CHARITABLE DONATIONS TO THE POOR.

In the present age the good old-fashioned mode of bequeathing some portion of worldly substance for the education or relief of the poor is recognized by very few of our wealthier fellow-countrymen. The usual channels of relief to the poor and needy—the Poor-Law Union, the Night Asylum, the Good Samaritan Society, and other institutions of like class—are excellent in their way, and diffuse muchbenefit and comfort among the aged and indigent; but still our ancient charities, especially our schools and almshouses, whilst they secure to their recipients permanent, not precarious good, shed a brilliant lustre over the land, and denote the kind and benignant spirit of many of our ancestors. Would that the old benevolent English spirit were revived among us, and that all affluent men, who have possessed their money by inheritance, or obtained it by the force of their talents, or success in trade or commerce, would, among their testamentary bequests, never fail to “remember the poor.” Then should we have comfortable asylums for many hoary-headed men and women, who, reduced by misfortune, or overwhelmed by the distressing calamities of life, have no place of quiet shelter—no resting-place in which to pass the residue of their days.

The following list of Charitable Donations, left for the benefit of the poor of Oswestry, shows that in days gone by, the weak were not overlooked by the strong, and that many, imbued with practical Christian benevolence, deemed it their duty to aid, not only the poor of their own days, but those also of succeeding generations. The only Aims-Houses in the town are those situated near the turnpike-gate in Willow-Street. They are six in number, and were left by Dame Ellen, widow of Sir Francis Eure. Mrs. Jane Owen, in 1732, bequeathed to the twelve poor persons (six men and six women), inmates of the alms-houses, the sum of 18s. to be paid to them yearly, for ever, and also ordered her executor to charge her real and personal estate with the payment thereof. Mrs. M. Ormsby, by her will in 1805, requested her daughter (the present Mrs. Ormsby Gore), and those who should succeed her in the Porkington Estate, would pay “as she had done,” the poor people in the alms-houses for ever. Mrs. Ormsby Gore regularly distributes £3 among the inmates on Christmas-Day, that being the sum her mother had previously given. The alms-houses are kept in good repair by Mrs. Ormsby Gore, and she selects the inmates.

Names of Donors.

By what Instrument created, and Date.

Nature of Property, or Amount.

When payable.

By whom.

By whom directed to be distributed, and in what manner.

Time of distribution.

Owen Morgan

Will, 31 March 1604

£20 per Annum.

25 March

Haberdashers’ Co., London.

Parson and Churchwardens of the Parish of Oswestry, for the relief of the poor

Hugh Yale

Will, 2nd Jan. 1605

Several messuages and lands in Oswestry, producing at present £13, of thereabouts

Rts. payable at different times

Tenants

Bailiffs and Overseers, amongst the poor of the town and 6s. 8d. for a Welsh Sermon

1st January.

John Morris, & Wife

Deed, 24th Ju. 1629

£1 10s. per annum, on lands in Crickheath

On Feast day of Philip & James & All-Souls

J. W. Eyton.

Trustees to be appointed by the Burgesses, to be distributed in bread, and for other purposes

Richard Wycherley

Deed, 23rd Dr. 1624

A field in Beatrice St. let for £7 pr. annum

25 March

R. Brayne, tenant

Bailiff 52s. per annum. for bread and the remainder to set out an Apprentice

Dorothy Santley

Deed, 18th Ch. I., 1643

£2 12s. per annum issuing out of a field called Cae Bychan

25 March

Roberts, Ruthin, Rt. Roberts tenant

Church-wardens, Bailiffs’ and Vicar, in bread, to the poor of the town

Every Sunday.

William Gough

Will, 1669

£5 6d. 8d. issuing out of lands in Treflach

25 Decbr.

Rd. Hunt, Esq.

£2 10s. by the Overseers of the Parish, and the like sum by the Overseers of the town, for the Poor, and 6s. 8d. to the Ministers for a Sermon on St. Stephen’s Day

A butt of land in Beatrice St., for which 5s. pr. anm. was pd.

Church-wardens and Overseers[124]

Muckleston Allen

5s. per annum issuing out of houses in Cross-Street

25 March

Reps. of David Oliver

In bread, but not stated by whom to be distributed

Winifred Matthews

Will, 20th Ju. 1709

£2 10s. issuing out of a field, in Trefonen, called Maes y Benglog

25 March

Sir W. W. Wynn

Vicar and Churchwardens to put out an apprentice, from Oswestry, and the townships of Trefonen, Treflach, Sweeney, and Treferclawdd, alternately

Mary Lloyd

Will. June 5th 1727

£100 secured on Willow-Street Gate & Road

Dec. 30th

Trustees

Vicar, Church-wardens, and Overseers, in putting out an apprentice, and in woollen clothing for the poor of the town each alternate year

Christmas.

— Peacock

— 1732.

£5 secured with the above

Dec. 30th

Ditto

To be distributed amongst poor house-keepers of the town

Christmas.

Thomas Turner

Will, 1777

£20 secured on Llangedwin Turnpike Road

March 25

Trustees

The Church-wardens

Christmas.

Richard Muckleston

Will, 20th Jan. 1638

£2 per annum issuing out of estates in Carmarthenshire

March 25

Rev. Jn. Lloyd Brunant

The Bailiff, Vicar, & Church-wardens, in bread, to the poor of the Township of Oswestry

Good Friday.

Francis Shore

Will, 13 Aug. 1691

£1 per annum issuing out of houses in Ch. Street, belonging to Mr. David Jones

This has hitherto been distributed by Mr. D. Jones, who claims to do so, as the lineal descendant of the surviving Trustee of the Testator

Feast of St. Thomas.

Margaret Lloyd

Will, 2nd May 1794

£1 issuing out of her house, forge, yard, & dwelling-house in Oswestry aforesaid, with one croft of land thereunto belonging, devised to Richd. Pryce, Mercer

Jany. 1st

Thomas Allen

Mayor and Church-wardens, amongst 20 poor labourers or decayed tradesmen

New Year’s Day.

Elizabeth Williams.

Will, 1703.

£2 per annum issuing out of Mixon Hall, and croft

Plm Mon

Reps. of James Vaughan

Church-wardens, to the poor, in 6d. or 1s. to each

Palm Monday

Rebecca Lloyd

Will, 10th Jan. 1733

£1 per annum issuing out of house in Cross-Street

25 Decbr.

Rv. J. Thomas

Vicar, amongst the poor

Christmas

Sir William Williams

Will, Sep. 7th, 1734

£200

21 Decbr.

Sir W. W. Wynn

Vicar, Church-wardens, and Trustees, amongst such poor persons of the Parish as they shall think fit

At such time as they shall please

Elizabeth Williams

Will

Croft at Croes-Wylan, occupied with Penylan, for which £1 10s. has hitherto been paid

Croxon & Co.

The tenant of Penylan has hitherto distributed this sum yearly in clothing for the poor

— Pierce

Will

A field called Cae Mark, in the Parish of Llanyblodwel, occupied by Margt. Oliver; consists now of a house and buildings, and several small closes

Marg. Oliver

She distributes 10s. upon All-Saints’ Day, at Sweeney Mountain, to poor persons of Sweeney and Weston, in money; and also another 10s. in bread

James Phillips

Will, 24th Ap. 1661

In 1833, £522 7s. 10d., which, after certain deductions, left £186 8s. 8d. to be distributed between the Parishes of St. Chad, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ellesmere, and Whitchurch

Mayor & Corporation of Shrewsbury

Church-wardens, in flannel

Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude

Lady Eure

Will

Porkington Alms houses, and 18s. per annum to poor people occupying them, since incrsd. to £3

Reps. of Mrs. Jane Owen

Money to be distribtd. at Christmas

Margaret Godolphin

Deed, 2nd Mar 1748

Messuage in Cross St. exchanged in 1823 for one in Brook St. for the use of the Vicar, if actually resident in the same

If not occupied by the Vicar, then to be let and the rents distributed by theCountryWardens in placing out children in theParishwhose Parents’ names are not in the Poor’s Books

Sir Nathaniel Lloyd

Will, 1740

Interest of Stock, at present producing £97 19s. 8d. per annum

Christmas & Midsummer

Trustees, or person authorized by them

Nomination in the Reps. of Sir N. Lloyd, & the Bishop of St. Asaph, alternately

Christmas and Midsummer 12 poor persons of Oswestry, & 8 of Whittington

— Thomas

Will

£2 12s. annually, out of lands in —

Every Su. in bread

Owner of the Aston property

Ditto

St. Thos. Day

— Jeffreys

⅓ of an estate at Osbaston, which 3rd now produces £4 0s. 8d. per annum

Church-wardens of lower division of parish

St. Thos. Day, 4s. out of every 10, to the poor in Morton; 3s. in Maesbury and 3s. in Crickheath.

***Swinnerton’s Charity is lost.

Yale’s; Morris’s; Witcherley’s; Sontley’s; Donor unknown, (Owen?) Land in Beatrice Street; Muckleston Allen’s; Lloyd and Peacock’s; Muckleston’s (Poor of Oswestry); Margaret Lloyd’s; Elizabeth Williams’s (Mixon Hall); Rebecca Lloyd’s (Freeman).

Morgan’s; Gough’s; Winifred Matthews’s; Turner’s; Sir William Williams’s.

Elizabeth Williams’s (Croft at Croes-Wylan); Jeffreys’s.

Within the Hundred of Oswestry, was established in or about the year 1812, by the late Rev. C. A. A. Lloyd, Rector of Whittington, and the late Rev. G. N. K. Lloyd, Rector of Selattyn. The objects of the Society at its original institution were—the encouragement of schools for the education of the lower classes; the increase of the comforts of the poor in their dwellings, by the improvement of cottages; the distribution of moral and religious books and tracts; the encouragement and promotion of friendly societies; the establishment of a bank for the poor, paying interest for small sums; and, finally, the distribution of rewards among the poor for extraordinary acts of industry.

During the progress of the Society very much has been done in the neighbourhood, through its instrumentality, withregard to the above objects. Several schools were established soon after its commencement, and a vast number of moral and religious publications have been given as prizes, from time to time, to the best-informed children, and also as rewards for proficiency in writing, drawing, sewing, &c. With respect to the improvement of cottages, the Society issued several small publications some years ago, directing the attention of owners of property to this very important social amelioration; some plans were also engraved, and rules printed, relative to the building of habitations for the poor. Through the influence of this institution some Friendly Societies were established, and also (which is well worthy of notice) a Savings’ Bank for the poor, about four yearsbeforethe present excellent institution commenced operations in conformity with an Act of Parliament passed on the subject. As soon as the Government Savings’ Bank was opened, the funds of the former were transferred to it.

Subjoined are specimens of some of the prizes which were offered by the Society during the year 1854:—

No. 2.—To the Labouring Cottager who shall be found to occupy the best-furnished, neatest, and cleanest Cottage, together with the best-cultivated Garden, the same being not less than a quarter of an acre in extent:

£.

First Prize

Second ditto

Third ditto

No. 5.—To the most deserving Widow, who under the greatest difficulties has supported herself by her own unassisted exertions:

£.

First Prize

Second ditto

Third ditto

No. 8.—To the Cottager, or Farming Servant, who shall have accumulated most money in the Savings’ Bank, the same to have arisen entirely from his or her own earnings:

£.

First Prize

Second ditto

No recipients of parish relief are allowed to become candidates for any of the prizes.

It is to be regretted that the Society, since the loss of its benevolent founders, has been in a declining state; but it is to be hoped that an institution which has effected so much social and domestic comfort, and advanced the cause of morality and vital religion, will not, in this wealthy district, be allowed to expire for want of support. Franklin has well observed, that “more will be done for the happiness of the poor by inuring them to provide for themselves, than could be done by dividing all your estates among them.” To establish principles of self-reliance among a people is to secure to them respectability and a manly independence of character.

There are several Friendly Societies in Oswestry, all of which are conducted with prudence and judgment, and are at present in a state of prosperity. The following is a list of these institutions:—

Sun Friendly Society, established 1765, consisting of 107 Members.

The Feathers Friendly Society, established 1830, consisting of 150 Members.

King Oswald Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 603 Manchester Unity; established 1833, consisting of 153 Members. Held at Osburn’s Hotel.

Philanthropic Lodge of ditto, No. 1637, established 1838, having 50 Members. Held at the George Inn.

Duke of Cornwall Court of Foresters, No. 86, established 1840, consisting of 86 Members. Held at the Unicorn Inn.

Thisancient fabric, though having no pretensions to beauty of architecture, externally or internally, yet, from its size and the massiveness of its ivy-mantled tower, has a venerable and somewhat imposing aspect. Girded on the west side by noble elm trees, and on the north by an avenue of limes, its tower presents on every side an object of much interest in the surrounding country. The eye even of the casual observer cannot fail to remark how much the fabric has suffered in former times, little probably of the original structure remaining. The different styles of architecture in the present building might enable the antiquary to decide with some probability when each particular part was restored. The only windows possessing any architectural beauty are those in St. Mary’s chancel, and it is to be lamented that, when the south side of the chancel was restored some years ago, the new windows were not made uniform with these. At present nothing can be more incongruous than the different styles which present themselves on every side.

The Parish Church

There are perhaps few churches, in a parish so large and important as Oswestry, which contain so meagre a collection of records relating to it. Doubtless many of the books belonging to it were lost during the disturbed times which ended in the establishment of the Commonwealth. The old Vicarage House is supposed to have been burnt down, either at this time or in some former incursions of the Welsh. It stood on the north side of the church-yard, and when this sitewas exchanged with the late Mr. Lloyd, of Swan Hill, by the then Vicar, for what is now the New Church-Yard, and which then became the Vicar’s Croft, the row of trees forming the north side of the avenue, though separated by a wall from the church-yard, was expressly reserved as belonging to the church; and the present owner of that property has no right to cut down, or even to lop, the trees; whilst the Vicar has at all times power to enter upon the premises to plant new trees, if any of the present ones should be blown down or injured. The croft which became the Vicar’s, by the above exchange with Mr. Lloyd, was again exchanged by the late Lord Powis for what is now the Vicar’s land in Salop Road, and Lord Powis then gave the croft thus obtained as a free gift to the parish for a new Burial-ground. This, however, is already nearly filled, and as the Old Church-yard ought unquestionably to be shut up and disused for burials, another and a larger Burial-ground is much needed.

In the year 1748 Mrs. Margaret Godolphin endeavoured to remedy the loss of the old Vicarage House, by leaving to the Vicar and his successors for the time being a small tenement at the back of Cross-Street, as a residence, but coupled with this proviso, that if the Vicar should not occupy it himself, then it was to be let by the Churchwardens, and the rent appropriated in putting out apprentices from amongst the poor. It does not appear that the house so given by Mrs. Godolphin was ever occupied by any Vicar, and it consequently fell at once under the second provision of the will, and became a sort of Poor-house for the town. This continued till the year 1823, when the house was exchanged for more desirable premises in Brook-Street, which were for many years occupied by the present Vicar; but in consequence of his non-residence, through ill health, the property has been given up by him, and has once more reverted to the second purpose of the charity.

The antiquity of the church, as we have already intimated, is not clearly defined in any of the books relating to the history of the county. In the records of the Augmentation Office the following minutes are made in reference to the Rectory and Vicarage of Oswestry:—

“The Church of Oswestry is doubtless of great antiquity. There was certainly a vicarage here antecedent to the formation of the Valor by Pope Nicholas IV., A.D. 1291; for in the record, the original of which is preserved in the Exchequer, Oswestry is thus recorded:—“ST. ASAPH. SPIRITUALITIES.DEANERY OF MARCHIA.Church of Oswalstræ:

“ST. ASAPH. SPIRITUALITIES.

DEANERY OF MARCHIA.

Church of Oswalstræ:

£.

Rectory

Vicarage

“From this it is evident that the vicarial endowment of Oswestry must be of a date prior to 1291; and in all probability, therefore, so ancient as to preclude the expectation of its being extant,“The Church of Oswestry was, in early times, given to the Monastery of Shrewsbury, and afterwards appropriated thereto, and the rectory and tithes converted to the uses of the said monastery. They continued to belong to the monastery until, as one of the great religious houses, Shrewsbury was, by force of the statute of 31 Henry VIII., dissolved, when its tithes and other possessions came into the hands of the crown.”

“From this it is evident that the vicarial endowment of Oswestry must be of a date prior to 1291; and in all probability, therefore, so ancient as to preclude the expectation of its being extant,

“The Church of Oswestry was, in early times, given to the Monastery of Shrewsbury, and afterwards appropriated thereto, and the rectory and tithes converted to the uses of the said monastery. They continued to belong to the monastery until, as one of the great religious houses, Shrewsbury was, by force of the statute of 31 Henry VIII., dissolved, when its tithes and other possessions came into the hands of the crown.”

The tithes of Oswestry afterwards became the property of the Earl of Arundel, Lord of Oswestry, and then of the Earl of Powis, who sold them in 1819 (excepting the liberties of Oswestry town and Middleton township) to Mr. W. Lloyd, of Aston, Mr. T. N. Parker, of Sweeney, the Hon. T. Kenyon, of Pradoe, and others.

Within the tower of the church are eight silver-toned bells, whose joyous peals on occasions of festivity give hilarity toall who hear them. A new clock was substituted for an old one in 1836, the cost of which was paid by public subscription.

The church is dedicated to St. Mary. A new organ was erected by subscription in 1812; and the organist, by the adoption of effective sacred music, and the choir, by its able execution of the beautiful psalmody selected, contribute much to the solemnity and effect of public worship in this venerable church. The present Organist is Mr. Edward Eyeley. It is stated that the old organ, a fine-toned instrument, is fixed in one of the metropolitan churches.

The interior of the church, especially on a Sabbath morning, when a numerous congregation generally assembles, presents a most delightful spectacle. The place where, for ages past, divine worship has been held, and the footsteps of grandsires and great-grandsires have led them to bow before the “throne of the heavenly grace,” cannot fail to exhibit an affecting scene to all who understand the frailty and brevity of human life.

The church was enlarged and beautified in 1807: and in 1831 a new entrance door was completed at the east or chancel end. A great improvement in the interior, both as to comfort and effect, would still be added, were a new set of pews erected. Many of the present pews are most unsightly and inconvenient. A new set, formed on the most approved principle of church seat-accommodation, would be acceptable to all pew-holders, giving neatness and adding comfort within the fabric which every member of the congregation would heartily approve. The inhabitants of the parish have accomplished much, in the way of public improvement, within the last few years; and the alterations we have now suggested would be a crowning point to their spirited exertions for the benefit and honour of the town.. The altar-piece might be removed, and a more suitable one introduced, at a trifling expense.

The Communion Plate belonging to the church consists of the following articles:—A silver cup, bearing the inscription,“Ex Dono Dauidi Edwards”; another cup, dated 1575, the gift of “Richard Stanni,” “Elder Mercer”; a silver flagon, the letters “I. H. S.” engraved thereon, with the inscription, “Given for the use of the Holy Communion, in the Parish Church of Oswestry, 1707”; and two silver salvers, the gift of Mrs. Elizabeth Roderick.

TheChurch-Yardis no ordinary resting-spot for the dead. As we have already said, it would be well now to close it as a place of sepulture. Sanitary motives would urge this change; and the feelings of those whose departed relatives or friends are about to be consigned to the grave should be religiously deferred to. The Church-yard may soon be surrounded by human dwellings, and then the newly-laid dead will lie amidst the busy living.

The Church Gate and Avenue

Its beautiful avenue, rendered still more pleasant in spring, summer, and autumn, by the lofty row of lime-trees which separates it from the space appropriated to the tenements of the dead, might be made still more impressive in character, were a neat lattice-work constructed, extending from tree to tree, to mark the line of demarcation between the avenue and church-yard more distinctly. A sketch of the Avenue, with the Alcove at the west end, is here given, as well as the florid, chastely-designed Gate leading to it from Church-Street. This gate was put up in 1738, at the expence of the parish. Country churchyards are always deeply interesting to the contemplative and thoughtful; and Gray’s truthfuland pathetic Elegy, which appeals so powerfully to the best feelings of our nature, has invested them, however rude and humble, with an affecting character that touches the hearts even of the most indifferent. Oswestry Church-Yard, with its aged elms of more than a century’s growth; its sombre yews; its stately tombs and humble graves for patrician and plebeian dust, “the rich and the poor meeting together,” is a scene conveying monitory lessons to all who will seriously read them. Among the tombs are several, bearing appropriate inscriptions, containing the ashes of French prisoners of war, who died in Oswestry on their parole, between the years 1811 and 1814. The ancient entrance to the Church-yard from Upper Brook-Street, through theGriddle Gate, is a curious relic of byegone times. Formerly, on occasions of burial from the south side of the town, the coffin of a deceased party was placed temporarily on a bier within the porch of the Griddle Gate,and thence conveyed to the church. It will be seen from the engraving we give of this Gate that it was erected in 1631.

The Griddle Gate

We may here state that the elm-trees in the church-yard were planted at the expense of the Rev. Thomas Owen, when Vicar of the Parish, between the years 1707 and 1713.

How valuable are Monumental Inscriptions, when they are the records of truth, and affectionate tributes to departed worth! The tablets on our church walls are silent, but often effective monitors, reviving drooping spirits, recalling scenes of sublunary enjoyments, transient as the stay of the dew-drop in the sun, and suggesting the brevity and uncertainty of human existence. Within Oswestry Church, as well as in its grave-yard, most of the Monuments and Inscriptions are simple, chaste, and impressive. They either plainly mark the spot where lies the departed body, or touchingly express the natural grief of surviving relatives or friends. Whilst wandering among the habitations of the dead, and viewing, with “slow and solemn steps,” the houses, for rich and poor, “appointed for all men living,” we can sympathize with Salopia’s own sweet poet, in his beautiful apostrophe:

“Thou, sainted Memory, art mine,And smiling Hope, of birth divine,Ev’n now I feel your mingled pow’r,Ev’n in this solitary hour.”

On the north wall, within the church, is an ancient monument exhibiting a male and female kneeling.

“In memory of Mr.Hugh Yale, alderman of this town, andDorothyhis wife, daughter of Roger Roden, Esq., of Burton, in the county of Denbigh, whose bodies are interred within ye chancel of this church, commonly called St. Mary’s, before its demolition in the late wars, anno 1616. They gave to ye poor of this town the yearly interest and benefice of one hundred pounds, to continue for ever; besides other good acts of charity.”

Beneath this inscription:

“Underneath are interred the remains ofMargaret, the wife of David Yale, Esq., daughter and heiress of Edward Morris, of Cae-mor, Gent. She departed this life, the 20th day of December, 1754, aged 66. Also lye the remains ofDavid Yale, Esq., who dy’d January the 29th, 1763, aged 81. This was erected by her son, John Yale, of Plas yn Yale, Clerk.”

In 1721 died Edward Yale. There is a monument to him in Wrexham Church, with the following inscription:—

“Born in America, and in Europe bred,In Africa travell’d, and in Asia wed,—Where long he liv’d and thriv’d—in London died.”

On marble tablets on the same side:

“Near this small monument lie the remains of Mrs.Mary Griffiths, the wife of William Griffiths, Gent., one of the aldermen of this corporation: she died on the 9th day of August, 1774, in the 70th year of her age. Likewise the remains of the saidWilliam Griffiths, who died the 14th day of November, 1791, in the 81st year of his age.”

“Sacred to the memory ofElizabeth, the beloved wife of John Jones, Esq., of Brook Street, who departed this life the 2nd of February, 1835, aged 68. Also to the memory of the above-namedJohn Jones, who departed this life the 8th of June, 1846, aged 86.”

“Vaughan Barrett, Esq., died 17th October, 1772, aged — years;Mary, relict of Vaughan Barrett, Esq., daughter of Thomas Kynaston, Esq., of Maesbury Hall, in the county of Salop, died 28th of May, 1779, aged — years;Elizabeth, daughter of Vaughan and Mary Barrett, died 6th March, 1792, aged 58 years;Letitia, daughter of Vaughan and Mary Barrett, died 25th of March, 1803, aged 71 years. This testimony of affection and regard is erected to their memory by Edward Disbrowe, Esq., of Walton-upon-Trent, in the county of Derby.”

“In memory ofElizabeth Venables, who died July, 1772, aged 39;Sarah Venables, who died June, 1807, aged 70;Margaret Venables, who died June, 1814, aged 80. Their remains are interred in an adjacent vault. They lived virtuously, and ‘all died in faith,’ in stedfast hope of a blessed resurrection.”“Likewise in memory ofMary Ashburn, sister of the above-named, who died October 14th, 1817, aged 81, beloved and lamented.”

“Likewise in memory ofMary Ashburn, sister of the above-named, who died October 14th, 1817, aged 81, beloved and lamented.”

On mural monuments on the north side of the chancel:

“M. S. RICHARDUS MAURICE, Arm. Ad pedem Columnæ huic Marm. oppositæ Exuvias Mortales UxorisAliciæ, Filiæ Thomæ Carpenter, De Home, Com. Herefordiæ, Arm., cum unica ex eadem Filia Anna, tumulavit, September 4, A.D. 1700, Ætat. 22. EtMargaretæitidem, Secundis illi Nuptiis conjunctæ, Filiæ Johannis Price, A.M., ex qua Unum suscepit Filium, Johannem, cum Matre placide dormientem. Denat. September 4, A.D. 1716, Ætat. 32. In Uxorum et Liberorum Memoriam, H. M. R.Maurice, P.C., in eodem Tumulo et suos aliquando Cineres depositurus, Æterna Requie fruiturus, si erga Deum Pietas, erga Pauperes Benignitas, erga Omnes summa Benevolentia illam Requiem afferre valeant. Obiit Primo die Junii, An. Salutis 1749, et suæ Ætatis 84.”

“MDCCCXII. In memory ofLewis Jones, Esq., for fourteen years town-clerk of Oswestry: he died June 5th, in the 56th year of his age. This tablet was erected by the corporation of this town, in token of their affectionate remembrance of a man, who was remarkable for his knowledge of the laws of his country, and for his readiness in imparting that knowledge, with a view to prevent litigation among his neighbours.”

“To the memory ofElizabeth, the wife of Mr. Lewis Jones, who died 26th of September, 1801, in the 38th year of her age. This small tribute of affectionate regard, as a testimony of her worth, and an expression of his own deep regret, is placed by her surviving husband.”

“Sacred to the memory of CaptainRobert Watkin Lloyd, of major-general Gwynne’s regiment of cavalry, only son of Robert Lloyd, Esq., of Swan Hill, aged 17. He fell a victim to the yellow fever, on the 26th of June, 1794, at Port au Prince, in Saint Domingo, having survived the capture of that place. In him were united a mind firm and vigorous; a disposition kind and benevolent; manners engaging and mild, giving promise of a character which might one day have added lustre to his profession; have adorned the circle of polished society, and have sweetened the enjoyments of domestic life.” “Sacred also to the memory ofRobert Lloyd, Esq., of Swan Hill, father of the above-named Robert Watkin Lloyd, who departed this life on the 3rd day of October, 1803, aged 58. By that event, his family lost an affectionate husband and father; the county an upright magistrate; and the public an amiable man.”

A monument at the north end of the chancel:

“Robert Powell Lloyd, son of Robert Lloyd, of Swan Hill, Esq.,by Sarah, his second wife, died 11th March, Anno 1769, and was interred in the vault beneath, aged 5 years.Sarah, mother of the above R. P. Lloyd, died 19th of August, 1790, aged 59 years; alsoRobert Lloyd, Esq., the father, died 5th of April, 1793, aged 72 years.”

A neat tablet at the same end:

“Sacred to the memory ofThomas Trevor, clerk, M.A., son of Roger Trevor, of Bodynfol, in the county of Montgomery, Esq., Vicar of this parish 50, and of Ruabon, 15 years; chaplain to Sir W. Williams Wynne, baronet; and one of his Majesty’s justices of the peace for the counties of Salop and Denbigh, who died the 29th of February, 1784, aged 76. Of manners unaffected, he performed the service of the church with a peculiar grace; and by a propriety of elocution, attracted the attention, and raised the devotion of his hearers. He was an active and upright magistrate, tender husband, kind relation, and steady friend. He married twice—first, Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Maurice, of Trefedrhyd, in the county of Montgomery, Esq., 11th June, 1762; afterwards, Anne, daughter of Gabriel Wynne, of Dolarddyn, Esq., and relict of George Robinson, of Brithdir, Esq., both in the county of Montgomery, who survived.”

On tablets near the communion table:

“Sacred to the memory of the Rev.Turner Edwards, L.L.B., Vicar of this parish, and of Llansilin, in the county of Denbigh; rural dean of Marchia, in the diocese of St. Asaph; and one of his Majesty’s justices of the peace for the county of Salop: he departed this life on the 10th of January, 1803, aged 44, leaving an afflicted widow, with five children, to deplore his untimely loss. Also underneath lie the remains ofSarah, relict of the above Rev. Turner Edwards, and second daughter of the late William Birch Basnett, Esq.; she departed this life on the 16th December, 1814, aged 52. This monument, a slender token of duty and affection, was erected by their surviving children, Turner, John, William, James, and Mary Anne.”

“Sacred to the memory of the ReverendJoseph Venables, L.L.B., who was born 31st August, 1726, and died 14th August 1810. As a minister of the Gospel, he illustrated his precepts by his example, by his piety, benevolence, and general character as a man. To his relations, his affection and kindness were unbounded; for society, his friendship was ardent and sincere; and when his Creator called him to another and a better world, he closed a long and well-spent life, respected and lamented.”

A tablet near the communion table:

“To the memory ofThomas Kynaston, of Maesbury, Esq., who died in 1710, aged 33; also of three of his children, and five grand-children.”

On a plain slab near the town door:

“Sweeney Vault.—Underneath lie the remains ofEdward Browne, Esq., who departed this life 22nd of February, 1704, aged 80.”

On a neat marble tablet near the above:

“Edvardo Browne, de Oswestry, in comitatu Salopiensi, armigero, qui vixit ann. 80. Decessit 8 Calend. Mart., Anno sacro 1794. Sara, conjux Thomæ Netherton Parker, haeres ejus, ex asse, pio gratoque animo in avunculum optime de se meritum, hoc monumentum faciendum curavit.”

Mural monuments near the above:

“M. S. Jacobi Donne, S.T.P., Ecclesiæ Blddwell, in agro Salopiensi, Vicarii, qui, dum Scholæ Oswestriensi per annos 36 præfuit, quid sit verus ingenuarum artium finis, quid erga Deum patriamque pietas, quid strenua illa honestas, nominis Britannici prisca propugnatrix, præceptis, exemplo, tota vitæ ratione, pro virili edocuit. Quanta denique Religionis Christianæ vis, ipse jam tandem placida senectute degens otium, et ad extremam vitæ horam sacris literis officiisque deditus sanctioribus, sibi suisque feliciter demonstravit. Hoc monumentum poni curaverunt, qui, disciplina pueri tam honesta instituti, provectioribus jam annis venerandi illius capitis testari volunt desiderium.”

“Sacred to the memory ofCharles Penson, a friend and instructor of the poor, and a lover of all who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He died November 26th, 1836, aged 40 years. Although nearly blind, he was an honoured instrument in God’s hand in turning many from darkness to light. His life was spent in an active course of self-denying Christian benevolence, yet ever counting himself an unprofitable servant. In life and in death he had but one ground of hope, the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. Near this place he long sat as a Teacher in the Sunday School, labouring to make known to others that Saviour whom he had found so precious to his own soul. ‘His faith follow, considering the end of his conversation; Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.’ Heb. xiii, 7, 8. This tablet is erected to his memory by many who esteemed him very highly in love, for his work’s sake.”

Tablet on a pillar in the chancel:

“Sacred to the memory ofRichard Price, surgeon, one of the senior aldermen of this town, obt. 26th September, 1790, æt. 68. Also to the memory ofSusanna, wife of Nathaniel Price, Esq., who departed this life February 23rd, 1844, aged 67 years. Also ofNathaniel Price, Esq., who departed this life May 22nd, 1847, aged 67 years. This tablet was erected as a tribute of affection by Harriet, daughter of Susanna and Nathaniel Price.”

A brass plate near the organ gallery steps:

“Mary, wife of Humphrey Mostyn, Esq., died September 3rd, 1781, aged 60. Also ofHumphrey, youngest son of William Mostyn, Esq., of Brongwyn, Montgomeryshire, died 12th of January, 1786, aged 60.”

Scroll, surmounted by military insignia, on south-east wall:

“Sacred to the memory of CaptainOwen Arthur Ormsby Gore, of the 43rd Light Infantry, third son of William Ormsby Gore, Esq., M.P., of Porkington, who fell in action with the Caffres, at the head of his Company, on the 6th of April, 1852, at ‘Antas Cave,’ British Caffraria. This monument was erected by his brother officers, as a mark of their affectionate regard.”Arms—Motto, “In hoc signo vinces.”

Arms—Motto, “In hoc signo vinces.”

Tablet, surmounted by an urn:

“Sacred to the memory ofHenry Pinson Tozer Aubrey, Esq., of Broom Hall, in this Parish, who died deeply and deservedly lamented, September 30th, 1848, aged 69.”“The memory of the just is blessed.”

“Sacred to the memory ofHenry Pinson Tozer Aubrey, Esq., of Broom Hall, in this Parish, who died deeply and deservedly lamented, September 30th, 1848, aged 69.”

“The memory of the just is blessed.”

We select the following from various parts of the Churchyard:—

“Sacred to the memory ofSamuel Leach, Esq., Llanforda Issa, and an alderman of the corporation of this town, who departed this life November 4th, 1833, aged 67 years.”“Sacred to the memory ofMary, relict of the late Samuel Leach, who departed this life February 25th, 1838, aged 60 years.”

“Sacred to the memory ofSamuel Leach, Esq., Llanforda Issa, and an alderman of the corporation of this town, who departed this life November 4th, 1833, aged 67 years.”

“Sacred to the memory ofMary, relict of the late Samuel Leach, who departed this life February 25th, 1838, aged 60 years.”

Back to Index Next