Among the more attractive residences in the immediate suburbs of the town the following claim a brief notice:—
Broom Hall, the residence of Mrs. Aubrey, widow of the late H. P. T. Aubrey, Esq., is situated near to the town, on the west side. Mr. Aubrey died in 1848. [See p.143.]Drenewyddstands about a mile and a-half from Oswestry, on the road leading to Whittington, is a very ancient house, and has some interesting historical facts connected with it. It was formerly the residence of Edward Lloyd, Esq., eldest son of Marmaduke Lloyd, Esq., by Penelope, daughter of Charles Goodman, Esq. He was eminent for his learning, and after a long and diligent search into ancient records, wrotea history of his native county, but did not live to publish it. A MS. copy of his learned works is preserved in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. He was elected Mayor of Oswestry in 1707; in which office, it is recorded of him, “he corrected many existing abuses.” He left an only son, Charles, who was the last in the male line of the Drenewydd family. The old house at Drenewydd is now the property of William Ormsby Gore, Esq., and is occupied as a farm house.Mount Pleasant, the seat of Thomas L. Longueville, Esq., (a gentleman distinguished for his public and private worth,) is situated about one mile from Oswestry, on the road leading to Llansilin.Oakhurst, a newly-erected mansion, about one mile north-west of Oswestry, on the road leading to Selattyn, commands extensive and delightful views of the surrounding country, including the Vale of Salop and the Breidden hills. It is built in the Elizabethan style of architecture, and is the property and residence of R. J. Venables, Esq., one of the Magistrates of the county, and a Director of the Great Western and Oswestry and Newtown Railway Companies. The family of Mr. Venables have for many years been honourably connected with the borough of Oswestry. AtRhyd-y-Croesauis the residence of the Rev. Robert Williams, author of “Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Welshmen.” Mr. Williams is a profound scholar, and his location in the district, at the head of an ably-conducted school, may be looked upon as a great advantage to the inhabitants generally.Pentrepant, the property of T. G. Warrington Carew, Esq., is the residence of Colonel Frederick Hill. It is about one mile from Oswestry, on the road to Selattyn. The estate was for many generations in the Hanmer family, and John Hanmer, Bishop of St. Asaph, resided here. He died in 1629, and was buried in the church of Selattyn, to the poor of which parish, and also of Oswestry and St. Asaph, he gave £15 to be equally divided between them.Penylanis a very beautiful House, about one mile from Oswestry. The pleasure-grounds and shrubberies are laid out with much taste and skill. It is theresidence of Mrs. Longueville, (Widow of the late T. L. Longueville, Esq.,) a lady of enlarged benevolence, and who has ever shewn herself ready to alleviate the sufferings of the poorer classes of the district.Sweeney Hall, situated about two miles from Oswestry, on the left of the road to Welshpool, is a handsome mansion built of freestone, and beautifully placed in the midst of a well-timbered park. The house was erected by the late Thomas Netherton Parker, Esq., a gentleman who will be long remembered as an active and impartial Magistrate of the county; as an enlightened landed proprietor; and a liberal and warm-hearted friend to the poor of his district. Mr. Parker was an able writer on agricultural and social economy, and some clever essays from his pen show how intimately acquainted he was with the condition of the rural population of all classes. He was an ardent promoter of agriculture, and most assiduously employed himself for its practical advancement. The estate is now the property of his son, the Rev. John Parker, Vicar of Llanyblodwel, and the house is occupied by Hugh Beavor, Esq. Some particulars relative to the ancient burial-ground upon the estate are given in page153.Wood Hill Hall, about two miles from Oswestry, on the right of the road to Llanymynech, was formerly the property of L. J. Venables, Esq., but has recently been purchased, and is now occupied by J. Lees, Esq.
In closing ourSketchesof theEnvirons, a brief reference to Chirk and Llangollen Vale, both being within half an hour’s railway ride from Oswestry, seems to be necessary.
Chirkis situated upon the northern bank of the river Ceiriog, and is a pleasant and somewhat picturesque village. The entire parish is the property of Col. Myddelton Biddulph. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, contains an interesting monument of the gallant Sir Thomas Myddelton; and in the church-yard are some fine yew trees, the growth of centuries.There is an excellent inn in the village,The Chirk Castle Arms, kept by Mr. Moses, who is also post-master there. From the poor-rate return for the present year (1855), it appears that the acreage of the parish is 4,635a. 3r. 29p.; the gross rental, £9,401 8s. 4d.; and the rateable value assessed to the relief of the poor, £9,308 2s. 1d. The present much-respected Vicar is the Rev. Joseph Maude, who is also, as already stated, Chairman of the Board of the Oswestry Incorporation. The Vale of the Ceiriog, like that of the Dee, generally attracts the attention of railway travellers, from its singular beauty and historical associations. It is crossed by a Viaduct of the Great Western Railway, and by an Aqueduct also, extending along the Ellesmere canal upon long ranges of arches at a considerable elevation.Llangollen Valeis only a few minutes’ ride from Chirk, and, we need not add, “the admired of all observers.” The tourist is amazed with the first view obtained of it; its hills and slopes display enchanting spots, and the beauty of the natural scenery is increased by the massive elegance of Robertson’s railway viaduct across the Dee, and the classic grace of Telford’s aqueduct. The Vale, on both sides the river Dee, is at length brought to a high state of cultivation. Looking down the valley from the railway viaduct, or from the more elevated portions of the Holyhead road, the scene presents a strange admixture of beauty and ugliness; and a stranger, for the first time viewing the scene, would declare, “I see nothing but smoke.” On the north side of the river are the extensive iron works of the New British Iron Company, disgorging smoke and flame day and night, and on the opposite side of the river are the Vron limestone quarries and kilns, equally active in discharging huge volumes of vapour. The tourist must pass on from these manufacturing localities, and his eye will soon rest upon scenery of surpassing loveliness and grandeur. The wood-crowned heights of Trevor, the Eglwyseg and Berwyn range of mountains, the old battered fortress,Castell Dinas Bran, the luxuriant Vale, which presentsthe form of a capacious amphitheatre, and the Dee, vending its course over beds of clay-slate, limestone, and granitic boulders,—these, with abundance of full-grown timber, snug villas, white-washed cottages, and well-managed farms, with fertile fields and well-farmed hill-sides, show of what materials the panoramic valley is composed. Could Moore have viewed it, as we have done on a bright summer day, he would have been constrained to quote his own beautiful line,
“The valley lies smiling before me.”
“The valley lies smiling before me.”
OfLlangollenitself we shall attempt no description. Its charms have been transmitted to glowing canvass and sung in rapturous verse from Anna Seward downwards; its hostelries, theHandand theRoyal Hotels, its “trouts,” its mountain mutton, sparkling ale, and other delicacies, have too long been the “household words” of tourists, album-writers, and after-dinner orators, to render eulogium or even “faint praise” from us in the slightest degree necessary.
After these poetic visions it is difficult to descend to sober reality. The tourist, generally speaking, unless he be a botanist, a geologist, or an artist, penetrates little beyond the public highway, except in those localities distinguished by a waterfall, an ancient castle, or a noble residence. Thousands of people, from the manufacturing districts, cannot in their visits to the Principality do more than give a passing glance to the country through which they hurriedly travel. In the immediate vicinity of the turnpike-roads on both sides of the Dee the land there lets at a high price, and, generally speaking, is ably farmed; and ascending the hills, to the heights of ten or twelve hundred feet, most of the little inclosures occupied by small farmers, or by parties engaged principally in other occupation than that of agriculture, are also well cultivated, and fetch a rental of from 30s. to 40s. per acre. Some twenty years ago the mountain-land in the Vale of Llangollen was deemed common, and but few habitations were erectedupon it; but at the present time neat cottage-dwellings for the industrious poor are raised in clusters, and most of the land attached to them is farmed with a skill and success that would put to the blush many a professed agriculturist. No doubt that this comparatively high price for mountain-land is caused by the large number of working-men employed in the various manufacturing and other working establishments in the neighbourhood. Such men require small portions of what is called occupation land, on which to feed a cow and grow a little wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes. To them the land even at the price is an advantage; but still it is a fact worthy of note, that mountain-land in this busy district is in great demand, and whenever let fetches a high rental. Such is the influence of manufactures upon agriculture, both of which, as Sir Josiah Child said years ago, “must wax or wane together.”
OSWESTRY: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GEORGE LEWIS.
Some few typographical and other errors have occurred in the progress of the volume, which we are anxious to correct.
In page210, line 13, for “old transparent,” read “cooltransparent.”
In page223, line 3, for “carbonate of zinc,” read “carbonateandsulphuretof zinc.”
In page251, line 4, for “Procapella de Coton,” read “Pro capella de Coten.”
In the List of Illustrations, for “Corn Market,” read “CrossMarket.”
Since our notice of the Post-Office was printed, a new postal arrangement has been made, by which Letters to the north and south can now be posted, without extra charge, till eight o’clock, p.m.; and, with an extra stamp, till half-past eight.—Money Orders can be obtained till 5, p.m.; and Letters registered till 7, p.m.
1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, London.
Established1840.
ACCUMULATED CAPITAL,125,000.
This flourishing Institution has just completed its financial year, within which it has accepted One Thousand Eight Hundred Proposals for Assurances, covering considerably more than a Quarter of a Million Sterling. It has issued 4,640 Policies, making, since its commencement, an aggregate of more thanTen Thousand. Its present income is above £45,000 per annum. It has paid in claims, chiefly to the Widows and Orphans of its members, £36,000.
The Temperance and General Sections are kept separate, the members of each participating in the Profits of their respective Sections. The Office transacts every description of Life Assurance.
W. R. BAKER,Resident Director.
JOHN WINDSOR, AGENT FOR OSWESTRY.
Of whom Prospectuses &c. may be obtained.
***All Sale Accounts immediately settled.—Valuations for the Probate of Wills and Administrations faithfully and promptly attended to.
MACHINE RULER, & NEWS AGENT,
LEG STREET, OSWESTRY.
···························································
G. L. has constantly on hand a well-selected Stock of
DAY BOOKS, JOURNALS, LEDGERS,
And every description of ACCOUNT BOOKS.
Bibles, Prayers, and Church Services,In the most elegant Bindings.
SCHOOL BOOKS AND STATIONERY,ON THE LOWEST TERMS.
A GREAT VARIETY OF CHEAP MUSIC,FINE ART, SCRIPTURAL, & OTHER ENGRAVINGS,At very reduced prices.
Magazines, Reviews, and all New Works, supplied punctually on the Day of Publication.
LONDON AND DUBLIN PORTER,
AND
MILD AND BITTER ALES,From the first Breweries in England.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JOSEPH JONES.
Being anxious to afford his friends and all respectable private families who may be kind enough to patronize him, an opportunity of having their requirements supplied upon the very best terms, begs to state that they may always rely upon an excellent Stock of all the above-mentioned of the most superior quality to select from, and which will be delivered without the least delay after being ordered.
Cross Street,Oswestry,October, 1855.
Gas Proprietor, Hydraulic Engineer,PLUMBER, GLAZIER, GAS-FITTER, &c.,
Begs to return his most grateful thanks to his numerous friends and patrons for the very liberal support he has received the last half century, and begs to inform them and the Public generally, that he still continues the above business in all its branches as heretofore, and hopes to merit a share of their continued support.
He has now on hand every requisite in the PLUMBING, GLAZING, and GAS-FITTING line. Also a large assortment of first-rate Gas-fittings, of elegant designs, in glass. Bronze and Lacquered work, from which may be selected, patterns suited to every requirement of the palace or the cottage.
Brook Street,Oswestry,October, 1855.
MANUFACTURER OFSoda Water, Lemonade, & Ginger Beer,
Families and the trade supplied withWINES IN ANY QUANTITIES TO SUIT PURCHASERS.
Either in Cask or Bottle.
FRENCH BRANDY, GIN, RUM, WHISKEY, HOLLANDS,And all other Spirits, in quantities of two gallons and upwards.
Parties purchasing as above will reap a decided advantage, both in quality and price, and a trial is most respectfully solicited. W. C. has constantly on hand at his CONFECTIONARY ESTABLISHMENT, a general assortment of plain and ornamented Bride, Plum, Seed, Almond and other Cakes, in great variety, and of the best quality.
FUNERAL ORDERS EXECUTED ON THE SHORTEST NOTICE.
Haylock’s Arrowroot Biscuits, British Wines, Pickles, Sauces,Raspberry Vinegar, &c., &c.
WINE AND SPIRIT STORES, SMITHFIELD ROAD.
CONFECTIONARY ESTABLISHMENT, CROSS-STREET.
Oswestry, 1855.
1, KING ALFRED’S PLACE,
Near Bingley, Hall, Broad-Street, Birmingham,
MANUFACTURER OF
IMPROVED BLINDS FOR SHOP FRONTS,
SPRING ROLLERS, from 1 to 5in. diameter,
NEW ROLLER FURNITURE,ON AN IMPROVED PRINCIPLE, ALL SIZES,
Rollers and Iron Work for Bonnet Blinds,VENETIAN BLIND FURNITURE,
Cornice Poles,with Rings,BLINDS FOR GREEN-HOUSES, SKY-LIGHTS, ETC.,
MAPS MOUNTED ON SPRING ROLLERS,
In Boxes, and every other description of
BLIND FURNITURE & FITTINGS.
J. EDISBURY, &Co.,(LATE RATCLIFFES)Wholesale and Retail Tea Dealers,Family Grocers,CHEESE FACTORS, &C.,TOWN HILL, OPPOSITE THE TOWN HALL,WREXHAM.
ESTABLISHED 1780.
TRUSTEES:The Rt. Hon. the Viscount Hill, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Salop.Robert Burton, Esq. | George Pritchard, Esq.
DIRECTORS:
Jonathon Scarth, Esq.
W. W. How, Esq.
R. Jones, Croxon, Esq.
Charles Wilding, Esq.
J. J. Peele, Esq.
W. H. Perry, Esq.
Timotheus Burd, Esq.
William Cooper, Esq.
John Hazledine, Esq.
Secretary—Mr. Edward B. Tipton.
The advantages offered to Insurers are equal to those of similar Institutions, and a large PAID-UP Capital, together with the individual and unlimited responsibility of the Shareholders is available at all times to meet the Company’s engagements.
THE RATES OF PREMIUM:
Common Risks
1s.
6d.
percent.
Hazardous ditto
2s.
6d.
,,
FARMING STOCK:
Premium only (being free from Duty) 2s. percent.
Persons insuring for Seven Years, BY ONE PAYMENT, will be allowed One Year’s Premium and Duty. No expense is incurred in removing Policies from other Offices.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AGENTS:
Oswestry
Mr. G.Lewis, Stamp Office.
Ellesmere
Messrs. Cooley and Son.
Whitchurch
Mr. R. M. Angior.
Wem
Mr. Josiah Franklin.
Chester
Mr. Henry Lewis.
Wrexham
Mr. John Bury.
Dolgelley
Mr. William Jones.
Corwen
W. B. Williams, Esq.
Llanidloes
Mr. William Jerman, Jun.
Newtown
Messrs. Woosnam & Lloyd.
Welchpool
Thomas Bowen, Esq.
BOOT MANUFACTURER,
CROSS STREET, OSWESTRY.
AGENT TO THE TEMPERANCE PERMANENT LAND & BUILDING SOCIETY.
Agricultural Implement Manufacturer,
Begs to call Public attention to his
STOCK OF IMPLEMENTS,
CONSISTING OF
PATENT PLOUGHS AND HARROWS,
CAMBRIDGES & PLAIN LAND ROLLERS,
SCARRIFIERS,
Corn, Manure, Turnip, & Clover Seed Drills,
With the latest improvements.
STEAM ENGINES,
(PORTABLE OR FIXTURE,)
PATENT THRASHING MACHINES,
Of the most approved makes;
WINNOWING MACHINES,
AND
CHAFF-CUTTERS OF VARIOUS KINDS.
Wire-work of every kind executed on the shortest notice.
N.B.—Agent for Milners’ Fire-resisting and Thief-proof Safes.
Linen and Woollen Draper, Silk Mercer
AND
HABERDASHER,
GROCER AND TEA DEALER,
Oswestry,
Invites the attention of the Public to the following announcements, viz:—
IN GENERAL
FANCY DRAPERY
He has constantly in stock a large assortment of goods suitable to the various seasons, and is receiving from time to time the newest designs and styles as they appear.
MILLINERY IN ALL ITS BRANCHES,TO ORDER.
In Plain Goods for Furnishing and Householdpurposes, as well as for Personal Wear,
He is particularly careful to secure the best and most durable makes, and which he can confidently recommend.
A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF WEST OF ENGLAND BROAD-CLOTHS, AND FANCY DOESKINS, VESTINGS, &C., &C.
AGENT FOR
PATENT VICTORIA FELT CARPETS.
TINSLEY’S FRENCH WOVE CORSETS.
FORD’S EUREKA SHIRTS & COLLARS.
FINE FLAVOURED TEAS AND COFFEES,And every Article in general Grocery,
Great care being taken to secure theGENUINESSof every Article.
FAMILIES SUPPLIED ON THE MOST ADVANTAGEOUS TERMS.
THE ONLY NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES ALL THE LOCALINTELLIGENCE OF THIS DISTRICT IS THE
OSWESTRY ADVERTISER,
Shropshire & North Wales Herald,
Published everyWednesday Morning.
Each number contains the London markets of Monday, and the Liverpool of Tuesday, accurately reported; a summary of General News; Telegraphic Dispatches of Latest Intelligence; besides a quantity of Local News not to be found in any other paper. Orders for the Paper and Advertisements to be given to the Publisher,
J. ASKEW ROBERTS, BAILEY HEAD, OSWESTRY.
Confectioner, Pastry Cook, Biscuit Baker,
And Dealer in all kinds of Fancy Cheese,
CROSS STREET, OSWESTRY.
BRIDE CAKES & FUNERAL BISCUITS,On the shortest notice.
SUPERIORBRITISH WINES, JAMS, JELLIES, PICKLES & SAUCES.
Agent for the Dublin China Tea Company’s Teas.
,, Castle Lansdown & Cos. celebrated Coffees.
,, Feast’s Superior Calfs’ Foot Jelly.
Adcock’s celebrated Melton-Mowbray Pork Pies.—Oranges,Lemons,&c.
Law Stationer and Accountant,
Leg Street, Oswestry.
WATCHMAKER,
Jeweller, Silversmith, and Optician,
LEG-STREET, OSWESTRY,
Respectfully announces that he has constantly on sale a large assortment of
JEWELLERY,
Of his own and foreign manufacture; also
SPECTACLES, PRESERVERS, & EYE-GLASSES,
To suit all sights and ages, made on the premises, with the best
Brazilian Pebbles & Crystals.
A. L. having been for many years practically engaged in the best houses on the Continent, is able to suit, at first glance, the sight of any person from the age of 10 to 70, with Spectacles or Eye-glasses.
AGENT FOR ANDERSON’S PATENT SPECTACLES AND GLASSES.
IMPORTER OF, AND DEALER INHAVANNAH, AND OTHER CIGARS.
No. 1, Bailey Street, and 1, Market Street,OSWESTRY.
Begs to call the attention of the Public to the above establishment, where they may rely upon being supplied with every description of LINEN & WOOLLEN DRAPERY, of the best quality, selected from the first manufactories, and OFFERED AT THE SMALLEST REMUNERATIVE PROFIT.
[124]When the Railway from Gobowen to Oswestry was made, this piece of land was sold to the Railway Company by the Churchwardens and Overseers for £232; and the money is now invested in their names, on security of the Oswestry Market and Fair Tolls, at 3½ per cent, payable half-yearly.
[178][Footnote by transcriber, DP.] The table reads as follows:—
Alanof whom:William Fitz-alanandWalter Fitz-alan.
William Fitz-alanwas progenitor of the Earls of Arundel, and Barons of Oswestry.
Walter Fitz-alanwas progenitor of the Royal House of Stewart as follows:
Alan.
Alexander.
Walter.
Alexander.
John.
Walter—Margery Bruce.
Robert 2nd, King of Scots.
Robert 3rd.
James 1st.
James 2nd.
James 3rd.
James 4th.
James 5th.
Mary.
James 6th of Scotland, 1st of England.
Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia.
Sophia, Electress of Hanover.
George 1st.
George 2nd.
George 3rd.
Edward, Duke of Kent.
Victoria.
[215]This reed is used extensively in Cambridgeshire, and the fen districts, for thatching. It has been known to last in this way for 100 years.
[296]The Corrigenda has been applied to this transcription.—DP.