REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION 3 1833 00855 1647 GENEALOGY 942.4501 SH84T 1881 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/transactionsofsh04shro TRANSACTIONS OP THE SHROPSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL — » — — . mm..- Hj / AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. SHROPSHIRE NATURAL HISTORY SHROPSHIRE AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY, ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, ESTABLISHED 1835. a ESTABLISHED 1877. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ML *H VOL. IV. 188J. i PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY. SHREWSBURY: ADN1TT AND NAUNTON THE SQUARE. 1 OSWESTRY: WOODALL AND VKKAIILBS, 1903872 i WOODALL AND VENABLES, PRINTERS, ETC., OSWALD ROAD, AND BAILEY HEAD, OSWESTRY. SHROPSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. CONTENTS of VOL. IV. The Records of the Corporation of Oswestry. ( Continued J. By Stanley Leighton, M.A. ... ... ... ... 1 Moreton Corbet ... ... 53 Extracts Relating to Shropshire from the Diary of Sir Wm. Dugdale. Published by W. Hamper, Esq., of Bir- mingham, F.S.A., 1827 87 The Rossalls of Rossall, in the Parish of St. Chad, Shrewsbury, with a short account of Rossall Chapel. By the Rev. Geo. Sandford, M.A., Vicar of Eccleshall, Sheffield 89 • Account of the Civil Wars in North Wales so far as relates to Shropshire. From the MS. Note Book of William Maukice Esq., in the Wynnstay Library 96 The Shrewsbury of Past Ages. By the Rev. W. A. Leighton, B.A., Camb., F.L.S., &c 99 The Manor, &c., of Condover. By the late Mr. Josoph Morris ... ... 121 The "Itinerary" of John Leland , ... 127 Shropshire Compounders ... ... ... ... ... 156 Oswestry Ecclesiastical History : The Old Chapel, By Askew Roberts 159 The Guilds of Shrewsbury. By Rev. W. A. Leighton, B.A., Camb., F.L.S., &c 193 IV. Records of Morville. By H, F. J. Vaughan Churchwardens' Accounts of- the Parish of Cardington Co. Salop ... Birds of Shropshire. (Continued), By William E Beckwith ... . ... Harley Church, Co. Salop. By Rev. W. A. Leighton, B,A, Camb., F.L.S., &c The Councils and Parliaments of Shrewsbury. By the late Charles Henry Hartshorne Shropshire Volunteers in 1808-5. By Abkew Roberts .. 293 317 826 329 845 409 ILLUSTRA TIONS. 1. Initial Letter of Charles the Second's Charter to Oswestry, 1678 12, 13 2. Coloured Plan of the Town of Shrewsbury 99 3. Entrance to Council House, Shrewsbury ... to face 101 4. Remains of St. Austin's Priory, Shrewsbury ... ,, 105 5. Round Tower near the Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury ,, 118 6. Portrait of Rev. James Owen ,, 159 ■ 7. Brass at Harley Church „ 829 . V SHROPSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEETING. The Annual Meeting of the Shropshire Archaeological and Natural History Society was held in the Museum, at Shrewsbury, on Tuesday, Dec, 7, at half-past eleven, Mr. Stanley Leighton, M.P., one of the vice-presidents, in the chair. The attendance was unusually large, owing, no doubt, to the fact that Mr. Leighton had been announced as chairman, and the natural wish of the Members to support him on the occasion, Amongst those present were, the Revs. Canon Butler, W. A. Leighton of Shrewsbury, J. Evans, Whixall, J. Mitchell. Alberbury, Messrs. W. Wilding, Church Stretton, J. Bodenham, Newport, Askew Roberts, Oswestry, Dr. Cranage, Wellington, Revs. C. H. Drinkwater, T. Auden, S. W, Allen, Messrs. J. Morris, J. Sharpe, T. Onions, Oldroyd, T. Southam, S. C, Southam, J. P. White, W. Beacall, C. Cortissos, J. Calcott, W. Phillips, R. Taylor, J. P, Smith, E. J, Parry, A. B. Deakin, H. W. Adnitt, of Shrewsbury, &c, &c. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. Adnitt) read the Annual Report, which was as follows : — The Council of the Shropshire Archaeological and Natural History Society again have pleasure in presenting their Report and Statement of Accounts to the Members. The Accounts show that the number of Members has but slightly decreased, and this lias been occasioned by deaths and removals ; the Council venture to hope that the number may be made up by the exertion of the present Members, and believe that if a special effort was made by those interested, the list might easily be increased to 350, which is the number of the copies of the Transactions printed. The Accounts show a balance in hand of £03 5s. 4d., which is less than the balance in hand at the commencement of the year by £5 14s. 9d., but it must be remembered that the Council have purchased during the year a line copy of Eyton's Antiquities, at a cost of £22, and made also other purchases of interest to the Museum. During the year the Transactions have been issued to the Members, and the Council beg to thank all the contributors for their valued papers, and especially Stanley Leighton,' Esq., M.P., for a further instalment of the Corporation Records of Oswestry, and the Kev. W. A. Leighton for his transcript of Taylor's MS., so far as it relates to Shropshire. vi The Council in doing this cannot but refer to the late disastrous fire at the I Shirehall, and venture strongly to suggest that the records of the county and borough may be at once carefully gone over, and, as far as possible, copies made. They feel thankful that 'those valuable documents, which were in in the Strong Rooms, and the paintings, were entirely preserved. At the Museum a considerable amount of work has been done by the curators, in arranging the different sections, but they find that, as referred to in the last report, they are sadly hindered for want of room, and the Council feel strongly that the time must shortly arrive when it will be imperative to take steps to erect or acquire a building worthy of the county and borough. During the year valuable donations to the Museum have been received, which are acknowledged in the Transactions. The Council, in presenting their thanks to the donors, would especially mention a most interesting collection presented by Mr. T. C. Walker, formerly of Shrewsbury, and also W. Muckleston, Esq., of Meole Brace" for bis donation of the Records and Charters, &c, of the Guild of Mercers and Goldsmiths, he being the last surviving member. Since the year has closed, a very large and valuable donation has been received at the Museum from T. Slancy Eyton, Esq., and the Misses Eyton, consisting of the late T. C. Eyton, Esq.'s, choice collection of shells, fossils, &c, which will be more fully recorded in the next year's report. The Committee feel they cannot conclude without referring to the death of the late T. C. Eyton, Esq., who, from the foundation of the Museum, was a most earnest worker in the Zoological Section, and also the donor of many of its contents. The number of visitors to the Museum have been by payment of 6d., 411, £10 15s. Cd. ; 3d., 156, £1 19s. ; total, £12 4s. 6d. ; members' orders, 605; total, 1,172. Several societies have also been admitted free. The Council have only to add that their thanks and those of the Members are due to the Editorial Committee, especially to the Rev. W. A. Leighton, I and also to the Hon. Sec, Mr. Adnitt, for his willing exertions for the welfare of the Society. The Council again solicit donations of objects of interest relating to the county, especially books, prints, drawings, coins, and specimens illustrating ; the archaeology, botany, zoology, and geology of the county. Mr. Stanley Leighton, M.P., said — Gentlemen, as your Chairman it is my duty to move the adoption of the Report. The development of this and kindred societies is a most undeniable evidence of the attractiveness of Archaeology, and of the natural and becoming pride which intelligent men feci more and more, in what remains to them from generations past. I think I may congratulate the Society on tlio character of its supporters. Tho list, I hopo, may become even larger, but novorthelcss at present I think it contains tho names of almost every peer connected with tho county, and most of the prin- cipal landowners. It contains moreover a number of professional men, and men whoso occupation lios chiefly in trade and agriculture ; and 1 think it contains, without exception, all the men and women in Shropshiie who are professional antiquaries. Gentlemen, as a member myself of several antiquarian societies, and also of what I supposo may bo called tho parent society, namely, the Chartered Society of Antiquaries in London, I have often wished that a more direct intercommunication between antiquarian societies could bo brought about. The affiliation of local societies to the London Society would add strength to the one and dignity to tho others, and givo great ouoouragomont to antiquarian pursuits throughout the whole ■ ,1 vii country. I understand that we may have an opportunity ourselves this year of showing hospitality and attention to the Cambrian Archaeological Society, which purposes shortly to meet in Shropshire. I hope it will be found acceptable to our Council to give them an appropriate welcome. Gentlemen, the historical monuments of Eng- land will never be safe until they are regarded as precious in the eyes of all Englishmen. Not the Government, or a committee of the British Museum, but the people themselves must guard the evidences of their history. The antiquarian Societies are fitting custodians of such treasures, and upon us is voluntarily imposed the obligation to set the example. More often than some persons think an ancient monument has an absolute commercial value, and people will pay money for the privilege of seeing it. As an example I will mention Shakespeare's house at Stratford, and the famous stones on the Salisbury Downs. But in cases where money is out of the question, sentiment is usually found to be strong enough to induce the educated to subscribe for the sake of preserving an old landmark, even though the mark can be only recognised by the eye of an antiquary. Let me mention some instances in our own immediate neighbourhood, The mound of Oswestry Castle, the ruins of Ruyton Castle, the remnants of Wroxeter, the very hall in which our own Museum is collected, M Vaughan's Palace," as it was called in the old days, one of the rare specimens of the Domestic architecture of the 11th century, still extant in Shrewsbury, all these are examples of places saved from neglect by the associated action of private individuals. Perhaps, gentlemen, I shall not be overstepping the scope of a Chairman's address if I venture to throw out a suggestion. There is in Shrews- bury, as we all know, a precious and almost unique example of mediaeval architecture and monastic manners, in the stone pulpit of the Abbey. Its conventual surroundings have now for a long time been removed from its neighbourhood. It stands like an unwelcome monitor in the centre of a railway station. There is difficulty in approaching it, to examine it is almost impossible. Danger threatens it on every side. Could not the Council of our Shropshire Archaeo- logical Society, or might not individual antiquaries, enquire how far it would be practicable to move the pulpit to some more congenial site — and how far those most interested in the Abbey to which it belongs would be willing to afford it a safe and dignified resting place, where it might be seen and appreciated ? The removal of Temple Bar and the erection of it afresh elsewhere, stone for stone the same as it was, is a precedent in point. The figures in the front of the Town Hall, the one of Richard Duke of York, removed from the tower of the Welsh Bridge, the other of an angel bearing the arms of France and England, removed from the Castle Gate Tower, are precedents of our own. Gentlemen, it is an agreeable subject of congratulation that we are growing too big for our present premises, which wo have occupied for 45 years. No more appropriate hall than tho one wo now rent could wo possibly obtain, and we should certainly make the most of it. I should be very sorry for it to be given up, but it is crowded to excess ; we have been obliged to decline some valuable collections of natural history for want of room. We have lately re- ceived from the family of Mr, Eyton a most rich gift of shells and fossils. Our library is increasing ; our maps and pictures require wall room which we cannot give them ; so the time seems to have come when the antiquaries and naturalists of Shropshire might endeavour" to provide themselves with two houses, one wholly devoted to natural history, and the other wholly devoted to archaeology. For my parr, j I should be sorry to see a new building erected. I should like an old | building better. One of the many ancient houses of Shrewsbury would afford a characteristic habitation for the Archaeological Society of Shropshire. Gentlemen, if 1 am not improperly detaining you, I would say a word on the literary work and objects of our Society. The tendency of modern thought, which affects archaeology as well as every other branch of knowledge, demands the production of proofs • rather than the repetition of tradition. Therefore, we are more and more desirous of publishing original documents, noted and explained, \ of course, but yet depending for their main value on the fact that they are original. The number of original documents in Shropshire j is enormous. Some of them have lately had a narrow escape. The contents of no manuscripts are safe unless they are printed. I will only refer to one class of them now — namely, the parish registers. - They form one of the principal sources from which parochial histories ; are written. We are particularly desirous of encouraging that branch of our work, The church register is usually the oldest book in the parish, and the parish books often contain a fund of information beyond mere entries of account. The more of these original facts and 1 figures which we can publish the better. The parochial registers are the annals of the people. They are the only authority to which we can refor, previously to the present century, for an approximate census of the people. They mark the migration of the population from one locality to another. In the prevalence of certain names they indicate ' varieties of race. They are our guides in testing the average duration ; of human life in the past three centuries. They are the highest I evidences for proving family descent and pedigree. But, gentlemen, j not one of these invaluable records of the English nation is perfect, j They have perished, and they are perishing. 15,000 unindexed volumes in 15,000 places are from necessity a sealed book both to the ] student and to the nation. By those who have thought of these > things, frequent proposals have been made to provide a remedy. Sir Thomas Phillips in 1832, Lord Romilly in 1837, Horace Mann in 1857, Lord Lyndhurst in 1860, Southerden Burn in 1868, have all endeavoured to draw attention to this subject, and have all failed to bring about a practical remedy because the popular mind remains still uninstructed and only partially interested. If the clergy, who are the custodians of these priceless records, and the antiquaries, whoso business it is to teach tho pcoplo tho vuluo of such things, wero to combine in urging upon the Government the paramount importance of saving the Registers from further decay, I doubt not but that a plan might be devised, at comparatively small cost, for printing and indexing every register in England, and making up volumes according to counties, and indexing again the larger collec- tions, and thus making reference easy and destruction impossible, and removing from amongst us a national discredit. Gentlemen, I regard this Association as the highest and indeed the only collective authority in Shropshire which has a claim to speak to the public on achaeological matters. The occasion of our annual meeting appears an appropriate one for making known our opinions and endeavouring to give effect to them, and for enlarging our influence. I beg leave to move the adoption of the report, The adoption of the report thus moved by the Chairman was seconded by Dr. Cranage and carried. The Rev. J. Mitchell then proposed, and Mr. Oldroyd seconded the re-election of the Council, with the addition of the names of Dr. Calvart and Mr. Calcott. The Rev. S. W. Allen proposed and the Rev. J, Evans seconded the re-appointment of the office-bearers of the Society. Mr. R. Taylor proposed and Mr. Askew Roberts seconded Mr. Onions and Mr. Oldroyd as auditors. Mr. Beacall proposed and the Rev. C. H, Drinkwater seconded a vote of thanks to the Donors to the Museum. Mr. Phillips proposed and Mr. Calcott seconded a vote of thanks to the Editors of the Society's Transactions and to the Hon. Sec, to which the Rev. W. Allport Leighton and Mr. Adnitt responded. This was all the routine business. Canon Butler proposed the vote of a further sum of £10 to increase their collection of specimens of Birds, and suggested the destruction of some of the worm-eaten animals that now took up too much space in their rooms. Dr. Cranage, iu seconding the motion, urged that they should not attempt to make a little British Museum of their building, but confine them- selves to Shropshire specimens. Mr. Parry and the Rev, C. H. Drinkwater urged that the Council should keep an eye on the Schools with a view to its being a probable Museum of the future. THE RUINS AT WROXETER. The Rev. T. Auden said he and Mr. Phillips had been appointed by the Council to report on the condition of the excavations at Wroxeter, and they had done so. The man in charge did his work on the whole satisfactorily, but now fencing was wanted. Mr. Phillips supplemented what Mr. Auden had said, and it was agreed that they, Avith the addition of Mr. Beacall and Mr. White, should form a committee to execute the necessary repairs, It was also resolved that the question of rent should be laid before the Duke of Cleveland, who owned the property. THE ABBEY PULPIT. Iii reference to the remarks of the Chairman as to the removal of the Abbey Pmoit, an interesting discussion arose, in which Mr. J. P. White, Mr, Taylor, and others took part. The general feeling was ' that no removal should bo made unless the safety of the structure required it, although some held strongly to the opinion that as it now ! stood, a desolute looking object shorn of its surroundings, it would be better at once to take measures for its removal to a public spot near the Abbey. CAMBRIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. The Hon. Sec. said he had received a letter from the Rev. Trevor Owen, secretary of the Cambrian Archaeological Society, saying that they had purposed meeting at Church Stretton in August. — The Chairman thought that arrangements should be made to co-operate with the Society when it made its visit, and give it a welcome, THE ANNUAL EXCURSION. The Annual Excursion of 1880 came off on Tuesday, Aug. 81, the Ludlow district being the one visited. Amongst those who assembled i were the followiDg : — Rev. W. A, Leighton, Rev. Canon Butler, i Mr, Callcott, Mr. J. P. White, Rev. C. H, Drinkwater, Mr. J. P. and j the Misses Smith, Rev. Loftus Owen, Rev. S. W. Allen, Mr. and Miss : Jebb (The Lyth), Rev. Holland Sandford, Rev. W. C. Sparrow, Mr. 3 C, Harper, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Whittaker (Manchester), &c. The first I place visited was Stokesay Castle, where a paper was read by the I Rev, J. D. La Touche, Vicar, after which the party proceeded to I Ludlow to explore the Town, the Church, and the Castle. The members and friends then dined at the Feathers Hotel, and after the cloth was drawn Mr. Leighton read a paper on the Ancient Deanery of St. Alkmond's, Shrewsbury. July, 1881. LIST OF MEMBERS, AUGUST, 1880. Acton, Mrs. Stackhouse, Acton Scott, Salop (deceased) Adnitt, Mr. W. H., Shrewsbury Allen, Rev. S. W., Shrewsbury Auden, Rev, T., Shrewsbury Berwick, Right Hon. Lord, Attingham Bradford, Right Hon. Earl of, Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire Brownlow, Right Hon. Earl, Belton, Grantham Babington, C. C, Esq., F.S.A,, F.R.S., 5, Brookside, Cambridge Barber, John, Esq., Prospect House, Wellington, Salop (deceased) Barnes, Thos., Esq., The Quinta, Chirk Barnes, Major J. R., Brookside, Chirk Barton, Rev. J., Hadley Vicarage, Wellington, Salop Beacall, W,, Esq., Shrewsbury Beckwith, W. E., Esq , Eaton Constantine Benson, R. A., Esq., Lutwyche Hall, Much Wenlock Benthall, F., Esq., F.S.A., Hexton, Ampthill, Bedfordshire Beresford, Robert De la Poer, Esq,, M,D,, Oswestry Bibby, J. J., Esq., Hardwick Grange, Shrewsbury Bedford, The Right Rev. Bishop of, Stafnforth House, Upper Clapton, London Blockley, Mr. John, Coleham, Shrewsbury Bodenham, J., Esq., Edgmond, Newport, Salop Borough, J. C. Burton, Esq,, Chetwynd Park, Newport, Salop Boucher, J. B., Esq., Bryn Derwen, Oak Hill, Surbiton, Surrey Boughton, Sir C. H. Rouse, Bart., Downton Hall, Ludlow Boughton, Miss Rouse, Lardon Hall, Wenlock Bratton, Jamos, Esq., Shrewsbury Bridgeman, The Hon. and Rev. Canon, The nail, Wigan Bridgcman, The Hon, and Rev. J., Weston-under-Lyziard, Shifnal Brooke, Rev. J., Haughton Hall, Shifnal (deceased/ Broomhall, J., Esq., J. P., Surbiton, Surrey Burd, E., Esq., M.D., Newport House, Shrewsbury Burd, Rov. J., M.A., Chirbury Vicarage, Salop Burd, Rov. F., Noon Savago, Bowdley Burr, G., Esq., Oaklands, Shrewsbury Butler, Rev. Canon, Shrewsbury xii Cleveland, His Grace the Duke of, Raby Castle, Durham Calcott, John, Esq., Oakley Street, Shrewsbury Calvert, E., Esq., LL.D., Shrewsbury Campbell, C. M., Esq., Shrewsbury Caswell, Mr. S., Shrewsbury Childe, Rev. E. G., Kinlet Vicarage, Bewdley ♦ Choiuiondeley, Rev. R. H., Hodnet Rectory, Salop Clayton, Rev. E. ff, The Rectory, Ludlow Clive, Ven. Archdeacon, Blymhill Rectory, Shifnal Clowes, Rev, Albert, Clee S. Margaret, Bromfield, Salop Cooper, C. J-, Esq., Bridgnorth Corbet, Sir V. R., Bart., Acton Reynald, Shrewsbury Corser, Rev. George J., Burrington Rectory, Ludlow' Corser, G. Sandford,.Esq,, Shrewsbury Cortissos, C, Esq., Shrewsbury Cosens, F, W., Esq,, F.S.A., 27, Queen's Gate, London, S,W. Cotes, C. C, Esq., M.P., Woodcote, Newport, Salop Cox, H. Ponting, Esq., Wem, Salop Cranage, J. E., Esq., Ph.D., Wellington, Salop Childe-Pemberton, C. 0., Esq., Millichope Park, Church Stretton Corbett, John, Esq., M.P., Impney, Droitwich Darby, Mrs., Little Ness, Shrewsbury Davies, Rev. Prebendary, Moor Court, Kington Davies, Mr. R. E., Kingsland, Shrewsbury Davies, J. Sides, Esq., The Poplars, Oswestry (deceased) Day, W. S., Esq., Lyndhurst House, Hendon De Bunsen, Rev. H. G., Donington Rectory, Albrighton, Wolver- hampton. Deakin, Mr. A. B., Shrewsbury Downing, William, Esq., Fern Cottage, Acock's Green, Birmingham Drayton, Mr. G. A.., Shrewsbury Drinkwater, Rev. C, H., St. George's, Vicarage, Shrewsbury Dukes, Rev. E. R., Windsor House, Shrewsbury Edgell, R. A., Esq., Claremont, Shrewsbury Edwards, Samuel, Esq., 4, Eliot Park, Lewisham Edwardes, Sir H., Bart., Wooton Hall, Ashbourne Edyo, Thomas, Esq., 5, Paul's Road, Camden Square, London Egerton, Rev. Canon, Middle Rectory, Shrewsbury Evans, W., Esq., Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury Evans, Rev. Canon W. Howell, The Vicarage, Oswestry Evans, Rev. J., Whixhall Vicarage, Whitohurch Evans, Mr. P., Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury Everett, A. E., Esq., City Chambers, New Street, Birmingham Everall, Mr. R,, The Priory, Shrewsbury Eyton, T. C, Esq.. F.Z.$., Eyton, Wellington, Salop (deceased) Eyton, T. Slaney, Esq., Walford Manor, Baschurch Eyton, Rev. Robert W., Winchfield House, Hants. xiii Feilden, Kev. 0. M,, Frankton Rectory, Oswestry Gasquoine, Rev. T., B.A., Northampton George, Mr. E., Column Villas, Shrewsbury Gleadowe, Rev., R. W , The Rectory, Frodesley, Salop Goodwin, Wm, Henry, Esq., Bank Buildings, Hastings Griffin, Harcourt, Esq., Pell Wall, Market Drayton Grazebrook, Geo., Esq., F.S.A., Oak Hill Park, near Liverpool Harlech, Right Hon. Lord, Brogyntyn, Oswestry Hill, Right Hon. Viscount, Hawkestone, Salop Harding, W. E. Esq., Shrewsbury Harding, Mr. M. J., The Square, Shrewsbury * Harrison, Rev. W., Pontesbury Haycock, E., Esq., Castle House, Shrewsbury Hazledine, J. R,, Esq., Shrewsbury Herbert, Hon. R. C4, Orleton, Wellington, Salop Hey wood Lonsdale, A. P., Esq., Gredington, Whitchurch Hodges, E., Esq., Edgmond, Newport, Salop Hope-Edwardes, Mrs., Netley Hall, Shrewsbury How, T. M., Esq., Shrewsbury Hudson, C. Donaldson, Esq., M.P., Cheswardine, Market Drayton . Humphreys, J. R.; Esq., Shrewsbury Humphreys, John, Esq., St. John's Hill, Shrewsbury Hughes, Mr. W., Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury Ikin, Alfrod, Esq., Cefngwifed, Newtown, Montgomeryshire Jackson, H. B., Esq., Basford House, Whalley Range, Manchester. Jehu, Richard, Esq., 21, Cloudesley Street, London Jebb, Arthur Trevor, Esq., The Lyth, Ellesmere, Salop Jebb, G. R., Esq., The Laurels, Shrewsbury Jellicorse, Rev. W., Clunbury Vicarage, Salop Jeudwine, Rev. W., Chicheley Vicarage, Newport Pagnell Johnson, H., Esq., M.D., Ludlow Johnson, Mr. G., Shrewsbury Jones, Morris C, Esq., F,S,A., Hon. Sec. Powys-Laud Club, Gungrog, Welshpool J ones, John, Esq,, Bellan House, Oswestry Jones, E. Maurice, Esq., Brookside, Welshpool Jones, Morris P., Esq., 27, Edge Lane, Liverpool Jones, Rov. John, B.A., Cantab, Raglan PJaco, Wednesbury Jones, W. Weaver, Esq., Cleobury Mortimer, Salop Jones, II., Esq., 1, Church Court, Clement's Lano, London Jones, J. Parry, Esq., West Holm, Oswostry Juson, Mrs,, Shrewsbury xiv i Kenyon-Slaney, Col., Hatton Grange, Shifnal Kenyon, J, R., Esq., Q.C., Pradoe, Westfelton (deceased) Kynaston, Rev. W, C. E., Hardwicke, Ellesmere Laing, Mr. J., Shrewsbury Leighton, Sir Baldwyn, Bart., M.P., Loton Park, Shrewsbury Leighton Stanley, Esq., M.P., Sweeney Hall, Oswestry Leighton, Rev, W. A., F.L.S., F.B.8. Edin., Luciefelde, Shrewsbury Leslie, Henry, Esq., Bryn Tanat, Llansaintflraid, R.S.O., Montgomery- shire Lewis, Lewis, Esq., Newtown Hall, Montgomeryshire Lewis, Mr. Henry, Oswald Road, Oswestry Lichfield, Very Rev. Dean of, The Deanery, Lichfield Lloyd, Rev. Canon, Whitehall, Shrewsbury Lloyd, J. Y. Wm., Esq., M,A., Clochfaen, Llanidloes Lloyd, Edwin, Esq., Leominster Lowndes, W. Layton, Esq., Linley, Bridgnorth Loxdale, James, Esq., Castle Hill, Aberystwith Loxdale, John, Esq., Kingsland, Shrewsbury Lowe3 Mr, T, U., Shrewsbury Mackey, Rev, C. W. Alveley Vicarage, Bridgnorth McMichael, J. W., Esq., 32, High Street, Bridgnorth Mainwaring, S. Kynaston. Esq., Oteley, Ellesmere Minshall, Charles; Esq., Wilmot's Croft, Oswestry Minshall, Thos., Esq., Castle View, Oswestry Mitchell, Rev, J., Alberbury Vicarage, Salop Moore, Rev. J. W., Hordley Rectory, Ellesmere Morris, Mr. W. B., Shrewsbury Morris, G., Esq., Oak Street, Shrewsbury Moss, Rev. H. W., The Schools, Shrewsbury Myers, Rev. E., F.G.S., Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury Naunton, Mr. W. W., St. John's Hill, Shrewsbury Nightingale, C. G. Esq., Shrewsbury Norton, Rev. F, C, Alkham Vicarage, Dover Oldroyd, H. J. Esq., Shrewsbury Onions, T. Esq., Claremont Street, Shrewsbury Owen, A. C. Humphreys, Esq., Garthmyl, Montgomeryshire Owen, Rev. R. Trevor, Llangedwin, Oswestrv Powis, Right Hon. Earl of, Powis Castle, Welshpool, Pardoe, G., Esq., The Priory, Cheltenham Parry, E. J., Esq., Swan Hill, Shrewsbury Payne, W. B., Esq., High Street, Shrewsbury Poelo, E. C, Esq., Prestfelde, Shrewsbury Pelham, Rev. A. T., Cound Rectory, Shrewsbury Penson, R. K., Esq., F.S.A., Dinham House, Ludlow XV Penfold, Hugh, Esq., Rustington, Littlehampton Phillimore, Wm. P., Esq., Snenton, Nottingham Phillips, W., Esq., F.L.S., Kingsland, Shrewsbury Pigott, Rev. E, V., Leaton, Shrewsbury Plowden, W. F., Esq., Plowden Hall, Lydbury North Potts, E. B. Esq., Broseley, Salop Price, John, Esq., Shrewsbury Price, B., Esq., Garthfawr Farm, near Llanidloes Price, Lewis R., Esq., 117, St, George's Square, London, S.W. Pryce, Mrs,, Gunley, Chirbury Pritchard, John, Esq,, Broseley Quaritch, B., Esq., 15, Piccadilly, London Ragg, Rev. Thomas, Lawley Vicarage, Salop Ralph, Rowland W., Esq., Honnington Grange, Newport Randall, Mr. J./F.G.S., Madeley Rider, J. E. W., Esq., Crescent House, Wellington Roberts, Askew, Esq., Croeswylan, Oswestry Roberts, T. Lloyd, Esq., Crofton Manor, Craven Arms Robinson, C. B., Esq., Frankton Grange, Shrewsbury Robertson, Henry, Esq., M.P., Pale, Corwen Robinson, Mr. J., St, Alkmond's Square, Shrewsbury Rocke, John, Esq., Clungunford House, Aston-on-Clun (deceased) Rocke, Rev. T. Owen, Clungunford Rectory, Salop Sutherland, His Grace the Duke of, Lilleshall, Salop Salt, G. M., Esq., Shrewsbury Salt, Wm,, Esq., Shrewsbury (deceased) Salusbury, Rev. G. A., LL.B., Westbury Rectory, Shrewsbury Salwey, Alfred, Esq., Overton, Ludlow Salwey, Alfred, Esq., Temeside, Ludlow Sandford, Rev. G., Eccleshall Vicarage, Sheffield Sandford, Humphrey, Esq., The Isle, Shrewsbury Sandford, Thomas Hugh, Esq., Sandford, near Prees Sandford, Rev. Holland, Eaton-under-Hcywood, Salop Sandford, Folliott, Esq., Shrewsbury Saxton, Rev. E. Waring, D.D., The Elms, Shrewsbury Selwyn, Rev. W., Bromficld Vicarage, Salop Sharpe, Mr. J., Eddowes's Journal, Shrewsbury Shaw, H., Esq., Shrewsbury Shaw, John,, Esq., Shrewsbury Smith, Hubert, Esq., Belmont House, Bridgnorth Smith, J. Onston, Esq,, Dogpolo Court, Shrewsbury Smith, J. Parson, Esq., Shrewsbury Smith, F. Rawdon, Esq., Sweyney Cliff, Coalport . Smith, S. Pountney, Esq., Shrewsbury Sothcran, H.,Esq., 18G, Strand, London Southam, S. C, Esq., Shrewsbury i XVI Southam, T., Esq., The Hollies, Shrewsbury Southwell, T. Martin, Esq,, The Woodlands, Bridgnorth Southwell, C, J., Esq., 1, Stoke Newington Green, London, W.C. Southern, F. R., Esq., Ludlow, Salop Sparrow, Rev. W., LL.D., Ludlow Sparrow, Arthur, Esq., Preen Manor, Shrewsbury Spaull, W. H., Esq., Oswestry Spence, Jas. G., Esq., Heath Lodge, Shrewsbury Spence, Mr. Jas. Harper, 23, Whitehall Place, Shrewsbury Staniforth, Rev. T,, Storrs, Windermere Stanton, George, Esq., Coton Hill, Shrewsbury Stewart, Robert, Esq., Ryton Grove, Shrewsbury Swainson, Rev, J. G., Wistanstow Rectory, Craven Arms, Salop Smith, Charles, Esq., Shrewsbury Taylor, E. James, Esq., F.S.A, New'c, Bishopswearmouth, Sunderland Taylor, R., Esq., Abbey House, Shrewsbury Thomas, Rev. Canon, F.S.A,, Meifod Vicarage, Welshpool Thursfield, T. H.,Esq., Barrow, Broseley Tippinge, F. G., Esq,, Sansaw Hall, Shrewsbury Treasure, H. Hurle, Esq., Coton House, Shrewsbury Trouncer, T,, Esq,, Astley, Shrewsbury Vaughan, H, F. J., Esq., 80, Edwardes Square, Kensington, London Venables, R. G., Esq., Old Colwall, Malvern Wakeman, Sir Offley, Bart., Korington Lodge, Chirbury Walker, C,' C, Esq., Lilleshall, Salop Ward, Rev. H., Morville, Bridgnorth (Severn Valley Field Club) Warner, Rev. Charles, Clun Vicarage Watton, J., Esq., Murivance, Shrewsbury Webb, T., Esq., Talworth House, Cardiff Wenlock Reading Society, Wenlock White, J. P,, Esq,, Shrewsbury Whitaker, W. Wilkinson, Esq., Cornbrook House, Manchester Wilkes, Mr. T., Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury Williams, Philip, Esq., Hinstock Hall, Market Drayton Williams, Pryce, Esq., Hilborough House, Horfield, Bristol Williams, E., Esq., Broom Hall, Oswestry Wilding, R , Esq., Church Stretton Wintour, Rev. G., Ironbridge, Salop Wood, Rev. J. Cooper, The Clive Vicarage, Shrewsbury Wood, Rev. R. F., Moreton Corbet Rectory, Shrewsbury Wood, R. H.,"Esq,, F.S.A., Hon. Sec. Chetham Society, Penrhos House, Rugby Wooler, Rev. W. G., Cleobury North Rectory, Salop Woodall, Mr. E., Osivestry Advertizer, Oswestry Wright, E., Esq , Halston, Oswestry Wright, Philip, Esq., Mellington Hall, Churchstoke © © fH (flHOO O © t>- COOJIOO r-H t— > r-i O © CO CO © "** O © to U5 O OWO(00»hO *>. ^ loeiOHoWoco © o 3 •JS x > o - 2 -Jl P 21 „ , , _ a o § *>»«p.3 1 p^3 I 5 S g<» *2 OS S oj5 d a 02 "O +3 M m sq : ; ; ^ a£ k . e3 SO . ^ CQCQ - 60 P 2 rS -a p 71 THE RECORDS OF THE CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. By STANLEY LEIGH TON, M.A. (Continued from p. 148 of Vol. III.) No. XXVIII. 18 Charles II. 1666. 22 Nov. | Indenture of Lease by William xEarl of Craven, 18 Charles II. > Viscount Uffington and Baron of Hampsted 1666. ) Marshall, Berks, to Thomas Edwards the elder of Kelehendrey, Salop, Esq., (for a sum of money in the name of a fine) of a tenement in the Lordship of Oswestry in i a place called Coyd Ralth known by the name of Burchin 1 William, first Earl of Craven, was the sou of Sir William Craven, Knight, Lord Mayor of London. On returning from foreign service in 1625, he was raised to the peerage as a Baron, and afterwards in 1663 to a Viscounty and Earldom. He was a staunch Royalist in the wars, but does not appear to have taken a personal part in Shropshire affairs, though his Castle of Stoke-say (not many years before pur- chased from the Vernons) was garrisoned for the king, and captured by the Parliamentary forces. In 1624, Thomas first Earl of Suffolk, whom we have noticed as Lord of Oswestry about the year 1600, after the attainder of his half brother, Philip, Earl of Arundel, sold the Lordship and Castle of Oswestry, together with its appendant manors of Duparts and Traync, to Lady Craven, the widow of Sir William Craven, and the mother of the first Earl of Craven. On the death, without issue, in 1697, at a very advanced ago of the Earl of Craven, the Lordship of Oswestry passed to his great nephew, William Herbert, second Marquess of Powis, whose grandfather the second Baron Herbert had married Elizabeth, sister of the first Earl of Craven. On tho death, without issuo of 0. E. Henry Arthur, Earl of Powis, in 1801, his sister, Lady Henrietta Antonia, having married Edward, eldest son of tho first Lord Clivc, carried hor great estates, Vol. iv. B 2 THE RECORDS OF THE Close otherwise Cay Beddow Farm with all lands &c. thereto belonging late in the possession of Thomas ap Evan with the herbage of the Forest of Coyd Ealth and all the cottages and quarries of stone there with liberty to sink for and get coals and to erect a grist or corn mill on the River Dee and with liberty of fishing in that river and also a moiety of the tithes of corn and grain in the tithing of Wiggington and Vaugh late in the possession of John Vaughan and Margaret Vaughan widow of John Vaughan. All which premises are situate within the Manor of Tryan and Lordship of Oswestry : Reser- ving all marble stone limestone and metal mines and timber trees &c. and liberty to the said Earl to hawk hunt fish and fowl : To hold for 99 years if Thomas Edwards gent, son of the said Thomas Edwards the elder Judith & Frances his daughters or any of them shall so long live, at the yearly rent of 6s. 8d.«and also £3 every year for such part of the term as the lessee shall get coal on the premises. The lessee is not to demise the premises to anyone save his children or grand- children without licence of the lessor. Covenant by lessee to repair and to pay dues taxes &c. Lessee to be allowed timber for repairs and estovers. Signed by lessee. No. XXIX. 23 Charles II. 1671. 4 Sept., 1671. \ Indenture of bargain and sale and release by 23 Charles II. J Thomas Kynaston of London gen. at the request of Richard Jones and John Lloyd Esquires Bailiffs of Oswestry, Richard Edwards vicar of Oswestry, David Hanmer and Thomas Vaughan churchwardens of the parish of Oswestry, including the Lordship of Oswestry, into the family of Clive. Her husband was created Earl of Powis in 1804, and assumed the surname of Herbert. In his family the Lordship remains (1880). In this note we have anticipated the subject of future notes, in order to point out the devolution of the Lordship of Oswestry. We have seen how the estates appertaining to the Barony of Oswaldstree became severed from the title on the attainder of Philip, Earl of Arundel, in 1590, and were afterwards assigned to Thomas, Earl of Suffolk, by the Crown. The Barony, indeed, was revived in the House of Norfolk, but the Lordship and estate have been held in the three suceeeding centuries by four distinet families, the Howards, Earls of Suffolk, the Cravens, ikrls of Cravon, the Herberts, Earls and Marquesses of Powis, and the Clives, Earls of Powis. 2 THE RECORDS OF THE Close otherwise Cay Beddow Farm with all lands &c. thereto belonging late in the possession of Thomas ap Evan with the herbage of the Forest of Coyd Ralth and all the cottages and quarries of stone there with liberty to sink for and get coals and to erect a grist or corn mill on the River Dee and with liberty of fishing in that river and also a moiety of the tithes of corn and grain in the tithing of Wiggington and Vaugh late in the possession of John Vaughan and Margaret Vaughan widow of John Vaughan. All which premises are situate within the Manor of Tryan and Lordship of Oswestry : Reser- ving all marble stone limestone and metal mines and timber trees &c. and liberty to the said Earl to hawk hunt fish and fowl : To hold for 99 years if Thomas Edwards gent, son of the said Thomas Edwards the elder Judith & Frances his daughters or any of them shall so long live, at the yearly rent of 6s. 8d. .and also £3 every year for such part of the term as the lessee shall get coal on the premises. The lessee is not to demise the premises to anyone save his children or grand- children without licence of the lessor. Covenant by lessee to repair and to pay dues taxes &c. Lessee to be allowed timber for repairs and estovers. Signed by lessee. No. XXIX. 23 Charles II. 1671. 4 Sept., 1671. | Indenture of bargain and sale and release by 23 Charles II. J Thomas Kynaston of London gen. at the request of Richard Jones and John Lloyd Esquires Bailiffs of Oswestry, Richard Edwards vicar of Oswestry, David Hanmer and Thomas Vaughan churchwardens of the parish of Oswestry, including the Lordship of Oswestry, into the family of Clive. Her husband was created Earl of Powis in 1804, and assumed the surname of Herbert. In his family the Lordship remains (1880). In this note we have anticipated the subject of future notes, in order to point out the devolution of the Lordship of Oswestry. We have seen how the estates appertaining to the Barony of Oswaldstree became severed from the title on the attainder of Philip, Earl of Arundel, hi 1590, and were afterwards assigned to Thomas, Earl of Suffolk, by the Crown. The Barony, indeed, was revived in the House of Norfolk, but tho Lordship and estate have been held in the three suceeediug centuries by four distinet families, the Howards, Earls of Suffolk, the Cravens, Earls of Craven, the Herberts, Earls and Marcpiesscs of Powis, and the Clives, Earls of Powis. 4 THE RECORDS OF THE ; The parchment, which is slightly illuminated, is signed by John Trevor Seneschall. Richard Jones ) ^ John Glover }Baillffs- Morgan Wynne Recorder. No. XXXI, 1673. We have now arrived at the period when the Charter which governed Oswestry from 1673 to 1836 was granted by King Charles II. The documents referring to the event shall all be put together in the present chapter. They will begin with a list of persons in the neighbourhood who subscribed towards the expenses of procuring the charter. We cannot find a single name in the whole list, the representative of which exists now in the male line. We notice also that the Lordship of Oswestry had lately been in the market and found a purchaser, in the son of a London Alderman — namely the first Earl of Craven, Then will follow in succession the petition of the Lord, the Bailiffs and Bur- gesses, for the Charter ; the report of the Attorney - General ; the Royal Warrant ; the correspondence incident to the sending down of the Charter " in a long black box with a key," probably the identical box in which the charter is still contained. The correspon- dence connected with the fees, of which the Lord was to pay half and the tpwn half ; but the Lord eventually was content to receive j£50 instead of £93 13s. 8d, in consideration of " the low estate of the Borough of Oswestry/' Ralph Marshall, who appears to have acted for the town of Oswestry, received a gratuity of five guineas for his pains in passing the Charter, which he is said to have " dearly earned/' The grounds for asking for the grant of a new Charter, are stated to be the loyalty of Oswestry during the late wars and the destruction and sufferings it had undergone at the hands of the H late usurping powers." The petition also asks that the " popularity be excluded from the CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 5 election of Mayor Aldermen and Common Council for the prevention of blood shedding and other great dis- orders." The principal changes made by the new Charter were the substitution of a " Mayor Aldermen and Common Council" in lieu of the Bailiffs and Burgesses ; the grant of a Court of Quarter Sessions ; the reservation to the Crown of the appointment of Recorder ; and the power of the Crown to remove the members of the Corporation. This rather dangerous prerogative was exercised by James II. throughout the kingdom, and the dissatisfaction aroused thereby materially contributed to his own removal from the throne. The chapter will conclude with a transcript of the Charter in full, and an abstract of its provisions ; — ABooke conteyning the names of countrey gent' p'sons of note and qualitie witn the sums of money rnent'ed y't each of them payd towards renewing of our Charter Anno Dom'i, 1G73 j these being Burgesses of the towne of Oswestrey in comitatu, Salop, WHITTINGTON 1 Doctor Robert Powell 1 Of Park (see note p, 70, No. VIII., ante). Park Hall is one of the best examples of the timbered style of Architecture in Shropshire. Its date is about 1580. It is engraved in Nash's Old English Mansions. The elevation of the front is particularly characteristic. The arms of Powell, Corbet, and Needham over the door in the hall represent alliances of the Powells, with those families in the 16th century. On the mantelpiece in the panelled drawing-room is the date 1640. The hall is a long low room, and in it is a table of a single plank 23ft. by 4ft. and inches thick. A small domestic chapel occupies the southern wing. There is here some good plaster work, and a number of quaint Latin inscriptions carved in stone and iu wood. On the sun dial which used to bo in tho garden with date 1578 were the following verses arranged in Adonic stanzas : — (Which may be translated.) The cycle is passing The ages no more Return in their courses The same as before. As passes the cycle As sure and as fast Is rolled by the year As the breath of the blast. And so too my own life Grows less unto me As the tide wave recedes To the depths of the sea. Praeterit aetas Nee remorante Lapsa recedunt Saecula cursu Ut fugit aetas Utque citatus Tarbinis instar Volvitur annus Sic quoque nostra I'rtecipitanter Vita recedit Ocyor undis 6 THE RECORDS OF THE 1 Thomas Lloyd Esq John Payne gent Edward Griffiths gent Mrs. Penelope Lloyd widdow Mr. John Jones 2 Mrs. Mytton of the Hallston Mr. Thomas Price Mr. Edward M orris of Pcntrc- kirnig Roger Trevor gent John Thomas & his neigh- bours Thomas Judson BLLODWELL David Maurice Esq1". 3 Roger Matthews Esq The gentlewomen of Aber- tanat Mr. Raulph Kynaston LLANSILIN 4 Edward Morris of Lloran Esq Richard Mydelton gent William Moris of Keven y b . . gent J ohn Lloyd of Lloran gent John Lloyd of Mollfiry gent Mr. William Ellis Mr. John Muchleston Mr. Jones of Squenan Mr. John Arthur of Rhwlas Mr. Thomas Edwards of Lied- red Mr. Edward Davis of Rhwlas SWYNEY 5 Thomas Baker Esq . 1 Thomas Lloyd was the son of Col. Andrew Lloyd of Aston (see note, p, 142, vol. III., No. XXV.) He married Sarah, d. and coh. of Francis Albany of Whittington, and probably lived at Whittington during his father's lifetime. 2 She was probably the widow of Gen. Thomas Mytton, and if so, was Margaret, the daughter of Sir Robert Napier of Luton, co. Bedford, and the sister of Lady Myddleton of Chirk. 3 Roger Matthews was of Blodwell Hall, a manor house pictur- esquely situated on the Welsh side of the Llanymynech Hill. The pillars of the entrance gate still remain, and there are some fine Spanish chestnut trees near the house. John Matthews, who married Jane, elder daughter and coheiress of Morris Tanat, Esq., of Blodwell, was the father of this Roger, whose d. and h., Ursula, married Sir John Bridgeman, Bart., the grandson of Lord Keeper Bridgeman, and the ancestor of the present Earl of Bradford, Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire (1880). 4 The descendant of this Edward Morris married in the last century the heiress of the Corbets of Ynysymaengwyn, and his son Edward assumed the name of Corbet. The family is now extinct in the male line; and both Lloran and Ynysymaengwyn have been sold. 5 Thomas Baker of Sweeney was the son of Thomas Baker of the same place, who purchased the estate in 1G23 from Andrew Chambrc, whoso father had purchased it in 1508 from Henry, last Karl of Arundel, of the Fitzalan surname. Thomas Baker was a Parlia- mentarian during the Civil, Wars, but does not appear to have held any military command. He was Sheriff of Shropshire in 1G49, and Knight of the Shire in 1653. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Col. CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 7 Roger Edwards Esq Mr. Richard Trevor 1 Mrs. Dorothy Gough John Davies Richard Tomley John Tomley Roger Tomley CHICKETH Mr. Richard Vaughan HOHDLEY 2 Roger Kynaston Esq1*. Fenwicke, whose sister married Humphrey Mackworth, one of Crom- well's Councillors of State, He was a great favourer of the Indepen- dent preachers, and Gough in his History of Middle says he had heard Vavasour Powell "Pray and preach four houres together in the dineing room att Sweeney, where many persons came to hear him ; and when the people departed they had every one a quarter of a two-penny bun or cake, and every one a glass of beere, of about halfe a pint." Mr, Baker died in 1675, and was buried in the garden at Sweeney, where others of- his opinions also lie buried. He built a new house at Sweeney, which was pulled down in 1805 by Thos. N. Parker, and the present one erected on its site. Having died without issue, he left his property to his kinsman Thomas Browne of Little Nesse. The family of Browne becoming extinct in the male line in 1783, Sarah Browne, niece of the last owner, carried the property into the family of Parker of Longdon, co. Worcester, by her marriage with Thomas Netherton Parker, and on the death without issue of his son, the Rev. John Parker, it passed to his daughter, Lady Leighton, in whose family it remains. 1 Mrs. Dorothy Gough was the widow of William Gough, uncle to Gough the Historian of Middle, who thus writes of her (p. 103 Gough's Hist, of Middle) : " William Gough was the wealthyest man of our family. I have heard that he had £500 per annum in lands and leases before he died. He never married until the sixty-eighth yeare of his age, and then hee took to wife Mrs. Dorothy Griffiths, a jolly widow in Oswaldstree .... By his last will (which hee called his wife's will) he gave all his lands to his wife's friends (except sucli as ho had given to my brother in law Glover). He left some small crumbs of legacies in money to his relations. Nevertheless hee left Jj5 per aim : for ever to the parish of Middle, for setting out of apprentices, and the like yearly sum for the like use to the parish of Oswaldstro ; and a Noble yearly to a minister, to preach a sermon in the English tongue, in Oswaldstree on Sfc. Stephen's day, because hee was told that hee was borne on that day ; butt I believe it was a mis- tako, for I finde by the llegistor that hee was baptised on the 23d. of February, and 1 beliovo they did not keep him above two months after hee was borne before they baptised him." 1 Roger Kynaston was grandson of Roger Kynaston, Sheriff of Shropshiro in 1G03. He suffered for his loyalty to Charles I., being obliged to compound for' his estate in the sum of .£1)21. lie was Sheriff of Shropshire 16 10 (Blake way's Sherijfs of Shropshire J. From 8 THE RECORDS OF THE 1 Robert Owen Esq. of Wood- house w Mr. William Jones of Sand- ford Mr. William Jones of Sand- ford Mr. John Wittaker ol Cotton Mr. Thomas Kynaston of Ruyton MELVERLEY Mr. Edward Kynaston of Melverley John Davies Mr. James Hanmer of Dwy- frwyd LLANYMYNECH Mr. John Edwards William Jones of Karakova Esq Mr. Lewis Lloyd Mr. Andrew Bentley PORKINTON 2 Wm. Owen Esq him was descended Sir John Kynaston Powell, Bart., M.P., Steward of Oswestry at the commencement of the present century ; and the late Sir* John Roger Kynaston of Hardwick and Hordley, on whose death, without issue, in 1866 the estates passed first to his sister, Mrs, Sutton, and on her death to the Rev. W. C. E. Owen, who has assumed the name of Kynaston, and is the present (1880) owner of Hardwick. The Kynastons twice preferred an unsuccessful claim to the dormant Barony of Grey de Powis. 1 Robert Owen was Sheriff of Shropshire in 1667. He was grand- son of Robert Owen who was Sheriff in 1618. (Blakeway's Sheriffs of Shropshire,) The Owons of Condovcr, of whom was Judge Owen, are of the same stock as the Owons of Woodhousc. On the extinction of the male line of the Owens in the 18th century, Woodhouse was devised to the Mostyns of Bryngwyn, co. Montgomery, maternally related to the Owens, whose surname they have assumed. Arthur Mostyn Owen is the present owner of Woodhouse. 2 William Owen of Porkington, who married Katherine, only child of Lewis Anwyl of Parke, co. Merioneth, was the son of the famous royalist, Sir John Owen, who was condemned to death by the Parlia- ment, together with the Duke of Hamilton, the Earl of Holland, and Lords Capel and Goring. He was reprieved, but the others were executed, and there is still in the possession of the family a rapier with the following inscription: — "Lord Capel the day before his execu- tion presented this sword to Sir John Owen, by whom he said he was convinced it would be worn with honour." There is a portrait of this Sir John, who was Vice-Admiral of North Wales, at Brogyntyn. Blakeway in his Sheriffs of Shropshire says of this family : " The family of Owen, originally of Bodsilin, in Anglesea, came into posses- sion of Porkington, with considerable estates in Carnarvonshire, through the marriage of John Owen of Bodsilin, with the grand- daughter of Sir William Morris of Clenenny, in Carnarvonshire, who had married the heiress of the Lacons, for several generations the possessors of Porkington. Robert Oodolphin Owen, the last of the name, died in the year 1792, and was succeeded in his possession by CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 9 1 Mr. John Hanmer of Pentre- pant Mr. Roger Hanmer of Pentre Davidd Tho Davies of Vron Tho Hughes Meredith Lloyd LLANVOKDA 2 Edw. Lloyd Esq Thomas Benion LLOYNYMAEN y Edw Lloyd Esq and his son ASTON 4 Andrew Lloyd Esq Mrs, Owen widdow Thos Rogers and Phillip his brother Andrew Hickson Richard Barkley Mr. Richard Lloyd ofGiffoord MAESBU11Y Mr. Nycholas Davies Mr. Richard Glover Margaret his sister and coheir, married in 1777 to Owen Ormsby of Willowbrook, in the co. of Sligo. Their only daughter, Mary Jane, carried the large estates of her family in marriage to William Ormsby Gore, Sheriff of Shropshire, 1817," and for many years Knight of the Shire. The title of Baron Harlech was conferred on his eldest son, Ralph, in 1876, with remainder to his second son, who shortly after- wards succeeded to the peerage. The house, which in the course of centuries has undergone many alterations, has lately been consider- ably enlarged, and its present name is Brogyntyn. 1 See notes ante vol. III., pt. i., p. 91, No, XIII., and p. 136, No XXI. 2 Son of Edward Lloyd of the same place (see note vol. III., pt. i., p. 102, No. XVII.) He sold Llanvorda to Sir William Williams, Bart., about 1685, and died without legitimate issue. It is stated in the History of Oswestry, published by Edwards, p. 53, that "It is recorded that he kept a small light carriage with four wheels, drawn by dogs, and that he frequently used to ride in it to Oswestry, on which account, the public bouse now called the Coach and Dogs, which was his property, had that sign put up." This public house stands at the corner of Church Street and Upper Brook Street. 3 Edwards' History of Oswestry also says that " llichard Lloyd dying in 1508 divided the estate, and left Llanvorda to his eldest son John, and Llwynymaen to his second son Edward." Both these branches are now extinct. In the pavement of Oswestry Church, before their removal at the restoration of the Church in 1874, were slabs with tho following inscriptions: — " Here lyeth interred the body of Edward Lloyd of Llwynymaeuc Esq* who departed this life the 10th day of Jan'y 1686, aged 64." Also, "Here lyeth the body of Elizabeth Lloyd widow of Edward Lloyd of Llwyny . . . Esqr interred May .... An. Dom. 1697, — Meyrick Lloyd died June ye 17th 1735 aged 30." And, "Richard Lloyd of Llwynymaen was interred July 11, 1705. W. O. died March i»l 1771." 4 Sec note ante vol. III., pt. i., p. 142, No. XXV. Vol. iv. o 10 THE RECORDS OF THE Mr. William Kynaston Nycholas Evance Moris Jones Tlio Ffoottman John Robert David . . Thomas CHIRKLAND 1 Sir Tho. Mydleton K>. and Bart 2 Sir John Trevor Kfc. 3 John Edwardes of Chirke Es. DUDLESTON 4 Morgan Wyne Esq1'. 5 Mr John Morrall Mr. Roger J ennings Mr. John Vaughan Thos Vaughan his brother SALOPP Mr. Richard Muchleston Tan- ner MAESJillOOKE John Bayley PENTREGAER Thomas Evance ST. MARTINS Edward Phillips John Evance LLANAHMON DYFFRIN KEYRIOG. David ap Richard Hugh Hughes & Tho Hughes CROC EN ITHON Owen Edwards 1 Sir Thos. Myddleton was the son of Sir Thomas " a distinguished character in the commonwealth. He was member for the County of Denbigh, took the field on the part of the Parliament when he was near sixty years of age, was a Sergeant Major to the forces in North Wales, and in conjunction with Sir William Brereton in 1643, tock the Castle of Holt. In 1644 he relieved Oswestry, and beat the King's forces in a sharp action at Montgomery, for which he had the thanks of the House." (York's Royal Tribes, p. 108), He appears in 1648 to have left Cromwell's party, and in 1659, having risen in favour of Charles II., his castle was besieged and taken by General Lambert. He died in 1666 at the age of eighty. His son was created a Baronet, and married a sister of Sir John Trevor of Brynkinallt. The Baronetage expired in 1718, when the estate devolved upon the issue of the second son of the old soldier, Sir Thomas. In 1796 that branch of the Myddletons becoming extinct in the male line, Chirk Castle passed to a sister and coheir of the last owner, who married Robert Biddulph of Ledbury, in whose family it remains. Chirk was once a royal castle, and it is a rare instance of a feudal castle still in- habited. It was purchased in 1595 by Sir Thomas Myddleton, a merchant of London, from Lord St. John of Bletso. (York's Royal Tribes, p. 107). 2 Sec note post, 3 The names of John Edwardes of Chirke, Esq, both the elder and the younger, appear in two trust deeds connected with the Yale charity in 1638. (See vol. Ill,, pt. i.,p. 186, Nos. XXU— XX111. 4 The Recorder named in the Charter. 5 The Clerk of the Town named in the Charter. CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 11 PANT GLAS Tho Edwards Moris Lewis Edward ap Thomas Rich. Edwards & Lewis Edwards BERGILL Gryftyth Williams James Dryer (?) KOEDYRALT Richard Kyffin LLANGOLLEN Evan ap Howell & Edw Howell Edward Jo11, hy yn y ddoll Harry ap Richard hy yn y ddoll Husrh Price Crosren .... HAULTON John David Tho. Moris & John Moris MYDLETON Thomas Rogers Edward Badam Widdow Gryffyths John Rarkley John Browne LLOYNITYDMAN Edward Edwards Tho Edwards LL AN ARM ON MYNYDD MAWR Edward Morris Richard Morris David Moris . . . Kyriog [1078]. 1 Petition of William Earl of Craven, Lord of the ] Manor and Borough of Oswestry, and of the Bailiffs and Burgesses of the said Borough, to the King. The Town has several charters and in the late wars was made a garrison town for the King's father, when it was taken by storm and the suburbs all burnt, and the Walls, Castle, and Church demolished by the late usurping powers. The quo warranto issued out against them has put them to great charges. Pray for renewal of their charter with additions and alterations. The Petition is referred to the Attorney General to report thereon. [The additions ?] 1. That they may bo incorporated by name of the Mayor, Aldermen, Common Council, and Bur- gesses of Oswestry. 2. The " popularitie" to be excluded from the election of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, "for the preven- tion of bloods] ledding [and] other great disorders." [1G]78 ) Report by Sir 11. Finch, Attorney-General on 13 August, j the foregoing Petition. The liberties may be granted, reserving to His Majesty the approbation of the Recorder. [1G]7.*> ) Royal warrant to the Attorney-General to 24 August, j prepare a Bill to pass under the great Seal con- taining a Charter to the Bailiffs and Burgesses of Oswestry, incorporating them by the name of the Mayor, Aldermen, 12 THE RECORDS OF THE Common Council and Burgesses of Oswestry, and confirming. 1 the ancient liberties and privileges granted to them by James I. j with alterations and additions, reserving the approbation of the Recorder. j lG73(-4). ) Letter from Ra. Marshall to Mr. Richard Pope- j 3 January, j (The latter did not wish to take upon him the Mayoralty this year.) It is too late to alter the charter, which is about to pass under the Great Seal. lG73(-4). ) Letter from the same to the same. (The latter j 24 January, j is addressed as Mayor of Oswestry. In his absence, to be opened by Mr. Edward Owen, Coroner). The Charter passed the Great Seal yesterday. Sends an account of his disbursements, whereof " his Lordship " [the Earl of Craven] will pay one moiety. If the new Fair is to be kept ! this March, they must get the Charter down with speed. ! Would have put it [the Charter ?] into the Gazette ere this, as Mrt"Davcnport desired, but there was an intention to enter | a caveat to stop it at the Great Seal. It shall be put in the Gazette next week. News as to negotiations for peace with the Dutch. lG73(-4). 1 Letter from the same to the same. Sends the G February. | Charter by Johnson in a long black box, with the key. 1G73-4 ) Letter from the same to the same, touching his 7 February. \ disbursements, and the portion to be paid by his Lordship [the Earl of Craven]. Mentions Sir John Trevor's fee, and Serjeant Bramston's. Sends [a paper] to disprove assertion made by Capt. Jones as to the Charter having cost too much. The Charter to Gloucester came to a great deal more. [1G73-4.] ) Letter from the same to the same. Is glad the No. date, j Charter came safe to the Mayor's hands. Has acquainted " my Lord " [the Earl of Craven] with what the Mayor writes about the Maces, &c. Peace with Holland pro- claimed. 1 At the entrance to the North Chancel Aisle of S*. Oswald's Church on a flat gravestone, buried at the restoration of the Church by Mr. Street, in 1874, might once have been read the remains of an inscrip- tion which began — u Here lyeth the body of Richard Pope, Esqr. Mayor. " Next to this monumental stone was another " Here lieth the body of Richard Pope gent, deceased May 15th, 1719, aged 83; also here lieth the body of Mrs. Mary Pope, daughter of the above." This is all which we have been able to discover concerning the first Mayor of Oswestry. CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 13 1G74. 1 Letter from the same to the same. States 18 April. /Serjeant Brainstem's advice as to the election of aldermen and common council-men. The places of those who refuse to take the oaths, or do not appear, to be declared void. The Serjeant dissuades from fine and imprisonment " till you be better settled." 1679(-80) I Receipt by Ka. Marshall of Mr. Richard Tope by 21 February, j the hands of Nathaniel Jones, of £50, which the Earl of Craven was content to receive in full satisfaction of £!)3 13s. 8d.} which his Lordship (on the representation by Mr. Tope and Mr. Ralph Davenport of the low estate of the Borough of Oswestry) agreed to accept in lieu of a moiety of the charge disbursed by his Lordship in altering and renewing the charter lately granted to the said Borough, though their moiety amounted to a much greater sum ; for which £93 13s. 8d., an accion was lately brought by his Lordship against Mr. Pope. Also of five guineas received by Marshal) as a gratuity for his pains in passing the Charter, which he " dearly earned." THE CHARTER. CAROLUS SECUNDUS DEI GRATIA Anglie Scotie Ffrancie et Hibornie Rex fidei Defensor &c OMNIBUS ad quos p'sentes litere pervenerint Salutem Cum Villa et Burgus de Oswaldestree alias Oswester alias Osestrie alias Oswestrey in Comitatu nostro Salop' Antiquus sit Burgus sive Villa et valde populosa Necnon Ballivi et Burgenses Ville et Burgi predicti ac Inhabitantes ejusdem Burgi Divers' Libertat' tfranches' Immunitates et prcheininences ex Antiquo habuer' vsi et gavisi fuerunt tarn per Cartam Carissimi avi nostri Jacobi nuper Regis Anglie beate memorie Et per Chartas diversorum aliorum progenitorum et i>redecessorum nostrorum nuper Regum et Reginarum Anglic eis Antehac fact' concess' sive Confirmat' quam etiam racoe' diversarum prescrip'con us um et Consuetudinum in eodem Burgo et Villa a Tempore eiijus contrarium mcmoria hommurn non existit vsitat' Cunique pivdilectus et ] >erquam fidelis. Consanguincus et Con- siliarius noster Williolmus Comes de Craven Dominus Dominii et Burgi sive Ville de Oswestrey Necnon predilecti et fideles Subditi nostri presen' Ballivi et Burgenses ejusdem Burgi Nobis humilimc Supplicaverint quod nos in Considerac'oe pre- missormn Ac pro meliori rerum Administratc'oe infra Burgum ilium ex gracie nostro amplitudine eis et Burgo illi amploria >nvilesria Concedcndo fav'orc dignarcmur Nos Bumenses et mrguiu illuiii benigno aspoctu intuentes ipsos benignitatis nost ro iniluxu veterat' non tantum (Jonfirmaiido sed nova etiam 14 THE RECORDS OF THE Conferenclo ornare et animare statuimus sperantcs quod predicti Ballivi ct Burgenses Authoritatc nostra vcstiti ot favore nostre animati Artificia foveri pacem nostrain infra eundem Burgum conservari detortas morum pravitates severiori Justitie Bladio corrigi ac premia bene merentibus condigna constitui et tribui facient prout decet Sciatis igitur quod Nos de gratia nostra Speciali Ac ex certa Scientia et mero motu nostris VOLUMUS Ordinavimus Constituiraus Declaravimus et Concessimus Ac per presentes VOLUMUS Ordinamus Constituimus Declaramus et Concedimus quod predictus Burgus de Oswaldestrey alias Oswester alias Osestrie alias Oswestrey in I)icto Comitatu nostro Salop' de cetero imperpetuum Sic et erit Liber Burgws de se, Quodque Ballior' et Burgenses Ac etiam Omnes et Singuli Burgenses et liberi homines ejusdem Burgi per Quodcunque IS1 omen sive per quecunque Nomina antehac cognit' vocat' vel incorporat' fuer' aut retrum Antehac incorporat' fuer' sive non et Successores Sui decetero imperpetuum Sint et erunt Vigore presentium unum Corpus incorporation et politicum in re facto et Nomine per Nomen Majoris Aldermannorum Communis Consilii et Burgensium Burgi de Oswestrey in Comitatu Salop' Et eos per Nomen Majoris Aldermannorum, Com- munis Consilii et Burgensium Burgi de Oswestrey in Comitatu Salop' Unum Corpus Corporatum et politicum in re facto et Nomine realiter et ad plenum pro nobis heredibus et Suc- cessoribus nostris facimus Ordinamus Constituimus Con- firmamus et Declaramus et per presentes Quodque per idem Nomen habeant Successionem perpetuam Necnon quod ipsi per Nomen Majoris Aldermannorum Communis Consilii et Bur- gensium Burgi do Oswestrey in Comit' Salop' sint et erunt perpetuis futur' temporibus personam habiles et in lege ca'paces ad habend' perquirend' percipiend' et possidena" Terr Tene- men' Libertat' privileg' lurisdicc'on ffranches' et hercditamen' cujuscunque generis vel Specie fuerint sibi et heredibus suis in feodo et perpetuitate Ac etiam bona et Cattalla ac alias res (juascunquo cujiiscunqne fiuu'int generis natur' vt:l Speciei Necnon ad daiul' Coneodend' dimitlend' et Assignand' Terr Tenemen' et Lereditainen' Bona et Cattalla ac omnia alia facta et res faciend' et exequend' per Nomen predictum ET QUOD per idem Nomen Majoris Aldermannorum Communis Con- silii et Burgensium Burgi de Oswestrey in Comitatu Salop' placilarc et implaeiiari respondere et rosponderi defendcre et Defendi valeant et possint in quibuscunque Curiis ■ placels etlocis Ac coram quibuscunque Judicious et Justiciariis et al' personis et Officiariis nostris hercdum et successorum CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 15 nostrorum in omnibus Scctis Querelas placitis Causis rebus materiis et Demandis quibuscunque real' personat' seu mixt' et cujuscunque sint generis natur' vel Speciei eisdem modo et forma prout et ligei n'ri hujus Regni n'ri Anglie persone habiles et in Lege capaces placitare et implacitari respondere et responded defendere et Defendi Ac habere perquirere recipere possidere dare Concedere et dimittere valeant et possint ET ULTERIUS VOLUMUS Ac per presentes pro nobis Heredibus et Successoribus nostris Concedimus prefato Majori Aldermannis Communi Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi ])redicti quod ipsi et Successores sui habeant imperpetuum Commune SigdlumipYO Causis et negotiis suis et Successorum Suorum quibuscunque agend' deservitur Quodque bene liceat et licebit eisdem Majori Aldermannis Communi Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predict' pro tempore existen' et Succes- soribus suis Sigillum illud ad libitum suum de tempore in tempus frangere mutare et de novo facere prout eis melius fieri et fore videbitur VOLUMUS etiam ac per presentes pro nobis Heredibus et Successoribus nostris Concedimus prefat' Majori Aldermannis Communi Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predic' et Successoribus suis quod de cetero imper- petuum sit et erit infra Burgum predict' Vnus de probior' et discretior' Inhabitantibus Burgi predict' in forma in- ferius in ' hiis presentibus menc'onat' eligend' qui erit et nominabitur Major Burgi predicti Quodque Similiter Sint et erint infra Burgum predictum duodecim probi et discreti Inhabitantes ejusdem Burgi in forma inferius in hiis presentibus menc'onat' Similiter elcgend' qui erant et Vocabuntur Alder- manni Burgi predicti quodque ulterius sint et erint infra Burgum predictum Qwindecim probi et discreti Inhabitantes ejusdem Burgi in forma inferius in hiis presentibus menc'onat' eligend5 qui erunt et Vocabuntur Commune Consilium Burgi predicti VOLUMUS etiam ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris Concedimus prefat' Majori Aldermannis Communi Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predicti et Successoribus Suis quod de cetero imperpetuum Sit et erit infra Burgum predictum Vnusprobus et discretus Vir in forma inferius in hiis presentibus menc'onat' eligend' qui erit et nominabit' SeneschaUus Burgi predicti Quodque similiter Sit i;t erit infra Burgum predictum unus alius probus et Discretus Vir in Logibus Anglicanis peritus qui erit ac nominabitur Recordutor ejusdem Burgi ET ULTEU1US VOLUMUS acper presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris Con- eedhnus prefatis Majori Aldermannis Communi Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predicti et Successoribus Suis, quod omnes 16 THE RECORDS OF THE et singuli persone qui nunc sunt liberi homines et Bur- genses Burgi predicti atque imposterum in Libertatem pre- dictam admittentur Sint et erint ac nominabuntur Burgenses Burgi predicti VOLUMUS etiam ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris Concedimus prefatis' Majori Aldermannis Communi Concilio et Burgensibus Burgi predicti quod ipse et Successores sui dc Cetero imperpetuum Habeat et habebunt infra eundem Burgum libertat' vel precint' ejusdem unum Domum Communis Convene on Sive Con- vocacon que crit et vocabitur Le Guildhall Ville et Burgi do Oswestrey Quodque liceat et lieebit prefat' Majori Aldermannis Communi Concilio Sencscliallo et Recordator et Successoribus Suis de tempore in Tcmpus toties quoties eis vel majori parti eorundem convenien' vel necessar' videbitur in predicta Doino vocat le Guildhall aut in aliquo alio convenienti loco infra Burgum predictum Libcrtate et precinct' ejusdem seipsos Congregare et Assemblare Quodque iidem Maior Aldermanni Commune Consilium Seneschallus et Recordator vel maior pars eorundem sic Congregat' et assemblat' plenam habeant et habebunt potestatem et authoritatem Condendi Con- stituendi et Stabiliendi hujusmodi Leges Statuta Constituc'oes Decrcta Ordinac'oes raconabil quascunque que ipsis et maiori parti eorundem bon' salubr' vtil honest' et necessar' iuxta eorum discrec'on fore videbuntur pro bono regimine et Gubcrnac'on Burgi predicti libertat' et precinct' ejusdem Ac omnium et Singulorum Omciariorum Ministrorum Artificum Inhabitantium et Resident ium infra Villain et Burgum pre- dictum vel precinct' ejusdem Necnon pro Declarac'oe quo modo et Ordine predict' Major Aldermanni Commune Con- silium et Burgens' Ac omncs et Officiar' ministri Artifices In- habitantes et Residentes infra Burgum predictum de Tempore in Tempus in Separalibus et respectivis Officiis ministeriis et negotiis Suis Sese habebunt et gerent Ac alitor pro uberiori bono et publico utilitate et Regimine Burgi illius ac Victul- ac'oe ejusdem Ac etiam pro mcliori preservac'oe Gubernac'oe ])isj)osic'oe locac'oe et Dcmisione Terrarum Tenementorum pos- sessionum Revencionum et hereditamcntorum prenxtis Majori Aldermannis Communi Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predicti et Successoribus suis per presentes aut alitor dat' Concess' Assignat' sive Affirm at' aut in posterum dand' Concedend' Assigijand' Sive Confirmand' Ac res et Causas alias quascunque Burgum predictum aut Statum Jus aut interesse ejusdem tangen' sou quoquo modo Concernen' Quodque liceat et lieebit prefatis Majori Aldermannis Communi Consilio Seneschallo et Recordari Burgi predicti pro tempore existen' vel Majori parti CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 17 eorundem quotiescunque ipsi aut Maior pars eorundera hujusmodi Leges Statut' et Ordinac'on Concfiderint fecerint Ordinaverint vel Stabiliverint in forma predicta hujusmodi rac'onabil, penas pcnaliter et punicoes per Imprisonamentem Corporis vel per jfines et arnerciamert vol eorum utrumque orga et Super omnes Delinquentes contra hujusmodi Leges Statut' et Ordinac'oes Sive eorum aliquod vel aliqua imponere et Assidere quot et que eisdem Maiori Aldermannis Communi Consilio Seneschallo et Recordatori pro tempore existen' vel maiori parti eorum ut prefertur rac'onabil et requisit' fore Videbunter Quorum quidem ffinium Imposic'on et amercia- men' YOLUMUS quod vna medietas levabitwr et Colligetur ad usum Domini honoris et Dominii de Oswestrey et heredum suornm altera Vero Medietas adusum prefatorum Maioris Aldermannorum Communis Consilii et Burgensium Burgi et Kuccessorum suorum imperpetuum absque Impedimento nostri heredum vel successorum nostrorumaut aliquorumOfficiarorum seu ministrorum nostrorum hered' vel successorum nostrorum quorumcunque Ac absque Computo proinde nobis heredibus et successoribus nostris Reddend' vel faciend' que omnia et Singula Leges Statut' et Ordinac'oes sic ut prefertur fiend' obsevari' volumus sub penis in eisdem Continend' Ita quod predict' Leges Statut' Ordinac'oes Imprisonamen' ffines et Amerciamen' rac'onabil sint nec repugn' seu' Contrar' Legibus Statutis Consuctudinibus sive Juribus Regni nostri Anglie aut preiudicial' Domino Dominii sive manorii de Oswestrey vel lieredibus Suis aut suo vel eorum Juri hereditario Et pro mdiori execuc'on Concession' nostrarum predict' in hae parte Assignavimus Nominavimus Constituimus et fecimus Ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et successoribus nostris ASSIGNAMUS nominamus Constituimus et facimus Dilectum Nobis Eichardum Pope Generosum fore et esse primum et modernum Maiorem Burgi predicti VOLENTES quod idem Richardus Pope in Officio maioris ejusdem Burgi erit et Con- tinuabit a Confecc'oc presentium usque at diem Veneris prox' seqwen' post ffestum sancti Miehaelis Archanoeli qui erit Anno Domini millessimo sexcentessimo Scptuagesimo Quarto Et ab hide quousque ITnus alius de Aldermannis Burgi predicti pro tempore Existen' ad Oflicium illud prefectus et Juratus fuerit iuxta Ordinac'oes et Constituc'ocs in presentibus Express' et declarat' si idem Richardus Rope tamdiu viverit ASSIG- NAVIMUS etiam Nominavimus (Jonstituimus et fecimus Ac. per presentes pro nobis lieredibus et successoribus nostris ASSIGNAMUS Nominamus Constituimus et facimus djlectos Nobis Johanna n Trevor Militem Morgan Wynne 18 THE RECORDS OF THE Arroigerum Edivardum Owen Generosum Richard Edwards Generosum Richardum Llofjd de Leffords Generosum pre- fatnm Richardum Pope Generosum Gabrielem Edwards Lanarium Hogonem Price Lanar Johannem Junes Mercer Richardum Jones Generosum Johannem Blodwell Genesosum et Johannem Lloyd Mercer fore et esse primos et modernos Aldermannos Burgi predicti Continuand' in Offic' ill' durant' vitis suis naturalibus nisi interim pro aliqua Causa rac'onabil' per Maiorem et melior' partem Aldermanor' et Communis Con- silii predicti Burgi pro tempore existen' quorum Maiorem unum esse Volumus amovebuntur aut eorum aliquis amovebit' ASSIGNAVIMUS etiam Nominavimus Constituimus et fecimus Ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et successoribus nostris ASSIGNAMUS N ominamus Constituimus et facimus Dilectos Nobis Richard"1 Price Brassiatorem Bichardum Jones Mercer Johannem Glover Coriarium Richardum Jones Chirotliecarium Edivardum Evans Pliarmacopot' Johannem Jones Chirotliecarium, Johannem Mucldeston Crepidarium Thomam Edwards Generosum Thomam Edwards panificem Nalhanielem Jones Brasiatorem Hugonem Edwards Crepid- arium Timotheum George mercer Thomam Vaughan TAicer- natorum Willielmum Price Lanior' et Thomas jfeltham Crarium foro et esse primum et J\Iodcrnum Commune Con- silium predicti Burgi continuand' in OiHe' illud durant' vitis suis naturalibus nisi interim pro aliqua Causa raconabili per Maiorem et maiorem partem Aldermannorum et rcsid' Com- munis Consilii predicti Burgi pro tempore existen' quorum Maiorem unum esse Volumus amovebuntur aut eorum aliquis amovebitur Ef ULTEPJUS VOLUMUS Ac per presentes pro Nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris Qon- cedimus prefat' Maiori Aldermannis Communi Consil' et Burgensibus Burgi Predict' et Successoribus suis quod Major Aulernianiii at Commune Consilium ejusdeni Burgi pro teuipdre existen' vel maior pars oorimdeiii quorum Maiorem pro tempore existen' unum esse Volumus de tempore in tern pus perpetuis futuris temporibus potestatem et Authorit- atom habeunt et habebunt annuatim et quolibet Anno in Die Veneris prow post festum Sancti Michaetis Archangeli semet vel eorum maiorem partem assembland' in Guihalda Burgi predicti vel in alio loco convenient!' infra eundem Burgum iuxta eorum discrec'on limitand' et Assignand' et ad tunc et ibidem nominandi et efegah(Ji Unum de Alder- mannis vel Communi Consilio Burgi predicti pro tempore existen' omlil)us Ollensis suis comm Justiciar' nostris Assignat' vol Assiguand' pro deliber- ac'ono Uaolo nostre infra dictum Comitatum nostrum Salop' CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 27 VOLENTES ac per presentes pro nobis Heredibus et Succes- soribus nostris Mandantes Vicecomiti ejusdem Comitatus pro tempore existen' Necnon Custod' Com'unis Gaole Comitat' illius pro tempore existen' quo ipsi et eorum alter de tempore in tempus recipient et recipiet Corpus et Corpora hujusmodi persone et personarum ipsis vel eorum alteri per Justiciar' pacis predicti Burgi Libert at' et precinct' ejusdem vel eorum aliquem Sic ut prefertur comittend' in ems et eorum Cus- todiam et Custodias ac personam et personas Sic Comiss' Salv' Custodient ad respondent pro Seperal' Offensis Suis coram Justiciar' nostris de Oyer et Terminer et Justiciar' nostris ad Gaolam nostrum deliberand' Assign' vel Assignand' Et hce Litere nostre paten' vel Irrotulament' earundem dictis vicecomiti Comitat' nostri Salop' et Custodi Com'unis Gaole ejusdem Comitatus pro tempore Existen' et eorum alteri bon' et sufficient' erunt' Warran' m ea parte VOLUMUS ETIAM AC per presentes pro nobis Heredibus et successoribus nostris MANDAMUS quod nullus aut Custos aut Justisiciar' pacis autaliquis al' Officiar'nostr'Heredum vel successor'm nostrorum ut Justiciar' pacis nostre indicto Comitatu nostro Salop' cum aliqua persona vel aliquibus personis pro aliqua materia Causa seu reqacunque infra predict' Burgum de Oswestrey aut Libertat' et precinct' ejusdem acciden' ullo modo se intromittet ET ULTERIUS VOLUMUS ac per presentes pro nobis Heredibus et successoribus nostris Concedimus prefatis Maiori Aldermannis Com'uni Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predicti ct successoribus Suis Quod Maior ejusdem Burgi pro tempore oxiston' et successores sui do tcmporo in tempus post hac in futuro oligcnt nominabunt et appunctuabunt et eligere nominare et appunctare valeant ut possint hujusmodi personam et personas Liberos Burgenses vel Inhabitan' Burgi predicti qual' sibi placuerit fore et esse Gonstahular ojjiciar et inferior ministros pro servicio nostro Heredum et successorum nostrorum et servicio ejusdem Burgi ac ipsos sic elect' et appunctuat' vel eorum aliqu' pro causa rac'onabili amovebunt et dimittent ac amovere et dimittere valeant et possint prout visum fuerit Quodque hujusmodi Constabular' Officium et Ministr' et eorum quilibet sic ut prefertur eligend' et appunctuand' Sacramentum Suum Corporal' Super Sanctum Dei Evangelium coram Mai're predicti Burgi pro tempore existente ad officia et Loca sua respectiva mste integre et obedientur prcfato Maiori et aliis Justiciar' pacis predict' infra Burgum predictum pro - tempore existente performand' et oxequen' Quran' continuac'on sua in seperalibus oflicijs suis prestabunt et quilibet eorum prestabit VOLUMUS ETIAM THE HECORDS OF THE ac per presentes pro nobis Heredibus et successoribus nostris Concedimus prefatis Maiori Aldermannis Com'uni Consilio et ' Bugensibus Burgi predicti quod ipsi de cetero imperpetum habeant et habebunt infra Burgum predictum duos officiarios sive Ministros per Maiorem Burgi predicti pro tempore existente ann'atim nominand' qui erunt et vocabuntur Servien' ad Clavas Quodque predicti servientes ad Clavas erint et eorum alter erit de tempore in tempus et ad omnia Tempora attendentes in et Super Maiorem Burgi predicti vel eius deputat' pro tempore existen' et per Maiorem ibidem ann'atim et quilibet nomina- buntur et appunctuabunter continuand' in offic' ill' pro etl durante uno anno integro si ipsi vel eorum alter tarn diu vixerit ac se bene gesserint vel gesserit in officio suo predicto quodque iidem servientes ad Clavas sic ut prefertur nominand' J urati erint et eorum alter iurat' erit coram Maiori predicti pro tempore existente ad officia sua bene et fideliter exequen' VOLUMUS ETIAM quod predicti duo servientes ad Clavas Burgi predicti de tempore in tempus et ad omnia tempora ac in omnibus Locis infra Burgum predictum Libertat' et precinct' ejusdem et publice portabunt et eorum alter habebit et publice portabit Clavas Argenteas vel Deeorat' Signo Armorum nostrorum Durante vit' nostr' ac post decessum nostrum Signo Armorum Heredum et Successorum nostrorum ad Superiorem partem inde Ac Signo Armorum Domini Manorij de Oswestrey pro tempore Existente ad inferiorem partem inde sculpt' et ornat' quas quidem Clavas predicti Servientes ad Clavas aperte in manibus suis vel super humoros suos in Solemni et decoro modo nudo Capite coram Maiore vel eius Deputat' pro tempore existen' toties quoties per predictum Maiorem vel eius Deputat' precept' fuerint portabunt quodque vocabuntur servientes ad Clavam pro Burgo de Oswestrey predict' et erint Ministri Attendentes in et super Maiorem Burgi predicti pro tempore existen' vel eius Deputat' ac in et super Curiam et Curias nostras de Recordo in et pro eodem Burgo imposterum tenend' quodque facient et exequentur et facere et exequi valeant et possint omnia et omniand Brevia process' precept' Warrant' attachment' Mandat' Curie sive Curiarum et Maioris predict' secun- dum Leges et Statuta hujus Regni nostri Anglie ET ULTERIUS VOLUMUS ac per presentes pro nobis Heredibus et Successoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS prefat' Maior' Aldermannis Com'uni Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predict' et successoribus suis quod Maior Burgi predicti pro tempore existente et Seneschallus Domini Manerij de Oswestrey pro tempore existente de cetero imperpetuum sint et erint et CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 29 . . . . .® eorum quilibet sic et erit Clericys et Clerinus mercati uostri Heredum et Successorum nostrorum per et infra predictum Eurgum de Oswestrey quodque facient performabunt et exequentur ac faceri et exequi possint et valeant omnia et singula acco'nes facta et res in et per predictum Burgum Libertat' et precinct' ejusdem in tam amplis modo et forma prout aliquis alius Clerinus aut aliqui alij Clerici mercati in aliquo alio Comitatu Civitatc villa et Burgo huius Kegni nostri Anglie quocunque facere performare et exequi valeant ct possint VOLUMUS insuper ac per presentes mandamus quod nullus Clericus Mercati Hospitij nostri aut alius Clerinus Mercati nostri Heredum vel successorum nostrorum aliqu' act' factum sive rem quamcunque officium Clerici mercati Burgi predicti aliqualiter tangen' sive concernend' infra eundem Burgum Libertat' vel precinct' eiusdem agere exequi vel performare presumat' ET ULTEllIUS VOLUMUS ac per presentes pro nobis Heredibus et successoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS et ordinamus quod de Cetero imperpetuum sit et erit unus Coronator infra dictum Burgum de Oswestrey qui erit et vocabitur Coronator Burgi de Oswestrey VOLUMUS ETIAM et per presentes pro nobis Heredibus et successoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS prefatis Maiori Aldermannis Com'uni Consilio et Burgen'sibus Burgi predicti et successoribus suis quod Coronator virtute presentium de tempore in tempus nominat' et appunctuat' nominand' et appunctuand' habcbit ac habere valeat et possit plenam potestatem et authoritato faciendi ot cxequendi omnes et Singulos Actus infra predictum Burgum Libertat' et precinct* ejusdem in tam amplis modo et forma prout aliquo Coronator aut aliqui Coronatores infra aliquam Villam Incorporat' vel aliquem Comitatum infra Regnum nostrum Anglie de iure facere et exequi potest vel possint Et pro meliori exemc'oe Concessions nostre in hac parte ORDINAVIMUS Con- stituimus et appunctuavimus ac per presentes ORDINAMUS Constituimus et appunctuamus predictum Edwardwm Owen Generosum fore et esse primum et Modernum Coronatorem Burgi predicti et Continuand' in Offic' ill' usquo ad dieno Veneris prox post fiestum Sancti Micliaelis Achangeli qui erit in Anno Domini Millessimo sexcentesimo Septuagesimo quarto si ipse tamdiu vixerit et abinde donee Novus Maior Secundum formam et Ordinem in ea parte Superius in hijs presentibus express' nominabitur Elegitur ct iuratus fuerit si inso prefat' Edwardus 0>ven tamdiu vixerit VOLUMUS TAM EN quod prefat' Edwardus Owen in Oflic' predict' se non intromittet Antequam ipse Sacramentum suum Corporale Vol. iv. E 30 THtf RECORDS OF THE coram predicto Richardo Pope ad Officium suum predictum vere iuste et indifferenter exequend' Cuiquidem Richard Pope plenam potestatem et authoritatem admmistrandi Sacra- mentum predictum pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris DAMUS et Concedimus per presentes absque aliquo alio vel ulteriori Warranto vel Comissione a nobis Heredibus et Successoribus nostris in ea parte procurand' aut obtinend' ET ULTERIUS VOLUMUS ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS prefatis Maiori Aldermanis Com'uni Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predicti et Successoribus suis quod de tempore in tempus ac ad omnia tempora post hoc in futuro Annuatim Ultimus Maior Burgi predicti pro tempore Existente imediate ab et post et quilmcito Officium Suum Maioris predict' Determinabit erit et vocabitur Coronator nostre Heredum et Successorum nostrorum et in per predictum Burgum Libertat' et precinct' ejusdem Quodque ipse ut Coronator plenam habebit potes- tatem et authoritatem ad faciend' et exequend' infra Burgum predictum et Libertat' ejusdem Omnia que per Leges et Statuta hujus Regni nostri Anglie ad Officium Coronatoris spectabit vel pertinebit aut spec tare vel pertinero possit VOLUMUS TAMEN Ac per presentes MANDAMUS quod predictus Ultimus Maior Burgi predicti pro tempore existcnto non exercebit vel exequetur Officium Coronatoris Burgi illius antequam ipse Sacramentum Corporale ad Offic' illud vere iuste et indifferentur exequend' Coram Maiore ejusdem Burgi f ro tempore existente vel eius Deputat' prestitent VOLUMUS NSUPER ac per presentes Mandamus quod nullus alius Coronator seu Coronatores nostri heredum vel Successorum nostrorum ad aliquod quod ad Offic' Coronatoris pertinet vel pertinere possit faciend' infra Burgum predictum aut Libertat' vel precinct' ejusdem ullo modo se intromittat vel intromit- tant ET ULTERIUS VOLUMUS ac per presentes CON- CEDIMUS quod si Contigerit Coronator Burgi predicti aliquo tempore imposterum infra unum annum postquam ad Offic' Coronatoris Burgi predicti ut prefertur prefectus et iurat' fuerit obire quod tunc bene liceat et licebit Maiori Alder- mannis et Com'uni Consilio predicti Burgi pro tempore existente vel Maiori Parti eorum nominare et Eligere Unum alium ex Aldermannis qui fuerit Coronator ejusdem Burgi ad Dictum Officium Supplend' et Exercend' pro et durante tali tempore qual' Coronator sic moriens idem Officium si vixisset tenuisset Quodque ipso aic Nominatus et Electus Sacrament' Corporal' modo et forma predict' prestoibit ET ULTERIUS de Uberiori gratia nostra Ac ex certa Scientia CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 31 et mero motu nostris VOLUMUS ac per presentes pro nobis Heredibus et Successoribus nostris CONCED1MUS prefatis Maiori Aldermannis Communi Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi {wedicti et Successoribus Suis quod ipsi de cetero imperpetuum labeant et teneant ac habere tenere possint et valeant infra Burgum de Oswestrey predict' in Guihalda ibidem unam Curiam de Recordo quolibet die Veneris in qualibet Septiurana per an'um diebus ffestis Solu'modo exceptis Coram Maiore lJurgi predicti pro tempore existente vel ejus Deputat' tenend' Et quod in Curia ilia tenere possint querel' in eadem Curia levand' Omnia et Omnimod' placita Acc'ones sectas et demand' de quibuscunque transgressionibus Yi et Armis seu aliteivin contempt' nostri Heredum aut Succcssorum Nostrorum fact' seu faciend' perpetrat' seu perpretrand' seu Contra formam aliquorum Statutorum ac de quibuscunque alijs trans- gressionibus Offoncis et Maiefactis infra Burgum predictum aut Libertat' vel Precinct' cjusdem fact' mot' seu perpetrat' vel imposterum faciend' movend' sive perpetrand' Ac de omnibus et omnimod' placitis et Acc'onibus super Casum decepc'on compot' debit Convenc'on detenc'on Cartarum Scriptorum vel Munimentorum et Catallorum Capc'onibus et Detenc'ombus Averiorum Bonorum et Catallorum ac alijs contractibus quibuscunque ex quibuscunque Causis sive rebus infra Burgum predictum Libertat' vel Precinct' ejusdem emergen' contingen' vel existen' in tarn amplis modo et forma ad omnes intenc'oes et proposita prout Ballivi et Burgenses Villo ot Burg' de Oswestrey predict' Antehac habuerunt tcnuerunt usi vel gavisi fuerint infra eundem Burgum quodque hujusmodi placita querel sect' et Acc'ones ibidem Audiantur et determinantur coram Maiore Burgi predicti pro tempore existente vel eius Deputat' in Guihalda ejusdem Burgi per tal' et consimil pross' et mod' Legibus et Consuetud' huius Regni nostri Anglie concentan' Ac adeo plene libere et integre ac in tarn amplis modo et forma prout in Cur' de Recordo Burgi predicti aut in aliqua alia Curia de Recordo in aliqua Civitate Burgo sive Villa Incorporat' infra Regnum nostrum Anglie usitat' et consuet' fuit aut fieri potest aut debet quodque predict' Maior Aldermanni Com'une Consilium et Burgenses Burgi de Oswestrey predict' et successores sui do cetero imperpetuum habeant et habebunt plenam postes- tatem et Authoritatem ad Attachiand' seu Attachiari Causand' per Corpora sua secundum cursum Legum nostrarum Omnes et Omnimod' personam et personas qui crunt vel suspect' fuerint fore insufliciend' vol insolven' in quibuscunque ac- p'onibus et placitis de debit Compot' Transgression, ^detencon' 32 THE RECORDS OF THE ac Omnibus at placitis et ac'conibus personalibus antehac mot' citat sue exhibit vel imposterum movend' sitand' vel exhibend' j infra Burgum predict' Libertat' vel precinct' eiusdem coram j Maiore eiusdem Burgi pro tempore Existente vel eius Deputat' in Guihalda ibidem ET ULTERIUS VOLUMUS ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris CON- CEDIMUS prefatis Maiori Aldermannis Com'uni Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predicti et Successoribus suis quod Maior Burgi de Oswestrey predict' et Successores sui imperpetuum habebunt ac habere valeant et possint unam medietatem Omnium et Omnimod' ffii' Exit' Kedemc'ond' Amerciament' forisfactur Recognic'on et Recognic'onum pro non apparen' pro quacunque Causa vel quibuscunque Causis Comiss' vel comittend' Necnon Omn' perquisicon' quarumcunque infra dictam curiam de Recordo predicti Burgi vel in aliqua alia Curia vel aliquibus alijs Curijs tent' infra eundem Burgum coram aliquo Officiario vel aliquibus Offic' Burgi IlHus Surgen' acciden' vel provenien' alteram vero medietatem predictorum ffinium exit' Redemc'on amerciament' penalitat' et forisfactur' pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris DAMUS et Concedimus Domino Dominij sive manerij de Oswestrey predict' pro tempore existente et heredibus suis Dominus eiusdem manerij VOLUMUS ETIAM ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS Prefatis Maiori Aldermannis Com'uni Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predicti et Successoribus suis quod ipsi de cetero imper- petuum habeant et habebunt infra Burgum predictum unum Virum probum discretum et ideneum qui erit et nominabitur Gomunis Clericus Burgi predicti Cui quidem Com'uni Clerico Burgo illius pro tempore existente pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris per presentes DAMUS et CON- CEDIMUS plenam potestatem et Authoritatem ad omnia faciend' et Exequend' que tarn ad Offic' Com'unis Clerici eiusdem Burgi quam ad Offic' Clerici Curie Burgi illius spectant' vel pertinent' AC pro meliori Execuc'oe Voluntatis nostro in hac parte ASSIGN AVIM US Constituimus Ordin- avimus et fecimus ac per presentes ASSIGNAMUS Con- stituimus Ordinamus et facimus Dilectum Nobis Johannem Morrall Generosum fore et esse Communem Clericum Burgi predict' ad faciend' et Exequend' Omnia et Singula Ad Offic1 Com'unis Clerici Burgi predict' et ad Offic' Clcrica Curio oiusdem Burgi spectan' vel portinon' et in dicto Officio' Con- tinuand' durante Vita sua naturali VOLUMUS ETIAM ac pnr pnisentes (/Oiicodimus quod si Coui'unis Clericus Burgi predicti pro temporo existente ad aliquod tcmpus in futuro CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 33 S infra Burgum predictum non residet vel negotia Officij Sui in propria persona sua non intendet tunc durante tali sua non residentia vel absentia ipse idem Com'unis Clericus Unum probum discretum et idoneum virum non existen' Attorn' Cur' Burgi predict' ac per Seneschallum Burgi predicti pro tempore existente per Scriptum sub Manu et sigillo suo de tempore in tempus Allocand' fore et esse deputatum suum faciet Nom- inabit et appunctuabit VOLUMUS ETIAM ac per presentes precipimus et Mandamus quod Com'unis Clericus Burgi predicti pro tempore existente vel eius Deputat' de cetero imperpetuum Omn' et Omnimod' ffines et Amerciamenta infra Burgum predictum imposit' vel assessat' imponend' veil assesand' in Curia de Recordo eiusdem Burgi sive dilac'one irrotulabit vel irrotulari causabit VOLUMUS INSUPER ac er presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris ONCEDIMUS quod de cetero imperpetuum Clerico et nominac'o Com'unis Clerici predicti Burgi pro tempore exis- tente erit et facta fuerit per Dominum manerij sive Dominij de Oswestrey predict' pro tempore existent' quodque tarn prefat' Johannes Morrall quam quilibet alius Com'unis Clericus per Dominum Manerij sive Dominij de Oswestry predict' pro tempore existente Elect' et Nominat' Antequam ad Offic' ill' exequend' Admittatur Sacrament' Corporal' ad idem Offic' bene et fideliter in Omnibus exequend' coram Maiore Predicti Burgi pro tempore existente prestabit Cui quidem Maiori huiusmodi Sacrament' tarn predicto Com'uni Clerico pro tempore existente quam Constabular' Servientibus ad Clavam et Omnibus alijs Officiarijs infra Burgum pre- dictum Libertat et precinct' eiusdem dandi et Administrandi pienam potestatem et Autlioritatem Damus et Concedimus per presentes absque aliquo alio Warranto sive Com'issione a nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris procurand' vel obtinend' ET ULTERIUS VOLUMUS Ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS et Con- firmamus prefatis Maiori Aldcrmanis Com'uni Consilio et Burgcnsibus Burgi predicti et Successoribus suis quod de cotero imperpetuum sint et erunt infra Burgum predict' Sex probi et discreti Vzri que erunt et vocabuntur Attornati predicte Curie de Recordo quorum quatuor Yolumus eligentur et Nominabuntur per Maiorem Burgi predicti et Successores suos Maiores eiusdem Burgi et alteri duo per Seneschallum Burgi illius pro tempore existen' qui quidem quatuor Attorn' per Maiorem sic ut prefertur nominat' et nominand' in Officijs Suis respective continuabunt donee per Maiorem Burgi pre- dict! vel Successores Suos amovebuntur alteri vero duo per 34 THE RECORDS OF THE Seneschallum sic ut prefertur Nominat' et nominand' in Officijis suis continuabunt donee per Seneschallum Burgi f redicti pro tempore existen' amovebuntur CONCESSIMUS NSUPEK, ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Succes- seribus nostris CONCEDIMUS prefatis Maiori Aldermannis Com'uni Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predicti et Succes- soribus Suis quod de cetero imperpetuum Sic et erit infra Burgum predictum Unus probus et discretus Vir qui erit et Nominabitur Mareschallus et proclamator predicte Curie Burgi predicti Quique elegitur et Nominabitur per Maiorem Burgi illius pro tempore existen' et in Offic' ill' Continuabit donee per Majorem eiusdem Burgi pro tempore exiscen' amovebitur Ac etiam durante Continua'con Sua in Offic' predict' faciet et exequatur ac facere et exequi possit et valeat omnia et Singula que ad Offic' suurn in Curia predict' pertinent vel pertinere debeant VOLUMIS ETIAM quo tarn predicti' Sex Attornati quam Marischallus Curie predicte pro tempore existen' Sacramenta sua Corporal' super sanctum Dei Evangel' Coram Maior' Burgi predict' pro tempore existen' vel eius Deputat' ad officia sua respective bene et fidelitur Secundum eorum optimam scient' et intellectum Exequend' prestabunt et quilibet* eorum prestabit ET ULTERTUS VOLUMUS ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et successoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS prefat' Maiori Alder,, mannis Com'uni Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi predicti et successoribus suis quod ipsi de cetero imperpetuum habeant et babebunt infra eundum Burgum ac infra Libertat' eiusdem Unam Gaolam Sive pWseftf pro Custod' et Salva detencon' Ominum et Singularum prisonar' Attachiat vel Attachiand' vel qui ad eandem prisona'r' per Maiorem Seneschallum et Recordate'r predict' vel eorum aliquem protempore Existen' adjudicat' Miss' sive Commiss' fuerint pro aliqua Causa Sive re que ipsis bon' et convenien' videbitur ibidem remansur' donee ab inde per debitum Legis cursam exonerat' acquietat' vel deliberat' fuerint Quodque prefat' Maior Burgi predict' pro tempore existen' et Successores sui Custodes dicte Gaole sive prisonar' de tempore in tempus durante Maioralitate sua nominabunt facient et Appunctuabunt ac nominare facere et appunctuare possint et valeant Et quod huiusmodi Custos et Custodes Sic appunctuat' et appunctuand' respondebit et rospondebunt et indemn' scrvabit et servabunt predict' Maiorem Sive Corporat'on in et pro Salva Custod' Prisonar- iorum et delinquosium' ad eius vel eorum Custod' Comiss VOLUM US insuper ac per presentes Ordinamus quod predict' flfaior Rccordatov Clericus Mercati Communis Glericus Burgi 1909872 CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 35 predict! Attornat' Marischalhis Curie Custos Prisone et Servimtes ad Glavam pro tempore existen' et Successores sui de Cetero imperpetuum ac de tempore in tempus habe- bunt capient' demandabunt et recipient' ac habere capere demandare et possint et valeant omnia et omnimod' tal' huiusmodi et consimil' reconabil feod' et profic' sectarum in Curia et Curijs ac extra Curiam et Curias qual' Ballivi Recordator Coronatores Clericus Mercati Com'unis Clericus Burgi Attornati Marischallus Curie Custos Prison' et servientes ad Clavam Ville Ludlow aut predict % Burgi vel eorem aliqu' babeat Capiunt demandant et recipient habuerunt ceperunt demandaverunt vel reciperunt aut habere capere demandare et recipere debent vel possint ET ULTERIUS SCIATIS quod nos tie gratia et favore nostris ac pro incremto profic' et Comodi predicti Burgi de Oswestrey CONCESSIMUS et Confirmavimus ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Succes- soribus nostris CONCEDIMUS et Confirmamus prefatis Maiori Aldermanis Comuni Consilio et Burgensibus eiusdem Burgi et Successoribus suis quod de cetero imperpetuum omnes et singule persone que fuerunt sunt vel imposterum fuerint Inkabitantes vel Besidentes infra Burgum predictum aut Libertat' eiusdem tarn liberi Burgenses Burgi illius quam non liberi in omnibus auxilijs taxacon' contribuc' onibus Scot' Lott' 'Assessament' et Solucon quibuscunque ad usum nostrum heredum vel Successorum nostrorum vel ad usum predicti Burgi pro Manutenc'on' boni Status et profic' eiusdem Burgi taxabuntur censebuntur et reconabiliter Assessabuntur unam cum cdijs Burgensibus Burgi illius quod prefat' Maior Burgenses Com'une Consilium et Burgenses Burgi predicti et Successores sui adusum profitium et in vacamen' eiusdem Burgi levabunt et levari possint per Servientes Officiarios vel Mimstros suos eadem Auxilia Taxacon' Contribucon' Sulucon* Scot et Lott' de tempore in tempus per districc'onem sivo districconesBonoum vel Catallorum vel Bonorum et Catallorum huiusmodi persone vel personarum sic et prefertur taxat vel Assessat' que quidem persone Inhabitantes et Residentes cuiuscunque sortis generis vel qualitat' de tempore in tempus ac ad omnia tempora posthec in futuro onerat' et onerabit fuerint cum eisdem Auxilijs Taxac'on Scot et lott' et alijs ContribucW et eorum quibuslibet ET ULTERIUS YOLUMUS ac uer presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris COrsTCEDIMUS et Confirmamus prefatis Maiori Aldermannis Coin'unium Consilio et Burgensibus et Successoribus suis quod ipsi et maior pars eorum de tempore in tempus ac ad omnia tem- pora posthec m futuro plenam habeant et habeant potestatem et 36 THE RECORDS OF THE Authoritatem Nominandi Constituendi Eligendi appunctuandi et faciendi aliquam personam vel personas quascunque que infra Burgum nredictum sicut Apprentitius vel Apprentitij Servivit vel servierunt servibit vel servibunt vel infra predictum Burgum Libertat' vel precinct' eiusdem Familiam per spacium Septem Annorum habuerunt vel habebunt fore et esse liber* Burgensem et liberos Burgenses eiusdem Burgi quod que Maior Aldermanni et Com'une Consilium Burgi Alius pro tempore existen' et Seneschallus Domini Manerij de Oswestrey predict' pro tempore existen' et maior pars eorundem quorum Seneschallum Domini Manerij predicti pro tempore existen' unum esse volumus habeant et habebunt plenam potestatem et authoritatem Nominandi Elegendi appunctuandi et faciendi aliquam personam sive p>ersonas quascunque liberum Bur- gensem vel liberos Burgenses Burgi predicti VOLUMUS ETIAM quod huiusmodi persona vel persone sic ut prefertur Nominand' Eligend' appunctuandi et faciend' erit et vocabitur erunt et vocabuntur liber Burgens et liberi Burgenses dicti Burgi de Oswestrey Quodque habeat teneat et gaudeat habebit tenebit et gaudebit habebunt tenebunt et gaudebunt per presentes Omnia privilegia rfranchesias et Libertates predicti Burgi plene libere et absolute sibi et heredibus suis imperpetuum nisi ipsa: vel ipse pro aliqua justa equa et raconabil' Causa et Considera- \ c'on' per predict' Maiorem A Idermannes et Com'une Consilium vel maiorem partem eorundem ex-pellentur amovebuntur vel Disfranchisabuntur quibuscunque Maiori Aldermannis et Communi Consilio predict' Burgi et Successoribus Suis imperpetuum vol maiori parti eorundem pro Nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris DAM US et Concedimus per presentes plenam potestatem et Authoritatem de tempore in tempus super aliquam justam equam raconabilem et legalem Causam et Considerac'on' expellendi Amovendi et Disfranchisandi aliquem Burgensem sive aliquos Burgenses eiusdem Burgi ET ULTERIUS VOLUMUS ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et successoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS et Confir- mamus prefat' Maiore Aldermannis Communi Consilio et* Burgensibus predicti Burgi et successoribus suis quod nullus Peregrinus vel extraneus nisi sic liber' Burgen' eiusdem Burgi Ac etiam liber de societate inqua comerium facere intendet vel uti apprentices ad tfacultatem illam Anglie Trade infra Burgum predicti per Spatium Septem Annorum Servient ad aliquod tempus posthec in future nisi in tempore fferiarum eundcm Burgum imposterum tcnend' vendet seu vendic'oni expohct aliquas Merces Sive Merchandizas infra Burgum iilum Libertat' et precinct' eiusdem aliter quam in grosse preter ] CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 37 victual pro alimento relevio ek sive Sustentac'one eiusdem Burgi et Inhabitant' eiusdem nec aliquam Shopam tenebit aut* aliquo Ministcrio occupac'on' vel Arte Manual' utetur infra Burgum ilium aut Libertat' eiusdem sine speciali Licent' et Elecoc'on Maioris Aldermanorum et Com'unis Consilij eiusdem Burgi pro tempore existen' vel maioris partis eorumdem quorum maiorem pro tempore Existen' unum esse Volumus in Scriptis Sub Com'uni Sigillo Burgi predicti prius inde habit' et obtent' Sub pena displacente nostre ac tal' penalitat' et fforisfactur' qual' per Leges et Statuta huius Regni nostri Anglie super personam vel personas sic offenden' pro eius et eorum Contempt' et in obediencia infligi vel imponi possint DAM US etiam ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS prefatis Maiori Alder- mannis et Com'uni Consilio et Successoribus suis plenam postestatem et Authoritatem de tempore in tempus regulandi et puniendi huius modi peregrinos et Extraneos qui libertatem predicti Burgi vel alicuius inde partis intrare vel infringere presument per imposc'on' raconabilis ffinis Offensarum Suarum qualitati equivaleat' vel per Seisuram bonorum Suorum si Leges nostre sic permittent quos quidem ffinem et ffines et Seizuras VOLUMUS quod Maior Aldermanni et Com'une Consilium predicti Burgi pro tempore existen' per Viam Dis~ tricconis super bon' et Catall' huiusmodi Delinquencium levabant et habebunt tenebunt et gaudebunt Un' medietatem inde ad usum et beneficium eiusdem Burgi alteram vero medietatem ad usum Domini Dominij de Oswestrey pro tempore existen' ET ULTERIUS VOLUMUS ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris Concedimus et Confirmamus predict' Maiori Aldermannis Com'uni Consilio et Burgensibiis et Successoribus suis quod nec ipsi nec eorum aliquis aliquo modo Compellentur sive Compelletur ad Com- parend' coram nobis heredibus vel Successoribus nostris aut Coram aliquo Judice vel Justiciar aut al' Officiar' sive Officiary s nostris heredum vel successorum nostrorum in vel super aliquibus Jurat' assisi Recognic'on'vel inquisic'on' quibuscunque Extra Burgum predictum vel Libertat' ejusdem VOLENTES ac per presentes Mandantes quod nullus Vicecomes Coronator antehac Officiarius vel Officiary Comitat' nostri Salop' post hec in futuro aliquos Burgenses predicti Burgi de Oswestrey in vol Super aiiquas Juras Assizas Recognic'ones sive in- quisiconos quascunque extra eundem Burgum aut Libertat' eiusdem contra voluntateiri eorundem Burgensium rctornaro vol impanncllare presument sub pena displacicncie nostre CONOESSIMUS etiam ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus Vol. iv. F 38 tfHE RECORDS OF THE et Successoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS et Confirmamus predictis Maiori Aldermannis Com'uni Consilio et Burgensibus et Successoribus suis quod ipsi et Successores sui de cetero imperpetuum habeant et habebunt Retorn' omn' et omnimod' Brevium precept Billarum et warrant' nostrorum heredum et Successorum nostrorum Ac etiam Sum'onicon' Extractorum et precept' Scaccarij nostri et Scaccarij heredum et Successorum nostrorum Ac etiam precept' Omn' et Singulorum Justiciar et J udicum nostrorum quorumcunque Nec non Omnium At- tachiament' tarn placitorum Corone quam aliorum placitorum quorumcunque Surgen' vel crescen' aut que imposterum Surgent' vel crescent' infra Burgum de Oswestrey predict' et Libertat' vel precinct' eiusdem omnia que quidem Retorn' VOLUMUS quod per Maiorem Burgi predicti pro tempore Existen' facientur Ita quod nullus Vicecomes Ballivus aut alius Officiar' vel Minister' nostr' heredum vel Successorum nostrorum in eundem Burgum vel Libertat' eiusdem de cetero intrare presmat' ad aliquod Officium suum Sive Officia sua cencernen' faciend' nisi in defectu Maioris Burgi de Oswestrey predict' pro tempore existen' ofhciarior' suorum ET ULTERIU& VOLUMUS ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Suc- cessoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS et Confirmamus predict' Maiori Aldermannis Com'uni Consilio ei Burgensibus Burgi de Oswestrey predict' et Successoribus Suis quod ipsi et Suc- cessores sui de cetero imperpetuum habeant et habebunt Recognition* Omn' et Omnimod' placitorum et Acc'on' debit' Compot' transgression' Convene' on' Decepc'on Detenc'on' Catal- lorum Cartarum ac omn' aliarum Acc'on' et querel' personat' quarumcunque que Antehac surrexerunt' Acciderunt vel creverunt aut imposterum Surgent' accident' vel crescent' infra predictum Burgum vel Libertat' et precinct' eiusdem in tali modo ut prefertur unacum Omnibus preficuis et Emolu- ment' quibuscunque exinde prevenc'on' CONCESSIMUS etiam et Confirmavimus ac per presentes pro nobis heredibus et Successoribus nostris CONCEDIMUS et Confirmamus pre- dictis Maiore Aldermannis Com'uni Consilio et Burgensibus Burgi de Oswestrey predict' et Successoribus suis quod Maior Burgi predicti pro tempore Existen' Unacum Clerico per nos heredes et Successores nostros ad Recipiend' Recognic'on' debitorum secundum formam Statuti Mercator et Statut' de Acton Burn'll Deputat' vel Deputand' de Cetero imncrpetuum plenam habeat et habebit potestatem et Authoritatom re- cipiend' aliquam Recognic*on' vel aliquas Recognic'ones inter mercatorem et mercatorem Ac Super inde Execuc'onem secundum formam Statuti Mercator et Statuti de Acton CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. Bunnell nuper Antehac fact' Appointment of Town Clerk to be in the Lord of the Borough. 47 Six attorneys to be appointed for the Court, four by tlio Mayor and two by the Steward, and to continue until removed by the Mayor or the Steward. 48 The Crier of the Court to be appointed by the Mayor. * 4!) Both tho Attorneys and the Crier to take the oath of office, 50 The Mayor and his successors to have the custody of the common goal. CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 47 51 The same fees to be demandable as are used to be demanded at Ludlow. 52 Corporation to levy rates. 53 Apprentices who have served their time, to be free Bur- gesses, and Corporation to have power to elect free Burgesses. 54 Power to disfranchise a free Burgess for reasonable cause. 55 Foreigners not to trade or keep a shop in Oswestry except at fair times, and then only to sell wholesale. 56 Penalty on Foreigners by fine or distress, the one half to go the Lord the other to the Corporation. 57 Exemption of Burgesses from serving on juries at county assizes. 58 Corporation to have return of all precepts of the Crown within the Borough. 59 No Sheriff to interfere within the Borough except in default of Mayor and his officers. GO The Mayor to take cognizance of all actions. 01 The Mayor to receive recognizances under the statute Merchant of Acton Burnell. 62 The Common Clerk to be the Clerk for taking recognizances and to have a seal for sealing them. 63 Licence to Corporation to hold land up to 50£ a year and to sell land. 64 Two markets every week on Wednesdays and Fridays. 65 Four Fairs a year — first on the 2' 3' & 4' March ; second on the I- & 2' May ; third on the 4' & 5' August ; fourth on tho 29' & 30' November. 66 A Court of " Pie-powder" at the time of the Fairs. 67 The tolls due to the Lord to be reserved to him. 68 Corporation to enjoy all their old privileges and statutes in- herited or granted by letters patent or charters etc by any Kings or Queens of England or Prince of Wales or Lord of the Lordship of Oswestry or enjoyed by reason of legal custom. 69 No " Quo warranto" to be issued for the use of privileges before the present Charter is granted. $fd XXXII. Two letters from 1 Sir John Trevor, K1. 1674. Letter from Sir John Trevor to Richard 22 Sent, rPope, Esquire, of Oswestry. Sends half a Emrall. j buck. Desires to bo excused from being I Sir Johu Trevor was the sou of John Trevor, of Brynkynajt, an4 i 48 THE RECORDS OF THE Pope's successor in the Mayoralty. By the charter the Mayor on his retirement must be coroner, and as such cannot make a deputy. The Recorder could not satisfy the writer on this point at jUaptain Barton's on Sunday last. If such a deputy can be made, he is ready to serve the Corporation. [1674.] ^ Letter from the same to the same, touch- . . . October, >ing the election of a Mayor on Pope's Emrall. J retirement. Mr. Edward Owen is too much impaired in health. The place wants a diligent and stirring man. Mary, daughter of John Jeffreys, of Helon co. Denbigh. He was first cousin to Judge Jeffreys. The Trevors had lived at Brynkynalt from about the year 1500. He was entered at the Inner temple in 1651. Roger North says of him " that he was bred a sort of clerk in the chambers of old Arthur Trevor, an eminent and worthy Professor of the law in the Innor Temple," and further on " that he was indebted to his cousin (Judge Jeffreys) with whom he contracted an early friendship (repaying it according to common report by intriguing with his wife) for some of his future preferments." The dates of his public appoint- ments are the following : — 1671 Knighthood. 1674 Treasurer of Inner Temple. 1675 Autumn Reader Inner Temple. 1675 Mayor of Oswestry. 1679 M P. for Beeralston. 1681 M.P. Denbighshire and afterwards for Denbigh Boroughs. 1681 Speaker of House of Commons, 1685 Master of the Rolls. 1690 Again Speaker and M.P. for Yarmouth. 1G95 Expelled from the Speakership for receiving bribes, when the wits commenting upon his natural obliquity of sight, remarked " Justice, was blind, but bribery only squinted." He continued Master of the Rolls for 22 years after his expulsion from the House of Commons. He was at one time one of the Commissioners of the Great Seal. 1705 Constable of Flint Castle. 1717 Died at his house in Clement's Lane, and buried in the Rolls Chapel. He married Jane, d. of Sir Roger Mostyn, and widow of Roger Puleston, of Emral. Anne, daughter and eventual heir of Sir John Trevor, married Michael Hill, of Hillsborough, co. Down, and had two sons, From tho younger Arthur was descended the late Arthur Hill Trevor, 8rd Viscount Dungannon, who died without issue at Bryu- COKPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 49 £ s. d. 00 4 08 00 10 00 0 6 8 0 3 4 No. XXXIII. A.D. 1674. Names o£ Burgesses. Auncient burgesses that make their claimes of burgeship in the time of Sr John Trevor, mayor, Rec'd of John Tomley, of Crickheath, hee heretofore payinge to Mr. John Glover 2s Rec'd of Mr. Roger Tweyford, of Haughton, beinge an auncient burgesse, the sume of Rec'd November 27, 1674, of Hugh Price, of Croyen- roladis, in County Denbigh, six shillings eight pence Rece'd more of Hugh Price Att an Assembly held the 19th day of December anno d'ni 1674, Hugh Hughes, Thomas Morris, David ap Richard, 'being all of Llanarmon Dofryn Kyrodd, in the County of Denbigh, came this day to claime their right of burgesships and haveinge not any Testimoniall to p'duce Edward Griffiths of this Towne being a toll gatherer for seu'all yeares in this Towne did make oath that he beleeve that they are auncient burgesses and that hee did p'mitt them to passe tole free and that they have now contrybuted six & eight pence, and have taken their oaths as bur- gesses 1 00 00 Att an Assembly, the 19th day of December, 1674 David ap Hugh, butcher of Oswestrey is admitted and sworne burgesse of the Towne of Oswestrey and hath paid for the same two pounds ... 2 0 0 kynalt in 1862. From the elder son is descended the present Marquess of Downshire, whose uncle Lord E. A, Hill Trevor inherited the Bryn- kynalt estates on the death of his kinsman, and was created Lord Trevor in 1880. (Foss's Judges of England, Burke's Peerage, Williams's Dictionary of Eminent Welshmen). It is worthy of notice that the daughter of tho first Viscount Dimgannon, and the great grand-daughter of this Sir John Trevor, was the mother of the first Duke of Wellington, 50 THE RECORDS OF THE No. XXXIV. 1677. Bye-Laws. Oswestry Towne \ At an assembly held there for the saide & (Towne and Borough the fourteenth day of Borough T January anno Dom. 1G77 By the Mayor In coun. Salop. ) Aldermen and Common Council thereof and the King's Majesty's Letters patents then read which impower the Mayor Aldermen and Common Councill to make byelaws within themselves for the better government of this Towne and Borough and the due attendance upon the Mayor for the time being, doe hereby order constitute and make these Byelaws followinge (Viz.) That the mayor for the time being shall have the casting vote in all assemblyes. That any person inhabiting within the said towne, or any fforeigner coming to vend any merchandize (excej)t at a ffaire) being not a Burgess shall be assessed and pay such sums of money as accustomed and usually payd called " Tensery " as shall by the Mayor Aldermen and Common Councill be im- posed not exceeding Twenty Shillings p. annum for his or their contempt. That an assessment be imposed upon the Inhabitants to- wards the charge of renewinge the charter being one hundred pounds and upwards and that all Burgesses inhabiting within the Towne or Borough be assessed according to their special and respective advantages and abilities and that all fforeigne Townshipps claiming to be freed by ancient custom from Toll (paying a penny for every faire) be assessed towards the afore- said charge according to their advantages enjoyed by the saide custom as the Mayor Aldermen and Common Council think fitt. That Summons be given to all Burgesses inhabiting within the Towne (not before sworne as Burgesses) to be sworne be- i fore the mayor within the space of one yeare or loose their right of Burgesshipp and be disfranchised, and that if any shall refuse to serve Alderman or Common Councilmen (being duely elected) to forfeite tenne poundes, and if any shall (being duely chosen) refuse to serve mayor shall forfeit thirty poundes. That the Mayor for the time being shall dispose of to his own use all small tolls tq bee collected by whom hee shall think fitt, as the Bailiffs heretofore had, and alsoe the benefit of weighing wool and yarne, and the standings in the streets and hall, the wool and yarne markett to be all in the Towne hall CORPORATION OF OSWESTRY. 51 in Bayly Streete head. And alsofi the Mayor to have the stallage and pitchinge penny as the presedent Bailiffs had. And also the profitts and disposition of the office of sealinge leather as the Bailiffs formerly had. And that no attorney be continued or admitted into the Court (except a sworn Burgess.) That every Inhabitant within the walls shall pave to the ridge or crest stone before his house or grounds att his own [charge and an assessment on all lands without the walls for [and towards the paving the suburds and Libertyes as far as the Libertyes reach. I That all and every sum or sums of money imposed as afore- fsaid according to the true meaninge of the aforesaid ordinances [shall be leavied by the Mayor Aldermen and Common Council :by distress or otherwise without favour or pardon. Examinat & aprobat 2do. die Augusta Ann. 1678, W. MOUNTAGU, ) JllStic' R. Atkyns, I Assisar'. I . No. XXXV. 1681. Memorandum of Election of 1 Sir George Jeffreys Kt. a Burgess. 1 Ho was a younger son of John Jeffreys, of Acton, near Wrexham, a gentleman of ancient stock but slender means, and Margaret, daughter of Sir Thos. Ireland, of Bensey, co. Lancaster. He was born in 1648, educated at Shrewsbury School, where there is a portrait of him, afterwards at St, Paul's and Westminster. His grandfather had been one of the Judges of North Wales. In 1671 he was elected Common Sergeant of the city of London, and was appointed Recorder in 1678. His promotion now became rapid. He was Chief Justice of Chester in 1680 ; in 1681 he was created Baronet of Bulstrode, co. Buckingham, where he built a mansion ; in 1683 he was made Chief Justice of England. Bishop Burnet says of him — V All people were apprehensive of very black designs when they saw Jeffreys made Lord Chief Justice, who was scandalously vicious and was drunk every day." " He, however, justified the King's approba- tion of him by his zeal and active aid to the Court in obtaining the surrender of the Charters of Corporate Boroughs." In 1685, after the trial of Titus Oates, he was created Baron Jeffreys of Wem, co. Salop, and was made Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire ; and, on his return from the " bloody assize " consequent on Monmouth's defeat at Sedgemoor, during which he condemned 830 persons to be executed, ho was made Lord Chancellor of England. On the fall of James II, 52 OSWESTRY CORPORATION RECORDS. No. XXXVI. Memorandum of Election of 1Sir Roger Puleston K* a Burgess. No. XXXVII. 1689. Agreement amongst the Members of the Tanners Company against infringement of their rights by a foreigner. 1689. } Paper signed by 19 members of the Com 1 Wm. &Mary >pany of Tanners of Oswestry, whereby they 29 August, j agree to bring an action at law against William Rogers, a foreigner to the said Company, who buys hides and skins within the said borough, infringing the Company's rights contrary to the letters patent of Charles II., and to defend all suits brought against them by Rogers. No. XXXVIII. 1699. Letter of Muckle Muckleston. 1699 ) Letter from " Muckle Muckleston" to 13 June. j touching some arrears due from the writer and his mother to the Mayor Vicar Churchwardens and Overseers [of Oswestry]. Proposes to make payment at Lion- idlas fair, on 8th July. (This letter is written on the dorse of a leaf of a document in draft, relative to lands in Cardiganshire granted by Stephen Jenkins to Muckleston and others.) he was captured while endeavouring to escape from London, and having narrowly escaped summary justice from the mob, was lodged in the Tower, where he died on the 18th of April, 1689. He was twice married, first to Sarah, daughter of the Kevd. Thos. Neesham and secondly, to Mary, daughter of Sir Thos. Bludworth, Lord Mayor of London and M.P. for the city, and widow of Mr. Jones, a gentle- man from Montgomeryshire. The Barony expired on the death of his son John in 1702. fFoss's Judges of England, Garbet's History of Wem.J 1 The families of Trevor, Jeffreys, and Puleston were intimate at this time, and it was probably through this intimacy that Sir George Jeffreys and Sir Roger Puleston were made Burgesses of Oswestry. J effrcys and Trevor were couains, and some of the letters of Sir John Trevor, which have appeared ' before, were written from Emrall, Sir Roger Pulcston's house. Sir John Trevor married the widow of Sir Roger Puleston, who was the daughter of Sir Roger Mostyn. MORETON CORBET. By the kind permission of the Rev. Robert F. Wood, the Rector of this little parish, containing only about 200 inhabitants, we are enabled to print the earliest Register, beginning 1580, verbatim down to 1660, and afterwards the principal entries. To these a few illustrative notes have been added, and a full Pedigree of the Corbets of Moreton Corbet, the principal family in the parish. W. A. L. A Register of all weddings chrystenings and burials w'thin the Parishe of Mourton Corbett. Will'm Axton pastor An'o D'ni 1580. Robarte the sonne of George Badley baptized Julie the 10^, Andrewe1 the sonne of Vincent2 Corbet Esquier baptized August 28. Daniell the sonne of Roger Bolas baptized Auguste 28. An'o the daughter of Mr. Adam Mainwaringe baptized Octobr 20. Martha the daughter of Robarte Pitchforde3 baptized Novembr 30. Jhon Pitchforde buryed Feb^ 28. Brian Hole and Jane Genions were maried together Feb. 6. An'o D'ni 1581, Andrewe the sonne of Will'm Adeney baptized Aprill 16. Robarte the sonne of Robarte Dichar baptized Aprill 1.6. Robarte the sonne of Robarte Whore baptized Aprill 16. Jane the wife of Brian Hole was buried Maye 20. Nathaniell the sonne of Will'm Whorde baptized June 2. Michaell Puller and Joan Ellis were maried together June 26. 1 Afterwards Sir Andrew Corbet, Knight, of Moreton Corbet, married Elizabeth, daughter of Win. Boothby, of co. Stafford, Esq., and had six sons and nine daughters. 1 Afterwards Sir Vincent Corbet, Knight, third son of Sir Andrew Corbet, of Moreton Corbet, who died 1578, by Jane, daughter of Sir Robert Nedham, of Shcinton, co. Salop, Knight. He married Francis, daughter of Wm. Hurofreston, of Humfreston, co. Salop, Esq., and had two sons and two daughters. » This family was at Shawbury Park. Vol. iv. h 54 MORETON CORBET. An'o D'ni 1582. Richard Woode and Marie Sotherne were maried together Novembr 4, An'e the daughtr of George Badley baptized Feby 25. An'e Fisher was buried Marche 15. Lewys Taylour pastor An'o D'ni 1583. Thorn's the sonne of Will'm Adeney baptized July 26. Robarte Corbett esquierl was buried Julie 28. Thorn's the sonne of Will'm Adeney was buried Octobr 28. Margaret the daughter of Thorn's Downes was buried Novembr 7. { Will'm the sonne of Thorn's Crosse was baptized Janu'ry 29. Margeret the daughter of Hugh Itheriche baptized March 15. An'o D'ni 1584, Richard Frances and Katerine Haule maried together June 14. Jane the daughter of George Woode baptized July 19. Ellen Whorde was buried July 22. Margerett the daughtr of Will'm Adeney baptized Septemb1' 6. Margery Hatton was buried Septembr 28. Jhon Warre was buried Feby 21. An'o D'ni 1585. Jane the daughter of Rycharde Francs baptized Maye 19. Rycharde Tither and Margerett Eyre were maried together Julie 12. Will'm the sonne of Jhon Husbande baptized August 14. Robart Badley was buried Feb* 4. An'o D'ni 1686. Will'm Henbury and Joan Preston were maried together May 8, Will'm Houle and Ales Simcocke were maried together May 14. Lewys Taylour and Margerie Downes were maried together May 31. i Ellen the wife of Thorn's Downes was buried June 20. George the sonne of Will'm Adeney was baptized June 25. Marie the daughtr of Roger Hatton baptized Novemb1 20. Isabell the daughtr of George Badley was baptized December 4. Ales the daughtr of George Wood baptized Decembr 18. Frauncs the sonne of Thorn's Massy baptized January 1. Robarte the sonno of Thorn's Crosse baptized January 1. Marie the danghtr of Robarte Pitchforde baptized Marche 8. An'o D'ni 1587. An'e the daughtr of George Badley buried April 18. Andre we the sonne of Lewys Taylour baptized April 18. George the sonne of Will'm Adeney was buried Aprill 27. Margerett the daughtr of Will'm Adeney was buried Aprill 28. Elizabeth the daught* of Thorn's Peate baptized August 27. 1 Son and heir of Sir Andrew Corbet and Jane Nedham, his wife, married Ann, daughter of Oliver, Lord St. John, of Bletso, and had two daughters. Sec also " Early Chronicles of Shrewsbury," sub anno. MORETON CORBET. 55 Jhon Hall was buryed Septemb' 15. Anne Halle buried Septemb* 21. Sara the daught* of George Bostock baptized Novembr 6. Humfrey Weston was buried Feb^ 26 beinge of the age of 115 years. David Beddowe was buried March 5. Wen the wife of Robart Pitchforde buried March 7. An'o D'ni 1588. Valery the daughtr of Will'm Adeney baptized Aprill 5. Jane the daughtr of Thorn's Massy baptized May 19, Kychard Frauncs was buried Aprill 28. Edmonde the sonne of Lewis Taylour baptized Decembr 22. An'o D'ni 1589. Thorn's the sonne to Arthur Downes baptized Novembr 23. Mary the daughter of Thorn's Crosse baptized March 22. An'o D'ni 1590. Ilargeret the daughter of Thorn's Dunne was baptized Aprill 21. George the son of George Badley baptized May 31. Anno the daughtr of Thorn's Massie baptized July 5. Jane the wife of Humfrey Weston was buried August 11. Jhon the sonne of Will'm Adeney baptized August 23. Philip Sockett and Marie Eyre were maried together Janurii 17. Kyohard the sonne of Lewis Taylour baptized January 24. Vincent the sonne of Will'm Downes baptized Feb^ 14. An'o D'ni 1591. Rycharde the sonne of Jhon Dawson baptized March 25. Rycharde the sonne of Arthur Downes baptized Aprill 4. Sara the daughtr of Jhon Taylor baptized Aprill 17. Jano the wife of George Badley was buried Septemb' 2. Mary the daughtr of Jhon Husband baptized Novemb* 1. Jhon the sonne of Robarte Pitcford baptized Marche 13. A'no D'ni 1592. Mr Frauncs Corbett was buried March 23. Rycharde Baily was buried Maye 20. Kycharde the sonne of Thorn's Massie baptized Novemb* 10, Jano the daughtr of Jhon Taylor baptized Novembr 12. Viucent the sonne of Jhon Drakford baptized Decembr 25. Ales the daughter of Jhon Drakeforde buried January 13. Thorn's Downes buried March 24. An'o D'ni 1593, Rycharde the sonne of Will'm Adenoy baptized June 4. Jane the daught* of Arthur Downes baptized June 10. Frauncs (joule buried June 21.' Mary the daughtr of Lewis Taylour baptized August 26. Mary the daught1' of Clement Culcope baptized Septemb1- 2, 5G MORETON CORBET, Will'm the sonne of Robart Pitchfqfde baptized Octobr 14. Mary the daughter of Jhon Drakeforde baptized Janu'ry 27. An'o D'ni 1594. Samuellthe sonne of Ch'rles Bedowe baptized June 15. Corbett the sonne of Jhon Taylor baptized Decembr 22. Elizabeth the daughtr of Jhon Hopkine baptized Janu'ry 5. Corbett the sonne of Cleme't Culcope baptized Janu'ry 13. An'o D'ni 1595. Andrewe the sonne of Lewis Taylour buried May 26. Andrewe the sonne of Arthur Downes baptized August 3. George the sonne of Will'm Adeney baptized July 25. Sara the daughtr of Lewis Taylour baptized Janu'ry 6. Margeret the daughtr of Thorn's Crosse baptized Feby 1. An'o D'ni 1596. Samuell the sonne of Clement Culcop baptized Aprill 25. Jhon Genions and Isabell Garmson maried together June 21. Mary Coule was buried June 23. David Meyricke buried Augst 11. Frauncs the daughter of George Kilvarte baptized August 29. An'o D'ni 1597. Robarte the sonne of Jhon Genions baptized Aprill 10. Rvcharde Croxon and Jane Garmson were maried together July 11. jj? Edwarde Reynes was buried Septe'b' 11. Elinor the daughter of Will'm Socket was buried Octob* 20. George the sonne of Arthur Downes baptized Janu'ry 15. Anne the daught1 of George Kylvart baptized Janu'ry 22. Reginaldo the sonne of Will'm Whordo was buried Janu'ry 23. Anne the wife of Will'm Whorde buried Janu'ry 29. Jane the daught1 of Lewis Taylour baptized March 19. An'o D'ni 1598. Hierom Corbett esquier1 was buryed July 30. Griffit Morice & Anne Peake were maried togethr Septemb1 4. Joan the wife of Humfrey Genions buried Septemb1 ] 2. Robart the sonne of Will'm Adeney baptized Decemb1' 10. Mrs Anne Corbett the daughter of Vincent Corbett esquier buryed March 18. An'o D'ni 1599. Rycharde the sonne of George Kilvart and of Margerett his wif& was baptized Aprill 20. Margerett the daught* of Robert Pitchforde and of Anne his wife was baptized Aprill 22. 1 Of BohIow, ono of the Council of the Marches, fourth son of Rogor Corbet, of Moreton Corbet, who died 1538, by Ann, daughter of Audrow, Lord Windsor. He married Dorothy, daughter and heiress of Thomas Poyner, of Beslow, co. Salop, by whom he had two sons and one daughter, MOBETON CORBET. 57 [Joan the daughtr of Jhon Lowe and of *Elenor his wife was baptized May the 20. Katherine the wife of Edwarde Peter was buryed June 13. IPitio'ce the daughter of Jhon Genions & of Isabell his wife was baptized June the 20. WuTm Weston was buried June the 26. Jhon Coule was buried July 3. Elizabeth the daughtr of Jhon Drakeforde and of Jane his wife was baptized Auguste 24 day. Anno 1600. Vrian Hole buried May xiij^ day. Isaac the sonne of Francis Loton was baptized Julie the xth day. Jlobarte the sonne of George Kilvart and of Margeret his wife was • • baptized Novembr 2 day. Bjcharde Haselwoode was buried Novemb1 25 day. Jhon the sonne of Jhon Lowe and of Elinor his wife was baptized Feb* 22. Mary the daughtr of Jhon Drakforde was buried May 31 A. D. 1601. A0. D, 1601. Mary the daughter of Jhon Genions and of Isabell his wife was baptiz' Septemb* the 6. Reginalde Garmson was buryed Jan'ry the 4. Katherine the daughter of Jhon Drakeforde and of Jane his wife was baptized March 7 day. Anno D'ni 1602. William the sonne of Lewys Taylor and of Margery his wife was baptized June 27 day. Anno D'ni 1603. William Bennet was buried Aprill 28. Willia' the sonne of Jhon Lowe and Elinor his wife was baptized the ixth day of Octobr. Samucll the sonne of Jhon Genins and of Isabell his wife was baptized Novemb1 the 6. George the sonne of George Kilvart and of Margerett his wife was baptized Decemb1 9 day and was buried the 16. Margery Smithe was buried the 12 of March. Margaret the daughter of Vincent Genins and of Elizab. his wife was baptized the 18 of March. A. D. 1604. Margery the wife of Lewys Taylor was buried Maie the 16 day. Joau the wife of Will'm Weston was buried Maye the 18 day. Margerett the daught* of George Kilvart and of Margeret his wife was baptized Novemb1' 80 day. Marie the daught1 of llychard Sockett & Ales his wife was bapt'zed March 17 day. 58 MORETON CORBET. A. D. 1605. Jane the daught1 of Lewys Taylor was buried June 27. Marie the daughtr of Lewys Taylor was buried June 28. Anno the wife of Jhon Coule was buried August the 21. Thorn's Corbett of Stanerdine esquier1 and Margerett Corbett the daughter of Vincent Corbett esquier2 were maried together the 13 day of Septe'b'. Ales the daughter of Jhon Lowe and Elinor his wife was baptized the 13 day of Octobr. George the sonne of George Kilvart & of Margerett his wyfe was baptized the 10 day of November. k Jane the daughter of Vincent Genins and of Elizab. his wife was baptized December the xvth day. Andrewe Neunes & Francs Payne were maried together Jan'y the 7 day. Thorn's Dunne was buried Marche the 6. Anno D'ni 1606. WiU'm the sonne of Jhon Genins and of Isabel his wife was baptized the 13 day of July. Sr Rychard Corbett knight3 of the honorable ordr of the Bathe was buried the 29 day of Septembr. Margeret the daughtr of Vincent Genins was buried the xix day of Decembr. Susana the daught* of George Kilvart and of Margeret his wife was baptized February the 1 day. Prissilla the daught' of Samuell Brooke & of Elizabeth his wife was baptized February 22 day. A. D. 1607. Robart the sonne of Roger Hall and of Margeret his wife was baptized Maye the 2 day. Walter Dun'e and Magerett Collett were maried together Auguste the 9 day. Margerett the daughter of Rycharde Corbett4 & of Ales his wife was baptized Soptemb1 the 26 day. Jane the daughter of John Drakford and of Jane his wife was baptize^ Septemb' 27 day. Houmfrey Genions was buried the 28 day of Feby. Anno D'ni 1608. Richarde Collett and Katherine Heynes were maried together Aprill the 27. 1 Son of Robert Corbett, of Stanwardine, by Jane, daughter and co-heiress of Thomas Kynaston, of Walford, co. Salop. By his wifo lie had one sou and one daughter. 11 is widow married Tho.s. Seriven, of Frodosloy, Esq. a liy FranoiHca Humf ronton, his wife. :» Second son of Sir Andrew Corbet and Jane Nedhain, married t>yice, but died ». p. » Second son of Sir Andrew Corbet wd Elizabeth Bqothby, MORETON CORBET. 59 Ales the daughter of Vincent Genions & of Elizab. his wife was baptized Aprill 24. lltrgerett the wife of Walter Dunne was buried May the 27. Rjcharde Cureton and Margerett Taylor were maried together the 16 of January. Iiabcll Garmson was buried Feb* 24. Thomas the sonne of Jhon Lowe & of Elinor his wife was baptized Feb. 5. Anno D'ni 1609. Margerett the daughter of Roger Hall & of Margerett his wife was baptized March 26. Jane the daughtr of Robert Badley & Judith his wife bap. 26 June. Edraonde Sockett was buried the 10 of December. Elenor the daughter of Rychard Sockett and of Ales his wife was baptized March the 18. Anno D'ni 1610, Jane the daughtr of Thorn's Bostock and of Joan his wyfe was baptized Maye 27. Betriche1 the daughter of Andrewe Corbett esquier and of Elizabeth his wife was baptized Novembr the 25 day. Elizabeth the daughter of Jhon Genins and Isabell his wife was baptized Decembr the 28 day. Jhon Lowe was buried February the xvth day. Anno D'ni 1611. Margeret the daughter of Vincent Genins and of Elizab. his wife was baptized March 26 day. Margeret tho wife of George Kilvart was buried Aprill the 3 day. Elizabeth the daughter of Robert Badley & of Judithe his wife was baptized Aprill the 6 day. Thorn's Payne was buried Aprill the xxvjth day. Nathaniel Whorde was buried June 28 day. Elizabeth the daughtr of Roger Haull & of Margerett his wyfe baptized July 7 day. Mary the daught1 of John Lowe & of Elinor his wife was baptized August the 23 day. Raphe Egerto' was buried August 27 day. Hughe Johnes and Margret Griffiths were married together February the 23 day. Will'm Whord was buried March 22 day. Anno D'ni 1612. Edward Staney was buried Maye 24 day. Jhon the sonne of Will'm Haselwood and of Elizabeth his wife was baptized May tho 17 day. , 1 Married Francis Thornes, of Shclvock. 1 60 MORETON CORBET. Thomas the sonne of Walter Dun'e & of Isabell his wife was baptize June the 14 day. Jhon the sonne of Thomas Bostoeke and of Joan his wife was baptize June 21 day. Elizabeth the daughter of Richard Sockett and of Ales his wife wa baptized Julie 25 day, Sr Rycharde Hussey Knight and Mra Marie Corbett the daughter ot Sr Vincent Corbett Knight1 were maried together August 27 day] Jhon Genions was buried January 29 day. Will'm Adeney was buried February 7 day. Thomas the sonne of Walter Payne and of Katherine his wyfe wa baptized Feby 14 day. A.D. 1618. Sara the daughter of Vincent Genins and of Elizabeth his wife was] baptized the 1 3 day of January. Heugh Powell and Jane Whord were maried together July the 4 day. An'e the wife of Thorn's Dun'e was buried the xiij"1 day of July. Samuell the sonne of Andrew Adeney and of Dorethe his wife was] baptized the xviijth day of July. Frances2 the daughter of Andrwe Corbett esquier and of Elizabeth his] wife baptized Augst the 1 day. Rycharde the sonne of Will'm Haseldine3 and of Mary his wife was] baptized Octob1 the 10 day. George Badley was buryed Dece'ber vth day. Marie the daught* of Robart Badley and of Judith his wife was! baptized the vth day of December. Robart Genins was buried Feb* 9 day. Elizabeth the daughter of Rychard Sockett was buried Marche the xjth day. A.D. 1614. Jhon the sonne of Jhon Hinkes was buried Marche 28. Jhon Pitchford was buried July the xjth day. Thorn's Geers and Joan Nocke were maried together Augst the xj01 day. Marie the daughter of Robart Pitchforde & Margerett his wife was baptized August xiiijth day. Jayer the sonne of Elen Lowe baptized Septembr 10 day. Walter the sonne of Water Dun'e & of Isabell his wife baptized the v day and buried the ix of Decemb'r. Anne Taylor of Longe4 was buried the xxv day of Feby. *-. Elizabeth the daughter of Thomas Bostoeke and of Joan his wife was baptized February the 26 day. 1 and Francisca Humfreston his wife. 2 Married Captain Edmund Taylor, of Wigmore. 3 Ancestors of Wm. Hazledine,' the celebrated iron-founder of Shrewsbury. His own baptism is in Shawbury Register. 4 Longdcn-on-Tern, co. Salop. MORETON CORBET. 61 A.D. 1615. Andrewe the sonne of Rycharde Sockett and of Ales his wife was baptized Maye the vjth day. Yincent the sonne of Robart Corbett esquier1 and of Bridgett his wife was baptized June the iiijth day. Rychard Nun'iley and Mary Du'ne were maried together August the third day. Fra'ces the daughter of Walter Payne and of Katherine bis wife was baptized August the 13 day. Sara Egerton was buried Septembr the 8 day. M™ Margerett Corbett2 the daughter of Andrewe Corbet esquier and of Elizabeth his wife was baptized December the 3 day. Frances the daughter of William Haselldine & of Mary his wife baptized Decembr 10. George Hodges and Sara Taylor were maried together February the vjth day. Lady Frances Corbett3 was buryed the 13 day of February. A.D. 1616. Joan the daughter of Robert Badiley and of Judeth his wife was baptized ye 28 of March. Rycharde the sonne of Will'm Newans and of Jane his wife was baptized Aprill 28 day. Thomas Hopton and Lucy Mancell were maried together Maye the 1 day. A.D. 1617. William the sonne of Walter Dune and of Isabell his wiffe was baptized the 30 day of Marche. Joane the daughter of Tomas Palmer and Constans his wiffe was baptized Aprill the vj day. Margeret the daughte' of George Boutler and of Isabell his wife was baptized June the 7 day and was buried June 8. William Taylor was buried June 15. Vincent the sonne of Andrew Corbet Esquir and of Elizabeth his wiefe4 was borne the 13th day of June and was baptized the 13th day of July. Elizabeth the daughter of Robert Pitchford and of Margaret his wiefe was baptized the 13th day of July. Patience Genions was buried Aug. 6 day. Of Humfreston, second son of Sir Vincent Corbet, by Francisca Humfreston, his wife, married Bridget, daughter and heiress of Sir James Prico of Ynysymaengwyn, county Merioneth, and had live sons and five daughters, of whom Vincent was the eldest. 3 Married Thomas Barklcy. a Prancisca Humfreston. 4 Son of Sir Vincent Corbett by Francisca Humfreston. Vol. iv i 62 MORETON CORBET. Sara the daughter of Robert Badley and of Judith his wife was baptized the xxvij^A day of January and was buried the seconde day of February. Anne the daughter of Robert Badley and of Judith his wife was baptized the 2 day of February and was buried the 9th of February. Elizabeth the daughter of Robart Corbett esquire1 and of Brigett his wife was baptized March the sixth day. Andrewe the sonne of Andrewe Farmer & of Fraunces his wiefe was baptized March the xvth day. Ry chard the sonne of Richarde Sla'ter and of Isabell his wiefe was baptized Marche the xv]th day. A.D. 1618. Robarte Dichar of Edgbouldon2 was buryed January the 7th day. Andrew the sonne of Robert Badley and Judith his wief was baptized February the eight and twentieth day. Alice the daughter of Thomas Bostocke and of Joan his wief was baptized the first day of March and was buried ye third day of March. Richarde the sonne of Robert Crosse and of Alice his wiefe was baptized March the one and twenty th day, A.D. 1619. Andrew the sonne of Walter Payne and of Katherine his wife was baptized the third day of October. John Trigge and Ales Downes were maried togeather January the tenth day. Sara the daughter of Will'm Somerfeylde of Stanton3 and of Elizabeth his wife was baptized February the twenty seventh day. Richard Armysher was buried March 5tk day. A.D. 1620. Isabell the daughter of Walter Dun'e and of Isabell his wife was baptized Aprill the thirtieth day. Reginald Dicher was buried the xiij^A day of Maye of Edgbouldon. Mary the daughter of Richard Downes and Mary his wife was baptized the 28 May 1620. Elizabeth Hussey the daughter of Sr Richard Hussey Knight and of La. Mary his wief was baptized the 23 of July. Richard Ben bow the sonne of Marke Benbow and of Elizabeth his wife was baptized the 8d of December. Jane the wife of Arthur Downes was buried January the 19. Margaret the daughter of Robert; Crosse and of Alico his wife was baptized the lift of February. Thomas Crossowas buried tho sixteenth day of February. 1 Of Humfreston, by Bridget Price. 2 In the adjoining parish of Shawbury. 8 Stanton-on»Hiite Heath, eo. Salop. MORETON CORBET. 63 1621, , Richard Badley the sonne of Robert Badley & Judith his wife was baptized the 27th of March. Mary the daughter of John Adney and of Sara his wife was baptized the 8th of April. Thomas Hayward and Mary Crosse were maried together the tenth day of July. 1 Thomas Felton & Mary Duffin wore maried together the 29 of July 1621, Anne Twisse was buried Agust 30. Richard the son of Marke Benbow was baptized the 20 of November, 1620, Ales Egerton was buried September 7. Martha the daughter of Richard Downes was baptized the 26 of February 1621. Richard Grinsell of Draytonn in Halles and Elizabeth Benbow of Stoke were maryed togeather the eight and twentieth day of January. [Ambrice] the sonne of Robarte Pitchford & of Margrete his wife was baptized March the 23rd. A'no Dni 1622, Thomas the sonne of Thomas Haiward and Marie his wife was baptized Septr. 8. Beatrice Sockett the daughter of Richard Sockett & Alice his wief was baptized the 12th of January. Margrett the wife of Lewis Taylor was buried the sixte day of February. William the sonne of Thomas Witcherley & Margiett his wife was baptized the 9th day of February, Sr Vincent Corbctt knight was buried the nineth day of March. William the sonne of Thomas Witcherley was buried March the eighteenth. Anno D'ni 1623, Lewis Taylor Rector of Morton Corbett was buried May 12th Arthur the sonne of Richard Downes & Marie his wife was baptized the two and twentieth day of June. Thomas the sonne of John Adney & Sara his wife was baptized the twentieth day of July. Katherine the daughter of Marke Benboe & Elizabeth his wife was baptized the twentieth day of July. Pelham Corbett esq1 & MrB Anne Corbett daughter of Sr Andrew Corbett knight were married the eight day of January 1628. 1624. Richard the2 sonne of Sr Andrew Corbett knight & of Lady Elizabeth his wife was baptized September 26. 1 Of Lei^h, co. Salop, son of Wffl- Corbett, of Leigh, by Ann, daughter of Sir Win. Pelham, Knight. 9 Second son, G4 MORETON CORBET. 162^* Robert ye son of Ro. Pitchford & Margret his wife was baptized April 28. Thomas the sonne of Richard Downes and of Mary his wife was baptized Octob. 23. Francis Thornes of Shelvocke1 Esq. was married to Beatrice Corbett ye eldest daughter of Sr Andrew Corbett and Elizabeth wife the twelf1'1 day of December. Arthur the2 sonne of Sr Andrew Corbett knight & of Lady Elizabeth his wife was baptized Jan. 22. 1626, Robert Pitchford buried Aprill 7th. Pelham the sonne of Robert Badley and of Judith his wife was baptized May the 29. Samuell the sonne of Richard Taylor [Blocke] and of Margrett his wife was baptized August the 27. Richard the sonne of Thomas Heyward and of Mary his wife was baptized November the 12. Nicholas Crane alias Glover was buried March 11. 1627. Walter the sonne of Andrew Corbett knight & of Elizabeth his wife was baptized the 14 day of May. Martha the daughter of John Adney and Sara his wife was baptized the 3 day of June. Walter the sonne of Andrew Corbett knight & of Elizabeth his wife was buried August the 15 day. Mary the daughter of Richard Taylor & of Margrett his wife was baptized tho 18 day of November borne the 10th Andrew the sonne of Francis Thornes Esq and of Beatrice his wife was baptized the 13 day of January. 1628. Andrew the sonne of Pelham Corbett Esq and of M" Anne his wife was baptized March 30. Vincent the sonne of Vincent Downes & Elinor his wife was baptized May 25. Margret Armishere buried Aprill 27. Hanna the daughter of Robert Pitchford & of Margerett his wife was baptiz. July 13. Andrew the sonne of Pelham Corbett Esq: & of Mrs Anne his wife was buried July 28. John Morrico of tho parish of Wem & Jane Braine of this parish were married the 29th day of September. Margrett Paine buried October tho 30th. 1 In tho parish of Ruyton-of-ll-Towns, co. Salop. 9 Y\it\i sou. MORETON CORBET. 65 S* Richard Hussey knight was buried the 10th day of January. Katherine the daughter of Thomas Yate & of Moade his wife was baptiz: Febr: 15. John the sonne of Francis Thornes Esq. & of Beatrice his wife was baptized the 10th day of March. 1629. : Timothy the sonne of Richard Taylor and Margrett his wife was baptized the 3 day of May borne the 25 of Aprill. Mary Adney widdow buried Septemb. Robert the sonno of Polham Corbctt Esq, and Anne his wife baptized the 25 day of October. Richard Downes the sonne of Richard Downes and of Mary his wife was baptized the 26 of February. Alice the daughter of Sr Andrew Corbett and of Elizabeth his wife was baptized July the 4. 1680. William Taylor was buried May 9. Timothy the sonne of John Adney and of Sarah his wife was baptized May 23. William the sonne of Andrew Corbett Knight and of Elizabeth his wife was baptized August 31. Thomas the sonne of Francis Thornes and of Beatrice his wife was baptiz, Septr 26. Joane the wife of William Downes was buried Novemb. the 7th Elizabeth the daughter of Pelham Corbett esq. and of Elizabeth his wife bapt. Jan, 5. Sarah the daughter of Richard Taylor and of Margrett his wife was baptized January 16 and borne the 12 day. Matthias the sonne of Thomas Evans and of Mary his wife bapt. March G. Anno D'ni 1631. Margret Crosse widdow was buried Sept. 5. Henry the sonne of Andrew Corbett Knight and of Elizabeth his wife was baptized Jan. 22. Isabell the wife of Walter Dunne was buried Febr. 12. llobecca the daughter of Robert Pitchford and of Margrett his wife was baptized Febr. 12. Elizabeth tho wife of William Hasclwood was buried Febr: 17. 1632. Anno tho daughter of Pelham Corbett Esq. and Anne his wife was bapt. Aprill 21. Richard tho sonne of Richard Dunne & of Mary his wife was baptized Septemb1 2d. Andrew tho sonno of Richard Taylor & of Margrett his wifo was baptized November the J 8 borne 18 at 8 of clocke at night. 66 MORETON CORBET. Edward Bay lie of Lacon in the p'rsh of Wem and Jane Gennitis of Preston1 in this p'ish were married the Feb. 11. 1633. William the sonne of Sr Andrew Corbett Knight and of Lady Elizaboth his wife was buried Aprill the 21. Richard the sonne of John Adnoy and of Sara his wife was baptized Aprill. Samuell the sonne of Robert Crosse and of Alice his wife was baptized May, Jane the daughter of Sr And. Corbott Knight & of Lady Elizabeth his wife was bapt. May 26. Mary the daughter of Pelham Corbett Esq. and of Mr" Anno Corbett his wife was baptized June the 19. William Haselwood was buried 13 of 10br. 1634. Margret the daughter of Robert Sockett and of Dorothy his wife was baptized June 16. Abigail the daughter of Richard Taylor Minister of Moreton Corbett & of Margret his wife was baptized June 29. Thomas the sonne of Edward Baylie & of Jane his wife was baptized Juno 29, Judith the daughter of Sr And: Corbet Knight & Lady Elizabeth his wife was baptized the 24 day of August. Samuel Gennins was buried the 16 day of November. George y° sonne of Ric : Downes and of Mary his wife was baptized Jan: 4. 1635. Captaine Edmund Taylor of Wigmore2 and Mrs Frances Corbet' daughter of Sr And. Corbet and of Lady Eliz. his wife were married the 14 day of May. Thomas the sonne of Robert Higginson and of Anne his wife was1 baptized June 7. Knthcrine the daughter of Robert Pftchford & of Margret his wife was baptized the 12 day of July. Katherino the daughter of Robert Pitchford & of Margrett his wife was buried. William Downes was buried Jan. 25 aged about 8. John Adncy the sonne of John Adnoy & of Sara his wife was baptized Feb. 28. 1686. John Cartwright of ye parish of Ercall magna and Margret Hall of this paribh were married at Sutton Chappell with license from the ordinary (as they say) May 21. 1 Preston Brockhurst. 2 in the parish of Westbury, co. Salop. MORETON CORBET. 67 IT John Pearce and M" Mary Corbetf daughter to Sr Andrew Corbett j Knight were maried the one & twentieth day of July. Friscilla the daughter of Richard Taylor Rector of Morton Corbett & of Margrett his wife was baptized July 31. Yincent Gennins of Preston was buried the 26 day of September. Thomas the sonne of Thomas Dunne and of Dorothy his wife was baptized Febr: 12. Thomas the sonne of John Cartwright and of Margret his wife was baptized February 26. 1637. Andrew Corbett Knight was buried the seventh day of May 1637. Dorothy Jones servant to the Lady Corbett was buried August 17. Robert Weston was buried August 29. 1638. Robert the son of John Adney & of Sara his wife was baptized Aprill the 8th Beatrice the daughter of Captaine Edmund Taylor & of MrB Frances his wife was baptized Aprill the 22. Jotno the daughter of Robert Higginson and of Anne his wife was baptized Aprill 24. William Barkley the sonne of Thomas Barkley Esq & of M" Margrett |, his wife was baptized May the first day. John the sonne of Richard Downes and of Mary his wife was baptized at Lee Brockhurst the 20 day of May. Joano Bostocke the wife of Thomas Bostocke was buried the 24 day I December. Rachell the daughter of Richard Taylor Rector of ye parish of Morton Corbett and of Margrett his wife was baptized Jan. 15 borne the 0th day at one of y° clock in the night. 1639. rEPiabeth the daughter of Thomas Barkley Esq. and of Mre Margret his wife was baptized the 4th of June. Margrett Powell servant to the Lady Corbet was buried the 30 day of June. Jtnc Dunne alias Griffiths was buried July 3d. Joane the daughter of Robert Downes and of Jane his wife was baptized the fift day of January. ''Walter Dunne was buried January ye tenth. 1640. Walter the sonne of William Dunne & of Mary his wife was baptized March 29. M* Thomas Richardson was buried Juno 27. Martha tho daughter of Thomas Barkley Esq & Mr" Margrott his wifo was baptized August tho 20 day. 9 Richard tho sonne of Robert Higginson & of Anne his wife was baptized the day of 68 MORETON CORBET. Thomas Morrice alias Griffiths & Elizabeth Bostocke were married October 20. Arthur Downes was buried Novemb1 11. William Felton of the Lowe1 and Joaue Daoax of Withington2 wen | married November 11 day. Margrett Griffitts (servan t to John Adney) was buried January 9, 1641. Roger Hall was buried the 14 day. the mother of Roger Hall was buried June the 16 day. John Shepheard was buried June the 25 day. Richard Plimley & Sarah Hill were married June the seventeenth day. Richard the sonne of Andrew Sockett & of Mary his wife was baptized. John servant to Sr Vincent Corbett was buried the' 28 day of January. Dorothy the daughter of John Cartwright & of Margarett his wife wti baptized Febr. 23. Elizabeth Higginson the daughter of Robert Higginson and of Anne1 his wife was buried March. the wife of Tobi 1642, Dorothy the daughter of John Cartwright & of Margrett his wife buried May 8. Anne Brough-ha was buried the 2d day of July. M" Margrct Barkley wife of Mr Thorn: Barkley Esq. was buried the j eight and twenty"1 day of July 1G42. Richard Taylour rector of this church was buried the 21 day m September 1642. 1643. Andrew the sonne of Andrew Socket and of Mary his wife was baptized July 30. 1644. Willy am the sonne of Richard Newell and of Anne his wife wai baptized Aprill 1, Walter Payne of Moorton Corbett was buried May 17 1644. 1646. Mary the daughter of Andrew Socket & of Mary his wife was bapti2 December the 30th. Pelham the sonne of Robert Baddeley and Judith his wife was buryedJ the day of August 1646. Margarett the daughter of William Crofts and Joano his wife wai borne tho 22th of January and baptized the last of January 1646* Richard rioekett was buried the of March 1646. 1 In the parish of Wcni, co. Salop. 2 Near Upton Magna, co. Salop. MORETON CORBET. 69 1647. * Elizabeth Haselwood daughter of John Haselwood & Jane his wife was baptized the 31th of October 1647. 1648. Mary Cartwright daughter of John Cartwright and Margret his wife buried Aprill the 25th 1648. William Dunn the sonne of William Dun and Marry his wife was baptized the 17th of August 1648. Thomas Dickin the sunn of Thomas Dickin and Elizabeth his wife baptized the 3 of October 1648. Robert the sonn of Richard Newale was baptized the 4 February 1648. 1649. Thomas the sonne of Andrew Sockett and Mary his wife was baptized the xvjth day of September 1649. Robert the sonne of Wm Phillips and of Jane his wife was baptized the 24tu day of March 1649. Thomas Dunn the sonne of Wm Dunne of Preston Brockhurst was borne the 21th day of Novembr in the year of our Lord God 1650. Richard ye sonne of Robert Crosse and Mary his wife was baptized the i5th day of Septemb. 1650. Dinah the daughter of Robert Crosse junior was baptized in Morton Church thursday January 22, 1651. Robert Newan the sonne of Thomas Newan of Morton Castell was baptized Monday the 9th of December 1650. 166(3. Mary Dunno the daughtor of Wm Dunno & Mary his wife of Proston Brockhurst was baptized April 27th one thousand six hundred fiftie six. Abraham Crosse the sonne of Robert Crosse junior of Preston Brock- hurst was baptized April 26th 1656. Sr Vincent Corbctt K* and Barn" sonne and heire to Sr Andrew Corbctt and tho Lady Elizabeth his wifo died in Exeter house in London Decombr 28th An'o 1656 was interred att Mooreton uppon tho 21 day of January next following. Sara Socket daughter to Andrew Socket of Preston was baptized the 24th of July 1656. Robert Baddeley senior was buried at Morton Corbctt March 7th 1656. Andrew Marsh ye sonne of Willi' Marsh of Carradine1 & Joane his wifo was baptized ye 14th day of October Anno Domini 1660. Lady Elizabeth Corbctt died tho 19th of March late wifo to Sr Andrew Corbctt & was interred at Moreton Corbctt y° 21th of y° sd monoth An'o 1657. In Shawbury parish. Vol. iv. 70 MORETON CORBET. Arthur Corbett Esq,1 k Mrs. Sara Littelton were married August 25, 1659. Robert Corbett ye sonne", of Arthur Corbett Esq. & Sara his wife was baptized 21th of June 1660. Mary Downes ye daughter of Vincent Downes & Frances his wife was baptized ye 14th of Septemb' Anno 1657. Vincent Downes ye sonne of Vincent Downes & Frances his wife was baptized ye 30th of May Anno 1659. Elizabeth ye daughter of Richard Taylor & Elizabeth his wife was baptized ye 29th of Septembr Anno 1660. Isabell Sclator ye wife of Richard ye elder was buried ye 6th of June 1658. Catherine ye daughter of Richard Taylor & Elizabeth his wife was baptized ye 19th of Novemb' 1657. Robert Jeffreys the sonne of Edward Jeffreys & Mary his wife was baptized Decemb1 4th 1658. And his sister Jane Jeffreys was buried the first of Julie 1657. Mary y 8 daughter of William Key k Mary his wife was baptized yr 10th of Novembr 1656. Elizabeth ye daughter of William Key & Mary his wife was baptized in the yere 1660. William Walter of Welington and Margery Downes of Preston Brock- hurst were married together neare Michelmas 1660. Peeter Gibbons' pastor of Morton Corbett 1660. Most p'te of y® war time before theyr was an Vr'erj2 in ye place one Jhon Gower put in by Trayto" & Rebbells k in Gowers time few were registred but John Maurice being Clarke to Mr. Gibbons ye booke of Comon Pray1 being brought in ye Churche agayne then he 1660 registerd ye foresd P'sons as you bo here written. Mary d, of Francis Adney k Mary his wife bap. Jan. 12 & the said I Francis buried the same day. Michael s. of Richard Browne of Beshford k Elizth his wife bap. Feb. 26. Michael s. of Willi' Iveson k Elizth his wife buried June 17, 1661. 1661. Mrs. Alice Onslowe wife to Mr. William Onslowe & daughter to Sr Andrew Corbett was interred in Morton June 27, 1661. Catherine d. of Arthur Corbett Esq. & Sara his wife bap. August 1. Jane d. of John Sneape k Joane his wife bap. Aug. 16. Tho: Baylie of Preston married to Sarah Baker of Charlton July 15. Ric. Newale Clarke of this p'ish burdOct, 12. 1 Ono of tho younger sons of Sir Andrew and Lady Elizabeth. 2 This word, which is abbreviated, cannot be made out satisfactorily. Mr. James Bowen, an expert in old writings, who transcribed the extracts from Parish Kcgi.sters in Mr. Win. My tton's bhropshire Collections, experienced the same inability. MORETON CORBET. 71 Thomas Howie bur. Deo. 2. Edward Baylie burd Dec' 5. 1662. Anna, d. of Ric. Corbett Esq.' & Mrs. Grace his wife burd January 5th. Benjamin s. of Andrew Sockett & Mary his wife bap. Sept' 9. Elizabeth d. of Peeter Gibbons pastor of Morton & Lucina his wife bap. Sep1 14. Andrew s. of William Iveson & Elizth his wife bap. Oct. 26. 1663. Elizabeth d. of Peter Gibbons pastor and Lucina his wife burd 25 March. William s. of William Key & Mary his wife borne March 24 & bap, Aprill 19. Thomas Taylor s. of Richard & Alec bap. August 20. Mrs Margret Southall wyddow burd 14 Sept'. Beatrice d. of Peeter Gibbons Rector & Lucina his wife bap. 20 October. Thomas s. of George Reeyfes & Mary his wife crystened 6th Novr. Vincente Downes burd. 24 Nov1" pater famyllias. Martha Southall d, unto M' John Southall Rector burd 8 Dec1, 1664, Catherin d. of Richard & Alee Taylor burd 12 Aprill. Phyllipp Walker of the parish of Shawbury marryed unto Elizabeth Goyltyer 17 May. Jane d. of Thomas & Sara Bayly bap. 28 May. Mary & Martha twins daughters unto Henry & Lydia Poole bap. 10 June. Jane d. of Thomas & Sara Bayley burd 12 June. Francis Spenlove & Jane Spenser mard 1 June. Richard Sclator senior burd 11 Oct'. John son of John Snape and Joane his wife chrystened 19 Nov'. Robert s. of John & Sara Adney burd 11 Dec'. 1665. Richard s. of Richard & Alice Taylor bap. 18 Aprill. Ann d, of Francis Crosse & Ann his wife bap. 24 June. Josephe s. of Thomas Jackson & Ellynor his wife bap. 29 June. Mary d. of William Jenks & Elizabeth his wife bap. 13 August. Vincent s. of Peeter Gibbons pastor & Lucina his wife borne Aug. 8 & bap, 12 Sept', Joseph s. of Thomas Jackson & Ellinor his wife burd 4 February, Goorgo s. of George & Mary Reefcs bap. 16 March. 1666. Ann d. of Robcrte Crosse & Mario his wife bap. 5 June. Ann d. of Arthur Corbitt Esquier & Mrs. Sarah his wife bap. 12 June. Sampson Ford a stranger & forge man burd 19 Jung. i 72 MORETON CORBET. Elizabeth d. of Thomas & Sara Bayley crystened 29 June. Elizabeth d. of Thomas and Sara Bayly burd 2nd July, Richard Gardener of the parish of Ponsberry joyned in mariedge unto Frances Kitans livinge in the parishe of Morton Corbett 2nd July. Mr. Andrew Corbitt sonne of the Right Wor11 Sr Andrew Corbitt buried 26th Sep*. Elizabeth Dunn burr 10th November. Richard Taylor s. of Richard & Alee Taylor burd 19th December. Marie d. of William Iveson & Elizth his wife burd 20 December. Catherin d. of Richard Taylor & Elizabeth his wife burd 23 Dec'. Robert Lewis burd 24 Decr. 1667. •Lucy d. of Peter Gibbons pastor & Lucy his wife borne Friday Sept* 20 bap. Oct. 22. Andrew s. of William Watkis & Jane his wife bap. 15 November. Richard s. of Francis Crosse & Anne his wife bap. 2 January. George Beacoll of this parish joyned in the holy estate of Matrymony unto Jane Dickine of the parish of Hodnytt the 80th day of January 1667. Ellynor d. of Thomas Jackson burd 10 Feb?. Robert Sockett burd 9 May. Edward Ducker of this parish & Joane Gryffis of the parish of Grynsill married 3 February. Mary d, of John Snape & Anne his wife bap. 10 March. 1668. John s. of George Reefes & Marie his wife bap. 5th July. George Cadman of the parish of Preece and Ann Stannyley of this parish married 23 August. Samuel Maddox s. of Rogger Maddox & Mary his wife bap. 11 January. Edward Ducker s. of Edward Ducker and Joane his wife bap, 26 January. William Pytchford of Preston buryed 22 Feby. William s. of Humphrey Morris & Ann his wife burd 23 February. Beatrice d. of Sr Vincent Corbett & Lady Elizabeth his wife was borne Decemb' ye 4th 1669. Jane d. of Robert & Mary Crosse bap. 23 Aprill. Henry Brown of this parish married Elizabeth Beukley of Shawburio parish 15 May. Cattwalliter Heughes burd 14 Aug*. Joseph s. of Thomas Jackson & Susan his wife bap. 1 Feby. 1670. Robert Crosse sen* burd 19 June. Pctor Gibbons Rector & Lucy his wife was borng July 19 bap. Aug. 10. MOEETON CORBET. 73 Vincent s. of Sr Vinoent Corbett wland s. of Tho8 Bayley Junr & Sarah his w. burd Feb. 22 1772. toward s. of Tho8 Bayley Junr & Sarah his wife burd March 4 1772. io Bishop visited Aug. 19 1772 The Register exhibited Sep. 8 1772. toncis Lloyd s. of Tho8 & Sarah Bayley bap. Jan. 1 1773. Tary d. of Tho8 & Sarah Taylor bap. April 18 1773. lias Charlotte Corbet burd June 15 1774. John Lloyd s. of Tho8 & Sarah Bayley bap, Novr 80 1774 bui* March 22 1775. [r. Bayley of Preston burd Oct. 12 1775. iran Taylor burd Nov. 7. 1775. rilliam s. of Tho8 & Sarah Taylor bap. Jan. 2. 1776. [argaret d. of Tho8 & Sarah Bayley bap. May 9. 1776. \Us. Judeth Corbet of Grinshill burd Dec. 11 1776 aged 83. William s. of Wm & Anne Bayley of Bessford bap. Dec. 9. 1777. [annah d. of Tho8 & Ann Taylor bap. Oct. 11. 1778. 'nomas s. of Wm & Mary Bayley of Bessford bap, Nov. 2. 1778. rkeley s. of Tho8 & Sarah Bayley born April 8. 1778 & bap, Feb. 16. 1779. Fohn s. of Wm & Mary Bayley of Bessford bap. Sep, 22. 1780. {Ann d. of Tho8 - ^ a j& i s o q P"3 £ I- it~ 11— o 0 g 0° © P O 3 o O O S3 2 2w -Jl rP O Oh it — o to it; -Q'S o W) — o *« O) cm ■s 0 O'o to Sf «+-< 8 Q o 82 MORETON CORBET. 41 a © I 0"~ r o 0 So ■3? ■8-4 "I _ f-* «+-( fill 4> q a J5 03 J* u o a J? o ci M g -j 2 2 m t— — bO o cj 2 m Ih— o © O etf rd a , f=5 45 a ^3 ~ i-i - o o is - c« « ■* MORETON CORBET. 83 ■a'Sw o o ^ 13 S O cj 0> oJ w Ir •00 °g • b ° ° 09 in . si 111 It- — -t-» 1 ,0 u . o a J* a o « a Pelham of Lee, M. C, 1623. •+-T 7 oo GO rp W (O ^ " CO l-s 75 Cj*H O CO I 1 84 MORETON CORBET. ® 2° 3m Jl S3 ; 0 ;g § bg ^ o * § & . ^ mm b be o v s 2 i o ,0 -m J-i CD O « - a Mo 3 !fi O 0i<5 O "3 a °^ ^ - b. d TO g eo rO CO — - i O rg o . • CD W * . « 2CCN PQ (M oH - -co » „oo « i2 *■*• • co f CO R -oo jl(jH ^QtH OJr^ CO -S3 O fe r >j o o O . «a 'O or O r co -a as .a ° • 2 os o> S S CO 0> . rQ 02 ^ 2 •-! O CO ^-o tig — - . co ,5*9 « Vol. iv rw "ad bo a 2 a (La* 2ISS- o IE O CM Cj ^ r— ' ^rH *S o l« . ' ^ fH 1 ^ 3 S3 ^2 „ . ^ to «n n 0) H * o o CJ «-. «-. ^1^5 o .-o -a tell Ih o r , CN < w s •H I— t -xj S ca cr cu CCr^ dco-Q oooO OC5 1- ot CO •41 S3 f-si - o o 2 CO §COS S ■« co ^ nog . O «CO «CM « CO 72 O IT- 'S „ ^ ^CO — 030--^ 16 MORETON CORBET. 2 o 2 THE KOSSALLS OF ROSSALL. 91 risonment of five years. At the Assizes of 1221 Sir rivian appears as one of the knightly jurors, who tried mses of importance — Bound by his vow to labour for redress Of all, who suffer wrong, and to enact By sword aud lance the law of gentleness. Wordsworth. le appears to have attained to the age of eighty irs. His son, Sir Thomas de Bossall, was employed on a >mmission to re-arrange a truce between Henry III. id the enterprising Prince of North Wales, Llewelyn tp Griffith, who was ever ready to rush to arms at a ivourable juncture, and to solicit a truce, when his trength was exhausted. Sir Thomas hastened with colleagues, Adam de Brington (Brimton) and Hoel Madoc, to the Ford of Montgomery, celebrated alike the annals of war and negotiation, and arranged that ie adverse parties were to retain their possessions, but )t to enter those of the other without permission. The heriff of Shropshire paid the three Commissioners, in 1261, £7 10s. for their expenses. About the same time fir Thomas de Rossall appears to have attested a deed, Seneschal of Oswestry, which town had been pro- ided with walls by his patrons, the Fitz Alans, Earls " Arundel. Sir Vivian de Rossall succeeded to the inheritance in 1262, to whom with John Fitz Alan and John de letwynd a patent of April 29, 1263, extended the il protection, while They did so often lodge in open field In winter's cold, and summer's parching heat, hostile parts of Wales with Prince Edward. At the Assizes of October, 1272, Sir Vivian de ill was a juror in some principal causes. By a te levied at Westminster, Feb. 16, 1278, Vivian de ill settled his manor of Rossall on Thomas de nil, Isolda his wife, and the heirs of Thomas to hold the lords of the fees. I 92 THE ROSSALLS OF ROSSALL. Sir Thomas de Rossall ' II. appears in the Pimhill Tenure Roll of 1279 as holding Rossall of the fees John Fitz Alan, Earl of Arundel, by service of on knight at Oswestry Castle in war time. He married Nesta, widow of Robert Corbett, of Chetton. In 1297 he was returned as holding .£20 of lands at rents, and as summoned to attend muster at London on July 71 prepared with horses and arms for foreign service. Ii| the same year writs were addressed to him as a Com missioner of Levies in South Wales and Shropshire, and on March 6, 1300 he attended in London as a Knigh of the Shire. In the May following he was appointed) one of the Justices of Oyer and Terminer of Shropshire^ and in the following June he officiated as a Juror on the great perambulation of Shropshire Forest. In Jan.* 1301, he attended a Parliament at Lincoln as a Knight of the Shire, and in the June following he had *] military summons service against the Scotch. In OctJ 1392, he once more sat in Parliament as a Knight of] the Shire. Sir Thomas de Rossall III. succeeded his father inl 1310, and is enrolled as a Knight May, 1314. In the] nomina villarum of 1316, he is entered as Lord of Preston Gobalds, and Rossall. As a Knight of the] Shire he was returned to the several Parliaments of; 1310, 1319, 1322. As a Commissioner of Writs and Array, he is addressed in Writs of 1316 and 1322, one while acting in Shropshire, and another time in North* amptonshire against the remains of the Lancastrian faction. In May, 1324 he was returned to Parliament by three constituencies — Salop, North Hants, and Bed- fordshire, and was summoned to attend a great council convened at Westminster. The last of his race was Sir John de Rossall, who responded to the trumpet call of honour and danger, and enjoyed the confidence of his neighbours by hifl valour in war, and devotedness to local interests in peace. He shared the spirit of his ancestors in regard- ing humanity, as no less an ornament of knighthood THE ROSSALLS OF ROSSALL. 93 than courage, and esteemed courtesy, as the most amhble of knightly virtues. He divided his estate of Rossall between his two sisters, in the hope that their descendants might emulate their ancestors in remember- ing the obligations, as well as the privileges of property, and in devotedness to the public weal. Eyton speaks of the principal features of the estate being a capital messuage, a small wood, a water mill worth one mark, and a windmill worth half a mark yearly. Alice Rossall, heiress of the Isle of Rossall, married Philip de Englefield, descended from a family said to be seated at Englefield, in Berkshire, before the Con- quest, and represented in 1820 by the eminent anti- quary, Sir Henry Englefield, Bart. Her son Robert was Sheriff of Shropshire in 1436, and was represented in a painted window at Battlefield, kneeling at a desk, with a surcoat of the arms of Rossall ; sa. a fesse between six martlets, and a label, " Sancte Georgi, jora pro anima Roberti Englefield/' Blakeway, in his Sheriffs of Shropshire, remarks that the site of the original mansion of the Rossalls may yet be descried, Biirrounded by a square moat, commanding a fine view of the Severn, and well placed to resist the attacks of hostile aggression in days of insecurity. It continued in the family till forfeited, by Sir Francis Englefield, Privy Counsellor, and Master of the Wards to Queen Mary, who, being warmly attached to the religion of Jiis mistress, retired to the Continent on the accession of her sister, and was deprived of his estates by the rigid Statute of Fugitives. Eleanor, the younger sister of Sir John de Rossall mar- ried Mr. Sturry, of Shrewsbury, to whom she conveyed, as her portion, the part of the estate, called to this day pown Rossall. Her descendant, John Sturry, by Anne Corbet, his wife, was father of Elizabeth Sturry, the Wife of Humphrey Plowden, Esq., of Plowden, near Bishop's Castle, and mother of the great lawyer, Edmund Plowden, and Margaret Plowden, the wife of Richard Sandford, Esq., whose son Humphrey pur- Vol. jv. M 94 THE ROSSALLS OF ROSS ALL. chased the Isle of Rossall from . the vendee of Queen Elizabeth, after it had been forfeited to the Crown by the voluntary exile of Sir Francis Englefield, and was the ancestor of the present proprietor, Humphrey Sandford, Esq., J.P. ROSSALL CHAPEL. 1 At the top of the bank of the Severn, outside the rampart and moat, attached . to the family mansion, stood Rossall Chapel in a quiet nook, apparently de- signed by the hand of nature for meditation and devo- tion. It was situated in the Shrewsbury Parish of St Chad, but, being founded by the Lords of the Mario*, it seems to have attained an early independence. The taxation of 1291 calls it the Church of Rossall, and values it at XI 13s. 4d. per annum. One of the prebends of St. Chad's was called the prebend of Rossall. At the dissolution of the Col- lege, in 1547, Little Rossall furnished JCl lis. 4d, of the income of its prebends, viz., 4s. 8d. from lands, and £l 6s. 8d. from tithes, both farmed by Thomas Styrre. The names of the early, incumbents for more than two centuries are still extant to testify of a chapel, which has succumbed to the destroying touch of time, and of a religious ordinance, which has been discontinued for many ages. Thomas, Chaplain of Rossall, occurs as a witness about 1240-50. Sir Matthew, Rector of the Chapel, occurs before 1317, and died Feb. 3, 1326. William de Rossall, clerk, son of the third Sir Thomas de Rossall, was admitted March 4, 1326, at the pre- sentation of his father, as fitted for a more peaceful calling than his own. He died Dec. 14, 1333, when I William de Appleby, Acolyte, was admitted by the same patron. He is supposed to have died about Michaelmas, 1349, probably of the pestilence* THE ROSS ALLS OF ROSS ALL. 95 William de Albrighton, ^ Chaplain, was admitted Jan. 5, 1350, at the presentation of Richard, Earl of Arundel, Patron hac vice. Sir Philip Lee, styled Custos, or Rector of Rossall Chapel, died 1398 or 1399. , On Jan. 27, 1399, Master William Newhawe was admitted chaplain. On Feb. 9, 1399, he exchanged | preferments with Master William Newport, late Canon of St. John's, Chester. The latter speedily resigned, and on Feb. 19, 1399, Sir William Walford was ad- mitted. He resigned in 1418, when, in the month of November, Sir Felton was admitted. Patron, Philip de Englefield, Lord of Rossall. Adam, Incumbent of Rossall, having died, on Aug. 23, 1442, William Marshall was presented by Robert Englefield, Esq. He died in 1444, when on the 24th of October John Smith was instituted, and this is the last institution recorded in the Diocesan Register. ACCOUNT OF THE CIVIL WARS IN NORTH WALES, FROM THE MS. NOTE BOOK OF WILLIAM MAURICE ESQ. IN THE WYNNSTAY LIBRARY. [So far as relates to Shropshire.] 1642. The King came to Salop the 20th day of September, from thence he went to Chester and in his return he came to Wrexam and vywed the trayn-bands of Bromffield & Chirke. 27. 7bria. The King came again from Salop to Wrexam ye 3d of October and vywed the traine bands of the hole County which weare to march the morrowe after to Shrewsbury for a gard to the Prince. About Easter the same year Lord Capell came to bee general over Wostershirc, Shropshire, Cheshire, and the six northern shires of Wales. Whitchurch taken by the pari* the 30th of May. 1643. 3 Aug : Wem fortified by the Pari*. In October againe the Lord Capell gathered all his forces and made great preparation for the taking of Wem, and as they assaulted the towne Colonell Wynn was slaine upon their workes 18° Octobris. 1643. Upon the death of Col. Wynne the whole business was overthrowne and as the Lord Capell retreated towards Shrewsbury Sr Will. Brereton and his forces overtook them at Lee Bridge where was fought a hott skirmish on both sides until the night parted them. A° Domini 1644. Elsmer's Royallists surprised by Col. Mitton. 12° Januarii. Sr Rich. Wyllus and Sr Nic. Biron to the number of 200 were taken at Elsmearo at night in their Quarters as they marched from Welshpoole to Nantwych. ACCOUNT OF THE CIVIL WARS IN NORTH WALES. 97 15° Februarii. About the same time Col. Mitton plundered md t^ook prisoners in the Hundred of Oswestry even to the ivalles of the towne and brought great provisions [booties] to Wem from all parts aboute. 18° Februarii. Prince Robart came to Shrewsbury. 20° Martis. Prince Ro came to Chirk Castle and so went ;o Chester and returned to Salop 13° Martii. March 24. Coll. Ellis tooke Appley house and therein 20 Commanders 73 prisoners 25 horses with much amunition. ato this Apley house (the prince being at Newarke) the pari, mstyly thrust in a garrison of both horse and foote from iVemm intending to enlarge it as soone as they were able to lend in more men. Hopton Castle is taken. Sr William Vaughan and Coll. Ellis gave a greate over- hrowe to the pari, of Wemm at Longford nere Newport !5 March. Vide Mercur. Aulien11 in 20° Martii. 5° Aprilis. Prince Rupert retourns to Salop from Newark. Tounge Castle taken. May 3. 100 new pressed soldiers from Denbighshire weare aken neare Mountfford brige as they were going to Shrewsbury. Maii 8. Prince Rupert returned to Shrewsbury from )xford. Maii 16. Prince Rupert advanced out of Shrewsbury ©wards the North, with all the forces that lay in those mrtes. The whole army mett at Whitchurch and marched towards Lancashire being (14000) strong. The Pari, takinge the advantage of the Prince his absence mule with all speede preparations to invade the Marches of N. Wales and for which designe the Earle of Denbigh and Sr Tho: Middleton brought greate forces from London to Shrop- shire and joyned themselves with Coll. Mitton. , 22d of June. The Earle of Denbigh and Coll. Mitton wonne first the Church, then the Towne of Oswestry and those that fled to the Castle yealded it up the next day after. 1G44. 2° Octobris. Sir Tho. Middleton wonne Read Castle in Montgomeryshire and tooke therein L. Powys and carried him away prisoner to Oswestry. 1G45. 5th of ffebruary. Prince Maurice came to Shrewsbury and having stayed there 9 dayes in ordering his forces ad- vanced towards Chester ; as soon as they had cleared Denbigh- shire and relieved Chester Coll. Mitton fell upon Shrewsbury and surprized the towne 22° Febr. about 4 a clock in the pQorning. 98 ACCOUNT OF THE CIVIL WABS IN NORTH WALES Jl After the taking of Shrewsbury the Prince with all forces Jay for three weeks 'between Chester and Maylorl plundering and impoverishing the country extremely. JUlj ., which time the Pari, forces kept themselves in readiness u Cheshire and other side of river Dee expecting the Prince'ij advance. And then Prince Rupert came as far as Elsmere h Shropshire where joining both their forces they went anc relieved Byston Castle and then (having wonne the command of Holtbridge) they returned towards Oxford. As soon as the Prince departed out of Wales the Pari1 a strong seige against Hiercole howse in Shropshire and ttierej continued a fortnight at the end of which time (conceayi the Resolution of the Defendants to be invincible) they de< parted with great losse of men. 23° Junii. Cawes Castle was yealded up to the Pari,! upon composition the defendants should depart with bagg and baggage. 29° Junii. Sharaden Castle was surrendered upon the like| composition. These 2 Castles were taken in a fortnights space. After this the Shrewsbury forces sate before Hiercol and nexte morning after their cominge thither they were route* by Coll. Vaugnan. And in their retreate the ParP forces burnt Ronton and Shraden Castles. 1645. 29° 7brls. The King advanced from Chirk Castle with] his army through Llansilin and quartered that night Halchdyn [Haughton] and so passed through Montgomery- shire towards Ludlow &c. After this overthrow Sir Wm Vachan with an army of 2 orl 3000 out of Ludlow and other garrisons in the marches of J Wales marched through Montgomeryshire towards Denbigh! intending with the addition of the forces of North Wales to] releave Chester again. 1G46. About 16 March the stronge garrison of Arcol (which] ever since the surprizing of Shrewsbury held out and much damnified the Part1 in those partes) was surrendered upon composition to the state's use. 2od Maii. Ludlow was yealded to the Pari1. WA.L, MERIVALE THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. Bt The Rev. VV. A. LEIGHTON, B.A., (Camb.), F.L.S., &o. Sir Thomas Browne quaintly remarks, ft Tis opportune to look back upon old times and comtemplate our forefathers ; an observation which every Archaeologist ' will gladly re-echo. In fact Archaeology is the science .which carries our thoughts and researches into former .times, and by bringing us acquainted with the arts and habits of past generations, enables us to compare and contrast them with those of our own day or period. Every age is to tha/t which succeeds it an archaeologi- cal era. I, myself, have lived through three-fourths of the present century, and when I look back upon the Shrewsbury of my boyhood, I find it totally different from the Shrewsbury of to-day, topically, socially, politically, and religiously. But it is with its topical aspect alone we have here to do. Let us begin from the Railway Station, and enumerate \ some of the features which have passed away. Close to the Station on the east side of the Castle Gates were many old timber houses of low elevation, and on the site of the Independent Chapel stood one of the round towers i of the outer North Gate of the town, the only remnant of I which preserved is the sculpture of an angel standing I under an elegant canopied niche and holding a shield charged with the arms of France and England, quarterly, | now inserted in the south end of the Market Hall. Of I the appearance ol Castle Gates at that time, a good idea I may bo formed from an admirable etching in Owen and 100 THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. Blakeway's History of Shrewsbury, vol. L, p. 39. Sch Lane was then a public thoroughfare and communica1 with Castle Gates by a round arch now built up. School Lane was separated from the school playground hj iron palisading, which also surrounded the side next the street, having large iron gates opposite the principal entrance to the School. The ground of Castle Gatei was then much higher than at present, the Free Sch:;! playground and the land in front of et Castle House* being on a level, but was lowered as at present in coih sequence of an accident. J The little Chapel of St. Nicholas in the outer bailey of the Castle is also gone — a small cruciform structuif of Norman character with an apsidal east end, a * herring-bone work in the north wall. Several old black and white timber houses have b removed from Castle Street and Pride Hill. Opposite th|t Post Office in the centre of the street stood an unsightl* brick-building, (on the site of the ancient High Cross, used as a Butter Market. The south side of Pridl Hill, the Double Butcher Row, and Fish Street, dowti to High Street, near St. Julian's Church, formed on* of the finest butchers markets in the kingdom. At thi corner, at the bottom of Pride Hill, turning into High Street, was a rounded timber house with projecting oriel. See 0. & B., L, p. 298. At the opposite corner of High Street was one of the terminal gable ends of Ireland's Mansion,! and on the site of Rocke and Co.;s Bank was a similar one. At Mardol Head was a fine and picturesque groupe of houses (see 0. & B., I., p. 557), and a large timber house in Doglane — the King's Head Inn — all removed for the New Market. At the back of the present Post Office was a large old black and white timber house, conjectured to have been the Deanery of St. Marys, with a large yard in which was a wooden barn, now occupied by the Drapers' New Almshouses. THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. 101 J The original Drapers' Almshouses were on the west tide of St. Mary's Churchyard, projecting far into the •treet, a low range of miserable cottages, with a taller Hall House near the centre, and a larger House at the •outh, with a square perforation with low wooden gates entering into St. Mary's Close termed the Turn- stile. This latter was probably the house wherein the Priest of the Drapers' Co. resided, to whom the Company paid an annual stipend of £8 to say mass in the Trinity Chapel (South of St. Mary's Chancel), which was erected by the Company, daily, before the drapers travelled to tne Woollen Market at Oswestry or Welshpool. South- ward of St. Mary's Turnstile, as far nearly as Newport House, was a large garden surrounding an old timber house. The triangular Courtyard in front of Jones's Mansion was then open, as represented in O. & B., L, p. 420. The top of the Wyle Cop was then six feet higher than now, and was lowered to fill up a hollow at the bottom, close to the English Bridge, where was a fine j j old timber mansion, called Jones's Mansion, of which fthere is a view in Gent. Mag., 1829, p. 489. Let us now endeavour to trace Shrewsbury from its earliest origin, which is doubtless Welsh or ancient British. On the lofty mound on which Laura's Tower now stands, which is partly natural and partly artificial, was the ancient British keep or fortress, and a most I commanding position it was, both as regards watching I and defence. From this keep the fortifications would follow the brow of the hill under the Council House, St. Mary's Church, the top of the Wyle, the ridge of Belmont, to the river. These would no doubt- consist of a loft y agger of earth, surmounted by wooden palisades. f rojecting outwards, just as in the Pahs of New Zealand, t must be borne in mind also that the ground at the top of the Wyle was much loftier than at present* -most probably on a le vol will i St. Juliafr^'Chiuuhyiud and old St. Chad's Churchyard. At tlte: latter piafce rwaa Vol. iv. . ; . . • n 102 THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. the palace of the Princes of Powys, so that the town was well defended both on the north and south. The entrance to the town would be up the steep declivity of the rugged Wyle, then covered with scrubby brush wood, and the road turning up Dogpole would pass down Castle Street, and so outward along the isthmus. On the west there was no need of fortifications, as friends and allies were in that quarter. On the ac- companying diagrammatic map the British defences are coloured yellow. On the Saxons taking possession of the place, they would probably preserve the old fortifications, strength- ening them as required. On the site of the Palace they founded old St. Chad's Church, and also built immediately within the town walls the Churches of St. Julian, St. Alkmond, and -St. Mary, all of which are original Saxon foundations (coloured blue on the map). The population must have been small, since in Domesday only 252 houses are mentioned as existing in the time of Edward the Confessor. Of these houses Roger de Montgomery, the Norman Earl, demolished fifty to procure a site on the northern isthmus whereon to erect his castle, of which the only existing remnant is the fine Norman gateway leading into the inner court, an engraving of which may be seen in Leighton's Guide through Shrewsbury. His successor, Earl Robert de Belesme, only extended the ramparts on either side from the Castle to the river. The Norman buildings are coloured green on the map. I Things continued in this state until the time of Henry III., who directed the inhabitants to fortify the place with stone walls. Accordingly, a wall was ex- tended from the Norman Gerewald's Tower, half-way along the present Smithfield, to another Tower called Gilbert's Tower, An inner wall was built on the ridge of the 'Prde Schools, Castle Street, and Pride Hill, - which a,t: tUe/ bottom of the latter street turned at right angle's down* Roushill to a tower or gate called THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. 103 Bulgalode, The rest of the* town was completely sur- rounded with lofty embattled walls, with many towers at intervals, with gates and two bridges bearing towers. All these are coloured brown on the map. The only subsequent addition made to the Walls was Roushill Walls, which extended from Gilbert's Tower to the Welsh Bridge, in the time of the Civil Wars, and said to have been erected with stone ob- tained from Shrawardine Castle. These walls are coloured red on the map. The latest change in the walls on the south side was the removal of the battlements and substitution of coping, as intimated in the following inscription in- cised on a panel in the wall :— This part of ye Wall was Kepaired A.D. 1740 Edward Twiss Esqr Mayor Mr Samuel Eiisha Mr Andrew Downs Coroners The arrangement of the streets has been nearly the same in all periods. The ancient mansions and old timber houses are indicated by a pink colour on the map. Such being the aspect of the town, the continual •uccessive changes can be fairly traced by reference to plans and views published at various times. " Shrewsbury in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, executed for Lord Burleigh " size 18 in. by 13 inches. The Welsh Bridge is represented as of four arches with two towers and intervening flank pierced with a broad and lofty round arch, with portcullis over the la-st arch on the Frankwell side, At the end next the town are two round, towers with intervening flank pierced with lofty broad round portcullised arch with cbambers over. From this southwards is an embattled 104 THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. walls with four square doorways, then three embattl towers close to each other, with intervening connectin embattled wall, the southernmost tower with a gateway. Thence the wall curves to a tower opposite the end o Claremont Buildings. Opposite the end of Claremont Hill is a square portal in the wall. Then midway between Claremont Hill and St John's Hill another tower with round portal. Nearly at the top of St. John's Hill is another tower, and at the bottom of Belmont another tower. The wall then proceeds to an angle beyond the Grey Fiiars opposite to which is a broad square portal in the wall. From the angle the wall pierced with a larger and smaller opening curves to a gabled building with a round archway on the town side of the stone or English Bridge, which here crosses the river, and has, midway, two large towers with a central portcullised round lofty gateway. From the bridge it goes at a sharp angle pierced with a round portal to the top of the Dogpole ridge, whence it pro- ceeds along the ridge, pierced with two round portals, to the upper tower or gateway at the top of St. Mary's Waterlane. This lane, flanked on each side by em- battled walls, goes to the lower Gateway, from whence the wall is continued straight to the river. Here the wall is continued southwards on the very brink of the stream to a small gabled building. The bank of the river northwards has strong palisading. From the upper gateway of the Waterlane the wall makes an angle, and then curves as a foundation to the Council House to the Castle at Laura's Tower. From this tower the wall curves round St. Nicholas's Chapel to a lofty round outer gate, thence along the present Dana to one of the towers, and from that in a curve to the Castle Gate, represented as a gabled building across the street with a large portcullised archway. Beyond this is represented another embattled barrier with port- cullised round gateway. From the Castle Gates the inner embattled wall ' proceeds along the ridge of the Free Schools, Castle Street, and Pride Hill, at THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. 105 the bottom of which it turns' at right angles down Rous Hill to a small square tower at the bottom. The outer wall proceeds from the Castle Gate to a tower a short distance, and thence in a long stretch to another tower which stood midway between Castle Gates and Mardol. At the top of Mardol is a small object, probably a con- duit, and on Wyle Cop a similar one. On the north grmce of the Market Square is a pillory — and the Old 1 own Hall blocks up this side towards High Street. Old St. Chads Church is separated from Kiln Lane by a wall which terminates at the Almshouses on Belmont. The whole of the south portion of the town between Barker Street and Wyle Cop to English Bridge behind the houses is laid out entirely in gardens. The College of St. Chad is represented as two large gabled portions adjoining each other lying east and west, and on either Hide at right angles a similar but lower gabled part. At the top of Pride Hill is a large and lofty pyramidal Market Cross. The Almshouses are shown on the west side of St. Mary's Churchyard, and there is a dial or cross on the south side of the Church in the Church- yard. The Free School is represented as a small single ijabled building or house. The Grey Friars has a gabled wilding parallel with the river, and two ruined gabled IK>rtions at right angles at either end. The Dominican briars are in ruins — a gabled portion facing south, with two gables eastward — and two other gabled portions ruined near. The Austin Friars are confused with the Town Walls. A large cross, on three steps, stands on the spot where Castle Foregate and Chester Street diverge. The Quarry is divided into seven fields. A brook flows from the river under Merivale Bridge, and joins the Severn again under Coleham Bridge. On the river are barges, rafts, and swans. " Shropshyre described, the sittuation of Shrowes- bury shewed , with the Armas of thos Maries, and other Memorable things observed" Above the title are the Royal Arms, and below it those of " Boger Mont- gomery " and "John Talbot." i( Performed by John 10G THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. Speed and are to be soulolby Henry Overton at tht White Horse ivithout Neivgate London." Size, 20 inches by 1 5 inches, the Boundaries of the Hundreds coloured pink. Date of Map, 1 G 1 0 . In the upper portion of the sinister side is a plan of " Shrowesbury," with the Town- Arms. Tracing the Town Walls from the Welsh to the English Bridge, we first see a short portion, connecting3 with a gateway on the town side of the Bridge, called " Cripples Lode," with two low towers and a loftier one adjoining ; then opposite the present Claremont Buildings a lofty tower. Opposite the top of Clare- mont Hill the wall has a marked semi-circular curve inwards to the street, and a lofty tower midway between Claremont Hill and St. John's Hill ; opposite St. John's Hill are two towers, one higher than its neighbour, but both with a portal or gate. At the bottom of Swan Hill is a tower pierced with a portal ; midway between Swan Hill and Belmont is a tower with three windows, indicating three storeys ; and at| the bottom of Belmont a low squat tower with a portal. The wall now curves to the bottom of Beeches Lane, opposite which is a tower with portal ; the wall again curves round the Austin Friars towards the river, with a tower about midway, and then proceeds at a right angle to another tower connecting it with the English Bridge, whilst a lower wall goes from the angle straight to the Severn. Proceeding from the Castle eastwards, we first see a massive tower or wall barricading the street, with two windows in the upper story, a portal, and what appears like an iron portcullis on the top. An embattled wall flanks the street on either side to the <( North Gate " (Castle Gates proper), consisting of two round towers, with a portal in the portion connecting them across the street, and this gate is shown in continuation of and connection with the outer embattled wall of the Castle. Proceeding from the lower barrier, the wall with a slight curve comes to a tower a little way down the present Meadow-place, to near the river, and then THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. 107 turns at a right angle and proceeds nearly parallel with the stream to two lofty square towers of two Btoreys a little distance from each other, and connected by an intervening wall. These last towers were, I believe (bnt I have seen no documentary proof) termed Gilbert's Tower, and served as a defence to the Welsh Bridge. Beyond these Towers the wall is not continued. Close to the Bridge, on the Frankwell side, on the right side of the street immediately before we reach the present White Horse Passage, stood " Almes house S. Georges." From the Castle Foregate tov/ards Benbow Place ran, into the river, a small brook called " Pintle Broke." Proceeding from Castle Gates into the town, we first come to " The Lord's Place," now the Council House, then to " St. Marye's Water lod," with its two gateways, a lower one near the river as at present, and another near the top of the lane, from which proceeds an embattled wall (which has an outward curved semi- circular bit immediately under St. Mary's Church) nthich crowns the bank where now stands the Infirmary, above the Dominican Friars to near the bottom of the Wyle Cop, then called (t Under the Wyle," where at an obtuse angle it connects with the English or u Stone Bridge." An embattled wall also connects the Castle with St. Mary's Water-lane Gate. From the Castle Gates "the towne wall, built upon with houses," is shown crowning the steep under the Free School and along Castle Street and Pride Hill down to Roushill Lane. Castle Street, opposite St Mary's Church, is called " High Pavment." The Double Butcher Row with " Fishe Strete," down to St Julian's Church, is termed u The Shambles," and the lower part of Pride Hill " The Stales." The street opposite the Theatre is called i( Hound Stret." Charlton Mansion is indi- cated by buildings flanking St J ohn's Hill, Cross Hill and Swan Hill, and Lee Stalls, enclosing a large inner court. Vaughan's Mansion, between College Hill and the Market Square, is similarly indicated. Old St Chad's Churchyard is enclosed by a wall which sepa- 108 THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. rates it also from the (t Coljedge" precincts, which ap- parently extend between Belmont, Swan Hill, and College Hill. The wall next Belmont has a row of large trees on the interior, and the enclosed land is there termed " Stery Close Lane." The Market Square is shut out from High Street by the old Town Hall which stood at right angles to the present Hall across the Square. The street from St Julian's Church to the Unicorn is named Wyle Copp," and thence to the Bridge, " Under the Wyle." The present High Street, from the bottom of Pride Hill to as far a3 Grope Lane, is called " Shomaker s Bow," and thence to the Wyle Cop " Hey Strete." Merivale Bridge, of five arches, extends from the Abbey to the English Bridge across the Meole Brook, which is represented as flowing from the Severn along the Gay Meadow, under the street and Merivale Bridge, and joining the river again under Coleham Bridge. The Abbey Mill is represented, and the wall (now removed) which once surrounded the present Cemetery, and a Cross stood opposite Mr, Burton's house in the street. Longden Coleham appears of considerable extent, with densely packed houses, but Meole Coleham, only half its length, with scattered or detached houses. In the lower sinister corner are represented two squares of military with spears and standards charging each other, in front of which are cavalry also charging each other, and infantry firing guns. Below is this in- scription : " At Shrowesbury in the place then called Olfeilde a great and bloody battaill was fought by the percies Henry surnamed Hotspure, and Thomas Earle of Worcester, against King Henry the 4 Wherein the sayd Lord Henry was slayne and L. Thomas taken and .beheaded with ye losse of G600 Souldiers on both parts. Anno 1403." " A Prospect of ye Ancient & Beautifull Town of Shrewsbury Taken from Iliggins Bam near Coleham!* Size 3. 8 J length 17 1 inches width. In the left hand upper comer are the Town Arms THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. 109 •nd an inscription within an ornamental scroll work, 44 To the Eight Worship11 The Mayor Recorder Alder- men and Burgesses of Shrewsbury This Prospect is humbly Dedicated & Presented by Benjamin Cole." In the right hand upper corner are the Arms of the i'Newports, Earls of Bradford, with this inscription beneath, "To the Right Honourable Richd Earl of Bradford Baron Newport of high Ercall &c. This Prospect is humbly Dedicated and presented by Ben. Cole." On the left hand upper margin are the arms of the Mercers, Grocers, Drapers, Goldsmiths, Ironmongers, Barber-Surgeons, Apothecaries, Upholsters, Masons, Dyers, and Chandlers. On the right hand upper margin are the arms of the ["Cloth workers, Shooemakers, Glovers, Weavers, Taylors, Bakers, Butchers, Smiths, Sadlers, Bricklayers, and Hatters ; and this inscription: — "Note These 11 Companies are placed in such order as they go to |Kingsland and because it was impossible in so small a ice to express all the Arms of the united companies, have Engraven only the Arms of the first Companie | of those united. The other 1 1 Companies are such as do not go to Kingsland which I have placed in order «ts they weare incorporated." #< Sold by Philip Overton against St. Dunstans I Ch urch London. By Thomas Gittins Bookseller in Salop, jfik/ by Benj. Cole in Oxford." Thomas Gktins was dmitted to his freedom as a Bookseller June 12, 1696. Along the bottom are the names of the principal flmildings, with numbers corresponding to similar ones ill the print placed over or near those buildings. The view extends from Old St. Chad's Church on ;tho left hand to the Tower of the Abbey and the j Monks' Infirmary on the right. Judging from the relative position of the various [buildings represented, " Higgins' Barn near Coleham" faust have stood on the land near the river now oc- gcunied by Carline's Field. Vol. iv. ' o 110 THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. H of wai The large and lofty east/ window of Old St. Ch Church (numbered 1) is prominently seen, and pears to have been of seven lights, separated upright mullions of perpendicular period exten throughout. On the west of the Church are two large gables timber house ; the College, and its gardens and Churchyard are enclosed on the south or south- side by a low stone wall with broad embattlemen The houses are massed together in a " bird's-eve" so that it is impossible to distinguish streets particular houses. Next in order comes the tower St. Julian's Church (numbered 2). Next is the towi and spire of St. Alkmond's Church (numbered 3), immediately below it on the south side a large tim mansion of two gables connected by an interveni space and a garden with trees, This is probably Hall of the Drapers' Company. At right angles this is a large house with three gables on its t visible sides, which is possibly the " Stone- House.' Then comes " Lord Newport's House " (numbered 4] at the top of Dogpole, represented much as it u appears, with its garden of trees enclosed by a lo wall. Next in order is the tower and spire of S Mary's Church (numbered G), and the clerestory of t! south side of the Church, and a part of the "Trini Chapel." Then "Mr. Kynaston's House" (numbe; 5, the Old Infirmary), with its low walled garden a; square summer house at the end. Below this is a la open slope extending to the river, once the vineyard the Abbot of Shrewsbury. At right angles to " Kynaston's house is a long walled garden belonging the Council House (numbered 9), with its broad slopi garden on the south-east. Above are seen " 7 T New Gaol " in the School Lane, and " 8 The tower the Schools." Then " 10 The Castle," represented wit] a square embattled tower with long keep and an ei battled wall extending westward. The lofty mound, t; old British keep, has two round towers and walk THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. Ill summit, and a stepped wali extending from Laura's lower under the Council House Garden to a square >wer on the palisaded verge of the river, probably iteaded for St. Mary's Waterlane Gate. Between the [Hurtle and the Council House is a large garden "11 i^Elie Bowling Green," now termed Castle House. Next tt>pea$s the Abbey Tower 12, with the gables and em- ptied connecting wall of the west side of the Monks' Infirmary. Below this is " 13 Coleham Bridge " of ihree arches and angular embrasures on the intervening lers, and a low stepped wall towards Coleham Head, Ip which is a view to "14 The Stone Bridge," there m only as a low wall, to the left of which is a large of houses, and then appears a railed wooden part the Bridge between, and the large square embattled >wer, then four arches with angular embrasures on the iers between. Under the third arch from the town is large water wheel, and above a mass of houses on the (ridge. Close on the north end of the Bridge is a irgo timbered mansion, Jones's Mansion, at the bottom the Wyle Cop, now taken down. On the opposite de of the river is "15 Stone Bridge Key," now oc- ipied by Marine Terrace, and close adjoining is a large juare brick summer house with stone coyns, numbered 1G Mr. Jones's Summer House," which still exists, ben comes a meadow in, which are the remains of 18 The Grey Friars," converted into houses as now, id a " Bowling Green " with a square summer house the end, immediately outside a portion of the Town fall. The view is bounded southwards by the river, which are coracles, fishing and pleasure boats, and old " Swan's Nest " in the river between the ridges. With respect to the summer houses at the end of gardens, the following passage from Pennant's lura in Wales, edit. 1810, vol. I., p. 20, will afford an Ihwtrution : — " I will now descend to Tre-Bychton rhwo stands my paternal house (Downing) att ended rith (what was very frequent in our Principality) a 112 THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES, summer house, at a very,.small distance, and a eel beneath, used as a retreat for the jolly owners their friends, to enjoy, remote from the fair, theil toasts and noisy merriment." The following Order of Procession of the Trac Companies is from an old paper in my possession, the date 1742, taken out of Corporation Records :- Ordinatio Processionis Artincu' Villas Salopiae in Corporis Christi. Molendinarii Millers Pistores Bakers Piscatores Fishermen Coci Cooks Carnifices Butchers Barcarii Tanners Cordewenarii Shoemakers Fabri Smiths Cellarii Sadlers Carpentarii Carpenters Flechers, Cowp's & Bowers Textores Weavers Tonsarii cu' Barbitonsoribz Barbers Cerotecarii Glovers Sissores Taylors. There is no date to the view, so that we can o; approximate to the time of its publication by circum stances. Thomas Git tins, the publisher, was admitted1 to his freedom as a Bookseller, June 12, 1696; and; Richard, Earl of Bradford, died 1764. Between thoso dates must have been the time of publication. lt A Prospect of the Town of Shrewsbury Taken it Appear d in the Great Frost 1 739. Stanhope delin! I'1 Geraldino scidp1. Printed for Rl Lathrop Booksel in Salop Published according to Act of Parliament Size, 3 feet 4 inches by 2 feet 4 inches. The Welsh Bridge has six arches with embrasure^ a square embattled Tower of two storeys over the last arcli on the Frankwell side, and an embattled wall pierced with a round arch beyond. Houses are built on the bridge as far as the centre of the third arch THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. 113 from the Frankwell side. Two embattled towers with machicollations are over the last arch on the town side. At a short distance beyond the Austin Friars the bridge is protected by a round tower with a conical roof, attached to which is a gabled building to the east. The Town Wall is here hidden by the buildings of the Austin Friars, but appears again at the bottom of I Claremont Bank, rising by steps to a straight portion supported by two shelving buttresses, opposite where are now the Claremont Buildings. Opposite Claremont Mill the wall is broken through and lowered by steps or shelves on either side to an opening with a stile, which gives access to the middle avenue of the Quarry. Eastwards of this, but close adjoining, is a broad and lofty square tower of two storeys, without battle- ments, opposite New St. Chad's Church. Thence the embattled wall, supported here and there by shelving buttresses, proceeds to an embattled square tower, which must have stood a little eastwards of St. John's Hill. The west corner of this tower has a round turret extending up its whole height, with a conical domed roof. From this tower the embattled and buttressed wall is continued to the existing tower near the bottom of Belmont, and here the view ends. The outer embattled wall, with a raised internal walk, proceeds from the Castle Gates, represented as a broad square embattled tower, without interruption to the river, where it proceeds at a lower level without em- battlements at right angles, parallel with the river to the Welsh Bridge. These walls, now termed " Rowsell "Walls," were repaired and built out of the ruins of Shrawardine Castle at the time of the Civil Wars. Gilbert's Tower is removed. The inner wall is visible under the Free Schools and along the bank of Castle Street until it disappears at the large gables of the houses called the High Pavement in Castle Street, opposite St. Mary's Church. This wall nowhere ap- jienrs down Pride Hill. The Castle, Tower of Free Schools, St. Mary's, St, I 114 THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. Alkmond's Spires, and St. Julian's Tower are much as at present, but in addition we have the grand Cathedral- like structure of old St. Chad's. Trees also appear in the garden of the College adjoining Belmont. The present Smithfield, which was raised to a level with ; Bowsell Walls, was then a large deep meadow, and the sloping bank under Castle Street was then in gardens '; or orchards. Rev. J. Yardley's house is very con- spicuous, and the house now incorporated in Mrs,! Shuker's residence, then called " Pig Hall." Opposite, on the other side of Quarry Place, was a large square " Bowling Green," walled, with a summer house at each angle next the Quarry. From Quarry Place anj avenue of trees goes to the river, and is continued along the curve of the river to opposite the " Boat House." The central avenue proceeds from Claremontc Hill, and at the bottom next the river is a large square^1 open " Summer House." Just outside of, and parallel with the Town Wall, is an avenue of trees extending' from Claremont Buildings to St. John's Hill. Aa^ avenue of trees goes from just opposite the Boat House diagonally to a little eastward of Mr. Yardley's house. A row of posts and rails proceeds from opposite the Boat House diagonally across the meadows to the lower 1 corner of the " Bowling Green," with a turnstile f midway down the centre avenue. The Dingle is] represented as scattered trees. The river is frozen over and crowded with visitors variously occupied, and printing and copperplate presses are at work. The Town Arms are in the upper dexter corner. A plan of Shrewsbury, on a scale of " \ of an inch to 100 feet, or 5 inches to % of a mile% puhlished by 1. 1 Eocque according to an Act of Parliament, 1 740. R. Parr ! sculp" Size, 2ft. lin. by l7in. Dedicated « To the liiglit Honourable William Baron of Jlodon, Viscount Piilteney of Wrington and Earl of Bath." On a space on the right hand side are views of the west side of " the Market House" (with a glimpse of the old tower of the Exchequer and a projecting sign bearing* Cross THE SHREWSBURY OF FAST AGES. US Keys), "the Free School/' 'and "the Castle," from the bank of the Severn opposite Dorset's Barn Fields. Only two Towers on the Walls (which are shown as 'entire on south side) existed then, one near top of Olare- mont Hill and the other near the bottom of Belmont, then termed " Milk Street." The Quarry avenues were w now, with the addition of an avenue at the top immedi- ately outside the Town Wall. The House now occupied by Mrs. Shuker in Quarry Place is named " Bowling Green." The streets and shuts are all accurately laid down, and are the same as at present, but there is some variation in the names. The street leading from Shoplatch past the Talbot Chambers to the Market Square was also called Shoplatch ; Princess Street was then "Kiln Lane ;" Swan Hill was "Muryvance the ttreet from top of Mardol to the bottom of Pride Hill was " the Stalls;" " Rousehill Lane" extended from Pride Hill to the cross street from Mardol, the other 'portion to Rousehill Walls being " Rouse Hill ;" Pride Hill was " Shoemakers Row ;" " Ox Lane" extended from " the Cross' ' to the entra nee to St. Mary's Court, and " Dogpole " from thence to Wyle Cop ; the Double Butcher Row was then " Butcher Row," the part from thence on the north side of St. Alkmond's Church to St. Julian's Church was " Old Fish Street," and the part from thence on the west sides of St. Alkmond's and St. Julian's to the High Street was " New Fish [Street." "Wyle Cop" extended from St. Julian's Church to the corner of " Beech's Lane," and the street thence to the " Stone Bridge" was called " Under the Wyle ;" " Back Lane" is as now, and St. Julian's Friars ia termed " Friars Lane." The old Town Hall is re- presented as standing across the north side of the Square, with a narrow passage on the west side leading into a space between the Town Hall and the High Street named " Green Market." The present Chester Street was then " Back Street ;" the site of the County Gaol was " Castle Hill ;" Castle House was then 11(5 THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. " Bowling Green and the White Horse Passage ii Frankwell was " Nettles Lane." There are many places, which, with difficulty, can now be ascertained, but of which we have documentary , evidence still existing. It may be well to note them! here : — 3rd April 20 Elizabeth 1577-8 Thomas Owen of Lincolnr Inn gentn conveys to his brother Richard Owen junior of Shrewsbury draper & Sarah his wife, Houses &c in Frankwell between a certain lane called Norton s Lane on the east sidt & Adam Dowries' corviser's house on the west side. Witnessed by William Jenks, John Reynold, Edward Owen, Richard Phillips & Edward Price. Peter son of J ohn Cnocte sells & quits claim to Alan son of : Gamel de Romaldesham for his service and for 20s/ of silver,; an annual rent of 2s/- received from said Alan yearly from t certain messuage on Oleremont which is called StrenchliAt$\ rendering yearly to the Provosts of Salop at Hokeday 4J for all services. Witness Reynold Porchet, Hugh le Vileyn then (1216—1272) Provosts of Salop. John Borvey cap'll's, W«, Gangclard, Adam Ketel, Laur. son of Hunegyth, Adam Pangy| Alan son of John Cordc, Peter Pangy. According to the law and usage of early times, wheal few laymen could write their names, every freeholder, was obliged to have a seal peculiar to himself to affix to documents. The seal of this deed bears an open cruciform flower, from the axils of which proceed slender steins bearing fleur de lis at top and the inscription in Longobardic characters was Q1 . , lE^HR ♦ ♦ ♦ 30bl6 ♦ « Strenchhus probably occupied the site of the present ' Turf Tavern on Glaremont Hill, and may have been the mansion of the family of Gamel de Komaldesham, and the Chapel of St. Romald in Barker Street may have been the domestic chapel. John son of Thomas Gamel of Salop grants to John son of Roger Pride of Salop clerk one plot ol land in the town of ; Salop on Cleremond lying in length from the house of the said 1 John Pride to the house of me the said John Gamel which Henry de Schalcner holds of mo & extending in width from the royal way to the garden of Blake haue. Witness John THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. 117 Stury & John Sclietton then^. Bailiffs of Salop, Hugh de Wythiford, Robert de Lye, Thomas de Prees, John Rondulf, John Blake, William Haberleye. Dated at Salop Tuesday after Easter 44 Edward 3. (1370). Blake Halle must have stood on the site of the house- now occupied by the Bev. John Yardley, vicar of St. Chad's, Salop. i In the Books of the Mercers' Company mention is ^wde in 1811 of Crochet's Comer in the High Street. John Peerle of Salop & Margaret his wife & Agnes their daughter, William Ellesmere chaplain & William Child chap- lain quit claim to John Scryveyn & J ohanna his wife, Wm Lopynton vicar of the church of Shawebury, Richd Pastour rector of the church of Hanewode & Roger Skylle chaplain all their ri^ht in two crofts in Colneham a suburb of Salop one of which lies between the highway leading towards Spdlecvovw on the one side & another highway leading towards New bald on the other side & also in another croft situate in Monks' Foriet in Salop between the way called Sponu lane on the one Bide & land of the Monastery of Salop on the other side & extends from the water called Osdaye to the land of said John Scryveyn. Dated at Salop 3 Henry 5. (1415-0). Spellcross must have been near the Hermitage at [Belle Vue. Thomas son of Adam Forestar grants to Thomas Glupsy in fee two acres of land in the field of Cothes lying between land of Alan Wyldegos & le lihoumor' & extending from land of John son of Ivan to Pundacre. Witness Peter son of Martin & Hugh le Vileyn then Provosts of Salop [124G-12G1] In a deed dated 1216-1272 mention is made of places in Frankwell, viz., le Pidl and Rongeland. Richard le Vileyn (Proy>it circa 1277) son of John le Vileyn (Provost early Henry Z'y de la Hulle Salop quits claim to Thomas Colle son of Hugh Colle of Salop of all his title to | land in the fields of Franckevile. near Slahstrete between land of John Gamel of Salop on one side & the way of Slahstrete on the other side. Witness John de Pola & Henry Wildegos then Bailiffs of Salop. John Gamel (Provost 1275) son of Alan Gamel (Provost early Henry 3) grants to Thomas Colle son of Hugh Colle 5 acres of land in the fields of Frankevile between the way called Crosivey & the way which leads towards Montgomery 11 8 THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. in exchange for 5 acres ot land in Frankevile in WcdU Wortesdale. *" Grant dated 1458-9 from William Boerley of Salop k Isabella his wife to Radulf Barbor of Salop & Agnes his wifa of a tenement in the Bakerrewe near Kyllcnlane & a garden in owards Severn with free ingress xl St Chaddlslane leading tow intro'it'u voc' le Sbutte. Grant from Richard Goodberd (son & heir of Roger Good' berd) & Johanna his wife to Thomas Boerley of Salop of two Gardens in Prist's Lane near the Collegiate Church of 9 Chad between land of the said Church & land of the Company of Tailors. Dated 1 3 Edward 4 (1 473). Priest's Lane was the narrow lane to Mr. Sprott'i house, which was joined by another lane at right angle* from Swan Hill Court, and which, from the junction, proceeded diagonally to the bottom of Belmont. Grant dated 21 Edward 4 from John Hoord of Salop Esq to Ludovic Lye of Salop Weaver & Johanna his wife of a garden in the street of Muryvance extending in length 19 woollen yardi from the Cemetery of the old Chapel of Blase to the royal way & in width 13 yards from John Gamel's tenement to land belonging to the Confraternity of Weavers of Salop Murivance being at that period a comprehensr name for Swan Hdl and Belmont, renders this locality' uncertain. The Chapel of St. Blase has always beeu considered as the domestic Chapel of Vaughan'i Mansion, and probably occupied the Court on College Hill, which is set back from the street. The Cemetery may have extended to Belmont, for Mr. Folliot San& ford, in sinking the foundation of his Offices, came upoi several skeletons. Letters on suppression of Monasteries, Camd. Soc. 1843, p. 203. Kichard, Bishop of Dover, to Cromwel {MS. Cott. Cleop., E. IV., fol. 248.) My singular good lord, in my humble manor plcsythe yowcr lordschype to undcrstande, that sythe I wroght to yoi from Glosetur I have taken into the kynges handdes ij con\ ventes in Worsetur, on in Brygenorthe &c of the whyche " wroght to yower lordcschype by yowcr servant Holt fron Lechefylde. Sythe I have taken into the kynges handdes in Shrewysbery, and tbor on staiidnythe styll : the occasyo m it standeynge is because that I alwaye have declaryd tni i THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. 119 had no commyssyon to suppresse no howse, nor non I dede ippresse, but such as was not abull to lyve. Yet they gave cr howseys into the kynges handdes for poverte, I receyveyd flhem, and elles non. Now for that howse in Shrewysbery that indeyth, yt ys of the blacke fryeres, and I wode fynde no bet cause in tliem to cause them to gyve up. . . . . . . . . In Shrewysbery be iij howsys. The Blacke Fryeres Unde, as before I have wryttyn. The graye fryeres had con- syd all, and made a grett rumor in the towne, for the whyche icy war glade to gyve up all into the kynges handdes ; that a proper howse, small implementes, no jewellcs but a plate jso sylver, and a lytyll chales of lytyll valew ; no renttes [but ther howse and abowte iij & iiij acores of eryabille londe S'uynge to yt. The Austen Fryeres, a howse all in ruyne, and 10 more parte falleynge downe ; no thynge in that howse, not in all to the valur of iij nobylles, in vestementes copys, brasse, [pewter, and all other stuffe ; no chales to say masse, nor non jwolde trust the prior to lende hym any ; no fryeres ther but llie prior, a man loke to be in a fransey, and ij Erysche men. J have dyschargeyd the prior of heys offiys, and sent the ij [Erysche men into their owyn contre, and so take the howse [Into the Kynges landdcs. The rentes be iiij marks by yore. I Thys xiijth day of August. From Shrewysbery. [By yower bideman and Scrvantt. 1538. Richard Do verene. P. 210. Richard, Bishop of Dover, to Cromwell !(MS. Cott. Cleop. E. IV. f. 2G3.) I wrote to yower lordchype for ij howseys in Schrewysbery. [The Blacke Fryeres yet standeythe, and for the contynewans pf that shall be made moche labour to you. I praye yow grauntt nott but as I shall order that accordeynge to my Bwttrayssyon, for the standeynge of that makeythe me to have [more bisynes in dyverse placeys than I sclnide have. Also jtber ys a howse of Austen fryers, that I dyschargeyd the prior, tnd sent the ij Yeryschemen into ther owyn contreys ; ther i var no more at horn ther, and all was gone, and all the more parte of the howseys in falleynge downe, and non chales to say masse, nor no man wolde trust them to lende them any. By ihcir inventory ye shall see ther substans. I here that the prior ys cum to London, to sew for hys howse agayne ; yt were fcety that he shulde spede. Theys ij sutes I wolde gladly fcAve recysteyd. 27 Aug. 1538. P. 281. Robert Burgoyn to John Scudamore. (MS. Add. 1 1,041, fol. 31. 1538.) 120 f THE SHREWSBURY OF PAST AGES. Hight worshippfull sir, after most hartie recommcndatio with lyke thankes for yowr gentell letters, and ffor yo sedulious paynes and labours taken aboute the survey o Cayneham, and certen ffryre houses, off the whiche I ha~ receyved parte off the surveys, and wher you entend to surve the tf rire houses in Herefford, and ferther that you will sen Mr. William Scuclamore, your sone, and my clarke, to survey the f ryers at Wodhouse and Bridgenorth, I thynk my sel muche bounde unto you that yt will please you off yo goodnesse so to fferder me in my greate and intollerabl busynesse. This paper is illustrated with a view of the Counci House Hall, and Entrance ; with a view of the Roun Tower near St. Austins Friars, and a view of S Austin's Friars. 121 THE MANOR, &c., OF CONDOVER. By tub Late Mr. JOSEPH MORRIS. Prom an Inquisition, taken in the second year of the ■Iteign of King Edward the First, 1274, it appears that King Henry the Third himself held the Manor of Condover until he gave it to his sister Joan in marriage with Llewelyn, Prince of Wales. After her death he jesumed the possession of the Manor of Condover, and fguve the same to Henry de Hastings in exchange for [certain estates acquired by him in marriage with Ada, j fourth daughter of David Earl of Huntingdon and of Maud his wife, sister and co-heir of Ranulph Earl of Chester. Henry de Hastings, son of the said Henry • and Ada, [was in ward to King Henry the Third, and the Manor of Condover was again resumed by the Crown, from whom it passed to the family of Burnell. Among the evidences relating to the Condover Es- tates, in the possession of E. W. S my the Owen, Esq., is a charter (in French) granted by Edward Burnell, Baron Burnell, to his tenants in the Manor of Condover, dated [on the Friday after the close of Easter. 6 E. II., 1313. This Edwarde Lord Burnell died without issue in ,1315, and his sister Maud married, for her first husband, [John Lovel, Baron Lovel, of Tichmersh, whose son John 18 stated, in the various accounts published of the Baronage, to have been deprived of his inheritance by fine. The deprivation, however, certainly did not [extend to the Manor of GfendoM§r> which continued in [the Lovel family until it passed to the Crown, on the [secession of King Henry the Seventh, by the attainder > of Sir Francis Lovel, the ninth Baron. Vol. iv. v : 1 122 THE MANOR OF COif DOVER. ■ On the 9th of July, in the 36th year of his reign,! King Henry the Eighth granted the reversion and lee simple of the Manor, &c, of Condover, late belonging to Francis Lovel Viscount Lovel, to Henry, afterwards | Sir Henry Knyett, Knight, who shortly after sold the same to Robert Longe, of London, mercer. The will of Robert Longe is dated 7th December,! 1551. An Inquisition was taken in Shrewsbury, after] his death, before Thomas Ludlow, Esq., Escheator, on] the 16th November, 1552. On a division made of the estates of the said Robert] Longe, by deed dated 1st February, 3rd Elizabeth,] 1561, the Manor, &c, of Condover became the property, of Henry Viner, of London, mercer, and Mary his wife, one of the daughters and co-heirs of the said Robert Longe. A confirmation to the said Robert Longe, by Queen! Elizabeth, of the Manor of Condover, Dorrington, and: Riton, with all the messuages, lands, appurtenances-! &c, thereto belonging, in Condover, Dorrington, Riton | Magna, Riton Par va, Wethall, Alvelde, Chatfbrde, and* Norton, bears date at Westminster 29th May, 1565. The will of Henry Viner is dated 14th August, 1583,^ An Inquisition was taken in Shrewsbury, after his1 death, on the 9th of August, 1585. Henry Vyner, son and heir of Henry Vyner, de- ceased, and Richard Vyner, his brother, with Mary the wife of the said Henry Vyner, the younger, joined in the various deeds requisite to sell and convey thejl Manor, &c. , of Condover to Thomas Owen, of Lincoln's ! Inn, Esq., in the 28th year of Queen Elizabeth's reigiv Bullridgcs and Shawmere, On the 2nd July, 1584, Henry Viner sold The- Bullridges and Shawmere, in Condover, to Reginald Scriven, of London, gent., who, on the 4th July, 1586, 1 sold them to John Jackman, of Tlornechurch, co., Essex, gent., and John Jackman, of London, grocer, the parties named in other deeds, through whom also, other parts of the estates of the Viner family in Condover passed to Thomas Owen, Esq., before named •k THE MANOR OF CONDOVER, 123 Condover and Burton : Estates there of the Abbey of Shrewsbury. On the 4th July, 3rd and 4th Philip and Mary, 1557, that King and Queen granted to Gregory Isham land John Isham, of London, mercers, the Manor of Condover and Burton, with certain tenements and knds there, late part of the possessions of the dissolved ;AM>ey of Shrewsbury, who, on the 12th of July in the •fcme year, sold the same estates to Henry • Vyner, ^aforesaid, from whose family they passed to Thomas Owen, Esq., before named. This Manor of Burton belonged to the Abbey of Shrewsbury at the period of ita Saxon foundation, prior to its enlargement by the -Norman Earl Roger of Shrewsbury, before which it was merely the Church of St. Peter. L Hoghton Fields in Byriwode. I Edward Burnell, son and heir of Lord Philip Burnell, Sin ted to Richard, son of Master Ralph de Hoghton, rk, all the lands in his waste of " Byriwode," in his manor of Condover, from the ditch on the south side of the ville of Condover near Hynefordbruge, and so ex- tending towards Sharpelinge Wall under cover of the wood of Byriwood towards the east as far as the said ditch leadeth to the field of Whethale called Codly- erofte, and so to the termination of the said ditch "towards the east in breadth against the field of Whothale as far as Byriwodegate, and so from Byri- wodegate descending towards the field of Rutune and the field of Condover which is called Taddenhurst unto the lower end of Hopinghalsmore, then along the whole of t he said more and so from Hopinghalsmore on the further side crossing towards the land which is called The Personesley until it reaches the place where the 'tch first begins near Hinefordesbrugge. This grant was further confirmed by a release from the same Edward Burnell to the said Richard de Hoghtett, clerk, of the same lands. The Grant of Cunveyance and the Release are without date, but are witnessed by Fulk Strange, John Strange, of Ercal, John ilo Beriton, an4 others, and were probably executed 1 I 124 THE MANOR OF CONDOVER. towards the close of the reign of Edward the First, the Lord Philip Burnell, father of the grantor, died the 23rd year of that monarch's reign, 1295. .Margaret, widow oPThomas Howell, of Condover,| and daughter of Thomas Houghton, granted to her sor John Howell, all her lands, tenements, &c, by deec dated at Condover, on the Thursday in the Feast of St^ Alban the Martyr, 8 H. VI., 1430. This deed is wit nessed by Robert Lee, of Langley, Thomas Botte, ol Aldefelde, Richard Gosenhull, and others. In the 8th of Ed. IV., 14G8, John Howell, by det enfeoffed Richard Walker, chaplain, of his lands in' Condover and Drayton, co. Salop. Joan, daughter and heir of Hugh Walker, and widow] first of Thomas Ottley, and secondly of Thomas Bering^ ton, by her will dated 20th June, 1500, left her estat in Condover to Thomas Owen, her grandson, witl divers remainders. Norton. William le Fouler, of Westley, by deed dated on tl Thursday before the Feast of St. George, 41 E. III., 1367, enfeoffed William Mascott, of Longden, of a messuage] and half a yard land in Norton, in the parish of Con- dover. This deed is witnessed by William de Polyley,] the younger, Thomas de Hoghton, &c. Sir John Lovell, Knight, Lord Lovell, Burnell, and] Holland,by deed dated 24th November, 2nd E. IV., 1462,1 enfeoffed Thomas Stone, of Shrewsbury, merchant, of the] Manor of Norton-juxta- Condover, and of 30 shillings? rent out of the Manor of Houghton-juxta- Condover. Alice, late the wife of William Mascott, by deed! dated on the Thursday after the Feast of St. Ambrose,] 15 E. IV., 1475, enfeoffed William Bent, of Shrews- bury, and Alice, his wife, her daughter, of all her] lands and tenements in Norton. William Bent, of Shrewsbury, and Alice, his wife, by] deed dated 20th April, 15 E. IV., enfeoffed Thomas Acton,; senior, of the estate in Norton last-mentioned (1475). Thomas Acton, of Longnor, by his will, dated 24th] June, 6 H. VIIL, 1514, left his estate at Norton m THE MANOR OF CONDOVER. 125 trust, charged with the expense of providing a priest to pray for his soul, &c, and consequently this estate, in so far as the said charge extended, became sub- sequently forfeited to the Crown under the Statute against superstitious uses ; and the estate itself was sold by William Acton to Robert Longe beforementioned, by deed dated 1st February, 37 H, VIII., 1546. In Michaelmas Term, 5 E. VI., 1551, an order was made in the Court of Augmentations, for delivering the estate granted for superstitious uses at Norton to Hugh Edwardes, of London, mercer, who had obtained a grant of it on the Gth of January preceding. An order, however, was made in the same Court on the 12th February, 11 Elizabeth, 1569, confirming the estate at Norton to Cecilia Long, widow, thereby annulling the claim of Hugh Edwardes, as against her right in the same estate, who, as would appear by the deed next mentioned, had never obtained possession of his grant above recited. For, on the 18th of September, 1564, Queen Elizabeth granted the estate at Norton left for superstitious uses by Thomas Acton, to William Grice, Esq., and Anthony Foster, of Cumnor, co. Berks, Esq., who, on the 26th of November, 1564, sold the same to Thomas Wattwood, of Stafford, clothier, and Matthew Bismore, of London, silk worker, who, on the 10th of August, 1566, sold the same to Balph Higgins, of Stafford, mercer, which Ralph Higgins, on the 5th of February, 1567, sold the «uno to Heniy Vyner aforesaid. On the 15th May, 1578, Henry Vyner granted a lease of the farm at Norton to Richard Owen, of Shrewsbury, draper, Sarah his wife, and Richard their •on, who, on the 20th February, 1587, passed their eatute therein to Thomas Owen, Esq. Rectory and Vicarage of Condover. We find from a charter quoted in the Monasticon, that Roger, the first Norman Earl, granted the Church of Condover to the Abbey which he founded in Shrewsbury, 126 THE MANOR OF CONDOVER, King Edward the Second, on the 20th of September, in the sixth year of his reign, 1312, at the request of his beloved and faithful John de Cherleton, granted a license to the Abbot and Convent of Shrewsbury, to appropriate the Rectory of Condover. The appropriation of the Rectory to the Abbot and Convent of Shrewsbury was accordingly made by Walter, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, by deed dated 6th July, 1315. A confirmation of this appropriation was made on the same day, viz., on the 6th of July, 1815, by Brother Henry, then Prior, and the Convent of Coventry. A composition for the endowment of the Vicarage of Condover was made by Roger, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, bearing date the 14th of August, 1324. An exemplification of the appropriation of the Rectory of Condover and other matters touching the same, under the seal of Roger, then Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, is dated 6th July, 1346. Queen Elizabeth, on the 10th of July, in the 5th year of her reign, 1563, granted the Rectory of Condover, part J,, of the possessions of the dissolved Abbey of Shrews- bury, to Robert Hichcock, of Canfield, co. Bucks, and John Gifford, of Northall, co. Middlesex, gents., who on the following day sold the same to Henry Viner. On the 11th of December, 15 Elizabeth, 1572, Henry Vyner sold the tithes of Great Lyth, Little Lyth, Chatfbrd and Westley, to John Hudson, of London,] grocer. On the 1st of May, 20 Elizabeth, 1578, Joan,* wife of Thomas Cogger, of Horsemunden, co. Kent, j yeoman, and the said Thomas Cogger levied a fine " of the said tithes to Roger Warefield and William Brockebank, executors of the said John Hudson, who, on the 25th June, 28 Elizabeth, 1566, sold the same , tithes to Thomas Owen, of Lincoln's Inn, Esquire. King Philip and Queen Mary, on 3rd September, 1557, granted the Vicarage of Condover to William Rigge, of Stragelthorpe, co. Lincoln,- Esq., and Peter Geeringe, of Winterton, co. Lincoln, Esq. 127 THE " ITINERARY " OF JOHN LELAND, SO FAR AS IT RELATES TO SHROPSHIRE. The Itinerary of John Leland the Antiquary has long [keen regarded as a work of much value and interest. [Being Library keeper to King Henry VIII., in the i twenty-fifth year of that monarch's reign Leland fieceived a commission under the Broad Seal, by virtue [of which he had " free liberty and power to enter and [learch the Libraries of all Cathedrals, Abbies, Priories, Colleges, &e.j as likewise all other places wherein [Kecords, Writings, and whatsoever else was lodged fthat related to Antiquity." I Leland entered on his journey, 1538, with great Irillingness, and travelled without intermission over 'most parts of England and Wales for several years; etor Denton, Maistcr of St. John's in Ludlowe. , Suliard, Justice in the Marches of Wales. Hosier, a Merchant. There be 2. Castles for Conduit Water in the Towne, served th from one Springe or Head. There were 2. fayre Collcdgcs of Friers in Ludlowe. The White Grey-Fryers was a fayre and costly thinge, and ilood without Corne-Gate by North, almost at the Ende of Blurt Suburbe. One .... Ludlowe a Kt. Lord of Stoke-Castle Pyle towards Bishop's-Castle, was originall Founder of it, 132 JOHN LELAND's ITINERARY. Vernon by an Heire Generall is nowe Owner of Stoke, and of late was taken as Founder of this House. The Augustine Fryers stood without Galford-Gate. I sawe Suburbes without all the Gates of Ludlowe, sa- that I was not at Mille-Gate. The Suburbe over Teme Bridge by South is called Ludfort; and it is a litle Paroch Church. There is on the North Syde of the Bridge in ripa sinistra Teme, a Church of St. John standinge without Broad-Gat^ sometime a Colledge with a Deane and Fellowes of one Jordan's Foundation. There be 3. fay re Arches in this Bridgt over Teme, and a praty Chappell upon it of St. Catherto It is about 100. Yeares since this Stone Bridge was erectedU Men passed afore by a Ford a litle beneath the Bridge. There is a fayre Stone- Bridge over Ternde at Lant warding a Village about 5. Miles above Ludlowe. Brompton Pyle or] Castle a 2. Miles from Lantwarden, and 5. Miles abowj Lantwarden is Knighton, a pretty Towne on Temde. There is a Stone Bridge of 2. Arches on Temde at Tembi a Markott Towne in Hereford-shire. Tho. Evan tould met] since that Tembury for a surety is in Worcester-shire, even in] the uttermost part of it. It is a 4. Miles lower than Ludloi ripa dextra. The Baron of Burforde's cheife House is a litle aboi Tembury ripa sinistra in Shrop-shire. Lidwik Brooke cometk! into Teme about Tembury ripa sinistra. The River of Onoy riset.li towardes tho Quarters of BishopVl Castle at Shelley a J 5. Miles from the place where it goetkj into Temde a litle beneath Bromfeild. There was a Priory or Cell of Monkes at Bromfeild longinj to Gloucester Abbey. There were sometimes Prebendaries GifTard gave it to Gloucester-Abbey. This House stood betwixt Oney and Teme. Temde runneth^ nearest to the House it selfe. It standeth on the left Pipe it. Oney runneth by the Banke Syde of the Orchard by the House, touchinge it with his right Pipe, and a litle beneath the House is the Confluence of Oney and Temde. There is a praty Stone-Bridge over Oney a litle abov* Bromfeild. There is alsoe a Bridge of Stone over Oney at Whister 2. Miles above Bromfeild ; and above this Mr. Vernon' hath a Place not farre from Oney. There is a likely House that the Castle of Bromfeild some* times belonging to Giffard, and by force raised, stood whew now is a Farmo House mottcd at Bromfeild belonging to] the Earle of Oxford, JOHN LELAND'S ITINERARY. 133 Cainham Castle, of some called Caiholme, now downe, stood . . . Miles from Ludlo we. Clee Hilles stand 3. Miles East North East from Ludlowe. ''Worcester 20. Bridgenorth 15. Presteine 5. From Ludlo we to<{ Knighton 10. Bishop's-Castle 20 Shrewsbury 20. Gloucester 30. y Miles. came straight to Phis Corne River Passinge out of Ludlowe by Corne-Gate Corne-Bridge of 5. fay re Arches of Stone, goeth from this Bridge straight downe by the Castle of Lud- lowe, and a litle beneath it goeth into Temde by the left Ripe. Hero I marked that Temd cometh by West North West out of Walles; and Corne cometh through Cornedale in Shrop- thire by East North East. From Corne-Bridge at Ludlowe I rode 6. Miles partly by meetly good Ground for Corne, partly by Ground mixt with Wood untill I came to a poore village called Streford, where was a litle Brooke that about halfe a Mile loAver runneth into Oney River ripa sinistra. I left the Egge and the Long Forrest 2. great Woodes havingo Rodes on the right Hand coming to Great-Stretton. Thus I rode a 43. Miles by well wooded Ground to Stretton, a pretty uplandish Townelett, where by the Church one Brooke a Lawyer hath a pretty House, and here runneth a Brooke, the same (as one tould me) that goeth by Stretford. Tiiis Townelett is the cheifest Building that is in Stretton l>ale, which is enclosed with great Hilles, well Avooded in •omo Places. It is in length but a 3. Miles, and in it be 3. JSlrettons, Litle C Great < Stretton. Ould ( From Stretton to Libot Wood a through Fare 3. Miles, by Hilly and Woody Ground. Thence a Mile or more I left a Parke of Mr. Corbett's hard on the left Hand, and after I passed a 4. Mile by playne tirounde, bearinge some Como, and then a 2. Miles by belter Soylu or Corne to Shrobbesbury. About halfe a Mile ere I came to Schrobbesbury I passed by a Ford over Meele River, and there was a lon^e narrowe Bridge of Tymbre over Slelo, bearinge the Name of the Brooke ; And a Myle above This Stretton Dale longeth to th Earle of Arundell. 134 JOHN LELAND's ITINERARY. Mele Bridge there is another Tymbre Bridge over Mele called] Dagge-Bridge. There is a Stone Bridge of 3. Arches over] Mele as I entred into Shrosbery hard by the Abbey, and hard] beneath the Bridge is the Confluence of Mele and Severne. And here by this Bridge breaketh out an Arme of the] Severne, that at dead lowe Waters in Sommer scant fieeteth over the Strand. There is a Bridge of 8. Arches over thiaj Arme, and after thot it passeth through this Bridge it straight! meeteth againe with the great Strcame. There be 2. great maine Bridges of Stone on the whollj River of Severne at Shrewesbury. The greatest, fayrest andi highest upon the Streame is the Welsh Bridge having G. great Arches of Stone, soe called because it is the Way out of the Towne into Walles. This Bridge standeth on the West Sydej of the Towne, and hath at the one End of it a great Gate to enter by into the Towne, and at the other End towardesi Wales a mighty stronge Towre to prohibit Enimies to enter) into the Bridge. The second Bridge is lower on Severne at the . . . Part of the Towne, and this hath 4. great Arches besides! the Drawe-Bridge. The Towne of Shrewesbury standeth on a Rocky Hill of] stone of a sad redde Earth, and Severne soe girdeth in all tho Towne that savinge a litle Peico by it] were an Islo. It is commonly called now in Welsh Moythike,] Writers in Welsh called Penguerne, id est, caput Alneti. Schrobbesbury is the very English Word truly written;, not much dissonant from Pcuguerne, and Salopia in Latin goeth farre from the Welsh Name. The Towne is strongly walled and defended with WTater, the which is to be counted in a manner for the Towne Ditch. There be in the Towne . . . Gates. The Castle hath beene a stronge thinge. It is nowe much- in mine. It standeth in the . . . Part of the Towne. The Towne is more than a Mile within the Wall in Compasse. There be 4. Parish Churches within the Towne. The' Principall is St. Chadde. There is a Deane and 10. Preben- daries in a Collegiate Church of the Patronage of the B. of Lichfeild. There is an Hospitall of St. Chadde. The Society of the Mercers of Shrewsbury maintaino tho Hospitall. The second is St. Marie's, a Collegiate Church with a Deane and J), poore Prebendes. Tho Kinge is Patron. One Degory Walter a Merchant of Shrewsbury in hominum memoria mado an Hospitall at the West End of St. Marye's Church, . JOHN LELAND's ITINERARY. 135 The Parish Church of St. Alkemund was impropriate to Lilleshull Priory. The Parish Church of St. Julian hard by St. Alkemund im- propriate to Battlefeild Chappell . . . Miles out of Shrews- bury North. 1 he Grey Fryers of Shrowesbury of the Charleton's Founda- tion, and there laye the Lady Charleton, whome they tooke is their Foundresse. And this House stoode upon Severne Jlanke a litle above the Bridge of 5. Arches. 1 One D. Francis a Frere of late Dayes reedified almost a great Part of this Fryers House. The House of the Blacke Fryers was of the Lady Geneviles Foundation, and this stood i litle without the Wall upon Severne Syde, at the End of Marwell Street. The Augustine Fryers were of the Foundation of the Staf- fordes. It stood a litle beneath "Welsh Bridge. Many Gentle- men killed at Battlefeild were buried here, and at the Blacke Fryers. Owen Glendour promised Hen. Percy to have joyned with him at that Battaile. ; Battlefeild Chappell is a Mile out of Shrewsbury by North. K. H. 4. founded this litle Colledge, and endowed it. A Gentleman called who was Owner of the Ground whereon it was builded, hat the Patronage thereof guven to him and his Heires. There is a fayre Stone Bridge on Severne 4 Miles above Shrewesbury called Monford Bridge, of late renewed. Shra- wardcn Castle is in ripa lieva of Severne 2. Miles above Mountford Bridge, and a Mile above this Castle is Buttington Bridge over Severne. There is alsoe a Bridge over Severne at Welsh-Poole. There is a fayre Stone longe Bridge on Severne to passe over toward Roxcester at Acham Village. The Destruction of Roxcester by all likelyhood was the Cause of the Erection of Shreusbury. For Roxcester was a goodly walled Towne until it was destroyed by the Danes. The River of Terne cometh into Severne, almost in the Midde waye betwixt Acham and Roxcester. There is of late a new Bridge made on Terne by a Merchant of London called Rowland Hill, a little above the Confluence of Terne and Severne. Cruliington Bridge of Stone and Tymbre 5. Miles above Terne. Stoke Bridge of Tymbre :i. Miles higher, and Stoke a pretty Townelett ripa sinistra, and Uodnet a Townelett Stoke about a Mile dcxtra ripa Terni. 136 JOHN LELANd's ITINERARY. From Schrewsbury to^ r Miles. The Wreken Hill, of some^. palled Mount Gilbert. The Rootes of this Hill standing by the last Ripe of Severno be not past a Mile from Worcester. The Wrefcin is the highest Ground of all the Country thereabout, and standeth as a Pharos, barren of Wood. There is on the Toppe of thji Hill a delicate plaine Ground bearing fine good Grasse, and in this plaine is a fayre Fountaine. At Drayton a Market Towne a 2 Miles ..... is i small Bridge. fChester 30. Oswestre 12. Wroxcester 4. Wenlok 8 Whitchurch — Mountgomery — ^Bridgenorth 1G. There is a Stone Bridge over Severne at Buldwas, where the Abbey of White Monkes was ripa dextra. Els there was none betwixt Acham and Bridgenorth. Tho. Cleobury, sometimes Abbot of Doure, tould mee that there was one of the antient B. of Lichfeild, that was in Ofla K. of Merches tyme, that lived an Hermit e Life at Buldewas, after such tyme as the Pall of the Archb. of Lichfeild wai taken from Lichfeild and restored againe to Canterbury. From Shrewsbury to Counde a poore Village a 14. Miles' by meetly good Corne Ground and Grasse, but noe great Wood in sight. There runneth downe a pretty Brooke from South called Rhe, nassinge through the small Village, and t litle lower goeth into Severne. There is a narrowe Wood Bridge over Rhe at Cound, to Harley Village a 2. Miles. Thence to Wenlok a Markett Towne, where was an Abbey» a 2. Miles by rough Ground, passing over an high Rocky Hill called Wenlok Edge. Wenlok Towne is invironed with Hillea. There runneth by West from the Hilles of Wenlock a litle^ Broket, and passeth through the Midle of the Towne. I have heard this Water called Rhe. It goeth into Severne, that is about 2. Miles ripa dextra from Severne. From Wenlok to Morfeild Village a 6. Miles by some Corne, Pasture I and Wood Ground. I sawc a litle Priory or Cell called j Morfeiide on the right Hand as I entred into this Village. From Morfeild to Bridgenorth two Miles. The Towne of Bridgenorth standeth upon an eminent Ground on the right Ripe of Severne, ut aqua defluit. It hath been strongly walled, but the Walles of it be all in mine. There be . . . Gates in the Walles. JOHN LELAND S ITINERARY. 137 There is a Dike for the Walles, savinge where Severne inetli Nature hath made a terrible Dike, Severne running Ob a deepe Valley betwixt 2. steepe Hilles. The Name of Bridgenorth is but of late tymes usurped. It is called in all ancient Reeordes Bridge. Some thinke [that this Terme should come of a Forrest called Morfe, hereby right against the Towne trans Sabrinam. The Towne scant a Mile in Compasse. The Castle standeth on the South Part of the Towne, and fortified by East with the profound Valley insteed of a Ditch. [The Walles of it be of a great Height. There were 2. or 3. mge Wardes in the Castle, that no we goe totally to ruine. count the Castle to be more in Compasse then .the third part [of the Towne. There is one mighty Gate by North in it, now stopped up id a litle Posterne made of Force therby through the Wall [to enter into the Castle. The Castle Ground, and especially [the Base Court, hath now many dwellinge Houses of Tyinbre it newly erected. There is but one Paroch Church in the Towne, a very fayre w and dedicated to St. Leonard. There is one very fayre Street going from North to South, id on each sydo this Street the Houses bo gallered ; soe that (oil may passe dryo by them if it raine, according to some kreets in Chester Cittye. The Towne stood by Cloathing, and that now decayed the 'owno sorely decayeth therewith. Thero is a Colledgo Church of St. Mary Magdalene of a iaue and G. Prebendaries within the Castle. The Church [U selfo is no we a rude thinge. It was first made by Robert de jlesino for a Chappell onely for the Castle, and endowed it rith Landes ; and afore that this Chappell was established in ic Castle there was a like F oundation made at Quateford of Chappell of St. Mary Magdalene by Robert de Belesmo E. of ;hroDbesbury at the Desyre of his wife, that made a Vow [thereof in a 1 empest of the Sea. This Quatford is by North East from Bridgenorth on jverne, whereas yctt appearc great Tokens of a Pyle or Man- Mr Place longing that tyme to do Belesmo. There be in the Bridge of Bridgenorth standing East in meet of the Towne 8. great Arches, and a Chappell of St Jytho upon it. Thero is a pretty Street of ,meane Buildingo trans pontem, |ind this is called the Lowo Towne. In it is a Chappell of [St. John. Vol. iv. r 138 JOHN LELAND'S ITINERARY. Straight upon this Lowe Towne, and East upon Bridge- north, is a Ground Hilly and well wooded, called Morfe. It was a Forrest or Chace havinge Deere ; but now it hath none. In this Forrest or Wood (as some constantly aiiirmu). King Athclston's Brother lead in a Rocke for a tyme an llcremite's Life. The Place is yet scene and called the Hercmitage. The Glory of the Walls of Bridgenorth and the Strength of the castle there have decayed since such tyme as one of the Mortimers in a Rebellion kept it by force. From Bridgenorth to Kidderminster most by enclosed Ground, somwhat hilly and daly, leavinge Sevcrne on the right hand, I rode a 12. miles. Some wild Ground by the Waye, and in some Places good Corne and Grasse, and towardes each Ripe of Sevcrne, after I passed the midle Way, great Plenty of Wood, whereof much cometh downe to Scverne to serve the Partes about Gloucester. Entringe into the Towne of Kidderminster, a Markett Towne in Worcestershire, I passed over by a Fanburge, and soc over a Bridge of 2. or 3. Arches upon Stower River. The Head of this Biver is about the Pooles of the late Priory ot Hales Owen a G. Miles of.— Vol. IV, p. 104. I cntred into Beaudley, in Schropshire, as some sayo, by a goodly fayre Bridge over Sevcrne of . . . great Arches of Stone, being even then in new Reparation. This Bridge is onely on Sevene betwixt Beaudley and Worcester Bridge. To this Bridge resort many fiatt long Vessels to carry up and downe all manner of Merchandize to Beaudley and above Beaudley. The East Part of the Bridgo at Beaudley and the left Pipe of Severne be in Worcestershire ; but many saye and hould, that the West End of the Bridge and the right Ripe of Severne within the Town of Beaudiy be in Schropshire, and Wyre Forrest in Schropshire goinge to the Parke of Tetenhall. The Towne selfe of Beaudley is sett on the Sydc of an Hill, soe comely, a Man cannot wish to see a Towne better. It riseth from Severne Banke by East upon the Hill by West; soe that a Man standing on the Hill trans pontem by East may discerne almost every House in the Towne, and at the Rising of the Sunne from East the wholl Towne glittoreth (being all of licwe Building) as it were of Gould.— Vol. IV, p. 105. A ii. Myles a this side Montgomeri in the Way thens to Bisslioppes Castel is a Hiver ciunming owt of (-ho v icinc Uillcs, and is caullid Taidbrooke. ( It risit owt of an Hille Side within a Mile of Bisshops Tonne, and goith into Kenilol in the Vale by Montgomery. JOHN LELAND'S ITINERARY. 139 Martine Poole, meately large and plentiful of Fische, is in Marciine. a faire Valle, and is iii. Miles from Montgomery, and ii. Myles from Chirberi Priori lately suppressed. In the midde way betwyxt Bishops Town and Montgomery is a prety Rille ther devidinge Cau[rslancl, a notable Part of Shropshire from Cliirbirhe Hunderithe. This Caursland, sumtymo longingc to the Duke of Buckyngham, croketh marvelously about the uppar Parts of Shrope-shire.] Offa's Dike apperith manifestly by the space of a ii. Miles almost in the midde way betwixt Bishops Castclle and Mont- gomery, and ther it is in one not very far from the Mote on a Hille Toppo as a limes betwixt Causcland Lordship, or Mont- gomery and Herfordshire, and again not far toucnith a litle in Shirbyri Hunderith, and againo passith a litle by Caurseland. I hard also at Montgomery that Offa's Dike apperith sura- what about Radcnor, and againc within a iii. Myles of Oswestre. dimming from Bishops Castclle to Clunne L ordsliippe cum- Tho fairo meth doune a greate Woode grouing on a Hille, and under cKS? °f the Hille within a Mile and a half of Bishoppes Towne is a Kivcret caullid Onke, and rennith by this Wooddy Hille, and a Quarter of a Mile a this side from Clunne Castelle Clunne rLsith and at Lcnterdino cummith into Tcme. Bytwixt Clunne and Knighton is a river caulid Clnideford, that after a smaulle Course of running cummeth into Teme. Teme River at Knightton devideth there Melennith from Clunne Lordshippe. Knighton, as 1 rerncmbre, standith betwixt ii. Rivers. Tome dimming down from Knighton. Teme risith in Melennith Hilles a v. or vi. Miles from Knighton, half a Mile above a Chapel caullid, as I remembre, Hostel.— Vol. V., n. 2, 3. The Ryvcret that cummeth by New Radcnor is cawllcd fcmicrgille Oney. One told me That Oney cam sum what toward Ludlo- waru, but I dowte of that. — Syns I lernid that Oney cam into Tome about Bromfeld a Ccllc by Ludlo. — The Dwellers of the Towne say constantly That Oney cummeth not by Radcnor. Of surety ii. Brokes cum by Ludlo yn Shrewisbiri-shire, „, »i i • , rn i i /i rn i *; ,i ' alias 'I om- that is to say Lomue, and Corne. iemde cummetJi yiito DCvern mys. bctwyt I'Owik and Wykeestre. The Town of Ludlo is vevy propre, welle walled and gated, Wid stnndotli nvory way eminent from a Bo torn. In the Side of the Town as a Peace of the Enclosing of the Walle is a fair Casfel. \Villiyn tlie Town even yn the mydle is one Parodj 140 JOHN LELAND'S ITINERARY. Chyrch. Withowt the Waullcs be aliquot Sacella. and uj Howscs of Freres Augus tines" and Carmelites. Among othe Gates of the Town ther is Cornc-Gate and Galford-Gate. The Bishop of Hereforde hath a Castel of good strenkdh yn the Marches toward Shreuis byri-shire cawlled Bishop Castel, and ther to licth a Town cawlled Bishopes Town, wher is Wekely a very good Market. — Vol. V., p. 12, 13. Syr John Talbot that married Troutbeks Heire dwellith in a goodly Logge on the hy Toppe of Albrighton Parke. It U in the very Egge of Shropshire 3. Miles from Tunge. Corbet of Morcton Corbet vin. 6. Marke Lande. It liith round about the Shire. He hath a Manor by Lay ton Bussard in Buckinghamshir. Corbet of Lee. 2. Miles from Caurse Castel of a yonggor Brother of Morton. It cam yn partely by Mariage. c. Mark Lande. Sum say That of late dayis Corbettes were Owners of Caurse' Castel. Corbet of Langmer. 4. Miles from Shrobsbyri toward Ludlo. Ther is a Park XL. li. Lande. Syr Richarde Mainewering of Higthfeld. 2. Miles from Whitchirch. John Doddo of Clorely. a Mile from Hightfeld. a c. Marke. ! Syr Robert Nedam of Sbeinton. 4. c. Marke Lande. Grose venour of Beleporte. 3. Miles ovvt of Draiton Market. This man and Grosevcnour of Eiton Bote in Cheshire cam of 2 Yonggor- Brethern of Grosevcnour of Houme. whos v. Dough tters and lie ires were inaried. Shakerley of Lancastre maried the [Eldest Daughter, and had] the Manor of Houme. Newport of Archhaul a Lordship of a c. li. with Park, and hath a c. li. Lande by. This Man, and Mitton of Cotton by Shrobsbyri had Syr John Baroucs Landes yn Shropshir and Warwik. Mitton had his best House More Haul in Warwicshire. Leighton of Leighton. Ijcighton of Watelcsborow. le or 2. from Aoton Burnel. Miles from Chorleton Castel, Leighton of Plasch a Mil 2. and Leighton of Rodimer is on Roden Ryver. Mitton caullid Lorde of Mouthcy, but I trow he be but Steward to the King there. His House is at Cotton a Quarter of a Mile owt of Shreusbyri. 2. c. Mark Lande. Trentam of Shropshire ( dwell id in the Tonne self, wher his best House was. a Man of I,, li. Lande. Now he hath sold Lis Lande in Shropshir, and bath Unite Iloecstre Priory in St aford- shir on Dove. JOHN LELAND's ITINERARY. 141 Thornes of Shreusbyri. L. li. Land. Oncsloo of Oncslo xl. li. Land. 2. JNIilcs from Shreusbyri. Otolcy of Pichefert: 4. Miles from Shrousbyri and a Mile from Acton Burnel. a c. li. Lande. Skriven of Fordisley a Mile from Acton Burnel. c, Mark Land. Le of Longmer a fair Manor and Park. c. li. Land, a Mile from Acton Burnel. He is Elder Brother to Le that maried Leighton's Wif of Watelborow. Lake** of Wylcy, wher is a Park. 3. Miles from Bridgnorth. 3. c. Markes. Gateacre of Gataker. a. c. Mark Lande. 3. Mile from Hridgenorth. Wolrige of Dudmistre of Sevcrne Bank. c. Mark Lande. llaughton of Becbyri. 4. Miles from Brigenorth. xl. li. Land. Yong of Caineton. c. Mark. Vernoun of Hodenet Syr Henry Vernoun Sun. 2. c. Markes by one of the Heire of Ludlo. Cotton of Cotton, a l. li. Lande. Chorleton of Apcley liard by Welington. Chorleton of W ombridgo Uncle to . .—Vol. V, p. 20, 30, 31. Ilmmerc Paroche lyith South Est on Oureton, Bangor, and Worthembre ; but so that these 3. ly bitwixt it and Dee Uyver. Market And sum Parte of this yoinith upon Whit-Chircho Paroche in Shropshire, but in the lt-ggo of Chestcrsluro, andapon Malpasse. This lianmere is a very large Paroche, and hath a greate tWlo more riches than al the Kesidew of Englisch Maylor. — Vol. V., p. 32. Hope, alias Qucno Hope, Lordship, longging chefely to the King. It conteynith but one Paroche. The Ground ys Hilly. In the Valleys is meately good Corne. Alen Ilyver cummithe thorough it. In it be also other obscure Rylles. The Tonne of If ope now decayid was sumtimo burgesid and privilegid, and is caullid yn Walscli Cairgorh^s, Ther stondo yet greato Wallos of a Castel sot on llylle, wher be diggid good Mille Stonis of a blew Girthe. Oswestre xn. Miles North West from Shrobbesbyri. It is from Traflon, alias the Walche Pole, xn. Miles. From Wrexesham x. Miles. From White-Chirch in Shrobbosshire xn. Miles. Kroni ( )swostr(! to Wrexham x. Miles, and thens the i ly- Way to Chester vui. Miles. Vwm lUithine xv. Mile, and so to Uenbigh v. Mile, 142 JOHN LELAND'S ITINERARY. From Flynt Castelle xx. Miles. From Ellesmere, wher was a Castelle, and very faire Polis yet be. Ellesmere hath a 4. Streates of meately good Building, privilegid with ii. Faires, but no eummun ]\Iarket now. The Site of Croix oswalde is on a Plain in a Valley xii. long Miles by Champain having almost no Wood North- Weste from Shreusbyri. The Cumpace of the Towne withyn the Walle is aboute a Mile. Portenewith By South. There be 4. Gates the New Gate By South Est toward to The Blake Gate, alias Portdee. Shrobsbyri. The 3. Beteriche Gate, undo & vici North Est toward Chester, nomen qa ducit in urbem. u North West toward the The 4. Wylliho Gate, alias Montain Montaine of Penllin in Gate, quia per earn ad vicinos montcs Merionneth. itur quarta miliarii parte distantes. There be no Towers in the Waullcs beside the Gates. The Tounne is dikid about and Brokettes ren ynto it. The Chirch of S. Oswalde is a very faire leddid Chirch with a great tourrid Steple, but it standith without the New Gate ; so that no Chirch is there withyn the Towne. This Chirche . was sumtime a Monasterie caullid the White Minster. After turnid to a Paroche Chirch, and the Personage impropriate to the Abbay of Shreusbyri; The Cloister stood e in hominum memoria ubi monumenta monachorum. The Place and Streate wer the Chirch standithe is caullid Stretllan. There be Chapelles clcnc without the Suburbes. One 0 T . ^ , betwixt Stratllan and Porth dc. The se- Sacellum S. Joannis Bapt. cund without the same Suburbe within* S.OsuuadiSaccllumubi& ft Bow shot of g> 0swalda The 3< Eons Osualdi. ihe 3. ot b. North Eg{. toward Chester. Ther be J^ditha. withyn the Towne a x. notable Streates. The 3. moste notable Streates be: The Crosse Streate, ubi Crux lapidea. The Bayly Streate, ubi forum maximum & mercatores The 3. the New-Gate Streate. The Bouth Haullc of The Houses withyn the Towne of Tymber, a fair House, Oswestre be of Tymbre and Slatid. standith by the Castel. Ther j8 a B } and Sergiantes> Madocus, films Meredoci, m, . ~ . nl ,, ^T , , Princeps Poisi*, castrum,ut ... T^r f a Castelle sette on a Mont be aiunt,posuit. Extat turrisin l^ehhod made by hand and djchid by r*J„*.*}. ivt^.i.,..: m nouth West betwixt Beteriee date and Williho Gate, to the wich the Town Waul cummith. Dnraus .Civica. ('astro ncmiii(3 Madoci. Et ibidem camera llichardi 2. n'giSjConslruclapostcaulem Arundovaliikefaimajestatis The Towne standith most by Sale of condemnati. Gloth made in Wales. JOHN LELAND'S ITINERARY. 143 There is a Fre Schole on the South West Side of the Chirch made by one Davy Holbeche a g h this Dayid Lawier, Steward of the 1 own and Lorde- d ^ J^ Yn n London> ship, and gave x. 11. Land to it. ^ There be 4. Suburbes. The greatest wherein be iiii. Streates, thus caullid, Stratellan ; the secunde Suburbe Strete Wulliho; the 3. Beteriche, wher be many Barnes for Corne and Hay to the Number of a vn. Score several Barnes. The with other Howses 4. Blake Gate Streate, and ther be a xxx. Barnes for Corne longging to the Tounes men. There goith thorowg the Town by the Crosse a Broke cum- Cambr. ming from a Place caullid Simons Welle, Avon Crois. Cros Brook. a Bow Shott without the Waulle by Fair Walk.es aboute St. Os- North-West. This Broke cummith in waldes Welle. thorough the Waulle betwixt Wulliho S. Gswaldes Wei is a Bow Gate and New-Gate, and so renning Shot from S. Oswaldes thorough the Towne, and goilh oute Chirch in the Feldes South under the Blak-Gate. " West. Fabulantur aquilam Ther is a Brook caullid Betterich, by- brachium Gswaldi a sUpite cause it rennith thorough a Bridglet of pr seripuisse, sed excidisse Tymber at Beterich-Gate. ei quo loco nunc fons est The 3. goyth under the Stone Bridges superstitionenuper Celebris, of Wulli-Gate, New-Gate and Blake Ther is a Chapel over it of Gate. Then go they all 3. with Crosse tymber and the Fountein Broke a Mile lower by South West to environid with a Stone W7 all. Morda Ryver. Morda risith in a Hille caullid LLanvarda wher was a Chirch now decaid. Sum say this was the Paroch Chirch of Oswestre. The Soilc about Oswestre is playn, except toward the North West into Merionithshire fruteful of Corne and Grasse. There be Wooddes toward Whitig- LLowen a Busch. ton as in the Lordshipe of LLouen- Hene Dinas a Quarter of hene Dinas in Witington Parke and yn a Mile out of Oswestre Witington More. " North- West. The Tonne or Castelle of Hene Dinas stand ith apon a rounde Hi Hot aboute half a Mile in Cumpacc. Ther be iii. greatc Diches in the Botom of the Hillet cumpasing it, and in HencDinus, the Toppc of the Hille now grow great Treas of Oke. The ^(^1 us cunuuuno People say that ther was a Cite witliyn those Diches. 1 Ifiink rather a Campo of Men of War, wlieras pavonturo was the Campe when l/qnda and Oswaldes did light. There is a nother ItU'Iot'of caste Yerth bytwixt it and Os wester not far from Dinas self. 144 JOHN L EL AND S ITINERARY. The Town of Whitington is a gret Mile North Est from Hcnc Dinas. It is a Village in 'a Valley conteining a Iranderith Houses, and hath a dichid round Castelle not very large in the midle of the Village.— Vol V., p. 38—41. And yn like forme the [vi. Myles Bytwixt Newton and to Montogmmrye.] Montgomery I saw on the Going from Montgomerik to the lift Hond apon a Woodd Walsche Poole a v. Myles of I passid Hille Topp theWaullesnow over a Fordo of Severn. The Soile be- ruinus of Taluarran Castel. twixt thes to Tounnes lakkith nother Corne nor Woode, but the Grounde about the Bankes and Valley of Severn there is most pleasaunt. The Toune it self of the Walsch Pole is of one Paroche wel buildid after the Walsch Fascion. Gledding a Jiiveret cummith almost bv the Chirch, and so to Severn that is a of. By the Castel is a faire Castel Cough, in Englisch Redde palid Park. Castel, standith on a Rokko of darke, Bituixt the Tounne and redde colorid Stone. It hath ii. seperatid Castel Cough is a preati Wardes, wherof the one was the Lord LLin or Poole wherof the Duddeleys. Now both long to the Lord Toun takith Name. Powj^s. From the Walsche Poole to Albertbyri a vii. Miles, Hilly. The Soile is Wooddy, the Valley Corncful. By the Hillis I passid over iii. or iiii. prcaty Brook is, whos Names I know not. And wille I passid this way within a iii. Miles of Walsch Pole I saw a veri notable Hille bcyound the Valley on the lift hond having iii. Toppcs as iii. Heddes rising owt of one Body. Thes Toppes I first espied a fronte about Neuton a xiiii. Miles of, and after Shreusbiry and White Chirch passid, a xvi. Miles of I saw them againe a tergo. By this Hille I roode by the lenght of a iii. Miles, one oi Toppcs wherof being hyest is caulid Molegolua, the wicl Not for from thes HiUes isf °mnt\d * "™es of ^farthest Part onterithShropshir. Sothcr of 1>0^land that way. The secundc is be limites of ... . Pois, ir , ,, ■ "> '■ . ~, , -, r^,u.0io.^i nT,i qv™!,;.. caulhd Bnthm, being m Caurscland. Cauisland, and Shropshire. ^ ^ of _the ^ J know not but communely thei be caullid Brethin Hilles. By Albcrbyri Chirch in Shropshir appere the Ruincs oi Fulke Guarine, the Noble Warriars Oastel, and lesse then a M ile of was album Monastcrium, where is buried suppressid for Chicheles College in Oxforde. Bytuixt Albertbiri and Shreusbiri a vi. Miles of Ground plentiful of Come, Wood and Pasture. JOHN LELANLKS IT1NKKA UY. 145 From Shreusbiri to Haghmon Abbay of Blak Chanons ii Miles. Within iii. Quarters of a Mile leving Severn on the right hond I enterid into a Woodde, and sone after over a Broke that issueth thoroug Penlesmere, and sone after goith into Severn. Thens ridyng partely thorough Morisch Grounde and Pasture I cam to Moreton Corbet Village, wher 1 saw a fair Castel of Mr. Corbettes, and a ii. Miles beyond that I passid over Roden Riveret, rising not far above Went Village, a Mile from that Place. And so a v. Miles to Price a litle Mr. Sanford hath a Thoroug-fare a vii. Miles of, the Way Place and a fair Poole by being sumwhat plaine, hethy, and parte- yt in a Wood side, a Mile ly fruteful of Come. So to Whitchirch and a half from Pryce. by meately fruteful, sandy Ground a iii. Mylis. At the hi- ther Ende of Whitchirch is a veri faire poole, having Bremes, Pikes, Tenches, Perches and Daces, the wich except Bremes be the commune Fisches of al the Pooles of Shropshire, Chester, and Lancastreshire ; in sum be also Trouttes. The Tounne of Whitchirch in Shropshire hath a veri good Market. And there in the Paroche Chirch is buried Syr Gilbert Talbot. From Whitchirch a Mile and a half of I cam by the Pale of the lar^e Parke of Blakmer longging to the Erie of Shreus- biri, wherin is a very fair Place or Logo. The Park hath both redde Dero and falow. In the Park (as I hard say) bo iii. faire Poles, of the wich I saw by the Pale the largest caullid Blakein, wherof the Parke is namid. It is to be supposid that thes Pooles for the most part in" Morisch Groundes, and lying sumwhat in low Groundes dreano the moist Places about them, and so having no Place to issue owt stagne there. Sum be likelyhod have begon of Marie Pittes. For the Sandy Grounde of sum Partes of Shropshire, and especially of Chcstreshire and Lancastreshire, wille not here Come plen- tifully but it be [merlyd]. Sum Pooles peraventure hath gfatheryd] .... and Water, wher greate plenty [of Turves] and Petes hath bene diggid.-^-Vol. V., p. 88—90. My Lorde Powis sayith that Hawise, Wife to Chorleton Lorde of Powys, was the Causer that the Gray Frcrcs Col- lege in Shrobbcsbyri, wher she lyitli buried under a slate Marble by Chorlestons Tumbc, was buildid. And that she causid Chorleton to be buildid. 146 JOHN LELAND's I TIN KHAR Y. My Lorde of Powis told mo also that one of the Chorletons was a man of a very great Possessions, and that the Landcs of hym cam not to one, but were disparkelid by Heyrcs Generales, and that he descending of the Grays of the North Tipetote ka(l but a Part °f Ghorlotons Landes of Powis : and that a Dudeiey. Peace by his saying cam to Tipetote and Dudeiey. The Lorde Powis Grauntfather that is now being in a Con- traversy for asawte made apon hym goyng to London by the Lorde Dudeiey and by Dudeiey Castelle condescendid by Entreaty that his Sun and Heire should mary the olde Lorde of Dudeleis Doughter, [Mother to the Lord] Powis that is now.— Vol. VI., p. 16. Wylliam of Cares welle buildid also a fair Place at Arch- aul, alias Arcalu, in Shropshire, and this Lordship cam syns be bying onto the Newportes of Shropshire. There was one of the GifTardes of Shropeshire Companion to Syr Robert Knolles in the Batelles of Fraunce that was a Waster of his Lande. Billeswik alias les Gauntes in Bristow —Vol. VI, p. 71. Areley (StafTss.) Is a good uplandische Toune in lseva ripa Sabrinse aboute a v. Miles above Bewdeley. Alveley. There was a faire Place of the Mortimers aboute Teme Ryver Side. Mr. Cometon now hath it. — Vol. VI, p. 76. Robertus films Ilaymonis ducit in uxorem Sibillam sororem Roberti Belesmi comitis Salapios. Genuit ex ea filias Mabiliam, Hawisiam, Ceciliam, Amiciam. An". D. 1102. Robertus filius Havmonis, exhortatione Si- bilke uxoris sine & Giraldi Abbatis Je Corneburnc, ecclesiam de Theokesbyri ex novo fecit, & novis posscssionibus ditavit. Robertus films Ilaymonis, relictis tantum Priore & 2. fra- tribus in Corneburne, ceteros cum Giraldo Abbate transtulifc una cum priediis Theokesbiriam, quam ex Prioratu in Abba- tiam magnifice extulit. Robertus filius Ilaymonis obiit Id. Mart. a0. D\ 1107. & a°. 7. Henrici primi. Scpultus fuit Thcokesbiria3 in domo capitulari. Postea per Robcrtum 3. Abbatem in ecclesiam translatus est, & in dextera parte ccemiterii inter 2. columnas honor dice collocatus a°. D. 1241. Isabella uxor Roberti obiit 17. Cal. Januar. a0. D' An°. D. 1397. Thomas Pakare abbas 18. capellam mirifici and, haveing noe child, hee began to consider of an heire to his estate, and first he designed his sister's son, and to that end sent him to Oxford to learne University readeing ; butt hee proved extravagant, and gott much into debt, and profited nothing in learning, and therefore the uncle payd his debts and cast him off. When hee came home hee marryed a wife of noe fortune, and hardly a good name, and this alienated Mr. Baker's affection whoaly from him. Let me observe, in passing, that this passage gives a fiat contradiction to another assertion in the letter; viz., that Mr. Baker disinherited his nephew because he was a frequenter of the Parish Church. To continue Cough's narrative : — 1 have not heard that Mr. Baker sold any lands, but lice had contracted much debt, and therefore hee ordered some lands to be sold after his death for the payment of debts, which was accordingly done by Mrs. Baker (for shee survived him). The rest descended to my Cozen, Thomas Browne tho yonger, which was Sweeney Hall, and the demeanes, lands in Weston Bin, and houses in Oswaldstre. Had such difficulties arisen in Mrs. Baker's affairs as those reierred to in the letter of " J. M.," Cough must have known of them, and so garrulous a chronicler would have been sure to give full details. The Non- conformists had plenty of enemies, and on a very slight THE OLD CHAPEL. 167 rumour there would be no lack pf accusers ready to found a very formidable impeachment. Open-house was probably observed at Sweeney when the congre- gation met for worship, and the necessities of the poorer sort were relieved by the owner of the mansion, but this practice could scarcely be termed " devouring the spoils of the widow/' and it was observed in Mr. Bakers time. Again to quote Gough : — ■ Hee was a great patron and benefactor to all Independent preachers, such as Vavasor Powell,1 who commonly preached every day in the weekc. I have heard him pray and preach four ho-urcs togeather in the dincing roomc at Sweeney, where many persons came to hcare him ; and when the people departed they had everyone a quarter of a twopenny bun or cake, and everyone a glass of beero, of about lialfe a pint. And to say the truth of Mr. Baker hee kept good hospitalyty, and was very charitable to the poore. He seldome changed liis servants butt when they marryed away without a reward ; butt all this was thought to bee done by the direction of Mrs. Baker. So much for Mrs. Baker's difficulties and Mr. Baker's bigotry. I have already stated that Mr. James Owen supplied the office of chaplain rendered vacant by the deaths of Mr. Nevet and Mr. Thomas, and I have also said that the congregation removed to Oswestry in 1691-2. This would be ten years after the letter to Baxter was written. And if, in 1681, Mr. Owen was chaplain to Mrs. Baker and minister of the congre- gation, who were " Hugh P , and Philip ap B , the preachers of an Independent Congregation at Swiney," who sought to " devour the widow ? " The discussion with Bishop Lloyd was held only two months after the letter was written, yet we do not find Mr. Owen seeking their aid, which it is only reasonable to suppose he would have done had any such " preachers " existed ; and it seems to the last degree improbable "Vavasor Powell, the Apostle -of Wales, spent eleven years following the Restoration in prison, at Shrewsbury, Sonthsca, and at Cardiff." — (Green's Short History of the English People.) 168 OSWESTRY ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY that any "friend of 'the Cause'" (as "J. M." pro- fesses to be) would write a letter such as this, and also have it printed. The migration of the Independent Church in 1691-2 was to Arthur Street ; a room in a house where the Butchers' Arms now stands being the place first opened for worship. There is no record as to the original terms on which this property was taken, but amongst the Chapel documents there is one, dated 1695, endorsed — "Ye Chappel lease for 21 years," by which Mr. Charles Noclen of London, merchant, on the one side, and Edward Rogers of Oswestry, butcher, on the oilier, agree to a lease of the premises, which are described as being " in a certaine streete there called Wolliow Streete," then in the possession of Edward Gryffythes and Edward Rogers, at the yearly rental of £2. On the expiration of this lease, the rent seems to have been raised to <£3, but soon after the parties interested purchased the property, and spent some money on it, as the following curious document will show : — ■ Accompts of James Felton whatt lice Layd out for all sorts of Timber work & wagis for ye repairing of meetting house July 29, 1715 payd yong' Willoughby Samuel Phillips, Mr. Barnett for Taking down ye pulpit & ye seats of new loft p'd John Edwards & his brother for carrying in ye stable ... ... August 13 p'd John Hughes smyth for iron work... p'd Mr. Phillips for 3 days work p'd Mr. Harnett for 3 days work 20 p'd Mr. Barnett for G days work p'd Mr. Phillips for G days work p'd Mr. Ridgway for 5 days work p'd Mr. Willoughby A new Lock stapels & Setting up ye (lore 27 p'd david ye plasterer for 4 days work p'd Mr. Harnett for G days, work p'd Mr. Phillips for 5 days work & halfe p'd Mr. Ridgway G days work 0 3 0 0 1 G 0 G 5 0 4 0 0 3 G 0 7 0 0 cS 0 0 7 G 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 7 0 0 7 G 0 9 0 THE OLD CHAPEL. 169 p'd Mr. Burnett's daughter for sewyeing 30 p'd Mr. Jenkin Evans widow for Xltring. . .2 new p'd for 3 Loadcs of Lime ... September G p'd Thomas Turner for Glazin' ye windows 10 p'd david yc plasterer for 6 days work p'd Mr. Ridgway for 11 days work ... 17 p'd Mr. kidgway for 4 days work p'd Mr. AVilloughby for iron work hingis & naylcs p'd Margrett Williams for boards p'd Thomas Kd wards for nayles p'd M's Mary Kd wards for nayles p'd Robart Mathews lor Boards p'd Jane Rritchard for Boards 21 p'd David ye plasterer for 3 days & half work. .. p'd Thomas Turner for Glazing p'd Edward Edwards for Glazing 22 p'd Mr. Nathaniel Edwards for his journey to Sallop & chargis 23 p'd John Burgis for A peece of timber 30 p'd John Owen for Bricks ... p'd John Yaughan for A peece of Timber p'd Thomas Turner for Glazin' p'd Kit ward Edwards for Glazin' p'd Mr. Richard Thomas for Timber and bords October 3 p'd Mr. Edward Rogers for bords and other things ... p'd Thomas Willoughby for work & nayles to ye window hing's November Edward Roberts for Alio ye Constables had for Tending the house Mrs. Lus'd Jones for A Table mending of itt ... for a small stole [stool] in ye pulpitt for Simon Roberts his Caring & Tending ye work att ye house payd Mr. 1^1 ward Kiuaston by Mr. Nathaniel Edwards order from Loudon the sum of att ye Returning of ye Tenants ord'r to us & finding out ye seal, yt was in Church spent... for interest to Mrs. I'] vans for Italic A year for T>0C for interest of f>0£ of Mr. James Owen since November March 251b, 17 It; (his aecounte was alowed by ye eongre^a! ion Mr. l'fellon dischargeing ye interest accnteing at May [next] 0 0 3 0 7 G 0 1 9 0 4 0 0 5 G 0 10 G 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 2 3 0 7 5 0 (> 4 o 10 0 4 0 0 2 9 0 1G 5 0 13 0 1 8 G 0 1 G o 1 9 0 1 0 o 4 n 0 4 4 ] 10 0 * 0 13 0 o 1 yj o 3 4 0 7 o j () 0 3 2 0 1 8 1 T) 0 1 5 0 20 0 0 170 OSWESTRY ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY : Mr. Owen1 left Oswestry m the year 1700, and it would seem by his memoir that the Nonconformists of Shropshire were at that time Presbyterian, rather than Independent, in their form of Church government, for Mr. Owen says, in a letter to his brother, written in 1699, " There was a meeting of our county ministers who unanimously declared for my removal to Salop, which I have, after many thoughts at length resolved on, it being a public post, and near the Welsh country, as also to Oswestry and Wrexham, which are very uneasy at the thoughts of my leaving them, especially poor Oswestry, who keep themselves within no bounds of sorrowing. . . Mr. Owen, when his connec- 1 The Rev. Canon Williams, rector of Culmington, in his Dictionary of Eminent Welshmen, gives a memoir of Mr. Owen. * He was born at Bryn, in the parish of Abernant, Carmarthenshire, in 1654. He joined the Dissenters when young, and began to preach among them at Swansea. He afterwards removed to liodvil, Car- narvonshire. In 1G79 he married ['Mrs. Sarah George of Oswestree, in Oswestree Church. She was a gentlewoman of very great Seriousness and Solidity.'] As a scholar he stood high in the estimation of his learned contemporaries, for besides an accurate knowlego of the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, he is said to have been no mean proficient in the Arabic, Syriac, Saxon, and French languages. In divinity and ecclesiastical history, as well as logic, and other arts and sciences, he had confessedly attained to eminence. Being thus distinguished for so many literary endowments, he was eminently qualified to be placed at the head of one of those academical institutions where the Dissenters have their young men educated for the ministry. For this purpose he removed from Oswestry to Shrewsbury in 1700, and he continued there during the remainder of his life, discharging his duties with great ability, and to tho entire satisfaction of all that were concerned. lie died Apr. 8, 170G, at the age of 52, and was buried at St. Chad's Church," Mr, Williams also enumerates several works that were written by Mr. Owen ; and gives some details in his career which space forbids my transcribing. The Rev. James Owen was thrice married. His second wife, to whom he was united in 1093, was the widow of Alderman It. Edwards of Oswestry. She. died in 1099. In 1700 Mr. Owen was married to his third wife, the widow of Mr. John Hough " citizen of Chester, ' and daughter to John Wynne of (Jopcrlenny in Flintshire, Esq. ; and sister to the present worthy gentleman of that name " (Owen's Life, p. 80). THE OLD CHAPEL. 171 tion with the Oswestry congregation was closed, did not forget the people, for he conveyed to " Thomas Hunt of Boreatton, Esq.,1 Lazarus Jones2 of Shrewsbury, gent., Peter Griffiths of Llanvyllin, gent, John Wynne of Wrexham, gent., Thomas Davies of Shrewsbury, gent., Nathaniel Thomas of Felton, gent., Nathaniel Edwards of Oswestry, gent., Timothy Edwards of Rhydy croese, gent., James Felton of Oswestry, brazier, and Edward Eogers of Oswestry, butcher/' property valued at <£53, which "adjoyning all together in length extend from the brooke running down a certain street in Oswestry called Williow street to the walls of the said towne and lay in breadth between the lands of John Blodwel, Esq., and William Tomkies on the one side and the lands late of Morris Davies on the other side." The trustees were to pay out of the rents £3 annually interest to " charitable uses — that is to say unto such minister or ministers who do or shall at any time hereafter belong to the protestant dissenting congrega- tion in Oswestry of which Mr. James Owen was late minister and Mr. Jenkin Evans is now p'sent minister. " The trustees of the meeting-house also borrowed a sum of <£50 to enable them to acquire some cottage property adjoining Mr. Owen's property, for which they paid jJ2 10s. Od. per annum interest, as will be seen by the account I have transcribed. There was also another bequest in Mr. Owen's time, the donor being Dr. Hugh Price, which consisted of a ground rent of £3 per annum for one thousand ' This was the son of Col. Hunt of Shrewsbury, M.P. for Shrewsbury in the Parliament of the Commonwealth. He married, May 22, 1701, the daughter of Sir Edward Ward, Lord Chief Baron. The late Right Hon. George Ward Hunt, Lord of the Admiralty, was descended from him. He was an attached friend of the Hcv. James Owen's, and the life of the latter, published in 1709, was dedicated to him. Mr. Hunt and his son, as will be seen farther on, were both of them trustees of the first chapel built in Oswestry. 2 Lazarus Jones was, 1 believe, an' ancestor, on the female side, of the Vcnableses of Woodhill. 172 OSWESTRY ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY: years, on property called Cae Rayles. The following is the clause in the will relating to.it : — Item. I have given & bequeathed after the death of my present wife Mary the sume of Sli to he raysed yearly from certayne landes menc'ned in a deed made to Mr. James Owen & Mr. Lazarus Jones towards encouraging of a prayerfull Mynister in Oswestrey afores'd according to the contents of that deed whereunto relac'on being had it doth & may more fully appeare. The houses now known as Union Place, in Beatrice street, stand on this property.1 The date of the deed conveying property to the Oswestry Nonconformist Church on the part of Mr. Owen is 6 Feb. 1700, and as it mentions the name of a new minister Mr. Owen's place must soon have been supplied. Very little has come down to us respecting the Rev. Jenkin Evans, but the following high testimony regarding him is recorded by Matthew Henry : — " He was a good worthy minister and an excellent man. He was much beloved in Oswestry and did good there and in the country about." Whilst Mr. Evans was minister a deed was prepared under the provisions of which the Bev. James Owen and others who had left Oswestry made over their interest in pews and sittings in the chapel to their successors ; from which it would appear that the place for worship was a joint stock affair belonging to the few who occupied pews in it. This " Deed for ye Seats in ye Chappel " is dated 1701, and the parties signing it are James Owen of 1 Cae Rayles was conveyed from " Hugh Price of Ridge to Thomas Hunt of Boreatton, esq,, James Owen of Shrewsbury, clerk, Lazarus Jones of Shrewsbury gent, Peter Griffiths of Llanvylling gent, John Wynn of Wrexham gent, Thomas Davies of Shrewsbury gent, James ffelton of Oswestry brazier, Edward Rogers of Oswestry butcher, and Timothy George of Oswestry grocer, to pay Sli a year to the Dissenting minister at Oswestry. Dated 2G Oct. 1700." The houses called " Union Place," were (sajs a writer in lhje-goncs, July 28, 1880), built by the party who looked after the loads at the time of tlio Union witli Ireland: a notable event in Oswestry, so largely did it increase the coaching traffic. THE OLD CHAPEL. 173 Shrewsbury, John Griffiths, Lazarus Jones of ditto, gents. ; James Crawford, Shrewsbury, linen draper ; Hugh Price, Oswestry, gent., Timothy George, Oswestry, mercer, Joseph Jones and Edward Rogers : the latter however did not attach his name until 17 1G, and there is space left in it for other names. The signature of the Rev. James Owen is witnessed by the Eev. Francis Tallents, the clergyman ejected by the Act of Uniformity from St. Mary's, Shrewsbury. In an old copy of Baxter's works, there is the following in the autograph of Jenkin Evans : — " A Paragraph out of Sir Henry Ashhurst1 Bart his Letter to me Jan. 20, 1707, 'I do intend to give you Mr. Baxter's Four great Volumes, Jor your life & your sons after you, if Dissenting minr (or minrs) but if not, I will give 'em to the Dissenting minr of Oswestry in Time to come.' Accordingly this sett was sent me im\ Evans." Mr. Evans died in 1709, in his 35th year. Matthew Henry came to Oswestry to preach his " funeral sermon." It is said that Mr. Evans translated the whole of Henry's Scripture Catechism into Welsh, and that it was at his suggestion Mr. Henry added the texts of Scripture in proof of each reply. Mr. Evans's widow married a Mr. Whitworth, who it is supposed was for a short time minister at Oswestry, but we have no dc finite record Until 1725, when we find the post occupied by the Pie v. Joseph Venables, as the following entry in the works of Baxter, previously alluded to, will testify : — " Oswestry, Mar 27, 1725. All ye undermentioned Mr. Evans's sons are now apprentices."'2 This being the case Mr. 1 Sir Henry Ashhurst, son of Alderman Ashhurst, was descended from the Ashursts of Ashurst, in Lancashire. He was a steady friend of Richard Baxter's. 2 In our Oswestry Corporation Records, amongst the " Burgesses made in the time of Francis Tomkios Esq., Mayor," appears the name of Mi*. Jenkin Evans, 11) May, 170^ ; lor which privilege ho paid £,$. The Parish Registers Of Oswestry contain records of the Baptism of two or three of Mr. Evans's children. Vol. iv. v 174 OSWESTRY ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY Venables obtained possession of the book, which, I may say, has been handed down from minister to minister to the present time. A document is preserved, bearing date 24 May, 1731, in which a sum of <£40 is conveyed to the " Trustees of the Protestant Dissenting congregation in Oswestry afores'd called presbyterians, the interest and product thereof to be from thenceforth paid & apply ed for and towards the support and maintenance of the preaching ministers of the said congregation." This money was bequeathed by " Lazarus Jones late of Shrewsbury/' in 1723. In 1727 there was also a bequest of £200 and sundry articles of plate, from Mrs. Sarah Lloyd ; the following being the extract from her will : — Also I give and bequeath the Sum of Two hundred pounds out of my personal estate to be paid within six months next after my decease without Interest upon the Trustees for the time being of and for the house or building in Oswestry aforesaid where protestants dissenting from the Church of England do usually meet or assemble for religious worship In trust that the said sum of Two hundred pounds shall be by them so soon as conveniently may be after the receipt thereof put forth at Interest and so continued from time to time and that the Interest of the said Two hundred pounds shall be paid yearly for ever to the pastor or teacher of the Con- gregation of Dissenting Protestants in Oswestry aforesaid for the time being towards the maintenance and for the want of such pastor or teacher to such use and uses as the said trustees for the time being or the Major part of them shall think fit, . . . Likwise I give and bequeath my largest silver tankard and my largest silver caudle cup and my largest silver salver into the custody and keeping of such protestant dissenting pastor or teacher in Oswestry aforesaid and who is or shall be pastor or teacher of the Congregation of Dissenting protestants there of which the Rev. Mr. Joseph Venables is the present pastor for the time being for the use of the said protestant dissenting congregation to be used at the administration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper therooir. Mr. Vcnables's conduct does not seem to have been so consistent as the members of his church could have THE OLD CHAPEL. 175 desired, and in 1734 a remonstrance was handed to him by John Felton, signed by twenty- one of his fellow - members. Ten years later his conduct was still more unbecoming a minister of religion, and the Trustees sought an " opinion" from Mr. Thomas Hunt, jun., a barrister at Shrewsbury, and the son of the Mr. Hunt of Boreatton, previously mentioned as one of the Trustees of the Chapel. By this time, 1746, the differences between pastor and people had become very great, and included a dispute respecting the disposal of the funds bequeathed in aid of carrying on the services of the meeting-house. Eventually, and chiefly through the instrumentality of Mr. Felton,1 Mr. Venables was induced to resign his position. The Rev. Thomas Morgan, who succeeded Mr. Venables, was a man of a very different stamp, and under his ministrations Nonconformity again began to prosper. Up to this time the meeting-house was at the junction of "Street Arthur" and Willow Street, l)i it Mr. Morgan very speedily interested himself in the erection of a chapel. In 1748 a "Building and Malt mill lying in Oswestry near the Castle Hill and then or late in the possession of John Evans," was purchased from " Ilichard Thorn es of Oswestry gentleman." The deed by which this purchase was ratified bears date 1749, and states that Mr. Thornes did covenant with Thomas Morgan to convey the "Baily Malt Mill " with garden attached then in the possession of John (Jhidloe, to " Thomas Hunt of Boreatton, Esq., Thomas Hunt of Shrewsbury, Esq., Ebenezer Keay of Whit- 1 In the Old Chapel documents there are the names of three generations of Feltons, all braziers ; and the Corporation Uccords give the name of u James Felton, brazier," us a Town Councillor, Dominated in the Charter of Charles II., dated 1071, which oflice, however, he seems to have declined to serve. Up to ;i comparatively recent period, the initials " J. h\" remained in while pebbles in the pavement before what was once the properly of the family, in Bailey SI reef, now used as a hop warehouse. 176 OSWESTRY ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY : church, clerk, Job Orton1 of Shrewsbury, clerk, John Yates of Whitchurch, mercer, Samuel Harrop of Shrewsbury, brazier, Samuel Bennion of Shrewsbury, grocer, John Felton of Oswestry, brazier, William Evans of Llanfyllin, mercer, John Wright of Wrexham, tanner, Edward Edwo,rds of Oswestry, chandler, and William Bickerton of Oswestry, gardener." A circular was issued, of which a copy has been preserved, and is as follows : — To the ministers of Christ, <£• all other Charitable and well disjjosed Christians to luhom these presents shall come. We whose names are under written members of ye Protestant Dissenting Congregation at Oswestry in ye county of Salop do hereby Certify, yt for rnany years past, we have laboui'd under great disadvantages on ye account of ye inconvenience of our present place of Worship, & its being so unhappily situated as to being cxpos'd to ye noise of Passengers & children in two adjoining streets ; and not only so but it is now gone to decay, & ready to fall, We therefore think it would be advisable, & indeed necessary to build another in a more commodious place ; & have accordingly purchas'd a spot of ground for yt purpose. The proposed Building together with ye purchase of ye Ground amounts to upwards of £200. And as wo arc poor, and few in number, wo are oblig'd to apply to our Christian friends for assistance ; and wo hope those who are able will lend us a helping hand to com] )1 eat our Design; as we believe it will tend to ye (J lory of Cod & ye support of Religion 1 An eminent Nonconformist divine, was a native of Shrewsbury, where he received part of his education, which was completed under Dr. Doddridge, at Northampton. On entering- into the ministry ho became pastor of a congregation at Kidderminster, and afterwards at Shrewsbury. borne years before his death he retired from ministerial duty, and died in 1783, aged sixty-six. Mr. Orton wrote : — 1, The life of Dr. Doddridge, which is a very excellent piece of Biography; 2, Sermons to the Aged, 12mo. ; 3, Sacramental Meditations, 12mo. ; 4, Discourses on Practical Subjects, 8vo. After his death Avas printed his Practical Exposition of the Old Testament, 0 vols. Bvo., and Mr.' Slednian, a clergyman at Shrews- bury, published a, volume of excellent IcIUts, which show Mr. Ortoifs piety and liberality of sentiment to great advantage. — Salisbury's JJorder Counties Woiikica. THE OLD CHAPEL. 177 among us; and we doubt not but yo Lord will reward their Labour of Love at the resurrection of ye Just. Tho. Morgan John Felton John Bickerton John Jackson Jer : Paye Wm. Bickerton Saml : Bickerton Saml: Jackson David Price Edw : Paye Edwd : Edwards (In ye name of all ye rest) We whoso names are hereunto subscrib'd Ministers of ye Gospel are well assur'd of ye truth of what is above certified of ye people assembling there ; and therefore recommend ye case as highly deserving ye countenance and assistance of our fellow Christians. Job Orton Joseph Fowncs Ebenczer Keay Jen : Jenkins Joseph Baker This address was signed by Mr. Morgan and his deacons ;T and other supporters ; the Itev. Job Orton and other ministers appending a recommendation to it. The chapel was duly built, and stood on the same site as the present " Old Chapel " now converted into Sunday School-rooms. It was the first Nonconformist Chapel ever erected in Oswestry,2 those of other 1 Outside the order there is often a very vague notion as to what Nonconformists believe and teach, but this is not the place to go into the question. As regards the Independents —by which name the "Old Chapel " worshippers are now called— they, professing to take only the Bible as their standard and guide, believe with .Thomas Carl wright (the Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity at Cambridge in 1570) that " bishop and deacon are the only orders Lamed in Scripture ; that tho bishop should bo the pastor of one congregation, and should be chosen by tho church itself." Their deacons are laymen who look after the temporal wants of the church, as the bishop (or elder), or minister docs after the spiritual. 2 The place spoken of as " now gone to decay," was not generally known as ;t chapel, and amongst the Corporation documents previous 178 OSWESTRY ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY: denominations not having sprung up till many years afterwards. At the Shropshire Quarter Sessions of July, 1750, it was duly licensed as a place for Nonconformist Worship ; the original licence is preserved, and reads as follows : — "Shropshire To Wit, " At the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace of our Sovereign Lord the King, held at the Guildhall in Shrews- bury, in and for the County of Salop, on Tuesday in the week next after the Translation of Saint Thomas the Martyr (to wit) the tenth day of July in the twenty-fourth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second, by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith and so forth, and in the year of our Lord 1750, before Sir Henry Edwardes and Sir Richard Corbctt, Baronets, John Walcot, Richard Lyster, Andrew Hill, Escjs., and others, His Majesty's Justices assigned to keep the peace in this county aforesaid, and also to hear and determine divers Felonies, Trespasses, and other Misdeeds in the said county done and committed, and which are there to be heard and determined. " It is ordered by this Court that the new Chappel situate in Street Arthur in Oswestry in this county be recorded as a place of religious worship Cor his Majesty's Protestant subjects dissent ing from the Church of England. " By the Court, " Richard Baldwyn, Clerk of the Peace for the County of tialop." to this date there is the record of a presentment, at the Quarter Sessions, by the Constables of Willow Street ward of the Overseers of the Highway, " for not repairing the causeway leading from the Molt Mill down to the Meeting-house." Indeed the term " Chapel " was not general for many years later. In a Description of Salop, " wrote hy a Gentleman who had made a tour through the same," in 1772, it is said of Oswestry that " There are many Dissenters here, and they have a Meeting, where they attend Divine Servico according to their own form." " doing to Meeting" was the common expression of Nonconformists, I.I 10 addition " House " being discarded as unnecessary. As late as 1808 I have seen an announcement in the Salopian Journal, of a sermon preached in the "Swan Hill Meeting, Shrewsbury." There are some old-fashioned Dissenters who still prefer the name to that of Chapel or Church. THE OLD CHAPEL. 179 I have not been able to find amongst the Chapel records any documents from this period until some thirty years later, but I believe a chapel-house was added to the new chapel soon after it was built, and that the bequest of Mrs. Lloyd was used towards the expenses incurred in both buildings. The old meeting- house (now the Butchers' Arms) was again converted into a dwelling-house, and the rents of it, and three or four cottages, which had been purchased with pre- vious bequests, were used towards the support of the minister. The history of this period is very scanty. Mr. Morgan resigned his trust when old age crept over him, and was succeeded by a Mr. Dewhurst1 and he, again, was followed by a Mr. Davies. In 1777 the advent of the Eev. Edward (afterwards Dr.) Williams, cre are some parties yet living in Oswestry who remember the very pleasant commencement of the " Young Men's Improvement Society " (for so it was first called). Mr. Reeve had taken with him to India — for the amusement and instruction of the people — model steam engines, electrical apparatus, air pumps, magic lanterns, and the like ; and when he returned to England these he brought back. He had not long been settled in the town when he commenced a scries of Lectures on Electricity, Astronomy, Chemistry, &c, and these he illustrated by means of his apparatus. These lectures were supplemented by those of other parties, and thus the institution was set afloat. 2 When in India, Mr. Reeve published a volume of sermons entitled 31 isccllaneous Discourses on Subjects Doctrinal and Practical, which was printed at the Church Mission Press at Madras. These had been 'delivered at St. Andrew's Church and Davidson's Street Chapel, Black-Town, in 1831-2. 15 Mr. Matheson was the son of Dr. Matheson, who accompanied Dr. Reed (the founder of Earlswood Asylum), in a mission to the 192 OSWESTRY ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Lockwood, B.A., who still lives, and sometimes pays his old friends a welcome visit ; and he was succeeded in 1864, by the Rev. T. Gasquoine, B.A. Mr. Gasquoine's settlement in Oswestry is so recent that his sojourn here will scarcely come under the head of " history." After fourteen years of useful labour in the town, he was compelled in 1879 to sever his connection with it in consequence of the state of his health, to the regret of more than the members of his church and con- gregation, With Mr. Gasquoine 's pastorate the history of the " Old Chapel," as a place of worship, ends. A new building, which the majority decided should be called " Christchurch," haa been erected, and the old place converted into Sunday School Rooms. The early labours of the supporters of the Old Chapel, as I have endeavoured to narrate them, shew that financially they struggled for existence ; and as the worshippers in each succeeding generation became more liberally endowed with this world's goods, they still found that there were plenty of outlets for their benevolence. As a rule, I have avoided statistics, but I may just say, in conclusion, that it was stated in- cidentally at a social meeting, at which a presentation was made to Mr. Gasquoine on his leaving Oswestry, that " during the fourteen years he had been minister of the Old Chapel, the congregation had raised £13,000 for religious and philanthropic objects." American Churches, and who jointly published an interesting account of their visit when they returned, Mr. James Matheson, when he left Oswestry in 1855, was presented, "in the name of several of the inhabitants, including clergymen and laymen — representatives of every phase of Christian Faith in the town, who had cordially contributed to the testimonial, with a copy of Bagster's Polijijlot New Testament, as a mark of their esteem, and in recognition of his services for the good of his neighbours." Mr. Matheson died at Bournemouth, Mar. G, 1878. 193 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. By Rev. W. A. LEIGHTON, B.A., Camb., F.L.S., &c. In early times there were in the town of Shrewsbury many Guilds or Trading Companies incorporated by Royal Charters. These Guilds were entirely distinct from and independent of the Corporation or governing body of the town. They were originally constituted for religious purposes, which were conjoined with the trading measures of the several crafts or trades. In those days they were admirably adapted to promote social order and harmony and morality, and by the mutual combination of the members, well calculated to encourage and support their trades. The Wardens of the several Companies possessed and exercised almost absolute authority over the freemen and apprentices, who were compelled to submit, the former by dread of expulsion, and the latter by the fear of breaking their Indentures of apprenticeship, which necessarily involved the impossibility of becoming freemen and the consequent inability of exercising their trade or calling within the town. They had Halls, in which they met periodically to elect their officers, to admonish and punish offenders against the rules and regulations of the Company, and generally to decide upon such measures as would efficiently keep the trade in the hands of the freemen, and protect and uphold them in the exercise thereof. They were, in fact, little empires exercising authority amongst themselves, and exempt, so far as their special objects, from external interference ; nevertheless all of them in general and political matters ultimately subject and amenable to the Bailiffs and Council of the town. Vol. iv. X 194 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. Of their exact number we are ignorant, but probably it ranged between twelve and sixteen or eighteen. Most of them were incorporated by Edward IV. by Royal Charters, but from time to time they drew up what were termed " Compositions/' embodying their Charter and the Bye -laws they had made for the Government of the Company, and these they exhibited to the Judges of Assize as they came in circuit to Shrewsbury, who, after perusing and approving of them, confirmed and authorized their use by their signatures as Representatives of the Royal person. These " Compositions " then became the laws of the Company, and even when, as was the case in many instances, the original Charters were lost or unpro- ducable, they were' produced and appealed to in all disputes within the Company itself, and also at trials at law to restrain foreigners from setting up trades within the town. In an admirable paper on these Guilds, written by the late Mr. Henry Pidgeon, and published in the Reliquary , vol. III., p. Gl (1863), he gives the dates of the several Incorporations, as follows : — (i Drapers, by Edward [¥.,12 Jan. 1461-2. Mercers and Goldsmiths, by Edward IV., 14 80, but entries of admission of freemen occur in 1425. Saddlers, Painters, Glaziers, Curriers, Plumbers, Tinplaters, Booksellers, Lorrainers, by Edward IV., 8 May 1479. Barber- Chirurgeons' composition, 32 Edward I, 1304, with whom the Wax and Tallow Chandlers were incorporated by James IL, 1686. The Charter of the Shoemakers is dated 12 Novr. 1387, and recites a Charter of Edward III. Their Composition is dated 1561. Vintners 14 Edward IV, 1412. Weavers 27 Henry VI., 1448-9. Fletchers, Coopers, and Bowyers 27 Henry VI., 1449. Carpenters and Tylers, Brickmakers, Bricklayers, and Plasterers, 28 Henry VI. 1449-50. Tailors and Skinners, 39 Henry VI., 1460. ( Composition of the Smiths, Ar- mourers, &c, It) James I:, 1621. fishmongers, 1 123. Compositions of Millers, Bakers, Cooks, Butchers, and THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBUKY. 195 Shearmen, before 1479. Companies of Tanners, Glovers, &c;, existed in 1479." Of these Companies the Drapers and Mercers were the most aristocratic and important, and never joined in the annual procession of " Shrewsbury Show" to Kingsland. The former, by gift or devise of members of the Company, or by purchase, amassed a consider- able amount of landed property, a portion of which has been sold, and the income derivable from the remainder still possessed by the Company is distributed in the support of the Drapers' Almshouses, in charitable dona- tions, and in the support and relief of decayed members and their descendants. The other Companies had no other property but such as resulted from the Admission of Freemen and Apprentices, and fines, all which was probably expended in maintaining the splendor and dignity of the Company in their banquets and the support of Shrewsbury Show, and in the relief and funerals of poor brethren. The Companies existed in full vigour, and exercised their privileges assiduously and watchfully down to the passing of the Municipal Reform Act, which, though not exterminating them, restrained and annulled the exercise of their previous rights. With their cessation their Books and Records became neglected, dispersed, and lost in most cases, and are now unrecoverable, if in existence, which is very doubtful. Such of them as are attainable, it is intended to print from time to time in our Transactions, either in extenso or in abstract. Our Museum possesses the Composition of the Smiths and Armourers in its original curious leathern case, and also the suit of Plate Armour worn by the " King " in the procession of Shrewsbury Show. Through the liberal generosity of William Muckleston, Esq., of Meole 'Brace, the last Warden of the Mercers' Company, our Society has been enriched by the presen- tation ol i I io entire Records and Papers belonging to tire Mercers' Company. The extracts from the Records of these Guilds will 196 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. exhibit a very curious phase of society, long since passed away, give information of the members of the several crafts at particular and successive periods of time, and prove of essential service in genealogical matters affecting the residents in our town and neigh- bourhood. THE COMPANIE, FRATERNITIE, AND FELLOWSHIPPE OF TAYLERS and SKINNERS IN THE TOWNE of SALOP 1478. Memorandum that the tenth daie of Aprill in the Eighteenth yere of the Raigne of oure sov'aigne Lord King Edward the fowerth The right rev'end father in God John Bushopp of "Worcester, President of my Lord Prince his Councell, and the right noble Lo : Anthonie Earle Reviers uncle and gov'nouro to the said prince and others of his honorable Councell being in the Townehall of Shrewsburie for the weale rest and tran- quilitie of the same towne and for good rule to be kept by the officers ministers and inhabitaunts thereof by the assent of the said officers ministers and inhabitaunts have ordeigned and made certen ordinances to be used and firmely kept amongest them wthin the said Towne from henceforth. First that the Baielieffs for the time being justlie trulie and indifferentlie shall execute their offices according to their liberties and laudable customes wthoute anie corrupc'on favoure or partialitic. And that they see if anie person come into the Towne there abiding two daies suspitiouslie wthoute anie lawfnll errand or occasion, That then he the third daie be putt in prison there to remainc till he have found suertie of his good abeaving, or els to avoide the towne. And if anie man be comitled to their warde by the wardens wth the lower men ordeigned to the said AVardens to be assistaunt in Counsell m good counsell giving of anie Craft e wthin the said Towne and Eraunchescs, That then that person that is so comitted to warde by the said Wardens and lower men be not deliVcd THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 197 oute of warde by the Bailieffs wthout 'assent and agreement of the said Wardens and fower men. And theis pointes to be kept upon payne of an hundred powndes, The one haulfe thereof to the use of the kinge oure Sov'aigne Lord and the other haulf to the weale of the Towne of the goodes and cattells of the Bailieffs or Bailieff that this ordinaunce breaketh Item that the Wardens and fower men abovesaid in ev'ie Crafte in all goodlie haste make an ordinaunce among them- selves That no mann of their Crafte journeyman or other bee attendant nor at the calling of anie gentleman, nor to noe other person otherwise then the lawe will but onlie to the Wardens of their crafte for the good rule of the same and assisting of the Bailieffs for keeping of the peace and for the good rule of the Towne under a certain payne to be limited by the said Wardens. Also that ev'ie crafteman be thereto suerlie chardged and sworne, And that all suche as bee mys- rulye that will not obey their wardens and fower men bee put oute of their crafte and banished the Towne or els putt in warde and not dcliv'ed till the Wardens and fower men of that crafte be there unto agreed. And iff anie of the said wardens be negligent and will not observe theis points That he forfeit twentie pownds, the one half thereof to the use of the King oure Sov'aigne Lorcle, and that other haulf to the weale of the said Towne. Item that the Recorder of the said Towne justlie truelie and indifferentlie execute his office wthoute anie corrupc'on favoure or partialitie, And that he see as farre as in him is, that theis ordinaunces and ev'ie parte of them be trulie executed and justlie kept And if they be broken in anie point either by the Bailieffs Wardens or inhabitaunts that then ho call upon the levying of the forfeitures. And if their therein default or disobcysaunce, that he certifie it plainlie to my Lo : pryncc or his Councell wthin xven daies. And that the said Recorder trulie execute his chard ge in this behaulf, upon payne of twentie powndes to be levied of his goodes and cattells The one haulf thereof to the use of the kinge oure Sov'aigne Lord, and the' other haulf to the weale of the said towne. And for the more auctoritie and credence to be given to theis ordinaunces the said Lordes have caused my Lorde Princes signett to theis presents to be putt and signed it wth their ownc hands the daie and yere abovesaid. 20 Sept. G Eliz. 1563. To all true X'ren people to whome this present writing shall come to be seeno redde or understoode Homffric Onslowe 198 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. esquicr and George Higgons gent, jailieffs of the Towne and Francheses of Shrewesburie in the com' of Salop senden greeting in onre Lord God cv'lasting. Whereas manifestly it appoarcth unto us as well by pure owne knowledge as also by diverse and sondrie writinges & composic'ons heretofore had and made amongest the Brotherhood and fellowsliipp of Taylors and Skynners wthin the Towne of Shrewsburie and the francheses of the same remayning in one fellowsliipp or brotherhood time oute of mynde united, concerning the laud- able orders customes and good governments of the same Brotherhood and fellowsliipp : And forasrnuche as certen of their writinges and composic'ons in some pointes be rather superstitious then godlie repugnant to God's lawes and the lawes of this Realm e : For reformac'on Avhereof and the better establishment of the same fellowsliipp in good order, and for the avoiding of superstition to the honoure and glorie of God and increase of good government amongst the same fellowship]), upon their most humble suit unto us made in that behaulf Know ye that wee the said Bai Hell's by the consent of the Aldermen and Com'on Councell of this Towne of Shrewsburie, and by the like assentes & consents of the said fellowsliipp, and by deliberate advise therein and thereuppon taken To have fullye agreed concluded and graunted and by thcis p'ntes doe fuliie agree conclude and graunte That all and singular the articles rides and ordinaunces in theis presents conteigned and spec'fd shall be from henceforth for ever a perpetuall Lawe and ordinaunce against and betweene us the said Bailjeffs and oure successors Bailielfs of the Towne of Shrewsburie and the said Fellowsliipp and cv'ie Brother therein that no we bee and in tymc to come for ev' shall bee for their tranquilitie and due obedience towardes God the Queenc and for the furthcraunee of the com'on wealth of this Towne of Shrewsburye wch articles and rules doe followe, viz. First it is assented that the Wardens that now bee and the Wardens that hereafter shall bee for ever shall yerclie upon the Monday scavennight next after the Feast of Pentecost cause the whole Fellowship}) and Com brethren of the same by their Steward es for the time being to be som'oned to nieote wth the said "Wardens for the time being at their accustomed meeting place, at wdl place and wch time the Wardens then for the time being shall constitute nomynato and make two of the most worthiest & discreetest and wch will and best can, of the same fellowship wch hath not bene Wardens of three yeres next before to be wardens for the yore then next following wdl wardens of newc chosen shall nominate and appoint unto THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 199 them fower of the worthiest wisest and discreetest of the same fellowshipe to be their Assistaufits in good councell giving for the rule and government of the same fellowship]). Wch Wardens and fower assistants shall at the same place and tyme nominate and appoint twoe of the same fellowshipp to be Stewardes of suche of the same fellowshipp as have not been Wardens before upon payne that the Wardens and Assistants shall forfeict sixc shillings and eight pence, And yf it fortune the said Wardens that no we bee or in time comyng shall bee to departe this heft" wthin the ycre that then another to be chosen in his place in forme aforsaid by the most nomber of the same fellowshipp, And in like manner the Stewardes shall be elected in his place that dyeth which Wardens and fower assistants shall have power & auctoritie to heare and examync all manner of matters causes and controv'sies wLh shall happen amongest the Brethren of the same fellowshipp as well touch- ing the defaults of their occupac'ons as also of other causes and controv'sies in the same fellowshipp, And thereupon to order agree and f mallie to end the same wth amends to the partie grieved, and other punishments lawfull acording to the offence and qualitie thereof, if they by their wisdomes can so order and end the same. And that none of the same fellow- shipp to sue or impleade anic of the same fellowshipp for anie matter cause or controv'sie w'thoute the matter and cause be first heard and exa'i'ed by the Wardens and fower assistants upon payne of forfeiture of vjs, viijcZ. to him that will either refuse the Wardens & assistants order or sue & impleade anie of the same fellowshipp wthoute licence of the Wardens the cause first exa'i'ed as before notwithstanding, And upon suche licence had to take the remcdie before Mr. JMlicns of this Tow no for the time being & noe where els except it be for want of justice upon payne of forfeiture of vjs. \\\\(L Item it is likewise assented & agreed upon that no person or personcs from henceforth shall be admitted received or allowed by the said Wardens and fellowshipp to be a Master and Brother of the same fellowshipp wthin the Towne and Frauuehes of Shrewsburio miles he be known and tried to be a sufficient and able workman and of good name & fame. And that he paye for his admission & allowaunce to be a Master being a foryner unto the Wardens for the time being the some of twenty pounds of lawfull money of England, And being an Apprentice; &" having served seaven yea res at the least in his occupac'on \vthm the Towne of Shrewsburie; the some of twentio shilhnges except he serve & be entred according to the Statute in that case provided. And that no person or pcrsones shall 200 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. be received & made Master but in the feast of the Nativity of Christ or wthin twelve daies then ndxt after upon payne that the Wardens that shall receave admytt or allowe anye suche to be a Master contrarie to the forme aforesaid shall forfeit the some of fourtie shillinges. Item it is further assented & agreed that noe Master of the same fellowshipp shall receave or take anie apprentice into his or their service for anie lesse terme than seaven yeares at the least, And that suche Apprentice shall be of the age of 24 yercs at the least, at the end of his Apprenticeship, and that he be sonne of one suche person that may dispend twentie shillings of freehould at the least for ever, or for terme of lief, or that he bee the sone of a freeman of the like occupac'on wthin the towne. of Salop or of some other upon payne that ev'ie suche Mr that shall receave any Apprentice contrarie to the same shall forfeit Tenne pownds. And further that no Master of the same fellowshipp wthin the said Towne of Salop or the Frauncheses thereof shall receave or sett aworke anie of the servaunt or servaunts of anie other Master of the same fellowshipp wthout the good will and assent of suche Master wth whome the said servaunt and servants last served or consent and licence of the wardens & fower assistaunts, or the most nomber of them upon the cause of the departure of suche servaunt first had &a examined by them upon payne that suche Master as setteth suche a servaunt aworke contrarie to the forme aforesaid shall forfeit tenne shillings for ev'ie suche offence. Item that no person or persones being Master of the same fellowshipp upon som'ons given to him by the Stewardes for being, shall absent himself, but keepe his appearance in the daie, hower & place to him lymited & appointed and upon his appearance shall not departe wthout especial licence of the Wardens for the time being upon payne of forfeit of one shilling for ev'ie default. And further it is graunted & assented that no person or persones being noe free Master of the same fellowshipp of Taylors and Skynners hereafter shall or maie take measure came or receave or worke anie garments appertayning to the same craft of Taylors & Skynners wthin the Towne of Shrewsburie or the Fraunchess thereof in anie open or privey place upon painc of forfeiture of twentie shillings. Item it is further assented concluded & agreed that nono of the said fellowshipp being a Taylor shall worke anie of the parte of the misterie of a furrier or Skynner nor no Skinner the time before Mr Wardens for the time THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 201 shall worke anie of the craft or nristerie of a Taylor upon payne of forfeiture of sixe shillings & eight pence ev'ie the offender for ev'ie suche offence. And further that none of the same fellowshipp finishe anio mann' of garment or garments first cutt or begon to be wrought by any other Mr of the same fellowshipp without the licence of Mr Wardens for the time being except it be the furrier from the taylor or the taylor from the furrier upon payne of forfeiture of tenne shillings ev'ie offender for ev'ie offence. And further it is assented concluded & agreed that none of the same fellowshipp doe at anic time or tymes of the as- semblies hereafter revile despise or use anie wordes of envye opprobrye or despite to or against anie of the Brothers of the said fellowshipp or unreverentlie uncomelie or unhonestly talke revile or have to doe wth the Wardens & fower assistants for the time being upon payne that ev'ie suche offender shall forfeit for ev'ie his offence the some of three shillings & fower pence. Item it is further assented & agreed that all & ev'ie other laudable Acte or Actes wch the wardens that nowe bee or the Wardens in time to come shall make ordeigne and csteblishe amongcst the foresaid fellowshipp for the better rule & gov'nance of the same shall be good & avaylcable against them &l all others of this Towne of Salop and that suche orders actes & rules shall not bee repugnant to the com'on lawes of this Realme nor to the hurte of the Com'onweaith of the Towne of Salop. Item it is assented concluded & agreed that all & singuler the forfeitures above recited & wch hereafter be recited ymcdiatlie after the forfeict made shall be levved reared & gathered by the Stewardcs of the fellowshipp aforesaid at the com'aundment of the Wardens to them given upon payne that the Stewardcs wch shall neglect their duties in this behaulf shall forfeict for ev'ie default three shillings and fower pence. And ov' that it is assented & agreed upon that it shall be lawfull unto the Stewardcs for the time being for refusall or dcnyall of the payment of anie forfeiture by anie wch shall make anie suche forfeict to distreyne ev'ie suche person and persones by his goodcs for the same forfeict & the distresse to deteigne untill the same forfeict be paide. And if anie person or persones so offending wthstand the distresse to be taken that then he forfeict the some of sixe shillings & eight pence for ev'ie his offence. And thercuppon it shall be lawful unto the Wardens for the time being to com'ence their acc'on of debt in the towne courte of Shrewsburio against sucho person so offending & making resistance before the Uailieffs there for Vol. iv, Y 202 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. all forfeitures soe levied upon them wherein noe wager ot lawe shall be admitted or receaved. Alr"'wch forfeitures shall be paid by the said Stewardcs as soone as it shall be levied unto the handes of the Wardens for the time being to be preserved & kept to the scv1 uses intents & purposes hereafter in theis p'ntes expressed viz. the one haulf of all & singuler the forfeitures to the use of the Baieliefis of the Towne of Salop & the Burgesses of the same, & the other haulf for the sup- nortac'on & mayntenaunce of such chardges as the said tellowshipp shall bee put unto of the furniture of souldiers or suche like chardges for the service of the Queen's Majesty her heirs & successors & for the relief of the poore of the same fellowshipp decaied by age or by anie other misfortune to be pittied or lamented for the wch some or somes of money the Wardens shall yerelie upon the next Exchequer daic before the elecc'on of new Wardens come before Mr. Baielieffs & the sixe men for the time, being & then yeld accompt & make paym* of all & singuler the moyetie of all forfeitures by them receaved & levied wthm the time of their office upon the payne that the Wardens that cloth contrarie, shall forfeict fortie shillings to -be levied reared & gathered by the said Bailieffs or by their officers for the time being to the use of the mayntcnaunces of the Towne Bridges upon Seaverne, And for the other moyetie of the said forfeitures the said Wardens for the time being in the day of the elecc'on of new Wardens shall yeld true accomptcs and make true payment ot the same, and all other money & debt of the said fellowshipp unto the Brethren then assembled to be by the newe Wardens imploied bestowed & disbursed by their discrccc'on to the uses beforesaid So that allwaies the fower sitters be made privey to the disbursing thereof. Item it is further assented concluded & agreed that no Master of the same fellowshipp shall sett his shoppe to anio other of the same occupac'on not being free of the said fellow- shipp nor shall keep two shoppes but that the whole profitt o'l the same shoppe shall come to the same Master, his Journey- mans wages onlie excepted, upon the forfeicture of thirteeno shillings and fower pence. And further it is assented concluded & agreed that none of the Masters of the same fellowshipp shall receave admitt or ftllowc into his service anie apprentice but that he shall wthin one fortnight next after the admitting or receiving of suche Apprentice have him bound as Apprentices ought to be bound according to the form of tin's ,Oomposic'on that is to wit t of scaven yores at the least, And thereuppon wthki the said THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 203 space of one fortnight present him to the Ml wardens tor the time being & his Indentures, that notice thereof maie be taken of the daie & yere of his admittance and end of his apprentice- shipp wch shall be registered in one booke for that purpose kept by the Wardens upon payne of forfeicture of twentie shillings, And for the true accomplishment & performance of all and singuler the articles before expressed as well the "Wardens as all the Brethren have made their corporall oath and all others hereafter to be made free of the said fellowship shall be swornc uppon their admittaunce of the Wardens to perform e the same, And to be true to the Queen's Ma'tie her heirs & successors & to the Bailiefis of this Towne of Salop & to the felloVshipp aforesaid & to beare & be con- tributorie to all chardges assessments taxes imposic'ons & benevolences required of him graunted by the fellowshipp or otherwiesc to be paid of the same. Provided alhvaics that if anie ambiguitie, doubt or question shall hereafter happen to arise upon the taking construcc'on or meaning of anie article clause or sentence in this present after complayne & declare themselves unto the Justices of Assise in this countie of Salop for the time being That they be vexed or troubled in bodie or in goodes by reason of theis ordinaunces aforesaid, or anie of them, otherwise then by the lawes & Statutes of this Realme they ought to bee by the abusing misinterpreting or mistaking of anie of theis ordinaunces aforesaid That then not onlie the same am- biguitie doubt or question to be from time to time decided discussed corrected & reformed by the said Justices of Assise But also all the said ordinances & ev'ie of them by the dis- cretions of the said Justices of Assise or anie of them for the time being to be utterlie void & made frustrate as to him or them shall seeme good. In Witness whereof wee the said Bailieffs by the assent & consent of the Aldermen & Councell aforesaid have sette oure Scale of Office of Bailiffwicke to theis presents. Dated in the Exchequer of the Towne of Shrewsburie the twentyeth daie of September in the sixt yere of the Haigne of oure Sovaigne Ladie Elizabeth by the grace of God Quccne of England Eraunce & Ireland, Defender of the Faith &c. Gth August 7 Eliz. 15G4. Memorandum that at the Assises houlden at Salop the sixt daie of August in the seaventhyerc of oure foresaid Sov'aigne Ladie the Queens Maliu upon the humble petition of the hall at anie time here- 204 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. Wardens & Masters of the felkwshipp aforesaid, Wee Sir Edward Saunders Knight Lo : Chief Baron of the Queenes Highness Exchequer of England & Thomas Cams of Bromley the Queens Highness Srgeant of her lawes, Justices of Assises of & for the countic of Salop amongst other Shires & counties of this realme of England have perused considered & over- seene all & singuler the ordinaunces rules & articles afore in this foresaid Composic'on & understand by the same that they are laudable & not repugnant to the lawes of this Bealme, And therefore doe also by theis presents allowe ratifle con- flrme & establishe the same to bee houlden & kept according to the true intent & meaning of the same in as lardge & ample manner & forme & as absolutelie as wee or anie one of us maie ratifie confirme or allowe the same by force of a late Statute of Act of Parliament made in the IS** yere of the Raiime of the late Kin^ of worthie memorie Hcnrie the Seaventh late King of England &c touching fraternities brotherhoods & guildes & touching blasters & Wardens of Companies. In Witness whereof wee the said Justices have putt to theis p'ntes oure hands and Seales the foresaid daio and yere. 15 September 3 Cha. I 1G27. To all Christian people to whom these presents shall come to be read hard or understoode wee Richard Persehowse & Richarde Flewellin Baylifl's of the Towne of Salop in the County of Salop & Robert Bell & John Williams Wardens of the Company & Society of Taylers & Skynners within the towne of Salop & liberties thereof send grcetinge in our Lord God everlastingc. Whereas there was the twentieth day of September in titb yeare of the Raigno of our late Sov'akme Ladie Q" Elizabeth late Quccne of England &c a Composition & certen ordinaunces graunted & agreed upon by Ilumfrcy Onslowe Esq. & George Higgon gent, "then BayFifFs of the said Towne of Salop unto the said Fellowshipp & Combrethren of Taylors & Skynners within the said Towne of Salop & the Franehes thereof & with the consent of the said brethren & fellowshipp whoe have been tyme out of minde before the graunting thereof & yett are united as a fratcruitic. And Avhereas also aftcrwardes, that is to say, the sixt day of August in the seventh yeare of the Raigne of our said Sov'aigne Lady Quccne Elizabeth the said Composition & the Articles & ordinaunces therein being -p'used & considered upon by S1 Edward Sanders knight then Lord cheeie Baron of the said late Queenes Ma''03 Court of Exchequer & Thomes Cams tho THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 205 then Quccncs Mati08 highness Sarcjent at Lawcs being Justi'es of Assizes ol& for the County of Salop was by them confirmed ratified approved & allowed of in as lardge & ample manner & form as they might or ought to doe by force of a late Statute of Acte of Parliament made in the 19th year of Henry 7th late Kg. of England as by the said Composition under the handes of the said liumffrey Onslowc & George Iiiggons & the scale of office of the said Towne of Salop And the said Confirmation of the said Judges of Assizes under their handes & seales to wch relation being had more at lardge it doth & may appeare in wdl Composition there is one Article or ordinance eontayncd That it should & might be lawliill to & for the Wardens of the said Company from tyme to tyme then to come to make ordeyne & establish amongst the said fellowshipp for the better rule & gov'ment of the said fellowshipp any other laudable acte or actes whatsoever, And that the same soe to be made shall be good & availeable against the said fellowshipp & Combrothers of Taylors & Skynncrs & all others of the said Towne of Salop soe as the said orders actes & rules shall not be repugnant to the Com'on Lawcs of this Realmo nor to the hurte of the Comon wealth state & gov'ment of the said Towne of Salop. Now forasmuch as experience & tyme hath found out divers defects in many of the said Articles in the said Composition by reason whereof the said Combrothers are of late much ympov'ished & likely to falls to utter ruyne & decay unlesse speedie remedie be had therein, Know ye therefore that wee the said Wardens of the said Company to & with the approbation & confirmation of the said Bayliftes & Burgesses & by & with the assent & consent of the Aldermen and com'on Councell of the said Towne & by the approbac'on of Sr John Bridinnan kniidit now Cheefe Justice of the Kings Matka Councell in the Marches of Wales established & Recorder of the said Towne of Salop & Edward Jones Esq. Steward of the said Towne of Salop for the better weale tranquilitio peace & government of the said Company by force & power of the said 10th Article in the sa former Composition expressed doe make ordayuc & establish the Articles rules orders & actes hereafter meiic'oned. 1. And firsc it is assented concluded ordayned & agreed upon by the said Wardens with the consent of the said Combrethren of the said Company of Taylors & Skynncrs, That the new elected Wardens yearly of the said Company sh,all within twoo dayes next after the day of L 1 u • 1 1* Election accordingc to the said Composition come h yeelde themselves to be sworne Upon the Holy Evangelists before the Bay litis of the said 20G THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. Towne yearly then beinge for tlYe true executinge of the offico of Wardenshipp & to observe p'formo fulfill & keepe to their uttermost power all the articles ordinances aetes M rules in the former Composition expressed & hereby not altered & all other the articles ordinances aetes & rules hereafter newlio made & established by these presents upon payne of forfeiture of every warden that shall refuse soe to be sworne five powndes. 2. Item it is further assented concluded & agreed upon betwecne the said Wardens & Coin brethren of the said fellow- shipp of Taylors & Skynners & aecordinglie it is ordered & ordayned That there shall be yeerlie a Treasurer chosen by the major number of those that have borne the office of Wardens of the said Company upon the day of election of thfl new Wardens yeeriy wm Treasurer before he shall receive any money or duties belonginge to the said C° shall likewyso yeerlie be bound unto the Wardens of the said Company with sullieient sureties beinge su bsidie men or otherwise men of good ability for the yeeldingo up of a just & true aecompt & shall truelic pay all such somes of money wch shall be then in his handes to the handes of the new Treasurer wch shiill happen to be newly chosen in forme aforesaid to the use of the said Company & fcllowshipp within twoe daves after his election. 3. Item it is further ordeyned consented & agreed upon by & betwecne the said Wardens & Combrethren of the said Company of Taylors & Skynners That there shall bee yeerlie chosen upon the day of election of new Wardens of the said Jellowshipp & Combrotherhood fivo men of the most worthiest wisest honest & disc recto p'sons \v,h have formerlio been Wardens of the said Company or fcllowshipp being present to be aydmge & assistinge to the said Wardens & fewer men called assistants for the tyme beinge in the givinge of good Councell to the said Wardens for the tyme beinge in all & every matter concerninge the good & welfare of the said Company as alsoe to be p'sent to rccenve & yearly to heare & take the accompts of the ould Wardens & Treasurer of the said Company And likewise to consent & be present or tho major number of them at the delivery or payment of any some or somes of money that shall be layd out by the said Treasurer to or for the use of the said Company or fcllowshipp. 4. Item that the said fower men or assistantes & five men soe to be yearlie newly elected & chosen for the aydmge & assistinge of the Wardens yearly for the tyme beinge shall wthin twoe duyes next after their ejection be yearly sworne upon the Evangelist before the LJayliffs of the said Towne for THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 207 the tyrne bemge tor the givmgg ot their best (Jouncell & assistance unto the wardens of the said Company for the tyme beinge, And to be present with the new Wardens at the receavinge of the accompts yearly from the ouid Wardens of the said Company & for the doeinge of their best endeavours to see all the rest of the ordinances rules & orders in the Composition comprised p'formed & accomplished accordingo to the true cntcnt & meaninge of them soe fare foorth as in them lyeth unlesse they be hindred by sicknes or other urgent impediments upon payne of forfeiture for every of them that refuse soe to be sworne twenty shillings & a new one to be p'sently chosen in his place for rcfusinge. 5. Item it is further assented & ordayned by the said Wardens with the consente of the Combrethren of the said Company for the better weale & gov'ment of the said Company that the Stewardes of the said Company shall likewise upon the day of their election or wthin twoe dayes after be sworne upon the Holy Evangelists before the EaylifTs of the said Towne of Salop for the tyme beinge well & truelie to use exercise & p'forme the sev'all offices of Stewardes of the said Company & to be obedyent to the Wardens of the said Com- pany in p'forming all such lawfull acco'ns & businesses as they shall be imployd in by tho Wardens for the tyme beinge conccrningc the said O upon the payne of ev'ie Steward that ofYendeth thirtccne shillings lower pence & a new Steward to be presentlie in forme aforesaid chosen in the place of him soe refusingc. G. Item it is further ordayned consented & agreed upon for the better explanation of 3rd Article in the former Composition menc'oned That it shall & may be lawful for every Master of the said Company to rcceave & take any p'son beinge of good name & fame to be his or thcire Apprentice any thinge in tho said Article to the contrary hereof in any wise notwith- standinge And noc Master of the said fellowship hereafter shall or may take any p'son to be his or their Apprentice for any lessc terme than seven ycarcs at the least according to the Statute in that case p'vided upon payne that every free master that shall offende m this Article contrary to the true intent & meaninge hereof shall forfeit tenn poundes for every offence according to the tenor of the said 3rd Article beinge tho forfeiture in the said Article layde downe. 7. Item it is further agreed & ordayned that all & every p'son & p'sons haveingc served as an Apprentice with any of the free Masters of the said fellowshipp within the said Towne & liberties according to the statute for seaven yeares & beingo 208 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. then of the age of tower & twenty yeares shall or may here- after be admitted a free brother and master of the said fellow- shipp of Taylers & Skynners & shall upon their admittance by the Wardens & nyne men come & submitt themselves to be sworne before the Bayliffe of the said Tovvne for the time beinge upon the Holy Evangelists to be true to our Sov'aigne Lord the Kings Matie his heirs & successors & to the Baylills of the said Towne of Salop for the tyme beinge & their suc- cessors Baylifis of the said Towne & to the Wardens of the said fellowshipp & to their successors Wardens & to doe execute pay suffer & p'tforme all the rules articles decrees ordinances actes paynes forfeitures penalties fynes cesments & impositions whatsoever wch shall bee imposed ceased taxed or layd upon him or them by the Wardens & nyne men for the yeare beinge according to the true intent & meaning of the former Composition herein not altered & these new articles iu every point thereof to his & their uttermost power. 8. Item it is further ordayned concluded condiscended & agreed upon by & betweene the said Wardens & Combrethren of the said fellowship That the former & ould Wardens & Treasurer shall yearlie upon the day of election of new Wardens or within two dayes after deliver & yeeld up unto the handes of the new Wardens & Treasurer all such sums of money goodes furniture & ymplements concerninge or belong- inge to the said Company wch they have or had in their custody since they weare Wardens or wcare deliv'd to them by the ould p'cedent Wardens & treasurer or eyther of them in chardge and thereof make present & undelayd payment &; satisfaction to the new Wardens & treasurer in the presence of the sitters & five men or soe many of them as shall be then present, the money to be kept by the Treasurer & the goods furniture & ymplements to be kept by the Wardens And if any warden or' wardens make default then he or they soe being fownd in default shall forfeite twenty powndes to the uses aforesaid. 9. Item that noe p'son or p'sons shall bo admitted or suffer to be admitted or made a free brother of the said Company of Taylers & Skynners unless he or they have served seaven yeares according to the Statute in that case made & provided & to be of the full age of fower & twenty yeares at the end of his Apprenticeship & before ho be admitted a free brother of the said Company according to the tenor of the ;>nl Articlo in tlio said ancient Composition And that every p'son ov p'sons soe admitted & made free within the Towne & liberties of the Towne of Salop having served seaven yeares bona fide with THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 209 any free master & Combrother ' of the said fellowshipp oi Taylcrs & Skynners wthin the said Towne or liberties in manner & forme aforesaid shall pay before he or they Lu admitted by the Wardens & nyne men for his freedome to tho handes of the Wardens twenty shillinges And that every Forriner havinge served seaven ycares in manner & form aforesaid the same beinge testified upon oath before tho Bailiffs of the said Towne for the tyme beinge and the Wardens of the said Company of Taylcrs & Skynners shall before he be admitted a free Brother pay to the Wardens for the tyme beinge Twenty powndes of lawfull English money which moneys shall not be diminished or abated nor spent imbcsselled or given away but wholly & cnticrlie to be & rcmayne to the use of the said Company & for the supporting of the said C° & the settinge foorth of souldiers for the Kings Matica service uppon payne that the Wardens offendhige herein shall forfeite Twenty powndes a peece. 10. Item that none of the same fraternitie shall or doe at any tyme hereafter reveale divulge or utter any seacretts spoken of or agreed upon in any of the assemblies of the said Company except such seacretts as are spoken of or done agaynst the Crowne & dignitie of the Kings Matie his heires & successors or against the proffitte worshipp & wellfare of the Towne of Salop or the Com'on Lawes of this Landcs upon payne of forfeiture for every default Tenn shillinges. 11. That noe pettie Chapman or other p'son or p'sons shall buy any Skynnes of furrs within this Towne & liberties of Salop except those that arc free of the said Companie & doo use the trade of a Skynner or furrier within the said Towne upon payne of forfeiture of cverye defaulte thirteen shillinges fowcr pence unlessc he has served by the space of seaven ycares as apprentice according to the Statute in that case provided & have bene made free of the said fellowship, except they be first dressed by one of the brothers of the said Company within the said towne of Salop. 12. Item it is by assent ordered that the Wardens & Sitters & five men wtu the consent of such as have bene Wardens or the most nombcr of them shall electe & choose a sufficient & able Clarke to attend the said Wardens at all tymes to register in the Companies booke all such thinges wch are agreede upon by the Wardens in their yeare both at their assemblies & elsewhere And alsoo to make Indentures for Aprentices & bondes & to enter them in the Companyes booke &■ enter the names of the free men newly admitted & all other thinges belonging to the said Company takinge for his fee for every Vol. iv. a 210 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. payre of Indentures & bound made in p'chment twoe shil* tinges six pence & in pap' twoe shillinges & for entringe the Aprentice xijcZ And for entring a free man twelve pence and yearlie to have for his wages paid him by the Wardens the some of five shillings And that the Clarke of the said Company shall wryte the accompts of the Wardens for the tyme beinge in the Companyes booke. 13. Item it is further by agreement as aforesaid ordayned that noe Master or free man of the Company shall at any tyme hereafter during the tyme that he shall beare any office or offices within the said Company of Taylors & Skynncrs weare any lyvery of any Earle Lord Barronett Knight Esquire or gentleman unlcsse it bo the lyvery or livery s of the Bayliffs of the said Towne upon payne ot forfeiture of forty shillinges for every such offence to the uses aforesaid. 14. Item it is likewise ordayned & agreed upon by & betweene the said Wardens & Combrethren of the said fellow- shipp that noe master or masters rnistris dames or widdowe of the said fellowshipp shall worke or sett to worke or sulfur himself or herself or any Jorneyman or Jorneymen or Ap- Erentice or Covenant servant to worke any manner of worke elonging to the said fellowship upon the Sabbath Dayes called Sundayes either in open or private place upon payne that he or they soe offendinge shall for every such offence forfcict to the uses aforesaid the some of five shillinges. 15. Item for the better fortefyingc & better explanation of 9th Art. in the said oulde Composition contayned It is further concluded & agreed that the said Combrethren of the sd fellowshipp at their general assemblies before the Wardens for the time being or either of them or elsewhere in any other place shall not use or give any uncivil! unrulie disorderd or bad words to the reproach or discredit of the Wardens for the time being either before their faces or behind their backs or any other of the Combrothers there present but at all their assemblies upon command of the sd Wardens or one of them present shall be silent & forbear to talk any more without licence of the said Wardens or Warden then present upon the payne in the sd 9th Art. expressed for every such offence wch is three shillings four pence. 16. Item it is further assented ordayned & agreed upon that if the Wardens Treasurer four assistants five men or Stowardes or Clerk of the sd fellowship or some or any of them shall happen to decease & depart this life or not inhabit within the sd Town or the liberties thereof for the space of one month during the time of their several oiliccs then a new to THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 211 be chosen in the room & place of him or them so deceased or not inhabiting in the sJ Towne or liberties thereof within the space of six days after his or their deceases or departure by the most election of them that have been Wardens upon summons given by the Wardens or Warden living or their Stewards or Steward for that purpose upon payn of forfeiture of every Warden that doth neglect to assemble the Company for that purpose Twenty shillings. 17. Item it is further assented ordained & agreed by the Wardens for the time being for the better explanation of the l*)tu Art. in the former Composition specified that no Master Mistris dame or widow whose husband or husbands have been a free master or masters of the said fellowship of Taylors & Skinners within the sd Town shall set his her or their Shop or Shops to any other Taylor or Skinner not being free of the s" C* nor shall keep two Shops within the sd Town & liberties of Salop but that the whole profit of the same shop shall directly come & accrue to the sd Master Mistress dame or widow without fraud or guile according to the true intent & meaning hereof— the just & due wages to the servant only excepted upon the pain or forfeiture of 13s/4d for every such olfence in the sd Art. mcntd. 18. Item it is further ordained assented & agreed upon by the sd Wardens & Combrethren of the sd C° & fellowship of Taylors & Skinners within the s(l town of Salop that if any apprentice or Apprentices that shall hereafter be bound to any of the free masters or Combrethren of the sJ fellowship shall at any time within the lime of his or their apprentice- ships steal away or unlawfully depart from & out of the service or services of his or their Master or Masters without the licence k> consent of his or their Master or Masters that then every such apprentice or apprentices not returning or coming to his or their master or masters within the Sjpace of 7 days then next after his departure shall never receive have or take the benefit of a free master or freeman of the sd fellowship unless he come in & be admitted as a foreigner & do nay a foreigner's line, And if the master or masters of any sucli apprentice or apprentices shall not within the space of 1) days after his or their departure acquaint the Wardens of the sd C° for the time being therewith to the end such departure or departures may be entered into the Co's book that then such master or masters so offending shall for every such offence forfeit £5 to the uses afod H). Item it is further ordained consented & agreed upon by & bet" the s'1 Wardens & Combrethren of the sd fellowship 212 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. r ■ that the Wardens shall within the space ol 4 days next alter they have or shall receive to the use of the sd C° any sum of money above the sum of 10s/ a piece shall deliver the same in the presence of the nine men or the major number of them to the Treasurer of the sd C° to the use of the sd O upon pain that every Warden offending herein shall for every offence forfeit £5 to the uses afod. 20. Item it is ordained &c by & bet, the sd Wardens & Comb11 of the sd fellowship that it shall & may be lawful to & for any Warden or Steward of the sd C° for the time being having urgent occasions to go forth of town at any time or times during their offices to nominate & appoint a sufficient Deputy or Deputies to supply his or their place or places in his or their absence so as the deputy for the Warden shall be always one that hath been formerly Warden of tlie sd fellow- ship and that if any Warden offend herein that then he so offending forfeit to the uses afod for every such offence 33/4a &; that every Steward forfeit for the like 12d. 21. Item it is furr ordained & agreed that there shall be at all assemblies concerning the affairs of the sd C° two Wardens or one Warden & a deputy for the other, & that if any Warden happen to be absent at the day time & place of their election of new Wardens that then the Warden present shall have power to nominate elect choose & make one new Warden & that the other Warden shall then & there be chosen by the greater & major number of the Comb11 of the sd fellowship then irsent wdl have formerly been Wardens of the sd C° any thing before to the contrary in any wise not withstanding. 22. Item it is furr ordained established & agreed upon by & bet11 the sd Wardens & Comb" that the Wardens for the time being shall yearly read or cause to be read all the old Articles & ordinances in the former Composition contained & herein not altered And also all these ordinances in this new Composition contained before the sd C° at a publiek Summons that all the Comb11 may take notice of it, that is once at the admittance of new freemen & the second time upon the election day of new wardens & before they proceed to the making of the new Wardens upon pain of forfeiture of to the Wardens or Warden that shall neglect the same. 23. Item it is fur1' ordained consented & agreed upon between the sd Wardens & Comb11 of the sd fellowship that every Warden that appointeth or giveth out summons by the Stewards shall keep liis Hue time ».Vr, plaee appointed upon pain of loi'feilure Tor every Warden so oil ending ;{H/"ld And it any Steward keep not his due time & place at all times of their THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 213 assemblies to attend the sd Wardens that every Steward so offending shall forfeit for his offence 20d & thereupon it shall be lawful for the other Steward alone to distrain the same Steward by his goods at the commandment or appointment of the Wardens for the sd sum of 20(1 And if he refuse or neglect the same that then he forfeit the sum of 33/4d & hereupon it shall be lawful for the Bailiffs for the time being to send their officers or officer to distrain both the Stewards by their goods for the same forfeitures & the distresses to detain until the whole sum of 20 d & 3s/4d be paid with such other punishment as they shall think fit at their discretion the wcil forfeitures shall be paid to the Wardens for the uses afod. 24. Item it is fur1' ordained &c by & bet. the sd Wardens & Comb" of the sd fraternity that if any ambiguity doubt con- troversy or question shall at any time hereafter happen to arise grow or be between the sd Wardens & Comb" concerning all or any part point article or sentence in the ancient Com- position expressed & in this not altered or in these new Art8 That the same ambiguity doubt controversy or question shall from time to time & at all times h'af1' be decided discussed expounded ordered & determined by the Bailiffs of the sJ town for the time being with the consent of the Wardens for tho time being or one of them if they so can & if they cannot then by the sd Bailiffs of the sd town for the time being with the aid & assistance of the Recorder or Steward of the sd Town for tho time being. 25. Item it is furr ordained &c by & bet. the sd Wardens & Comb" of the sd fellowship for the observance of laudable customs that the Wardens of the sd C° shall attend the Bailiffs m their gowns as oft as they be thereunto called And that no Warden or Wardens of the sd fellowship shall at any election ol new Wardens hereafter elect or choose any Warden or Wardens but such as will come in their gowns to reccave & take the sd office And that if any one so to be chosen shall offend herein that then lie or they so offending & the old Warden or Wardens that shall so elect & choose him or them or those that otherwise shall consent or make him or them shall forfeit every one of them 3s/4d a piece. 20. Item & furr it is ordained that if any Warden shall offend against any of these ordinances & will not duly execute tho same according to the true intent & meaning hereof nor will not do his best endeavour to cause the offenders to bo distrained & the forfeitures committed to be reared but shall Buffer disorders to be unpunished contrary to any of these Articles &; the Articles in the former Composition specified & 214 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. not altered, that then every such Warden or Wardens shall forfeit over & besides the former pains & forfeitures in tho former Articles particularly laid down for every such default the sum of 203/ a piece. And thereupon it shall be lawful for the sd Bailiffs of the sd Town for the time being upon com- plaint to them made by any of the Combn of the sd G° & proved before them to send their officers to distrain every such Warden or Wardens by his or their goods for the same forfeiture & the distress and distresses to de.'ain till he or they so offending pay the whole forfeitures wch forfeitures shall bo by the sd Bailiffs for the time being by the consent of the said nine men reared distrained & reserved the one half for the use of the 0°, the other half shall go to the use of the Bailiffs & Burgesses of the sd Town of Shrewsbury for the supportation of the walls & bridges of the sd Town. In testimony whereof we the sd Bailiffs of the sd Town of Salop have hereunto sett the seal of office of Bailiwick & the sd Recorder & Steward of the sd Town have set to their hands & seals & the sd Wardens of the sd O by & with the consent & good liking of the residue of the Comb" of the s'i C° have put to their hands & seals the 15th September in 3rd year of Charles I. A.D. 1G27. 27. Furthermore it is ordained that if any free brother or sister of the sd C° do for lucre or gain to themselves or for any other sinister end whatsoever deal fraudulently in or against any of the Articles or ordinaunces in the Compositions to them granted or shall secretly contract with any Journeyman or apprentice or any other person to defraud any of the free Masters of the sd C° of their right in authorising any person whether Journeyman Apprentice or other that is not free of the sd C° to work indirectly at the trade of a Tailor or Skinner within the sd town of Salop or liberties thereof under a pre- tence to take any apprentice otherwise than the Law allowcth with purpose to convey the benefit of the work of their Craft or occupation from the sd free Masters unto any other person that is not free of the sd C° that every such person for every month so offending shall forfeit £5. 28. And further it is ordained that all such persons being freemen of the sd C° that have not taken oath, for observation of the Articles & ordinances contained in the last Composition made for tho, well governing of the sd C° shall upon command of the Wardens of the sd C° for tho time being appear before the Bailiffs of the sd Town & then &j there take their corporal oalhs as the rest of I he Couth" of the sd C° have done for due observation of all the sd several Articles & ordinances in Uio THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 215 s(1 Composition And that if any of. the s(l Comhn refuse to take the sa oath being thereunto required or commanded by the Wardens of the sa C° for the time being he or they so refusing shall forfeit for his or their sd contempt or refusal 40*/. 29. And it is also furr ordained that all forfeitures made by any person or persons offending against any of the sd Articles or ordinances contained in the stl Compositions shall be from time to time levied by the Stewards of the sd C° by command of the Wardens by distress of the offenders goods or chattels And that if any such distress for any forfeiture in the sa Com- positions mentd shall happen to be made by the s(l Stewards or either of them & that the goods so distrained shall not within G days next following the taking thereof be redeemed by the party or parties so offending whose goods they were by payment of his or their forfeiture for which they were dis- trained That then it shall be lawful to & for the sa Wardens of the sd Cu for the time being at any time after the sd G days expired to appraise & sell or cause to be appraised & sold all or any the goods of any such offender & out of the monies made & raised by the sale thereof duct satisfy & pay the sum of money or forfeiture for which the same goods were so distrained to the uses hereinafter specified & render unto such offender the residue or surplusage thereof if any such shall be And if there can no sufficient distress be had taken or come by of the goods of the party offending against any of the Sa ordinances for any forfeiture or offence by him made or committed that then it shall & may be lawful for the Wardens of the sd C° for the time being to commence & bring their action plaint or suit in the Town Court of the sd Town of Salop or in any other his Matie3 Court or Courts as they shall think fit against any party or parties that shall make any such forfeiture or offend against any of the sd ordinances or articles in the sd Composition mcntd for recovery of every such forfeiture or sum of money forfeited, the one half of which s(l forfeiture recovered or gotten shall be paid by the sd Wardens to the Bailiffs of the sd Town for the time being towards the repairing of the bridges & walls of the sd town, & the other half thereof remain & be kept for the use & good of the sd Company. Batified & Confirmed by Humphrey Davenport knight Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer & William Jones, knight one of the Justices of K. K, Justices of Assize for County of Salop at the Assizes held at Bridgenorth in the Co. of Salop 1GIU March 11 Chu*. it 21G THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 15 February 1027. Forasmuch as sithcnce the making of the new Articles which were set down established & annexed unto the old Articles in the former antient Composition for the better ex- plaining expounding & construction thereof And forasmuch as it doth manifestly appear that yet remain some defects & abuses which micdit & oudit to be redressed & reformed, which were not then foreseen, & experience hath now brought to light, and that the same power still remaineth unto us to establish any lawful & laudable act or acts decrees or ordinances for the benefit & good of the sa C°. for reformation whereof we Bobert Bell & John Williams Wardens of the stl C°. with the assent & consent of our Assistants & the rest of the Combn, & also with the approbation & confirmation of the Bailiffs at an open assembly upon the 15th February 1G27 do further make ordain decree & establish the several Articles orders & decrees hereafter expressed*, according to the power & authy unto us given & granted in the 10th Art. in the anct Composition as folio we th. Imprimis it is by the authority afsa furr ordained consented & agreed upon by the Wardens & fellowship that no Master or Masters or widow being free of the same fellowship shall at any time hereafter retain or receive or set to work any servant or journeyman, except he be such as hath served seven years apprentiship according to the statute. And that every Master before he do entertain any such servant shall present him to the Wardens for the time being or to the Bailiffs of the Town for the time being & then & there to make proof of his sa service of seven years apprentiship & likewise to show a Certificate under such testimony as the law require th that he is departed from his last Master in good manner with his love and licence And upon the allowance of them the Wardens or Bailiffs to receive him & not otherwise but according to the true intent & meaning hereof And further that if any Master have already entertained any such servant or servants unless they have been such as have remained resided & dwelt within this Town for 7 years before, he must put him of & detain him no longer upon warning given him by the Wardens. 2. Moreover it is likewise agreed upon & ordained, that the Wardens shall once every quarter of a year at least take a survey of all manner of persons that take upon them to work at the trade of Tailor or Skinner within this Town & liberties as well as others that be servants whether they have accord- ing to the laws & statutes of this kingdom served their apprentiship And without favor or partiality take course to THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 217 remove them hence or cause them to cease from working at the same trades. And to that end they may suppress all such & not be remiss or slack therein tho' they shall take the utter- most benefit the law will afford them in this behalf And shall do their best endeavour therein And that whosoever shall do contrary unto the true intent & meaning hereof shall pay such fines & forfeitures as in the same Statutes arc laid down, with such other punishments as the Bailiffs of the Town shall think fit & meet the one half to the good of tho O. and the other half to the use of the Batfiffe & Burgesses. 3. And further it is ordained by the s ^j- Pryce — Sam1. Parker — Tho8 Fardoe — Richard Dax J The 31st Article. Item that no person or persons shall be remitted to keep a shop within the sd town or liberties thereof or to sell or expose to sale any garment or garments whatsoever except he or they do & shall pay to the hands of the Wardens then being the sum of £5 for their admittance so to do & also that they shall not sell or expose to sale any new Garment except what is made by a free brother of the Co. of Taylors & Skinners upon pain & forfeiture of 40s/ for every offence, And further that they shall pay & contribute to all such assessments & taxes which shall or may be necessary, as oft as they shall be called thereto by the Wardens of the sd C° of Taylors & Skinners within the sd Town. The 32nd Article Item that no petty Chapman or other person or persons whatsr shall buy & sell ..... or barter, any new garment or garments new or old within this town or liberties publickly or privately, except he or they are admitted so to do by tho consent of the Wardens & Comb" of Taylors U Skinners, & have paid the sum of £5 for their privilege as aforesaid in the foregoing Article upon pain & forfeiture of to9/ for every offence, the one half of which sd forfeitures shall be paid by the Wardens of the sd C° for the time being to tho Mayor of the sd Town towards the repair of the bridges & walls of the sd Town, & the other half remain & bo for the use & benefit of the Co. of Taylors & Skinners of the sd Town. Ratified & Confirmed at the Assizes held at Salop 3 August 2. James 2. KkSG. by Sir Richd llolloway knt one of Just. K.B. & Sir Edward Lutwich knt one of Just. CP. — Justices of Assize for Co. of Salop. THE STEWARDS OATH. Ye shall be true &; faithful to our Sovn Lord the King's Majesty that now is & to his heirs & successors and to the Bailiffs of the Town of Shrewsbury for the time being & their successors Bailiffs of the said Town from time to time being Wardens 222 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. Ye shall well and truly use exercise & serve your several offices of Stewards of the Companie Fraternitie & Fellowship of Taylors & Skinners in the said Town of Salop & be obedient to the Wardens of the said Company for the time being in doing acting & performing all & every such lawful commands acts & things as the said Wardens for the time being shall charge you or either of you to do execute or perform for or concerning the good or welfare of the said Company Fraternity & Fellowship according to the true intent & meaning of the Compositions to the said Company Fraternity & fellowship granted without favour or partiality to your utmost power. So help you God. THE OATH OF THE NEW FREEMEN, &C. Ye shall be true & faithful to our Lord the King's Majesty that now is & to his heirs & successors, and to the Bailiffs of the Town of Shrewsbury for the time being, & their successors Bailiffs from time to time being, & shall & will be obedient to the Wardens of the Company Fraternity & Fellowship of Taylors & Skinners in the said Town of Shrewsbury for the time being & to their successors Wardens of the said Company or fellowship. And further you shall well truly & faithfully observe performe fulfil & keep all &; singular the articles ordinances acts rules orders & decrees contained specified & expressed in the new Compositions granted & established to the said Company & fellowship of Taylors & Skinners within the said Town and all other decrees & ordinances lawful and laudable established for the good and welfare of the said Company according to the true intent & meaning thereof. And shall not nor will not do any act or acts thing or things whatsoever which any way further may be prejudicial or hurtful to any of the Combrethren of the said Company either by dealing underhand with any Journeyman of the said Company for lucre gain or profit to yourself or otherwise than by the said Compositions and Ordinances you are licensed & lawfully you may do. So help you God, THE WARDENS OATH. Ye shall be true and faithful to our Sovcraign Lord the King's Majesty that now is and to his heirs and successors, and to the Bailiffs of the Town of Shrewsbury for the time being and their successors Bailiffs for the time being And ye shall truly duly and justly execute your Offices of Wardens of the THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 223 Company Fraternity and Fellowship of Taylors & Skinners within the said Town, and rule guide and govern the said Company according to the true intent and meaning of all and singular the articles orders ordinances acts and decrees in the Compositions to you granted specified, and shall and will well and truly accomplish perform fulfil and keep all the said articles ordinances acts rules and decrees in the Compositions contained in every point thereof to the uttermost of your power skill or knowledge and all other decrees and ordinances lawful and laudable established for the good of the said Company And lastly you shall not waste spend consume or give away any of the goods cattails and chattells which are belonging or of right ought to belong to the said Company of Taylors & Skinners or consent thereunto, And at the end of your office of Wardenship shall deliver and yield up a just and true accompt x)f all monies or other goods cattells or chattells which you shall have formerly received either by forfeitures or otherwise, and thereof make present and un- delayed payment to the new Wardens and Treasurer of the said Company in the presence of the nine men of the said Company or the major number of them. So help you God THE OATH OF THE FOUR ASSISTANTS AND FIVE MEN Ye shall be true to our Sovereign Lord the Kings Majesty that now is and to his heirs and successors, and to the Bailiffs of the Town of Shrewsbury for the time being and their suc- cessors from time to time being. And ye shall be aiding and assisting to the Wardens of the Company, fraternity and fellowship of Taylors and Skinners within the said Town with your best advice & counsel in all and every matter concerning the good & welfare of the said Company as often as ye shall be thereunto called summoned or requested for the maintain- ance of all and singular the Articles ordinances acts and rules contained and expressed in the Compositions to the said Company fraternity & fellowship granted, and all other decrees and ordinances lawful and laudable established for the good of the said Company according to the true intent & meaning thereof And shall likewise be present at the passing of the accompts at the end of your offices from trie old Wardens to the new elected Wardens and Treasurer so far forth as in you lieth unless you be hindered by sickness or other impediment, So help you God. 224 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. THE FEES TO BE PAID. Imprimis — every Foreigner payeth to the Wardens for his admittance £20. Item — every one that served his apprenticeship payeth for admittance 208/. Item — to the Clerk for the entering their names in the Book 12d. Item — to the then Stewards 12d Item — to the Clerk for reading the Oath before the Mayor 6d. Item — to him that holdeth the Book 2d. Item — to the Clerk for a copy of the Oath 4d. Item — to the Wardens & Nine Men one pottle of sack 4d. Item — towards Colours 12d. Item — towards renewing the Compositions 24d. Item — for Admission Stamp 27d. Item — at Swearing l8/6. FOE THE ADMITTANCE OF EVERY HALF-BROTHER. To the Wardens & C° 48/. To the Clerk 2/. To the Stewards l8/, PROCEEDINGS. 1G27 The Wardens & Sitters met about a Complaint that Wm Burch made against Thomas Sheerer the 23 Aug. & they both agreed to stand to the final order of Mr Peter Skarlet & David Madox glover for all controversies between them. 1C27 Aug. 23 The Wardens & Sitters met & agreed that the Wardens should fetch process for Intruders & implead them before the Council in the Marches & ML Chelmicke to draw the bill against them. 1627 Sep. 10 At a Summons at the commandment of Mr Bailiffs we agreed that a cessment should be made for xl8. for the setting forth of soldiers & other nccessarv occasions for the behoof of the Company. 1628 Michael Rafes of Mortin impleaded before the Council for working within the liberties & submitted himself to the Wardens & assistants & paid his fine of xx8. & had xij8. given him back upon his humble petition & submission under his own hand in writing. 1627 William Smith of Frank well arrested by the Wardens for working in the town & submitted & paid his fine of xx". & upon his submission in writing he bad xvj" viij'1. given him back &■• ho paid all charges of suit besides. THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 225 1G27 Thomas Hay ward impleaded before the Council for working within the liberties — submitted — fine xxB. reid xvj8. 1627 Aug, 20 Richd Owen alias Dicke & Richard im- pleaded for the same. J ohn Griffis of Abbey foregate do. Robert Etchills of Salop impleaded for working unlawfully under Widow Tilsley — fine XXs. retd xvj'. 1628 Hugh Evans of Stanton impleaded for working within liberties fine xx\ — & for that the ladie Corbett intreated for him had xvij\ vjd. returned. 1627 Roger Poole of Astley impleaded for working within Astley — fine xx8. — xv". retd. 1627 Sep. 20 Richard Davis of Salop impleaded for work- ing unlawfully — fine xx8. xv8. returned. 1628 Abraham Whitticars of Salop questioned before the Wardens for working unlawfully & for that he was ignorant of the danger & promised never to offend any more was forgiven upon his submission in writing. 1628 Francis Poole of Salop impleaded for unlawful working. 1628 May 24 Rafe Burrowcs of Whicksall impleaded for working within Astley — fine xx8. 1628 Feb. G A summons in the New Hall concerning quarterage, the sum laid down & agreed upon came to xij\ viijd. 1629 July 7 A cessment of xxx9. made to discharge what the trained soldiers is behind & for a bed & Wardinge against the next Assizes & fayres, & what remayneth to be accompted for by the Wardens at the ende of their office. 1629 Aug 25. Mem. that Daniel Chidlow hath paid v8. to Pierce Jones according to an award made by Henry Bennett & Henry Jones Wardens for the ending of a sute comenced by" Danyell Boules & John Smith against the said Dan1 Chidlow about admitting the said Pierce J mes a free Maister. 1629 Mem. that at a gen'll Assembly of the Company upon Monday senight after the feaste of Pentecoste being the daye of Elecc'on of newe Officers the whole Company assembled agreed, upon p'mise made by Elizabeth Hussey widdowe not to sett on worke or mayneteyne any man to worke under her contrary to the Composition that the Treasurer shall paye unto her viiy iiij8 in respect of her poverty & chardge of children. Mem. that Charles Davis son of Hugh Davis of Cotton neere Shrewsbury having bene bound Apprentice unto John Style for seven yearcs to the trade of a Skinner as by his Indenture may anpero more at largo boring date the second day of December the first yeare of the raigne of our Soveraigne lord Vol. iv v\k 226 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. King Charles King of England, how for as much as his said Maistcr is deceased & that there is no free Maister of a Skinnei now wUlin the towne to returne him over unto for to serve out the remainder of his terme, we the said Wardens \vtk the consent & approbation of Mr Rich. Hunt & Mr Thomas Knight bailiffs of the saide towne & also the consent of our assistants 6 felowship & also the consent of the said Charles Davis & his father & other frends have returned the said Charles Davis over to serve the rest of his time unexpired wth Randle Thomas according to his Indentures & then to be made a free brother according to the Composition as an Apprentice ought to be. John Williams Handle Thomas Dep. Warden to Geo : Cowper, Mem. at a Somons in the new hall the 3 day of September 1G33 it was agreed' that David Jones son of Timothy Jones baker being entered apprentice to & with Handle Jones for 7 yeares & is by him returned over to serve his apprentiship with Barbara Evans widow, as appereth by an entrie made when Thomas Sheerer & John Smith were Wardens last, that this retorne shall be void & the same David Jones to have no benefit of freedome unlesse he be returned or bound over to a free maister according to the Composition & the intent thereof. The like agreement is for Will' Jones son of John Jones of Stanstey who is in a fraudulent maner bound apprentice to Thomas Sherer being a maricd man & living in the countrey. The like agreement is for Will' Thomas son of John Thomas of Sandford bound to Morris Rainolds who doth dwell out of the libertie & is not paiable to scott and lot in the Company & so for all others that he hath taken apprentice. The like is agreed concerning William Wither son oi Thomas Wither of Leaton bound to serve with William J enkin of Leaton who suffereth him to go up & downe the countrey to worke for him self e. 1G35 Robert Bell refusing to serve as Warden a suit to be commenced against him to recover penalty of £5. 1G35 March 2 agreed that the new Book be sent unto Bridgenorth next assizes there to obtain the Judges hands. 1G3G March 27. The freemen sworn to the New Book Lefore Tl lomas Jones & John Proud. Bailiffs of Salop. IG42 May 1G. It is agreed upon by the whole of the companic that John Davis of Bicken must pay x8. for settinge llumphre 1 loggers at worko without lycence of his master John Williams. THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 227 G April 1G57 At a generall a'ssemblie heald the day and yearo first above written that there is agreement for an Assessment for to sue for Lands chat is due and right to the Cornpanie concerninge Cutlers Croff the some of G1 cesment. 1GGG At a general assembly held in the Chamber of Con- cord &c. 1711 April 11. No Combrother shall at any one time have more than two Apprentices — one having served 31 years before the other appro' be bound. — &o no apprentice above 17 years taken — & he must be unmarried, penalty £5. 168J Feb. 2. Wardens & other officers empowered to renew the Composition and to establish any new Articles for the good and welfare of the C°. 1738 Agreed that if the Wardens do not nominate two Wardens to succeed them such as shall be approved by the C° that then the appointment be taken out of their hands pro hac vice, & the rest of the Combrethren who have been Wardens appoint — Penalty for nonattendance at meetings iy. 1742 Oct. 2G. The Wardens ordered to prosecute Hum- phrey Davies of the Stone Bridge who intermarried with Joan Barrow widow of \Vm Barrow for illegally carrying on a branch of the sa trade by keeping an open shop to sell cloths contrary to the Composition. 1742 March 8. The Wardens empowered to sue & prosecute John France of the Castle forcgatc for illegally carrying on the trade of Breeches Maker. 17G0 May 15. John Piobinson having eloped from his apprentice John Iloberts without returning him to a proper Master the Company erased his name from Freemen. 1750. One Andrew Bridges to be proceeded against as an Intruder. 10% April 24. Crispin Drury is admitted a half brother on such terms that lie shall not make any garments but what is made by a free brother. ] 758 July G. Wm Stone admitted a half brother to make leather breeches only. 1759 Dec. 7. Joseph Parry admitted a half brother to make only Cloaks or Domincys — paid £5. 1GG9 June 17. Edward Gosnell, mercer, admitted a half brother on condition that he useth not the trade of a Taylor nor maintain any under him. 1G27 July 4. Ordered that the controversy between John Ilussey & Peter Richardson be ended by John Ilussey paying 8J. & so 'to be lovers & fronds. t 228 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. And that Peter Richardson hatli paid to the Wardens 38/4d for words of Aproberie gyven at a Somons in the newe Hall before the whole Company against John Hussey. THE COMPANY'S GOODS 1638. The new Composition, — the Old Composition — the Journey- man's Composition. The Copy of the Wardens accounts in a Book — the Book wherein is copied the Compositions — & the Book of the J ourneyman's Composition. A corslett complete as head-piece, pike, sword, belt, & a halberd & old head piece. The Company's Arms in glass in a frame in Daniel Bolas' custody. Two yards & 3 quarters of Black Cloth. A blue coat, & badge, sword, belt & pike & halbert. The Box and two keys. The key of the Arbour door in Kingsland. The Colours, streamers, staffs &c. 8 Coats of Arms. A Banner for the trumpet. One dozen of buckets. 2 Coats of Arms to carry before the C°. 4 Shields A target to carry. The Manteau, the petticoat & sleeves. The Wardens staves & heads. 183G Sep. 12 The Goods belonging to the C°. (viz. the Pall, Gowns & Cloaks) excepting the Wardens' Gowns, Flags, Halberd— Coat. Hatts & Sword be sold. 1845. Harbour at Kingsland repaired. 1849. New Coat for Beadle. 1852. 5s/ each distributed among the 15 remaining Freemen. 1853. A Silver Cup with the Shrewsbury Arms & an In- scription & address presented to Mr. Tho3 Moody on his going to America for his 12 years gratuitous service as Clerk. 18 54. 43/ each distributed among the 10 remaining Freemen. 1801. The Harbour sold to the Corporation for £00. APPRENTICES. Dato of Iml're Names Masters 1G11 April 20. Roger ap Jcn'n s. of Griffith ap Thomas Davics Jev'fi of Sarscott co: Salop taylor, husbandman, left without freedom I THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 229 1611 June 5. Henry Bennett 'S. of John John Hussey. Bennett late of Montgomery dyer deceased. (a freeman) 1612 May 1. Thomas Wilding s. of Richd George Cowper. Wilding late of Salop mercer, (a freeman) 1612 Nov. 1. Thomas Shcrer s. of Richd Sherer late of Salop weaver George Cowper. decd. (a freeman) 1614 Dec. 25. John Williams orphan in John Hussey. Shrewsby. (a freeman) 1614 Aug. 23. David Olliver s. of Olliver ap Thomas Hieran. David of Kilkewydd co: Montgomery yeoman, (departed without freedom) 1615 April 29. William Bucknoll s. of Francis Waltar Turner. Bucknoll of Acton Burnell co : Salop yeoman, (a freeman) 1614 Jan. 2. William Cocke s. of David Roger Cocke. Cocke of Dovaston co. Salop yeoman. (a freeman) 1616 Dec 30. Humfrey Jones s. of Ellis George Cowper. Jones of Havod Meredith co. Merioneth gent, (a freeman) 1613 Feb. 2. Samuel Mosley (a freeman) Edward Wright. 1613 July 22. Edward Geste s. of Robert Thomas Hieran. Geste of Leighton co. Mont- gomery yeoman dec . 1613 June 29. Edward Wartcr s. of Roger Warter of Yockleton co : Salop husbandman to Edward Bowers (a freeman). 1614 June 20. Edward Lewis s. of Edward Lewis of Ludlow i'o : Salop to Edward Bowers. 1612 .Jan, 1. Thomas Addcrton s. of John Adderton lato of Shrewsbury tailor to George Harding*;, (a freeman). 1616 l*\il>. 2. Joseph llorton s. of Richard llortou lato of *S! ire ws bury flelcher to William Burch, 230 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1617 July 1. Richard ap William s. of William Owen of par. of Llandisant co. Anglesea yeoman to Morgan Price, (departed without freedom). 1617 July 31. Foulke Williams s. of Owen Williams of Frodesley co. Salop, cooke, to Richard Lawrance. (a free- man). 1G18 Nov. 1. Richard Evans s. of Ellinor Evans of Shrews- bury widow to George Cowper. (dead). 1618 Sep. 20. John Twiford s. of John Twyford of Ov'ton co. Flint yeoman to J ohn Bayley. 1619 July 6. Humfrey Brookes s. of Edward Brookes of Preston Gubbolds co. Salop cook, to Thomas Davies. (a freeman). 1617 Feb. 2. Thomas Smyth s. of William Smyth of Upton Magna co : Salop taylor to \Vm Smyth his father a freeman, (a freeman). 1617 March 4. Roger Juckes s. of John Juckes of Shrews- bury tanner to John Jones, (a freeman). 1618 Aug. 1. Edmund Tipton s. of Roger Tipton late of Pontesbury co: Salop husbandman to Richard Evans taylor 1617. Nicholas Ryder s. of Nicholas Ryder of Ford co. Salop to Daniel Ryder of Shrewsbury taylor. 1619 July 6. Thomas Hierne s. of Thomas Hierne of Shrewsbury to Thomas Hierne his father. 1620. . . . Richard Newell s. of Thomas Newell of Shrews- bury glover to John Style skinner, (a freeman). 1620 Thomas Capper s. of Thomas Capper being a freeman's son of Shrewsbury to Gregory Crumwcll of Shrews- bury taylor. 9 years. 1620 Oct. 23. Thomas Grosycr s. of Wm Grosycr of Shrews- bury weaver to John Browne of Shrewsbury taylor — (departed wi tli out freedom). 1619 Feb. 2. George Tawney s. of James Tawney of Astlcy Abbotts co. Salop yeoman to Thomas Tawney of Shrewsbury taylor. (departed without freedom). 1620 May 18. Robert Jennings s. of John Jennings of Ironbridgc co. Salop yeoman to William Smyth of Upton Magna taylor. 1620 Jan 2. Thomas Wayne s. of Humfrey Wayne of Shrewsbury to Hugh Davies of Frankwell taylor. (a freeman). 1629 Jan. 1. James Davies s. of Hugh Davies of Frankwell to his father Hugh Davies. 1621 Nov. 22. Richard Gardner s. of George Gardner of Shrewsbury deceased to Roger Cocke, (departed without freedom). THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 231 1G20 Jan. 1. Richard Morris s. qf David Morris of Shrews- bury to Robert Bell, (a freeman). 1621 Feb. 1. John Browne s. of Roger Browne of Shrews- bury troughman to Daniel Chidlowe of Shrewsbury tailor, (departed with1 freedom). 1022 March 25. Peter Taylor s. of John Taylor of Escoyd co. Flint to Samuel Moscley of Shrewsbury tailor, (departed without freedom). 1G18 July 4. John Crompe s. of John Crompe of Rowton co. Salop yeom. to Roger Morgan, (a freeman). 1G1G Nov. 28. Adam Jandrell s. of Abraham Jandrell of Shrewsbury tailor to Abraham Jandrell his father. 1G22 July 1. Samuel Dyas s. of Thomas Dyas of Wroxeter tailor to Roger Morgan. 1G22 July 11. John More s. of Nicholas More of Shrews- bury brewer to Thomas Sherer tailor, (departed without freedom). 1G21 Jan. 5. Richard Towers s. of Edmund Towers of Preston Gubbolds taylor to his father, (a freeman). 1G22 Dec. 2(X William Onslowe s. of Edward Onslow of Clive taylor to his father — (a freeman). 1G21 March 1. John Croxton s. of Waringe Croxton of Hanmer co. Flint gent, to Richard Lyth of Acton Reynold, (a freeman). 1622 May 1G. Edward Barber s. of Ed. Barber late of Yockleton yeoman to Erasmus Mycklewright — (departed without freedom). 1G23 Nov. 1. Thomas Ball s. of Walter Ball of Crigion co. Montgomery to Thomas Maddox. (a freeman). 1G24 Oct. 1. Robert Micklewright to Erasmus Mickle- wright his father. G y'rs. 1G24 Oct. 1. William Micklewright to Erasmus Mickle- wright his father. 11 y'rs. 1G21 Aug. 1. Richard Pryce s. of Richard Price of Pool co. Montg. yeoman to Thomas Wilding. 1G20 Jan. 7. Edward Morris s. of Stephen Morris of Shrewsbury corviser to Hugh Davics. (a freeman). 1G22 Feb. 1G. Walter Grice s. of Nicholas Grice of Prior's Lee yeoman to William Smyth. 1021 July 18. Thomas ITopton s. of Richard Hopton of WentnolL co. Salop gent, to John Smyth, (departed without freedom). 1G25 July 10. Arthur Price- s. of Richard Price gent to John Williams, (departed without freedom). 1G21 April 7. Thomas Barber s. of John Barber of Stretton 232 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. co: Salop yeoman to John Jones of Shrewsbury taylor. (a freeman). 1625 Jan. 19. Lewis Humphreys s. of Humfrey ap Hugh of Shrewsbury weaver to Humfrey Jones, (departed without freedom). 1G2G June 2. John Daxe s. of Reignold Daxe of Ford co. Salop yeoman deceased to Roland Morgan of Shrewsbury tailor, (a freeman). 1G21 Feb. 15. William Wyther s. of Thomas Wyther of Leaton co. Salop yeoman to Morise ap Reignold of Baschurch tailor, (a freeman). 1G27 Dec. 3. William Newnes s. of Samuel Newnes of the Clivc to Edw(l Onslow of the Olive, (a freeman). 1G2G June 15. Henry Spenser s. of James Spencer of Heighford co. Salop, yeoman to Morrice ap Reignold of Bas- church tailor, (departed without). 1G26 Aug. 16. William Medlicott s. of Bartholomew Med- licott of Church Hanwood yeoman to Henry Bennett of Shrewsbury tailor, (departed). 1G26 Dec. 1. Arthur Main waring s. of George Main waring of Monks-avishead in or near the town of Shrewsbury gent, to John Smyth of Shrewsbury tailor. 1627 March 27. William Wicherley s. of Wm Wicherley of Crowesmere par. Ellesmere co. Salop yeoman deceased to 1628 Feb. 4. George Cowper Junr to George Cowper senr his father, (freeman). 1628 Feb. 8. William Goslinge s. of George Goslinge of Shrewsbury tanner to Richard Morrics taylor (departed). 1628 March 16. Robert Towers s. of Edmond Towers of Newton upon the heath deceased to Roger Morgan. 1627 Sep. 20. John Shelvockc s. of Richard Shclvocke of Sharklewood co. Salop, yeoman to ThoH Sherer. 1628 March 16. George Farre s. of Geo. Farre of Bridge- north blacksmith dcc(l to Thomas Hodgson of Shrewsbury tailor (freeman). 1625 May 4. Richard Trevcner s. of Thomas Trevener late of Shrewsbury Corviser dccd to Humfrey Charles of Shrews- bury tailor. 1625 April 16. William Baylie s. of John Baylie of Shrews- bury tailor to John his s'1 father. 1625 May 20. Edward Howies s. of Daniel Bowles of Shrewsbury to his sd father Daniel. roS/J May 11. Alexander s. of John Baugh of Shrewsbury to Daniel Bolas. (freeman). THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 233 1608 July 4. William s. of Wto Mason of Ford co. Salop, yeoman to Roger Heynes tailor, (freeman). 1622 April 24. Thomas s. of John Mainwaringe of Audlem co. Chester gent, to Thomas Sherer. 1624 Aug. 1. Edward s. of John Barber late of Stretton co : Salop decd to Handle Jones, (freeman). 1634 Rowland s. of Richard Harris to Thos Sherer. 1642 Sep. 30. George s. of Roland Morgan of Shrewsbury tailor to his sd father Roland. 1646 April 1. Thomas s. of Thomas Curton of Longnor co. Salop, husbandman to John Skrimsher of Shrewsbury tailor. 1648 Oct. 28. William s. of Richard Crowder cloth worker decd by consent of his mother to Henry Weston his father in law. 1651 Dec. 1. William s. of William Palin decd to Thomas Standly tailor. 1653 May 31. Joseph s. of Randle Geast of Little Bowd- work co. Chester to Thomas Standley. 1627 July 27. Thomas Prees s. of Monies Prees of Llany- hangel acroythin co. Cardigan gent, to Henry Bennett. 1627 June 24. Richard Hande s. of Rob* Hand of Ightfield co. Salop blacksmith to Richard Lyth. (departed without freedom.) 1627 Sept. 21. John Turner s. of William Turner late of Nantwich co. Chester tailor decd to Robert Bell, (escaped). 1627 Dec. 29. Richard Davics s. of John Davies of Yeedyall co. Stafford glover decd to Morgan Price. 1628 June 2. Josias Bell s. of Rob1 Bell of Shrewsbury tailor to his father. 1624 July 20. Edward Saunders s. of James Saunders late of High Olliey co. Stafford yeoman to George Cowpor. 1628 April 26. Richard Iliggons s. of Thomas Iliggons lato of Lichfield co. Stafford dec4 to Peter Richardson, (escaped). 1629 Sep. 30. David Davyes s. of Humfrey Davyes of Shrewsbury trowman to Edward Bowen. 1628 May 1. Robert Davis s. of Howell Davis of Onslow to John Jones. 1628 Aug. 1. John Maddox s. of Roland Maddox of Astley yeomn to Thomas Maddox of Astley tailor. 1626 July 22. Isaac Bentley s. of Rob1 Bentley of Astley to Tho3 Maddox. 1630 May 1. Jacob Pry chard s. of Peter Pry chard of Shrewsbury weaver to Richard Morris. 16*30 May 11. Richard Jones s. of John Jones of Abbey foregate miller decd to John Robertes. (departed). Vol. iv ao, 234 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1630 Nov. 1. Richard Forester s. of Adam Forester of Meriton husbandman to Roger Burde of Meriton taylor. (freeman). 1630 Jan 31. Edward Prees s. of Ellis Frees late of Shrews- bury tailor decd to Pears Jones. 1630 Feb. 7. Thomas Botheld s. of Mary BotfieM of Shrewsbury widow to Richard Tenche of Shrewsbury tailor, (escaped). 1630 Dec. 10. David Jones s. of Timothy Jones of Shrews- bury baker decd to Randle Jones tailor, (freeman). 1630 Feb. 24. George s. of Randle Knatsford cardmaker to Edward ap Owen, (freeman). 1631 May 26. Thomas Wilcox s. of Hugh Wilcox of Heywood co : Salop yeoman decd to Adam Bromley, (died). 1631 June 1. John Jones s. of John Jones of Monksforyatt Salop tailor to his father, (freeman). 1631 April 30. Thomas Higgons s. of Richard Higgons of Shrewsbury decd to Samuel Moseley. (freeman) 1626 Feb. 2. Samuels, of John Browne tailor to Richard Harries taylor. Harries left town — retorned to Tho3 Hieron. 1631 March 14. James Bradley s. of John Bradeley late of Shrewsbury glover decd to Adam Bromley tailor. 1637 Nov. 25. John Carton s. of Richard Curton of Grinsill co. Salop yeoman to William Newnes. 1632 June 8. John Griffiths s. of Humfrey Grims of Shrewsbury clothworker to Thomas Davyes. 1632 Aug. 1. William Rabon s. of Ralphe Rabon of Wem co. Salop miller to Tho3 Maddox. (departed). 1630 Dec. 10. David Jones s. of Timothy Jones baker dec'1 to Randall Jones, retorned to Barbara Evans widow, (freeman). 1632 Feb. 2. William Thomas s. of John Thomas of Sand- ford dectl to Moses Reignoldes of Milwich par. Baschurch tailor. 1632 Feb. 20. William Wither s. of Tho3 Wither of Leaton tailor to William Jcnkyn of Leaton taylor. (freeman). 1632 March 20. Joseph s. of Bartholomew Medlicott of Great Hanwood to John Roberts tailor. 1633 June 19. William Jones s. of John Jones of Staustey co. Denbigh tailor decd to Tho9 Shercr. 1632 Aug. 17. Francis Thomas s. of Recs Thomas of Shrewsbury tanner to John Sucker tailor, (freeman). 1031 May 5. Jacob Thomas s. of Isaac Thomas of Oily of Loudon luoichanl to Handle Thomas tailor — retorned on death of Randle to his widow Elinor. THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 235 1633 June 12. Thomas Onslowe s. of Richard Onslowe of Shrewsbury yeoman to Thos Sherer. (freeman). 1G31 Sep. 29. Arthur Shawe s. of Roger Shawe of Salop tailor to Arthur Sherer. (departed). 1C33 July 17. William Francke s. of Wm Francke late of Shrewsbury tapster to Henry Bennett tailor, (escaped). 1G33 July 20. David Davyes s. of Humfrey Davyes of Shrewsbury trowman decd to Hugh Davyes tailor, (departed without freedom). 1G33 Nov. 1. Edward Jones s. of John Jones of Shrews- bury cloth worker to Edwd Morris, (departed without freedom). 1039 Oct. 7. Tho3 Clare the younger s. of Tho3 Clare of Shrewsbury tailor to his father. 1631 June 3. John Parre s. of Edmond Parrc of Pitchford co. Salop yeoman to Humfrey Chandles. 1631 Dec. 30. William Newnes appr'e to Edwd Onslow reported served. 1634 Sep. 29. JohnTawney s. of James Tawney of Astley co. Salop yeoman to Thomas Maddox of Astley tailor. 1634 Dec. 20. John Bennett s. of Henry Bennett of Shrewsbury tailor to his father, (died). 1634 Nov. 24. Richard Braine s. of Robert Braine of Withi- ford to Thomas Waine. (escaped). 1634 Aug. 1. David Waine s. of Humfrey Waine to Tho3 Wayne. 1631 Feb. 28. John Skrymsher s. of James Skrymsher of Picton mercer to Wm Cockes tailor. 1639 June 24. Benjamin Farre s. of George Farre of Bridgenorth smith dec1' to George Farre of Shrewsbury tailor. 1634 March 28. Francis Uawlins s. of Tho8 Rawlins of Shrewsbury (o Thomas his father. 163.") March 11. Edward Rawlins s. of Tho3 Rawlins of Shrewsbury to George Cowper. — rctorned to his father Tho*.— (dead). 1639 July 16. John Taylor s. of Jacob Taylor late of Whitchurch co. Salop tailor decd to Tho8 Maddox. 1634 Oct. 29. Richard Cockes s. of Roger Cockes of Shrewsbury tailor to his father. 1639 June 24. Benjamin Farre s. of George Farre of Bridg- north smith dec1 to George Farre of Shrewsbury tailor. 1636 March 12. Thomas Griflies of Clive co. Salop to Howell Vaughan of Acton Ileynald tailor. 1637 Nov. I. John Cheshire s. of Adam Cheshire late of Adgon lane dec'1 to Rich'1 Tavers of Newton on the heath tailor, (escaped). 236 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1030 March 21. William Smyth s. of John Smyth of Upton Ma^na tailor to Tlios Smyth his uncle a freeman. 1G3G March 20. William Onslowe the younger of Clive to Edward Onslowe of Clive tailor. 1G34 Nov. 1. Thomas Cocks s. of Roger Cocks of Shrews- bury tailor to his father. 1089 Oct 20. Roland Tomson s. of Roland Tompson late ot Astlcy cooke decd to Tho8 Matldox. 1037 Aug. 3. John Powell s. of Richard Powell of Oswestry husbandman to Alexr Cleaton. 1038 Sep. 1. Thomas Leighton s. of Francis Leighton of the town of Shrewsbury gent.1 to Daniel Bowles for 7 years from date — Ml Warden Bowles doth report his true service. 1039 June 24. Francis Chaurles s. of Uumfrey Chaurles of Shrewsbury to his father. 1039 Dec. 1. Richard Dackes s. of Tho8 Dackcs of Ford co. Salop smith to John Dackes of Shrewsbury tailor. 1G40 March 28 Thomas Dunford s. of Tho" Dunford of Battlefield husbandman to William Wyther of Lcaton. 1039 Sep. 29. Edward Jones s. of John Jones of Shrews- bury to J ohn Jones his father. 1G40 July 4. Jarrott Williams s. of Tho" Williams late of Wilmington co. Salop gent, dec'1 to. Humphrey Charles tailor 1G40 Nov 30. John Price s. of Morgan Price tailor to his s(1 father. 1040 June 24. Isaac Grifhcs s. of Edwd Griffies of Shrews- bury shoemaker to Tho8 Sherer. 1040 Oct 9. Thomas Jones s. of Thos Jones of Great Berwick co. Salop laborer to David .[ones tailor, (departed without freedom). 1040 July 17. William Browne s. of Joseph Browne of Shrewsbury tailor to David Jones. 1G45 Dec. 1. Nathaniel Davics s. of Francis Davies of par. of Kinnerley co. Salop to VVm Withers of Leaton tailor. 1 Francis Leighton was buried at Alberbury, February 24, 1G22-3, and Mary his wife buried there Feb. 24, 1G29. Francis Leighton was son of William Leighton, of Wcstbury, (bp. 1565, and bur. 1G37-8), by Jane, d. of Edw. Grey, of Buildwas, and relict of William Sheldon, who was one of the sons of Sir Edward Leighton, of Wattlesborough, and Ann Barrell his first wife. It was the custom of early times for the eldest son to inherit the ancestral estate, and to send the younger sons to Shrewsbury to gain their livelihood as tailors, shoemakers, and mercers, or other trades, which no doubt they did, supported by the family influence and connection, THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 237 1G40 Nov. 9. Rubin Thomas s. #f Richd Thomas of Shrews- bury laborer to Samuel Moscley tailor — retorned 1G43 to John Jones. 1040 May 1. Thomas Donfordc s. of Tho8 Donfordc of Battlefield husbandman to Wm Withers of Leaton. 1G41 March 25. John Maddox s. of Wm Maddox of Ber- rington co. Salop decd to Robert Davyes tailor, (departed without freedom). 1641 Dec. 13. George Jaxson s. of George Jaxson decd late of Acton par. Childs Ercall co. Salop to EdwJ Morrys tailor, (departed without freedom). 1G41 Jan. 8. Roger Birde s. of Roger Birde of Merriton co. Salop to his sd father — tailor. 1G42 June 20. Tho8 Burche s. of Wm Burche late of Shrews- bury tailor decd to David Jones. — retorned 1G4G to George Cowper. 1C41 Feb. 1. Tho8 Pughe s. of Tho8 Pughe of Frank well to Hugh Davyes tailor, retorned to Edw. Morris. 1G42 July 18. Thomas Williams s. of W,u Edwards late of Ebnall co. Salop yeoman to George Farre tailor. 1G42 Dec. 20. John Evans s. of George Evans of Shrews- bury to David Jones tailor, (died). 1G42 Nov. 1. Tho8 Felton s. of Roger Felton of Leaton to Thomas Standle of Berwick. 1G43 Nov. 18. Edward Benion s. of Roger Benion of Shrewsbury weaver to Wlu Cocks tailor. 1G44 May 1. Richard Woodfen s. of John Woodfen of Weverham co. Chest, mercer to John Woodfen. (escaped). 1G44 April 20. William Jenkin s. of Wm Jcnkin of Leaton tailor to his sd father. 1G45 Oct. 2. Edward Charles s. of Humfrey Charles to his father. 1G25 Aug. 22. John llankin s. of John Hankin of Rishcr co Cest. to John Woodfen tailor, (released). 1G45 March 1. Griffith Shimell of Shiflhal co. Salop to Richard Williams of Shrewsbury tailor, (departed without freedom). 1(145 Oct. 27. John Bennett s. of David Bennett of Shrews- bury tailor to Thomas Standle of Berwick tailor. LG4G April 25. David Thomas s. of Roes Thomas decd to 1 )aiiiel Bowles, (departed without freedom). 1G4G May 10. Henry Bennett s. of Henry Bennett late of Shrewsbury dccd tailor to George Farre of Shrewsbury tailor. I GIG Sep. 1. Timothy Adney s. of John Adney of Preston (irockhurst to Wui Newnes of Y or ton tailor. 238 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1G4G July 25. Thomas Reynolds to Richard Foster. 1G4G April 1G. Robart Moynes s. of Richard Moynes late of par. of Sl Alkmonds Shrewsbury decd to Francis Rawlins tailor, (escaped). 1G4G Feb. 2. Samuel Bctton s. of Joseph Betton of Shrews- bury tanner decd to Wm Withers of Leaton tailor. 1G47 April 9. George Wall s. of Tho3 Wall to his sd father. 1G47 April 4. Thomas Martin s. of Charles Martin felt- maker to Thomas Wall tailor. 1G47 Jan. 1. Thomas s. of Tho3 Maddox to his father. 1G48 May 11. Samuel Morris s. of Edwd Morris to his father. 1G47 Dec. 10. George Richardson s. of Peter Richardson clecJ to Richard Cocks. 1G48 April 20. John Lloyd s. in law to Jasper Lloyd of Great Berwick co. Salop carpenter to Tho3 Dunford. 1G47 Feb. 21. John Wall to his father Tho8 Wall. 1G4G Sep. 1. John Beysey s. of John Beysy of Leinster decd to Humfrey Charles, (departed without ireedom\ 1G48 Jan. 1. Richard s. of John Sandland of Broughton weaver to Philip Bunney of Haston. 1G48 Jan. 3. Robert Clare s. of Tho8 Clare of Abbey forcgatc dccd to Tho8 Clare his brother. 1G49 May 1. Tho8 s, of Adam Bromley of Abbey forcgatc tailor to his father. 1G49 March 29. George Hussie s. of W"- Hussie of Alperain in par. Bunberie co. Cest. tailor to George Cowper the younger. 1049 Nov. .1. Wm s. of WU1 Turner of Frees co: Salop yeoman to Thomas Wall. 1G48 Oct, 12. John Hodges s. of Mark Hodges of Meole to John Scrimshawc of Shrewsbury. 1G49 Aug. 10. Samson Fuller to George Farre. (departed). 1G51 Oct. 3. Edward Brookes s. of Humphrey Brookes of Preston Gubbalds tailor decd to Francis Thomas of Shrewsbury tailor. 1050 March 1. Roger s. of Tho8 Maddox to his father. 1G50 March 20. GrHlith s. of David Ik'iinott to ThoH Onslow tailor, (debarred his freedom). 1G52 Aug. 18. Richard Lea s. of James Lea late of liaughton par. Ercall co. Salop dyer to Tho8 Maddox of Astley tailor. 1G52 Nov. 7. Thomas Crowder s. of Rich1' Crowder dccd to Edmund Vickars of Downton. I ();").*) April 10. Ralpiie Jenninges of par. Mai pas s. of Kicluird Jenninges doc1' to I'Mward (■liaurles of Shrewsbury tailor, THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 239 1C53 June 29. Joseph s. of Rowland Evans shearman of Shrewsbury to Richard Cockes tailor. 1G53 June 24. William Chilton of Upton Magna to Richd. Cockes. 1G53 March 1. Roderick Hughes s. of Edwd Hughes of Dollthirline co. Merioneth to Tho8 Burch. 1G53 Feb. 14. Tho8 Dax s. of John Dax of Shrewsbury tailor to his father. 1G53 Dec 2G. Tho8. Withers s. of Wm! Withers of Leaton to his father. 1G53 Jan. 31. Jonathan Dugdale s. of Randle JDugdale of Shrewsbury to Thomas Clare. 1G53 Feb. 7. Thomas Ellett s. of Justinian Ellett to Tho8. Jaxon. 1G55 June 23. Richard Bromley s. of Adam Bromley to his fatter, 1G55 June 28. Adam Bromley s. of Adam Bromley to his father, 1G55 July 1. William Charles s. of Humfrey Charles decd to Francis Charles his brother. 1G55 June 30. John Wilcox s. of Samuel Wilcox decd. at the Cricket co. Salop to George Farrc. (departed without freedom). 1G54 July 10. John Gibbons s. of John Gibbons of Shrews- bury gent, to George Cowper. 1G55 Oct. 8. Tho8. Boulton s. of Tho8. Boulton of Shrews- bury tailor to Edward Bcnion. 1G55 May 1. John Barber s. of Edwd Barber to his father. 1G58 Augt. 3. AVm. Ras*g s. of George Rug^ to John Proesc 01 Abbey iorcgatc tailor. KJ.kS May 1. John Punch s. of John Punch of Little Ness corviser to Thomas Standlcy of Shrewsbury tailor. 1G55 Jan. 2G. Wm. Tylston s. of Tho8. Tylston dccd to John Scrimshawc. (ran away). 1G5G March 2G. Thomas Barber s. of Tho3 Barbor of Shrewsbury tailor to his hither. 1G5G May 3. Richard Hassall s. of Richard Hassall of Widdenbury co. Cest. husbandman to Tho8. Clare. 1G53 March 1. Mathew Lloyd s. of David Lloyd of Shrews- bury tanner to John Shelvock. 1G5G Feb. 14. Edward Madox s. of Rich'1. Madox of Shaw- bury co. Salop yeoman to Tho8. Madox of Astley tailor. 1057 April 1. Richard Edsa'll s. of Tho8 Edsall to his father U;:>7 Sep. 10. William Morris s. of William Morris of Astley to George Cowper of Shrewsbury tailor (7) & the 8 year he is to be his covenant servant. ; 240 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1657 Sep. 14. John Dax s. of John Dax of Shrewsbury to his father. 1658 Feb. 2. Henry Armmishrowe s. of John Armmishrowe of Buildwas to Richard Cockes. 1660 April 23. Thomas Smith the yor to Tho3 Smith the elder. 1659 Oct, 26. Thomas Geast s. of Edw. Geast to Tho9. Madox of Astley. 1659 July 18. Wm. Bray s. of \Vm. Bray of Frankwell to John Powell of Shrewsbury tailor, (ran away). 1659 June 21. John Gough s. of Wm. Gough of Cherbury co. Salop tailor to Thomas Standley of Shrewsbury. 1659 Feb. 10. Stephen Pughe s. of Tho3. Pughe of Frankwell to Edwd. Morris of Frankwell. 1660 Jan. L Nicholas Harries s. of Tho8. Harris to Tho\ Edsall. retorned 1663 to Thos. Jaxon. 1660 Jan 1. John Wood s. of Tho3. Wood of Pontesbury corviser to Tho3. Burche. 1661 May 18. Wm. Lewes s. of Francis Lewes of Prees co. Salop to James Cannys of Shrewsbury tailor. 1660 Feb. 6. Richard Farmer s. Wm. Farmer of Shrawardine tailor deccl. to Tho8. Dunford of Battlefield. 1661 July 1. Edward Ellis s. of Cadwallader Ellis of Shrewsbury brewer to John Hodges. 1661 Nov. 13. Roger s. of Zacharias Darbishire late of Sl. Mary's par. Shrewsbury laborer decd. to Francis Chandles. 1661 Feb. 14. Roger Smith s. of Roger Smith to John Lloyd of Wollaston co. Salop tailor. 1661 Feb. 22. Nicholas Stcdman s. of Michael Stedman of Aston co. Salop gent. decd. to William Chilton of Shrewsbury tailor. 1662 July 29. George Farr s. of Geo: Farr of Shrewsbury tailor by Mr. Dounes gent, late Alderman of Shrewsbury dccd. to John Gibbons (crossed out). 1662 July 14. Harry Heylingo s. of Edwd. Heylingc of Kynerlcy co. Salop yeoman to Richard Cockes. 1662 Sep. 3. Thomas Jennings s. of Rich'1. Jennings of Shrewsbury decd to J ohn Powell of Pulley tailor. 1662 Jan. 3. George Farmer s. of Edwd. Farmer to Thomas Shorcr. retorned to Tho". Smith. 1662 Dec. 25. Thomas Jaxon s. of Tho. Jaxon of Shrews- bury to his father. 1662 Feb. 2. Richd. Dax s. of John Dax of Shrewsbury to his father. THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 241 1GG3 Jan. 25. Thomas Davis m of Edw. Davis pewterer to John Scrimshaw. 1GG3 Sep. 20. Robert Foulber s. of RobA Foulber to Francis Railings, retorneel 1GG7 to Jonathan Dugdale. (crossed out). 1GG3 July 25. Samuel Matchen s. of Leonard Matchen miller to Abraham Allcox. 1G64 April 1G. Rich'1, s. of Thos. Onslow to his father. 1GG4 June 20. Samuel Cowper s. of George Cowper of Shrewsbury to his father. 1GG5 April 10. John Fox s. of John Fox of Shrewsbury to Edward Reunion. 1GG5 Oct. 2. Samuel Porter s. of Richd Porter of Shrews- bury to Wm Chilton. 1GG5 Dec. 20. Thomas Scot s. of John Scot of Shrewsbury to his father. 1GG5 July 27. Wm. Barbar s. of Wm. Barbar of Stretton co. Salop to Ed\vd. Barbar. 1GG5 March Richard Mansell s. of Andrew to his father. 1GGG May 2. Samuel Moss s. of John Moss to Tho8 Bourth. 1GGG Sep 20. John Taylor s. of John Taylor to Jonathan Dugdale. (crossed out). 1GGG Dec 7. John Boulton s. of Tho8. Boulton to his father. 1GGG Jan. 1. Samuel Eller s. of Tho8. Eller to his father. 1GG7 June 22. Richd. Newnes s. of Wm. Newncs to his father. 1GG7 Nov. 10. Benj". Pitts s. of Tho\ Pitts to his father. 1GG7 April :>. Hlelid. Mounford s. of Hick*. Mounford of township el Bcreslbrd co. Salop to Edw'1. Broncks. (crossed out). 1GG7 Oct. 22. Michael Carter s. of Tho : Cartar of Shrews- bury trowman to Samuel i\I orris. 1GG7 Jan. 1. Thos. Gathing s. of David Gathing, smith of Shrewsbury to Richard Cocks. 1GG7 Jan. 2. Walter Tench s. of Robert Tench of Shrews- bury to his father. 1GG7 Jan. 2. Tho3 Price s. of John Price to John Price. IGliS May lo. William Mancell s. of Andw. Mancell of Shrewsbury to his father. 1GGS May 1. Rich'1. Cowper s. of \Vm. Cowper of Shrewsbury to Jonathan Dugdale. (crossed out). 1GGJS June 20. Philip Pichford s. of Edw'1. Pichford of Shrewsbury to ThoH. Pax. 1GGS Aug. h Uandal Tumor s. of Rich1'. Turner of Shrews- bury to John Wilcox of Shrewsbury tailor, (crossed out). Vol. lv ad 242 THE GUILDS 01' SHREWSBURY. 1668 Sep. 21. Samuel Spencer s. of Stephen Spencer of Shrewsbury to Thomas Smith of Shrewsbury tailor retorncd 1670 to John Gibbons. 1669 April 6. Tho\ Cuorton s. of Tho\ Cuorton of Astley to Tho8. Crowder of Shrewsbury tailor, (crossed out). 1668 March 4. Joseph Prise s. of Holland Prise of Shrews- bury to Tho\ Clare. 1668 Oct. 22. John Barbor s. of Tho8. Barbor of Shrewsbury to his father. 1668 Mar. 23. Richard Houldstonc s. of \Vm. Houldstone of Shrewsbury laborer to John Hodges. 1668 Nov. 4. William Dax s. of John Dax of Shrewsbury tailor to his father. 1669 June 17. John s. of George Farr late of Shrewsbury to Tho9. Pitts. 1669 Oct. 28. Wm. s. of Francis France dee*, to Tho8. Boulton. 1668 Feb. 9. Handle Tomer s. of Richd. Tomer dccd. to Richd. Bromley. 1670 May 11. Wm. Stanley s. of Tho. Stanley to John Scrimshawe. 1670 April 14. Roger s. of Fabian Burrows tailor to Edw. Bcnnion. retorncd 1071 to his father. 1670 June 22. Sam1, s. of John Cartwright of Shawbury to Edw. Maddox. 1670 May 1. _ Rich3, s. of Roger Boulton of Audley co. Stafford blacksmith to James Smith. 1670 Sep. 7. John s. of Tho. Tomkis of Stapleton co. Salop to Andrew MounsoE 1670 Sep. 19. John s. of John Machen of Pvon co. Stafford corviser to Wm. Holmes. 1670 Dec. 13. John s. of John Exeter of Abbey foregate taylor to J ohn Gibbons, (crossed out). 1670 Nov. 1. John Evans s. of Rob1. Evans late of Llan- ginnog co. Montgy. Weaver decd to John Maddox. 1671 June 1. Wm. s. of Wm. Jones baker dccd. to John Wilcox, (crossed out). 1671 April 1. John s. of John Stephens of Westley yeoman to John Powell. 1671 Oct. 4. Jo11 s. of Tho. Alcox of Welbatch yeoman to Abram Alcox. 1671 Oct. 7. Jo", s. of Arthur Daikin decd. to Matthew Lloyd. 1671 Jan. 2. Janus s. of James Richardson tailor to Matthew Lloyd. THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 243 1671 Jan. 10. Rich*1, s. of RicM -Hey ward decd. to Benjn. Pitts. 1071 Feb. 20. Peter s. of Henry Wood to Geo. Farmer. 1672 May 1. Thos. s. of George Cowper tailor to Edw. Benyon. 1672 May 1. Jo11, s. of Tho. Stanley tailor to Tho3. Boulton. 1672 Dec 24. Charles s. of Cha\ Jones of Pulley husband- man to John Pughe tailor. 1672 Aug. 19. Cha\ s. of Tho. Wall tailor to his father. 1672 Aug. 1. John Nownes s. of Wm. Nownes to his father. 1673 July 15. Richd. s. of Richd. Fossbrooke of Wellington co. Salop to John Gibbons. 1673 Aug. 30. Andrew s. of Tho. Maunsell to Abram Wilcox. 1673 Nov. 11. Jon. s. of Jo11. Jones laborer to Jo11. Byerly tailor. 1673 Dec. IS. Rich*, s. of Jo". Taylor tailor to his father. 1673 Jan. 24. Edwd. s. of Riclid. Barber of Yockleton to Edw. Barber. 1673 Dec. 18. George s. of Tho. Jones tailor to his father. 1674 Dec. 13. Thos. s. of Rich*. Fleminge of Meriton co Salop husbandman to Wm. Jenkin. 1674 Doc. 17. Fraa. s. of Rich. Williams Cotton hill to John Jones. 1675 May 1. John s. of Simon Downes to Andrew Mauncell. 1675 Feb. 10. Tho9. s. of Tho. Maddox to his father. 1676 April 0. John s. of Roger Teccoe to Geo: Farmer retorned on death of Farmer to Win. Whetley. 1676 April 12. Charles s. of Edwd Owen clothier to John Hodges tailor. 1675 Nov 10. Thos. s. of Robfc. Jones of Chilton to John Powell. 1676 Dec 20. Holland Maddox s. of Tho8. Maddox to his lather. 1675 July 1. James Pearson s. of Mary Pearson widow late of Newport to James Richardson, retorned to Wm. Mauncell. 1677 Dec 3. John Jones s. of Owen Jones of Shrewsbury lo Nicholas Carter, (died). 1677 Sep. 20. VK Tornell s. of Francis Tornell to John Hughes. 1676 Doc. 21. Tho*. Hodges S. of John Hodges of Shrews- bury to his father. 1677 Dec 20. John s. of John Lloyd of Berwick to 244 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1077 Jan. 2G. Roland Peking s. of Wm. Deking of Astlev to Tho8. Maddox. 1078 "Dec. 1. Ilobert Bailey of Stepington co. Salop to Griffith Wood of Shrewsbury tailor. 1078 July 2. Edwd. Chesher s. of Richd. Chesher of Shrews- bury to Joseph Prise, (escaped). 1078 Dec 21. Roger Bostok s. of Richd. Bostok of Boslcy co. Montgy, to John Taylor. 1078 March 1. Francis Gould s. of Tho. Gould of Shrews- bury to Benju. Pitt. 1079 May 20. Richd. Boudlier s. of Rich'1. Boudllcr of Shrewsbury to Samuel Cavsie of Shrewsbury tailor. 1079 May 29. John Phassant s. of Tho. Phassant of Shrewsbury to Samuel Morris. 1079 May 29. John Prise s. of Edw. Prise of Pulley to John Hughes. 1077 Dec 14. Tho8. Vahon s. of Tho ; Vahon of Acton Reynald heath tailor to his sd father. 1079 June 12. John Houlstone s. of \Ym. Houlstone of Shrewsbury to Richard Houlstone. 1079 June 28. Tho8. Lliset s. of Francis Lliset of Westbury co. Salop to John Barbor. 1079 Sep. 13. George s. of Roger Wood of Shrewsbury buttonmaker to James Burch. (crossed out). 1079 Sep. 21. Simon Ilidar s. of Simon llidar of Shrews- bury lo John Boulton. (crossed out). 1079 Nov. 10. James Parker to Sam1. Parker of Shrewsbury. 1080 May 20. Richard Gravencr s. of Mary Gravener of to Robert Tanet. 1078 June 2 k The*8; Wootton s. of Tho. Wootton of Plarlescot to John Jones. 1080 June 2. William Hughes to Tho*. Maddox of Acton Reynald. 1078 Jan. 1. Thos. Jones s. of Tho. Jones to his father of Shrewsbury. 1080 June 7. John Osall s. of Laurence Osall of Shrews- bury to Michael Garter. 1080 June 7. Thos. Woof of Shrewsbury to Wm. Bourgcs of Shrewsbury. 1080 July 8. Richard Charles s. of Fra8. Charles to his Tilth or. I0.S0 June 25. Randall llourges of Shrewsbury to John Morris of Shrewsbury, (ero'ssed out). I07 1G81 July 7. Roland Jeuckes s. of Samuell Juckes of Downton co. Salop gent, to Sam1. Spencer of Shrewsbury on whose death 16,85 retorned to Sam1. Carper. 1082 Feb 11. William Maddox s. of John Maddox of Astley to John his father. 1081 Sep. 29. Peter s. of Peter Barker corviser of Shrews- bury to John Boulton. 1081 March 4. Thos. Davis s. of John Davis of Abington to Tho3. Fleming, (crossed out). 1082 June 13. Tho8 s. of Wm Newell to John Exeter. 1082 June o0. Samuel Evans s. of John Evans to Samuel Parker. 1082 July 20. ltichd Tifilds s. of John Tifilds to Richd WJioatley. (dead). 1082 Sep. 1. Sam1 Richardson s. of James Richardson to his father. 10S2 Nov. 24. Sam1 Morris s. of Sam1 Morris of Shrews- bury to his father, 1082 Nov 80. Andrew Mounsla s. of John Mounsla to his father. 1 082 Dec 5. Benj Gilbert s. of Rob* Gilbert of Shrewsbury to Tho. Dax. 1087;; Feb. 12. Clin Lcghc s. of Henry Lcghe gent, of co Salop to John Mounlow. 1082 Nov. 28. Tho. s. of Tho. Dax to his father. 1084 Dec. 29. John Wright s, of John Wright of Widen- biiry co. (est. to George Scrivener. His;} June !). W"\s. of Uaynall Couper to lliehu Farmer of Uictonlieatli retorned to Richd Whateley of Shrewsbury. 24G THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1G83 June 0. David s. of Matthew Lloyd to James Richard- son on his decease rctorncd to Henry Gorsueh. 1GcS2 Aug. 1. Rich*1 s. of The. Williams to Abm Alcox. 1GS2 Dec. 9. Matthew s. of Tho. Malpas to Roger Reniekcr. 1G82 Dec 10. John s. of John Andrews to John Trice. 1G83 Feb. 4. John s. of John Pichford to his father. 1G84 April. 29. Thos Orme s. of Phebian Orrne of Shrews- bury to Phebian Orme of Shrewsbury tailor. 1G83 Feb. G. John Burch s. of James Burch of Shrewsbury to Sam1 Spencer. 1G84 Dec 10. James s. of Wm Pealeing, Clothier to Cha Jones. 1G84 Oct. 18. Rich* Jackson s. of Tho. Jackson decd to Richd Wheatley. (crossed out). 1G84 Oct 22. Roger s. of Roger Renikcrs of Shrewsbury to his father. 1GS4 Nov 17. Charles Davis s. of Edw. Davies of Shrews- bury to Rich. Fosbrook. 1G84 Oct. 10. Silvanus Francis Cox s. of Rich. Cox to his father as a furrier or skinner. 1G84 Nov 10. Edwd s. of Rich. Cox to his father as a furrier or skinner. 1G84 Dec 12. Bcnj Pitt s. of Benj. Pitt to Thomas Pitt of Shrewsbury tailor. 1G84 Dec 28. Robert s. of Benj. Pitt to his father. 168% Feb. 19. John Boulton s. of Wm Boulton of Shrews- bury to Cha Wall. 1085 April 23. Humphrey s. of Humphrey Price to Tho3 Crouther of Astley. 1G8I April 3. Hugh Jones s. of Hugh Jones to Roger Bcnion. (crossed out). 1G85 May 9. Tho' s. of Fraa Rawlins to Francis Rawlins. 1G84 Nov 20. Wm s, of Geo. Swinton of Slirewsbury to Edw. Darbyshire. 1G85 Sep. 22. John Humphreys s. of Richd Humphreys of Treadigle co. Montgomery to Grifnth Wood. 1G85 Oct 22. John Hughes s. of Wm Hughes of Astley to John Evans of Abriton co. Salop. 1G85 June 24. Wm s. of Tho3 Barton of par. Hanbury co: Stafford to William Tooth tailor. 1G85 Feb. 24. Richd Gittins s. of Abram Gittins of Hab- berley to Joseph Jones, l(>8G April 10. Francis 'Davies s. of Tho8 Davies of Newton on the Hill par Middle clothier to John Cure ton of Grinsill, THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 247 1686 May 27. Tho. Millingtoir s. of James Millington of town of Hyatton co. Salop to Thos Jones of Bicton heath retorned to John Taylor of Salop. 1686 June 29. Tho. Holland of Middle wich co. Cest. to Henry Gossueh. 1686 July 28. John s. of Tho. Robarts bellfounder to Sam1 Parker. 1686 Sep. 17. Joseph Knott s. of Handle Knott to Jas Parker. 1686 Dec. 10. Samuel llabcr^all s. of John Habemall to John Mounslow. 1686 Dec. 20. Samuel s. of Rob1 Clare to his father. 1686 June 22. Matthias Wilding s. of Matthew Wilding to Samuel Morris of Shrewsbury. 1686 June 20. Richd Holt s. of Wm Holt of Bridgenorth to Daniel Baxter. 1687 April 1. Richard Bowers s. of John Bowers to John Barber of Preston Montford. 1687 May 19. Frances Mighen s. of Richd Mighen to Hen. Gorsuch. 1687 July 7. Roger Blagg s. of Roger Blagg of NanLwich tailor to Wm. Tooth, (crossed out). 1687 June 24. Peter Lamberts, of Edwd Lambert of Upton Magna to Geo. Scrivener, (crossed out). 1686 Nov 30, Henry Scott s. of Humphery Scott of Shrewsbury to Edwd Ollivars of Shrewsbury, 1687 Sep. 14. William Barbar s. of Edwd of Shrewsbury to his father. 1687 Dec. 3. Edwd Lloyd s. of Theophilus Lloyd of Lanryod co. Montgomery to John Taylor. 1687 Jan. 10. John Gennoe s. of John Gennoc to John Morris of Shrewsbury, (crossed out). 1688 March 31. Thomas Pichford s. of Tho Pichford of Astley to John Evans of Battlefield. 1688 Sop. 29. Robert Hodges s. of John Hodges of Shrews- bury to Richard lloulston. 1688 June 10. Christopher Morris s. of John Morris to his father. 1690 June 9. Luke Edwards s. of Luke Edwards to Rich. Houlston. 1092 March 4. Samuel Newns s. of Riehd of the Clive tailor to his father. 1088 July 17. Tho" J ones s. of Charles Jones of Pulley to ChaH Jones his brother. 1688 Dec. 20. Sam1 Cooper s. of Sam Cooper to his father. 248 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1689 July 10. Tho Sherwood* s. of Rob1 Sherwood bound to Cha Owen who went in King's Service retorned to Sam1 Morris. 1689 June 25. Richard Bowers s. of Wm Bowers to Cha8 Wall. Rich* Bell s. of Win Bell Henry Gorsuch. 1692 April 30. Benju Pichford s. of John Pichford to Richd Fosbrook. 1690 May 16. Rob* Wilson s. of Robfc Wilson of Harlescot to Thomas Woolen. 1690 Jan. 1. Robert Bouker of Wellington to Rich". Smith. 1691 April 4. Sam1. Dike s. of Sam1. Dike to Tho. Chanlcr. 1691 July 1. John Wakefield s. of Ellis Wakefield of Shrewsbury to Rich4 Smith. 1691 Aug. 24. Nicholas Felton s. of Joseph Felton of Shrewsbury cloth worker to John Morris of Shrewsbury re- torned 1696 to Roger Chanler. 1691 Nov. 17. William Iloulston s. of Richd Houlston to Joseph Price. 1689 J une 17. Harry Nigger to John Barber of Montford Bridge. 1690 Sep. 29. John Morris s. of John Morris to his father. 1692 Sep. 29. William Whigley to Roger Renikers. 169% Jan. 1. Peter Bancroft s. of Peter Bancroft of Shrews- bury joiner to Edw. Barber of Shrewsbury. 1692 Dec 22. Thomas Price s. of Joseph Prico to his father. 1692 Dec 22. Rich. Fosbrook s. of Rich. Fosbrook to his father. 169a/3 Mar. 16. John Tompkins s. of Joseph Tompkins tanner to Tho3. Evans. 169a Feb. 1. Adam s. of Richd. Bromley to his father. 169' Feb. 7. Bould Charles s. of Tho. Charles to his father. 1692 May 15. John Go ugh s. of John Gough to James Parker. 1692 Nov 14. John Dukes s. of Rich* Dukes to Will"1 Tooth. 169:} Dec 27. Roger Edge s. of Roger Edge to John Exeter. 1693 Nov. 7. John s. of John Whitefield of par. S* Mary's to Richd Fosbrook. 1693 Nov 9. John Whatthall s. of Jonathan Whatthall of Sfc Alkmond's par. to Richd Fosbrook. 169} Feb. 2. David Jones s. of Rieha Jones corviscr decd to Tho. Kvans. 1694 May 1. John Wood s. of Jon Wood of par. Yarpole co: Hereford to Griffith Wood. THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 249 109} April 20. Rich'1 Parry s. of Evan Parry to Griffith Wood. (died). 1693 Oct. 7. Robfc Moore s. of Jacob Moore to Rich. Roberts. 109} Mar. 22. Jon. Price s. of Walter Price to Jon. Boulton. 1094 May 15. Jon. Howells s. of Dan1 Howells of Holy Cross to Cha8 J ones. 109b Dec 8. Jon Rcnikers s. of Roger Reniker to is father. 1094 June 9. Richd Fardoc s. of Tho. Fardoe to his father- 1094 June 23. Tho. Prichard s. of W,a Prichard innholder decd to Richd Wheatlcy. 1G94 July 5. Tho. Wall to Edward Barber. 1094 Sep. 22. Wm Pierce s. of Wm Pierce of Castle foregate to John Taylor, retorned 1090 to John Richardson. 1G94 Oct 1. Thos Donne s. of Ralph Donne of Shrewsbury to Samuel Conny as a furrier and skinner, (escaped*. 1094 Oct 24. " Benj. Roberts s. of Tho. Roberts bellfounder to Rich Wheatley. 1093 Dec 20. Peter Davies s. of Wm Davis of Shrewsbury clothier to Edw. Benion, retorned 1090 to Tho8 Evans. 1094 Nov 0. Rob1 Williams s. of Roger Williams of Dor- rington to John Mecormich of Shrewsbury tailor. 1G94 Oct 17. William Longden s. of Tho. Longden of Shrewsbury to Roger Chandles. 1G94 Jan 8. Richd Drury s. of Crispin Drury to Fabian Orm. 1G94 Feb. 9. Wm Watson s. of Wm Watson to Wm Jenings of Leighton. 1094 July 19. Edwd Webb s. of John Webb decd to Fabian Orm, retorned to Sam. Morris. 1095 Dec. 22. Francis Bishop to John Monsloe. 109% Feb. 2. Rich® Mall s. of Jon. Maul servitor of Bctton to Henry Corsueh. 1095 M ay 8. John s. of John Berinton of Shrewsbury to John H ughes of Astlcy. (dead). 1095 May 29. Richd Evans s. of Edw, Evans of par. Llan- silin to Tho. Evans. 1095 Henry s. of Isaac King decd to Henry Gor- such. 1094 May 21. Thomas s. of E. James Covins s. in law of Tho. Wbitekers of par Sl- Julian, Shrewsbury to Ed. Charles, THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 257 1725 May 12. Tho8- Hosier to W,n- Blakeway. 1725 July 15. Tho. s. of Huiriph. Roberts to John Gorsuch. 1725 May 12. John s. of John James to his father. 1725 Mar. 25. Tho3 s. of Tho. Downes to his father. 1725 Jan. 1. Richd Jones s. of Rich'1 Jones to his father. 1725 Aug. 3. George s. of Wm Hanmer of Pontesbury tailor to Richard Andre wes. 1725 Mar. 1. Ed\vd s. of John Hill to John Griffithes. 172G June 10. Benj11 Smith to Joseph Braine. 172G Ap. 2G. Richu Richards to Richd Griffithes. 1725 June 24. Wm s. of Wm Powell to his father. 172G Nov. 13. John s. of James Pughe junr to Sam1 Parker. 172? Mar. 21. Richd Lewis to Edw Oliver, (died). 1727 June 7. John Owen to John Jarman. 172? Feb>r 20. Robert Jones s. of Jones of Sutton to Job Blarkley. (died). 1728 June 24 John s. of Sam1 Powell to his father. 1728 Dec 21. Wm Farmer to Robfc Rawlins. 1728 Jan. G. Andw Davies to Wm Pinches, (crossed out). 1728 June 25. John Jones to his father John Jones. 1728 Sep. 7. Griffith s. of Morris Egallsea to Wm Eggallsca (crossed out) his master being no inhabitant. 1728 Ap 23. Tho9 s. of Tho. Tomkis of par. Sl Alkmond to James France of Harlcscot. 172G Dec 10. Edmund s. of John Jones to Roger Griffiths, rctorned to his father. 1729 Dec 15. Tho8 Betton to John Owen. 172D May 21). Samuel Wilding to John Gough. 1729 Sep. 12. Wm s. of Marg* Lloyd to Job Blankley. 1730 June 27. Nathaniel s. of John Drink water decd of City of Worcester to \Vm Barton, rctorned 1734 to Joshua Parkinson. 1730 Dec 23. John s. of James Wilson of par. Sfc Alkmonds to John Hale. 1730 Dec 22. John s. of John Robinson of par. Sl Chad to Rob1 Ncedam. 1730 Dec 22. Edwd Powell s. of Sam1 Powell to Charles Powell, retorned 1734 to his father. 1730 May 23. Samuel s. of Thos Barber to his father. 1730 Jan. 20. John s. of John Owen to his father. 1731 Jan 1. Joseph s. of Riehd Fardoc to his hither. 1731 Mar. 25. Wul s. of WIU Ilusscy of par. S. Mary to Geo. Hay ward. 1731 Sep 7. W" s. of Rich'1 Williams dec*1 to ThoB Speak of par. S. Mary. 258 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1731 Sep 7. Rich'1 s. of llichd ^Williams decd to George Scawkcott. 1731 March 23. John s. of George Haslewood of Bridge- north to UichJ Malle'jtinr. 1730 Fob 1. Rob1 3. of Cha8 Davies to his father. 1730 Nov f>. Jeremiali s. of Thos Thomas to his father. 1732 July 5. Samuel s. of Sam1 rerdduck par. Sfc Mary to James Finance of Harleseot. 1732 Aug 18. Hob* s. of the widow Rebecca Corson of Wolverhampton to John Gorsuch. 1 73 L Dee j 7. John s. of widow Cheshire to Daniel Clcmson. 173 L Samuel s. of widow Jackson of par. S. Chad to Roger Griffiths of par. S. Julian. 1732 Jan I. Andrew s. of Rich* Edwards of Shrewsbury to his father. 1733 May 17. Samuel s. of Wm Blake way to his father. 1733 Dec 25. John s, of Abraham Jones of Frankwell to his father, (crossed out). 1733 Jan 1. Edwd s. of Edwd Moodey of par. of Montford to Tho9 Barber of par. Sfc Chad. 1734 May 18. John s. of Roger Griffiths jun of par. S. Julian to his father. 1733 Oct. G. John s. of Edwd Hanmar to John Rusheing. 1731 Dec. Rich* Rolands s. of Lewis Rolands to John Mallard. 1731 Dec 17. Tho8 s. of Widow Leech to John Griffiths. 1733 Feb 13. Rich* s. of Widow Downcs of par. S. Mary to Richard Dorrington. 1734 June 24. Tho3 s. of Rich Griffiths to his father. 1734 Ap. 7. Joseph s. of George Hayward to his father. 1734 Oct 1. John s. of John Taylor of Meole Brace to Richard Hindeley of Abbey foregate tailor. 1735 June 1G. Joseph s. of Joseph Braine to his father. 1735 June 27. Wm Spoonely s. of Jane Gerrea of par. S. Chad to Joshua Parkinson, retorned 173J to John Meigher. 1734 Sep 29. Wm s. of Richd Jones to his father. 1735 April 21. Rob* s. of Richd Evans of Shrewsbury tailor by consent of John Laighton Esq. to John Jerman junr, re- torned 1736 to John Jerman senr. 173G May 19. Tho8 s. of Sam Newens of Yorton par. Broughton to his father. 1737 June 14. Laurence s. of James Heath to his father. 1739 Mar. 24. Wm s. of John Mitchell to his father. 1743 June 14. Luke s. of Rich'1 Hindley of par. S. Julian to his father, THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 259 1741 June 14. Samu s. of Wm'Haberley of par. S. Julian to his father. 1735 April 21. Edwd Bottley to Rob* Needham. 1737 Mar 25. Benj. s. of Rich* Fardoe to his father. 173G Nov 15. Tho9 s. of Widow Hopton to Daniel Clcmson. (crossed out.) 173G Oct. 21. James s. of James Pugh to Edw. Jones. 1737 Jan G. Tho9 s. of Rich* Jones of Shrewsbury to his father. 173G John s. of John Jones of Salop to his father. 1743 June 14. Tho9 s. of Wm Phithian of par. S. Mary to his father. 1735 Sep. 29. Wm s. of John Shaw of Shineton to Richd Asterley. 1738 June 2G. Tho9 s. of Tho9 Smith to his father. 1738 Dec. 1G. John s. of John Campbell of Sfc Chad par. to Wlu Blakeway. 1738 Nov. 2G. John Jones to Edw. Lewis. 1751 Jan 1. Frederick s. of Richd Beech of par. S. Alkmond inn holder to W* James of par. S. Mary tailor. 1739 Nov. 2. Tho. s. of Tho. Holmes of par. S1 Chad to Tho9 Oakley. 1742 Oct. 22. Jeremiah s. of John Baker of par. S. Alkmond to W Barton, on death retorned to Rob* Needham. 1743 July 23. Henry s. of Henry Totorson of par. S. Julian to Hichd Asterley. 1742 Dec 2. Sam1 s. of Jane Purslow of par. S. Julian widow to Robert Needham. 1744 Dec. 24. George s. of John Robinson of par. S. Chad to John Edwards. 1739 July 3. Humphrey s. of Humphrey Shotton to his father. 174G June 10. John s. of John Jerman of par. S. Alkmond to Tho" Oakley. 1740 April 15. Daniel s. of Dan1 Clemson to his father. 1741 May 1. Ceo : Davis of par. of Astley Abbots to Edw. Jones. 1744 Dec 17. Jonathan s. of John Mallard to his father. 1744 Jan. 15. Corbett s. of John Wallton senr to John Walton junr, retorned to Tho. Oakley. 1745 Jan. 19. Joseph s. of John Davies Jate of par. Sl Chad to Ceorge Hay ward, on death 1748 retorned to Tho. Oakley. 1743 Jan. 2. Edw*- s. of John Hole of par. S. Chad to his father. 1740 Jan 2. Tho9 s. of John Walton junr of par. S. Alkmond to his father. 260 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1747 Jan 4. Wm s. of Wm Baker of par. Sfc Chad to his father. 1745 Jan 2. Gabriel s. of Tho8 Lee yeoman of par. of Sl Chad to Edward Moody of par. S. Chad tailor. 174G Sep. 29. Rich* s. of Rob1 Owen of par. S. Julian to Rob1 Needham. 1747 June 23. John s. of John Gough of par. S. Chad to his father. 1747 June 23. Rich. s. of Rich. Asterley of par. S. Chad to his father. 1743 Jan. 4. Sam1 s. of Tho8 Thomas of par. S. Chad to his father. 1747 May 20. Jeremiah s. of Jeremiah Ray of Hodnctt webster to Tho3 Downes of Grinshill tailor. 1748 June 13. Sam1 s. of Rich. Derrington of Shrewsbury tailor to his father. 1747 Jan. 7. Thos s. of Edwd Thomas of Shrewsbury corviser to Tho8 Thomas of par. S. Julian tailor. 1748 Nov. 29. Edwd s. of John Simpson of par. Holy Cross to Tho8 Roberts of par. S. Mary, (ran away). 1748 Feb 27. Joseph s. of Tho. Jones of par. S. Mary to Tho8 Tomkis of Battlefield. 1748 June 10. James s. of Humphrey Shotton to his father. 1748 June 10. Wm s. of Wm Powell to his father. 1749 Nov. 5. Richard s. of Rich11 Griffiths of par. S. Julian to Tho8 Taylor. 1750 June 2G. Richd s. of Richd Hindley of par. S. Julian to his father. 1750 Nov 1. Edw. s. of Geo: Chester of Clive yeoman to Tho9 Downs of Grinsill tailor. 1748 June 10. James s. of John Holt of par. S. Chad to his father. 1750 May 1. Wm s. of Wm Habberley of par. S. Julian to his father. 1753 Jan 2. Wm s. of John Walton senr of par. Sfc Mary to John Walton junr. of par. Sfc Alkmond. 1753 Jan 5. Humph^ s. of Tho8 Roberts of par. S. Mary to his father. . 1751 Aug 17. Wm s. of Richd Mansell of Wellington to Edwd Jones staymaker. 1751 Dec 24. Andw s. of ]\,lary Webb widow of par. S. Mary to John Mitchell of par Sfc Chad. 1753 Jan 8. John s. of Benj11 Wood of par. of S. Mary to Joseph Brain Senr THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 26 L 1753 Ap. [r. Tiio- s. of Tho Mansell of par. S. Chad to Dan1 Clcmson. 1750 May 24. Wm s. of Geo : Scoltock to his father. 1754 Aug 4. John s. of Geo : Scoltock of Leaton to his father. 1751 Dec 24. Tho8 s. of Eliz. Taylor of par. S. Chad to Rich Hindley. 1755 May 1. John s. of Wm Habberley of par S. Julian to his father. 1754 May 17. Cha8 s. of ChaB Layng of par. S* Sepulchres London to Wa Philhsbury of Shrewsbury stay maker. 1753 Aug. 14. John s. of Joseph Shotton of 2sTewport co. Salop to John James of par. S. Mary. 175G May 21. Thos s. of Tim^ Bellis of par. S. Chad to his father. 175G Ap. ID. John s. of David Roberts of par. S. Chad tailor to John Robinson (master eloped). 1756 July 5. Thos s. of John Davies of par. S. Chad inn- holder to John Mallard of par. S. Alkmond. 1755 John s. of John Morgan of par. S. Mary laborer to Wm Hussey of par. S. Mary. 1756 July 12. Richd s. of John Hinley of par. S. Chad maltster to Timy Bel lis of par. S. Chad. 1750 Dec 26. Watkin s. of Evan Williams of par. S. Julian ostler to Edw. Botley par. S. Chad. 1758 Feb 2. W s. of Sam. Jones of par. S. Chad baker to John Mitchell of par. S. Chad. 1759 June 18. Thos s. of Tho3 Downes of par. Grinsill tailor to his father. 1751) May 1. Tho" s. of ltieh" Hinley of par. S. Julian to his father. 1759 June 25. Sam1 s. of Sam1 Spendlovo of par. S. Chad cooper to Timy Bellis. 1760 Jan 2. Tho s. of Tho Oakley of par. S. Chad tailor to his father. 1756 May 4. Tho8 s. of Edw. Payn of par S. chad, tailor to his father. 1759 May 21. Tho8 s. of Tho Leech of par. S. Mary tailor to his father. 1759 May 1. Rich4 s. of Tho" Edwards of Shrewsbury Iron- monger to l)aniel Ciemson stay maker. 1760 Aug. 1. John s. of John Clara of City of Bristol jeweller to Thos Barton. 1761 Jan 1. John s. of Tho8 Gray of par. S. Chad tailor to his lather. Vol. IV. Af 262 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1762 Aug 20. Edw. s. of Edw. Lewis of par. S. Chad to Tho8 Gray. 1760 Mar. 12. Edw. s. of Edw. Price of Bicton Heath laborer to Edw Moody of same place. 1760 Dec. 29. John s. of Griffith Humphreys to Rob1 Humphreys of par. S. Chad. 1762 Mar. 1. ChaH s. of Wm Belcher of Wellington Salop to Joseph Brayn junr of par. S. Chad. 1757 June 15. Tho. s. of Tho. Hughes of par. S. Mary tailor to his father. 1762 Mar. 25. John s. of John France of par. S. Chad chairman to Tho. Hughes of par. S. Mary. 1663 Jan 3. James s. of Gabriel Lee of Shrewsbury tailor to his father. 1759 June 24. Wm Wallton of Sand co. Stafford to Wm Pillsbury tailor. 1762 Jan 11. Wm s. of Tho8 Roberts of par. S. Mary tailor to Tho. Oakley of par. S. Chad. 1762 Jan. 25. Edw. s. of Wm Thomas of par. S. Chad to Wm Shaw. 1764 Jan 1. Wm s. of Wm Scriven of par. S. Chad to Rob1 Humphreys. 1765 July 6. Sam1 s. of Sam1 Wilding of par. S. Mary to his father. 1763 Apr. 18. Tho8 s. of Tho8 Doley of par. S. Chad to llichd Asterley. (ran away). 1766 Sep. 22. Richard s. of Richd Lawrence of Shrewsbury to John Corbett. 1762 Dec. 25. Tho8 s. of Richd Hamilton of par. S. Chad to Wm Shaw. 1776 June 17. Tho8 s. of Riclr4 Lawrence to his brother Richd Lawrence. THE FREEMEN'S NAMES. Richard Hussey David Evans Thomas Davies John Adamcs Richard Baker John Stile John Gardener Robert Baglley John Blake way (jieorge Crumwoll Walter Turner Thomas Gwynnet William Esdershawc Rondlc Jones Robert Antluy Thomas Charlton David Maddox Thomas Evans Richard Harris Rondlo Thomas Thomas Comioy Richard Scott Edmund Maunsoll David ap Owen THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 2G3 John Husscy Richard Evans Eomlle Tylsley John Jones Robert Bell William Byrche Edward ap Owen Richard Heynes John Browne Edward Wrighte George Go'nglie Richard Lawrence Roger Cocke Daniel Bowles Morgan Price George Cowper David Griflithes Nathaniel Evans Ellis Grifnthes Roger Morgan Robert Lawes Arthur Sherer Thomas Hiron Rhilip Hill Abram Jaundrell Jobn l>ayley Daniel Chidlowe Thomas Tanney William Mason John Browne Daniel Ryder Thomas Cunney Thomas Rawlins John Jones William Smith Robert Davies William Ryder John Evaus John [Smith Thomas Wild tag Thomas Sherer Henry Bennct Thomas Adilerton Edward Onslowo Roger Bird William Jenkin Andrew Massic Hugh Davis Wijliam Cocke William Bucknall John Jones junior Hamuel Moseley Edward Warter John Williams Erasmus Micklewrighte Richard Lithe Edmund Towers John Kinncrley Morrice Reynolde Thomas Maddox Thomas Clare Abraham Thomas Rowland Morgan Humfrey Jones John ap Evan John Baker John Tcckoe John Suker Richard Newell Roger Jackes Thomas Hodgson Henry Jones Peter Richards Richard Eva nee Pearce Jones Joseph Browne John Crompe Thomas Smyth Humfrey Brooke Humfrey Chanlcs Adam Bromley Eoulke Williams Richard Morris 1 homas Wayne Edmend Viccars John Robertes Richard Tenche Israel Croxson Thomas Ball Edward Morr:'es John Davies Richard Towers Edward Barber Charles Davies Edward Barber ( Uiarles Davies 264 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. Thomas Hiorne junr Thomas Barber Job n Pridden William Onslowe Howell Vanghan Arthur Maynewaringo Alexander Cleaton John Mnddox William Newnes John Daxe Thomas Price Stephen Edward es Richard Forstcr Joseph Bell Hugh (Jooko Thomas Jones George Fane David Jones George Cowper jimr John Jones junr William Wyther Robert Davics Richard Davyes John Woodfen Thomas Walle Richard Jenny ns Thomas Standleyc Thomas Onslowe Francis Rawlins George Knaleforde John Skrymshawe Francis Rawlins Alexander Baugho Thomas Dough tee Richard Cocke Richard Williams Thomas Edsull Francis Thomas Thomas Jaxon George Farre Henry Weston John Scott Richard Wever Philip Bonn ion John Powell sen1' Thomas Dun ford Thomas Leighton Thomas Glare Phabian Boures rJvhomas Felton Roland Harris Francis Chandles Edward Chandles Thomas Byrche Edward Benyon John Shelvocke William Browne William Smith Thomas Jones John Price William Harrison John Lloyd Isaac Davis James Richardson Philip Walker George Fantoni John Powell jun1' 1G5S John Hodges 1658 William Jcnkin 1G58 James Smith James Canings Robert (Hare William Chillon Thomas Boil ton 1CG1 Roderick Hughes John Gibbons Mathew Lloyd John Richardson 1G63 Abraham Allcox 1603 f Andrew Mansoll 1GG3 1" Samuel Comiyo Roger Pi du Edward Brookes John Ba bur Samuel Morris Robert Tench Jonathan Dugdale John 0a> tor Thomas '! orner Thomas Crowd or Thomas Dax 1GG5 Edward Davis ] GG5 John Willcox John Afo Thomas Mittomi 1GGG Josej)h Evans Thomas Pitts THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 205 Thomas Smith junr 1669 Richard Bromley Stephen Pughe Matthew Ridley Edward Gosnell William Holme George Farmer 1070 William Lewis 1G70 Edward Maddox 1C70 John Hughes Thomas Maddox 1G70 George Passand 1G70 Thomas Jennings 1G71 Benjamin Pitts 1G71 William Ragge 1G72 John Taylor Samuel Cowper John Byerlcy Thomas Williams Griffith Wood Christopher Swayle John Munslow 1674 f Richard Farmer 1674 John Jones 1674 John Exeter 1674 f James Burch 1674 f Thomas Teage Thomas Gathing 1676 Michael Carter 1G75 John Mores 167G Joseph Price 1676 Samson Porter 1677 Thomas Cuorlon 1677 f Thomas Vaughan 1677 William Hinges 1677 f Richard Houlston Edward Olivers Roger Benyon 1677 John Evans 1677 John Boulton 1677 Thomas Turner 1677 Edward Darbishirc Samuel Parker John Cucrton Richard Nowenes William Manscll Richard Whatley Peter Wood 1680 Samuel Spencer 1680 William Jones 1680 Edward Barber John Barber 1680 Thomas Chanles 1680 Charles Walle 1680 Roger Chanles 1680 Richard Fosbrooke 1681 Robert Adamcs 1680 Richard Haw aid 1681 John Tumkis 1681 Roger Rennikers 1681 Randall Turner John Exeter 6 Jan. 1681 Thomas Fleming 6 Jan. 1681 George Scrivener 6 Jan. 1681 Charles Jones Mar. 20. 1681 Daniel Matthews June 8. 1682 Charles Lloyd June 10. 1682 Thomas Adams June 14. 1682 Henry Gorsuch July 14. 1682 Thomas Fardoe Aug. 28. 1683 Nicholas Baxter Dec. 18. 1683 Phcbian Orm Jan 14. 1688 Joseph Stephens June 18. 1684 James Parker Aug. 9. 1684 Richard Dax Nov. 20. 1681 Charles Owen Jan 5. 168J Samuel Mose Jan. 5. 168* William Tooth Feb. 27. 168' Joseph Jones 1686 Rowland Deaking 1686 John Downes 1686 Joseph Tan n at 1686 William Maddox 1686 John Pheasant 1686 Richard Chandles 1687 John Worthington 1688 John Wynn Nov. 16. 1689 John Morris Jan. 1689 Richard Smyth Sep. 1690 Joseph Harries 1690 Thomas Sherwood 1691 John Bolton Jan. 1691 Samuel Evans Jan. 1692 - Richard Bowdler Jan. 1692 Richard Roberts July 1692 John Hughes Jan. 1693 2'6§ THE GUILDS John Jukes Jan. 1G93 John Bishop Ap. 1694 John Macormick June 1694 John J arm an July 1 09 1 Thos Dax July 1096 William Biglcy Jan. 1696 John Andrews Jan. 1696 Thomas Newell Jan 1697 David Lloyd Jan 1697 William Barton Jan. 1698 William Barber Jan. 1698 Thomas Pichford 1G98 William Swinton Jan. 1698 Mathias Wilding Jul. 1698 John Roberts Jan. 1698 John Humphreys Nov. 1699 John Morris Jan. 1699 John Hughes Jan. 1699 Richard Kidgway Jan. 1699 Lewis Powell May 1700 George Hall June 1700 William Wigley Jan. 1700 Benjamin Pitts June 1701 John Walter Jan. 1701 David Jones Jan. 1701 John Price Jan. 1701 William Cadman Jan. 1702 Peter David Dec. 1702 George Jones Dec. 1702 Harry King Jan. 1703 Uichard Jennings June 1704 Richard Andrews June 1701 William Powell June 1704 John Griffithes June 1704 Joshua Gibbons June 1704 William Farmer June 1705 Samuel Powell July 1705 Charles Tyler Jan. 1705 Richard Mall Jan. 1705 John Howells May 1706. William Blakeway May 1706 Roger Griffiths June 1706. Robert Rawlings June 1706 Thomas Spoke Jan. 1706. Michael Andrews June 1707 John WooJhall June 1707 Ed\vd dwindles June 1707 Abraham Jones July 1707 OF SHREWSBURY. John Griffithes Dec. 30. 1707 Richard Andrews Dec. 30. 1707 Samuel Newnes Feb. 1707 Thomas Fardoe Jan. 1708 Roger Edge Sep. 1. 1708 John Wakefield Oct. 12. 1708 John James Nov. 1708 John Rushton Feb. 1708 Rich11 Gregory Jan. 2. 1709 William Savage Jan. 5. 1709. George Hay ward June 1710 Richard Evans Jan. 1710 Thomas Smith Jan. 1710 Charles Davies March 1710 John Powel 1711 Edward Fair brother 1711 Henry Harrison 1712 John Iliekes Aug. 1712 William Houldstonc Ap. 1713 William Eyton May 28. 1713 Richard Jones July 27. 1713 James Parker July 29. 1713 William Jones Aug, 10. 1713 Richd Haberley Aug. 24. 1713 W1U Barkley Oct. 12, 1713 Charles Powell Mar. 1714 John Waterman May 1714 Ed\vd Fleming July 1715 Richard Stevens Sep. 1715 Joseph Williams Jan. 1715 James France Jan. 1715 John Gorsuch Jan. 1715 Wm Eccleshall Mar. 1715 Joseph Machin 1716 Thos B lake way Tho8 Tinsley 1716 John Jones 1717 John Owen Nov. 30. 1717 Samuel Parker Dec. 31. 1717 John Morris Dec. 31. 1717 Richard Fardoe Dec. 31. 1717, William Meirc June 5, 1718 John Gough Jan. 2. 1718 Joseph Wadkin Dec. 2. 1718 James Evans Feb. 9. 1718 . John Griffithes May 19. 1719 Will"1 Pugh July 10. 1719 James Heath Oct. 5. 1719 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 207 Samuel Davis Oct, 5. 1719 John Jones Nov. 2. 1719 Tho. Thomas Nov. 23. 1719 William Harrison Dee. 2. 1719 Edwd Lewis Dec. 29. 1719 Richd Grimthcs Mar. 1. 1719 William Pinches Mar. 12. 1719 Rich* Edwards June 6. 1720. Edward Purslow July 4. 1720. John Williams Aug. 28. 1721 Job. Blankley Sep. 22. 1722 Tho. Spendelow Jan. 3. 1722 William Baker May 17. 1722. Rich* Pmjh. Nov. 27. 1722 John Mitchell Dec. 10. 1722 William Phithien Jan. 4. 17§ Joseph Braine May 18. L723 John Mallard June 3. 17213 Will™ Habberley Jan. 9. 1723 Tho8 Dowries Feb. 15. 1723 Daniel Clemson Sep. 22. 1724 Roger Griffis jun1' May 29. 1725 John Jones s. of Cha8 Jones May 29. 1725 John Fardoe June 2. 1726 Tho3 Taylor 1726 Richard Durrington Feb. 13, 1726 John Watts Mar. 17. 1726 Robert Needham May 21. 1727 William Browne July 5. 1727 Thomas Barber Feb, 22. 1727/8 Richard Henley July G. 1728 William Morris July 15, 1728 Riehd Davies Sep. 3. 1728. Thomas Mall Sep. 3. 1728 Rich* Asterley Oct. 23. 1728 John Jones Feb. 24. 172S William Jones June 9. 1729 John Barber Dec. 1729 Edwd Payne 1729 Richard Mall Mar. 22. 1730 George Scawcockc May 24. 1781 William Mallart June 1. 1734 John Hicks junr July 18. 1732 William Harris Ap. 12. 1733 Tho3 Oakley May 12. 1733 John Jarman May 14. 1V33 Humphrey Sholton June 7. 1733 Joshua Richardson Jan. 24. 1733 Edward Jones Oct, 1G. 1731 Edward Hill Oct. 28. 1734 John Edwards Jan, 2. 1734 Tho3 Tompkis Ap. 25. 1731 William Powell July. 1734 John Blake way Thoa Juckes 1736 Samuel Wilding 1736 John Wyer John Evans Jan. 4. 1736 John Corbctt George Hay ward June 5. 1738 William Hussey June 5, 1738 Tho8 Roberts 1741 Tho8 Barton Jan 29. 1738 John Holt Nov. 17. 1740 Tho8 Hosyer June 1. 1741 Sam1 Blake way June 1. 1741 John Walton June 9. 1741 Dan1 Mathews Sep. 4. 1741 John Powell June 21. 1742 John Cheshire June 21. 1742 John Jukes Feb. 16. ]742 Joseph Brain June 20. 1748 John Downes May 28, 1744 Tho8 Downes jimr May 28. 1744 Richard Jones May 13. 1745 Edward Moody Jan. 2. 1745 William Shaw June 23. 1747 John Robinson June 23. 1747 Edwd Botley Feb, 7. 1748 Andrew Edwards May 29. 1719 Thomas Holmes Juno 6. 1749 John Hanmer June 18 1750 John James June 19. 1750 Andrew Bridges Oct. 15. 1750 Timothy Bellis Feb. 23. 1753 Benjamin Fardoe Jan. 4. 1754 William Phillsbury Ap. 2. 1754 John White June 17. 1754 Tho8 Hughes Sep. 16. 1754 John Sherrey June 10. 1755 Corbctt Walton June 21. 1756, Thomas Gray June 13, 1757 ' James Shotton June 21. 1757 John Goodall Aug. 8. 1757 Joseph II ay ward May 24. 1759 268 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. Join Wood June 18. 1759 Tho8 Leech June 18. 1759 Rob1 Humphreys Sep. 8, 1759 ThoH Smith Ap. 7. 1700 The" Morris Ap. 7. 1700 Rich11 Asterlcy junr Juno 12. 1700 William Manscll Aug. 26. 17G0 William Parkar Jan. 1. 1761, Samuel Edwards June 2. 1761 William Faireioth June 2. 1761 Tho8 Jones July 5. 1762 Gabriol Leo Jan, 3. 1763 llichd Bindley Aug. 1. 1763 Sam1 Derrington June 25. 1761 John Uabbcrlcy May 16. 1765 Wm Jones junr Feb. 3. 1766 Wm Jones June 2. 1760 John Meighen June 10. 1766 Thomas Walton July 29. 1706 John Morgan Aug. 0. 1700 Robert Colley May 27. 1771 Tho8 Taylor May 27. 1771 ' ..*.'•,•* , .. - *<, . *\ ■ . Thomas Moody May 23, 1812 Edward Edwards June 11. 1822 Samuel Moody June 11. 1822 William Guest (Ilarmer hill) Aug. 25. 1823 Thomas Griffiths Aug 30. 1823 John Owen June 14. 1825. John Vaughan May 18. 1820. Edward Hanmer Sep. 14. 1827 James Evans Feb. 11. 1828 Richard Breeze May 29. 1828 William Morgan May 29- 1828 James Feim staymaker Julv 30 1830 John Owen staymaker Oct 30. 1829 William Myers June 0. 1831 John Bowen July 24. 1831 William Darlington May 20. 1832 John Phillips Sep. 8. 1832 John Williams May 31. 1832 THE NAMES OF THE HALF BROTHERS. Edward Gosnell mercer June 17. 1669 Isaac Davies Philip Walker William Hanson Samuel Candy (Coney) s. of ThoH Coney of Shrewsbury tailor dec'1 (skinner) Michael Andrews Pelham Corbett William Matther hosier Dec 8. 1769 John Pichford Robert Larkin Robert Finch Richard Willjane Edward Barratt Esq. Robert Evans. Richard Andrews Thomas Ruck Aug 18. 1687 Samuel Cooper William Lloyd 1691 Edward Gregory Oct 0. 1095 Crispin Drury Ap, 24. 1696 Richd Mason Ap. 24. 1696 Edward Wattson 1699 Robert Wood May 6. 1703 Mr Michael Briekdale July 7. 1704 Thomas Hughes Oct. 30. 1707 Michael Andrews Dec 2. 1718 Juno 11. 1683 Jul ward Lloyd Es<], John llollins Doct. of Physic Finias Foulk Doctor Andw Taylor gent John Littelton gent Will. Kinaston gent Rob1 Forster gent John Woolding gent Rich11 Salter gent Oswell Smith gent Will1" Jones Esq. Rich'4 Scott gent Thomas Dawes gent M1' Edw'1 Gosuell THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 2G9 Moses Reynolds Esq. & Mayor 1699 John Skrymshali gent Mr Rich. Loxdale June 1707 Mr Richd Chandles linend' 1714 James France 1715 Richd Tornkies Innholder. 1717 Thomas Alien 1717 Richd Dickin gent. Elizabeth Macormick May 10 1719 Tho3 Swanwick July 25. 1721 James Pool May 29. 1724 James Berrin July 1. 1726 John Jones May 21, 1727 George Baldwyn Aug. 22. 1720 Mr Joseph Norgravc Oct 3. 1726 William Baron Feb 21, 172G John Henches Aug 5. 1727 Thos Cooper Feb. 23, 172;] Martha Jones Feb. 9. 172™ Jane Humphris Feb. 13. 1732 John Danks July 1. 1730 William Evans Apr. 10. 1733 Thomas Davies Jan 2G. 1733 Isaac Prychard May 9. 1731 Joshua Wheeler Oct. 1G. 1734 Edward Killing George Heath 1734 Griffith Humpbres Feb 13. 1732 Humphrey Davies May 1742 John France Feb. 20."l743 Edward Eckley Apr. 1. 1745. William France July 19. 1748 William Swanwick Feb. 20. 1751 Meredith Davies Jan. 5. 1753 John Doncaster June 18. 1754 William Stone July 0. 1754 W Joseph Parry Dec. 17. 1759 Mr Woodruff Oct 18. 17G2 liichd Oliver June 17G8 WARDENS. 1627 Robert Bell 1639 Roger Ceckes John Williams Humfrey Chandles ' 1628 Daniel Bowles 1640 Thomas Sherer John Smyth Thomas Addcrton 1629 Henry Bennett 1G41 John Jones Henry Jones Alexander Clcaton 1630 Raudle Thomas 1C42 Daniel Bowles Handle Jones Henry Bennett 1631 George Cowper 1618 Humfrey Chandles John Williams John Dackcs 1632 Thomas Sherer 1614 Roger Cockes John Smyth Thomas Adderton 1633 Daniel Bowles 1645 Thomas Sherer John Jones David Jones 1631 Henry Bennett 1646 Daniel Bowles Thomas Connye John Jones 1635 Robert Bell 1647 John Dax John Williams Rich; rd C >cks 1636 Thomas Sherer 1648 Humphrey Chandles George Farr Thomas A ddevton 1637 Daniel Bowles 1619 Thomas Adderton John Jones Hugh ( !ooke 1638 ThoH Con.nye J G50 Daniel 1> owles Henry Bennett Thomas Sherer 270 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1651 JohnDax Thomas Jaxon 1652 Richard Coxes George Farr 1653 Thomas Adderton Edward Chanles 1654 Daniel Bowles Edward Benion 1655 Francis Chanles George Cowper 1656 Richard Cockes George Farr 1657 Thomas Adderton Thomas Jaxon 1658 John Dax Hugh Cooke 1659 Edward Benion Thomas Doughty 1660 Richard Cockes Edward Chandles 1661 Francis Rawlins Francis Chandles 1662 John Dax Thomas Burch 1663 Thomas Jaxson Thomas Doughty 1664 Edward Chandles William Chilton 1665 Richard Cocks John Gibbons 1666 Francis Rawlins Matthew Lloyd 1667 Francis Chandles Thomas Burch 1668 John Dax Edward Chandles 1669 John Gibbons Thomas Dax 1670 Matthew Lloyd Thomas Clare 1671 Richard Cockes John Hodges 1672 Samuel Conney John Wiicox 1673 Francis Rawlins Benjamin Pitt 1674 Matthew Lloyd Thomas Dax 1675 Thomas Clare George Former 167G Edward Benyon died John Hodges Samuel Cowper 1677 John Willcox James Richardson 1678 Benjamin Pitts John Monslo 1679 Thomas Dax Joseph Price 1680 John Hodges G.iffith AVood 1G81 Samuel Cowper Edward Darbishire 1682 John Mounslo Richard Wheatly 1683 Rich? Cocks John Gibbons 1681 Francis Rawlins Benjamin Pitts 1685 Edward Darbishire Roger Benion 1686 Thomas Dax Daniel Matthews 1687 Joseph Price George Scrivener 1688 Griffith Wood Samuel Parker 1689 Richard Whateley Henry Gorsuch 1690 John Monsloe Edward Ollivars 1691 Joseph Price Thomas Woolen 1692 George Scrivener Richard Bromley 1693 John Gibbons Richd Fosbrook 1694 Samuel Cony Richard Whately 1695 Griffith Wood Thomas Evans 1696 Joseph Price William Tooth 1697 John Monsloe Richard Smith 1698 Richard Fosbrook Roger Chanles THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 271 1G99 John Gibbons gent Thomas Dax 1700 Richard Smith Richard Dax 1701 Richard Wheatley Richard Roberts 1702 John Munslow Charles Wall 1703 Griffith Wood Johu B o nit on 1704 Richard Fosbrooke Charles Jones 1705 Henry Corsueh John Jarnian 1706 Samuel Parker Joseph Harries 1707 Thomas Dax William Bagley 1708 Richard Roberts John Humphreys 1709 George Scrivener Richard Mall 1710 John Jarman William Powell 1711 Samuel Parker Richard Jcniugs 1712 Thomas Dax William Blake way 1713 Richard Roberts Abraham Jones 1714 John Jarman John James 1715 Richard Mall Thomas Smith 1716 William Powell Henry Harrison 1717 Samuel Parker George Hayward 1718 William Blakeway John Gorsueh 1719 Thomas Dax Roger Griffithes 1720 Wihiam Powell William Jones 1721 John James Samuel Parker junr 1722 Thomas Dax John Griffithes if 23 Thomas Smith John Rushton 1724 William Jones John Griffithes junr 1725 William Powell Charles Powell 1726 William Blakeway William Maer 1727 Samuel Parker John Hicks 1728 John Griifis William Barkley 1729 John James Daniel Clemson 1730 John Rushton Richard Fardoe 1731 Thomas Smith John Fardoe 1732 Roger Griffiths Richard Jones 1733 John Griffith John Mallard 1731 Charles Powell Robert Needham 1735 Daniel Clemson Samuel Powell 1736 John Jarman Richard Fardoe 1737 Thomas Smith James Heath 1738 John Fardoe William Powell 1739 John Mallard Richard Edwards 1740 William Blakeway Edward Lewis 1741 Charles Powell John Gough 1742 Samuel Powell Richard Asterley 1743 Samuel Parker John Owen 1744 Daniel C! cm sou Thomas Oakley 1745 Edward Lewis Richard Dcrrington 1716 John Gough John Holt 272 THE GUILDS OF SHREWSBURY. 1747 Richard Asterley Edward Jones 1748 Thomas Oakley Thomas Roberts 174rowne for gatheringe forfeits 3fI. Paid for walking the fa\ re G'1. I 'aid for a warder 3d. Spento at the taking in of freemen 1/G, Paid for the black cloth 12/- Paid w* was spent at an assembly in my house 1/- Paid w4 was laid out at Thomas Clare's buriall 1/- I'aid M1' Maekworlh for Counsell 5/- Paid for a pottle of sack to Mr Maior sente 2/- Piiid for a p'cept 1/2 Paid 3 witnesses 1/- Paid the traync souldier 1/- I'aid lor keeping the Armour this yeare 2/0 Paid (lie rente of (he hallo 1/8 L:iik Item given to pore people wth letter's of request... 0 2 !) Item pd for a book concerning ye fast ... ... 0 10 Item pd for a book ... ... ... ... 0 10 Item ])d for a fox head ... ... ... 0 10 Item pd for the Alterac'on of tlie book of Common Prayer ... ... ... ... 0 0 G 1G95. Itm pd for a loade of Slate & carriage ... ... 0 9 G Itm pd Tho : Prcene for poynting yc Church k Steeple ... ... ... ... G 12 0 Itm pa for Crests 2/ & for gathering of moss G/ ... 0 8 0 Itm pd for a booke of injunctions ... ... 0 1 0 Vol. iv\ am 318 churchwardens' accounts of the Itm pd for a Booke of Articles & another for ye Minister ... ... ... ... 0 2 0 Itm pd for a Booke for a ff ast ... ... 010 Itm pd for a Booke of Thanksgiving ... ... 0 10 1696. Itm paid for a Booke for a fast ... ... 010 Itm payd ye Aparitour for another prayer booke 0 0 0 Itm paid to Geo. Dallow for getting hewinge & laying ye flaggs in ye Chnrcli ... ... 1 15 0 Itm payd for a Booke for a last ... ... 0 10 1 097. Itm gave the Ringers uppon y° proclamation of peace ... ... ... ... 020 Itm pd yc Parrittcr for 2 Books ... ... 0 10 Itm for one Prayer Booke ... ... ... 000 Payed for Candle to ring Corfu ... ... 0 10 1 09!). Itm for a Book & yc Bishop's Letter ... ... 0 10 Itm for Candels to ringo Curftulls ... ... 0 10 Itm for a Book of Articles ... ... ... 000 Itm receavcd for two Burialls in y* Church ... 0 6 0 1700. Pd for exchanging y° Com'on cupp ... ... 1 11 0 P? for repairing y* weather cod? ... ... 0 0 0 Pd for a Hook of' Acts of Parli^'t ... ... 0 2 0 P,! y*' Clerk for cleaning ye Clnirch against Mr Archdeacon's com inge ... ... ... 0 10 Mem' Roger Manscll's legacy of XI 5 0 was paid towards y° making of ye new window in ye Church between yc Stee])le & Church Porche A no 170:}. 1701. Pd ye Parrittcr for a booke & a note to alter y 6 names in ys booke of Com'on Prayer ... 0 1 0 1M Thomas Baker for cloth to mend ye Kings Arms & for ye doeinge of itt ... ... 0 8 0 1702. Pd for a Booke At Papers ... ... ... 0 2 0 Pd for a new Beear ... ... ... ... 1 5 0 Mrf Buretter lor another Booke ... ... 0 1 0 PARISH OF CARDINGTON, CO, SALOP. 319 Pd for a new Dyall Poste L foi' makeinge Culler- inge & oylinge Carriage & put tinge itt upp Sz mendingo ye Dyall 170:3. Pd for two books for fasts Pd for changing ye Com'on Flaggons ... 1704. Pd to a Traveller wch had great loss by water * d to a Traveller \vch came out of Turkey * J for a new Hearse Cloth ... Pa y° Ringers att y( Pd for mendingo ye Surpless 1705. Thanckgiveing pa Pd Pd pd pa pa p.. Pa pa pa 1706. to ye Ringers y6 first Thanksgiving . . . for a Book for ye Thanksgiving to workmen for stripping lathing & slating Church for scubling ye Slate to y6 Ringers another Thanksgiving at y° Court att Ludlow my Journey a Rook for ye Thanksgiving for a book for ye fast on ye 9th of April for a Rook for a Thanksgiving for directions to alter the Common Prayer Recd for breaking ye ground in y° Church for Priscilla YYhitefoot 1707. Pd for Candles to ring Curfeu Pd for a Rook for a thanksgiving Pd for binding the Church Riblc Pd for a Book at ve Visitation 1708. Pd for half a thousand of laiw Church Pd Richd Moore for slateing the Church Pd for a Book for a Thanksgiving Pd to ye Ringers on ye thanksgiving Pd for another Rook for a Thanksgiving Pd to tlie Ringers ye 2d thanksgiving .. Spent at Ludlow about Souldiers Slate for the 0 10 0 0 2 0 0 1 (i 0 10 0 10 1 12 6 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 0 10 7 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 11 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 3 4 0 10 0 10 0 2 0' 0 10 0 10 0 2 0 0 1 2 1 9 2 0 320 CHURCH wardens' accounts of the 1709.' Spent when we set the work at ye Steeple ... 010 Pd the Parriter for a Book ... ... ... 010 Pd Mr Atkess for Levarises and concerning- Thomas Whettall ... ... ... ... 0 9 6 Pd to the Baly ... ... 0 14 Spent at ye Court ... ... ... ... 0 2 0 Pd to ye Baly for keeping Whettall's three hease... 0 2 0 Pd the Parriter for a thanksgiving book ... 010 Pd to the Ringers a thanksgiving day ... ... 0 2 (> Pd for shatting the bell toung ... ... 000 P for two new locks for ye poors box ... ... 0 1 G P the Parriter for a book for a fast ... ... 010 Pd for a purss to keep breef mony in . . . ... 004 1710. Pd for a Book for ye Clerk ... ... ... 0 3 0 Pd for 2 thanksgiving Books ... ... ... 020 Pd ye thanksgiving day ... ... ... 030 Pd for cleaning ye Church Plates ... ... 010 Pd for changing one Plate & Gun & buying one Plate... ... ... ... ... 0 2 0 Pd for writing a Catalogue of ye Church Writings 0 0 G 1711. Pd for pointing the Church y° North side ... 0 12 0 Pd for repairing the Great Bell ... ... 0 G 0 PdforaBooke ... ... ... ... 0 10 1713. Pd for 2 Books of Articles ... ... ... 0 10 1714. Pd for ringing on ye Coronation day ... ... 030 Pd for 2 p'clamations ... ... ... 020 1715. Spent at measuring ye Church Lands ... ... 0 2 0 Pl for a Book of thanksgiving ... ... 0 10 Pd Mr Richd Smith for Paper L writing over an old Terrier of ye Church land yl was gone to decay ... ... ... ... 01G Pd Jno' Langford for measuring & copying the Church' land in a Terrier ... ... 0 5 0 Pd to a Letter of liecpiest ... ... 0 2 G Mem' (hat I wo years' Legacy of linger Mansell y° one boingo due in y" year ol' or Lord (3 oil 1707 y'' other duo in y° year PARISH OF CARDINGTON, CO, SALOP. 321 1714 ye whole beinge 21 43 6d was laid out in ye year of or Lord God 17 1G to paint ye Kings Amies in ye Church anew itt beinge an Ornament to ye sd Church accordinge unto his Will. 171G. Pd to John Bromley for adorning y° Church ... 050 1717. Pd for proclaiming y° Child that was left in y° Church Porch in Shrewsbury Bridgnorth & Wcnlock ... ... ... ... 0 2 G Pd Widdow Pigg for clothing y° child that was left in y° Porch ... ... ... 050 pj £or gCttmg a Pass & Petition written and signed for y° Soldier ... ... ... 030 1718. Pd for pulling down the Boll ... ... ... 010 P* for carriage of y° bell to the water & from ... 01)0 P for carriage of y° bell by water ... ... 0 I) G PJ for hanging y° bell ... ... ... 0 3 4 Spent at hanging y° bell ... ... .. 0 2 0 Pd to y° Bellfounder ... ... ... 0 15 1) PJ for takeing it out of y° Court concerning the '■' ■iB^^^'t,®- ' ''T-T., ' 0; 0 4 mo. P'1 to Mr Piles Register concerning the book of Common Prayer ... ... ... 0 3 2 For a frog lock link & 2 Staples for yc bell house door ... ... ... ... ... 0 0 2 For writing in y° Common Prayer Book ... 0 0 G 1720. Kec of Ralph Woofe for breaking up a Crave in yu Church ... ... ... ... 0 3 4 172J. Pd for a Prayer Book for y° Fast ... ... 0 1 G Pd Clog Topps for ye Wench att Plash ... 012 For mending ye Font lidd ... ... ... 003 Mcmm that Roger Malleoli's Legacy due in y° ycarc 1721 was layd out in reiieweiag ,of yu ICpitaph over y° s.i Roger Malleoli's with Leale Cold ill being decayed. 1722. l,Jk for a booke of thanksgiving ... ... 0 10 Vol, IV. an 322 churchwardens' accounts of the 1724. For a Book of Common Prayer ... ... 0 13 0 1725. For mending yfi Carv'd Work ... ... 0104 For pointing the top of ye steeple ... ... 0 4 4 For mending ye Desk ... ... ... 0 0 S 1726. PJ for a new Surplice & making ... ... 3 0 0 1728. Memm y1 Roger Malleoli's Legacy due for the yearc 172S was fourteen shillings of it paid for a new Font in the Church it being an Ornament to the Church according to his Will. 1729. For taking in a Certificate to Ludlow concerning y6 Church yard ffenco ... PJ ffees to M1 Stephens ^ Ml Herds ... Pd for a Pook of Homilies 1730. My journey to Ludlow concerning the Church yard fences Then p'1 to the Proctour his fee P1 to the Proctour to attend the Archdeacon's Court concerning the fences Pa to Mr Stephens to speak to M* Hords to take up a Certificate concerning ye Church yard fences M* Hords refused to take in the Certificate till M Stephens went to him Then pd to Mr Hords to receive the Certificate . . . PJ to* Tho. Hamonds for bowing & cielim>* one o o Pay in the Church ... ... ... P* to Promley & others to help at y ; repairing the King's Arms in the Church ... 1731. PJ to Mr Ric. Corfleld because no Apprentice was sett out in y,. year 1730 ... P1 for 12 Pottles of Wine '& 7 loaves of Prea ... ... ... ... 0 2 0 Pd Thomas Bishop of Enchmarsh for weigh- ing and carriage of yc Bell and putting him on board Charles Jones Vessell ... 0 9 0 For Ale ... ... ... 0 0 4 Postage of Letters ... ... ... 004 £0 15 8 1752. Pd for a Paper for y° propagation of yc Gospel ... 000 Making 3 new Wickets & Stile into the Church- yard ... ... ... ... ... 414 Pd for 4 Bosses for ye use of yc Faunt ... ... 020 Expences about the Great Bell — to Gloucester & hanging ... ... ... ... 5 0 0 For bords & nails to put behind y° Coat of Arms 0 0 9 Work done in the Church ... ... ... 399 Pd Charls Jones of Salop owner by Budhall's order for yc casting of yc Bell ... ... 17 0 0 1741-2 Gallery erected in the Church. W. A. L. 32f> BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE. By WILLIAM E. BECK WITH, Eaton Constantino (Continued from p. 895 of Vol. II, J In my former paper on this subject, written in 1879, I included 224 species. I am now, through the kindness of several correspondents, able to add 0 more, that have occurred either within the limits of the county or close upon its borders. I have also obtained some information on the breeding habits of a few of our rarer residents, which, I trust, may prove of interest. PEREGRINE FALCON, Falco peregrinus. The following" instance of a pair of these fine falcons, building about twelve miles from the boundaries of Shropshire, is worth recording : — In 1879 a pair of Feregrines built in the Berwyn Mountains, near Pistj'll Rhaiadr, The female was unfortunately shot on the 10th of June, and is now in the possession of Mr. Charles Kcmpster, Nessclifib, to whom I am indebted for these particulars. The mule, however, soon obtained another mate, but 1 cannot say whether they eventually reared a brood. GOLDtiN ORIOLE, Oriolus galbula. The Rev. Canon Butler kindly informs me that about the year 18GG he saw two Golden Orioles at Ham age, near Cound. He at once recognised them, having the year before been travelling in Italy, where they arc common. BEARDED TIT, Calamophilus biarmicus, This rare Tit appears to have been resident at Aqualate, on the borders of Shropshire, in former times, though it has not been seen there for some years. Garner, in his Natural History of Stafford, published in 1814, says that this species "has occurred at Aqualate and tho Rev. John Meredith, of Kinnerley, has kindly contributed the following interesting notes : — " A pair of Bearded Tits bred in the 1 Mere Meadow,' at Aqualate, about 1819 or 1850. The late Sir Thomas and Lady Boughey knew of tho nest, and the young ones fled in safety. Another BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE 327 nest was aftorwards found, from which two eggs, now in the possession of Mr. Francis Boughey, were taken. Both nests were built in gorse-bushes." This is, I fear, the last instance of their breeding in the locality. SHORE LARK, Alauda (Mpestris. On the 9th of December, 1879, I saw a femalo specimen of this rare lark, in the flesh, at Mr, Henry Shaw's. It had been killed near Enville, close upon the borders of Shropshire. On writing to Mr. II. A. Payne, who had sent it, he kindly replied — " I shot the Shore Lark within a mile of Enville : it was quite alone in a grass field when I found it." HAWFINCH, Coccothraustes vulgaris. Since writing my paper on ' Shropshire Birds ' in 1879, I have obtained the following information respecting the breeding of this bird in the county. The Rev. W. II. Wayne kindly informs me that, about the year 18G5, a pair of Hawfinches built in a tall hawthorn tree at Tickwood, near Ironbridge, and that some of the young birds were caught as they came to cat the peas in the garden. In 1878, a labourer living on Cound Moor, saw two old birds feeding their young, which had only just left the nest. He caught and reared one of the young ones, which proved to be a female Hawfinch. It is now iu his possession, and has become exceedingly tame. In 1879, Mr. Henry Gray, of Ludlow, a very careful and accurate observer of birds, wrote on the 30th of July, to tell me that he had twice within the last week seen old and young Hawfinches In a garden, near his house in Ludlow ; and in a subsequent letter ho added " Mr. McBain, son of Lord Windsor's head gardener, told me that there were three Hawfinches' nests in the apple trees at Oakley this Summer, and that the young flew from two of them, but the third was forsaken," This last nest, containing two eggs, Mr. Gray afterwards most kindly procured for me, and it is now in my possession. ('HOUGH, Fregilm graculus. In the Spring of 1880, I saw a specimen of the Chough that had been killed about 18G2, by Payne, then gamekeeper to Mr. Ormsby Gore, near Gobowen. He found two of them on a hill during a very severe gale, and shot one, which he stuffed, and still possesses. These birds had, no doubt, been driven by stress of weather from the Welsh coast, along which a few are still to be found. LITTLE BITTERN, Botaunts minulus. A lino ami nearly adult male specimen of this small Bittern is is the possession of Mr. W. Sparling, Potton Hall. It was shot by his gamekeeper on the 19th of May, 1880, near Croscmcro Mere. The first recorded British example of this Bittern appears to have been obtained iu Shropshire. Pennant, in his British 328 BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE. Zoology, published in 1812, thus mentions it: — "This species was shot as it perched on one of the trees in the Quarry, or Public Walk, in Shrewsbury, on the banks of the Severn ; it is frequent in many other parts of Europe, but is the only one we ever heard of in England." POCHARD, Fuligula ferina. Though I have no doubt that this duck sometimes breods in Shropshire, I can only bring forward one instance of its really doing so. Colonel the Honourable F. C. Bridgcman informs nio that he found a Pochard's nest, with the eggs slightly incubated, at Tong Mere, on the 14th of May, 1875. TUFTED DUCK, Fuligula cristata. I have before mentioned a single instance of this species breeding in Shropshire, a nest having been found by the late Mr. W. H. Slahey, at Hatton, about the year 1855. But now, through the kindness of Colonel the Honourable F. C. Bridgeman, I am able to place this handsome duck among our resident wild fowl. Writing from Weston Park, near Shifnal, in 1880, Colonel Bridgeman says — " Seven or eight pairs of Tufted Ducks remain to breed here every year. They began to do so about ten years ago, and then only one pair remained ; but the number gradually increased, and now we have seven or eight pairs every summer. On the 6th of May, 1871, I took a nest with the eggs nearly hatched ; and I found a nest with the young only just hatched on the 3rd of July, 1874." Colonel W. S. Kenyon Slaney also informs me that in 1878 and 1879 a pair of Tufted Ducks reared a brood on a pool at Hatton, the locality where they had bred some five and twenty years previously. LONG-TAILED DUCK, Fuligula glacialis. I am indebted to Colonel the Honourable F. C. Bridgeman for a notice of this rare northern species having occurred in Shrop- shire. Colonel Bridgeman writes — "A Long- tailed Duck, u young male, was killed by Lord Newport at Tong Mere on the Gth of November, 1871." This specimen, a bird of the year, is now in Lord Bradford's collection at Weston Park. fijftpaf' ra flab jfytri thro $h ipuft W 9 mmh tyfmr'$m m $a f ue'jra ftf fettma n# aoulto fori fta tr^at Qjtrttu^ alta $rw fopn^ or flab Wdnpk tihftf thw $htflttofii$ mrn^^ttti^M '$mm\ &Ift gueira fiuttatd terns auoKa foil fra bp! [}ttJ*flu| eita jrrtal j 329 HARLEY CHURCH, CO. SALOP. By Rev. W. A. LEIGHTON, B.A. (Camb.), F,L.S„ &c. The Church consists of a western tower, nave, north aisle, and chancel, with a porch to the south door. The tower, 10 feet 10 inches square, and Avails 3 feet thick, is oJ three storeys, the lower one open to the nave by an arch with plain lined imposts and square piers, and lighted by a large perpendicular west window of three lights ; the second storey is lighted by a small lancet on north and south ; the upper storey lighted on either side by a decorated window of two lights, and sur- mounted by battlements. The nave is entered from the south porch by a very rude circular door, and has in the south wall two square -headed mullioned windows. It is open to the roof, which has rude beams, and is supported on the north side by three rude wooden pillars. It is 40 feet 5 inches long by 16 feet 10 inches wide. The north aisle is 7 feet 8 inches wide, and is lighted at the east by a small mullioned window of two lights, with trefoifed head, and at the west by a small trefoiled light. The chancel is 24 feet by 14 feet. There is no division between it and the nave, only a slight break and part of the old screen remaining. At its east end are three very narrow lancets, on the north two very small lancets, and on the south a square-headed mullioned window of two lights. The priest's door is square. The font is a circular bason, standing on a smaller circular shaft and a circujar pedestal, plain and massive. Such was the state of the Church in 1827, but since that date it has been restored : the north aisle entirely Vol. iv. ao 330 I1ARLEY CHURCH, CO. SALOP. removed, the nave rebuilt with clumsy decorated windows on north and south, and a small arch made between nave and chancel, and screen removed. Jn the tower were three old bells with the following ... o inscriptions : — ist gr'e mi cl o p n 2nd gra an na o 3rd or'a ma via p n But at the restoration these were re-cast. In Mr. Wm. Mytton's MBS. are these memoranda :— " Mem. no Township. — Farms, Blakeway & Bowley. — A field here, called ye Castle-Hill, but in y° Franchise of Wenlock. — Land mostly arable. — Plash brook runs eastward of the Church to Sheinton; it rises at Plash. — Breadth of ye Church, including N. aisle, 23 ft. G in. ; Breadth of ye Chancell 13 ft. 6 in ; length of chancell 23 ft. 5£ in ; length of church 40 ft. ; length of Belfry 13 ft. G in; breadth of belfry 10 ft. 9 in; breadth of church exclusive of N. aisle 1G ft. 5 in. Part of Harley Town (viz. 4 Houses) is within ye Franch' of Wenlock. —Glebe land at 20£ p. ann. : Wakes after Mich8 da7-" There is a tradition in the parish that the Harnage family of Belswardine was accustomed to bury at Leighton Church, but that on one occasion, in taking a corpse across the river to Leighton, it was upset into the water, and on that account the liar n ages were subsequently interred at Harley in the north aisle. RECTORS. 1301 Richard do Kynscdcleyc 1305 Thomas do Langeton resigned 1312 1313 John do Lcicestrc ob. 1331 1331 Henry son of Richard do Harley ob. 1353 1353 Sir John lo Fanner ob. 13G8 13G8 William do Stapclford resigned 1403 1403 Sir William do Conyngton J 400 W" Stopulibrd 1590 Thomas Bond IIARLEY CHURCH, CO. SzVLOP. 331 1652 Richd Wicksteed burd 1659 ' Fowler 1664 Richd Phillips burd 1667 1668 Benjamin Jenks bur4 1724 1724 William Painter bur4 1747 1747 John Greaves burd 1775 1775 James Dewhurst bur4 1781 1782 Edmund Dana resigned 1782 J. Gibbons W. Greenham present Hector. On stone tablet, east of chancel (now removed to the north wall of chancel). Venerabilis Vir Ben : Jenks 1 In hac Ecclesia per 56 Annos Docendo, Vivendo, Scribendo, Animis Lucrandis incubuit. Tandem, Domino Vocante, Servus Bonus & Fidelis, Coelo maturns, lntravit in Gandium /Eternum 10mo Die Moji, A.D. 1721. yEtatis Sua) 78v" Hoc Mouimcutum Martha Conjnx amantissima Arms: — Arg., ,3 boars' heads couped, 2 & 1, set. with a chief indented sa. impaling ga. a fesse vair az. & dry. between three mullets 2 & 1 art). 1 Of this Rector the following short noiiee appears in Salisbury's Border Counties' Worthies, Ser. I., p 113 : — Jenks, Benjamin, a pious divine of the English Church, was a native of Shropshire, rector of Harley in that county, and chaplain to the Earl of Bradford, lie died in 1724, aged 78, and was buried in Harley Church, of which he ha. June 9 1690 Harnage Mary of Bolswardine bd Mar. 26 1695 Sprott Thoy bd Apr. 24 1605 \Vm s. of \Vm & Margfc bp. Jan. 12 1096 Ann of Wigwic bl July 22 liieii* of Wigwick bd Nov. 17 1698 Frances d. of Frab & Elinor bp. Mar. 31 1702 Francis of Wig wig bd Oct. 15 1708 Detton Richd bd Mar. 5 1710 Sprott Mary of Wigwig bd June 27 1715 Harnage Sir Richd of Belswardine a worthy member of Parliament bd Nov. 30 1723 Woolaston Rich* md to Rebecka Jan 18 Detton Mr Rob1 bd June 1 — Mra Frances widow ba July 15 Vol. iv. ap 338 HARLEY CHUKCH, CO. SALOP. 1724 Jenks Eenj. Rector b'd May 14 1724 Painter Wm Rector succeeded 1702 Sprott Elioner d. of Fra8 & Elioner of Wigwig bp. Jan. 10 The existing Register begins 1745. Revd Mr Painter burd Oct. 10. 1747 1748 Marg1 Dicken bu May 20 Mrs Judith Ellis of Broseley burd Sep. 4. 1709 M" Alice Dewhurst burd July 5 1752 1752 Mrs Harnage bd Oct. 7 ' Mr James Dewhurst burd Dec1 1751) Mr John Dewhurst burd July 30 1700 M'8 ' ranter bd Dec. 30 170 1 IV \Vm Harnage burd Dec. 30 1702 Mr Wa Henry Harnage bap. July 31 1703 Mr Roberts burd Oct. 14 1703 M> Henry Harnage burd July 22 1704 M™ Harnage burd Jan. 1 1705 Mrs Dod bur March 31 1700 John Greaves of Wroxeter Baehelor and Alice Dewhurst of Harley Spinster married G July 1709 present Henry Corbet Dewhurst & Anne Mytton Alice d. of Rev. Mr Greaves & Alice his w. burd May 21 1771 Mrs Newton burd July 3 1771 James s. of Mr John & Alice Greaves bp Feb. 4 bd J uly 22 1772 M13 Greaves w. of Revd Mr Greaves burd August 3 1772 Ml Thomas Evans of Leighton k Mrfi Sarah Corfield of Harley marrd 17 April 1773 Ann Painter bd Feb. 12 1774 Rev. Mr John Greaves burd May 13 1775 M" Henrietta Dewhurst bd Aug. 3 1775 James Dewhurst inf. bd July 30 1777 Ruth Ann d. of Henry Corbet Dewhurst &> Joanna his wife bap. Oct. 4 1778 Henry Corbet s. of Henry Corbet Dewhurst & Joanna bap. Oct. 23 1779 burd 1780 Rcvd Mr James Dewhurst late Rector burd Nov. 22 1781 Joanna d. of Henry C. Dewhurst & Joanna bp. June 27 1781 admd into ye Church 1782 1781 Sep. 12 burd Mrs Ann Hall of this Town 1782 Thomas Evans Curate t Revd Edmund Dana Rector resigned Key. J. Gibbon succeeded. HA RLE Y CHURCH, CO. SALOP. Ph o CO si? § O Q £ O H H HH w CO w p Ph- CO h3 m o o < Ph <1 Ph o w w P3 o Q w Ph CD CH © ~CD P3 § CO CI CO o • 2 "8 g ■:££ CD - be CD Ph hS "53 g ^ p C3 SB g r O ^ g gj 3 cf CO 02 CD M o3 CD H O o a, <*- ? o o c3 oo cs Wo fee S3 • o 8 0 o -5 » I S c3 o S 6 § © ° cu . 3 bp* So .22 S3 u si *£5 o c ft o a o M to M-< (3 ess CI ^ CO ©2 h a ?© « oco & * ° 342 HARLEY CHURCH, CO. SALOP. 1 &. m <© c5 . « o ON 5 Srto ^ •• a "no •SCO fl o i-fl co .His- £ W 4)3 -"2 S fl **h > > w ° £ rtOQ fl W © fl S -'SI -2 O ?-i © Ih W,fl « o fl U 2 5 s ° 33-^ O Ct} CI » - cj cy to a 5 "C 2 « 33^ 1 S a Jem _33 o ^ a C III ^ a C O a ii © «o « a> tew © « ci^ o £ £ "S spa t i c £ | g g^-® to 33 • " ^ 5 ci ^5 33 W » o I >s ci Is « *f lO <■ mh 5 c© rt c M-l fl as . * ' CM 33 ac,o^ 33 If- to t3 i 09 CO % to -33-3 -S^r-33 <>5 +~ "!•§! lit § ^ § ": n too pq +s ^ co .2 * " £ § S ► r- 4» S m 0 HARLEY CHUkCH, CO. SALOP. 343 -j c S3 5 *3 ^ 6 3 00 IJ1 — 1 a • e c3 5J P o r ~ Hr — o o - X = © «- c3 12 ■Ji^ZX 344 H Alt LEY CHURCH, 00. SALOl'. HARN/YGKS FROM OTHER SHROPSHIRE PARISH REGISTERS. Williams H. bd July 22. 1575 at Upton Magna John H. & Margery Bayley md 1570 at D° Eliz. H. & Wm Gale md 1575 at D° Frances H. tl. of Ed\vd bp. 1613 at Claverley Cecilia H. w" bd 1020 at Pontesbury Mary d. of Dan1 H. bd at D° 1623 Alice d. of d° bp 1626 at D° Jobn H. bd 1685 at D° Sarah H. ws burd 1689 at D° Ales H. w8 burd 1694 at Holy Cross Shrewsbury Ellen H. bd 1577 at S. Julian Shrewsbury Thos H. & Mary Pettryche ma 1581 at D° Jane d. of DanrH. bp. 1635 at D° Alice d. of d° & Jane bp. 1636 at D° John s. of John & Martha H. bp. 1676 at S* Chad Shrewsbury Mary H. of Hissington p'sh bu 1689 at Norbury Kob1 H. of Frodesley gent, b'1 1620 at Condover Eliz. w. of Dan1 H. of Dodington ba 1632 at D° Edwd H. of Erdington gent, burJ 1617 at Quatford 34 5 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS OE SHREWSBURY.1 By CHARLES HENRY HARTSHORNE. SECTION I. It must be a cause of deep regret to all who are interested in tlie literature and former condition of North Wales, that a country, possessing such numerous and striking claims to attentive consideration, should have produced within itself so few writers of its own history. And the same feeling will arise upon seeking through the pages of its native authors for a connected view of the various circumstances which influenced its political institutions, . and finally led to its extinction as an independent sovereignty. An acquaintance with these subjects must be drawn from extraneous sources of information, since the Welsh annals themselves supply but very inadequate materials for the narrative. Nor, if we turn from the relation of national events to the peculiar construction of the language, in which we wish to find them conveyed, rich as it may be in its attractions for philosophical analysis, inviting the subtle speculations of etymologists by its pure and unchanged vocabulary, and developing, as it were, the very elements of primitive speech, shall we find that it has escaped the same comparative degree of neglect. We may indeed grow bewildered by the intricate mysteries of its Triads, become perplexed by the visionary interpretation of Bardic Maxims, and lament the weakness of our faculties whilst endeavouring to unravel the prophetic books ol: Merlin and the obscure wisdom of Catwg and the Cymry ; the thoughts may 1 From Arch : Gamb : Vol. 2, 1817. Von iv Ml 346 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS yield themselves to the pleasing fascination of its melodious poetry, be captivated by the monorhythmic stateliness of the Englynion, and the liquid harmony of the Cowydd, by the flowing muse of Aneurin, and the royal inspiration of Llywarch Hen: we may become enchanted by the wildness of its traditionary lore, admire the profound sagacity of its legislators, and regard with earnest admiration its long array of tutelary saints and heroes ; and yet, after all om- en thusiasm, obtain but a very superficial insight into the national character. A keen discernment of the actual value of that kind of knowledge, derivable from existing antiquities, though still clouded by too fond a reliance on fabulous chronology, has, within a late period, become greatly extended, and it continues gradually arresting public attention. Yet it may be reasonably doubted whether the importance of preserving these remains, as any- thing more than mere objects of idle curiosity, is a sentiment so fully recognized as it deserves. It is indeed very questionable, with all the interest that has been excited, whether the duty of delivering them for the use of posterity, unimpaired by neglect or wilful injury, is a principle their proprietors conscientiously understand. In glancing, meanwhile, at the many obstacles which still intercept a fair prospect over this extensive field of observation, it must not be supposed that the different exertions hitherto made have escaped the grateful notice of the present enquirer, since it is owing perhaps not more to the intrinsic interest of the subject, than to the erudite labours of Llwyd, Davies, and Owen Pughe, and to the agreeable essays of several anonymous contributors to those valuable Welsh serials which arc now extinct, that his own attention became first aroused. He cheerfully acknowledges his great obligations to all of them, and wishes to confess how strongly their unpretending exertions have impelled him to seek for fresh supplies of information. Whilst, OF SHREWSBURY. 347 however, he must not be considered as undervaluing the least effort that has been made, still less as attempting to depreciate its legitimate influence on his own feelings, lie must honestly state that when looking at its magnitude, he thinks that very little has been accomplished, illustrative of the entire subject. It cannot be otherwise than irksome to expatiate on such deficiencies. Yet they must be gently noted, or the chasms of Welsh history may probably remain, for years in advance, unclosed. It is too apparent, indeed, to all who will permit their patriotic sympathies to flow in a natural current, that the valiant struggles of the Welsh for self-protection, their dauntless re- sistance to oppression, to capricious exaction, and injustice, have hitherto received only partial and im- perfect examination. A succinct and unprejudiced survey of their national character under all its varied aspects of individuality, and of primeval simplicity, from the time of Brutus to Cadwaladyr the Blessed, an account of the real exploits of Arthur, divested of the puerilities of the Mabinogi, and the embellishments of middle-age romance, still remain to be written. Much is left for investigation in the circumstances under which the doctrines of Christianity were delivered by Dyvan and Germanus to the Welsh Church, as well as in the security their disciples found from Saxon cruelty in this secluded asylum. The true intention of those various monuments of stone which lie so profusely scattered over the sublime heights of Arvon, amid the unsheltered plains of Mona, and the dreary fastnesses of Ardudwy, has never been rationally set forth. Their connection with the sepulchral rites and solemn super- stitions of the Celtic race, who have consecrated them to our protecting care, their identity with remains existing among the Northern tribes, who adopted the same unsettled and nomadic habits of life, and their incidental notice in the earliest effusions of the Bards, though meriting the most profound attention of ethno- graphers, have experienced little beyond the casual in- 348 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS spection of a passer-by. If ' we descend to questions of more recent date, we shall behold them shrouded under the same kind of incomplete research, and the progres- sive happiness which we shall perceive arising out of established institutions, the influence of music and of song, the thirst for martial glory- and the fatal con- sequences of intestine discord, as they pass before the mind in review, will too clearly intimate how much remains to be performed, before the world can fully comprehend the peculiar character of this important country. As time moves rapidly onwards it consigns the memory of the past to oblivion, and admonishes the witnesses of its stealthy flight to rescue its evanescent memorials from decay. Whoever undertakes, then, to gather up for the use of succeeding generations any of the scanty materials that can be saved from destruc- tion, will discharge a duty both generous in itself, and deserving the approbation of futurity. The present outline neither attempts so lofty an aim, nor yet to complete the unfinished picture which has been ex- hibited. That honourable task, indeed, must be accom- plished by some one who can, unremittingly, devote many years to the enquiry , who, with silent industry, will be contented to collect from private evidences, from public documents, from personal examination, and from the interchange of thought among minds intent upon the same pursuit, all such facts as the devouring course of ages has spared. Nevertheless, a long cherished interest in these subjects lias urged the writer to attempt something towards their elucidation, and the ensuing remarks are offered rather under the impulse of that feeling, which can only exist amongst natives, or those whom birth and education have, as it Avcre, naturalised to the adjacent district, than presented as a finished sketch of the important events chequering the later history of North Wales. Having been placed on the confines of either country, and habituated for many years to hearing the language of one, spoken willi OF SHREWSBURY. 349 the accent of the other, a Borderer may probably be cleared from the suspicion of taking an unfair view, or of having his mind warped by national prejudice, when he brings before the reader's consideration some of the concluding acts of that great struggle for independence which terminated in the disastrous subjection of the Welsh, and in the complete extinction of their ancient sovereignty. Without needlessly entering into the various causes - which from time to time excited the mutual jealousies of those two contending powers, without discussing the petty feuds, or that exterminating system of warfare which was equally adopted by both, or dwelling upon the pretexts so readily seized upon for making fresh attacks; it will be sufHcient introduction to the present enquiry simply to state, that at a very early period the English and Welsh came into hostile collison, and that even going back so far as the ninth century, we shall perceive the often disputed question of tribute consti- tuting the ostensible reason for invasion. To a nation so sensitive of provocation, so proverbially irascible as the Welsh, the idea of being looked upon as a con- quered people, and compelled to pay homage, as in- feriors, to their stranger assailants, could not fail of exasperating, or arousing their fiercest passions, of awakening a spirit of heartfelt resentment, and impelling them onwards into vigorous resistance. No wonder, then, that we may so often see them rushing dauntlessly forward in defence of their common country, forgetful, for the moment, of all those private dissensions and fatal animosities which were in reality the latent cause of their weakness, and resolving to yield up even life itself rather than recede an inch from their native soil, or part with one of their inherent rights. Offa had vainly tried to check their impetuous inroads by that gigantic Dyke, which, spurning all the natural ob- structions of mountain and morass, may still be traced from the mouth of the Wye to the parish of Mold, in Flintshire. The conflict of St. Stephen's day, however, 350 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS proved how utterly insufficient was this stupendous effort of wild and tedious industry to break the assaults of his enemies, still less to prevent his own army from disgrace. Does the inglorious retreat of Egbert from Anglesey, a monarch under whom the sevenfold powers of the Heptarchy became first virtually united, fail to shew how thoroughly imbued with patriotic energy were the followers of Mervyn when they retrieved tho sad disaster of Llanvaes, and drove the Saxon from the island? Does the resistance of Rbodri and Gwyriad to the cou federated Danes and the Mercian Berthred, stamp the ancient Briton with the brand of cowardice t Does the field of Gwaith Ilirbarth refuse to vindicate the bravery of Howel, or the battle of Llanwennoc the prowess of Einion ? Is the heroism of AnaraAvd, or Ilhodiis revenge at Cymryd, only a tradition echoed by the rocks of Conwy ? Was the destruction of Alfreds forces near Brecon, and the routing of the mingled array of Northmen and Saxons at Crosford, only the image of the chronicler s dream ? Are there no characters still to be traced on the filial pillar of Eliseg in the vale of Llangollen ? But let us desist from recounting these valiant exploits of a people so profuse in life, and confine the attention more closely to the moving causes of their subjugation. These may be sought for, first, in the peculiar nature of their Government. It was an Elective Monarchy : to this must be attributed the perpetual discord that reigned in the councils of the favoured prince, as well as the restless intrigues which weakened his authority, or disturbed his repose. The law of Gavelkind, by which the lands of the father were equally divided at his death among his sons, or the lands of a brother, if he had no issue, among all his own brethren, by constantly diminishing the patrimonial estate, im- poverished and weakened the possessors. So imperfect a notion of what actually constituted political power un- doubtedly alllicted the country very greatly, nourished all those internal disorders which kept it in a state of OF SHREWSBURY. 351 turbulent excitement, and invariably prevented a prompt and determined co-operation in defence of the common interests. This law, which was not repealed until the thirty-fifth of Henry VIII., was most pre- judicial to the general strength of the nation. By perpetually changing the owners of the soil it held the reigning prince in a state of extreme uncertainty ; his prospects of support and his government became equally fluctuating, and that unhealthy condition of affairs was soon induced which rendered the country a sickly, and an easy, prey for the rapaciousness of the first daring invader to take advantage of. These two circumstances in the constitution of North Wales will at once disclose the origin of those intestine broils which afflicted the nation, perpetually harassing to its rulers, and para- lysing their best intentioned exertions, since they had, in fact; the irksome task of appeasing civil confusion and discord before they could effectively take the field against their foreign enemy. In illustration of what has been advanced, we find Madoc ap Meredyth, the last prince of Powys, dividing his kingdom by the law of Gavelkind amongst his three sons, and, thus separating the paternal inheri- tance, it immediately fell under the power of the English crown. We see how, for the sake of personal aggrandisement, or to gratify private enmity, after they had all fought together in the same cause against Henry 1., Owen Oy veilioc and Owen Vychan despoiled one of their neighbouring allies of his possessions in Powysland ; we see Owen Gwynedd and Ilhys ap Gryilydd quickly profiting by their acts of treachery and injustice, sharing betwixt them the recently ac- quired territory, and then adding to it the lands of Cyveilioc. We find Cadwaladyr unnaturally driven forth as an exile by the same Owen Gwynedd, and compelled to seek an asylum, from his brother's cruelty, in the court of the English king : we find Prince David ruthlessly shutting up his brother GlyJlydd lor years in the desolate stronghold of (Jriccaeth, deaf to the 352 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS entreaties of that courageoits bishop of Bangor wlio implored his release (and who subsequently placed his kingdom under an interdict, in consequence of his refusal to listen to his prayers,) impervious to all feeling of natural humanity and affection, and only brought at length to a sense of compassion by the threatening retribution of his royal uncle. These, as we have observed, were two powerful causes of the secret weaknesses of the Welsh, two constant obstacles to their social happiness, and to their advancement in the principles of sound legisla- tion. However great an amount of obloquy then has rested upon the national character, or however justly reproach may attach itself to individuals, some ex- tenuation must be sought for them in this explanation. The uses of the age must help to palliate such trans- gressions ; something, too, must be attributed to the reckless spirit of the times, as well as to the faults of a system which unavoidably and unconsciously produced such pernicious effects upon the community at large. And certainly, if we would fairly estimate the conduct of the Welsh chieftains towards each other, or if we would wish to pronounce an equitable opinion on the amount of wickedness supposed at that period to be attached to such transactions, we must do it by placing them in contrast with the contemporaneous crimes of the English court. The cruelties of Cadwallon and Madoc ap Khiryd, the latter of whom slew two, and the former three, of his uncles, outrages, if viewed by themselves, sulli- ciently revolting to all our sense of private duties or public morality, yet are not, in themselves, greater instances of guilt than Offa's revenge upon Ethelred, or Edwards upon Adelwulf, whilst they must be certainly reputed as much less unnatural than Elfrida's treacherous assassination of her step-son. Nor will the whole annals of Celtic barbarism reveal any actors more detestable than yEllleda and Eadburgha, who remorselessly imbrued their hands in the blood of OF SHREWSBURY. 353 their husbands. What are -the murders of Morgan ap Oadwgan and Howel ap Ievan, when set in oppo- sition with the brutal defacement of Elgiva's beauty, by the priestly Odo, or with Eleanor's relentless triumph over the fair Rosamond ? How light is the faithlessness of ap Cynan, when balanced against the ingratitude and perfidy of William Bruce ! Owen's abduction of the wife of Gerald can hardly be deemed more heinous than Edgar's violation of Wulfrceda. The imprisonments of lago and Llewelyn ap Iorwerth were not more iniquitous than Beauclerk's savage treatment of his brother Robert at Caerdiff ; than Henry the Second's conduct to his wife and daughter- in-law ; nor than the rebellion and fraternal strife of his children. Surely the beheading of Puleston was as impartial an act of retribution as the ignominious execution of Maelgwyn Vychan, and far more merciful than the butchery of Rhys ap Meredy th, at York, and Prince David, at Shrewsbury. Can the lapse of ages obliterate from the pages of history the inexpiable atrocities of John upon his defenceless nephew, or his pitiless confinement of Eleanor, at Bristol ; can it purify the Tower from the foul deeds of Richard III ? The universal opinion of a more civilised era has not stamped the internecine struggles of the sovereigns of North and South Wales with more opprobrium than it lias assigned to the Jewish massacres of Cuuur de Lion, or to the sanguinary wars of the Roses. But instinctive horror recoils from pursuing such sickening recitals, and onended humanity would willingly veil them in oblivion. There was also another reason for the misery and disorders incessantly convulsing the nation. The imposition of tribute, an exaction obnoxious from its origin, was a ceaseless cause of discontentment, tyranny, and dispute. The victory of Athelstane, at Hereford (a.d. 933), is perhaps the earliest instance of this hateful tax being actually paid, since the days when Caradoc's unconquered soul resisted Roman Yon. iv au 354 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS domination, although the indiscreet counsel of Rhodri had previously recommended it to his descendants. Edgar, it is true, consented to commute the stipulated delivery of gold for three hundred wolves' heads, hoping, by that means, to rid the country of animals which had so injuriously ravaged the flocks of both kingdoms. But we hear no more of the subject at all until the days of Harold, when the Welsh, worn out by his restless persecutions, were again reduced to bear the odious burden, and compelled to deliver up hostages for its proper fulfilment. We know not, indeed, how long they then continued to discharge it with punctuality, but we may be certain, as the op- pression was impatiently endured, it would be evaded at the earliest moment that presented a fair oppor- tunity for resistance. The next notice, however, that occurs is in the reign of the Norman conqueror, who exacted their homage, and an oath of fealty, as feudal chief. He evidently considered them as on the same footing with his other vassals, but an early outbreak shewed how entirely he had mistaken the national character of the Welsh. Certainly, when Stephen con- cluded his peace, more than a century afterwards, their freedom was unconditionally granted, and the hateful question of homage not even mentioned. A similar lenity was not, however, experienced during the reign of his successor, whose victories over Owen Gwynedd ter- minated by enforcing the performance of the empty ceremony in the heart of the vanquished country, where he also received the two sons of the fallen prince as securities against future disobedience. This treaty (a.d. 1158), forced rather by necessity than fear upon the Welsh, kept them only for a short period in a state of humility and subjection ; for the natives of South Wales, having gained an important advantage in the meanwhile over the English troops, immediately asserted their independence. Although they could only retain it for a brief space of time, yet this way Sufficiently long to inspire their countrymen in the OF SHREWSBURY. 355 North with similar hopes of liberating themselves from their own yoke. And now do we behold, for the first moment, the subsidence of private jealousies, and the chieftains of Gwynedd, Powys, and Dinefawr, vigorously uniting themselves together to retrieve the disasters which weighed down the energies of their country. Had they always been actuated by so wise and generous a spirit, it would have been easy to foresee the prosperous results of such a confederacy. But this policy was un- happily uncongenial to the natural disposition of the people. The strength of the present league had the effect of averting the barbarous intentions of Henry, who was bent upon utterly exterminating his ad- versaries from sea to sea. The camp of Caer Drewyn still bears testimony to the precautionary skill that was exerted on the emergency. Even as the heavens fought against the kings of holy writ at Megiddo, so did they now pour out their fury upon Henry. The long ridges of the Berwyn interposed their lofty ac- clivities to his savage ambition, and the peaty waters of the Ceiriog were stained with a fresh tinge by the blood of his slaughtered followers. The monarch him- self scarcely eluded death as he crossed the stream. His forces were on all sides ignominiously routed. He had only left to him, after " Corwens day of glory," the brutal revenge, so common to the age, of retaliating his losses on the defenceless hostages consigned to his charge, and he consoled himself under his disgrace by putting out the eyes of the four Welsh princes as soon as he reached London. Circumstances like these will serve to convey some idea why the feelings of the Welsh were continually in a state of irritation, why there existed such bitter animosity to their Saxon neighbours. At a time, too, when probatory incursions upon each other were regarded rather in the light of chivalrous forays than ruptures of the peace, there was always something to excite the suspicions, or provoke the hostilities, of both 35G THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS parties. They lived with passions sensitive of every pretext for mutual collision, and earnestly sought for, rather than strove to avoid, new opportunities of grati- fying their revenge. It may he reasonably enquired, whether the Welsh had any sufficient grievance to warrant their defection when truces had been agreed upon, and whether there existed in reality any justifiable motive for their hostile movements ? In reply to this question it may first he stated, generally, that a free born tribe would naturally be found impatient of coercion ; they could hardly suffer their wanderings to be impeded by the artificial outline drawn by Offa ; and they would fearlessly deride the bodily mutilation threatened by Harold, for passing over its boundary. They could not possibly regard with sentiments of affection a line of kino-s whose undistracted efforts were directed to making- fresh acquisitions, from their own contiguous territory, and whose wakeful policy lay in placing its inhabitants, when conquered, under a severity of laws unknown in the more powerful state. Or, descending into later ages, they could not cheerfully acquiesce in all the com- mercial restrictions, the pecuniary amercements, or the fifteen penal disabilities which affected them in their principal transactions with the English. How could they behold themselves shut out from all posts of honour and of confidence, and foreigners usurping the distinctions which their own prowess had paved the way for creating ! The English barons might exult in having extorted their charters of liberty from the Plantagenets, but the scattered remnants of the ancient Britons could only depend upon the righteousness of their cause ; their personal valour could alone shield their homes from desolation, and themselves from ex- tinction. Their actual condition shall, however, be placed more distinctly before the reader's view. The first statute of Westminster (3rd Edw. I. a.d. 1275), which contained such important provisions for the redress of evils in the OF SHREWSBURY. 357 realm where it was enacted, declared that as the king's writs were not current either in the Marches, or in Wales itself, the inhabitants were dependent on the absolute will of the sovereign (clause xviii). In the second year of Edward of Caernarvon, it was decreed that all bailiffs, king's officers, and sheriffs, should not be made by the justices of Wales without the assent of the chamberlain, a functionary invariably appointed by the crown ; and that no Welshman should hold these offices, provided an Englishman could be found to dis- charge the duties. The same document in which the foregoing answer was conveyed, set forth the immense injury suffered by the people of North Wales through the defect of the royal briefs, and the neglect of suits in Chancery. (Rot. Park vol. i. p. 273.) In the 27th of Edw. III. (a.d. 1353), the merchants were pro- hibited under forfeiture of all their lands and tene- ments, from exporting their wool, which 7th clause of the Ordinacio Stapularum, though equally applying to the English and Irish, must have been peculiarly in- jurious to a pastoral people, who supported themselves by their flocks, like the Welsh (Statutes of the Realm, vol. ii. p. 334. Rot. Pari. vol. ii. p. 246-7). Again, when the citizens of Hereford complained that their Welsh creditors enforced the payment of their debts, and seized upon their goods and chattels in exchange for their own merchandise, a royal writ was promptly issued to the justices to prevent this honest method of redress ; and it is almost needless to add that replevin immediately followed the annoyance of distraint. (Rot. Pari. vol. ii p. 397.) It might be supposed these acts were all that injustice could frame ; but more severe provisions remained to be established in the reign of Henry IV. In the second year after he ascended the throne, he summoned a Parliament to Westminster, when the deliberate voice of the as- sembled representatives prdained that no one whole born in Wales should purchase lauds upon the Marches or Borders ; that they should neither bear office nor 358 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS armour, and that such as dwelt in franchised towns should produce sureties for their good behaviour. (Statutes of the Realm, 2nd Hen. IV. chap, xi.) The next act of his reign (4th Hen. IV. a.d, 1402, chap. xxvi. to xxxiv.) followed up the same stringent ordinances, by decreeing that no Englishman should be convicted in Wales, and that no minstrels should be suffered to gather the people together. How vainly was the in- strument of the domestic harper endeavoured to be silenced and broken ; how fruitless was it to check the magic effusions of Bleddyn, Casnodyn, and ap Gwilym ! The Unbenaeth Prydain might have been hushed for a little space in those rude halls where it was once so joyfully sung, but the strains of liberty could never be effaced from recollection ; the martial Cornbuelin might be unstrung, and the mellow sounding Crwth lie tune- less upon the mournful hearth, but their music would live in the undying affections of the people : the aged bard might be driven into banishment, as an eyeless, mutilated spectre, but still The harp of Cambria would, in other hands, Remind the Cambrian of his father's fame. The statute goes on to state that no assemblages should be made throughout the country, that they should neither victual their castles, nor retain them, nor fill any post of honour or dignities whatsoever. Even Englishmen, if married to Welsh women, were declared to be similarly incapacitated. The discredit of such enactments must not rest entirely against the king ; his lords and commoners must equally share the blame of such harsh and impolitic measures. The petitions of the latter indeed asked for them ; the Parliament bore a close resemblance to its present form, and the powers of each estate were fully settled ; so that this was, undoubtedly, a legislative assembly, and the clear interpreter of the national voice. How was it possible, then, for neutrality to exist '\ or how could confidence, or sincerity, or friendship, spring out of such vicious OF SHREWSBURY. 359 maxims of government, and such popular ill-will ? But no sooner are these restrictions removed than the political disease is at once cured ; no sooner are the laws of the two countries consolidated, then anarchy and discontentment instantly die away ; and a new body, full of strength and beauty, occupies their place. Simul alba nautis Stella refulsit, Dcfluit saxis agitatus humor, Concidunt vcnti, fugiuutquc nubcs, Et minax (quod sic voluerc) pouto Unda recumbit. And may it not be asked, how did England, so tardily alive to the advantages derivable from leniency and conciliation, though having already, for more than two centuries, witnessed their happy fruits in her treatment of Wales, endeavour to reap profit from the trial % how did she govern herself in succeeding years, or learn to compose her differences with her other dependencies ? did experience remove her prejudices, or severity in- crease her power % were religious animosities and civil contest more easily suppressed by persuasive argument, or by the shackles of tyranny ? Let the enactments, remaining so long unrepealed on her statute books, answer the questions ; let the fiscal duties imposed upon her foreign colonies testify how utterly powerless she found herself to enforce such arbitrary restraints ; let her oppressive taxation of America shew her entire want of prudence and magnanimity. The imagina- tion may indeed still tell how the herioc bark, which carried Madoc ap Owen Gwynedd across the desert waters of the ocean, wafted with its crew the seeds of that liberty and independence which, wither ing or crushed in their native soil, were destined to produce "the mighty Spirit of the Future " in the distant West ; but, as the more conscientious duty of considering the real cause of Cambria's fall is the intention of the present sketch, it must be restricted, as much as possible, to matters of fact. 3G0 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS SECTION II. It has already been mentioned that the question of homage perpetually involved the Welsh princes in disputes with the English crown, and it evidently appears that this imposition was never complied with until every expedient had been adopted for avoiding it. At an earlier period there might, indeed, have been some doubt as to the exact nature of this claim ; it is not very clear how far it might have been virtually recognised, but when King John ascended the throne, the intestine divisions of the Welsh had so weakened them, that, unable any longer to struggle effectually against their neighbours, they formally submitted to a domination which they had in reality no power to resist. Llewelyn ap Iorwertli was about to espouse Joanna, the natural daughter of the English monarch, and this alliance afforded a good opportunity for plac- ing the peace of the two kingdoms upon a secure foundation. Before this marriage the Welsh prince entered into a formal treaty with her father (1201), in the presence of the Bishops of Bangor and St. Asaph, the High Justiciary, and several of the chief nobility, when he swore perpetual fealty in the most ample manner. On other occasions there might have been some reservation, but on this the feudal homage was complete, the form was fully expressive of vassalage, and, as far as it was possible for a public instrument to effect such an object, the dependance of the Welsh crown was unconditionally acknowledged. On reading the clauses of this treaty,1 we find them couched in a spirit of international wisdom, apparently very equitable, and the regulations laid down for the trial of disputes of any border conflicts that might arise, are seen standing in singular relief to the general usages of any age characterized, in other respects, by numerous acts of injustice and barbarism. A charter, 1 Rvmor, vol. i. p. 84. OF SHREWSBURY. 361 issued in the preceding year in favour of the Jews, may be alluded to here, as remarkably analogous to it in these respects, though Llewelyn obtained by homage what this persecuted race had to procure at the cost of four thousand marks.1 This may seem like a large sum for purchasing so uncertain a possession as the royal favour, but it was a thousand marks less than Walter de Gray paid to the same monarch for the chancellorship a very few years afterwards. In looking at the result, we find the comparison strictly maintain- able, since the fidelity of the Welsh prince and John's conciliatory conduct towards the Jews were both equally transient. It is highly probable that this union betwixt Llewelyn and Joanna had for a time the effect of softening the animosities which disturbed the repose of both countries. John treated his son-in-law with great affection, and settled upon Joanna, as her dowry, the manor of Elles- nicrc,- in Shropshire ; she also held lands in Condover, in the same county ;3 even his chaplain, Ostricious, was provided for at the royal charge until the king 1 Sec the Charter 2nd John, i. 49, as printed in the admirable History of the Jews in England, by John Elijah Blunt, Esq., p. 132. 2 At the time of the general survey, Ellesmcre was held by Earl Roger, and subsequently under the Crown by David, the son of Owen, who married Emma, sister of Henry II. Llewelyn had full seisin of the manor in the 6th of John (Rot, Lit. Claus. 23), and of the castle in the same year (Rot. Lit. Pat. 51). It appears, from the patent rolls of the 10th year of this reign, that Batholomew Turot was governor of the castle at that time, and ordered to give it up to the custody of the Earl of Salisbury, the king's natural brother, and to Thomas dc Erdington. So that tho king reserved the disposal of the government of tho castle, Ellesmcre being a frontier town and of importance to the marches, and gave merely the rents and profits to his son-in-law (Rot. Lit. Pat. 88) ; and in proof of this, wo find amongst the entries on the Roll of the Great Pipe, 13th of Hen. III., that Llewelyn made a payment of ten pounds a year for his land in Ellesmcre. (See the Grant, Rot. Chart, 147.) 3 She held lands in Cunedure de "I Julio Regis to tho amount of £12 13s, a-year. (Rot. Magn. Pip. 13th Hen. Ill, See the writ for this assignment Rot. Lit. Claus. 12, Gth of John.) Vol iv. as 362 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS could provide him a suitable benefice.1 Soon after these events, Gwenwynwyn, chief of Powys, was sum- moned to attend a council at Shrewsbury (Oct. 1202), and Llewelyn seized the opportunity afforded by his absence to invade his possessions. Under ordinary cir- cumstances there would have been nothing remarkable in such a proceeding, but it gave rise, on the present occasion, to an unhappy estrangement of the English monarch's regard for his son-in-law. We know not indeed what constituted the offence of the Prince of Powys-land, but in the convention held at Shrewsbury on the vigil of St. Denis (May 24, 1208), he was com- pelled to swear fidelity to the English king, and cove- nanted to give him immediately twenty hostages for the full observance of the treaty, and if he did not procure more than twelve of the number in the course of the eight following days, he consented to remain as a forfeited captive, in the monarch's power, till the remainder were placed at his disposal ; whilst, on the other hand, John undertook to preserve his territories free from inroads and damage during the interval. Whilst engaged in this stipulation, John had not calculated on the ambitious views of his son-in-law, who, with the natural disposition of his countrymen, had long- cast a wistful eye over the more fertile possessions to the south of the Berwyn, nor had he believed his disposition was incapable of being wrought upon by the favours he had already experienced. It might, indeed, be stated in vindication of Llewelyn's aggressions, that he con- ceived he had an indefeasible right to the allegiance of the Prince of Powys-land ; whatever claim, however, he might set up in this respect, it was always indig- nantly resisted. Taking advantage, then, of these circumstances on the Borders, and the confused state of affairs in England, Llewelyn vigorously invaded the neighbouring territory, 1 The king- allowed Ostricius five pounds a year until he could pro- vide for him, which he afterwards did by procuring him a prebend in Ellcsmere. (Mot, Claus. 5, 43, GO.) OF SHREWSBURY. 363 and carried Ins arms into tlw3 southern Principality, It was for a short time only that he could pursue his course of devastation, for meeting with a timely check from the army of the English king, he yielded himself up to the monarch's clemency, and received a gracious pardon by the hands of Ostricious, his chaplain, whom he had dispatched to Bristol (Dec. 26, 1208), for the purpose of obtaining it.1 This was not, however, the first occasion on which the Welsh Prince had to entrust himself to the tender consideration of J ohn ; as in the second year of this reign, the monarch addressed a writ ordering Llewelyn to meet Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Geoffrey Fitz Piers, son of the Earl of Essex, at Shrewsbury, to speak together on the sub jects then in dispute. He had previously invited him to a conference at Westminster, and granted him, according to the usual custom, a safe conduct for him- self and followers, but it does not appear that Llewelyn thought proper to comply with the king s wishes.2 It might naturally be supposed that the late advances of the English monarch would have served in some degree to soften the impetuosity and check the ambition of the Welsh Prince; but, in point of moral ieeling, these two leaders stood on an equality, and whilst the one, forgetful of his sworn fidelity and of the recent forgiveness he had experienced, was again carrying desolation through Powys-land, the other, in a spirit of revenge for his inability to punish his enemies by the open chances of war, savagely put all the hostages to death who were confided to his charge. This act of atrocity must have struck all the noble families in both countries with terror, and taught them the necessity of vigorously uniting themselves together for self- protection. All at once Welsh discords were forgotten, and the three chieftains, who had recently been at war with 1 Uymer, vol. i. p. 102. 2 Hot. Chart. 103, 101, 364 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS each other, now only thought of the most effective measures to ward off the invasion of the English king. A pretext was afforded them in the cruel execution of Rhys ap Maelgwn, a Welsh noble only seventeen, who had been executed, in obedience to the royal com- mands, by the constable of Shrewsbury Castle.1 Such an act of barbarity was sufficient excuse for Llewelyn marching with his troops towards this ancient town, where he gained admittance (a.d. 1215) without much resistance ; and resumed the ancient sovereignty of Pengwern, after it had been lost to his ancestors for upwards of four centuries. A possession obtained with so little difficulty was as speedily lost. The unquiet spirit of Llewelyn led him to make new conquests in South Wales, and during his career of victory in that quarter, he received intelli- gence that Gwenwynwyn, Prince of Powys-land, had forsaken his cause and again placed himself under the protection of the English monarch. The unwelcome news struck very deeply in Llewelyn's mind, because the Prince had great power and influence throughout the country, and was moreover capable of furnishing powerful resistance to the incursions of his enemies upon the marches. It was in vain that he sent Bishops and Abbots to remonstrate with him upon this defec- tion, that he reminded him of his oath of allegiance so lately taken, or that he bade him read his written promises of faithful adherence to his own cause.2 lie had therefore no alternative left him but to chastise a vassal who was both undeserving and insensible of more lenient treatment. It is interesting to trace the movements of the belligerent parties at this j:>eriod ; to follow Llewelyn as he hastily traverses the southern principality, and observe him disposing as lie thought fit of its castles, cantrefs, and commots to his sup- porters, pursuing, in fact, a career of uninterrupted 1 Price, p. 232. 2 Price, pp. 211, &c. OF SHREWSBURY v 3G5 prosperity until he became acquainted with Gwen- wynwyn's abandonment of his engagements. The Eng- lish king's attention meanwhile was urgently called both to these outbreaks and the more formidable in- surrection of his own Barons ; excommunicated by Innocent the Third, menaced by Lewis the Dauphin of France, and assailed by his most powerful subjects, he knew not whither to turn for tranquillity. He now sought in turn the friendship of the Welsh, who, with that tone of independence which had always cha- racterized them as a people, refused to support the treacherous intentions of a tyrant. In revenge for their firm resistance to his wishes, he immediately destroyed the castles of Hay and Radnor ; as Clun be- longed to the Fitz- Alans, it probably shared no better a fate, whilst Oswestry was burnt to the ground. John passed rapidly forwards to Shrewsbury, where be tarried four days, thence to the castle of Bridge - north, and so on to the West of England. In less than two months after these events, death gave that repose to his spirit which his own line of conduct would never have procured him, and for a brief interval there was peace established between the twro kingdoms. At the time Henry III. ascended the throne, it can, however, scarcely be said that contentment generally existed amongst his subjects. The Barons had suffered so many years of thraldom under his father, that they could scarcely venture to entrust at once the sacred charge of their liberties to the keeping of so untried and youthful a personage as the new monarch, and they soon expressed this sense of their distrust by calling upon his advisers, since he was of too tender years to exercise any legal acts in his own person, to ratify the great charter so recently obtained from his predecessor. He had not in fact been more than two weeks in possession of the crown, before his subjects demanded the establishment of the rights they had been so long and vigorously contending for ; nor did 36G THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS they consider it sufficient guarantee for their perpetual security to receive at this earliest moment their simple confirmation, since they repeated their demands the following year, when a few additional clauses, probably to make amends for the omission of some expunged, were incorporated hi the statute. If the English looked with such suspicion on their sovereign, bound to him as they were by so many ties of national dependence, of fealty, or of feudal tenure, can it then be presumed that the Welsh, who virtually owed none of this allegiance to the Saxon suzerain, and who were not vassals to the race of the Plantagenets, would tamely acquiesce in the mandates of their com- missioners without uttering a murmur of expostulation ? It is truly most unreasonable to regard them during the long reign we are entering upon as being in a state of rebellion. They were not, in the first place, looked upon in the same light as their neighbours ; they already possessed an inheritable throne, and a native monarch who had the first claim upon their obedience. Whatever respect therefore was manifested to Henry in his nonage must have been the spontaneous effusion of their native kindliness and generosity, a feeling akin to that which still greets the English wanderer amid their romantic land. When we consider the line of policy adopted by his own people, both during this and later periods of his reign, it will be seen that Henry could adduce no paramount claim for such a display of their affection. There is certainly no ground for ex- pecting that to defection from Llewelyn the Welsh should also have added greater attachment to their oppressors than Henry's own people evinced. The transactions of the period Avill, however, best be under- stood by examining the official records which have been preserved, though it may be not unadvisable to bear in mind that, as all these documents embody the statements of one side only, there is a possibility of their being imbued with the colouring imparted to them by those who were interested actors. OF SHREWSBURY. 367 The English Barons, during the first two years of Henry's reign, had been sedulously cultivating the friendship of Llewelyn, and up to this point the aspect of affairs in the North was prosperous. But as soon as their confederacy with the French king was broken through and himself defeated, it became the interest of Henry's advisers to weaken the growing power of Wales. William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, was naturally anxious to urge forward a measure of this nature, as he had suffered from Llewelyn's incursions in the south. Gallo, the Papal Legate, who had re- cently conveyed to the Welsh Prince the sentence of excommunication, and those of the nobility who were appointed to manage the business of the state during the minority, accordingly summoned him to appear at Worcester (12th Feb. 1218) and render homage. That nothing might seem outwardly deficient in respect, an honourable escort was ordered to attend him hither, and the same prelates and nobles subsequently wit- nessed his extorted confessions. There is to those who, after this lapse of time, can dispassionately scru- tinize the hidden motives of the agents who performed a part in the scene that was acted, something truly repulsive and pitiable in the conduct of men, who, hav- ing once secured the person of the royal Prince, should take perfidious advantage of his restraint to effect his humiliation.1 The provisions of Magna Charta, which decreed so justly how all causes of dispute should be settled, were thus soon forgotten ; a circumstance not much, indeed, calculated to excite surprise, when we find the clause itself omitted2 in Henry's very first con- 1 Faxlera, vol. i. p. 150. 2 These very important clauses do not exist at all in the charter granted in the first year of his reign in the Durham Manuscript, which has been hitherto adopted as the one of greatest authority, but are supplied in the printed copies from an entry transcript in the Red Book of the Exchequer at Dublin, In the charter of the second year of Henry's reign they are altogether wanting. The reader will hardly forget, as he passes over the events which will bo noticed in THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS urination. On the present occasion the Welsh monarch surrendered Caermarthen and Cardigan Castles, as well as bound himself by oath not to harbour the king's enemies. By way of striking a balance and somewhat softening matters, the council permitted him to hold the custody of Gwenwynwyn s lands in North Wales and Montgomeryshire, of which the Prince of Powys- land had been despoiled by John, Llewelyn contracting during the Prince's minority to furnish reasonable sub- sistence for the children, whether they were brought up in England or Wales, as well as covenanting to pay the dowry of Margaret, the widow. Another document in the Clause Rolls issued by himself sets forth that he agreed to hold the aforementioned castles, with all their appurtenances, until Henry himself came of age ; to keep them in repair at his own cost, and to defend them against the King's enemies, receiving power in the meanwhile to appoint officers over each, and to exercise the government over their appropriated juris- diction. He also consented that the King's bail ill should hold his court in these respective castles and territories for England according to the law of Eng- land, and for Welshmen by that of Wales ; giving up as hostages for the due observance of these articles Maelgwn, the son of Rhys ; Rhys, the son of Griffith ; the ensuing narrative, that the following clauses were in the pro- visions granted tit Runcmede, but erased on the first opportunity after John's death. That this fact should now be noticed for the first time, as it is presumed, is one among many proofs to show how partially the history of the fall of Welsh liberty has hitherto been considered. The words are these : — "Si Ilex Walenscs dissaisierit vel elongaverit de terris vel liber - tatibus vel do rebus aliis in Anglia vel in Wallia, eis statim sine placito reddantur, et si fuerint dissaisiti vel clongati de tenementis suis Anglia) per patrem vel fratrcm Regis sine judicio parium suorum, Rex eis sine dilatione justitiam exhibebit eo modo quo exhibit Anglicis justitiam de tenementis Anglia), secundum legem AngHtc, et de tenementis Wallia) secundum legem Marehio, ct do tenementis Marchia1, secundum legem Marchie. Idem faciant Walcnses Rcgi ot suis." OF SHREWSBURY. 369 Madoc, the son of Griffith ; and Marenduc, the son of Robert.1 There was also confirmed to Joanna, by a writ ad- dressed to the Sheriff of Warwickshire, the manor of Budiford (Bidford) in that county, which had been granted to her by J ohn as part of her marriage portion2 Subsequently leave was given to hold a market there on Tuesdays, provided it did not interfere with those in the neighbourhood. It is very easy to perceive that the small favours which were now shewn to Llewelyn were in themselves not only of a temporary duration, but were coupled with so many guards and restrictions, that they were in truth scarcely any favours at all ; they were rather the means of secretly destroying his personal freedom, and of gradually entangling him in the meshes of an artful policy, from which it would be impossible to ex- tricate himself. We have no means of ascertaining what was the real state of feeling existing between the two countries during the interval of this arrangement and Henry's visit to Shrewsbury. On the 1st of May, however, he addressed a letter, from Campden, in Gloucestershire, to Llewelyn, informing him that he was on the road to meet him ; that Fulke de Breaute would give him safe conduct to Shrewsbury, where he wished, in conjunction with the legate, the archbishop of Canterbury, the bishop of Winchester, and Hubert de Burgh, to hold a Colloquium with him on the Monday after the Ascen- sion.3 The uneasiness Llewelyn felt at the unnatural conduct of his eldest son Griffith, might have been an inducement on his part for complying with this invitation. But besides the prudence of coming to some explanation with the English council, for those outrages committed by Griffith in keeping possession 1 Rot. CliiiiH. 22G, 417, 119. * Rot. Chuis. 37b, 87D. 8 Fadt ra, vol. i. p. 151). Vol iv, AT I 370 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS of the cantref of -Merioneth/in defiance of his father's threatening, there were differences which required settling betwixt himself and the Earl of Pembroke. An arrangement indeed respecting these complicated disputes was attempted, but very badly conceived, since all that was effected was to proclaim a truce that should continue until the feast of St. Michael follow- ing, which was leaving the real question at issue as unsettled as before. It is not, therefore, to be won- dered at that in less than a week after the expiration, the influence of William Marshall should so far prevail as to give an unfavourable colouring to the deeds of Llewelyn in South Wales, and bring him into fresh difficulties.1 One permanent effect, however, of this Colloquium was to place David, the second son, under the English king's guardianship, a protection afforded him to the disparagement of his brother, both in consequence of his being the legitimate son of the English kings sister, and because he was likely to be a less dangerous enemy to fill the Welsh throne.2 Henry remained at Shrewsbury until the 8th of May, 1220, and left the county by way of Bridgenorth, for Westminster. SECTION III. The preceding paragraphs will have conveyed some idea of the disturbed and suspicious state of feeling which pervaded the hearts of the Welsh during the long reign of Henry III. The course of events, indeed, ran dark and troubled, and there seemed already but a faint prospect of their ultimately being able to stem the current that was setting so strongly against their liberty, and gradually diminishing their hopes of mil in - 1 Sec the different grievance^ alleged on the part of the Eurl of Pembroke in llymcr's Fa dcra, vol. i. p. 161, from tbo Close Rolls, 4 Hen. III. - F&ilerk, vol. i. p. 159. OF SHREWSBURY. 371 taining independence. Occasionally a gleam of light- burst forth to cheer their drooping energies ; some temporary advantage inspired them with fresh courage, and the political mistakes of their adversaries were not entirely without their value, by reanimating the sink- ing spirits of the oppressed. An illustration of this may be taken from the transactions in which Llewelyn was engaged during the summer of 1223. He must long have felt the necessity of taking active measures for his self-preservation, and in an age when the dis- tinction betwixt petty feuds and national warfare was scarcely definable, when the least pretext for a rupture of existing truces was speedily seized, or a trivial mis- understanding adjusted by an appeal to arms rather than by negotiation, some aggressive or defensive movements would naturally arise out of such an uncertain state of relationship. It cannot be said that there was ever any mutual wish for peace ; if armed neutrality existed, this was the utmost that either party desired. No wonder, then, that Llewelyn, exasperated by the Flemings having seized the castle of Cardigan, should have retaliated the insult by ravaging the adjacent territory, and profiting by the absence of the English, should soon afterwards have laid siege to De Breos's castle of Builth, and penetrated into Herefordshire and assailed Kynardsley. The Earl of Pembroke was engaged at this period in Ireland, so that the Welsh Prince had a fair opportunity of pursuing the object of his ambition without interruption. Had he met with some formidable check in his success, it might probably have taught liim moderation in his march of triumph. But as we have already observed, modera- tion was a virtue little understood, and it can only be stated as a palliation for the cruelties which stain the pages of history, that if Llewelyn put the garrison of Aberteifi and Caermarthen to the sword, the Earl of Pembroke inflicted similar atrocities upon the un- fortunate subjects of Llewelyn, destroying all before him as he marched through that prince's country. 372 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS In the meantime Henry IJX was secretly endeavour- ing to paralyze the influence of his rival, and had sent for one of those formidable instruments from the court of Rome which should compel him to make atonement and submission under the penalty of an interdict. He had invited him under safe conduct to Worcester, but it does not appear that he presented himself at the conference. Letters patent, however, set forth that Llewelyn swore that he would make recompense within reasonable time for the injuries he had done to the English monarch, from the day of his capturing the castle of Kynardsley till that of his forgiveness. This official deed, which does not deign to make any allusion to the savage excesses of William Marshall in Pem- brokeshire, received the attestation of the primate, some of the English prelates, and several of the nobility. Yet it does not appear to have been of much service to the court, who, probably aware of their incapacity to enforce its provisions, postponed their fulfilment till Henry's arrival at Shrewsbury. This visit, delayed by various excuses from time to time, yet always procras- tinated under the hope that when it actually happened, the denunciation from Rome would effectually intimi- date, if not extinguish the courage and the hopes alike of the Welsh Prince, was however at length accom- plished, and the king reached Shrewsbury towards the close of September,- in the eighth year of his reign. Was it feebleness of purpose, or the neglect of his council, or conscious inability to effect by force what Henry so earnestly longed to put into execution, that occasioned all these delays ? Perhaps all conspired together; perhaps some sense of moral justice struggled within the youthful monarch's breast, and made him swerve from his first intention ; perhaps the private epistle1 Honorius had previously addressed to himself, an epistle in which regal duties were laid down with a sincerity very unusual, might have secretly influenced 1 See lliiy in Ilyincr. v. i, p. 177. OF SHREWSBURY. 373 his mind, and caused him on tiiree several occasions to put off the meeting : it is, however, certain that his visit to Shrewsbury, where the act of humiliation was intended to have been performed, passed away without any public expression of royal dissatisfaction. A few writs, of a miscellaneous character, were all the acts of business of which we find any mention made in the documents of the period. When, a little later in the year, the dreadful epistle came from Honorius, Henry had departed from the Welsh frontier,1 and there is no information left us as to the effect it produced upon the object of its denunciation. But, judging from subsequent events, its influence was merely transient. It becomes tedious to pursue a perpetual recurrence of similar transactions, and if a few brighter passages should, as it were, fortuitously in the lapse of years mark the actions of either party, we as speedily find them obliterated by excesses. Thus we read of Henry's penetrating beyond the English barrier, and of his vain attempt to extirpate a mighty forest where the Welsh were in the habit of retreating for protection ; of his unholy conflagration of a religious house as he was driven forth from the country (1228) ; of his partition- ing the Honor of Montgomery to the great justiciary Hubert de Burgh ; we read of the conjugal infidelity of the monarch's sister; of the perfidy other paramour De Bfeos of Builth (1230); and of the ignominious penalty he paid to her injured lord ; nay, of the kings having oflicially offered to the Irish as much of Llewelyn's land as they could conquer ; and amid such just causes for exasperation, with these inex- piable insults still fresh in recollection, and the asylum of the monks at Cridia still reeking with smoke, the prince of Aberftraw and lord of Snowdon is again invited to a conference under safe conduct, at Shrews - 1 See the Letters of Prorogation, in Rymer, v. i. pp. 178, 179 See the Letter of Excommunication, in Rymer, vol. i. p. 180. 374 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS bury.1 His messengers, Instructus and Philip, who were deputed to arrange a truce, had also safe conduct afforded them in coming to speak with the king, which was to last from the 24th of November until the Cir- cumcision, and this privilege was subsequently extended on more than one occasion, and the like exemption from injury on their return home.2 In the same way Edenevet Vaghail and Ei but he excuses himself under the plea of the great inunda- tions, Rymer, vol. i. p. 200. 376 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS should on her part be duly preserved. Upon perusing this simple engagement, we cannot help observing that the obligations were reciprocal, that the treaty was made on fair and equal terms, that the contracting parties seemed to stand upon an independent footing. Just, however, as the clauses were in their spirit, they were found not to be binding very long on either party, for some of the English barons revolting soon afterwards, they were extremely glad to enter into a league with the lord of Snowdon, for mutual defence and assistance. The sudden defection of the powerful family of the Marshalls, and the desertion of even Hubert de Burgh, were incentives to future exertion which the Welsh prince could scarcely have conceived likely to arise ; but when the eyes of these influential personages were fully opened to the tyrannical conduct of a Sovereign who, though of tender age, was yet matured in duplicity and crime ; when these men, who had previously lived in such bitter hostility to the Welsh prince, came humbly to sue for his co-operation ; he might at once have doubted their sincerity, and turned away his sight from rays of hope apparently so faint and delusive. But their rebellion had actually burst out, and he doubted not the prospect which began rapidly to extend before his ambition ; he armed himself in his advancing age with all the impetuosity of youth, and once more in- dulged the fond expectation of transmitting the British dynasty to a long race of descendants. Again we see Llewelyn in his march, shall we say of conquest? Bather in a course which is to be traced by the devastation of Brecknockshire, by the burning of Clun, doomed a second time to conflagration, by the destruction of Oswestry and Bed Castle, and by those various acts of pillage and violence which the victorious army exercises towards the defenceless inhabitants of the district through which it passes. • These things soon aroused Henry from his pusillanimity and idolence. He felt himself impotent to check the progress of his adversary, OF SHREWSBURY. 377 and could only look to a renewal of the outward good feeling lately existing as the means of liberation from a state of thraldom equally disgraceful and oppressive. In fact the terms in which the truce was drawn up that brought about a temporary accommodation evi- dently declared the improved condition and the in- creased power of the lord of Snowdon, who, now in a position to dictate his own terms, stipulated that all those who had sided with him should be restored to their honours and estates. In the eighteenth year of his reign (1234), when Gilbert Marshall had been reinstated in Henry's favour, we again hear of a Council being held at Shrewsbury, in which the archbishop of Canterbury and the bishops of Lichfield and Rochester took active steps to confirm the peace of the two countries ; and by their exertions a truce was fixed for two years, under the usual con- ditions of mutual recompense and indemnity for the late injuries.1 It was not long after this that Llewelyn had reasonable grounds for complaint against the Eng- lish. During the proposed cessation of hostilities, William Marshall, the Earl of Pembroke, had seized upon the castle and territory of Morgan of Caerleon, for which transgression the monarch found himself called upon to promise immediate redress.2 This inter- ruption to the truce agreed upon at Shrewsbury in 1234, and afterwards extended for the term of an additional year at Tewkesbury,3 occasioned another convention to be held at the latter place*4 when the king in person confirmed the terms laid down by the primate, who had directed that recompense should be made for the outrage, that during the time no new castle should be built on the Marches, nor any dilapi- dated one repaired, and that neither party should 1 Rymor, vol. i, p. 218. 2 Rymer, vol. i. p. 223, (Feb. IS, 12BG). 3 Oct. 1*2, 1234. 1 July 11, 123G. Vol IV, AU 378 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS afford protection to the enemies of the other. Then came the question of arbitrators for pacification, who were to see that the provisions were reciprocally adopted and executed ; all the preliminaries in short were formally complied with. In such a position were the relations of England and AValcs when the latter kino-- dom was deprived of the ruler, who for fifty-six years, had with such successful vigour protected its liberties. The military transactions in which we have witnessed him engaged, the difficulties in which he was involved, the incessant watchfulness indispensable for his self- protection, entitle him to the highest reputation which was obtainable in the age when he flourished, namely, that of a prince vigilant for the independence of his country. As a leader of its armies, his talents were always equal to the occasion. His own genius and dar- ing frequently made amends for the want of numerous and more disciplined forces ; and if the course of war- fare sometimes partook of inexcusable and unrestrained violence, the fault is rather attributable to the spirit of the times, than to any cruel propensities naturally re- siding in his bosom. There are few deeds of harshness and barbarity indeed connected with his life, but what when calmly examined will be found to be capable of explanation ; and they may be traced to some indis- pensable precaution, or to some extraordinary cause of provocation, whether we refer to the praedatory system of warfare in which he was continually en- gaged, to the infidelity of his queen Joanna, and the summary execution of her paramour, or to the unnatural disobedience of his own children. Llewelyn had truly no ordinary motives to direct as well as to justify his actions, whilst at all events, in those days of misap- prehended justice, the punishment he bestowed was deemed both appropriate and necessary. The aged warrior closed his life amid the lamentations of his grateful countrymen. It is said that Conwy Abbey received his royal body for interment, and that his funeral obsequies were performed there with an OF SHREWSBURY. 379 honourable and mournful regard for his virtues. But the poetic genius of the people, rather let it be said their language of daily discourse, has in imagination consigned his remains to a more suitable resting-place, and has fixed his sepulchre on one of the loftiest moun- tains of Caernarvonshire, where, rising above the huge and shattered rocks cast down by the wasting hand of time, as a beacon to the bewildered mariner, or as a guide to the humble shepherd, Carnedd Llewelyn rears it lofty summit to heaven, and proclaims the name of the Patriot Prince. Llewelyn left two sons, the youngest of whom he nominated as his successor. It has been stated by other writers, who have glanced at the history of this period, that seeing his end approaching, and overcome by age and infirmities, he urged David his favourite to place himself under the protection of the king of Eng- land, and offer homage for the inheritance. But this would have been acting in direct contradiction to the whole line of policy he had adopted throughout his life, and have betrayed a weakness very inconsistent with his lofty character. Nor in fact is there sufficient evidence of the concession to justify our belief in it. The testimony of one of those mendacious annalists, whose limited means of obtaining information are on a level with their contracted habits of thought, their prejudices and their credulity, is shewn by the official documents still in existence to be utterly unworthy of notice. That Llewelyn should have counselled his son to acquire thus early the allegiance of his own vassals, is not only a probable origin of this distortion of facts, but what we know to have really happened, It forms the subject of complaint in two letters sepa- rately addressed (March 8th, 1238,) to the father and the son, that the latter had taken active steps before the < prince's death to engage, as he in fact in some degree succeeded in doing, the homage of his nobles and other influential subjects in North Wales and Powys-land. (Rymer, vol. i. p. 235). 380 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS The new ruler had barely* possessed his dignity a month before he was summoned to a Council at Glou- cester. How different a convention Avas this to the last Henry had endeavoured to hold in that city, anil under what an altered aspect was its business conducted! At that time the English monarch, meanly passive, crouched before his own rebellious subjects, and un- manned, looked with fearful apprehension at the designs of the unconquerable lord of Snowdon. Now were his fortunes on the ascendant ; he had become reconciled to his ministers, at least a thousand marks from each had purchased their restoration to royal favour ; his sister was espoused to Frederick emperor of Germany ; he had just strengthened his interests by marrying Eleanor, daughter of the earl of Provence, and had lately concluded a peace with the king of France. Henry naturally imperious, tyrant at once and slave, would eagerly avail himself of his present advantageous position, to effect the entire overthrow of his dangerous rival. He invoked the Pope's assistance in the commencement, and placed himself in intimate correspondence with the court of Piome, a support which ultimately tended, nearly as much as his own arbitrary conduct, to cripple the exercise of his pre- rogative, and hurry on his own disgrace. David, on the other hand, was surrounded with difficulties. His fraternal enmity to Griffith, whom he had closely im- prisoned on the sea-girt rock of Criccaeth, — behaviour pitiless as the western storms which beat against that wild fortress, — and his seizure of nearly the whole of his territories, had greatly exasperated the people. Notwithstanding the precautions he had adopted to strengthen his power, this unnatural conduct had alienated him from their affections, and he had no sooner ascended the throne than he plunged the nation into a civil war. It was at this uncertain crisis, before intestine commotions had subsided, and ere his own possession of the Principality had become secure, that Henry summoned him to a council at Gloucester, OF SHREWSBURY. 381 SECTION W. We have seen in the last Section the improved position of Henry, and the difficulties that surrounded David, at his accession. Will it excite surprise, then, that the conditions of peace with England should be unjust and greatly humiliating to the weaker party f As an illustration of their harshness, we find that after David, with his vassals, had performed their homage, it was fixed that in all future matters of dispute he should abide by the decision of the Pope's Legate, who, as president, and assisted by the bishops of Norwich and Worcester, "Richard Earl of Poictou, the King's brother, and John de Monemue, on the part of Henry ; and the bishop of St. Asaph, Idenevet Vaghan, and Eignan Vaghan, on the side of David; were appointed as arbitrators ; and that for any transgression David should commit, he should unconditionally submit himself to the ecclesiastical jurisdiction and censure of the Legate, or, his functions having ceased, to the archbishop of Canterbury. These proposals, by which David had promised to give up the independence of Wales, were scarcely arranged, and involuntarily, it may be said compulsorily, signed at Gloucester, before we hear of another mandate commanding the Welsh Prince to attend in London, signed. November 31. 1 In the meantime, David had again gained .possession of his unfortunate brother, and elated by the capture, felt in no wise disposed to listen to the summons, since in plotting his ruin, he believed he was procrastinating his own, whilst the gratification of his revenge upon his helpless kinsman was a desire more ardently in- dulged, than even a regard for his own personal honour and safety, He was equally indifferent to another summons to meet Henry, at Worcester,'2 A third ap~ pointmont to enter into a defence of his conduct was 1 Rymcr, vol. i. p. 239. •; Rymor, vol. i, p. 210. 382 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS made at Shrewsbury, which We will now examine, and to this he felt compelled to pay more attention. Henry had commanded the Welsh Prince to meet the arbitrators here on the Sunday before Palm Sunday (March 17), but some of the parties being absent, the meeting- was postponed until one month from Pentecost, the 16th of J une (1241). 1 But David seems again to have evaded meeting the commissioners, being un- willing to trust himself to an interview which was likely to be fraught witli so much danger to himself. However, upon the Sunday next before the Invention of the H oly Cross (that is, the Sunday before May 3), the day upon which the Marchers consented to go into arbitration, and to appoint others in the place of those who were absent, as well as to receive and execute justice according to the form of peace that had been entered into, Thuderius, David's steward, Ennius Parvus his chancellor, and Phillip son of Ivor, clerk, appeared at Shrewsbury as his proctors ; when a dispute arose betwixt them and Ralph de Mortimer, and the steward of Chester and Griffin, concerning justice which they claimed, according to the deposition of witnesses pro- duced before Stephen de Segrave and others, the King's deputies. In consecpience of this disagreement, a day was appointed for the parties to meet a month after Pentecost, at the bridge of Maneford (Montford Bridge), beyond Shrewsbury.2 By a writ dated May 27th,3 Henry de Audley was authorised to escort David and his followers to this place of meeting, but it does not appear that the Prince availed himself of the safe conduct. In consequence of this repeated neglect, coupled with the numerous complaints alleged against him, Henry wrote a sharp epistle from Marlborough, on the 14th of June, stating to David that he had learnt that lie bad drawn some of the men of Kerry from the King's 1 Rymcr, vol. i. p. 241. ? Rot. Cluua. '20 lien. 111. in. 8, dorao. 3 Kot. Pat. 25 Hon, 111. m. G, OF SHREWSBURY. 383 allegiance, and had ravaged ,the lands of Ralph de Mortimer, and others ; that he had seized a ship, laden with corn, belonging to Chester ; at which conduct he was greatly surprised and concerned, and especially, since he had neither met, nor sent anyone to confer with the bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, John Fitz Geoffrey and Henry de Audley, whom he, on his part, had sent to Shrewsbury to make and receive amends, for injuries inflicted on either side. He therefore de- sires him to signify before the feast of St. Peter ad Vincula (August 1), how he will make atonement and reparation for such misdeeds.1 This epistle called the Welsh Prince to a sense of propriety, and he could no longer avoid coming to an explanation on the points at issue. We find Henry at Shrewsbury on the day after the time just mentioned, and on the 7th of August granting safe conduct to David to meet him there.2 If the Welsh Prince had felt great apprehension of intrusting himself within the wralls of Shrewsbury, at an ordinary conference, his fears would become hugely augmented when he learnt that the King was there at present with a numerous force, with which he was prepared to carry war into the heart of the Princi- pality. In the meanwhile, David kept his brother in close confinement, notwithstanding he was under excom- munication by the Bishop of Bangor for this act of cruelty. It is veiy improbable that Henry really felt any compassion for his sufferings ; but we know that whatever desire he might have had for his release from captivity, it was only that the prisoner might be transferred to his own custody. During the iif- teen days the King remained at Shrewsbury, many 1 Rot. Claus. 25 Hen. III. m, 7, dorso, dated Marlborough, June 14. 2 The letters were issued to this effect to the Bishop of Hereford, tho Master of the Knights Templar in England, John son of Geoffrey, and Henry do Audley, dated Shrewsbury, August 7 (Hot. Pat, 25 Hen, 111. m. 4). 384 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS of the Welsh nobles came and1 tendered their submis- sion. Amongst their number was Sena, the wife of the unhappy Griffith ; who swore allegiance, and offered to give up her two sons, David and Eoderic, as pledges that she would keep the -peace. She entreated him to procure her husband's release from confinement ; but Henry awaited an opportunity when this act of grace might be performed with the greater advantage to his own designs. Openly, however, he now espoused the side of the defenceless Princess ; for, on the thirteenth of August, he issued a writ, stating that he would freely accept all the Welsh, their wives, children, and goods, who would come and partake of his friendship, and show their fealty and service to Griffith, son of Llewelyn, late Prince of Wales, and his sons. At the same time, he published a free pardon to all who would come to his peace, and show fealty and service to Griffin, the son of Wenunwen.1 In less than a week after this declaration of his favourable disposition to the cause of Griffith, W3 find him at Chester,2 where he gave power to the abbots of Basingwerk and Chester, to conduct the bishop of St. Asaph, and David, the clerk of David, the son of Llewelyn, to the Grange of Lith, to speak with those whom they will of the King's council. As soon as David became acquainted with the manifesto issued at Shrewsbury, he foresaw the cloud gathering, which, in a short period, poured out its fury on his devoted head. With nearly the whole of his subjects in hostility against him, — universally execrated for his barbarous treatment of Griffith,- — with the cen- sures of the Church still in operation, — and a powerful English army already quartered at lihuddlan, he found himself driven into the last extremity ; and lost no time in negotiating the best terms he could for his own safety. 1 Rot. Pat. 25 lion. II I., in. 4. 8 lb. Tcstod Chester, Aug. 19, 1211. OV SHREWSBURY. 385 SECTION' V. On the 29th of August, 1241, David addressed a letter to the English monarch, in which, besides offer- ing to release Griffith and his son from prison, as well as others whom he held in restraint, he promised to abide by the judicial decision of either country, as the case might be, respecting the possesion of his brother's territory, that he would reimburse Hci.ry for iLe ex- penses of the war, and pay the usual homage These with several minor concessions he swore to on the holy cross, which was carried before him, and continued them in the royal tent at lihuddlan the day following.1 lie, moreover, engaged to keep the peace towards Eng- land, binding himself and heirs faithfully and constantly to serve the English crown, and that if ever they receded from the service due towards Henry and his successors, their lands should be for ever forfeited. One naturally considers such surrenders as these both full compensa- tion for the past and sufficient security for the future, since it is difficult to conceive what further humiliation either personal dignity or the honour of offended nations could require. But such degradation was incapable of appeasing the secret ambition of the relentless monarch, who, already bent upon enslaving his own subjects, would treat with all the unfeeling injustice that a haughty and treacherous disposition could suggest, a prince who, no longer an antagonist, fell as a suppliant before the feet of his concpieror. From a document quoted by the historian of Shrewsbury, it may be in- ferred that David had already complied with the harsh stipulations of the treaty of Ilhuddlan. The learned author of the most valuable contribution to local history which our country has produced, whose narrative of Llio intercourse betwixt the English and the Welsh docs not usually treat the latter with much sympathy, confesses, however, on this occasion, whilst adverting to these circumstances, that the litigious spirit of 1 ltd. I'ul. 25 Mm. III. in. I. Ityiuor, v. i. |>. lkJ. Vol iv. AV 386 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS Henry continued to press heeler conditions upon his unfortunate nephew, and lie admits that the new con- cessions the prince covenanted to make were not likely to be of long duration. It must, in fact, be granted, that a monarch who looked upon cunning and rapacity as the natural accomplishments of royalty, and whose general course of action was directed by a spirit of cruelty and revenge, would seize upon any, the first, pretence for annihilating his helpless rival. The period soon arrived that gave him a fresh opportunity of exer- cising his merciless prerogative. At the late interview at Shrewsbury, Senana, the wife of Prince Griffith, came as a mournful suitor on her husband's behalf, and as we have seen, offered her own sons, David and Hoderic, as hostages for her imprisoned husband s fidelity. She presented herself at the last Council, imploring the intervention of a powerful king, beseech- ing him by all the claims that kindred and oppression could make upon his sense of humanity, to mediate for the release of the royal captive. And moved by a prospect of turning her cause of distress into an in- strument for his own purposes, Henry demanded the liberation of his nephew ; yet it was but to transfer the charge of the unhappy prince from the sea-girt rock of Criccaeth, to a custody more secure. The locality was indeed changed, the wild music of the ocean no longer fell on the wretched prisoner's ear, but the keepers were still equally unnatural and devoid of pity. Walter Grey, archbishop of York, was appointed to take care of the royal prisoner, who, with his son Owen, was carried to London and consigned to the Tower. He had still one faithful friend left to him in his troubles, whose courage and sympathy never wearied ; the bishop of Bangor made another effort on his behalf, but it was ineffectual Shortly afterwards, Griffith himself made a last struggle for liberty, and endeavoured to elude the vigilance of his , keepers ; attempting to let himself down from the top of the building, by a lino formed out of the bed clothes and hangings of his OF SHREWSBURY. 387 prison, he fell headlong to the ground, and miserably perished in the tower ditch.1 From this time, David being left without a rival to the throne, there were no more intestine divisions amongst the Welsh, though the jealousies existing between the two countries burned as actively as ever. The removal of one of the princes brightened the prospects of Henry III., and gave him fresh confidence in completely reducing the kingdom to subjection, an object he never lost sight of, though he finally attained it only by the loss of much military glory, by personal disgrace, and the natural death of the ruler who had proved such a valiant assertor of the national liberty. The next heir to the Welsh throne was Sir Roger Mortimer, in right of Gladys, daughter of Llewelyn ap Jorwerth, but the nobility, deeming that an English- man would scarcely feel the same intense devotion to their cause as a ruler chosen from the line of their ancient race, set aside his legal pretensions, and elected Owen and Llewelyn, the two sons of Griffith. This decision gave general satisfaction to the Welsh, and became the means of enabling them to consolidate their power as well as preserve the peace betwixt the two countries. Yet we must not omit to mention that it was a peace purchased by concessions more severe than any previously extorted. For, besides giving up four cantrefs, all that portion of territory lying betwixt the frontiers of Cheshire and the Conwy, which may be 1 Rot. Pat, 28 Hen, III, m, G. Henry allowed his nephew a mark a day for his subsistence, whilst in custody. The Liberate Rolls, 25 Hen. III. m. 5, have an entry commanding the Sheritl to find reasonable sustenance for Griffith, son of Llewelyn, and other Welsh prisoners, whom the King had sent to be safely kept in the Tower of London. Dated, Chester, Sept. 4. An entry on the Patent Itolls, 28 Hen. III. m. G, further states that the king Avill not attribute to the Archbishop of York the accident which befell Griffith, son of Llewelyn, late Priiiee of North Wales, who, in trying to escape from the Tower of London, fell and broke his nock, nor (he escape of the other Welsh prisoners, which occurred through the negligonco . of the King's servants, in whose custody they were. Dated, West- minster, Sept. 30. 388 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS said to embrace the modern counties of Denbigh and Flint, they agreed to hold the remainder of their king- dom by the tenure of military service. Thus reduce*! to a state of complete vassalage, the often denied homage followed as a natural consequence. Limited as they were, the Welsh were now left to enjoy the fruits of this discreditable and enforced negotiation, and Having no longer any apparent chance of ameliorat- ing their political condition, their turbulence broke out within themselves. Civil discord and fraternal strife placed in the end Llewelyn on the throne, of which, amid continual warfare, he retained firm possession for several years. Outbreaks and conflicts on the Bordeis were frequently arising during the ensuing period, and we read of little else than a recurrence of events similar to those hitherto described. Affrays on the Maiches, alternate aggressions, unjust encroachments, pillage, summary vengeance, temporary cessation from hostilities, and a short truce, are the common facts detailed in the transactions of this period, and if wo meet with any variation of the narrative it is only found in the change of fortune from the arms of one assailant to the other, or in the unscrupulous disregard for ratified treaties. At this more advanced age of civilization we look with amazement at the actions of men so remorselessly and mutually cruel. We seek in vain for something to palliate their excesses, for some- thing which shall throw a veil over their unrestrained violence and wash out the stain of their crimes, but we can perceive nothing. The worst passions of the human heart were called into exercise, and the guilty ven- geance, if provoked by one party, met with sanguinary and quick redress. We see all the moral instincts and faculties of men eclipsed, and the soul darkened to a sense of truth and justice, and all the energies of two great people converted into the fearful elements of iu- extinguislinble hatred, desolation, and bloodshed. Occasionally there was a pause, not less called for by the general voice of humanity than by absolute OF SHREWSBURY. 389 necessity. It was during one of these unhappy respites from contention that Henry made another endeavour to place the relations of England and Wales on an improved footing. The wish might have arisen from a selfish motive, but at all events it proclaimed to the world the semblance of a desire for peace on his part when he again attempted this adjustment of the exist- ing dissensions. In Llewelyn, who now ruled the affairs of Wales, he found no unworthy descendant of his illustrious namesake. Like a true vindicator of national freedom, he had conducted the business of his principality with vigour, and stood out for his rights, with great inferiority of numbers, as firmly as his circumstances would allow. He never quailed before his more powerful adversary ; it may be said he rather courted than shunned the chances of hostile collision. Suddenly there arose a threatening cloud in the dis- tance. The scattered elements of confusion had been slowly gathering to this point for some time past, but Henry's attention had been arrested by other troubles ; and the state of Wales was unperceived, or, at least, it did not openly attract his attention. It was nearly twenty years since the last council had been formally convened to Shrewsbury ; and, during this long in- terval Henry had been fully occupied by the menacing attitude of his own subjects. He had experienced the distrust of his parliament. The clergy and nobility had put some restraint in their national council upon his demands (January, 1244); they had, upon another occasion (November 3, 1244), positively refused an aid against the Welsh; they had given significant utter- ance to their grievances (February 12, 1248) ; they had resolved upon withholding their supplies (January 27, 1253) ; insisted on his faithful observance of the English charters and liberties ; and wrested from him an unfettered Council, or what, in modern technicality, would be ealled a populari; mode of representation. The Spirit of the English was completely roused, and, for a while at least, a check was imposed on the 390 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS monarch's arbitrary practices. All this should have taught him the value of timely concessions and modera- tion ; but the lessons of wisdom were only enforced upon him by bitter necessity, or the sword ; and the aristocracy, for the contest lay with them rather than with the people, had much peril to undergo before they obtained redress or security. The king was fated to propound a constitutional problem for the benefit of futurity. It was partially understood in the Parliament of Oxford, but more fully proved on tlie downs of Lewes ; and posterity has echoed the justice of tlie solution. The remote consequences of the baronial struggles could not be foreseen by those who were the actors ; they perceived but faintly the rising image of libeity — the outline was shapeless and indistinct — yet they were enlightened by its halo. They caught a glimpse of its effulgence, and pursued it with all the enthusiasm of patriots and heroes; and when at last, after a series of civil wars, they grasped the object of their inspiration, and with earnest eagerness infused its spirit into their institutions, it was done with calm- ness and prudence. Their hands rested from violence, and they converted the results of their triumph into instruments of peace. They were content to lay the foundation of a dynamical polity, which kept progres- sively extending until it has arrived at its present development, when we see the lowest degrees of light as equally respected as supreme authority and the most hallowed dignity. The state of England was under- going this kind of active fermentation during the twenty years intervening since the last Council ; and the elements of civil discord had not subsided, when Henry found it necessary to turn his thoughts once more to the threatening prospects of the Welsh fron- tiers, lie accordingly ordered his army to meet at Shrewsbury, on the Nativity of our Lady (September 8, 12(50), to overawe the insurgents. For ten years the Principality seems to have lain in profound repose, 'only interrupted at the close of this period by the OF SHREWSBURY. 391 malicious representations of the1 Mortimers, or others of the nobility, who had never been favourable to the ruling dynasty. Llewelyn had occasion to justify his conduct against their malevolence, in epistles addressed on various occasions to the English court ; and he had too much reason to make complaints of the incursions of the Marches Barons.1 Preparations for active war- fare with the Welsh were announced in writs to the several bishops, in 1257, and they were summoned to furnish aid on the occasion.2 During this year several conflicts took place, and the confederacy, formed gen- erally amongst the Welsh, most frequently gave a prosperous turn to the chance of war. In the following year the celebrated convention was held at Oxford, and we find safe conduct granted to Llewelyn's en- voys, which shows that the duration of tranquillity was still precarious. The people were generally look- ing forward to some important change in the govern- ment of England to this assembly. Nor were they deceived in their expectations ; for it had the effect of entirely disorganising, for a time, the existing pre- rogatives of monarchy, by temporarily throwing the king, as a captive, into the hands of some of his own most powerful and ambitious subjects. His weakness and misconduct, his necessities and extravagance, had alienated the regard of his people, and greatly dim- inished his authority. They indeed, generally forbear- ing and always vigilant, began to show resistance to a power which they had never previously disputed. The English kings had taxed them at pleasure, and carried out their measures sometimes by violence, always with- out either the apparent sanction of the aristocracy, or any offer of remonstrance from the inferior part of the community. Like his ancestors, he attempted, but not so successfully as they did, to command the supplies for his French and Welsh wars, for his Sicilian expe- - 1 Rymcr, vol. i. p, 2 lb. p. 3(5'2. 392 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS dition, and the Pope's assistance, without the consent of the contributors. This was no new encroachment upon their bounty, but the appeal to relieve his dis- tresses became too oft repeated and too exorbitant for them to answer, and hence arose their restraint of the royal power and those provisions at Oxford which for a time threatened its very existence. The alternation of triumph at Lewes and Evesham served to restore the proper balance, whilst the provisions of the Parliament ensured some kind of regular and legislative enactments for the future. At this assembly, styled by the king in his letters patent, a Parliament, a truce was concluded with Llewelyn for a year. There were none of the usual conditions coupled with it, and the amicable relations betwixt the two nations were sustained a little longer ; and we advisedly say only a little longer, for in less than a month Henry wrote a sharp letter to him, complaining of a breach of his promises. There is, however, no reason for believing he had just cause for remonstrance at this particular interval, the contraven- tion of the existing treaties being probably magnified by the interested representation of Roger de Mortimer and his adherents, whose pretensions, as we have already seen, being set aside, he would thenceforth naturally look with jealous eyes at anything favourable to the interests of his more successful competitor for the Principality, and his relation of every feud would be distorted in proportion to his unmitigated antipathy. Twenty years, as we have previously intimated, had passed away before the Borders became the scene of any further convention. Beyond this period the ar- rangements could no longer endure, and the uneasiness arising irom the constantly recurring acts of mutual provocation at last imperiously required fresh allevia- tion. We need not diffusely enquire into specilic causes of distrust and grievance. Foregoing facts have been detailed in vain, if they have not left the impression on thu mind that the contest on (he part of the Welsh OF SHREWSBURY. 393 was thoroughly national. It was an incessant war of skirmishes and ambuscades. The first onsets were usually in their favour, but in the sequel superior numbers gained the victory, and the vanquished re- tired amono* their mountains, having been driven to cede, after every defeat, some new portion of their territory. It would be a profitless recital to narrate the numerous conflicts which took place during the period referred to, or to institute a comparison betwixt the prosperous issue to either combatants ; at one time fortune smiled on the formidable ranks of the Welsh, who defeated Prince Edward near Chester ; at another, we find the page of history sullied by some act of treachery on the part of the English commissioners, who, feeling themselves superior in number to the deputies of Llewelyn, put several of them to the sword, an unlooked-out for act of perfidy, which brought down summary death in turn on Patrick de Canton, the English mediator. Such was the sense of confi- dence entertained between the belligerents, and such were the prospects of any proposals of amity being lasting. The truce, therefore, agreed upon at the ford near Montgomery, in 1259, was not likely to be estab- lished more securely than any preceding negotiations. Accordingly, in the ensuing year, Henry summoned a general array at Shrewsbury, to proceed against Llew- elyn and his son Griffith. All the great military leaders were desired to attend with suit and service on this occasion; the bishops and abbots received similar letters, and every measure was taken to put a final check upon a power that had been a source of such unceasing un- easiness; all these preparations ended, however, by prolonging the truce of the ford of Montgomery, when Henry, believing everything was quiet, set sail for France. A little later we find the Bishop of Hereford (Peter la Aquablanca), addressing a letter to the king, filled with complaints about the incursions of the Welsh ; other movements are made against them by Prince Vol iv; aw 394 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS Edward ; and the final traits of this long reign. Tl 10 King and his son had marcher! a second time together to Shrewsbury (12G7), and the presence of both of them at the head of a large army induced Llewelyn to enter into fresh negotiations, rather than risk the chances of an engagement. The English had already marched as far across the border as Montgomery, when the Welsh deemed it prudent to acquiesce in the terms offered to them by the representatives of a nation whom they had no longer the power of effectually re- sisting. The interposition of Cardinal Ottoboni might have had some influence in modifying the language of the last convention of this reign, but at all events it was couched in language creditable to the contractors. After stipulating the restoration on either side of all j the illegally usurped territories, and the saving of the i fealty of the Welsh to Llewelyn, it covenanted that he should pay the usual homage to Henry, as suzerain, and a sum of 30,000 marks, for the injuries inflicted in j the recent aggressions. It acknowledged the right of the Welsh ruler to the fealty of his own barons, granted him undisturbed possession of four cantrefs formerly j annexed to his territory, and finally, it confirmed the title of Prince of Wales, which had been usurped by- Edward, upon Llewelyn and his descendants. All these clauses were arranged at Shrewsbury in the month of September, 1267,1 and solemnly ratified in the presence of all the contracting parties, at Montgomery, in the 1 It appears from the Patent Rolls, 49 Hen, III. m, 13, that on the 12th of Juno, Simon do Montfort aud Koger do St. John had t power given them to treat with Llewelyn in the king's name, eon- cerning the disputes between them, and arranging terms of peace ; and from the same authority we learn (m. 12) that on the 22nd of this month, Llewelyn the son of Griffin paid a fine of 30,000 marks, and the King received him and his coadjutors into favour, and ordered that the letters obligatory which he or David, son of Llewelyn, his predecessor, had mado to the king contrary to their rights and liberties, should be destroyed ; and that he should have possession of j the Principality, castles, &c, doing the king the services duo to the kings of England. Dated, Hereford, June 22, OF SHREWSBURY, 395 month of October following ; thus establishing quietness for the remainder of Henry's life.1 SECTION VI. When Edward I. succeeded his father on the English throne, he was absent in the Holy Land, and it was nearly two years before he was enabled to direct his attention personally to the state of Wales. Imme- diately, however, that the right of the crown had devolved upon the new possessor, Walter Merton, the chancellor, addressed a letter to Llewelyn, desiring him to appear before the abbots of Dore and Haughmond, the royal envoys, at the ford of Montgomery, and take the oath of fidelity to his sovereign. But not being satisfied with his proxy, the bishop of Bangor, and after waiting for the chief himself some time, they returned without fulfilling the object of their mission. This was subsequently represented as a great act of contempt and disobedience, though the reasons alleged for Llew- elyn's absence seem sufficiently plausible. A few days later he was reminded of the three thousand marks he was annually bound to pay into the exchequer, a sum now greatly needed towards the unlimited expenses of the Crusades, and the bishop of Chester, who was commissioned to receive the amount, seems to have been as unsuccessful as his ecclesiastical brethren. About this time Llewelyn had commenced the erec- tion of a castle at Abrunol, near Montgomery, and had seated a small colony there, for whose convenience he had established a fair. The king's advisers considering this an encroachment, and, what seems more difficult to be understood by those who are now living under more extended commercial regulations, a loss also to the neighbouring merchants, immediately issued an admonitory letter, desiring him to desist at once from his undertaking. Such were the transactions happening within six months alter Ed ward began to reign, and they ccr- 1 Fad. v. i. p. 471. 396 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS tainly offered but a slight prospect of conciliation and peace for the future. When, therefore, Llewelyn was urged to present himself at the English king's corona- tion, he took the opportunity of replying to the sus- picions under which he was lying, by explaining to Lord de Gray that the bishop of Bangor had duly attended on his behalf at the ford of Montgomery, but that as regarded the payment of two thousand marks to Poncius de Mora, the debt due to Henry IK., and the three thousand owing to his son, as he had no advisers with him except his brother David and the Bishop of Bangor, a prelate whose unshaken attach- ment to him under all his difficulties must for ever endear him to the regard of his countrymen, he was therefore not competent to entertain the question. The chancellor continued to press still more closely upon the Welsh prince, and proceeded to nominate a commission in which the various transgressions and injuries alleged to have been committed on the part of the Welsh should be investigated, the former place of meeting being fixed upon for conducting the enquiry. The Sheriffs of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Stafford- shire, Gloucestershire, and Salop, with all persons from the Marches, were invited to attend and prefer their complaints. There was the fullest encouragement af- forded for the relation of grievances and the adduction of accusations. Gregory X. had been appealed to as an arbiter during the agitation of the business, and he interested himself on behalf of the Welsh, as far at least as was compatible with the temporising habits of the pontificate. Upon the king's return home (July, 1274) in the second year of his reign, he at once began to display that energy and activity which never forsook him through life. These distinguishing qualities en- abled him successfully to accomplish the extension of the English frontier into the west and northern parts of Britain, though in this, fa most other instances, jlie dreams of ambition and the progress of conquest were signalized by those marks of barbarity and injustice OF SHREWSBURY. 397 which equally darken the moral sense of rectitude as they dim the brightest reputation. The Welsh wars and the sanguinary treatment of the last of the Celtic princes have left a stain upon his character, which his domestic virtues, his undaunted prowess, and his judicial labours, can never erase from the page of history. Within three months after his coronation, Edward left London with the intention of going into Wales. From Northampton a letter was addressed to Llewelyn, stat- ing that the king meant to be at Shrewsbury on the Sunday next after the Feast of St. Andrew, for the purpose of receiving his fealty, but being induced to vary his route from Northampton to Cliffe (King's Cliffe), where the Plantagenets had a royal house, he was seized with an imposthume, and the interview was postponed until the quindene of St. Martin, when he was directed to appear and render the expected hom- age. The monarch further reminded him about the debt of two thousand marks due in his fathers reign, which had now become augmented by the six thousand due since his own accession to the throne. This accu- mulation, which lie was summarily ordered to pay into the hands of the king's officers, was probably more than in the impoverished state of the country the Welsh ruler had the means of raising. Yet each year's delay helped to increase the amount, besides placing him under the colourable suspicion that he never intended to free himself from the obligation. In the following year the injunctions were renewed, and Bogo de Knoville, sheriff of Shropshire, received instructions to take the prince's homage at Chester, but in doing so, to act with wariness and prudence, and on no account to enter into a parley with him in an unsafe place.1 The king's injunctions were soon 1 Amongst the ancient letters in the Tower, No. 1341, is preserved a curious letter in Nornian French, giving an account of Wales, probably written about this time- by the same individual ; it has been considered sufficiently deserving of insertion here in a translated form, together with the original, 398 THE COUNCILS AND PARLIAMENTS afterwards reiterated to the same effect, the place " To the Noble Peer, if it pleases him, Edward by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine : his Bachelor Roger de Knovilc, Greeting, Honor, and Reverence in all things : Know, Sire, that there aro three brothers, Howel son of David, Llewelyn son of David, and David son of David, the most valiant and of the greatest* power of the land of Arwystly : and they would willingly come to your feet, if so it might be, that they might have your Letter Patent that you would maintain them in right, and it seems to me that they demand no outrage. t Wherefore, dear Sire, I pray you, if it please you, to send them your letter. Kuow, Sire, that Mr. Piers Corbet (who) lives at Montgomery, has ten covered horses, since you lately sent me your letter concerning what he was requiring ; and so if it pleased you that he might have a letter that he might undertake your service against the day of his plea in London. And, Sire, Adam de Montgomery (who) lives at Montgomery, has five covered horses, and who has fcr retinue all his people, except the corps which went to meet you at Worcester. And, know, Sire, that all things are going on well in our parts, thanks to God, and that every day damage is done upon your enemies. And the people of Pool have turned and have done homage to Mr. Griffin. And the people of the Gorsor to Mr. Piers Corbet, full five hundred and more. And a great part are turned to you of the land of Kcry. And know, Sire, that the people of Treys Ford J are turned to Mr. Griffin, of whom there may be six hundred men and more. Acquaint me, if it please you, with your will in all things. Adieu. And know, Sire, that I have received (to lay) at your feet the four vills of the land of Montgomery. " A noble Rey si lu pleist fed ward par la grace Deu Rey de Engletere Seingnur de Irlaunde et Dux de Aquitaine le son Bachiler Boges do Knoville saluz honur et reverence en tute ehoses. Sachet Siro ke il sunt treis frercs Houwel le Fuz David, Louwelvn le Fuz Davit, et David le Fuz David le plus vaillans et de greyudre poer de la terre de Arcwistly et voluntcrs vendrcyent a voster pes si issi fust ke il usscnt voster lcttre patente ke vus lur meintendret en drayture c me semble que il nc demaundent mil houtrage. Par unt cher t-ire jo vus pri si vus pleist ke vus voillet voster lcttre enver. Sachet Sire ke munsire Peres Corbet a demore a Mungomcry a dis chevaus covers, puske vus me maundastcs dcrcynemcnt voster lcttre de quei Sire il prierit et jo si vus plnst ko il pust aver unc lcttre ke il sc pust essonicr de vostre scrvise encuntre le jur de sun play a Lund-res, E Site Adam de Mungomcry ad demore a Mungomcry a cine chevaus * Query graadc, or