Part 5

Eastward of this, on each side, is a similar arch of like dimensions, springing from the same pier. From these, the wings of the transept, corresponding in size and style, branch off to the north and south. In the eastern wall of each wing are two semicircular arches, those nearest the choir being larger than the others, and communicating with the chauntry chapels. At each extremity of the transept is a fine triple lancet window, highly enriched with slender shafts, foliated capitals, and delicate mouldings, and filled with beautiful stained glass. That at the north is of a rich and elaborate mosaic design, with oval compartments, enclosing figures of the Apostles and an escutcheon of the arms of George III., executed by Mr. David Evans. That at the south contains the memorial stained glass to the late Rev. W. G. Rowland, comprising figures of the Virgin and Child, St. Thomas, and St. Bartholomew, under rich florid canopies, with groups of angels above, bearing scrolls with inscriptions. The side walls are pierced with narrow lights, in couplets, in a similar but plainer style; one of which, on the west side of the north transept, contains the Virgin and Child, under a canopy; whilst the corresponding window in the south transept contains the arms of France and England quarterly, and the armorial bearings of the late Bishop Butler, and the alliances of his family. The narrow doorways {71} are semicircular, rising from round pillars with foliated capitals, and enriched with a moulding, consisting of a round branch, swelling at intervals into lozenged panels, charged with roses. Under the triple lancet window of the south transept is a large and bold Gothic monument, in three compartments, to the family of Lloyd, and to the widow of the late Bishop Butler: and around the walls of the north transept are placed the splendid Gothic monuments to

THE REV. J. B. BLAKEWAY,

[Picture: Monument to Rev. J. B. Blakeway]

and the families of Dukes, Parry, and Hughes.

The following is the inscription on the former:—

TO THE MEMORY OF THE REVEREND JOHN BRICKDALE BLAKEWAY, M.A. F.S.A. THIRTY-ONE YEARS ORDINARY AND OFFICIAL, AND THIRTY-TWO YEARS MINISTER OF THIS PARISH, THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED BY THE VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION OF HIS PARISHIONERS AS A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT FOR HIS TALENTS, ESTEEM FOR HIS VIRTUES, AND GRATITUDE FOR HIS LONG AND FAITHFUL SERVICES AS THEIR FRIEND AND PASTOR. HE DIED THE TENTH DAY OF MARCH, MDCCCXXVI, AGED SIXTY YEARS.

These exquisite specimens of monumental skill, (together with many others in various parts of the edifice,) unrivalled in chaste elegance of design, and richness of execution, are the masterly productions of Mr. John Carline.

[Picture: Triple lancet window] The chancel is elevated above the rest of the church, and is filled with carved oak stalls recently erected for the scholars of the Free Grammar School. It has on each side a narrow pointed arch, with deep mouldings rising from clustered pillars, opening to the chauntry chapels. On the north side near the richly decorated altar, is a beautiful and uncommon TRIPLE LANCET WINDOW; the central arch, remarkably acute, rising far above the lateral ones, and resting internally on two slender insulated columns, with capitals richly decorated with a combination of heads and foliage. These ornaments are continued as a frieze to the wall, and from the imposts project busts of monsters. This window contains some remarkably fine and highly finished stained glass, representing the history of the life of St. Bernard, said to be by Albert Durer, or at all events of his age. Another portion of this glass is in the central window of the south aisle of the nave. The great eastern window occupies the whole extremity of the chancel. Its arch is broad and inelegant, divided by clumsy mullions and tracery, and exhibits a specimen of the debased style of church architecture of the Elizabethan sera. In this window is the curious and beautiful ancient stained glass which filled the east window of Old St. Chad’s Church, prior to its demolition, and which was presented to this church in 1791. The subject is that favourite one of the old glass-stainers—the Genealogy of Christ from Jesse. Jesse is represented reclining in sleep; from his loins springs a vine, which overspreading the whole window, encloses in its branches the several kings his descendants. In the lower compartments are figures of three knights banneret, and three ladies, kneeling under foliated tabernacles; the former habited in hawberks and yellow surcoats, charged with a lion rampant gules. Underneath is an inscription, requesting our prayers for “Monsr. John de Charleton and Dame Hawis, sa companion,” from which, and from the armorial bearings, we learn that this exquisite piece of ancient art was set up by the great Sir John de Charleton, lord of Powis, and must have been executed between 4 Edward II., (1310,) when he was married to Hawise Gadarn, the heiress of the ancient Princes of Powis, and 1353, the year of his death. It has been conjectured that this glass was originally presented to the Grey Friars, in this town, to which religious house Sir John and his wife were great benefactors, and that it was removed to St. Chad’s at the dissolution—a singular instance of so fragile a material surviving the destruction of two vast and substantial edifices. The whole of this window has lately been thoroughly and most judiciously restored. The clerestory windows are filled with figures of Apostles and Angels.

On the north side of the chancel is the vestry, recently erected in the Norman style, the windows of which are filled with “roundels” of old German and Flemish glass, exquisitely finished; and immediately adjoining is the chauntry chapel of St. Catharine; in the east wall of which is a window of very uncommon form, consisting of a pointed arch, within which is a trefoil, containing, in stained glass, Christ seated on a throne amid the clouds and the dead rising to judgment. Immediately beneath is a round-headed window, in which is a kneeling figure in stained glass of the Virgin Mary, with angels hovering over her head, bearing in their hands a crown. On the north side is a large window, of three lights, with perpendicular tracery, containing fine old German glass representing the Crucifixion; Saint and kneeling figure; Judas betraying Christ; and St. Lambert and kneeling figure. This chapel is now used as a Baptistery, and the beautiful ANCIENT STONE FONT stands in the centre, on a rich pavement of modern encaustic tiles. Against the north wall, an alabaster slab, engraved with figures of a warrior and lady, commemorates Nicholas Stafford, Esq. and Katherine, his wife, the reputed founders of this chapel, who died 1463, which formerly lay under the arched recess in the north wall.

[Picture: Ancient Stone Font, St. Mary’s Church]

Over the door leading into the vestry is the monument, in white marble, erected by subscription, to the memory of the brave ADMIRAL BENBOW, a native of the parish. [Picture: Monument to Admiral Benbow] It represents an obtuse pyramid of black marble, against which leans an oval medallion full faced bust of the Admiral, surrounded with anchor, flags, and cannon; and below a delicately sculptured representation in bas-relief of a naval fight: underneath is the following inscription:—

ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION TO COMMEMORATE THE SERVICES OF JOHN BENBOW, ESQ. VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE, A SKILFUL AND DARING SEAMAN WHOSE HEROIC EXPLOITS LONG RENDERED HIM THE BOAST OF THE BRITISH NAVY, AND STILL POINT HIM OUT AS THE NELSON OF HIS TIMES. HE WAS BORN AT COTON HILL IN THIS PARISH, AND DIED AT KINGSTON IN JAMAICA, NOVEMBER 4TH, 1702, AGED 51 YEARS, OF WOUNDS RECEIVED IN HIS MEMORABLE ACTION WITH A FRENCH SQUADRON OFF CARTHAGENA IN THE WEST INDIES, FOUGHT ON THE 19TH AND FIVE FOLLOWING DAYS OF AUGUST IN THAT YEAR.

Attached to the south side of the chancel is a large and lofty chapel, in ancient times variously called “The Leybourne Chapel” and “The Trinity Aisle.” There is every probability that it was founded about the year 1300, by one of the Leybournes of Berwick, as a place of sepulture for the family, and was subsequently enlarged into its present form by the Drapers’ Company of the town, soon after their incorporation in 1461. In the south-east wall are three stone sedilia, with canopied arches; and on the north side of the altar, a small locker, once used for keeping the Eucharist. A fine pointed arch, in the pure style of the 14th century, communicates with the chancel through the north-east wall. Under this is an altar, tomb, (probably of SIMON DE LEYBOURNE, lord of Berwick, who died between 1300 and 1315,) [Picture: Altar-tomb, Simon de Leybourne] the sides of which are adorned with canopied niches, formerly containing figures; and on the table reclines the figure of a knight, cross-legged, and in chain armour. In this tomb the headless corpse of Thomas Percy, Earl of Worcester, “ill-spirited Worcester,” who was taken prisoner at the battle of Shrewsbury, 1403, and beheaded, is believed to have been interred. The windows on the south side contain figures in stained glass:—commencing eastward the subjects are—St. Christopher, Count Horne, St. Catherine:—Bishop, Count Horne, St. John, St. Catherine, St. Barbara:—St. John the Baptist, Angel, Count Horne, Joseph of Arimathea, and the dead Saviour, St. Anne, Angel, Countess Horne:—Bishop, Countess Horne, St. James, with armorial bearings of the family of Horne. Several of these figures are old, the rest are modern, executed by Mr. D. Evans, after designs by P. Corbet, Esq., of this town. Underneath which is a rich Gothic monument to Master WIGRAM.

[Picture: Monument to Master Wigram]

MAN KNOWETH NOT HIS TIME. AT THE WEST SIDE OF THIS CHURCHYARD ARE INTERRED THE MORTAL REMAINS OF HEATHCOTE WIGRAM, SECOND SON OF MONEY WIGRAM, ESQ. AND MARY HIS WIFE, OF WOODHOUSE, IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX, HE WAS A PUPIL IN THE ROYAL FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL OF THIS TOWN AND WAS DROWNED WHILE BATHING IN THE SEVERN SEPTEMBER I, MDCCCXXXVIII, AGED XIV YEARS. THE CONDUCT OF THIS AMIABLE YOUTH HAD GREATLY ENDEARED HIM TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS HIS NATURAL TALENTS IMPROVED BY SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION HAD ALREADY GIVEN PROMISE OF FUTURE EXCELLENCE WHEN HIS HEAVENLY FATHER CALLED HIM AWAY FROM THIS EARTHLY STATE OF TRIAL FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE UPON THEM THAT FEAR HIM AND HOPE IN HIS MERCY TO DELIVER THEIR SOUL FROM DEATH. THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY HIS MASTERS AND SCHOOL-FELLOWS TO THE MEMORY OF HIM WHOM THEY LOVED AND LAMENTED AND FOR THE CONTINUAL ADMONITION OF THE YOUNG IN THIS CONGREGATION THAT THEY— REMEMBER NOW THEIR CREATOR IN THE DAYS OF THEIR YOUTH.

Against the east wall are large gothic monuments to John Jeudwine Esq. and Thomas Sutton, Esq. and between them is the statue erected by his pupils, at a cost of eight hundred guineas, to the memory of the late BISHOP BUTLER. The figure is full-length, clothed in the Episcopal robes, sitting in an easy and graceful attitude; the right hand hanging over the chair, and the left supporting the head, which is leaning in thought. It is of pure white Carrara marble, and was sculptured by F. H. Baily, Esq. R.A. The pedestal which supports the statue is of dove-coloured marble from the Clee Hill, and bears the inscription below:—

SAMVELI BUTLER, S.T.P. R.S.S. EPISCOPO LICHFIELDENSI PRAESVLI PIO DILIGENTI DESIDERATO PRAECEPTORI IN PRIMIS DOCTO AC SOLLERTI CVIVS FAVSTIS ADMINISTRATA CONSILIIS SCHOLA REGIA SALOPIENSIS LITERARVM STVDIIS LAVDEM OMNEM SVPERGRESSA EST DISCIPVLI MVNICIPES AMICI ET FAVTORES EIVS VIRO EGREGIE MERITO HONORIS EXEMPLIQVE CAVSA POSVERVNT A.S. MDCCCXLIV.

[Picture: Statue to Bishop Butler]

Dispersed in various parts of the edifice will be found many monuments of modern date, some of which bear elegant inscriptions.

The northernmost of the windows immediately above, is filled with stained glass representing our Blessed Saviour receiving young children, and figures of Charlemagne and Edgar below, and in the window adjoining, is the Adoration of the Magi, and figures of Alfred and David below, the latter the gift of Daniel Rowland, Esq. brother of the late Incumbent.

On the exterior western wall of the tower are some quaint verses, recording the death of Robert Cadman, who, on 2nd February, 1739, rashly attempted to slide down on his breast along a rope, extended from the summit of the spire to the opposite side of the river. The rope being drawn too tight snapped asunder as he was passing over the Dominican Friars, and he fell lifeless on the ice-bound earth.

On the south-west side of the church-yard lies Lieutenant Thomas Anderson, one of the last persons executed for adherence to the Stuart family. He was tried at Worcester for desertion, and shot here on 11th December, 1759.

On the west side, “grav’d in the hollow ground,” close to the tomb of the Rev. J. B. Blakeway, also repose the ashes of that amiable man, and indefatigable antiquary, Mr. David Parkes, who died 8th May, 1833, of whom there is a mural tablet in the Trinity Chapel. And also on the north-east side, those of the late zealous incumbent, the Rev. J. O. Hopkins, M.A. over which is a stone bearing the following inscription:—

JOHN OLIVER HOPKINS, M.A. INCUMBENT OF THIS CHURCH, DIED AUGUST 1ST, 1853, IN HIS 43RD YEAR.

“BE YE ALSO READY FOR IN SUCH AN HOUR AS YE THINK NOT, THE SON OF MAN COMETH.”—MATT. XXIV. 44.

Westward of the church-yard are

ST. MARY’S ALMSHOUSES,

the safe asylum of feeble age and decent poverty. This foundation arose from the benevolence of the Worshipful Company of Drapers of this town, at a very early period; and was remodelled during the wardenship, of that company, of Degory Watur, a worthy burgess and draper of Shrewsbury, in the days of Henry IV., who, is believed (though whether on sufficient grounds is uncertain,) to have charitably devoted a portion of his substance to the erection and endowment of an almshouse, for thirteen poor persons of both sexes. This beneficent man is said to have “dwellyd in the almeshowse hall amongst the poor,” and a truly affecting sight must it have been to behold the pious old man, white with “the silver livery of advised age,” deprived of sight, and bowed with the weight of ninety-six years, daily accompanying the participators of his bounty to St. Mary’s church, where he “wold kneele amongst them in a fayre longe pewe made for them and hym selfe,” and offer up the grateful incense of thanksgiving to that Eternal Being, with whom there is no respect of persons. The good Degory

“Even in the downfall of his mellowed years, When Nature brought him to the door of death,”

forgot not the objects of his charity, but in his will, dated on the day of his decease, 28th July, 1477, devised certain lands to the Wardens of the Drapers’ Company to “sufficientlie susteyne poore people in St. Mary Allmeshowse.” Other charitable individuals made subsequent additions to the endowment.

The almshouses originally stood within the churchyard, and were confined, unwholesome, and highly incommodious to the thoroughfare. In 1825 they were entirely removed, and the present comfortable habitations erected on the opposite side of the street, by the Drapers’ Company, at an expense of nearly £3000. The houses are sixteen in number, and the inmates, who must be parishioners of St. Mary’s, are appointed by the Drapers’ Company, and supported by them, at an annual expense of upwards of £100.

In an ancient timber house in the south-west corner of the church-yard, is

THE DRAPERS’ HALL.

This curious and spacious apartment retains many features of the good old fashioned days. Elevated on a dais, “richlie dyghte withe blazon’d tyle,” stands the massive oaken table at which the Company hold their meetings, and below at right angles, is another table, which in former times was wont to groan beneath the solid cheer, with which the worthy drapers feasted their tenants and dependents. A rudely carved muniment chest occupies the lower end, and portraits of the excellent Degory Watur and his spouse, and of King Edward IV. “The Royal Founder of their Companie,” decorate the dark and gloomy wainscot.

The Drapers were incorporated by Charters of Edward IV. and James I. and their Company is recognized by several subsequent Acts of Parliament. Seven years’ apprenticeship to a member of the company is the necessary qualification for admission, though foreigners may be admitted on payment of a fine, at the discretion of the company. Their income, which chiefly arises from lands originally purchased by the voluntary contributions of the members, is considerable, and is expended in the support of the inmates of St. Mary’s Almshouse, in liberal subscriptions to the charitable institutions of the town, and in relief to the widows and families of deceased members.

The traffic in Welsh woollen-cloths, the staple trade of the place during three centuries, is now very inconsiderable, the market formerly held here every Thursday having been long since removed to Welshpool and Newtown in Montgomeryshire.

The next object which demands our attention is

THE SALOP INFIRMARY. {86}

“Here all have kindness, most relief—for some Is cure complete,—it is the SUFFERS’ HOME.”

[Picture: Salop Infirmary]

This excellent institution was established in 1747, for the humane purpose of affording skilful medical assistance to the suffering poor, and is most munificently supported by the voluntary subscriptions and benefactions of the county. According to the last report the total number of persons who have received the benefit of this useful charity since its commencement, are,—In-patients 65204; whereof 32298 have been cured, and 25156 relieved; Out-patients 138039, of whom 98376 have been cured, and 24700 relieved. The yearly number of patients is 1277 in-patients, and 4835 out-patients. Several of the physicians and surgeons of the town most humanely afford their valuable advice and skill gratuitously; and in order that medical aid may always be ready in cases of emergency, a surgeon, retained at a salary, is constantly resident in the house. The pecuniary and ordinary concerns of the institution are superintended by a board of directors, consisting of eight trustees, the deputy treasurer, and secretary. The domestic economy is regulated by a matron. Two of the subscribers, weekly attend as house-visitors. The Chaplain the Rev. J. Lewis reads prayers daily and visits the sick in the wards. A treasurer is also annually appointed, who, on the anniversary day in the Hunt week, is accompanied to church by the subscribers and patrons of the charity, where, after a sermon, a collection is made in aid of the funds; the plates on this occasion, being held by two ladies and two gentlemen of rank or opulence.

The house surgeon is allowed to take three pupils at a premium of 20 Guineas to himself, and 200 Guineas to the Infirmary, which entitles the pupil to board and residence for five years. Attendance at this hospital is recognized by the Royal College of Surgeons, and the Apothecaries’ Company, London.

There is a Library of about 3000 volumes, to which the best new medical works are yearly added by purchase.

The present building was erected in 1830, on the site of the Old Infirmary, after a design by Mr. Haycock, of this town, at an expense of £18,735 18s. 10d. of which £12,994 1s. 3d. was raised by subscription, and the remainder disbursed from the funded property of the charity.

It is constructed of freestone, in the Grecian style, is 170 feet in length by 80 feet in height, and has a handsome portico in the centre, supported by Doric pillars. The disposition of the interior is adequate to the accommodation of from 150 to 160 in-patients, and comprises four stories. The various offices, in number twenty-two, are arranged in the basement; the ground floor is appropriated to the board-room, dispensary, rooms for the admission of patients, the house-surgeon and matron’s apartments, and two wards for surgical cases; the first floor has seven wards for male patients, with day-room, scullery, and baths; the upper story contains a spacious operation room, with wards for female patients on each side; and in the attics are four other wards, with nurses’ rooms, &c. A staircase, at either end, communicates with spacious galleries extending the length of each story. A proper ventilation is kept up through the whole structure, and an uniform temperature preserved by a patent hot-water apparatus, which likewise affords a constant supply of warm water. The walls of the board-room are decorated with the portraits of Sir Rowland Hill, Bart., General Lord Hill, and Lord Clive, the armorial bearings of the successive treasurers, and the tables of benefactions.

The spacious terrace on the eastern side, commands an extensive view of unequalled richness and beauty. The eye, after dwelling on the nearer objects of the rugged declivities of the Castle Mount,—the Railway Viaduct over the Severn,—the majestic ruins of the Abbey,—the stately grandeur of the White Hall,—the elegant Column,—and the venerable church of St. Giles—wanders uninterruptedly over an extensive tract of fertile and finely wooded country, bounded by the long ridge of Haughmond Hill, the Wrekin, the Acton Burnell, Frodesley, and Stretton Hills.

Opposite St. Mary’s turnstile, at the corner of Church Street, stands

JONES’S MANSION,

the front of which is now obscured by modern erections, though portions of its lofty gables are still visible from the street. This house was built by Thomas Jones, Esq., called the _Rich Jones_, (the uncle of Sir Thomas Jones, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas,) who, after serving the office of Bailiff six times, was appointed by Charles I., in 1638, the first Mayor of Shrewsbury. In 1624 he also served the office of Sheriff of the county. Subsequently the mansion became the residence of the Chief Justice Jones. In 1642, during Charles I. stay in Shrewsbury, the Duke of York was lodged here, and Prince Rupert also made it his residence after the battle of Worcester.

In the adjacent street, Dogpole, is

THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTE,