; to be kept in repair by such person as for the time being should be entitled to her capital messuage called Kilhendre; she also gave a rent charge of £10 per annum, issuing out of the great farm in Dudleston; £4. 10s. thereof to be paid to the schoolmistress, who should instruct twenty-four poor children; 10s. to buy books for the children; £3 to be paid in apprentice fees; 20s. for a distribution of bread every Sunday to five poor aged persons; and 20s., the residue thereof, to be expended in flannel, and given to the poor. The school is situated near the church, and occupied by a female, who teaches twenty-four poor children. The rent charge is expended in carrying out the donor’s intentions.

John Jones, by his will, dated 26th February, 1725, directed his executors to pay £100 to the incumbent, chapelwardens, and overseers, of the poor of Dudleston, to purchase land for the benefit of the poor. This gift, with £20 given by a servant, £10 by Roger Jennings, and £5 by Mr. Roberts, were laid out in 1740 in the purchase of 6a. 0r. 21p. of land. There is also an allotment of about a quarter of an acre set out on the enclosure of Dudleston common, the whole of which is let for £8. 12s. 6d., and distributed to the poor on St. Thomas’s day. The sum of £10, left by a servant man in 1735, and £10 left by another servant man in 1739, are charged upon the Sodylt estate, and the interest, 20s. per annum, is distributed with the above charity.

Thomas Kynaston, in 1761, left £200, the interest to be annually distributed to the poor. This money is invested on the security of the turnpike road from Wem to Bron-y-Garth.

William Challnor, in 1791, bequeathed £100, the interest to be applied in the relief of twenty of the poorest inhabitants of the chapelry. Elizabeth Challnor, by will, 1807, bequeathed £100 to augment the charity of her father-in-law, William Challnor. The first bequest is secured on the tolls of the road from Wem to Bron-y-Garth; and the latter is secured on the Ellesmere House of Industry. The interest, £9. 1s., is distributed on New Year’s day among the most necessitous poor.

Post Office.—At Mr. Richard Evan’s, the Griffin Inn. Letters are despatched to Chirk at two o’clock in the afternoon.

Bennett George, Esq., barrister, Sodylt Hall

Davies Edward, blacksmith, Criftins

Davies John, Esq., Dudleston Hall

Davies Richard, colliery proprietor, Flannag Colliery

Davies Thomas, wheelwright

Ellerton Richard, Esq., Erway

Evans Richard, victualler, Griffin Inn

Evans Joshua, wheelwright

Furmston Mrs. Emma, Criftins

Handley William, brick, tile, earthenware manufacturer, and victualler, The Grapes, Criftins

Humphreys Thomas, blacksmith

Jones John, Esq., Shelbrook

Jones John, shoemaker, Criftins

Jones Walter, shoemaker, Gravel Holes

Johnson Captain Robert, Kilhendre

Kilvert Joseph, shopkeeper and victualler, Fox Inn, Criftins

Morrall Edward, Esq., Plas-warren

Morrall Robert, Esq., solicitor, Plas-yollen

Newnes William, shoemaker

Owen Richard, farmer and victualler, Three Pigeons Inn

Phillips Robert, blacksmith

Preston Samuel, shoemaker, Gravel Holes

Spencer Thomas, brick, tile, flower pot, and black earthenware manufacturer

Winter Rev. John Bowyer, curate

FARMERS.

Belmont Charles, The Pant, Pentrecoed

Boote Joseph (executors of), Gadless

Corns Richard, Criftins

Darlington Thomas, Plas-Thomas, Coadyrallt

Davies John, Dudliston Hall

Dickin William, Pentrecoed

Edwards Richard, Rock House, Coadyrallt

Foulkes John, The Vron, Coadyrallt

Garner Benjamin, Coadyrallt

Gough Edward, Pentre-Morgan

Hampson Daniel, Coadyrallt

Hampson Jane, The Castle

Hampson John, Chapel

Hughes Arthur, Pentrecoed

Hughes James, and corn miller, Pant Mill

Hughes Thomas, and butcher, Chapel

Humphreys John, Chapel

Jones Elizabeth, New Hall, Chapel

Jones John, Shelbrook, Coadyrallt

Jones Roger, Cross lanes, Pentrecoed

Jones Richard, Dudleston Grove

Lee Richard, Cross lanes, Coadyrallt

Manford John, Coadyrallt

Manford Martha, Pit House

Murslow James, Chapel

Owen Charles Brown, Dee Field

Owen Thomas, Pentrecoed

Parry John, Sodylt Lodge

Pay Margaret, Chapel

Roberts Robert, Pentrecoed

Rogers Henry, Chapel

Rutter Ann, Pentrecoed

Shone Thomas, Coadyrallt

Steen John, Criftins

Strange David, Pentre-madoc

Teggin John, Coadyrallt

Thomas Joseph, Plas-warren

EASTWICK,

a small township, two miles and a half N.W. from Ellesmere, contains 503a. 2r. 33p. of land, and in 1841 had 18 houses and 87 inhabitants. The principal landowners in this township are the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater, Samuel Y. Kenyon, Esq., Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, Miss Kynaston, and Mrs. Broom. The chief residents in Eastwick are Edward Broughall, farmer, Gadless; Josiah Hughes, tailor; Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, farmer and tanner, Gadless; Joseph Strange, blacksmith; Francis Thomas, farmer; and Mrs. Mary Wall, farmer, Pleasant Grove.

ELSON AND GREENHILL,

a township, a mile and a half N.W. from Ellesmere, contains 547a. 0r. 18p. of land; the most considerable owner of which is Charles Kynaston Mainwaring, Esq. The other owners are Miss Kynaston, Mr. Joshua Lewis Menlove, Mr. John Furmston, and Mrs. Broom. This township has a scattered population; in 1841 there were 11 houses and 65 inhabitants.

Directory.—Daniel Boote, farmer, Elson; John Boote, farmer, Greenhill; John Lea, maltster, Elson Cottage; Joshua Lewis Menlove, farmer, land agent, and brick and tile maker, Elson; Thomas Williams, farmer, Greenhill, and Mrs. Ann Williams, Elson.

FRANKTON, OR ENGLISH FRANKTON,

is so called to distinguish it from Frankton, in Whittington parish, which is sometimes called Welsh Frankton. The village is pleasantly situated on high ground, four miles and a half south from Ellesmere, and in 1841 contained 41 houses and 199 inhabitants. The houses are in general straggling, and there are a considerable number of small cottages. The township contains 956a. 0r. 34p. of land; the principal owners of which are John Povey, Esq., Mrs. Jane Griffiths, Nicholson Robinson, Esq., and Mr. William Downes.

The principal residents are Mr. John Borne Oekley; William Downes, farmer, Frankton Grove; William Downes, jun., farmer; William Foulkes, farmer; Elias Puleston, farmer; Thomas Stanyer, farmer; Thomas Smith, blacksmith; and John Williams, wheelwright.

HAMPTON WOOD

is a small township, with 703a. 0r. 18p. of land, situated three miles from Ellesmere, and in 1841 had 37 houses and 175 inhabitants. The principal landowners are the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater, Lord Kenyon, C. K. Mainwaring, Esq., and Joshua Lewis Menlove, Esq. The resident farmers are William Boughey; Mary Boyling; Robert Jacks; James Price, and corn miller; Thomas Reeves; John Rodenhurst; and John Smith.

HARDWICK

is a township, containing 449a. 3r. 17p. of land, and in 1841 had 27 houses and 441 inhabitants. The whole township is the property of Sir John Roger Kynaston, Bart., who resides at Hardwick Hall, an elegant mansion, delightfully situated in a park, with a fine undulating surface, richly wooded with noble timber. The south front of the hall opens upon a terrace, ornamented with flowers, vases, and an open balustrade, which leads into the park. On the west side of the hall are the pleasure grounds and shrubberies, which contain some rare shrubs of remarkably fine growth; the arra-caxia imbricata is upwards of sixteen feet high, and one of the finest specimens in the country. The cedar deodora is also a beautiful specimen. There are upwards of thirty varieties of the pinus tribe planted in different parts of the grounds. Adjoining the west side of the hall, a new conservatory has just been completed, which is chiefly used as an orangery. The vineries adjoin the kitchen gardens, which cover about an acre and a half of land. About two hundred yards from the south front of the hall is a magnificent specimen of the cedar of Lebanon, which measures fourteen feet and a half in circumference. A portion of the top was broken off about three years ago with the weight of snow that fell upon it. Perthy Bank, or The Brow, consists of a public house and a few cottages, partly in this township and partly in Tetchill, situated on the brow of a hill, on the turnpike road leading from Ellesmere to Oswestry. Hardwick Cottage is a neat residence, pleasantly situated near the turnpike road, occupied by Lovett Ferrall, Esq.

Directory.—Sir John Roger Kynaston, Bart., Hardwick; Lovett Ferrall, Esq., Hardwick Cottage; John Cureton, farmer; Samuel Carsley, blacksmith; Edward Heyes, victualler, Green Man Inn, The Brow; Samuel Stockton, gamekeeper; Mrs. Martha Thomas; Richard Woolf, farmer, Old Hardwick.

KENWICK STOCKETT AND WHATTALL,

a township three miles south from Ellesmere, contains 874a. 3r. 29p. of land; the owners of which are the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater, Thomas Buckley Buckley Owen, Esq., and the Rev. William Thomas. In 1841 the township had nine houses and a population of 55 souls. The principal residents are Samuel Burrows, farmer; Richard Gough, farmer, Whattall; Thomas Furmston, farmer, Lower Kenwick; John Stoakes, farmer, Higher Kenwick; and Joseph Stoakes, farmer, The Springs.

KENWICKS PARK

is a small village and township, three miles and a quarter south from Ellesmere, having 1,054a. 3r. 26p. of land, which is the property of the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater. At the census in 1841 there were 22 houses and 120 inhabitants. The resident Farmers are Edward Colemere; William Gough, The Lodge; Thomas Hamson, Kenwick Park; Ann Harrison, Top House; Jane Harrison, Old Cast; Lazarus Harrison, Lower House; John Hassall; Thomas Jacks; John Reynolds; and James Williams.

HENWICKS WOOD

is a township, situated four miles south from Ellesmere, embracing 865a. 3r. 16p. of land; an undulating district, the high ground of which commands a most beautiful view of the fertile plains of Shropshire and of the mountainous district of Wales. In 1841 there were 23 houses and 137 inhabitants. The principal landowners are William Sparling, Esq.; Sir John Roger Kynaston, Bart.; Thomas Buckley Buckley Owen, Esq.; Mrs. Sutton; and Mr. Joseph Hignett.

The following are the chief resident Farmers, viz.:—Stephen Burrows, Edward Hayward, Sarah Nickson, John Shingler, and Edward Stoakes.

LEE

is a pleasant little village and township, a mile and a half south from Ellesmere, which contains 815a. 1r. 30p. of land, the whole of which is the property of Thomas Buckley Buckley Owen, Esq. This is a fine agricultural district; the land produces good crops of all kinds of grain, and many of the farms are of considerable extent The Old Hall, the residence of Mr. Thomas Lewis, is an antique structure of timber and plaster, with projecting gables, and has the date of 1594 on the front. One of the rooms is wainscotted with oak, and has the date of 1657 over the fire place. A fine old yew tree stands in front of the house.

The resident Farmers in Lee are Thomas Burrows; Thomas Gough; Thomas Hollis; Joseph Jones, John Lewis, John Price, and Richard Williams; Mr. John Lewis, Old Hall. John Morgan, blacksmith.

LINEAL

is a village and township, three miles S.E. from Ellesmere, which contains 1,897a. 3r. 3p. of land, of which 1,620 acres are vested in the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater. The township is intersected by the Shropshire Union Canal and the turnpike road from Ellesmere to Wem. There are lime works here which were formerly carried on to a very considerable extent, the canal affording facilities for sending that commodity to distant parts of the country. At the census of 1841 there were 44 houses in the township and 247 inhabitants.

Directory.—Andrew Bickley, farmer; Samuel Hignett Bickley, farmer; Isaac Birch, boot and shoemaker; Richard Bright, farmer; William Clay, engineer, blacksmith, and ironfounder; Mary Darlington, farmer; Francis Dickin, farmer; John Medeley, farmer; Hannah Mercer, victualler, New Inn, Hampton Bank; Robert Parry, farmer; Mary Peak, farmer and shopkeeper, Hampton Bank; William Rogers, farmer; John Wilkinson, victualler, Blue Dog; William Youd, farmer.

NEW MARTON,

a small village pleasantly situated four miles W. by S. from Ellesmere, is returned as having 21 houses and 106 inhabitants at the census of 1841; the landowners are the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater; the township contains 587a. 0r. 14p. of land, mostly an undulating surface, having a fertile soil, which produces good crops of grain. Dr. Thomas Bray, an eminent, learned, and pious divine of the seventeenth century, was born at Marton, in Shropshire, in 1656. He was educated at Oswestry Grammar School, and was the principal promoter of the Missionary Society denominated The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. Dr. Bray was instrumental in raising lending libraries in many parts of England and Wales, in connection with episcopal places of worship, out of which the neighbouring clergy might borrow the books they had occasion for, and where they might consult upon matters relating to their function and learning; similar libraries were also established in the American colonies for the use of the missionaries, which were subsequently secured to posterity by an act of parliament passed for that purpose in 1708. In the year 1712 the Dr. printed his “Martyrology, or Papal Usurpation,” in folio. This work consists of some choice and learned treatises of celebrated authors, which were grown very scarce, ranged and digested into a regular history. He proposed to compile a second volume, and had, at no small expense and pains, furnished himself with materials for it, but he was afterwards obliged to lay the prosecution of his design aside, and bequeathed by will his valuable collection of martyrological memoirs, both printed and manuscript, to Zion College. In the year 1726 he was employed in composing and printing his Directorium Missionarium, and his Primordia Bibliothecaria. About this time he also wrote a short account of Mr. Rawlet, the author of the Christian Monitor, and reprinted the life of Mr. Gilpin. Some of these were calculated for the use of missionaries, and in one of these he has endeavoured to show that civilizing the Indians must be the first step in any successful attempt for their conversion. As the furnishing the parochial clergy with the means of instruction would be an effectual method to promote Christian knowledge, so another expedient manifestly subservient to the same end would be, he thought, to imprint on the minds of those who are designed for the ministry, previously to their admission, a just sense of its various duties, and their great importance. With a view to this he reprinted the Ecclesiastes of Erasmus, a name of great authority in the republic of letters, and to whom the re-establishment of polite literature was principally owing. Dr. Bray was a frequent visitor of the prisons, the inmates of which always excited the highest degree of compassion in his breast, and to the temporal benefits which he munificently bestowed, he always subjoined spiritual comforts. He died on the 15th February, 1730, in the 73rd year of his age.

Directory.—John Bate, farmer and maltster; John Cooke, farmer; John Gabriel, wheelwright; Edward Lewis, maltster and shopkeeper; John Lewis, farmer; John Powell, blacksmith; William Williams, boot and shoemaker.

NEWNES

is a very small township on the turnpike road from Ellesmere to Oswestry, about a mile S.S. by W. from the former town. It contains 333a. 2r. 36p. of land, of which 310 acres are now vested in the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater. In 1841 there were six houses and 46 inhabitants. The resident farmers are Henry Pearce and James Thomas; Edward Lloyd, nurseryman. There is an erroneous tradition that the celebrated Whittington, Lord Mayor of London, was born at Newnes.

NORTHWOOD,

a village and township on the verge of the county, two and a half miles N. from Ellesmere, is separated from the county of Flint by a small stream, on the banks of which is a corn mill. The township is well wooded, has an undulating surface, and contains 1,321a. 3r. 5p. of land, the principal owners of which are the trustees of the late Earl of Bridgewater. Mr. Richard Evans and Mrs. Sarah Lindop are also proprietors. In 1841 there were 29 houses and 150 inhabitants. The resident farmers are John Cooke, Richard Evans, Mary Hassall, Sarah Lindop, Thomas Madeley, and Andrew Wycherley; Charles Reeves, corn miller. When our agent visited Northwood there were two farms unoccupied.

OTELEY, NEWTON, AND SPOONHILL,

a township with a scattered population, extending from half a mile to a mile and a half E. from Ellesmere, contains, 1,221a. 1r. 24p. of land, the whole of which is the property of Charles Kynaston Mainwaring, Esq., who resides at Oteley Park, an elegant mansion built of the Cafn free stone in 1827, and exhibiting a fine specimen of the florid English style of architecture, which prevailed during the reign of Henry VII. The mansion is most delightfully situated upon an elevated plot of ground, overlooking a magnificent sheet of water covering a surface of one hundred and sixty acres. In the front of the hall is one of the finest terraces in the country, it is surrounded with ornamental vases, filled with scarlet geraniums, which have a most beautiful appearance during the summer months, and give an additional charm to the fairy scene. The interior of the mansion is most superbly furnished, and contains an extensive and costly collection of antique, china, and curious ornaments of the most elaborate workmanship. There is a fine collection of family portraits, executed by the most celebrated Italian, Dutch, Flemish, and English masters. The library contains a fine collection of books, and is richly ornamented with carved oak. The entrance to the corridor is of stained glass, tracing the royal tribes of Wales, and the window of the hall traces the pedigree of the family: these are beautifully executed by Evans, of Shrewsbury. A little north from the hall is the billiard room, the interior of which is ornamented with Flemish tapestry. The shrubberies and pleasure grounds, which cover upwards of eighteen acres, are kept in the most admirable order, and beautified with rockeries, rustic bridges, and a very tastefully designed Swiss cottage. The grounds contain some fine shrubs, and the cyprus and the arbavitus, which are very numerous, exhibit the greatest luxuriance of growth. The park has a fine undulating surface, and is stocked with deer. This township at the census of 1841 contained 14 houses and 87 inhabitants.