Part 8

The affectionate interest manifested by Dr. Butler in the welfare of his pupils remained nearest to his heart to the last. {101} And in retiring from the duties of his scholastic station, in 1836, it appeared as his greatest comfort and happiness to find that St. John’s College had given a good earnest of its intention to uphold the character of the school over which he had so long and so zealously presided, by the selection of the Rev. Benjamin Hall Kennedy as has successor, an appointment (it will be admitted by all) the most conducive to the future prosperity of the school, and consequently beneficial to the town and neighbourhood; inasmuch as it is stamped upon high and indubitable authority that Mr. Kennedy is one of the most brilliant scholars which the learned editor of Æschylus ever sent forth,—the brightest star in that galaxy of distinguished pupils whose names adorn the boards of Shrewsbury school; while from his experience of Dr. Butler’s system, both as a pupil and assistant master in this seminary,—his subsequent practice as a lecturer and private tutor at College, and as an assistant master for upwards of six years at Harrow, as well as from his own unrivalled talents and high literary distinctions,—from his fine taste and sound learning,—there is not a shadow of doubt but that he will fully maintain the reputation Shrewsbury School has already acquired.

The following annual prizes are distributed—

Pelham Prizes Latin Verse 20 guineas. Greek Iambics 10 guineas. Trustees’ Prize Latin Essay 20 guineas. Assistant Master’s Prize Latin Translation 10 guineas. Head Master’s Prizes For the First and Second Books. in the Examination

In 1832 this ancient and royal foundation was visited by three members of the royal family within two months: by his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, Sept. 5th; by their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Kent and the Princess Victoria, Nov. 1st.

THE SCHOOLS

are situate near the Castle, and display a handsome spacious structure of free-stone, built in the incongruous but fashionable style of architecture which prevailed in the 16th and 17th century; wherein the Grecian and pointed arches are fantastically mixed together. The building occupies two sides of a quadrangle, with a square pinnacled tower at the angle, partly rebuilt in 1831.

The original school-room was of timber, to which the tower, chapel, and library were added in 1595. In the year 1630 the wooden portion was removed, and its site occupied by the present edifice, in the centre of which is a gateway, having a Corinthian column on each side, upon which are statues of a scholar and a graduate, bareheaded, in the dress of the times. Above the arch is a Greek inscription from Isocrates, which implies that a love of literature is necessary to the formation of a scholar. Over this are the armorial bearings of Charles the First.

The upper story of this part is occupied by the principal school-room, an apartment 82 feet by 21, and in the basement is the head master’s school, in which are several panels containing the names of gentlemen educated here, and who have subsequently distinguished themselves at the Universities. {103} The upper moulding of each panel contains one of the following lines:—

TV • FACITO • MOX • CVM • MATVRA • ADOLEVERIT • AETAS SIS • MEMOR • ATQVE • ANIMO • REPETAS • EXEMPLA • TVORVM ET • TVA • TE • VIRTVS • MAGNA • INTER • PRAEMIA • DVCET.

The chapel forms the other wing of the building, and was consecrated Sept. 10th, 1617, when a sermon was preached on the occasion by Sampson Price, D.D. Chaplain in Ordinary to the King, from John x. 22, 23. It is 62 ft. long by 22 ft. wide, and contains a handsome pulpit and bible stand, and is separated from the ante-chapel by a carved skreen, displaying a series of interlaced arches resting on fluted Corinthian columns. Prayers are read here twice on school days.

Above the chapel, and of the same size, is the library, a noble room, rebuilt in 1815. The ceiling is richly adorned, and panelled into Gothic and ornamental compartments, on which are displayed the armorial bearings of the first and subsequent trustees. It contains a valuable collection of printed books and manuscripts, one side being occupied by the library of the late Dr. Taylor, editor of Demosthenes. Among the portraits which decorate the walls of this elegant apartment are those of the Bishop of Lichfield (late head master), the Reverends John Lloyd and Leonard Hotchkiss (formerly masters), Queen Elizabeth, King Henry VIII. Edward VI. (the Founder), Locke, Judge Jefferies, &c. &c.

At the south end of the room are four sepulchral stones found at Wroxeter, near this town, three of which are fully described by Pennant, in his North Wales. A small museum likewise contains other Roman antiquities from the same place, with fossils and other curiosities.

The windows are embellished with escutcheons of the arms of Edward VI. Queen Elizabeth, St. John’s College, Cambridge, the See of Lichfield, and the town, in stained glass.

In front and at the back of the schools is a spacious area, used as a promenade or play-ground for the scholars; contiguous to which are houses for the head, second, and assistant masters, and ample halls for the accommodation of boarders, who are numerous, and from all parts of the kingdom.

Several exhibitions of £70 and £80 a-year belong to this school, to which the freemen’s sons are entitled for a certain number of years. At a meeting of the trustees, held 23d May, 1836, it was resolved, in order more fully to testify their own sense, and to perpetuate the memory, of the unremitting assiduity and eminent ability with which Dr. Butler has performed the duties of head-master of this school for a period of thirty-eight years, restoring and augmenting by his energy and learning the utility and celebrity of this ancient and royal foundation, to found an additional exhibition of £100 per annum, to be called for ever “DR. BUTLER’S EXHIBITION,” and to be tenable by the sons of freemen entering at either University.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT, CHARTERS, &c.

[Picture: Town Arms]

SHREWSBURY has received a succession of thirty-two royal charters from the time of King William the First to the first year of the reign of James the Second. The earliest charter preserved in the corporation archives is dated Nov. 11, 1189, being the first year of King Richard the First, which recites that a previous corporation had existed.

The last governing charter of the town was granted the 16th of June, 1639, by Charles the First.

The component parts of the corporation were a mayor, recorder, steward, common clerk, twenty-four aldermen, forty-eight assistants or common councilmen, two chamberlains, sword-bearer, serjeants at mace, &c.

The mayor was elected annually by the majority of aldermen and assistants, in council assembled, on the first Friday after the feast of St. Bartholomew, and sworn into office the first Friday after Michaelmas-day. Robert Burton, jun. Esq. was the last mayor chosen under the old charter.

The aldermen were elected by the mayor and aldermen from the assistants, and the latter from the burgesses at large.

Burgesses obtained their freedom by descent, or birth, or by serving a bona fide apprenticeship of seven years within the ancient limits of the borough to a freeman of one of the ancient incorporated companies.

According to the Municipal Act, which received the royal assent in 1835, the town was divided into five wards. {106}

On the 26th of December, 1835, each of the wards returned six members to form the new Town Council, who elected to their number, on the 31st, ten aldermen, which constitutes the municipal body of the town, from whom William Hazledine, Esq. was elected Mayor. To assist in the local government, the Secretary of State has subsequently appointed eight magistrates. Under the provisions of the above cited act, the annual election of mayor is fixed for the 9th of November.

The ancient COMMON SEAL of the municipal body is very curious, representing a view of the town,—its churches, domestic habitations, fortified gates and walls, beneath which the river is seen flowing under a bridge; above the latter is a shield bearing the arms of England, and on each side are similar shields charged with the cross of St. George and the town arms,—Azure, three leopard’s faces Or. The inscription round this seal is—Sigilin • commune • libertatis • ville • Salopesburie • factu • ano • gre • m cccc xxv.

SESSIONS.

A petty sessions is held every Tuesday, and the mayor or some of the magistrates sit most days for the determination of minor offences.

A general court of QUARTER SESSIONS and gaol delivery for the town and liberties is held by the recorder, John Bather, Esq. on the Wednesday after the county sessions.

COURT OF RECORD.

This town possesses the privilege of a court of record, where actions for debt (to any amount) and ejectment within the liberties, can be brought. Judgment in a suit may be obtained in about six weeks, if the defendant pleads the general issue.

COURT OF REQUESTS.

Small debts exceeding two shillings and under forty shillings, are taken cognizance of by a Court of Requests, established in 1783. The court meets every other Wednesday in the Town Hall, the commissioners of which must be resident within the town, and possessed of freehold property of thirty pounds per annum value, or a clear personal estate of £600 value.

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.

This town is a borough by prescription, and has sent two members to parliament from the earliest assembling of that body. Previous to the general reform act the right of election was in the burgesses inhabiting within the ancient borough, paying scot and lot, and not receiving alms or charity. The elective franchise is now extended to £10 householders resident within the boundaries settled by act of parliament, July 15, 1832.

TRADING COMPANIES.

From a remote period several incorporated trading companies existed here, {107} who exacted fines from what were termed “foreigners;” that is, individuals who had not served an apprenticeship to a freeman, or who were not the eldest sons of freemen, if they commenced business in the “craft or calling” of any of these guilds; the chief of which were the Drapers and Mercers: the former possessed a considerable property, and were incorporated by Edward the Fourth, as were the latter in 1480 by the same king. The Barber Chirurgeons were chartered by Edward the First in 1304, and incorporated by James II. in 1686, with the Wax and Tallow Chandlers. The charter of the com-brethren of Painters, Booksellers, &c. is dated May 8th, 19th of Edward IV. The Builders, &c. 19th Q. Elizabeth, 1577. The composition of the Tailors, 1627, and recites a more ancient grant. The Smiths, Armourers, &c. have a composition, 19th James I. 1621. That of the Shoemakers is the most recent, being dated 1739. The Butchers have lost their charter, money, and records; and several other “crafts” have only left a name behind.

These fraternities comprehend in their incorporation many more trades than have been specified. Their utility in the infancy of commerce, as so many brotherhoods for the protection of different trading interests, is evident; but having survived the original purpose of institution, their advantage had been long questioned, and the powers which they possessed became defunct under the recent Municipal Bill. It is not, however, too much to suppose but they might, as SOCIAL BODIES, still effect many good purposes, not the least of which would be the aggregation of brotherly feeling and good fellowship.

SHREWSBURY SHOW.

This annual pageant is perhaps, with the exception of Coventry, the only one of the kind in the kingdom. It originated in the celebration of the splendid festival of Corpus Christi in the church of Rome, which was observed with much pomp and solemnity by the masters and wardens of the different trading companies, the members of the corporation, the parochial clergy, and the religious fraternities of the town.

The procession, so far back as the 27th of Henry VI. appears to have been “tyme owt of mynde,” and which several of the guilds were obliged to support. This is apparent from their “compositions,” or bye-laws, containing regulations to that effect. That of the Weavers (anno 1444) provides, that certain fines shall be applied to the “sustentacon and encreece of the lyght of the seyd crafte of Wev’s, at the feast of Corpus Xp’i daye.” The composition of the Mercers, Ironmongers, and Goldsmiths directs that they shall provide “300 mede of wax yearly, to be burnt in the p’cession of the feast of Corpus Xp’i.”

After the Reformation, the religious part of the ceremony was set aside, and as a substitute the second Monday after Trinity Sunday adopted as a day of recreation and feasting on Kingsland, where each company had a small enclosure, within which is a building called an “arbour,” surrounded by trees, and where refreshment was accustomed to be liberally provided by the respective trades. Only seven of the arbours now remain, each of which had formerly the arms of the company carved or painted over the entrance.

The anniversary has often been anticipated by Salopians with feelings of delight,—as affording an annual treat of hospitality and good cheer. The town on the occasion has presented an appearance of lively interest, conducive also to its trade; the bells of the different churches sent forth their melodious and enlivening peals, while the incorporated companies were passing to their places of muster; at noon they assembled together at the Castle, from whence they proceeded through the streets to Kingsland, accompanied by their respective flags, banners, and music of all kinds, most of the companies having some character dressed in personification of a king, or emblematical of their respective crafts, and followed by a goodly array of com-brethren walking (as it were) hand in hand together. The mayor and his friends followed afterwards on horseback, and were wont to be entertained by the trading companies with a dejeune in each arbour.

Such was “Shrewsbury Show.” An attempt was made in 1823 to revive the ancient pageantry; but during the last few years there has been a sad falling off in the display, and it is to be feared that the manifold changes of the present times, and the refined dispositions (probably) of some modern minds, are causes that will soon hasten to a discontinuance what remains of this ancient custom and lively picture of old English manners. {110}

The following extract from a scarce poem published in the year 1770, entitled “Shrewsbury Quarry,” is probably the only authentic account which will afford some idea of the “Show” at that period:—

What friendly forms in social pomp draw near, With thankful smiles to bless the bounteous year! In glad procession, brotherhood, and bloom, (Like _Flora’s_ festals near thy walls, oh Rome,) The bands distinguished, yet harmonious move, Their ensigns concord, and their leaders love; To KINGSLAND’S Arbours once a year they go, In ordered elegance serene and slow; The Bodies Corporate in classes bright— In different classes, but in one delight; There blend with mutual hands the friendly bowls, There blend their wishes and there blend their souls; The yearly _Archon_ {111} over all presides, Their state he governs, and their joy he guides, There mixing jovial with each jovial band, To each he gives his heart—to each his hand; With each he quaffs the invigorating cheer, To friendship sacred, and the hallow’d year; There union, brotherhood, and mirth combine, In every face these vital virtues shine. The sun would gladly in his course delay, And stretch beyond its lengthened bound the day, To gaze with rapture, as each bosom glows, On these rich blessings which his beam bestows; His prone career, his cadence they behold, His western stage in crimson clad, and gold, They see his orb reluctant now go down, Then march in happy order back to town; There polish’d pleasures teem with new delight, And balls and banquets crown the genial night.

THE COUNTY HALL.

[Picture: The County Hall]

Architectural excellence has been said to consist in the judicious and skilful adaptation of an edifice to its specific destination, and in the appropriate and tasteful display of its interior and exterior ornaments, and that public buildings should be distinguished by decisive and apposite characteristic features of their purpose. How far this has been exemplified in the Salop County Hall, the foregoing illustrative vignette will in a great measure decide. The design is by Sir Robert Smirke, and the style Italian; the main feature of the elevation being a bold cornice resting on sculptured modillons.

The principal front is divided into three divisions by projecting string courses, and is 112½ feet in length; the portion facing High-street, 58 feet; height to the top of parapet 54 feet.

On examining the interior of the structure, it will be evident that the architect has made the most of a very limited space of ground: the different apartments are convenient, lofty, and well adapted to the various purposes for which they are intended. The offices in particular, although plain, are fitted up in a most substantial manner.

The entrance hall is 22 feet 8 inches by 21½ feet, having on the right a lobby leading to the crown court, and a room for the use of witnesses waiting for examination in that court. On the left is a similar entrance to the nisi prius court, and the mayor’s room (appropriated to counsel during the assizes). Opposite the entrance door is the grand staircase, spacious and of easy ascent; on the first landing are three doorways, the centre one leading to the judges’ retiring room (which communicates with the courts), and those on either hand to the magisterial bench in the respective courts, which are of equal dimensions, 42 feet by 36 feet. {114}

The accommodation for the gentlemen of the bar was intended to have been similar to that provided (under the direction of the same architect) in the Court of King’s Bench and several other places; but objections being made by the counsel on this circuit, and a petition sent to the magistrates, this arrangement was altered, and the space immediately before the judge is occupied by a large table, with sufficient seats for twenty counsellors, having a row of seats behind for attornies.

The bench is elevated 3½ feet above the floor, on each side of which is accommodation for the magistrates.

The ceiling of both courts is panelled and ornamented, and the walls are lined with wood as high as the small side galleries, which are intended for the use of the grand and special jurors.

In each court is a gallery for the public, the two front benches of which are partitioned off for jurymen in waiting. To these galleries are separate entrances from the principal front, in order to prevent the annoyance of a crowd in the vestibule of the hall, through which admittance will be afforded for those persons who have business in the courts.

Under the public galleries are lock-up rooms for the jury.

The nisi prius court is lighted by a lantern, which occupies a considerable space in the ceiling; and beneath the public gallery of this court is the waiting-room for witnesses. The first story is approached by a broad flight of stairs: on the left is the grand jury room, 30 feet by 18 feet, lofty and finished in a tasteful manner, having a communication with the gallery in the crown court for the presentment of bills. Attached to this apartment is a large room for witnesses attending the grand jury; the floor is of stone, and forms the ceiling of the entrance hall. To the right is the office of the clerk of indictments.

From this division of the building the staircase leads to the entrance of the GREAT ROOM, adapted for a third court or other public purposes requiring space. It is decorated with an enriched cornice and panelled ceiling; the dimensions are 45½ feet by 32½ feet, and 19 feet high, having a recess at one end; it is lighted by windows at the side and back, and is well ventilated by means of tubes which pass from the ceiling through the roof.

By another ascent of steps the upper floor is gained. To the left are offices for the clerk of the peace, with a fire-proof room as a depositary for records. Similar rooms to the right are appropriated for the town clerk.

In the rear of the building is a house for the hall-keeper, resting over an entrance intended as a passage for the cart conveying prisoners from the gaol, where they are set down in an area having stairs leading to spacious and airy cells; these, with cellars for other purposes, occupy a considerable portion of the base of the building, which stands upon a concrete foundation, 10 feet thick, rendered necessary (from the insufficient state of the ground) to support the weight of a massive structure. In excavating for this purpose, many curiosities were found; and although the required depth was 19 feet below the level of the street, the natural strata was not discovered, the whole bed being a complete bog of peaty soil of unequal depth,—a sufficient cause for all the fissures visible for several years past in the external and internal walls of the former fabric, which was only completed in 1785, at a cost of £11,000.

In 1832, Thomas Telford, Esq. was requested to examine the nature of the foundations, when it appeared that the oak sapling piles, or rather stakes, on which the building rested were totally decayed, and become as soft as the earth by which they were surrounded. To restore the walls to a sound state was deemed a difficult and expensive undertaking, even if practicable. A new building was therefore determined upon, Sir Robert Smirke having guaranteed a sufficient foundation on the old site, by taking out the whole of the soil, and replacing it by an artificial body of concrete. His plan was adopted by the county magistrates, Jan. 28th, 1834, and in the month of April workmen commenced taking down the old edifice, {116} and the new building progressed towards completion so as to be ready by March, 1837.

The foundations appear to have succeeded beyond the expectations of all concerned, and the building does great credit to the contractors, Messrs. Birch and Sons. The estimated cost is about £12,000, raised by a county rate.

THE GUILD HALL AND EXCHEQUER

of the town is incorporated with the county hall, by an arrangement with the county previous to the erection of the late edifice.

The following portraits, presented to the late corporation, will decorate the walls of the new building:—King Charles I. Charles II. William III. George I. George II. George III. Queen Charlotte, Admiral Benbow (a native of Shrewsbury), the Right Hon. Lord Hill (by Sir William Beechy), and Admiral Owen (by R. Evans, Esq. a townsman). The two latter portraits possess life and spirit in their execution, and are justly esteemed most faithful resemblances of these illustrious heroes and fellow-citizens.

THE MARKET HOUSE

is a spacious building, unequalled in point of ornamental decoration by any similar structure in the kingdom. It not only gives a most prominent feature to the area in front of the county hall, but is a general and interesting object of attraction to strangers.

[Picture: Market House]