Part 9

The principal front is to the west, over the portal of which are the arms of Queen Elizabeth in high relief, and the date 1596. On each side of this portal is an open arcade, consisting of three round arches, which form the main building; above these is a series of square mullioned windows, surmounted by a rich fanciful parapet consisting of curved embrasures, which rise at certain distances into a kind of pinnacle.

Above the northern arch is the following inscription, having on one side the arms of France and England quarterly, and on the other those of the town:—

The xvth day of June was this building begun, William Jones and Thomas Charlton, Gent. then Bailiffs, and was erected and covered in their time. 1595.

Immediately over this is a tabernacled niche, containing a fine statue of RICHARD DUKE OF YORK, in complete armour; one hand is supported on his breast, and the other pointing below to a device of three roses carved on a stalk. A tablet corresponding with the town arms, finely sculptured in relief, on the left hand of the figure, records its removal from the tower on the Welsh bridge, in 1791. In the same situation on the corresponding end of the hall is the figure of an angel in a canopied niche, bearing a shield of the arms of France and England quarterly. This originally stood within the chamber of the Gate Tower at the Castle Gates, from whence it was preserved when the remaining portion of that ancient barrier gave way to modern houses in 1825.

The basement of the Market House is 105 feet long by 24 feet wide, and is used on Saturdays as the corn-market; at other times it forms an useful promenade, especially in wet weather.

The inscription on the north end has often excited surprise, how so large and ornamental a building could have been completed within a period of less than four months. The nature of the case would seem, that the stone-work and timber-framing had perhaps previously been wrought, so that no time might be lost, and the utmost endeavours used, in the re-edification of a building which was almost indispensible at that period,—when corn was for the most part brought to market in the _bulk_, and not sold by _sample_ as in the present day. This conjecture is somewhat confirmed by the following extract from a manuscript chronicle in the possession of the writer:—

“1595. In the month of January this year the old building in the Corn Market Place was agreed to be taken down, and the timber-work thereof was sold, and another with all speed was to be erected with stone and timber in the same place, and a sumptuous hall aloft, with a spacious market house below for corn was begun, the foundation and fencing whereof was a quarter of a year before it was finished, and the stone work was begun upon the 15th day of June following, and was finished and almost covered in before the bailiffs of the said year went out of their office the Michaelmas following.”

THE BRIDGES.

Two handsome stone bridges cross the river Severn nearly in a parallel direction. These were preceded by very ancient structures, defended by embattled towers, and were excellent specimens of the fortified bridges necessary in former times for the protection of the town. Being extremely narrow and dilapidated, they were taken down in the last century; a brief notice, therefore, of their ancient state will be sufficient.

THE OLD WELSH BRIDGE

was considered as the chief architectural ornament of the town, consisting of seven arches, and situated a few yards higher up the stream than the present structure. Its gates and towers at each end were of the finest kind of castellated building, being richly decorated with shields and sculpture; and their demolition is much to be regretted.

Above one of the gates stood the armed statue of a knight, which was removed in 1791, and placed in a niche on the front of the Market House. This effigy was an important object of attraction to the Welshmen in passing through the gate, from a tradition retained by them even to modern times, that it represented Llewelyn Prince of Wales, or David, the last of the British Princes, whom Roger Coke facetiously calls “King Taffy,” but which recent antiquaries have, from its attendant embellishments, more properly assigned to Richard Duke of York, father of Edward IV.

THE OLD EAST OR STONE BRIDGE

consisted rather of two bridges (being divided by an island of 118 feet broad), extending 864 feet in length, and comprising seventeen arches. The thoroughfare over it in the widest part was only twelve feet, being impeded by a range of thirty-three houses disposed on each side, after the manner of London Bridge in former times.

The further bridge from the town had eleven arches, and was properly denominated: “THE ABBEY BRIDGE” for it extended to the precinct of the monastery, and passed over none of the water of the Severn except in times of flood, receiving only a small portion of a rivulet called Meole Brook, the channel of which is still visible in the meadows opposite the Council House.

The narrow state of this bridge having been long matter of complaint and inconvenience, a subscription was commenced in 1765 to widen it, towards which Sir John Astley, Bart. gave £1000.

The expediency of the undertaking was so apparent, from the liberal subscriptions which came in from all parts of the county, that encouragement was given to erect an entire new bridge, from a design furnished by Mr. John Gwynn, architect, of London, and a native of Shrewsbury. The first stone of the bridge was laid June 29th, 1769, by the munificent promoter of the undertaking, Sir John Astley, Bart; and the work was so far completed as to afford a passage (March 14th, 1774) for the High Sheriff, John Owen, Esq. of Woodhouse, and a numerous body of gentlemen on horseback who accompanied him to meet the judges of assize, whom they escorted into town over the new bridge, since styled

THE ENGLISH BRIDGE,

which is a most substantial structure, 410 ft. in length, and composed of seven arches, crowned by a bold balustrade; the primary object in its construction was to contrive as much space as possible for the water during floods, to accomplish which, the central arch (60 feet in diameter) was raised double the height of the end arches, an elevation perhaps not accordant with or agreeable to later opinions of ease and convenience. With the exception of this defect, its elegance and beauty of architecture is probably surpassed by few bridges in the kingdom, and is in every respect an ornament to the town, and an equally noble monument of the public spirit and generosity of the gentry of the county, who so laudably exerted themselves to further its erection.

The ornamental parts, though sparingly are yet tastefully disposed. The keystone of the central arch on the north side is adorned with a fine head of SABRINA, “goddess of the river,” while that on the opposite side bears a spirited head of NEPTUNE, the “father of fountains.” On the piers of this arch rest finely carved dolphins. The keystones of the other arches are worked into a shell. The parapet of the bridge rises into a pediment, in the centre of which (on each side facing the river) is the town arms, and the date of the completion of the bridge, MDCCLXXIV.

The total cost, including the purchase of the houses which stood on and near the bridge, acts of parliament, &c. was £15,710. 3s. 3d.

LORD HILL’S COLUMN.

[Picture: Lord Hill’s Column]

This noble column, erected in honour of the VALOUR and VIRTUES of an individual whose well-earned laurels have gained him a firm affection in the hearts of his countrymen, and truly rendered him SALOPIA’S PRIDE and ENGLAND’S GLORY, stands on a rising ground at the entrance of the town from the London road, and forms an interesting object to the surrounding country. It is said to be the largest Grecian Doric column in the world.

The first stone was laid by the Salopian Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, on the 27th December, 1814.

The pedestal is square, rising upon two steps, with a large pier at each angle, on which are placed lions couchant, worked out of Grinshill stone by Mr. Carline, of this town.

The diameter at the base is 15 feet, and the other dimensions are as follow:—

ft. in. Height of the pedestal 13 6 Shaft and capital 91 6 Pedestal for the figure 11 6 Statue of his lordship 17 0 Total height 133 6

The colossal statue of his Lordship on the summit is executed in artificial stone by Messrs. Coade and Sealy, of London, modelled by Panzetta. The original design for the column was by Mr. Haycock, of Shrewsbury.

The contractors were Messrs. Simpson and Lawrence; on the death of the former, the work devolved upon Mr. Straphen, who completed it, and erected the elegant staircase within the building at his own expense.

The last stone was laid in 1816, on the anniversary of the memorable battle of Waterloo.

On the pedestal are the following inscriptions:

ON THE SOUTH SIDE.

Civi • svo • Rolando Domino • Baroni • Hill • ab • Almarez • et • Hawkstone Popvlares • eivs • ex • agro • atqve • municipio • Salopiensi Colvmnam • hancce • cvm • statva • P • C. A • S • MDCCCXVI. Is • in • re • militari • qvemadmodvm • se • gesserit Testes • sint • Lvsitania • Hispania • Galliae Narbonensis • ac • Belgica Artvrivs • Dvx • a • Wellington Sociorvm • et • qvidem • hostivm • exercitvs.

ON THE NORTH SIDE.

To Lieutenant General Rowland Lord Hill, Baron Hill of Almarez and Hawkstone, G. C. B. Not more distinguished for his skill and courage in the field, During the arduous campaigns in Spain and Portugal, The South of France, and the memorable Plains of Waterloo, Than for his benevolent and paternal care, In providing for the comforts and supplying the necessities Of his victorious countrymen, And for that humanity and generosity Which their vanquished foes experienced and acknowledged: The inhabitants of the Town and County of Salop Have erected this Column and Statue, As a memorial of their respect and gratitude to an illustrious contemporary, And an incitement to emulation in the heroes and patriots of future ages. A. D. MDCCCXVI.

ON THE EAST SIDE.

Roleia Arroyo del Molinos Hillette Vimiera Almarez Orthes Corunna Vittoria Aire Douro Pyrenees Tarbes Talavera Nive Toulouse Busaco Nivelle Waterloo.

This splendid memorial is constructed of fine Grinshill stone; the total expence, including the cottage and other incidentals, amounted to £5973. 13s. 2d. which was raised by a subscription throughout the county.

Within the shaft is a staircase of 172 steps, forming a well in the centre, each step having an iron baluster with a gilt letter inserted on a small panel, which gives the following inscription:—

“This staircase was the gift of John Straphen, the builder, as his donation towards erecting this Column. The first stone of the foundation was laid December 27th, 1814, and completed June 18th, 1816, the anniversary of the glorious Battle of Waterloo.”

The column may be ascended by a gratuity to the keeper, who resides in a neat Doric cottage adjoining.

From the railing at the top is a delightful panoramic view of the fertile plain of Shropshire, to which the bold appearance of Shrewsbury, and its once formidable Castle mantled with leafy verdure, forms a prominent contrast.

The surrounding distances are replete with interest, being composed of fine undulating hills and mountains. Proceeding northward, the eye ranges over the Nesscliff and Selattyn hills, the mountainous tract of the Berwyn, the luxuriantly crowned summit of Pimhill, the wild and romantic rock of Grinshill, and the gentler eminences of Hawkstone, whose tasteful plantations and noble woods are seen at a distance of twelve miles, among which rises the “Obelisk,” erected to the memory of Sir Rowland Hill, the first Protestant Lord Mayor of London.

In the foreground north-east is the plain, renowned in history, and immortalized by Shakspeare in dramatic poetry, as the scene of the great and important Battle of Shrewsbury, in 1403, in commemoration of which Henry IV. piously founded a church, called to this day “Battlefield,” the well-proportioned tower of which is easily distinguished.

The turrets of the modern castellated mansion of Sundorne are particularly striking, and remind us of the beautiful lines of Mrs. Hemans—

The stately Homes of England, How beautiful they stand! Amidst their tall ancestral trees, O’er all the pleasant land.

Further eastward are the venerable and truly picturesque ruins of Haghmond Monastery, founded in the year 1100, for canons of the order of St. Augustine. Near the remains of this once more noble pile is the wooded ascent of Haghmond Hill, and its conspicuously placed Shooting Tower, beneath which is the retired village of Uffington and its primitive church.

Direct east stands exalted in noble majesty the isolated WREKIN, the _natural Heart of Shropshire_, in front of which appears the exuberant foliage surrounding Longner Hall. Directing the eye southwards, is Charlton Hill, bounded by the towering summit of the Brown Clee (1820 feet in height), and the Lawley, Acton Burnell Park, Frodesley, and other Shropshire hills, among which is the lofty Caerdoc, otherwise Caer Caradoc, where Caractacus (the last of the original British princes) is said to have displayed his patriotism and daring spirit against the united efforts of the Roman forces.

Onward in the horizon, beyond a remote cultivated country, is the Longmynd with its straight outline, and the Stiperstones, topped by rocks, similar to the august relics of castellated grandeur; these are connected by the Bromlow and Long Mountain; and the panorama terminates with the lofty mountains of Breidden, Cefn y Cayster, and Moelygolfa, which, with more distant eminences, form a fine back-ground to a portion of the town, while the middle distance all around is unequalled for richness and fertility.

Nor, whilst extolling the environs and distant scenes around, let us forget the immediate vicinity of the Column: its verdant pastures, sequestered lanes, stately trees, and rural scenery, are surpassed by none so near a populous county town.

THE TOWN AND COUNTY GAOL

Is situated on a dry, beautiful, and salubrious eminence, a short distance from the Castle.

The front of the prison displays rather a bold appearance, having two rusticated stone lodges and a gateway in the centre; over the latter is a bust of the philanthropic HOWARD, by Bacon.

The interior possesses every necessary convenience appropriate to its purpose that sagacity and humanity can devise. It is spacious, airy, and well supplied with water, by means of a pump worked by the prisoners.

The governor’s house faces the gateway, and forms the southern front of the building. The chapel stands in the centre of the whole, and is lighted by a lantern surmounted by a gilt cross. It is octagonal, and contrived that while all the prisoners may see the clergyman, every class is so separated as to be hid from each other.

The prison is further divided into eight principal courts, besides other smaller ones; these are surrounded by cloisters with groined arches; above these are the sleeping cells, the communication to which is by railed galleries. A due regard to the gradations of vice is strictly observed in the classification of the prisoners, most of whom are occupied during the day in some little manufactory or useful employment, by which habits of industry are acquired that may protect them from temptations to plunder or misconduct when released from confinement.

Executions take place on the roof of the porter’s lodge.

The prison was begun in 1787, and completed (from a plan by Mr. Haycock) in 1793, at an expense of about £30,000. The entire building is surrounded by a strong brick wall, flanked with rusticated stone buttresses.

THE BUTTER AND POULTRY MARKET,

on Pride-hill, was erected in 1819 by voluntary contributions amounting to £2000. It is a building unworthy our town and the ample produce brought to its weekly markets. In 1830 it was adjudged to be taken down as being unsuitable and incommodious. A meeting was held to arrange for a new building upon an improved plan, the money to be raised by shares of £25 each, but circumstances prevented this desirable undertaking, which is much to be regretted, as complaints have long been made of the obstruction in the thoroughfare (which is often attended with delay and danger) on market and fair days, by persons exposing their goods and marketables for sale in the street.

THE CIRCUS BUTTER & CHEESE MARKET,

from its situation near the Welsh Bridge, possesses superior advantages for the conveyance of goods and general trade. It was opened about the year 1822 by Mr. H. Newton.

THE NEW BUTTER AND CHEESE MARKET

Is an elegant and commodious edifice situated in Howard-street, Castle-foregate, and possesses every requisite convenience for the disposal of butter, cheese, and other agricultural produce, and merchandize.

[Picture: Howard-street Butter and Cheese Market]

The exterior consists of a centre and two wings, the centre forming the portico and principal entrance, which is decorated with two Grecian columns and entablature. The whole of the front is cemented, and possesses an unity of parts and a boldness of proportion unusual in buildings of this description.

The interior is divided into two stories, the lower or basement being vaulted with groined arches springing from brick piers, which afford an equality of height in almost every part. The entrance to the basement is on the north side, and (owing to the fall in the street) is of sufficient height to admit a waggon. The canal is on the south side, and nearly level with the floor of the basement, to which there is a communication, affording a ready transit for goods.

The upper or principal floor of the Market contains an area of 5400 feet; the roof is supported by four rows of iron pillars; the centre part being raised nine feet, has a range of windows on each side, by which a proper ventilation is obtained as well as additional light.

Attached to the upper end of the building is a second entrance, communicating with an office for the clerk of the market.

The first stone of the edifice was laid by Mr. W. H. Griffiths, May 28th, 1835, and was completed by that time in the next year, in a manner creditable to the architects, Messrs. FALLOWS and HART, of Birmingham.

THE SALOP INFIRMARY.

Among the various channels through which the stream of christian benevolence pursues its fertilizing course to the ocean of charity, those Institutions which have for their express design the cultivation of the mind and the alleviation of misfortunes which the casualties of life and the infirmities of human nature render mankind alike heir to, afford undoubtedly the safest application of real beneficence, being, in a measure, free from that imposition with which an indiscriminate charity has unfortunately so often to contend.

[Picture: The Infirmary]

From the most remote period the virtuous breast has cultivated the sublime desire of mitigating, as far as possible, the pain and wretchedness consequent upon disease and suffering,—hence we find that the munificence which characterised our forefathers centuries ago was not altogether confined to the erection of numerous places for Divine Worship, and for which our town was early distinguished, but that the pleasing pain of sympathy prompted them also to build and endow “Hospitals” for the reception of the sick and diseased, and “Almshouses” for the aged and infirm. The first record we possess of the existence of such charitable institutions in Shrewsbury is as early as the time of Henry the Second, beside an “Infirmary” founded by Earl Roger de Montgomery, within the precinct of the “Abbey,” as an asylum for diseased and superannuated monks, a fragment of which erection yet remains.

The rapacity, however, which disgraced the dissolution of Monasteries and whatever sustained the character of a “Religious House,” has, with a solitary exception, rendered these ancient Hospitals defunct;—nor was it until the commencement of the last century that the attention of the public was particularly directed to the foundation of Hospitals or Infirmaries, and which, from the number of hospitals erected in the course of that period, will, no doubt, be a memorable age in the annals of Medical Charities;—whilst it may be no mean compliment to our town and county to mention that its inhabitants early caught the rising spark of this generous flame, and had the distinguished honour of being the fifth in the kingdom to form the way in establishing a Provincial Asylum, on the basis of public benevolence,—THE SALOP INFIRMARY having commenced its salutary operations April 25th, 1747.

The building which preceded the present stately erection having been originally designed for a private residence, and although repeatedly enlarged and improved, being found to be insufficient for the accommodation of the additional number of patients consequent upon an increasing population, as well as inconvenient in many respects for the purpose it was designed to fulfil, it was resolved, at a meeting held Nov. 16, 1826, that a new Infirmary should be built on the site of the old one, at the estimated cost of about £16,000. As there was, however, much disinclination on the part of the subscribers present to take so large a sum from the funds of the institution, a considerable portion of which, having been bequeathed for its _support_, was therefore deemed sacred, a subscription was resolved upon and commenced immediately, when no less than £4,666 was subscribed by the noblemen and gentlemen then present,—a truly noble example of SALOPIAN GENEROSITY.

In the month of April, 1827, the patients were removed to a temporary infirmary, arranged in the Shrewsbury House of Industry; upon which workmen immediately commenced taking down the old building, and with such speed that on the 19th of July, the anniversary of our late revered monarch’s coronation, the ceremony of laying the first stone of the new structure was performed by the Right Hon. Lord Hill, assisted by the late Venerable Archdeacon Owen, some of the committee, with the contractors and surveyor.

The building thus auspiciously begun, proceeded rapidly to a completion so as to be opened on September 16, 1830. It is of free-stone, and of a plain Grecian character in design, 170 feet long by 80 feet high, having a Doric portico in the centre, the ends projecting with pilasters at each angle. At the top of the building, on a tablet, is the following inscription:—

SALOP INFIRMARY, Established 1745, Supported by Voluntary Subscriptions and Benefactions. REBUILT 1830.