POPULATION.

The following official return of the population of the five parishes in Shrewsbury is according to the census ordered by government in 1831:—

Parishes.

Houses.

Males.

Females.

Total.

St. Chad

1583

3496

4224

7720

St. Mary

1080

3087

3033

6120

St. Alkmond

356

820

958

1778

St. Julian

676

1413

1583

2996

Holy Cross & St. Giles

337

656

821

1477

Total population

20,091

The public structures devoted to the service of Religion are among the first objects that excite the attention, whilst by many they are not unfrequently looked upon with peculiar feelings of veneration and regard.

If the source of this feeling were traced, it would be found connected with those principles and associations which every one who acknowledges an all-bountiful Creator, or wishes well to his country, would desire to cherish.

Shrewsbury, we learn, did not receive much improvement from its original inhabitants, the Britons; yet what it lost in nominal consequence as the metropolis of a kingdom it ultimately gained in external splendour and real importance: this is evinced, among other proofs, by the erection of five ecclesiastical foundations, all of which were anterior to the Norman conquest, and originated in Saxon piety.

Among the earliest of these may be mentionedSaint Chad’s, which is ascribed to one of the Mercian kings, who is said to have converted the palace of the kings of Powis into a church, about 780.

A dean and ten prebendaries or secular canons, with two vicars choral, under the patronage of the Bishop of Lichfield, are stated to have been placed here at a very remote period.

Under the Anglo-Saxon monarchs this college possessed twelve hides of arable land, or as much as paid for 1440 acres to what would be now called the land-tax; which, by proper cultivation, appears from the Survey of Domesday to have increased more than double. Other estates were subsequently added, which form now only insulated districts of the parish.

By the act of 1 Edward VI. 1547, the College was dissolved, the tythes and profits at that time being of the clear yearly value of about £50. The buildings and estates were leased out, reserving only the small stipend of £4. 6s. 8d. for the parish minister, charged on the dean’s prebendal estate at Onslow.

Although a lease was granted of the tythes, yet only two years afterwards the greater portion of them were appropriated by Edward VI. in aid of the Free Grammar School.

In 1579 Queen Elizabeth granted the remaining possessions of the deanery to Sir Christopher Hatton; but the corporation and parish seem to have presented to the living from 1583 until 1658–9, from which time the patronage has rested with the crown.

Saint Alkmund’s Churchowes its foundation to the piety of Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great, soon after she succeeded to the sovereignty of the Mercian territory in 912.

Her great nephew, King Edgar, being of the race ofthe Northumbrian Prince Alkmund, increased the original endowment, and (under the direction of Archbishop Dunstan) appointed a dean and ten prebends.

In the reign of Edward the Confessor, this College possessed eleven manors, nine of which, containing upwards of 4000 acres, it retained at the Norman survey.

After experiencing many of the fluctuations common to property, sacred or otherwise, during the dark ages and under lawless government, these estates were at length alienated in 1147, at the particular request of the Dean, Richard de Belemis, and with the consent of King Stephen and Pope Eugenius III. to the monastery of Lilleshull, which the dean’s brother, Philip de Belemis, had just commenced, the Prebendaries however taking care to reserve to themselves a life interest in their several stipends.

The college being thus early dissolved and deprived of its valuable estates, fell into a humble vicarage, which remained in the patronage of the monks of Lilleshull until the dissolution, when it lapsed to the crown, in whose hands it continued until 1628, when Rowland Heylin, Esq.[23]of Pentreheylin, Montgomeryshire, purchased the advowson for the “feoffees of St. Antholines,” a society instituted for founding lectureships and augmenting small livings in populous towns.

This society having been publicly denounced, and the orthodoxy of its principles questioned, the ministers of King James, in 1663, directed its suppression, when the living again reverted to the crown.

The Collegiate Church of St. Maryis considered to have been founded by King Edgar, about the year 980; although, from the extensive limits of the parish, it is probable this was only the renovation of an older church destroyed by the ravages of the Danes, who, in revenging the slaughter of their predecessors, not only exercised their warfare against mankind, but even those works of ingenuity and labour which were consecrated to devotion did not escape their desolating hand.

In the time of Edward the Confessor, this college possessed an estate of nearly 1300 acres, “for the maintenance of a dean, seven prebendaries, and a parish priest,” which appears to have diminished in point of cultivation and consequent value at the survey of Domesday, in which, however, the “vill of Chorleton,” held in conjunction with the church of St. Juliana, is unnoticed, having probably been acquired afterwards.

At the suppression of colleges the revenue was £42, when Edward VI. appropriated the greater part of the tithes of this, as he had done those of St. Chad’s parish, to the bailiffs and burgesses, for the foundation of a free school.

This church from very remote times has been a “royal free chapel,” and thereby exempt from the jurisdiction of the bishop.

The Church of St. Juliana.—Little is known of this, further than its origin was Saxon, and that it held in the Norman survey “half a hide of land in the city.” Soon after this period it became distinguished as a rectory and royal free chapel, and was early united to the church of St. Michael within the Castle, now destroyed.[24]

In 1410, Henry IV. annexed both of these churches to his college at Battlefield; and being thus deprived of its property, St. Julian’s became no better than a curacy.

The Church of St. Peter, called “The Parish of the City,” was a small structure of wood, built about Edward the Confessor’s time, by Siward, a Saxon nobleman, and stood on the site where Earl Roger de Montgomery founded a large Benedictine Abbey in 1083, which was re-dedicated to St. Peter, and endowed with a small portion of the vast possessions granted by the Conqueror to the first Earl of Shrewsbury.

This venerable warrior being seized with illness while residing in the castle he had lately built here,—apprehensive, too, that his dissolution might not be far distant,—and “to be sure of paradise,”—determined, with the consent of his countess Adelissa, to retire from the world, and become a monk within the confines of his own monastery.

This resolution he acted upon July 14th, 1094: and dying three days afterwards, obtained honourable interment in the “Lady Chapel” of that pile he had zealously commenced, and,

“By skill of earthly architect,”

nearly completed, to the service and honour of his Maker.

Hugh, his second son, surnamed Probus for his courage, and Goch (or the Red) by the Welshmen from his complexion,succeeded to the earldom, and in filial affection came with his barons to the abbey, to visit his father’s tomb; when he confirmed all former endowments, and gave many additional privileges, to which several of his barons added estates.[26]

Scarcely a century had elapsed from its foundation, before the monastery possessed “seventy-one distinct grants of manors or lands, twenty-four churches, the tithes of thirty-seven parishes or vills,” besides many extensive immunities of various descriptions, and an almost matchless collection of unique relics, in addition to the remains of that popular “martyr,” St. Wenefreda, which the monks procured, after many tedious negociations, from the priests and inhabitants of Gwytherin, in the county of Denbigh, in order to increase the celebrity of their house. After their translation hither, they were enshrined with much pomp near the high altar, and attracted multitudes of pilgrims, whose benefactions greatly contributed to the emolument of the church.

The abbot of this monastery had the honour of a seat in Parliament, and the authority of a bishop within his house. Of the 608 monasteries that existed in this kingdom at the time of the dissolution, it is recorded “the Abbey of Shrewsbury was 34th in opulence.”

According to the valor of 26th Henry VIII. the annual income was £572. 15s. 5d. a revenue considered equal to about £4750 of modern currency.

The surrender of this abbey took place 24th January, 1539–40, when the estates and buildings immediately passed into lay hands.

St. Giles’s Churchwas built early in the reign of Henry I. for the service of a hospital of lepers, which stood at the west end of the present edifice.

It is supposed to have become parochial about the middle of the fifteenth century, on being united with the parish of Holy Cross within the monastery, the abbot and convent, no doubt, having previously possessed the patronage and appointment of master.

Subsequent to these, were erected three large conventual churches and eight smaller chapels, all of which shared the fate of the dissolution; and of their remains the ceaseless operations of time and the hand of man have spared but few traces.

Several chantries, altars, &c. were also maintained by private donations in these churches; and whether we consider the munificence, the piety, or the superstition which raised them, we must respect the fervency towards a good cause, and regret that so much zeal was blessed with such little knowledge of the truths which, under our reformed religion, we now so happily enjoy.

From this cursory view of the piety of our forefathers, it may be justly asserted, that in the present day there is no provincial town in the kingdom, considering its extent, where so much has been done to promote the cause of religion, and to give a suitable effect to buildings set apart for Divine Worship, as in Shrewsbury. Those individuals, therefore, whose taste and liberality have mainly contributed to the accomplishment of this praiseworthy object, are deserving of the best thanks of their cotemporaries; and to them posterity will owe a debt of admiring gratitude, in those pleasing feelings of awe which insensibly steal o’er the mind while contemplating the architectural beauties oftemples dedicated toHim, whose greatness as far exceeds the capacity of human thought as doth the immensity of space the smallest atom.

Our survey of these interesting buildings will commence, in chronological arrangement, with

Remains of Old St. Chad’s Church

“In midst of towne fower Parish Churches are,Full nere and close, together note that right:For they doe seeme a true love knot to sight.”

These quaint lines of our native poet Churchyard, withthe illustrative vignette, describe the situation which the spacious cruciform church of Old Saint Chad occupied on the southern eminence of the town.

The period of its early foundation has been already alluded to, and the nearly total destruction of the fabric was occasioned by workmen having very injudiciously commenced under-building (contrary to the advice of an experienced architect,) one of the pillars that supported the large central tower, which had shrunk considerably from graves having been carelessly made too close to its foundations. The slight vibration occasioned by the chimes proclaiming their matin tune at four o’clock, on July 9th, 1788, caused the decayed pillar to give way, when the ponderous tower rent asunder, and with the heavy peal of bells it contained, falling on the roofs of the nave and transepts; crushed those parts of the edifice into ruinous desolation, producing a scene of horrid confusion more easily to be imagined than described. The masons had a narrow but fortunate escape, and were only waiting at the adjoining house of the sexton for the keys of the church, to pursue their misdirected scheme of economy.

The event excited a great consternation in the town, and the exemplary vicar, the Rev. Thomas Stedman, addressed an affectionate pastoral letter to his parishioners on the improvement that should be made of so remarkable an interposition of Providence, which occurred at a time when not a single person was within the reach of any injury from it.

Before the church fell, apprehensions were entertained that some fatal consequences might follow, from the appearances of decay in different parts of the building; these fears, however, were comparatively slight, and no immediate danger expected. But after the event took place it wasfound that the shattered state of the edifice was such, that instead of exciting surprise that it should fall when it did, there were just grounds for amazement that it should have stood so long. Had the decayed state of the building been thoroughly understood before it gave way, the probable opinion would have been, that whenever the disaster happened, it would be at a time when the effects of it might have been dreadful to many;—as when the greatest weight was in the galleries, or when the tower had been shaken by the motion of the bells. Only a month previous, 3000 persons, it is considered, were assembled in the church to witness the interment of an officer under military honours.

The old church was a majestic edifice, erected in the reign of Henry III. in the style when the round Norman arches were giving way to the beautiful lancet style. In 1393 the roofs and tower, with the wooden spire covered with lead, were destroyed by a calamitous fire, occasioned by the negligence of a plumber while repairing the leads. The damage being considerable, Richard II. granted to the inhabitants a remission of their fee-farm rent, and certain other taxes, towards the re-edification.

From the fragments of Saxon sculpture discovered in portions of the walls after the fall of the late fabric, the edifice which preceded it must have been considerably adorned.

The dawning light of the Reformation in Shrewsbury first beamed in this church in 1407, by William Thorpe, a priest and disciple of the doctrines promulgated by Wickliff. This Salopian reformer, in a sermon before the bailiffs on the third Sunday after Easter, boldly, preached against the prevailing and favourite tenets of the Romish church; for his temerity he was thrown into the prison of the town, by command of the local authorities, where he remained about a month, and was afterwards removed to Lambethfor examination before the archbishop, the bailiffs preferring the charge of heresy and schism against him.

The conduct of Thorpe before his spiritual superior was decent and respectful, but at the same time he remained zealous in his vindication of scripture, and firm in support of that which he considered the truth,—thus intrepidly answering the archbishop, “I’ll tell you at one word, I dare not from the dread of God submit unto you, notwithstanding the tenure and sentence that you have rehearsed to me.” He was accordingly sent back to prison: his subsequent fate is nowhere recorded, but it is conjectured on good grounds he was liberated after the death of the archbishop, so that what Fox has asserted of his having died a martyr to hard usage is probably incorrect.

The exercise of the Protestant religion in this town also began in this church in 1573, under the direction of the Bishop of Lichfield and the Lord President of the Marches, as special commissioners from Queen Elizabeth.

The portion of the ruins now remaining stood south of the choir, and formed a chantry chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary; after the Reformation it was called the Bishop’s Chancel, from the circumstance of its being used at the visitations of the bishop and archdeacon. The two wide semi-circular arches (now walled up) separated it from the transepts and choir. On the outside north wall are three stone stalls having pointed arches, the concaves of which are groined; these originally adjoined the high altar, and formed the seats of the priest, deacon, and sub-deacon, during a part of the high mass. The east and south sides display two mullioned windows; one adjoining the newel staircase in the south-west pier, which once led to the belfry is of an earlier design than the rest, and was probably introduced when the building was repaired in 1496; the others have elegant trefoiled tracery, and were erected in1571, when the chapel was nearly rebuilt by Humphrey Onslow, Esq. to the dilapidations of which he appears to have been liable by the lease granted to him of the deanery when the dissolution of the college was anticipated in 1542–3.

The interior has an oak panelled ceiling, and contains a few monumental tablets and hatchments, most of the ancient memorials having been removed on the fall of the church to other places.

This chapel is now used as a daily parochial school, and for reading the burial service connected with the spacious cemetery in which it stands.

Among the monuments is one to the memory of that excellent man, the Rev.Job Orton, V.D.M. who “being dead, yet speaketh,” in the forcible discourses and truly admirable writings he has left behind. He was the friend and biographer of Doddridge, and died 16th July, 1783, aged 66. His remains were interred at his request in the grave of the Rev. J. Bryan, M.A. an ejected minister from this church.

A humble gravestone near the railway leading towards Belmont records the death of Capt.John Benbow, who was shot at the Castle, Oct. 16th, 1651, for his attachment to the cause of King Charles the Second.

Several members of ancient families and distinguished individuals connected with the town and county, received interment in this church. Among these may be mentioned those ofCorbet,Mytton,Burton,Owen,Lyster, andIreland.

Rowland Lee, Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, and Lord President of the Marches, was buried here. He died Jan. 27th, 1542–3, at the College, the residence of his brother, Sir George Lee, who was the last dean of the church.

is erected on a beautiful site near the Quarry, and, considering the disadvantages of form which preclude the possibility of much architectural effect, it may be looked upon as an ornamental building.

New St. Chad’s Church

The church is formed by the intersection of two circles, with a tower and portico attached; the smaller of the circles forming the grand staircase, and the larger one the body, chancel, and side staircases leading to the gallery. On each side of the tower is a square wing 24 feet by 19, appropriated for a vestry and robing room.

The exterior is divided into two stories, the lower one being rusticated, and the upper springing from a mouldingdisplaying a continued Ionic entablature, supported by coupled pilasters of the same order; above the cornice is a well-proportioned balustrade.

The windows are circular headed in the upper, and square in the lower story, and, with the exception of that in the chancel, are uniform; the latter is Venetian, the divisions being formed with Corinthian pillars.

The portico consists of four Roman Doric columns and entablature in full order, and is considered a very fine specimen.

The steeple is divided into three parts, and, like the body of the church, is rusticated at the base, which is square; on this rests the second division, or bell chamber, octangular in shape, and decorated with Ionic pilasters, cornice, &c.; above rises eight elegant Corinthian columns, surrounded with an iron railing, and surmounted by a dome and cross.

The interiorcarries with it an air of importance, grandeur, and extent, derived mainly from that form which in the exterior has so much shackled the efforts of the architect: dazzled for a moment by the first impressions, the detail is lost in the general effect; but from the whole the eye is directed to those parts which constitute that whole, and here defects may be discovered that will not stand the test of architectural scrutiny.

The seats are well constructed, every individual being able to see the officiating minister. The gallery is not thrown too forward, but is in every respect in unison with the size of the church; it is carried round the whole area with the exception of the chancel, and is supported by a double row of ill-proportioned Ionic columns, painted porphyry. A continued balustrade finishes the front of the gallery, from which rises slender fluted columns (surmountedwith entablature) for the support of the roof, the frieze being decorated with cherubs.

The ceiling is enriched with a glory and cherubs in the centre, surrounded by a wreath and other devices.

The chancel, contrary to general custom, is towards the north, and is separated from the body of the church by a handsome arch springing from an entablature supported by coupled composite columns, elegantly proportioned, the capitals of which are richly gilt.

The altar-piece is plain oak wainscot, with panels inscribed according to the canon of the church, above which is a Venetian window, containing a painting in enamelled glass of the Resurrection of our Saviour, by the elder Eginton. This window is shortly to be replaced by another, our townsman, Mr. David Evans, having been directed by the munificence of the Rev. Richard Scott, B.D. to exert his talents in the execution of a splendid and faithful copy of the celebrated chef d’ouvre of Rubens, painted for the cathedral church of Antwerp,the Descent from the Cross, with theVisitation, andPresentation in the Temple.

The pulpit and reading desk stand in the centre of the area in front of the chancel.

The organ is placed above the south or great entrance of the church; it is in a mahogany case, with a small painting of David playing upon the harp. The instrument was built by Gray, of London, and cost 400 guineas.

Between the piers of the gallery-windows are hatchments; and the building, although of modern date, contains several tasteful memorials which indicate,

“All that virtue, all that wealth e’er gave,Await alike the inevitable hour—The paths of glory lead but to the grave.”

Among these may be mentioned a large panelled tablet, having a bust of the deceased by Chantrey, within a recess, commemorative of Mr. John Simpson, “who superintended the building of this church; the bridges of Bewdley, Dunkeld, Craig, Ellachie, and Bonar; the aqueducts of Pontcysyllte and Chirk; and the locks and basins of the Caledonian Canal.” He died 1815.

On each side of the entrance leading to the chancel are tablets, highly enriched with sculpture, recording the decease of the Rev. George Scott, of Betton Strange, in this parish, and of Ann Lucretia, his wife; also of Richard Scott, of Peniarth Ucha, Merionethshire, and Underdale, in the county of Salop.

On the east wall of the chancel is a small tablet in memory of

The Rev.Thomas Stedman, M.A.“Forty-two years Vicar of this Parish, during which periodhis mind, his writings, and his discoursewere with deep humility devotedto the glory of God, the happiness of mankind,and the temporal and spiritual interests of his flock.”He died Dec. 5th, 1825, in the 80th year of his age.

On a large Grecian tablet is a Latin inscription to the memory of the late Rev. Francis Leighton, M.A. who died Sept. 7th, 1813, aged 66 years.[36]

The body of the church is 100 feet in diameter, and the total length, including the entrance and vestibule, 160 feet. The building is of fine Grinshill stone, and was designed by Mr. George Steuart, of London. It was commencedMarch 2d, 1790, and consecrated August 20th, 1792, and will comfortably accommodate a congregation of about 2300 persons. The total cost, including site, organ, bells, &c. was £19,352, of which £15,800 was raised under act of parliament.

The steeple is 150 feet in height, and contains a full and melodious peal of twelve bells; the weight of the tenor being 2 tons 1 cwt. and measures 16 ft. 6 in. in circumference at the mouth. The balcony beneath the dome commands a fine prospect of the town and immediate vicinity.

In the vestry is a carved statue of St. Chad in his episcopal habit, holding a bible in his right hand and a crosier in his left. It originally stood upon the organ in the old church.

St. Chad’s is considered the principal church of the town; it is used on all public occasions, and is the place where the archdeacon holds his visitations and probat court.

A lecture is delivered here every Thursday evening, according to a bequest of the late James Phillips, Esq. of London, who by his will (dated 1661) devises, after the death of his wife, the rents of his property in Three Crown Court, Southward, unto the mayor and aldermen of this town for that purpose, and also for a lecture in the parish churches of Oswestry, Ellesmere, and Whitchurch. This property now produces a good revenue.

On the east side of the church is a spacious cemetery.

The living is a vicarage in the gift of the crown, being endowed in 1674, by the benefaction of Nathaniel Tench, Esq. with “the tithes of corn and hay of the grange of Crow Meole,” in commemoration of which the testator directed that a sermon should be annually preached on the 6th of June.

The parish comprises nearly one-half of the town, andextends several miles into the country, having two chapels of ease,—St. George’s (Frankwell), and Bicton, three miles distant.

stands on a commanding situation, nearly one hundred feet above the level of the river, on the north-eastern side of the town, and is one of the most interesting ecclesiastical edifices in the county, displaying in its construction almost every variety of ancient architecture, and affording to theantiquary and man of taste a rich and unique field for observation.

St. Mary’s Church, N.W.

It is a cruciform building, consisting of a nave, side aisles, transepts, spacious chancel, two chantry chapels, and a lofty spire steeple.

In common with our early churches we have no opportunity of ascertaining the precise date of its erection on written testimony. The probable period of foundation has been stated, page24; the renovation and subsequent addition is therefore presumptive, and our decision must be governed by analogy of style with other edifices, whose origin is authenticated.

That the era of ancient buildings may be inferred from the internal evidence they themselves afford of their respective antiquity admits of little doubt; indeed, the amiable poet, Gray, who had much knowledge in antiquarian pursuits, has said that “they constantly furnish, to the well informed eye, arms, ornaments, and other indubitable marks by which their several ages may be ascertained.”

There will be little difficulty in appropriating the ancient portions of this building to distinct ages, if we except the task of assigning a correct criteria to the curious mixture displayed in the columns which support the semi-circular arches of the nave, where the Norman and pointed styles are singularly blended together, the union of which will afford matter of interesting speculation to the experienced antiquary.

William of Malmesbury has related an anecdote of the pious Wolstan, Bishop of Worcester (from 1062 to 1095) praying, on his way to Chester, in thewooden church of St. Peter, in this town,[39]and of the “citizensasking him why he preferred it to the church which they called St. Mary’s;”—a question we may reasonably conclude as shewing this was then, in their opinion, from some circumstance, a church of no little consequence.

The superior taste and enlarged views of improvement manifested by the Normans in the arts, caused the restoration of many important churches in much less time than a century after they had obtained the conquest of our island.

St. Mary’s, no doubt, from its antiquity, required restoration, and excited their early attention; but although destitute of positive data, as before stated, from whence to ascribe a period to its re-edification, the various improvements plainly evident in several parts of the fabric will easily be discovered by the critical eye of the architectural antiquary.

It may be mentioned that three distinct styles are apparent,—the Anglo-Norman of the 12th century, in the basement of the tower, nave, transepts, and doorways; the early lancet style in the windows of the transepts and chancel; the pointed and obtuse arch of the 15th and 16th century in the side aisles, clere-story, chantry, chapels, &c.

These shall be carefully examined by analysis, and the predominant features appropriated with caution to their respective periods.

The greater part of a new structure, it is therefore conjectured, was raised on the site of a previous Saxon building, probably early in the reign of Henry I. This is evident from the plain circular windows inserted in the massive basement of the tower, which, like the lower portion of the entire building, is of red stone, and flanked by broad flat buttresses, similar to those on the lower part of the Abbey tower.

The tower of St. Mary’s originally was probably not higher than the part composed of red stone, and wasterminated like the generality of Norman towers, by a plain parapet.

The struggle between the Norman and pointed styles sometimes occasioned incongruous arches, and we may attribute the rude pointed doorway of the tower having an internal arch nearly triangular, to the reign of Stephen.

The South Porchof the nave is of the early Norman era, the outward arch circular, having zigzag mouldings issuing from clustered columns, and an inner rib, obtusely pointed; the windows on each side are curious as early specimens of the rudiments of the mullioned window, introduced about the time of Stephen; the arches of these windows rest on short thick columns, and are bisected into two lights by a similar pillar as a mullion, the capitals of which are all different; in the apex is a quatrefoil, one of the simplest and most ancient kind of ornaments.

The ceiling of the porch is also an example of the most ancient kind of groined vault, having neither boss nor ornament; above this is a chamber (entered from the church by a newel staircase), and lighted by a pointed window.

The inner doorway of the porch is an enriched round arch, with chevron, lozenge, and foliated mouldings. That on the north side of the nave is similar in style; and the doorways (now closed) in the north and south transepts are very elegant specimens of the style which prevailed from the Conquest to the time of Henry I.; the latter is decorated with alternate lozenge panels filled with an embossed flower.

A progressive movement of refinement and beauty took place in the science of architecture during the reign of Henry III. when the heavy Norman was succeeded by the slender lancet arch and its attendant ornaments. Thetransepts of this church are fine specimens of this transition of the styles, the north and south ends of which are terminated by beautifully proportioned triple lancet windows enriched with slender shafts and mouldings.

About the close of the 15th century, a greater stateliness of character and ornamental arrangement became the prevailing characteristic of architectural display, and the general features of the building were altered to the fashionable style.

The walls of the side aisles previous to this time were much lower, which is indicated by a slope in the stone work at the west end and a pier at the south-west, on which the roof originally rested. When the walls were raised, three mullioned windows were substituted on each side for round-headed lights, which narrowed towards the exterior surface of the wall, similar, no doubt, to that still remaining at the west end.

The nave shortly afterwards received the addition of a clere-story, lighted by a range of short windows with obtusely pointed arches, extending the whole length of the nave and chancel.

To render these important alterations of the fabric complete, the low massy tower was raised, and large double pointed windows were placed on each side, and the whole surmounted with an embattled parapet and pinnacles, which (being much decayed) were judiciously restored in 1816. From this tower rises an octagonal spire of noble proportions, which may be ranked as equal in height to thethird loftiest spirein the kingdom, and forms an interesting and prominent object from every part of the rich and beautiful scenery which surrounds the town.

The dimensions, as taken at the last repair in 1818, are—tower, 78 feet 4 inches; spire, to the top of vane, 141 feet 10 inches; total height, 220 feet 2 inches.

The chapel south of the chancel has a remarkably lofty roof, and on the south side four handsome pointed windows of Henry the Sixth’s time; each window is divided by a buttress, on which rests a crocketed pinnacle. The eastern end of this building was originally finished by a large window, but within its space two lofty round-headed lights, with singular canopies in the debased style, prevalent about the reign of Queen Elizabeth, have been inserted.

The chancel is terminated by a large window, divided by mullions into two tiers of eight lights each, the apex being ramified into inelegant tracery, introduced in repairing the damage which this window (and that alluded to in the above chapel) sustained during an extreme tempest in 1579.

of this church is strikingly noble, and calculated to inspire the mind with awe; but although the purer light of later times has in some degree eclipsed the adventitious aid intended to be conveyed to the feelings, during the religious ceremonies of our forefathers, by the almost mysterious effect produced from intermingled arches and clustered columns, canopied niches, costly shrines, and the mellow reflection of the storied pane shedding

“The dim blaze of radiance richly clear,”

in these august edifices of former ages, they still possess a power over the imagination, and insensible must that mind be which is not susceptible of appropriate religious influences,—subdued thoughts,—and, inspiring conceptions of divine majesty, when beholding the “long drawn aisle” and “high embower’d roof,” where all forms and differences of opinion, it has been justly remarked, become “trivial for awhile, amidst the sublimity of temples so well suited to the adoration of omnipotence.”

The nave is separated from the side aisles byfoursemicircular arches,resting on elegant clustered columns, with capitals decorated with foliage of different devices, from the rudest to the richest design. The mouldings of these arches have bolder projections, but are less massive than those of the early Norman, and more delicately finished, and although the mouldings on the shafts are peculiar to the earliest pointed style, they happily harmonize with the circular arches.

At the eastern extremity of each side aisle, opening to the transepts, is a semi-circular arch, resting on thick round pillars, with a regular base and indented capital, ornamented with sculpture of the earliest Norman era; similar arches lead to the chantry chapels. These arches, from their general style, are evidently the oldest part of the fabric, and we may venture to ascribe them to a period not later than the Conquest. In removing the accumulations of colouring and plaister from the walls and arches of this part, in 1828, thedistinguishing marksof theoperative masonsemployed in working the stones were discovered, and still are to be seen, being the same as those now used.[44]

The choir and transepts are divided by three most beautiful pointed arches, rising from piers similar to those described in the nave.

The ceiling of the nave is of oak, the intersections of the beams being formed into panels richly decorated with ornamented quatrefoils and foliage, carved bosses, flowers, grotesque figures, &c. A beautiful cornice of vine branches, grapes interspersed with masks, are placed round the walls beneath the roof. The whole is in excellentpreservation, and supposed to be one of the finest specimens of the ancient fretted ceiling in the kingdom.

The Chancelis elevated above the church by a double ascent, and the ceiling, like that of both the transepts, is excellently painted, but panelled in a style somewhat similar to that of the nave, and adorned with some of the rich fret work removed from the wreck of the churches of St. Chad and St. Alkmond.

On the north side of the altar is a most beautiful triple lancet window, with arches remarkably acute, and resting on isolated columns, whose capitals are adorned with elegant foliage, &c. The window is filled with three figures in ancient stained glass.

Whilst these pages are passing through the press, a most important improvement has been effected in the chancel, by removing the altar screen, which, although a handsome Grecian design, obstructed not only much of the eastern window, but was quite out of character with the building. Another of a more appropriate description will be substituted.

The eastern window contains the truly splendid glass that adorned the chancel of old St. Chad’s, and which escaped the destruction that befel the other parts of the fabric. It was carefully removed and presented to this parish by the trustees for putting into execution the act for rebuilding the new church.

This glass, unequalled in point of beauty and colouring, representsThe Genealogy of Christ, from the root of Jesse. The patriarch occupies the breadth of three bays of the window, being depicted as reclining in a deep sleep, with his head resting upon an embroidered pillow, and supported on his right hand. From his loins issues aVine, the branches of which, before its disarrangement, overspread the whole window, inclosing within the ovalsformed by its intersections aKingorProphetof the ancestry of Joseph, the series of which is finished by the husband of the Virgin Mary in a devotional posture at the feet of his progenitor.

Many of the figures are depicted with their peculiar emblems. The ground of the whole is varied and exquisitely vivid, on which the clusters of grapes and the bright verdure of the vine leaves are displayed with great effect.

Two compartments contain figures of ancient knights vested in the hawberk and bearing their square banners, and kneeling beneath foliated tabernacles. They represent Sir John Cherleton, Lord of Powis, and his son Sir Owen. From the following translation of an inscription on a part of the window,

“Pray for Monsieur John de Charlton, who caused this glazing to be made, and for Dame Hawis his companion,”

the date of its erection is ascertained to be about the middle of the fourteenth century; it was originally placed in the church of the convent of Grey Friars in this town, from whence it was removed to St. Chad’s at the Dissolution.

Many of the figures have been displaced in their change of situation; their re-arrangement, however, is now in progress, and to complete the genealogical line additional figures will be added, and the lower tier of arches in the window, formerly filled with brick-work, have been opened to their base.

At the west end of the nave is a peculiarly rich and full-toned organ, made by the celebrated builders Harris and Byfield, in 1729, which has recently been improved by the addition of an octave and a half of pedal pipes.

This instrument stands upon a handsome stone screen, divided into three compartments, formed by as many obtusely pointed arches, and divided by buttresses of twostories, highly decorated with reticulated divisions, containing an open flower in relief; around the inner recesses of the arches are the following inscriptions:—

Venite Domino exultemusRupi salutis jutilemusJehovam hymnis concinamusEt grates illi persolnamus—Hallelujah.Jehovam virgints laudateSenes et pueri celebratePsalmis ecclesia sanctorumExtollat Dominum Dominorum.Laudate carminis clamoreLaudate buccinae clangoreLaudate organo sonoroLaudate cymbalis et choro.

Venite Domino exultemusRupi salutis jutilemusJehovam hymnis concinamusEt grates illi persolnamus—Hallelujah.

Jehovam virgints laudateSenes et pueri celebratePsalmis ecclesia sanctorumExtollat Dominum Dominorum.

Laudate carminis clamoreLaudate buccinae clangoreLaudate organo sonoroLaudate cymbalis et choro.

Above is a series of smaller arches similar in style, having cinque-foil heads, and filled with the like reticulated divisions and ornament, each of the arches being divided by a small plain buttress; the string course is charged with elaborately carved heads of angels, pateras, &c. and the spandrils of the several arches throughout are enriched with elegant and varied foliage, exquisitely sculptured. The whole forming a most prominent and imposing feature to the main entrance of the nave, and will be a permanent monument of the good taste and munificence of the donor, the Rev. W. G. Rowland, M.A.

The screen was designed by and executed under the superintendence of Mr. John Carline, of this town, and is a work creditable to his professional abilities.

has a rich and pleasing appearance on entering the churchfrom the eastern door,[48]through a porch which was once a chantry chapel, and connected with the transept by a fine Norman arch.

The triple windows of this and the corresponding transept are filled with small full-length figures in stained glass, bearing their respective insignia, and judiciously placed within ovals of chaste mosaic patterns. The centre of the middle light has the arms of King George the Third, with the following inscription:

Geo. III.Regum•Optimus•Gentis•Britannicae•Olim•Deliciæ•nunc•Desiderium•Mortalitatem•exuit•Mens•Jan•Die• 29 • A.D. 1820 •Anno•Ætat• 82 .Regni• 60 .

On a scroll at the top,

Among many Nations was there no King like him.—Neh. xiii. 26.

On another at the bottom,

His Heart was perfect with the Lord all his Days.—1 Kings xv. 14.

Above these arms is the figure of the Virgin Mary, and below is St. Andrew. The dexter lancet window is occupied with the figures of St. Philip, St. Bartholomew, and St. James the son of Zebedee, and the sinister with St. Simon, St. Thomas, and St. Matthias. At the bottom is the following inscription:—“Ioannes Brickdale Blakeway, A.M.HUJUS ECCLESIÆ JUDEX OFFICIALIS ET MINISTER INSIGNIA REGIAP. C.ANNO MDCCCXX.ReliquamFENESTRÆ PARTEM EXORNAVIT EJUS VIDUAM.E.B.ANNO MDCCCXXIX.”

The lower portion of the walls are ornamented with interstitial divisions and monuments.

Against the west wall is a most beautiful free-stone

Monument to Rev. J. B. Blakeway, and North Transept

which for elegance of design, beauty of execution, andgeneral effect, has perhaps rarely been surpassed in modern times.

This beautiful Memorial was designed by Mr. John Carline, of this town, and is upwards of 12 feet in length and 16 feet in height, and is divided into three compartments by clustered buttresses, which sustain richly crocketed pinnacles. The centre compartment comprises a large pointed arch, cusped, canopied, and crocketed, the back of which is deeply recessed, and contains the following inscription in ornamental Roman capitals:

To the Memory of the ReverendJOHN BRICKDALE BLAKEWAY, M.A. F.A.S.Thirty-one years Ordinary and OfficialAnd Thirty-two years Minister of this Parish,This Monument is erectedBy the Voluntary Subscription of his Parishioners,As a tribute of respect for his talents,Esteem for his virtues,And gratitude for his long and faithful servicesAs their Friend and Pastor.He died the tenth day of March,MDCCCXXVI.Aged sixty years.

On each side of the above compartment is an elegant niche with a cinquefoil head, octagonal back, and groined ceiling. These niches are surmounted by acute-angled crocketed canopies formed of deep mouldings; and resting on the head of each niche within the canopy is a cinquefoil within a circle. In a similar situation in the centre compartment is a shield containing the following arms:—Argent, on a bend engrailed sable, three bezants; impaling argent, a fess vaire between three unicorns passant, gules.

The above divisions rest on an altar tomb, the front of which is divided into twelve small niches with trefoil heads.These niches are separated by small buttresses, with crocketed canopies and pinnacles.

Mr. Blakeway was the son of Joshua Blakeway, Esq. of this town, and a gentleman whose pleasing adaptation of manners and amiable walk through life gained him the universal respect of his fellow townsmen. Neither the church nor the state had a more faithful defender of its rights or supporter of its dignity, nor the true interests of his native town a more watchful guardian.

As a scholar and a gentleman, united with the character of a true christian, we shall perhaps “ne’er look upon his like again.” As a preacher he was admired for his forcible illustration of holy writ, and the valuable admonitions clothed in the language of affection which his discourses generally contained, whilst his devoutness in the performance of the sacred duties of the sanctuary must have impressed their importance on all who heard them. In his personal appearance he was tall and robust;—his face bore the line of thought, and his ample forehead bespoke the mind that dwelt within. As an author he had written much and published little, and was known only to the literary world previous to 1821 by a few sermons, controversial tracts, and critical notes in Malone’s edition of Boswell’s Life of Johnson. His name, however, will be immortalized in the valuable History of Shrewsbury which he commenced in 1820, with the Venerable Archdeacon Owen, and just lived to see the general history and ecclesiastical portions published in two quarto volumes, which elaborate undertaking will obtain for him and his revered friend and colleague the respect and gratitude of every true Salopian in subsequent generations.

Mr. Blakeway likewise shewed much attention and devotedness to the antiquities of his native county, and thevaluable mass of manuscripts he left behind in illustration of its genealogical and topographical history will remain also as a monument of his industry.[52]

His last end was peace,—for he departed almost without a sigh, and nearly without losing that benignant smile which was so peculiar to him. His remains were interred on the right of the west entrance to the church-yard.

Three beautiful specimens of monumental sculpture, designed by the same architect, occupy the north wall, and harmonize with the splendid memorial just described, a detail of which would occupy too much space. The lancet window in the west wall contains a fine ancient figure in stained glass of St. John the Evangelist, arrayed in a robe which displays a most splendid specimen of the ancient ruby glass of the old masters; the hem of the garment is brilliantly studded with pearls.

The Ancient Fontstands in the centre of the area, and is very handsome. The basin is octangular, each side having an ornamented quatrefoil, in the centre of which is a large double rose. The angles have been adorned with busts of angels bearing shields, and the pedestal is pierced into gothic arches, divided by small shelving buttresses.

In the north-eastern angle is an octangular turret, in which a small doorway opens to a staircase leading to a chamber which was no doubt once a chantry. It is lighted by a curious triangular window, with a trefoil on the intradoof each arch, the mouldings of which are deeply recessed. Below this is another chantry chapel, now used as aVestry, having at the east end an early Norman light, and on the north a mullioned window of the fifteenth century. Under a low pointed arch beneath this window is a monumental tomb composed of alabaster, but sunk into the floor for economy of space: it bears the figures of a warrior and his lady in the act of devotion, supposed to represent Nicholas Stafford and his wife Katherine. The former was bailiff of the town in 1458, and died in 1471.

The window of this transept contains the figures of our Saviour, St. James the son of Alpheus, and St. Thaddeus; in the dexter compartments are those of St. Matthew the Evangelist, St. Paul, and St. Mark; and in the sinister those of St. John the Evangelist, St. Peter, and St. Luke. Underneath this window is “Gulielmus Gorsuch RowlandA.M.hujus eccleslæ judex officialis et minister hanc fenestram faciendam curavit anno1829.”

The windows of this and the north transept were executed by Mr. D. Evans, of Shrewsbury, and may be considered as some of the finest specimens of the art in the kingdom, both as regards brilliancy and harmony of colours, beauty of design, and exquisite workmanship, whilst the “dim religious light” which they shed around, imparts an impressiveness of character that at once bespeaks the sacred purpose of the place as the House of Prayer.

Below the south window of this transept is a bold composition of monumental architecture, designed by Mr. J. Carline, consisting of three acute-angled crocketed canopies, crowned with a finial. The labels of the arches are enriched with foliage, and the interior sweep fashionedin the ogee manner. From the lateral piers, and between each division of the arches, springs an elegant crocketed pinnacle panelled and finished by an open flower.

It is much to be wished that the correct taste displayed in these and other beautiful specimens of the decorated style of monumental architecture, recently erected in this church, was more generally manifested in the adaptation of monuments to the character of the buildings in which they are to be placed, instead of the unsightly tablets so commonly introduced, and which frequently contribute anything but ornament to our ancient churches.

From the south transept a fine Norman arch opens to the

which also has a communication with the chancel by an arch in the pointed style.

This building (57 feet by 30) was at first of smaller dimensions, as is evident from two lancet windows (beneath which are two very early loop holes) in the wall next to the south aisle. Immediately above the shelving portion still visible of the roof of the original chapel is a peculiar circular window.

The enlargement was effected by the Draper’s Company soon after their incorporation in 1461, having therein a guild or fraternity to the Holy Trinity. Within the south wall is the sedilia formerly used by the officiating priests, and the remains of a piscina, all of which were once overspread with elegant canopies.

On the opposite side is a large pointed arch, now walled up. Under this is an altar tomb, the sides of which are divided by small buttresses in ornamental niches of the early decorated style. Above is a mutilated recumbent figure of a cross-legged knight in linked armour, supposedto represent one of theLeyburnes Lords of Berwick, in this parish, and who died about the middle of the 14th century. The grave below was opened in 1816, and was composed of wrought masonry, when, after a little loose rubbish had been removed, some leg and thigh bones were discovered. On digging about three feet lower to the bottom of the tomb, a skeleton was found wrapped in leather, but without a head. This is conjectured to be the skeleton of Thomas Percy, Earl of Worcester, who was beheaded after the battle of Shrewsbury, and his head sent to London, while his body found an asylum in the tomb of a family which had become extinct.

This church, in 1232, was the scene of an assemblage of legates, convened by command of the Pope to hear charges which had been preferred against Llewelyn for repeated infractions of treaties. This negociation was at length left to six referees on the part of King Henry III. and four on that of the Welsh Prince, by which peace was maintained for a season.

When Charles the First visited this town in 1642, it is recorded he took “a protestation and the sacrament upon it to defend the Protestant religion established by Queen Elizabeth and his royal father,” which solemn scene, it is supposed, took place within this edifice, being the parish church of the mansion in which he was sojourning. King James the Second, it is also said, attended divine service here in 1687, after which he exercised the royal gift of healing by touching many persons for the king’s evil.

The Monumentsof particular interest having been already noticed in their proper situations, it need only be remarked that there are mural tablets commemorative of individuals connected with the families ofLyster,Lloyd(of Rûg, &c.),Morhall,Blakeway, &c. on the walls of the chancel, and several other memorials in the nave,transepts, and chapel; which the extended description of this church, and the confined limits of the present work, will not permit further to enumerate.

The length of the building from east to west is 160 feet, breadth (including side aisles) 50 feet.

The tower contains a peal of ten bells, the harmony of which, it is considered, cannot be excelled by that of any peal in the kingdom: weight of tenor 21 cwt. 2 qrs. 17 lbs.

On the west wall of the steeple is an inscription to the memory of Thomas Cadman, who lost his life in a bold attempt to descend from the top of the spire by means of a rope, which he had fixed to it and brought down to the Gay meadow, on the other side of the river Severn. He fell near the Water-lane gate, Feb. 2, 1739, aged 28, at a time when “the ground was iron and the Severn glass,” owing, as the epitaph records, to

“A faulty cord being drawn too tight.”

The parish of Saint Mary extends several miles in detached parts of the country, having within its boundaries five chapels of ease, viz. Albrighton, Astley, Berwick, Clive, and St. Michael’s (Castle-foregate).

The church is a royal peculiar, and the official court has probate of all wills and cognizance of all other ecclesiastical matters arising within the parish. The living is a perpetual curacy, and was, previous to the late municipal act, in the presentation of the Corporation of Shrewsbury; and in the choice of a minister, the son of a burgess, who has been educated at the royal free grammar school, or (in case there be no burgess’s son of that description) one born in the parish of Chirbury, with a qualification similar to the foregoing, is to have the preference.

is situate at a short distance from St. Mary’s, and its cemetery adjoins that of St. Julian’s.

The fine old cruciform church of this parish was inconsiderately destroyed in 1794, under a mistaken apprehension of its stability. The present building, with the exception of the tower and spire, which fortunately escaped the fate of the old church, was opened for divine service Nov. 8, 1795, at a cost of rather more than £3000.

The new structure is of Grinshill stone, and in the style called modern gothic, having six lofty pointed windows on each side, filled with slender mullions of cast-iron; between the windows are graduated buttresses.

The interior is handsomely fitted up, and the general effect pleasing, although not in strict conformity with a gothic building,—wanting that sombre grandeur characteristic of this style of architecture. It is 82 feet long by 44 feet wide, with a small chancel terminated by a pointed window filled with enamelled glass emblematical of “Evangelical Faith,” depicted in the character of a female figure in the attitude of kneeling upon a cross, with her arms extended, and eyes elevated towards a celestial crown which appears in the opening clouds. The countenance has an interesting expression of adoration, and the motto, “Be thou faithful unto death,” &c. is inscribed on an open volume. The window was painted by the elder Egginton, and cost 200 guineas.

At the west end is a capacious gallery, containing a small fine-toned organ by Gray, of London, erected by a subscription in 1823.

The principal entrance to the church is in the base of the tower, under an elegant pointed arch recessed within a square aperture, on either side of which are niches, mostbarbarously repaired in 1825; above is a bold mullioned window in the style of the sixteenth century, when the tower and spire were probably built. In this window are two ancient escutcheons in stained glass, displaying England and France quarterly, and the arms of Richard Sampson, Bishop of Lichfield, and Lord President of the Marches from 1543 to 1548.

The tower is finely proportioned, being flanked with double buttresses gradually diminishing, and terminated with a crocketed pinnacle; an open parapet of pointed arches surrounds the base of the spire, which, though not remarkable for height, is considered by persons of good taste “to possess singular elegance of form.” The tower contains eight musical bells, recast in 1813, and is 70 feet high, the spire 114, making a total of 184 feet from the ground.

In a vault beneath this church are interred the remains of Thomas Jones, Esq. who died in 1642. He was six times bailiff, and thefirst Mayor of Shrewsbury; also those of Sir Thomas Jones, Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, who died 1692, to whom and other members of this ancient Shropshire family are several memorials. Other monumental tablets also relieve the walls of the building.

The old structure contained many curious brasses and monuments; the former were sold, and the latter dispersed, on its unnecessary demolition.

The living is a vicarage in the gift of the Crown, and a weekly lecture is preached in the church on Wednesdays.

St. Julian’s and St. Alkmond’s Churches

The church, dedicated to St. Juliana, occupies an elevated situation at the top of Wyle Cop, and was erected 1749–50, from a design by Mr. T. F. Prichard, of this town, on the site of an Anglo-Norman structure, which had become ruinous.

It is a plain oblong building of brick, and stone dressings, 83 feet by 48, with a small recess for the chancel.

At the west end is the tower of the old church; thebasement is of red stone, and of a date far anterior to the superstructure, which is of the 16th century, and crowned by a handsome embattled parapet and eight lofty pinnacles, restored in 1818, when the masonry of the tower was chipped and repaired. The tower contains a peal of six bells, recast in 1706, and an excellent clock, the dial of which is illuminated at night.

In the south wall of the chancel is an ancient figure, probably intended to represent St. Juliana.

The interior is particularly neat, possessing an air of solemnity unusual in the generality of modern churches. Four large Roman-Doric pillars support the roof of the nave, which is coved and adorned with the fret-work of the old church. Galleries occupy three sides of the building. At the west end is an excellent organ, by Bowsher and Fleetwood, of Liverpool, erected by a subscription in 1834, the exterior of which is tasteful in design, and harmonizes with the internal architecture of the edifice.

The pulpit is handsome, and belonged to the old church. The altar-piece and furniture of the chancel are in good taste; the former is of wainscot, and presents a Roman Doric basement, supporting Ionic pilasters and entablature with modillion cornice, from which springs a rich architrave surrounding a Venetian window, in the centre light of which is a figure in stained glass ofSt. James bearing the Holy Scriptures. The side lights contain the royal arms, and those of the see of Lichfield, impaling Cornwallis.

In the windows of the south gallery are the armorial bearings of Queen Elizabeth, the family of Bowdler, a fine ancient shield of the town arms, and heads of St. Peter and St. Paul, surmounted by their emblems, the keys and sword. On the north side are the arms of Prince, Bennett, Astley, the Earl of Tankerville, and a figure of St. John.

In the floor of the south aisle is an ancient gravestone,preserved from the former church: round the edge is a Longobardic inscription to the memory of Edmund Tromwyn, who is supposed to have died about the close of the thirteenth century.

There are several mural monuments in the aisles and chancel: on the north side of the latter is a pedimented tablet set on a square table of dove-coloured marble, with the following inscription:—

Sacred to the MemoryOf the VENERABLE HUGH OWEN, M.A. F.R.S.Archdeacon of Salop,Prebendary of Salisbury and Lichfield,One of the Portionists of Bampton, Oxfordshire,Formerly Minister of this Parish, and afterwards of St. Mary, inShrewsbury.He was the only son of Pryce Owen, M.D. and Bridget his wife,And the lineal descendant of an Ancient British family.Distinguished for the extent and accuracy of his Antiquarian researches,And knowledge of the principles of Ecclesiastical and CivilArchitecture,By the judicious application of this talent,Joined to a firm but mild execution of his official authority,He greatly contributed to the decent and substantial restorationOf many venerable fabrics within his Archdeaconry.His “Account of the Ancient and Present State of Shrewsbury,”Originally published in a single volume,Was afterwards embodied in a complete History written by him,In conjunction with the Rev. John Brickdale Blakeway.He died Dec. 23d, 1827, aged 67 years.Harriet, his wife, daughter of Edward Jeffreys, Esq.Died April 3d, 1825, aged 59 years.

In the south aisle, a plain tablet surmounted by a lion commemorates the public spirit and unremitting exertions of Mr.Robert Lawrence, “in opening the great road through Wales between the united kingdoms, and for establishingthe first mail coach to this town.” He died Sept. 3d, 1806, aged 57 years.

The living is a perpetual curacy in the presentation of the Right Hon. the Earl of Tankerville, and the parish comprehends the Wyle Cop and the suburb of Coleham, but isolated districts of it are intermixed with several of the other parishes at different ends of the town.

A Sunday evening lecture was commenced at this church, April 20th, 1828, for the “free accommodation of the town at large,” the parishioners having consented to lend their pews for the occasion. Several of the clergy connected with the town preach alternately at this additional service.

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