Part 116

WHITLEY AND WELBACH is a township in the parish of St. Chad; four miles west by south from Shrewsbury, having in 1841, 21 houses and 113 inhabitants. A short distance from the bridge at Nobold, the parishes of St. Chad, Condover, and Brace Meole converge. HOOKER GATE is a hamlet in this township, consisting of a few cottages and a small BAPTIST CHAPEL, near to which collieries were worked till within the last few years. The land is the property of George Jonathan Scott, Esq. The principal residents are Thomas Savage, farmer, Whitley; John Mason, farm bailiff to G. J. Scott, Esq.; John Croft, shopkeeper; and William Juckes, beerhouse.

WOODCOTE AND HORTON, a township in the parish of St. Chad, three miles and a half from Shrewsbury, at the census of 1841 had 11 houses and 78 inhabitants. The chief landowners are Colonel Wingfield; John Walton, Gent.; Rev. John Yardley; and Mr. Thomas Woodward. The principal residents are Edward Kynaston, farmer; James Large, farmer; Thomas Lloyd, farmer; William Sherratt, farmer; John Walton, Gent.; John Wilding, blacksmith and wheelwright.

CARDISTON,

a parish containing the township of Cardiston and part of Wattlesborough, is situated six miles and a half west of Shrewsbury. It comprises 2,548A. 2R. 13P. of land, of which 2,395 acres are titheable. Rateable value of the parish, £2,692. 5s. Sir Baldwin Leighton is lord of the manor, and the principal landed proprietor; the Rev. Francis Leighton, bart.; Henry Lyster, Esq.; John Lloyd, Esq.; and the representatives of the late John Vaughan are also freeholders. At the census of 1841 here were 76 houses and 372 inhabitants. The parish is bounded on the south by the river Severn, and is intersected by the Shrewsbury and Welshpool road. The remaining part of Wattlesborough township is situated in Alberbury parish. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, was rebuilt of stone in the year 1749. The tower and windows were re-edified in 1844, at the expense of Sir Baldwin Leighton, bart., who is patron of the living. Rector, the Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A. The tithes are commuted for £392, of which £267 are apportioned to the Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A.; £120 to Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart.; and £5 to the small impropriators. A yearly sum of 10s. is paid to the churchwardens of this parish on account of _Morgan’s Charity_, which is distributed among the poor. On the table in the church three other benefactions, amounting to £25, are mentioned, which have been long lost.

DIRECTORY.—Richard Bromley, farmer; Richard Dyas, farmer; Thomas Hordley, wheelwright, and shopkeeper; Thomas Evans, coachman; John Lamb, shopkeeper; John Lee, farmer; Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A., The Rectory; John Netherway, painter and glazier; Captain Owen; Thomas Poole, farmer, The Park; Richard Poulter, shopkeeper and blacksmith; Ann Thomas, housekeeper; Richard Weaver, butler.

FORD

is a parish and township, in the hundred to which it gives name, five miles west by north of Shrewsbury, containing 2,140 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £2,040. 10s. At the census of 1841 here were 66 houses and 309 inhabitants. Population in 1801, 349; and in 1831, 263. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is lord of the manor, and a considerable landowner; the Rev. Robert L. Burton; Henry Gardner, Esq.; Mr. Henry Leey; and Mr. John Baldwin, are also proprietors. The river Severn and the Watling street intersect the parish. Earl Edwin held Ford in the Confessor’s time; and Earl Roger in the time of the Conqueror. In the 14th of Henry III. Henry Andele had a grant of the manor of Ford; and in the 37th year of Henry III. James Aldithele had a grant of free warren here, as had also Thomas Boterel some time after. The manor of Ford continued in the Talbot family, Earls of Shrewsbury, until the year 1824, when the same was sold to Sir Henry Wakeman, Bart., in whose family it now continues. THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Michael, is a small structure, built of rubble stone. The interior is neatly pewed with oak. The chancel is separated from the nave by a screen of oak of antique carving. There is also an ancient stone font. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of G. E. W. Tomline, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. John Wason, M.A. It was valued in the king’s book at £3. 6s. 8d., now £138. In the taxation of Pope Nicholas, A.D. 1291, Ford chapel is estimated at £10. In the parliamentary returns of 1786 it is stated that _Joseph Waring_, by will, in 1726, gave to the poor of this parish £10., which produces 10s. yearly.

DIRECTORY.—John Baldwin, farmer, Shoot Hill; John Barrett, farmer, maltster, and victualler, Cross Gates; Hy. Brayne, wheelwright; Ths. Breese, shoemaker; Edw. Bufton, shopkeeper and draper; Edwd. Bufton, jun., farmer; Rchd. Clayton, blacksmith; David Evans, farmer; Jno. Gittins, farmer, Ford heath; Joseph Gough, farmer, Ford heath; Rchd. Hughes, shoemaker; Thomas Humphreys, farmer, Chavel; Wm. Jones, shoemaker; Wm. Pugh, shopkeeper; John Quay, shoemaker; George Rogers, farmer; Thomas Rogers, tailor; William Wall, farmer; Joseph Waring, shopkeeper; Rev. John Wason, M.A., The Rectory; William Weaver, carpenter and parish clerk.

POST OFFICE—_At Mary Bishop’s_. Letters arrive at 5.30 A.M., and are despatched at 6.30 P.M.

HANWOOD GREAT

is a parish and pleasantly situated village four miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 415A. 2R. 21P. of land, the rateable value of which is £1,066. 10s. 5d. Gross estimated rental, £1,122. 12s. Sir Offley P. Wakeman is lord of the manor. The principal freeholders are Francis Harris, Esq., R. and W. Blakeway, Rev. Edward Warter, Mr. Nicholl, Joseph Sheppard, Esq., Messrs. Marshalls, Eleanor Hill, and H.D. Warter, Esq. In 1841 here were 43 houses and 167 residents; population in 1801, 264; and in 1831, 288. There are bleach grounds and mills in this parish carried on by Messrs. Marshalls and Co. THE CHURCH is built of brick, and has a small wooden turret, in which are two bells. At the east end is a handsome stained glass window, the gift of Henry Diggory Warter, Esq., the patron of the living. There is a stone font dated 1683. The church-yard is nearly surrounded by venerable yew trees. The parish register bears date from the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The tithes are commuted for £237, and there are 32A. 1R. of glebe land. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £3, in the incumbency of the Rev. Edward Warter, M.A., who resides at the rectory, a commodious residence near the church. _Mrs. B. M. A. Harries_, by will, in 1833, bequeathed to the rector and churchwardens for the time being of this parish the sum of £100, the interest thereof to be distributed amongst the poor inhabitants.

Alltree John, whitesmith, shopkeeper, and parish clerk

Blakeway, Richard, corn miller and farmer

Blakeway Wm., corn miller

Bridge Joseph, grocer and provision dealer

Bromley Mary, gentlewoman

Cotton John, bleach mill manager

Crane John, shoemaker

Edwards Thomas, higgler

Harries Francis Blythe, Esq.

Harrison Rev. Wm., M.A., Bank house

Hayward Rd., blacksmith

Higginson William, tailor

Hill Mrs. Eleanor

Hullen Eliza, boarding sch.

Jones Ann, vict., The Cock Inn

Jones Thomas, wheelwright

Jones Thomas, shoemaker

Jones Wm., basket maker

Littlehales John, wheelwrt.

Littlehales Rd., blacksmith and shopkeeper

Lloyd Mr. John

Matthews John, farmer

Oakey William, farm bailiff

Phillips Thomas, tailor and draper

Rydar Robert, gentleman

Ward John, shoemaker

Warter Rev. Edward, The Rectory

Yallowley Mary, gentlewmn.

HABBERLEY

is a parish and village in the hundred of Ford, nine miles S.W. from Shrewsbury, pleasantly situated in a bold undulating district, the scenery of which is pleasingly diversified with romantic beauty. The parish comprises 754A. 2R. 19P. of land having mostly a fertile soil, and 335A. 1R. 21P. in hills and common land. 485 acres of the titheable land are arable, 231 acres meadow, 38 woods and water, and five acres in public roads. William Henry Sparrow, Esq., is the principal landowner and lord of the manor; there are also a few smaller freeholders. Population—1801, 104; 1831, 128; and in 1841 there were 27 houses and 125 inhabitants. Rateable value, £1,108. 15s.

THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Mary, is an ancient gothic fabric consisting of nave and chancel, having a wooden turret. It was partly rebuilt and made parochial in the year 1558. The chancel window was restored by the late rector; the floor is covered with encaustic tiles. Among the memorials is a tomb to William Mytton, Esq., who died in 1747. The living is a rectory valued in the king’s book at £4. 0s. 2½d. in the patronage of W. H. Sparrow, Esq., and enjoyed by the Rev. Richard White, M.A. The tithes are commuted for £132, and there are 23 acres of glebe land. The parish register dates from the year 1599.

_Edward Corbett_, in 1654, charged a messuage and certain land with the payment of 20s. yearly, and directed the interest to be distributed among the poor, especially orphans and poor widows. Only 6s. is now received as Corbett’s benefaction. _John Gittins_, who died in 1808, left £20, and his widow, Elizabeth, who died in 1819, a like sum, the interest to be given away among the poor of the parish. The produce of these two legacies are now in the Savings’ Bank.

DIRECTORY.—Ann Bromley, farmer; Martha Evans, farmer and corn miller; John Everall, farmer; Thomas Highley, blacksmith, wheelwright, and parish clerk; John Onions, beerhouse keeper; Richard Lewis, blacksmith; Mr. Morris, farmer, The Hall; Thomas Pearce, agent to W. H. Sparrow, Esq.; Thomas Rogers, farmer; Rev. Richard White, M.A., The Rectory.

MINSTERLEY

is a parish, nine miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, containing 2,875A. 3R. 7P. of land, the rateable value of which is £3,165. At the census of 1841 there were 168 houses and 914 persons. Population in 1811, 705; and in 1831, 809. Half a century ago Minsterley consisted of only a few farm houses; but since the lead mines have been extensively worked it has greatly increased. The lead ore of this place is found enclosed or covered with a spar, over which is a kind of blue stone or slate, and contains a great quantity of red lead, and a small portion of silver. The Snailbeach mines are situated about a mile from Minsterley, and have been worked for 60 years in a most efficient and profitable manner, without experiencing any stoppage. The shafts are from 300 to 360 yards in depth, and the engine and machinery for crushing the ore are on an extensive scale. There are about 500 miners daily at work, besides others engaged in washing and smelting the ore. Upwards of £2,000 per month is paid in wages. The mines are the property of Messrs. Lovett, Jones, and Company, and under the management of Mr. John Harrison. In the year 1851 a Roman pig of lead was found by some workmen in sinking through a slag heap of smeltings, on which appears the following inscription in raised letters:—

IMP. HADRIANI. AVG.

It is in length twenty inches, and the girth is twenty inches, weighing 173 pounds.

Some years ago, an act of parliament was obtained by several landed proprietors to form a canal to carry the surplus water from Marton Pool to the Severn, which covered upwards of 200 acres of land for several months in the year. Since the cutting of the canal a great part of the land has been reclaimed, and brought into a state of cultivation. The Marquis of Bath is lord of the manor, and principal landowner. The Fair, or “Gentlemen’s Meet,” at Minsterley, is held on July 25th.

THE CHURCH is a brick fabric, built about the latter end of the 16th century. It consists of nave, chancel, and has a small wooden tower, in which is one bell. It is neatly pewed with oak, and the reading desk and sounding board are elaborately carved. In the chancel is a tablet, erected by the Snailbeach Company to the memory of their late agent, Mr. John Nealor. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of the Marquis of Bath, and the rector of the first portion of Westbury, and enjoyed by the Rev. Emilius Nicholson, M.A. The incumbent has a rent charge, derivable from the Cause Castle estate, amounting to £60 per annum. THE METHODISTS have a neat brick chapel here, which was built in 1833. THE FREE SCHOOL was erected in 1843, at the joint expense of the Marquis of Bath and several gentlemen belonging to the Snailbeach Company, in compliance with the requisitions expressed in the will of the late John Johnson, Esq., who provided an endowment to establish and perpetuate a day-school for the education of all children resident in the parish. The Snailbeach Mining Company have endowed the school with £40 yearly, and ordered that every miner shall pay to the schoolmaster sixpence every quarter. The school will accommodate one hundred children. The average attendance of the scholars is eighty. _Joshua Williams_, by will, in 1819, bequeathed an annuity of £20 for the education of poor children in the parish of Minsterley.

Adams Wm., maltster, farmer and vict., Miners’ Arms

Beady George, shoemaker

Beady Tryphena, milliner and dressmaker

Bowen Wm., underground assistant bailiff

Brumbil Thomas, victualler, Angel Inn

Clarke William, wheelwright

Croft Richard, perpl. overseer, Hawkstowbank

Davies David, engineer and mineral draftsman

Davies John, grocer & draper

Dolphin John Lloyd, druggist, draper, grocer, and maltster

Dorrcott Edward, schoolteacher and barber

Dyas Richard, blacksmith

Eddowes Edward, Hockstow Corn Mills and farmer

Eddowes Mrs. Judith, Reabrooks

Evans William, farmer

Everall William, farmer

Griffiths Mrs. Ann, ladies’ boarding school

Harrison John, gentleman, Snailbeach

Hincks Mary, dressmaker

Hincks Thomas, mason

Hughes Thomas, beer retailer

Hughes Vincent, engineer

Hughes Wm., linen weaver, and parish clerk

James Joseph, blacksmith

Jones Edward, shopkeeper

Jones George, tailor

Jones John, schoolmaster

Jones John and Co., Snailbeach Mines

Kempster John, Park Farm

Lee William, saddler and harness maker

Nealor Mr. Edwd., The Hall

Nealor William, Esq.

Nicholson Rev. Emilius, The Rectory

Philpot Jno. & Son, engineers

Powell Thomas, beer retailer

Robinson Thomas, tailor

Speake John, Wood Farm

Thomas Arthur, tailor

Turner John, grocer and draper

Vaughan Edwd., shoemaker

Whitefoot Richd., shoemaker

Whitefoot Thos., shoemaker

Woodhouse Samuel, farmer

Woodhouse Thomas, farmer

PONTESBURY

is an extensive parish containing the townships of Arscott, Asterley, Boycott, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Edge, Farley, Halston, Hanwood (Little), Hinton, Lea, Longden, Newnham, Oakes, Onslow, Plealey, Pontesbury, Pontesford, Sascott, and Siberscott, with the hamlets of Exford’s Green, Ford Heath, Horton, Lea Cross, Longden Wood, Moathall, Pansom, Polmer, Malehurst, Shorthill, and Woodhall, which together comprehend an area of 10,635A. 2R. 13P. of land, the rateable value of which is £14,513. 10s. At the census of 1841, here were 697 houses and 3,311 inhabitants; population in 1801, 2,053; and in 1831, 2,936 persons. Edward William Smythe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor. A great portion of the labouring population find employment in the extensive lead and coal works of this parish. The township of Pontesbury is situated seven and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, and fifteen and a half miles N.N.E. of Montgomery, and, with the hamlet of Malehurst, contains 1,119A. 1R. 30P. of land. Francis Harries, Esq., is the principal landowner. Sir Joseph Hawley, Bart., H. D. Warter, Esq., Colonel Wingfield, Henry Gardener, Esq., T. H. Hope, Esq., and Sir Offley P. Wakeman, and others are also proprietors. The turnpike road from Shrewsbury, which joins the Montgomery road at Brockton, passes through this township. In May, 1811, Pontesbury was visited by a most terrific tempest, when “a cloud burst upon the Stiperstone hill,” and the waters rushed down the acclivities with irresistible force, sweeping away cottages, mills, cattle, and trees, and drowning nine persons. The water being in many places from thirteen to seventeen feet deep.

THE CHURCH, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, was formerly collegiate, having a dean and two prebendaries. The old structure was taken down in 1825, except the chancel, and was rebuilt of rubble stone in the year 1829. At the west end is a lofty square tower containing a peal of five bells. The interior consists of nave, lofty north and south aisles, and chancel. The living is a rectory divided into three portions, the first portion is in the patronage of the present incumbent, the Rev. William Harrison, M.A. The tithes of this portion are commuted for the sum of £780. 6s. There are 21A. 3R. 21P. of glebe land. The second portion is in the gift of Brazen-nose College, and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Drury, M.A., the tithes of which amount to £774. 11s. 10d., and there are 58A. 2R. 3P. of glebe land. The third portion is in the gift of the present rector, the Rev. William Vaughan, who purchased it from Smythe Owen, Esq., for his life and ten years after. The tithes are commuted for £571. 6s. 4d., and there are 59A. 2R. 36P. of glebe land. The Rev. William Harrison, M.A., also receives £129. 9s. as the impropriator. THE INDEPENDENTS have a neat brick chapel, built in 1839, which will accommodate 200 hearers. The Baptists have also a small chapel here. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL is a spacious brick structure. CHARITIES—It is stated on the table of benefactions that _Thomas Davies_ left £200, _John Peers_ £10, _Eleanor Peers_ £10, and _Thomas Higgins_, _D.D._, left £10 the interest thereof to be distributed to the poor. This sum, amounting to £230, was expended in the purchase of 21A. 3R. 2P. of land in 1716, the rent of which is distributed to eight poor widows of this parish.

ARSCOTT is a small township and sequestered village situated two and a half miles N.E. by E. of Pontesbury, which contains 463A. 3R. 5P. of land. The soil is mostly strong. Coal is got in the township. In 1841 here were 24 houses and 127 persons. The tithes are commuted for £93. 15s. 6d., and apportioned to the rector of the second portion. Francis Harries, Esq., is the sole landowner.

ASTERLEY and INWOOD is a township and pleasant village, one mile and a half west of the parish church, which at the census of 1841 had 61 houses and 305 residents. The township contains 535A. 3R. 31P. of land. The tithes are commuted, and apportioned to the rector of the third portion, for the sum of £90. 15s. 6d. The principal landowners are Henry Gardner, Esq.; William Gardner, Esq.; and Mr. Everall. Extensive coal works are carried on here. The PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have a small chapel.

BOYCOTT is a small township, three quarters of a mile N.W. by N. of Pontesbury, containing 344A. 2R. 9P. of land. In 1841 here were three houses and 33 persons. The tithes are commuted for £75. 2s. Thomas Baycott, Esq., and Henry Warren, Esq., are the principal freeholders.

CRUCKMEOLE is a township and pleasant rural village four and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 512A. 0R. 13P. of land. At the census of 1841 here were 33 houses and 136 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for the sum of £114. 17s. The township is intersected by the Reabrook and the Shrewsbury and Minsterley turnpike road. H. D. Warter, Esq., and Francis Harries are the principal freeholders. Cruckmeole Hall is a handsome brick mansion, the property and residence of Henry Diggory Warter, Esq.

CRUCKTON is a township, chapelry, and pleasant village four and a half miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 900A. 1R. 28P. of land. In 1841 here were 27 houses and 155 persons. The tithes are commuted, and £76. 4s. 4d. is paid to the rector of the first portion, to the Rev. Wm. Harrison, as impropriator, £10. 9s. 4d., and to Geo. Tomline, Esq., £7. Francis Harries, Esq., is sole landowner. THE CHAPEL, dedicated to St. Thomas, was built in the year 1839. On the entrance door are two figures of angels carved in oak. It will accommodate 180 persons. This chapel was built for the district comprising the townships and hamlets of Arscott, Sibberscott, Shorthill, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Sascott, Horton, Nox, Onslow, Woodhall, Moathill, Panson, and Little Hanwood, so much of the township of Newnham as is north of Yockleton brook, and for the places on Ford’s Heath. The Rev. Charles Drury, M.A., is patron and incumbent. THE HALL, a commodious and handsome mansion in the early English style of architecture, is built of brick, with stone facings, and is the seat and property of Francis Harries, Esq.

EDGE township, situated two miles N.W. by W. of Pontesbury, contains 422 acres of land. In 1841 here were 15 houses and 68 persons. The tithes are commuted for £95. 11s. 6d. The executors of the late Mr. Thornes are the principal landowners.

FARLEY is a small township one mile N.W. by N. of Pontesbury, which contains 172A. 0R. 10P. of land. At the census of 1841 here were three houses and 19 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 3s. 3d. The principal proprietors are Mr. Thomas Inions, and Mr. John Hughes.

HALSTON is a small township to the S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 275A. 0R. 39P. of land. In 1841 there were three houses and 17 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £78 17s. 9d. W. L. Childe, Esq., is the sole landowner. HANWOOD LITTLE is a small scattered township four miles south of Shrewsbury, which contains the hamlets of Moathall, Woodhall, and Pansom, and comprehends an area of 667A. 2R. 37P. of land. In 1142 here were 11 houses and 60 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £133. 13s. 9d. The principal landowners are Miss Oldnell, John Berrington, Esq., and Francis Harries, Esq. Coal is got here in considerable quantities.

MOOTHALL, an ancient half timbered mansion the property of John Berrington, Esq., is still surrounded by a moat filled with water. The interior of the house is of curious workmanship, and has some fine specimens of elaborate oak carving. It is now occupied as a farm residence. WOODHALL was built in the year 1684, on the site of a more ancient structure; it is now occupied as a farm house. HINTON is a small rural township one and a half mile north of Pontesbury, which contains 339A. 3R. 13P. of land. In 1841 here were 12 houses and 59 persons. The tithes are commuted for £80. 18s. 3d. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is the sole landowner.

LEA is a small township pleasantly situated on the turnpike road from Pontesbury to Shrewsbury, which comprehends the hamlets of Crosshouses and Shorthill. In 1841 here were 27 houses and 132 inhabitants. There are 481A. 3R. 21P. of land. The tithes are commuted for £143. 6s. 3d., of which £33. 15s. 8d. is apportioned to the rector of the first portion of Pontesbury, and £109 10s. 7d. to the Rev. William Harrison, as impropriator. The principal landowners are Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., and William Henry Nicholls, Esq. There are several collieries at Shorthill. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL, situated at Shorthill, was built in the year 1842. It is supported by voluntary contributions and a small charge from each scholar. About ninety scholars attend.