Note 292 — MADELEY. (continued 5)

Barnabas Spruce had been Cashier at the Bedlam Works under William Reynolds; he kept a public house near the old water engine in the Lloyds, which was known and patronised for miles round for old beer. William Reynolds, Benjamin Edge, and others of that class were accustomed to meet there. The sign was “the Newhill Pit.” Barnabus died Jan. 1833. At the funeral on the 24th, as a last and fitting tribute to so worthy a brewer of good beer, a large number assembled. There were 37 horsemen, who had hatbands and gloves; and 40 gallons of ale were drank before starting to Madeley Church.