Miscellaneous: Geographical and Historical information from the year 1824.

 

"ABBOTS BETTON. See Becton.

" ABLEY (or OBLEY). See Obley.

" AIR. See Aston Air, or Eyre."

" ALDENHAM, a place in the Bridgnorth division of the hundred of Stottesdon. 4½ miles north-west of Bridgnorth. The residence of Sir Ferdinand Richard Edward Acton, bart. See appendix."

" ALKMERE. See Betton and Alkmere."

" ALLERTON. See Ollerton.

" ARMOUR HILL, a hill in the hundred of Pimhill. 6 miles north of Shrewsbury."

" ASTON. See Chetwynd Aston and Church Aston."

" BAGGOT. See Hope Baggot."

" BARLOW. See Hopesay, Barlow, &c."

" BAUSLEY (or BAULSLEY, Lower and Upper). A township in the parish of Alberbury, and in the Ford division of the hundred of Ford. 11½ Miles west of Shrewsbury.

" BIRCHES, (the). See appendix."

" BLACK MERE (or BLETCHMORE), a place 1½ mile north-east of Whitchurch, is noted for the birth of John Talbot, the first Earl of Shrewsbury, in 1373. He was the second son of Sir Richard Talbot, of Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire; and on the death of his elder brother, Sir. Gilbert, became heir to that family. John who was called to parliament by Henry the fourth, by the tide of Lord Furnival, whose eldest daughter and coheiress he had married, was appointed Lord Justice of Ireland in 1412, and Lord- Lieutenant in 1414. In this post he continued seven years, and rendered very important services to the crown, by keeping the native Irish in subjection, and taking prisoner Donald Mac Murrough, a dangerous insurgent. In 1420 he accompanied Henry the fifth to France, and was present with him at two sieges, and at his triumphant entry into Paris. Being retained to serve the king in his French wars, with a body of men at arms and archers, he assisted at the siege of Meaux, and remained .in France till the death of Henry. In the beginning of Henry the sixth's reign he was created a Knight of the garter, and was a second time made Lord Justice of Ireland. He afterwards served in France, under the regent, (the Duke of Bedford) and by his exploits rendered his name more terrible to the foe than that of any other English leader. Being raised to the rank of General, he commanded the troops which were sent into the province of Maine to the succour of the earl of Suffolk, and made himself master of Alencon. He took Pontoise, and joined the earl of Salisbury at the siege of Orleans, which failed through the intervention of the celebrated Maid of Orleans. The French, recovering their lost courage, under the guidance of one whom they thought inspired by heaven, became assailants in their turn, and defeated the English at Patai, where Talbot was taken prisoner. He obtained his liberty by ransom, and raising fresh troops in England, recrossed the sea, and marched to the duke of Bedford, in Paris. After a conference with that prince he took Beaumont sur Oise by assault, defeated the French at Brunes, in Normandy, and recovered Pontoise. For these and other great services, he was raised to the dignity of Marshall of France, and in 1442, the title of Earl of Shrewsbury, was conferred upon him. In 1443 he was appointed one of the ambassadors to treat of peace with the French king. He was, a second time, sent to Ireland as Lord Lieutenant, and the earldom of Wexford and Waterford in that kingdom was added to his honours. The English affairs in France continuing to decline, Talbot was again sent thither, in 1461, and was constituted Lieutenant General of Aquitaine, with extraordinary powers. His presence restored success; he took Bourdeaux, and brought back several towns to their allegiance to the English crown. Receiving intelligence that the French were besieging Chastillon, he marched to its relief, and made an attack on the enemy; but fortune, at length, deserted him; he was shot through the thigh by a cannon ball, and died in the field of battle. One of his sons was slain in the engagement, the English were defeated, and the consequence was, their total expulsion from France. This great captain, whose merit was acknowledged equally by friends and foes, fell in 1453, at the age of eighty. His body was found by one who had been his herald 40 years, who kissed it, and with many tears disrobed himself of his coat of arms, and threw it over his lifeless master. His remains were interred at Whitchurch, where a splendid monument was erected to his memory.

" BLACKMERE, a lake in the hundred of Bradford North. 1 mile north- east of Whitchurch."

" BLACKMERE, a lake in the hundred of Pimhill. 1½ mile southeast of Ellesmere."

" BLODWELL. See Llanyblodwell.

" BOATS. See Preston Boats."

" BOREATTON, the seat of Rowland Hunt, esq. 8 miles south-west of Wem. See appendix."

" BOREATTON and BIRCH. See Baschurch.

" BORETON. See Burton, or Boreton."

" BOTTERELL ASTON. See Aston Botterell.

" BOUNDARIES OF THE COUNTY. See appendix."

" BOWDLER. See Ashford Bowdler, and Hope Bowdler.

" BOWLEY. See Booley.

" BRADLEY. See Wyke and Bradley."

" BRIDGE. See Isom Bridge."

" BROOMHALL, the seat of H.P. Tozer Aubrey, esq. ½ mile west of Oswestry. See appendix."

" BUILDWAS ABBEY. See appendix."

" BURNELL. See Acton Burnell."

" BURROW CAMP, a place 4½ miles south-east of Bishopscastle. See appendix."

" CAER CARADOC, a hill on the eastern line of the plain of Shropshire. An aboriginal British fortification. See appendix, "Aboriginal British Fortifications." This was once thought to be the spot on which Caractacus the British Chieftain made his last and unsuccessful resistance to the Roman arms, and was certainly one of his encampments.

When Britain was invaded by the Romans, Shropshire was inhabited by the tribes of the Cornavii [the Cornavii possessed Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire, as well as part of Shropshire] and the Ordovices, whose territory was divided by the river Severn. The latter, a warlike and enterprising race, united with the Silures, who occupied Herefordshire, under the command of Caractacus. The memory of this brave man is preserved by local tradition, and his name is connected with two military posts in the country, on which traces of his encampments are yet to be discerned. Many are the conjectures which have been formed respecting the scene of his last contest with P. Ostorius, and as there are no records which confirm the general discription given by Tacitus, it is impossible to decide which is the true one. It is certain that, for a considerable time, Caractacus successfully opposed the progress of the Romans, in the hilly country, which now forms a part of Shropshire; and it was therefore thought not improbable, that he here terminated his career. A learned editor of Camden, whose reputation as an antiquary is of the highest order, considers the account of the Roman historian as referring to a hill about two miles south of Clun, called Caer Caradoc, or the Geer, near the junction of the rivers Clun, and Teme, among several dangerous fords. On the point of this hill, which can be approached only on one side, is a large camp, defended on the north side by deep double ditches, cut in the solid rock, almost impregnable on the east and south, and fortified by ramparts of stone. The description of Tacitus, as Mr. Gough observes, places this camp before our eyes. " Montibus arduis, et si qua clementer accedi poterat in modum valli saxa praestruit; et praeterfluebat amnis vado incerto, catervaque armatorum pro munimentis constiterant."

A learned and respectable clergyman of Shrewsbury, who has made the military antiquities of Shropshire and the bordering counties his particular study, is inclined to believe that the only place which exactly answers the description of Tacitus, is the Breidden hill, in Montgomeryshire. The circumstances on which he grounds his hypothesis are, the remains of a British encampment on its summit, and the course of the river Severn near its base, he adds that the Roman historian describes the enemy as flying " per juga montium" and in that situation they could not do otherwise.

P. Ostorius, the propitetor in Britain, found the affairs of the Romans in great disorder, on account of the encroachments of the enemy, on the tetritories of their allies - which were become the more outrageous, because they did not imagine that a general, but lately appointed, and unacquainted with the army, would think of taking the field at the beginning of winter. Ostorius, however; sensible how much his character depended upon the first events of his administration, immediately marched against them at the head of such troops as he could command; put all who resisted him to the sword, and pursuing the rest, who were dispersed and routed, prevented them from rallying again. Unwilling to trust to a trencheroui peace, which would. be no security either to himself, or to his army, he prepared to disarni those Tribes, whose allegiance he suspected, and to post his forces on the rivers Antona (the Avon) and Severn, that he might be ready to check them on every necessary occasion. This design was first opposed by Iceni [who occupied Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge, and Huntingdon] a powerful tribe, which had continued unbroken by the war, and hid formerly embraced the alliance of the Romans. Excited by their example, the neighhouring tribes rose in a body and encamped in a favourable station, fenced by a rampart of earth, and which being accessible only by a narrow passage, prevented the entrance of the Roman cavalry. The Roman general, though he was supported only by the auxiliary troops, and was destitute of his legions, attempted to force these entrenchments, and having disposed his infantry to the best advantage, drew up also some troops of horse before the ramparts. At the given signal these were forced, and the enemy, entangled in their own entrenchments, were put into complete disorder. They defended themselves however with great valour, conscious of their revolt, and of the impossibility of escape. In this battle, M. Ostorius the lieutenant's son, had the honour of saving the life of a citizen.

In consequence of this defeat of the Iceni, other tribes were confirmed in their allegiance; and Ostorius marching with his army among the Cangi, (who seem to have belonged to the tribe of the Belgai,) laid waste the fields and ravaged the country. The enemy did not dare to face us openly in the field; and if at any time they fell by surprize upon our rear, they paid dearly for their temerity. The Roman general had now advanced almost to the Irish sea, when a sedition among the Brigantes, arrested him in his progress. Being resolved to secure his old conquests, before he attempted anything further, the general returned, and after the slaughter of a few who had taken up arms, the Brigantes were reduced to obedience, and obtained forgiveness. Bnt the Silures were not to be reclaimed either by severity or mercy, and a legion was therefore encamped to awe and restrain them. In order to facilitate the accomplishment of this design, the colony of Camaludonum (Colchester) with a numerous body of veterans, was planted in the recent conquests. These took possession of the conquered lands, were always in readiness to assist their countrymen against any revolt, and brought their allies into conformity to our laws. Some cities were also given to King Cogidunus, agreeably to the ancient usage of the Romans, to make even King's their instruments, to keep nations in subjection.

The army afterwards marched against the Silures, who, in addition to their native ferocity, placed great hopes in the valour of Caractacus, whom the many changes and prosperous turns of fortune had advanced to a pre-eminence over the rest of the British leaders. He, artfully availing himself of his knowledge of the country, as countervailing his. inferiority of numbers, transferred the war into the country of the Ordovices, and being joined by those who distrusted the peace subsisting between us, put matters upon a decisive issue, posting himself on a spot, of which, the approaches and retreats were as advantageous to his own party, as they were perpleiing to es. He then threw up, on the more accessible parts of the highest hills, a kind of rampart of stone, below and in front of which, was a river difficult to ford, and on the works he placed the troops of soldiers. The respective leaders also went round to animate and inspirit them, lessening their fears, magnifying their hopes, and urging every encouragement usual on these occasions. Caractacus rnnning from one to another, bade them consider that the work of that day would, be the beginning of new liberty, or of eternal slavery. He set before them the example of their ancestors, who had driven, Caesar the dictator out of Britain, and by whose valour they had been hitherto preserved from axes and tributes, and their wives and families from dishonour. The people received these animating harrangues with loud acclamations, engaging themselves by the most solemn rites, according to the religion of their country, never to yield to weapons or wounds. Their resolution astonished the Roman general; and the river in the way, together with the ramparts and the steeps, presented to the assailants a formidable and resolute appearance. But the soldiers were clamorous for the charge, crying ont that valour could beat down all opposition; and the inferior officers inspiring the same sentiments, gave new courage to the troops. Ostorins, having reconnoitred the ground, to see which part was impenetrable, and which accessible, led on the ardent soldiers, and with considerable difficulty crossed the river. When they came to the rampart, while they only threw their darts at a distance, our men suffered most, and numbers were slain; but closing the ranks, and placing their shields over them, they, presently tore down the rough irregular piles of stone, and coming to close quarters, obliged the barbarians to retire to the top of the hills. Thither also both the light and heavy armed soldiers followed them, the former attacking theta with their spears, the latter in a body, till the Britons, who had no, annouror helmets to shelter them, were thrown into confusion; and if they made any resistance to the auxiliaries, they were cut to pieces by the swords and spears of the legionaries, against whom when they turned, they were destroyed by the broad swords and javelins of the auxiliaries.. This was an illustrious victory. The wife, and daughter of Caractacus. were taken, and his brother submitted to the 'conqueror, Caractacus himself, by the common insecurity of adversity, throwing himself npon the protection of Cartismaudua, queen of the Brigantes, was put in irons and given up to the con, querors, nine years after the war first broke out in Britain, His fame, which had reached the islands, and the neighbouring provinces, and even Italy, made people eager to see what kind of a man it was, who had so long set our power at defiance, Nor was the name of Caractacus 'inconsiderable at Rome, The people were assembled as to some great sight. The praetorian cohorts were under arms in the field before the camp. First came the King's dependants and retinue, and the trappings and collars, and the trophies which he had won in foreign wars, next, his brothers, his wife and daughter, and last himself, was presented to the publick view. The rest expressed their fears in unworthy supplications, Caractacus, neither by his looks, nor by his language, pleaded for pity; and when he came before the Emperor's seat expressed himself in these terms:-

" Had I made that prudent use of my prosperity, which my rank and fortune would have enabled me to make, I had come hither, rather as a friend, than as a prisoner: nor would you have disdained the alliance of one descended from illustrious ancestors, and sovereign over many nations. My present condition, disgraceful as it is to myself, reflects glory on you. Possessed as I once was of horses, men, arms and wealth, what wonder is it if I parted from them with reluctance; for does it follow, that because you wish for universal empire, all must voluntarily submit to your yoke. Had I been given up at the first, neither my fortune, nor your glory, would have been set in a distinguished point of view, and my punishment would have sunk all remembrance of me. By giving me my life, you make me an eternal monument of your clemency."

The Emperor immediately pardoned Caractacus, his wife and brothers. As soon as their chains were taken off, they proceeded to pay their respects, in the same terms as before to the Emperor, to Agrippina, who sat on a raised seat not far away. A woman sitting at the head of the Roman army, among the Roman ensigns, and seeming to command them, was a new sight, and very foreign to the manners of our ancestors; But she assumed a share in the government, as obtained by her family. The senate was afterwards assembled, and many congratulatory speeches were made on the taking of Caractacus. It seemed as illuntrious a sight, as when Scipio shewed Syphax, Paulus presented Perses, and other generals displayed conquered Kings to the Roman people; and the ensigns of a triumph were decreed to Ostorius."

These victories over the. Britons, are ranked by historians among the most distinguished memorials and testimonies of the Roman valour. Hence Seneca observes, Claudius might boost of having first conquered the Britons, for Julius Cesar, only shewed them to the Romans. Elsewhere he says of the same Emperor:-

Ille Britannon, Ultra notj, Litors ponti, Et caeruleos, Scuta Brigantes, Dare Romuleis, Colla cathenis, Jussit et ipsum, Nova Romana, Jura securis, Tremere oceanum.

Gildas, the earliest of our British historians, speaking of the numerable revolt, and overthrow of the Britons, under Boadicea, about A.D. 60, gives us to understand, that the gospel then began to be successfully published in this country; and the correctness of his statement is confirmed by those ancient Cambrian records, called the Triades. In these it is stated that the celebrated Caractacus, who after a war of nine years, was betrayed to the Romans, was, together with his father Brennus and the whole family, carried prisoner to Rome, about the year 58, where they remained for a period of seven years.

At this time Christianity was preached in the imperial city; and Brennus, with others of his family, became professed members of the Christian church. At the expiration of seven years, they were permitted to return, and were thus furnished with a favourable opportunity of introducing the gospel into their own country, It is also said, that three Christians, one an Israelite, and the other two, gentiles, with whom they had been in the habit of associating; accompanied them, and were successful in reclaiming many of the Britons, from their ancient superstitions, and in teaching them the religion of Christ.

It does not appear that Caractacus was converted to Christianity at Rome, but his son Cyllin and his daughter Eigen, are both ranked among the British saints. That son is represented as the grandfather of King Lucius, who made great exertions for the promotion of the gospel in Siluria, [Hertfordshire] the country of his ancestors; and even the celebrated King Arthur seems to have been a descendant of this family. Eigen the daughter of Caractacus is said to have bestowed her hand on a British Chieftain, whose domain called Caer Sarllog, is now known by the name of Old Sarum. Claudia, one of her sisters, is supposed to have become the wife of a Roman Senator, named Pudens.

Caer Caradoc is about 2 miles north-east of Church Stretton."

" CAER OGYRFAN (OLD OSWESTRY). See Old Oswestry.

" CALCOT. See Bicton and Calcot."

" CAPTIVINEY (or COPTIVINEY). See Coptiviney.

" CARBONELL. See Ashford Carbonell.

" CASTLE. See Hopton Castle, and Sibdon Castle."

" CHARLCOTT. See Bold and Charlcott."

" CHESWARDINE PARK. See appendix."

" CHETWYND PARK, a place 14 mile north north-west of Newport. The residence of J. Borough, esq. See appendix."

" CHILMARSH. See Chelmarsh.

" CHORLTON. See Charlton."

" CHURTON. See Church Pulverbatch.

" CLOVERLY (or CALVERHALL, or CORVERAL), the seat of J.W. Dodd, esq. In the Whitchurch division of the hundred of Bradford, North. 5 miles south-east of Whitchurch. See Calverhall.

" COALBROOKDALE. See Colebrookdale.

" COLEMERE. See Coolmere.

" CONSTANTINE. See Eaton Constantine."

" COOLMERE (or COLEMERE), a lake in the hundred of Pimhill. 1½ miles south-east of Ellesmere.

" COPTIVINEY. See Stocks and Coptiviney.

" CORBET. See Moreton Corbet."

" CORNLEY, a township in the hundred of Munslow."

" CORVERAL. See Calverhall and Cloverley.

" COTTON. See Weston Cotton."

" CRESSETT. See Upton Cressett.

" CROFT. See Haughton, Croft, &c."

" CROSEMERE, a mere or lake in the hundred of Pimhill, 3 miles south-east by south of Ellesmere."

" CROSEMERE. See Cockshut and Crosemere.

" DIDDLESTONE. See Duddlestone."

" DIDDLEWICK, a township in the hundred of Stottesdon."

" DITCHES. See Lowe and Ditches.

" DONNINGTON. See Muxton and Donnington."

" DORRINGTON, a township in the hundred of Brimstry."

" DOWNTON, a townshipin the franchise of Wenlock."

" DRAYTON, a township in the hundred of Bradford South."

" DRYTON. See Eyton and Dryton."

" EASTHAM, a township in the hundred of Munslow."

" EMSTREY. See Eamstry."

" ENGLISH FRANKTON. See Frankton (English.)"

" ERCALL CHILD'S. See Child's Ercall.

" ERCALL PARVA. See Child's Ercall.

" ESPLEY, a township in the hundred of Condover."

" ESPLEY. See Hopton and Espley.

" EVAN. See Whitcott Evan."

" EYRE. See Aston Eyre.

" EYTON and PLOWDEN. See Eaton and Plowden."

" FARM. See Blakeway Farm."

" FELTON. See West Felton, Clay, Felton, and Witbatch, and Rye, Felton, and Burway."

" FENNYMERE, a lake in the hundred of Pimhill. 6 miles southwest of Wem."

" FERNEY HALL, a hall belonging to Mrs. Sitwell, and now occupied by General Lloyd, is situated on an eminence, and commands a fine and extensive view towards the east, including Oakley Park, and the town and castle of Ludlow, with the Clee and other distant objects. 5 miles north-west of Ludlow."

" FOLTON, a township in the hundred of Munslow."

" FOREGATE. See Abbey Foregate and Castle Foregate."

" FOREIGN. See Cleobury Foreign."

" FRANTILER, a township in the hundred of Oswestry."

" GOBALDS. See Preston Gubbals."

" GOMERY. See Lee Gomery."

" GREAT ASH. See Ash Magna.

" GREAT BOLAS. See Bolas (Great)"

" GREAT BUILDWAS. See Buildwas Magna.

" GREAT DAWLEY. See Dawley Magna.

" GREEN. See Fauls Green."

" GREENHILL. See Elson and Greenhill."

" HAGHMOND. See Haughmond.

" HAGLEY. See Hopton and Hagley."

" HALTON. See Holton."

" HALTON. See Prior's Halton."

" HAMLETS. See Condover Hamlets, Stapleton and the Hamlets, East Hamlets, and West Hamlets."

" HANWOOD GREAT. See Great Hanwood.

" HARDWICK. See Whitcott and Hardwick."

" HATTON. See High Hatton."

" HATTON (Cold). See Cold Hatton.

" HATTON, a township in the franchise of Wenlock."

" HATTON, a township in the hundred of Munslow."

" HAWFORD. See Halford.

" HAYTON. See Upper Hayton."

" HAYWOOD. See Eaton and Haywood, and Wall under Haywood."

" HEATH. See Millen Heath."

" HEMPTON, a township in the hundred of Stottesdon."

" HIGHFIELD, a township in the hundred of Bradford North."

" HINWOOD EDGE, a precipitous ridge in the hundred of Ford, 7 miles south-west of Shrewsbury."

" HOAK EDGE, a precipitous ridge in the hundred of Stottesdon. 6 miles north-east of Ludlow."

" HOBBARIS. See Hebbaris.

" HOCKTON, a township in the hundred of Chirbury."

" HOLDGATE'S FEE. See Steventon and Holdgate's Fee."

" HOLTON. See Lady Holton and Hill Holton."

" HOMER. See Wigwag, Homer, and part of Harley."

" HOPESAY. See Aston in Hopesay."

" HOPTON. See Monk Hopton."

" HORDESLEY. An extra-parochial place, next to the parish of Edgton, in the Stow division of the hundred of Purslow. its population is reckoned to Edgton."

" HORTON, a township in the hundred of Pimhill."

" HORTON, a township in the hundred of Munslow."

" HOWLE GALE, a township in the hundred of Munslow."

" IFTON RHYNN, Upper and Lower. Two townships in the parish, of St. Martin, and in the upper division of the hundred of Oswestry."

" IRON BRIDGE. See Colebrookdale.

" ISLE (THE), a peninsula formed by the river Severn, about 4 miles from Shrewsbury. In shape it somewhat resembles a horse shoe, and is about five miles in circumference, being much larger than the peninsula on which Shrewsbury is built. It comprehends the townships of Up Rosshall, and Down Rosshall, and is the residence of Foliot Sandford, Esq. The situation of this mansion is very pleasing; it is built on an eminence, and commands several extensive prospects. On the isthmus, at the entrance to the isle, there is a large Woollen Factory."

" ISSA. See Maesbrook Issa."

" JARVIS. See Quat Jarvis"

" JOHN'S. See St. JOHN'S."

" KEYSET. See Whitcot Keyset."

" KINASTON. See Kynaston."

" KINSLEY, a township in the hundred of Stottesdon."

" KITTON, a township in the hundred of Chirbury."

" KNOLTON HALL. The residence of Captain Kynaston. 5 miles north-west of Ellesmere, on the confines of Denbighshire."

" KYNASTON'S CAVE, a cave at Nesscliffe, in the hundred of Pimhill.

When Lord Strange was Lord of Middle, he lived there part of the year, and the other part at Knockin castle; but when these lordships came into the family of the Earl of Derby, there was a constable or castle keeper appointed for Middle. Gough, in his manuscript history of Middle, gives the names of several of these keepers; at length we come to that of Sir Roger Kynaston, of Hordley, made keeper by commission, and after him, his youngest son, Humphrey Kynaston, who from his dissolute and riotous manner of life was surnamed The Wild. He had two wives, but of so low parentage that they would lay claim to any coat of arms, as appears by the card of the Kynaston's arms. There is a tradition that his first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Meredith ap Howel ap Morice, of Oswestry, and another that she was daughter of William Griffith, of Oswestry, called Coch-William, or The Red, and that his second wife was by name Isabella. (Kynaston's will bears date 1534.) No record appears of any children he ever had. The enormous debts he contracted by his imprudent conduct caused him to he declared an outlaw upon which he fled from Middle Castle, which he had by neglect suffered to fall to ruins, and sheltered himself in a cave in the west point of Nesscliffe Rock, called to this day Kynaston's Cave. This cave is reached by a very high flight of steps, and is in that part of the rock which is quite perpendicular: close beneath is a fine thick wood of oak and birch, over which it commands a very extensive prospect to the west, bounded by the Welch mountains. From this point, perhaps, the majestick Breidden bills are seen to most advantage, with the river Severn and Vryuwy gleaming in the sun beneath. The cave is spacious and even comfortable, being divided into two rooms by a strong pillar of the rock, upon which is carved H.K. 1564. One of these apartments was the stall of the outlaw's celebrated horse, which the vulgar, to this day, believe to have been the devil. This horse was turned to graze in the neighbouring fields, and on his master's whistling would instantly ascend the steps of the cave; it would also kneel and do various tricks at command. All this may be very possible, from the well known docility of the horse; and it must be remembered, and is very apparent, that the steps to the cave were then more than twice the present width, and have been since cut away for building-stones, on the precipice side. In all his depredatory adventures, he seems to have regarded a sort of justice; for what he took from the rich he gavc freely to the poor, by whom he was as much beloved as he was dreaded by the wealthy. On the road, if he saw a cart with one horse, and another with three, he made them equal by taking the fore horse from the latter, and hooking it to the former. Most of the adventures ascribed to him, whether probable or improbable, seem to have been more dictated by whim, than a desire to plunder. He had a plentiful supply of hay, corn, and other necessaries from the people around: the rich paying him tribute through fear, and the poor from gratitude.

The place on Dovaston common, called Kynaston's horse-leap, received that name from the following circumstance:- Kynaston having been observed to go over Montford Bridge to Shrewsbury, the sheriff intending to take him, caused one of the divisions of the bridge, (which was then formed of planks laid upon stone pillars) to be taken up, and placed a number of men in ambush. When Kynaston had advanced on the bridge, the men came forth and blocked up retreat, upon which be put spurs to his horse, which bore him safely over the wide breach, and brought him to his cave at Nesseliffe:- though some say the horse leaped into the Severn, and carried him across. The length of this leap was afterwards measured on the common, near the village of Dovaston, with an H cut at one end, and at the other. There are many people in the village, now living, who remember these letters; but the common has since been inclosed, and the initials ploughed up. The letters were an ell long, a spade's graffe wide, and a spade deep, and were generally cleaned annually by order of Mr. Kynaston of Kington, as honest Gough says, in his quaint, though not unpleasing, account of Middle. Frequent applications have been made to the old people, about Dovaston, for the distance of the letters, but no accurate account could be obtained:- the vulgar are so fond of the marvellous, that they ever enlarge, and scruple not to say forty yards; if so, the bridge planks must have been of an enormous length, and trees, as well as men and horses, must have much degenerated: probably they have heard of forty feet, which is a tolerably decent leap for a modern fox hunter, even though stimulated by a sheriff at his back. After Wild Humphrey's time, Middle castle was deserted and suffered to go to ruin,- Humphrey was never taken, but died, as tradition says, in his cave."

" KYNYNION. See Cynynion."

" LACY, (Staunton.) See Staunton Lacy."

" LANGFORD. See Longford."

" LANGLEY, a township in the hundred of Brimstry."

" LANLUGAN. An obscure village or hamlet near Shrewsbury.

That eminent grammarian and critick William Baxter, (great nephew of Richard Baxter, the nonconformist,) was born at Lanlugan in 1650. His education was in his youth much neglected, for when at the age of eighteen he went to school at Harrow on the Hill, he knew not one letter in a book, and understood not a word in any language but Welsh. He soon however retrieved his lost time, and at length became a man of profound and extensive erudition. The studies to which he chiefly applied, were those of antiquity and philology, in which he wrote several works. In 1679, he published a Grammar of the Latin language, entitled "De Analogia sive de arte Linguae Latinae Commentariolus; in quo omnia, etiam reconditioris Grammaticae Elementa, Ratione nova tractantur, et ad breviesimos Canones redigantar; in usum provectioris Adolescentiae, 1679," 12mo. In 1695, he published " Anacrecatis Teii Carmina, Plurimis quibus hactenus scatebant mendas purgavit, turbata metra restituit, notasque cum nova interpretatione literali adjecit, Willielmus Baxter, Subjicuntur etiam deo vetnatissima Poetrim Sapphus, elegantissima Odaria, una cum correctione Isaaci Vossi, et Theocriti Amacreouticum in mortaum Adonis," 8vo.; afterwards reprinted in 1710, with improvements. In 1711, his celebrated edition of Horace made its appearance, of which a second edition was finished by him but a few days before his death, and published by his son, John, under this title, " Q. Horatii Flacce Eclegue, una cum scholiis perpetuis, tam veteribus quem novis. Adjecit etiam ubi visum est, et sue, textumque ipsem plurimis locis vel corruptum vel turbatum restituit, Willielmus Baxter, 1725." Dr. Harwood, in his View of the Classicks, calls Mr. Baxter's Anacreon an excellent edition; and with regard to his Horace, expresses himself in the following strong terms: ' This second edition of Horace, in 1725, is by far the best edition of Horace ever published. I have read it many times through, and know its singular worth. England has not produced a more elegant and judicious critick than Mr. Baxter.' It has actually continued in such esteem abroad, that the learned Geasner gave a new edition of it, in 1752, at Leipsic, with additional notes; and it has been again printed at the same place, in 1722 and 1728. In 1719, Mr. Baxter's Dictionary of the British Antiquities wa published by the Rev. Moses Williams. His Glossary, or Dictionary of the Roman Antiquities, which goes no farther than the letter A, was published in 1726, by the Rev. Moses Williams, under the title of "Reliquiae Baxteriante, sive Willielmi Baxteri, Opera Posthuma. Praemittitur eruditi Auctoria Vitae, a seipso conscriptus, Fragmentum. Londini, ex Officina G. Bowyer, Sumptibus Editoris." And in 1731, this new title was printed for fifty remaining copies: "Glesearium Antiquitatum Romanarum, a Willielmo Baxter, Cornavio, Scholae Merciaviorrm Praefecto. Accedunt eruditi Auctoris Vitae a seipso conscriptae, Fragmentum, et selectae quaedam ejusdem Epsitolae." To this work Mr. Williams added an Index of all the words occasionally explained in it; as he had done before in the Glossary; and in 1731, he put out proposals for printing " Gulielmi Baxteri quae supersunt Enarratio, et Notae in D. Junii Juvenalis Satyras. Accedit Reram et Verberum observatione dignierum, quae in iisdem occurrent, Index locupletissimus. Accurante Gulielmo Mose, A.M.R.S.Soc."

Mr. Baxter had also a share in the English Translation of Plutarch. He was a great master of the ancient British and Irish tongues, and well skilled in the Latin and Greek, as well as the Northern and Eastern languages; and kept a correspondence with most of the learned men of his time, especially with the famous antiquary, Edward Llwyd.

Some of Mr. Baxter's letters to him are published in his "Glossarium Antiquitatum Romanarum." There are likewise in the Philosophical Transactions two letters of his to Dr. Harwood, one concerning the town of Veroconium, or Wroxeter, in Shropshire, No. 306: the other, concerning the Hypocansta, or sweating houses of the ancients, No. 401; and another to Dr. Hans Sloane, Secretary to the Royal Society, containing an abstract of Mr. Llwyd's Archaeologia Britannica, No. 311. In the first volume of the Archaeologia, are four Latin letters, written by Mr. Baxter to the late Dr. Geckie, (who had been his scholar,) when first entered at Cambridge. In these letters the learned critick shows how entirely his attention was devoted to etymological and philological enquiries. From the fourth letter it appears that Mr. Baxter was solicited to give a new edition of the writers De Re Rustick; but that he declined it on account of his age, and the difficulty of the undertaking.

Mr. Baxter spent most of his time in educating youth. For some years be kept a school at Tottenham, High Cross, in Middlesex, where he remained, till he was chosen master of the Mercers' school, in London. In this situation he remained above twenty years, but resigned it before his death. He married a woman without a fortune, but of a very good character, named Sarah Carturit, by whom he had three sons and three daughters, all born at Tottenham: Rose 1681; John 1683; Joseph 1689; Anne 1696; John 1697; and Sarah 1700. He died, May 31, 1723, in his seventy third year, and was buried June 4th, at Islington.

He wrote his own life, a transcript of which was in the library of the late Mr. Tutet, under this title. " Vitae Gulielmi Baxteri, sive Popidii, a seipso conscriptae, Fragmentum; ex ipsius schedis, manu propria exaratis erutum, Dec. 26, 1721, W.T."- W.T. means William Thomas, Esq., who wrote an English draught of (1) "A Dedication to Dr Mead of the Glossarium Antiquitatum Britannicarum," which he then translated into Latin; afterwards (3) a different one, which was turned into (4) Latin. by Mr. Timothy Thomas; and this last, after many corrections, was put into Dr. Mead's hands, who, with Mr. Maittaire, altered it to what it appears in print, except some few passages corrected by Mr. William Thomas, and the Rev. Moses Williams.

The papers marked 1, 2, 3 and 4, Mr. Tutet possessed; and the remainder of the information is in a note written by Mr. William Thomas, who also wrote the printed preface to Llwyd's 'Adversaria Posthuma,' subjoined to the 'Glossarium Antiquitatum Britannicarum,' but Mr. Tutet had a different one in his own hand writing. Mr. Thomas revised the whole before it went to press."

" LEE. See Albright Lee, Malin's Lee, and Prior's Lee."

" LEIGHTON, a township in the franchise of Wenlock."

" LENWARDINE, a township in the hundred of Munslow."

" LITTLE DAWLEY. See Dawley."

" LITTLE SUTTON. (See Lawton, and Little Sutton.)"

" LIZARD. See Wooside and Lizard."

" LIZARD GRANGE. 3 miles north-east of Shiffnal. The residence of R. Stanier, Esq."

" LLANFORDA. See Llanvorda."

" LLANHOWELL, a township in the hundred of Clun."

" LONGVILLE. See China Longville."

" LOTON HALL. In the hundred of Ford, near Alberbury. 9 miles west of Shrewsbury. The seat of Sir Baldwin Leighton, Bart."

" LOWER RIDGE. See Ridges."

" LUDFORD HOUSE. ¾ mile south-east of Ludlow, in the hundred of Munslow, the seat of N.L. Charlton, Esq. See appendix."

" LULLINGFIELD. See Weston Lullingfield."

" LUSHCOT. Part of a township in the franchise of Wenlock. See Longville."

" LYTH. See Little Lyth and Westley."

" LYTH. See Birch and Lyth."

" MADDOCK. See Sutton Maddock."

" MAES TERVIN BRIDGE. 1 mile north-east of Halston. The residence of J.M. More, Esq."

" MARTIN'S ST. See St. Martin's."

" MARTON POOL, a lake in the hundred of Pimhill. 6 miles south-west of Wem."

" MASCOT. See Eaton Mascot."

" MAVISTON. See Berwick Maviston."

" MAWLEY HALL. In the hundred of Stottesdon, 1½ mile south-east of Cleobury Mortimer. The seat of Sir Edward Blount, bart."

" MENUTTON. See Hobbaris and Menutton."

" MEREHOUSE. See Newton and Merehouse."

" MILBOROUGH. See Stoke St. Milborough."

" MILLICHOPE, Upper and Lower. Two townships in the parish of Eaton under Haywood, and in the franchise of Wenlock. The seat of Thomas Pemberton, Esq."

" MINERALS. See appendix."

" MINUTTON, a township in the hundred of Clan."

" MONTFORD. See Preston Montford and Dinthill."

" MOOR. See Clee Stanton, Clee Downton, and the Moor."

" MOOR TOWN. See Cotwall and Moor Town."

" MORE, a township in the franchise of Wenlock."

" MORFE. In the liberties of Bridgnorth. ½ mile east of Bridgnorth.

Morfe, was, in Leland's time, 'a hilly ground, well wooded; a forest or chase, having deer.' It has not at present a single tree. It had its forester and steward from the time of Edward the first to Elizabeth. In it King Athelstan's brother was said to have led an hermit's life in a rock. The place is still called the Hermitage, and is a cave in the rock. On Morfe are five tumuli in quincunx. In the middlemost, at about nine yards over in the depth of one foot to the solid rock, was found only an iron shell of the size of a small egg and supposed to be the boss of a sword, and, in a hollow in the gravel, some of the larger vetebrae and other human bones, as in the other tumuli,

A few miles northward from hence stood the very ancient mansion of one of the oldest families in England, the Gatacres of Gatacre; (See Gatacre;) the walls of which were remarkable on account of their being built of a dark grey free-stone coated with a thin, greenish, vitrified substance, about the thickness of a crown-piece, without the appearance of any joint or cement to unite the several parts of the building, so that it seemed one entire piece; a most effectual preservative against bad weather. The hall was nearly an exact square, singularly constructed. At each corner and in the middle of each side, and in the centre, were immense oak trees hewed nearly square, and without branches, set with their heads on large stones, laid about a foot deep in the ground, and with their roots uppermost, which roots, with a few rafters, formed a complete arched roof. The floor was of oak boards three inches thick, not sawed but plainly chipped. The whole is now pulled down, and a new house built at a little distance,"

" MORTIMER. See Cleobury Mortimer."

" MYTTON. See Fitz, Grafton and Mytton."

" NEACH HALL, a hall near Boningale. 3 miles south-east of Shiffnal, the seat of - Bishton, Esq."

" NESS. (Little) A parish in the Baschurch division of the hundred of Pimhill, formerly a chapel to Baschurch, in the diocese of Coventry and Lichfield, the deanery of Salop, and archdeaconry of Salop. 42 houses, 253 inhabitants. 7½ miles north-west of Shrewsbury."

" NESS; (Great) or NESTRANGE, a parish in the Baschurch division of the hundred of Pimhill, a vicarage discharged, in the diocese of Coventry and Lichfield, the deanery of Salop, and archdeaconry of Salop. 104 homes, 580 inhabitants. 7 miles north-west of Shrewsbury."

" NEWTON. See Stokesay and Newton."

" NEWTON, a township in the hundred of Bradford North."

" NEWTON, a township in the hundred of Ford."

" NEWTON, a township in the hundred of Munslow."

" NORLEY. 1 mile before Stanley, the seat of Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt Jones, bart."

" NORTH. See Lydbury North, and North Cleobury."

" NORTON. See Bach and Norton,"

" NORTON, a township in the hundred of Munslow."

" NORTON, a township in the franchise of Wenlock."

" NURSERY. (The) near WEST FELTON. 4½ miles south-east of Oswestry, in the hundred of Oswestry. The seat of J.F.M. Dovaston Esq."

" OAKLEY. See Lea and Oakley."

" OFFA'S DYKE, a dyke, commonly called the Devil's Ditch.

This ditch called also Clawdd Offa, extended from the river Wye along the counties of Hereford and Radnor, in Montgomeryshire; from Pwll y piod, an alehouse on the road between Bishopscastle and Newtown; thence it passes northward near Mellington Hall, near which is an encampment called Caerdin, by Brompton-mill, where there is a mount; Limor park, near Montgomery, Forden-heath, Nantcribba, at the foot of an ancient fortress, Leighton Hall, and Buttington church. Here it is lost for five miles; the channel of the Severn probably serving for that space as a continuation of the boundary. Just below the conflux of the Bele and the Severn, it appears again, and passes by the churches of Llandysilio and Llanymynech, to the edge of the vast precipitous limestone rock. From this place it runs by Tref y clawdd, over the horse- course on Cefn y bwch, above Oswestry, then above Selattyn; whence it descends to thc Ceiriog, and then to Glynn, where there is a large breach, supposed to be the place of interment of the English who fell in the battle of Crogen. It then goes by Chirk Castle, and below Cefn y wern, crosses the Dee and the Ruabon road near Plas Madoc, forms part of the turnpike road to Wrexham, to Pentrybychan, where there is a mount; then by Plas power to Adwy'r clawdd, near Miners; by Brymbo, crosses the Cedigog river, and through a little valley upon the south side of Bryniorkyn mountain, to Coed talwrn, and Cae-dwn, a farm near Treyddin chapel, in the parish of Mold, (pointing towards the Clwydian hills) beyond which there can no farther traces be discovered. It seems probable that Offa imagined that the Clwydian hills, and the deep valley that lies at their base, would serve as a continuance of this prohibitory line: he had carried his arms over most part of Flintshire, and vainly imagined that his labours would restrain the Cambrian inroads in one part, and his orders prevent any incursions beyond these natural limits, which he had decreed to be the boundaries of his new conquests. It is observable, says Pennant, that in all parts the ditch is on the Welsh side; and that there are numbers of small artificial mounts, the sites of small forts along its course. These were garrisoned, and seem intended for the same purpose as the towers in the famous Chinese wall, to watch the motions of their neighbours, and to repel hostile incursions. The folly of this great work appeared on the death of Offa: the Welsh, with irresistible fury, despised his toils, and carried their ravages far and wide on the English marches. Superior force often repelled them. Sanguinary laws were made by the victorious Harold against any that should transgress the limits prescribed by Offa. The Welshman that was found in arms on the Saxon side of the ditch, was to lose his right hand."

" OLD MARTON. See Marton (Old.)"

" OLD STREET. One of the wards of the parish of St. Lawrence, in the borough of Ludlow. 403 houses, 1872 inhabitants."

" OLDBURY (or OWLBURY). 2 miles north-west by north of Bishopscastle, on the borders of Montgomeryshire.

At this place, in the year 1549, was born Hugh Broughton, a divine of great eminence for his extensive Hebrew, and Rabbinical learning. He was descended from an ancient family. Dr. Lightfoot says, that it is uncertain in what school he was instructed in grammar learning; but, according to the writers of the life of Bernard Gilpin, he was brought up in the school founded by that excellent man at Houghton, and by him sent to Cambridge. It is certain that he was educated at that university, and that he became one of the fellows of Christ's College. Here he laid the first foundation of his Hebrew studies, under a Frenchman, who read upon that tongue in the university. His parts and learning soon rendered him very conspicuous at Cambridge, and also attracted the notice of the Earl of Huntingdon, who became a liberal patron to him, and greatly encouraged him in his studies. From the university he repaired to London, where he distinguished himself as a preacher, and increased the number of his friends, some of whom were of high rank. He still, however, continued to prosecute his studies with the most unremitting assiduity; so that he is said frequently to have spent sixteen hours out of the four and twenty, at his books.

[The family of which be descended was ancient, and of very great rank, worth and estate, and at the same time bred this great scholar, and a brother of his, a Judge. It gave, for its coat of arms, the Owls: which is mentioned the rather, because this our author would sometimes say merrily, that it was a good prognostic that be should be a Grecian, because his coat bore the bird of Athens. And by this may be unriddled, that, for which, it may be, every one is not, or hath not an Oedipus ready, which is this: In some editions of the Genealogies set before our Bibles, you shall find two owls pictured, holding either of them a burning torch: which meaneth this that it was Mr. Broughton that gave the light in that work.]

In 1588, he published a piece, intitled, "The Consent of Scriptures." This was a work in which he was employed several years; and which, therefore, he used to call ' his little book of great pains.' It excited much attention at its first publication; but was strongly opposed by Dr. Reynolds at Oxford. This gave great offence to Mr. Broughton; who had a very earnest and absurd desire, to have the dispute between him and Dr. Reynolds, concerning the Scriptural Chronology, settled by publick authority. He addressed on this subject, Queen Elizabeth, Dr. Whitgift, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Dr. Aylmer, Bishop of London.

His work was opposed not only at Oxford, but at Cambridge, where Mr. Lively, a professor, read publickly against it. He was, therefore, induced to read lectures in defence of his own performance. He continued several years in London, where he procured many friends. One of these was Sir William Cotton, whose son Rowland, who was afterwards knighted; he instructed in the Hebrew tongue. In the year 1589, Mr. Broughton want over into Germany, accompanied by Mr. Alexander Top, a young gentleman who had put himself under his care, and travelled with him, that he might continually receive the benefit of his instructions. He was some time at Frankfort, where he had a long dispute in the Jewish synagogue, with Rabbi Elias, on the truth of the Christian Religion. He appears to have been very solicitous for the conversion of the Jews, and his taste for Rabbinical and Hebrew studies naturally led him to take pleasure in the conversation. of those learned Jews whom he occasionally met with in the course of his travels; he had also disputes with the Papists; but in his contests both with them, and with the Jews, he was not very attentive to the rules either of prudence or politeness.

It appears, that in the year 1590, he was at Worms; but in what other places is not mentioned. In 1591, he returned again to England, and met at London with his antagonist Dr. Reynolds; and they referred the decision of the controversy between them, occasioned by his ' Consent of Scripture,' to Dr. Whitgift, archbishop of Canterbury, and Dr. Aylmer, Bishop of London. Another piece which he published, intitled, ' An Explication of the article of Christ's Descent to Hell,' was a source of much controversy, and was vehemently opposed; though his opinion on this subject is now generally and justly received. Two of his opponents in this controversy were Archbishop Whitgift, and Bishop Bilson. He addressed on this subject ' An Oration to the Genevans,' which was first published in Greek. In this piece he treats the celebrated Beza with much severity. In 1592, he was in Germany again and published a piece called, ' The Sinai Sight,' which he dedicated to the Earl of Essex. About the year 1596, Rabbi Abraham Reuben wrote an epistle from Constantinople to Mr. Broughton, which Wilk directed to him in London; but he was then in Germany.

He appears to have continued abroad till the death of Queen Elizabeth; and during his residence in foreign countries, cultivated an acquaintance with Scaliger, Raphelengius, Junius, Pistorius, Serrarium, and other eminent and learned men. He was treated with particular favour by the Archbishop of Mentz, to whom had dedicated his translation of the Prophets in Greek. He was also offered a Cardinal's hat, if he would have embraced the Remish religion; but that offer he refused to accept, and returned again to England, soon after the accession of King James I. In 1608, he preached before Prince Henry, at Oatlands, upon the Lord's Prayer. In 1607, the new translation of the Bible was begun; and Mr. Broughton's friends expressed much surprise, that he was was not employed in that work. It might probably be disgust on this account which again occasioned him to go abroad; and during his stay there, he was for some time preacher to the English at Middleburgh. But finding his health decline, having a consumptive disorder, which he found to increase, he returned again to England, being desirous to die in his own country. In November, 1611, he arrived at Gravesend, which being soon made known to his friends in London, several of them went down to him thither, to accompany him up to town. He lodged in London, during the winter, at a friend's house in Cannon street; but in the spring he was removed, for the benefit of the air, to the house of another friend, at Tottenham High Cross, where he died of a pulmonary comumption, on the fourth of August, 1612, in the sixty third year of his age. Daring his illness he made such occasional discourses and exhortations to his friends, as his strength would enable him, He appears to have had many friends and admirers even to the last; and his corpse was brought to London, attended by great numbers of people, many of whom had put themselves in mourning for him. He was buried in St. Antholin's church, where his funeral sermon was preached by the Reverend James Speght, B.D., afterwards D.D., minister of the church in Milk street, London. Lightfoot mentions it as a report, that the Bishops would not suffer this sermon to be published; but it was afterwards printed at the end of his works.

His person was comely and graceful, and his countenance expressive of studiousness and gravity. His indefatigable attention to his studies, gave him an air of austerity; and, at times, there appears to have been no inconsiderable degree of moroseness in his deportment: notwithstanding which, he is represented as behaving in a very kind and affable manner to his friends, and as being very pleasant in conversation with them, especially at his meals. He would also be free and communicative to any persons who desired to learn of him, but would be very angry with scholars, if they did not readily comprehend his meaning. Open impiety and profaneness were always opposed by him with great zeal and courage. He was much dissatisied, as appears from several passages in his works, that his great learning had not procured him more encouragement, and he evidently thought that he had a just claim to some considerable preferment. He was unquestionably a man of very uncommon erudition, but extremely deficient in taste and judgment. Be was also of a testy and cholerick temper, had a high opinion of his own learning and abilities, was extremely dogmatical, and treated those who differed from him in opinion, with much rudeness and scurrility; though some allowance must be made for the age in which he lived, in which that mode of writing was much more common among divines and scholars, than it is at present. From the general tenor of his life and of his works, and the opinion formed of him by those who were the best acquainted with him, it seems equitable to conclude, that with all his failings, he meant well; nor do we apprehend, that there is any sufficient ground for the extreme severity with which his moral character has been lately treated.

He translated the Prophetical writings into Greek, and the Apocalypse into Hebrew. He was desirous of translating the whole New Testament into Hebrew, which he thought would have contributed much to the conversion of the Jews, if he had met with proper encouragement. And he relates, that a learned Jew with whom he conversed, once said to him, 'O that you would set over all your New Testament into such Hebrew as you speak to me, you should turn all our nation.'

Most of his works were collected together, and printed at London, in 1662, nnder the folldwing title: 'The Works of the great Albionean Divine, renowned in many Nations for rare Skill in Salem's and Athens' Tongues, and familiar Acquaintance with all Rabbinical Learning, Mr. Hugh Broughton.' This edition of his works, though bound in one large volume, folio, is divided into four tomes. Dr. Lightfoot, who was himself a great master of Hebrew and Rabbinical learning, says, that in the writings of Broughton, 'the serious and impartial student of them will find these two things. First, as much light given in Scripture, especially in the difficultest things thereof, as is to be found in any one author whatsoever; nay, it may be, in all authors together. And, secondly, a winning and enticing enforcement to read the Scriptures with a seriousness and searching more than ordinary. Amongst those that have studied his books, multitudes might be named, that have thereby grown proficients so far, as that they attained to a most singular, and almost incredible skill and readiness, in his way, in the understanding of the Bible, though otherwise unlearned men. Nay some such, that, by the mere excitation of his books, have set to the study of the Hebrew tongue, and come to a very great measure of knowledge in it; nay, a woman might be named that hath done it. This author's writings do tarry in them, I know not what; a kind of holy and happy fascination, that the serious reader of them is won upon, by a sweet violence, to look into the Scripture with all possible scrutinousness; and cannot choose. Let any one but set to read him in good earnest, and, if he find not, that he sees much more in Scripture, than ever he could see before, and that he is stirred up to search much more narrowly into the Scripture, than ever he was before, he misseth of that, which was never missed of before by any that took that course, if multitude of experiences may have any credit.'

It will justly be thought in the present age, that Dr. Lightfoot formed too high an opinion of the value of Broughton's writings; but in whatever estimation they may now be held, the celebrity of Broughton in his own time, and his extraordinary learning, gave him a reasonable claim to some memorial in a work of this kind.

" ONNY, a river. See appendix."

" ORLETON. The seat of W. Cludde, Esq., and of Edward Cludde, Esq. 1 mile west of Wellington."

" OSS MERE, a lake in the hundred of Bradford North. 2 miles north-east of Whitchurch."

" OSWESTRY (Old.) See Old Oswestry."

" OWLBURY. See Oldbury."

" OXENBOLD. See Weston Oxenbold."

" PARK. See Black Park, and Kenwick Park."

" PARLOGUE. See Perlogue."

" PERRY RIVER. See appendix."

" PIGOTT. See Acton Pigott, and Aston Pigott."

" PIMHILL, a hill in the hundred of Pimhill, 5 miles north of Shrewsbury."

" PLAS WARREN (or PLACE WARREN), a large old mansion-house, on the road from Overton to Chirk, 5 miles north-west of Ellesmere. It was formerly called Gwern Jenkin, but in the time of Charles II was purchased by Arthur Warren, Esq., and named Plas Warren; now the property of W. Morral, of Plas Yollen, Esq.

" PLAS-YN-Y-COED; (Or the Hall in the wood.) An old mansion converted into a farm-house, situate in the township of Dudleston, on the banks of the Dee. About a century ago, it was the residence of the family of Kyffin and is now the property of W. Morrall, of Plas Yollen, Esq."

" POSENHALL (or POSNALL), an extraparochial place in the franchise of Wenlock. 2 houses, 14 inhabitants.

" PRADO. The seat of the Hon. Thomas Kenyon. 5 miles south-east of Oswestry. 1 mile south-east of West Felton."

" PREEN. See Holt Preen."

" PRIOR'S DITTON. See Ditton Priors."

" PRIOR'S MIDDLETON. See Middleton Priors."

" PULLEY. See Edgebold Pulley."

" PULVERBATCH (Church.) See Church Pulverbatch."

" PULVERBATCH (Castle). See Castle Pulverbatch."

" REYNOLD. See Acton Reynold."

" RHYNN. See Ifton Rhynn, and Weston Rhynn."

" RIDGES. Upper Ridge and Lower Ridge. A township in the parish of Whittington, and in the Ellesmere division of the hundred of Pimhill. Upper Ridge, 3 miles southwest of Ellesmere, Lower Ridge; 3½ miles south-west of Ellesmere."

" ROCKWARDINE. See Wrockwardine."

" RODEN. (River) See appendix."

" ROGERS. See Aston Rogers."

" ROSE GOUGH. See Rhose Gough."

" ROSSALL DOWN. See Down Rossal."

" ROSSALL UP. See Up Rossall."

" ROUND ACTON. See Acton Round."

" ROWTON. See Broom and Rowton."

" ROYAL OAK. See Boscobel."

" SALTMORE WELL, a saline spring below Ludford, on the opposite side of the river Teme, at the foot of a hill. The rural cottage on the premises, is a pleasing and picturesque object, harmonizing with the surrounding scenery, which is extremely beautiful. The water of this spring is found to contain a small quantity of carbonate of iron, with a little sulphate of magnesia, and a considerable portion of muriate of soda.

In scorbutick, and various other disorders, great benefit has been found to arise from the use of this water, and in all disorders for which an aperient and corroborant medicine is required, it would doubtless prove useful.

Passing along the Worcester road we arrive at the very pleasant villages of Ashford Bowdler, and Ashford Carbonell, near each other on opposite sides of the river, and about two miles distant from Ludlow.

The want of convenience for bathing, at Saltmore, had long been lamented; because, judging from analogy, no one can doubt that it must prove as powerful as sea-water, and applicable for the same useful purposes. There are now at Saltmore Cottage, proper accommodations for cold or warm bathing. In cutaneous affections, scrofula, chronick rheumatism, paralysis, and above all in disorders incident to young females, the greatest advantages may reasonably be expected from this bath in a warm or tepid state; and for all purposes in which cold immersion may safely be used, it deserves preference.

Ludford House, the old fashioned seat of the Charltons, is conspicuous, on a rising ground, above the village of Ludford, about one mile north of Saltmore, and preserves an antique appearance, though considerably embellished by its present possessor, E. Lechmere Charlton, Esq. This gentleman is of the ancient family of the Lechmeres of Hanley Castle, in the county of Worcester; which family, (as appears from Nash's History of that county) originally came out of the low countries, and served under William the Conqueror. Nicholas Lechmere, Knight, Baron of the Exchequer in 1701, and Nicholas Lord Lechmere, Baron of Evesham, who was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and of the privy council of George I. were of this family, which has besides repeatedly represented the county and city of Worcester.

Edmund Lechmere, Esq., the son of Anthony, who was the elder brother of Lord Lechmere, married Elizabeth the sister of Sir Francis Charlton, bart., and by her had Nicholas, who on the death of his maternal uncle (Sir Francis dying without issue) came into the possession of this property, and assumed the name and arms of Charlton, which devolved on his son, the present possessor.

This Mansion is without doubt of great antiquity, as is indicated by its approximation to the Church, its interior quadrangle, and its style of masonry; particularly the parts fronting the Leominster road, and the churchyard. Even in Sir Francis' time there were nothing but casements throughout the house, and so much did some parts of the building resemble a prison, that a Scotchman passing by, when the dairy maid was looking through the window, is reported to have exclaimed "ah ye be a bonny lassie, but I weel ken ye be there for na gude." The proprietor has in his possession, a deed in which mention is made of a house here in the remote period of the eleventh century. Of what kind, the house referred to in this deed was, does not appear, but it is conjectured to have been a religious foundation; and vestiges of cells (in the recollection of old people) with certain mural decorations, warrant this supposition, and the presumption that it is even coeval with the erection of the Castle at Ludlow, and once, perhaps, partly dependant upon that ancient Baronial Palace: a religious establishment however certainly existed here, and though in no account that we have been able to meet with, can be traced any immediate connection between it and the Castle, yet in early days it was almost ever the custom to unite monastick institutions with magnificent castellated residences, as may be instanced in Priories or Abbeys adjacent to Kenilworth, Warwick, Kirklees, &c.

In the time of William the Conqueror this manor made part of the possessions of Osborn the son of Richard, Lord of Richard's Castle. It was afterwards enjoyed by the family of Jordaen, who deriving his surname from the place, was called Jordaen de Ludford. This Jordaen left two daughters, of whom one died unmarried, the other married Howel Vaughan, who gave or sold the manor and its apurtenances to the Hospital of St. John the Baptist, in Ludlow.

The Hospital of St. John being seized by the Commissioners at the time of the general dissolution of religious houses, in the reign of Henry VIII. this manor, as appertaining to that foundation, was also conveyed to the crown: it was afterwards granted by Edward VI. to John Earl of Warwick; of whom it was purchased by William Foxe, and in the year 1607 it came into the Charlton family.

This family had previously enjoyed extensive possessions in the county of Salop, and were resident at Apley Castle, near Wellington. Thomas Charlton, was Bishop of Hereford in the year 1327. In the year 1337, he was appointed treasurer to Edward II. and soon afterwards made Chancellor of Ireland. He died in 1343, and was buried in Hereford Cathedral, where his effigy may be seen on an altar monument under an arch in the north transept.

Lewis Charlton, became Bishop of Hereford in 1361. Bale calls him Caerleon, and it has been supposed that he was born in that ancient city; but it is more probable, that as we find this family name written Carleton in ancient records, it has originated from the progenitors of the house, having assumed Caerleon as a surname. This prelate before his elevation to the See had prosecuted his studies with much assiduity and success, at each of the English Universities, and had been elected Chancellor of Oxford in the year 1357. He was a profound theologian, learned in mathematicks, and had some knowledge of medicine. Dying A.D. 1369, he bequeathed his books to the cathedral, with £40 in money. His monument in the south-east aisle, though now much mutilated presents an interesting appearance: it is in the form of an altar, on which his effigy, mitred, is extended at full length; over the recess in which it is inclosed, is a rich fret- work, Gothick canopy, much defaced, and the whole is surmounted with a highly wrought entablature; on the wall, above the effigy is the following inscription,-

Ludovicus Charlton, Epis: Herd: A. D. 1369.

On the tomb are four shields, on the first of which are engraved croslets fitchee, on the second and third a lion rampant, on the fourth the arms of the See.

Sir John Charlton, born at Apley Castle in 1268, was of the bed chamber to King Edward II, and afterwards raised to the office of Chief Justice. He married Hawis Gadaru, sole daughter and heiress of Owen ap Griffith, the last Prince of Powis: her four uncles, Llewellyn, John Griffith, Vaughan, and David, detained her inheritance from her, whereupon Hawis complained to King Edward, who appointed Sir John to marry her, creating him in her right, Baron of Powis: and being assisted with the King's forces, he took three of her uncles prisoners, about 1320, and brought the fourth to composition, and finally recovered all his wife's estate, procuring also the lands of her uncles in default of their issue male, to be settled on her. Isabel, sister to Sir John, married John Sutton, Baron Dudley, from whom the Earls' of Warwick and Leicester are descended. This Barony after four generations devolved, in default of male issue, on Sir John Grey, Knight, who married the eldest daughter of Edward Charlton, fourth Lord Powis, by Eleanor daughter of Thomas Hollande, Earl of Kent, and widow of Roger Mortimer, Earl of March. But the property of Appley Castle and Whitton Court descended to a junior branch of this noble family. Sir Robert Charlton, who suffered much for his loyalty to Charles I, resided there. His son Sir Job, Chief Justice of Chester, and one of the Judges of the Common Pleas, bought Ludford, and being a gentleman remarkable for his hospitality and convivial disposition, during the time that King James II. resided at Ludlow Castle, had the honour of entertaining his Sovereign at Ludford House, and his Majesty, by frequently repeating his visits, seemed to give an unequivocal proof of being pleased with his reception, One David Davis, who died many years ago, at the great age of 104, was a domestick in the family and waited on them. The grey-headed old man towards the decline of life, enjoying ease and plenty through the bounty of his employer, was used to dwell with rapture on the noble guests at Ludford, and the true British conviviality which reigned round the large table, still remaining in the Hall.

There are a few pictures at Ludford House of considerable merit.- A Wouvermans, three Jacob Ruysdaels. two Bassans, and a portrait of Lord Strafford, by Sir Peter Lely, are most conspicuous.

To the south of the house lies the garden, which of late has undergone extensive improvements. Towards the west in a large park, well stocked with deer, and remarkable for its fine luxuriant wood scenery: and in a line with the Leominster road, under the park wall, is a pleasant and much-frequented walk called Hackluyt's Close, not far from the termination of which is a respectable farm house called Huck's Barn; only noticed on account of its having been the residence of the uncle of George Barnwell. Tradition says that in a piece of ground not far from this house, which still retains the name of Barnwell's Green, this wretched victim of seduction, waited to rob and murder his friend and benefactor.

Leland, the father of English antiquaries, whose writings are from actual surveys, visited Ludlow sometime between the years 1500 and 1550, and observes respecting Ludford,-

" The suburbs over Teme bridge, by south, is called Ludford, and in it is a little parish church. There be three fayre arches in this bridge over Teme, and a pretty chapel upon it of St. Catherine. It is about 100 years since this stone bridge was erected. Men passed along by a ford, a little below the bridge."

Allowing for the change in appearance which modern additions and improvements would give, we may reasonably suppose that the present parish church is the same as that described in the above extract: it is a plain building and immediately contiguous to Ludford House. The holy-water basons at the entrance and beside the altar, indicate that catholicism had not declined at the time of its erection. The chancel was built by William Foxe, and is evidently a modern addition to the church: it is the family sepulchral repository, where we find, among others, two or three monuments of the Foxe family, and two or three of the Charlton: Sir Job's we shall transcribe, which is in a recess above his statue, reclining in his magisterial habiliments.

Hic jacent reliquiae Honorabilis viri domini Job Charlton, Equitis et Baronetti qui Imperante Carolo Secundo Justitiarius capitalis Cestriae fait merito constitutus.

Quo in munere Annos magis viginti elaboravit. Senatoribus minorum gentium Prolocutor, nec non unus ex Justitiarijs Domini Regis de Banco gravissimus hisce negotijs omnimode Par: quorum singula tum perspicaci ingenio, tum fide pertinaci explevit. AEque in Exulem Carolum atque Regnantem Pius: Causam Regiam etiam afflictam adjuvit. Vir eximia Pietate, Justitia promptaque Beneficentia plenus.

Conjux Fidus, Pater Solicitus, Judex Integerrimus.

Obijit vicesimo quarto Maij 1697, Anno aetatis suet Octogesimo Tertio. Habuit promissum Piorum praemium; in terris nempe vitam diuturnam, per Jesum Christum in caelis aeternam.

Huic in Opibus et Titulis successit Franciscus Charlton, Baronettus, filius natu maximus.

On a mural marble monument, underneath a marble bust, is an inscription to the memory of Dorothy, the wife of Sir Job.

In the Churchyard, against the north wall of the church, is the following epitaph, on Mrs. Holland,-

Sweet was thy converse, all thy actions kind, Thy person beauteous, and thy soul resign'd; In arts of social life thou didst excel, And what a wife should be did'st practise well. Tho' scap'd from life, and cast on that calm shore, Where pain and cares, and passion are no more, Yet fond affection oft shall drop a tear, Till silent time shall place thy mourner here.

A little below the church is Ludford Hospital. This Hospital, which is probably on or near the site of the house which was called St. Giles', was founded by Sir Job Charlton in the year 1672, for six poor and impotent persons, one of whom was to be warden, and the incorporation by indenture, to bear the name or denomination of, "The warden and poor of the Hospital of Ludford." The said warden and poor, by their incorporate name, to have the power to purchase and hold lands, and be sued, and to have a common seal. The founder further provided that he and his heirs should have power to nominate the warden and poor as vacancies should occur; and that in default of such heirs, the Bailiffs of Ludlow, and their successors, should have the nomination.

By various Indentures the said Sir Job Charlton conveyed to the warden and poor of the Hospital of Ludford, land and other possessions; property was also consigned to this charity by Sir Francis Charlton in 1774. Since which time other benefactions have been added by the Charlton family. It appears that though the six places are kept constantly filled, the name and distinction of warden, as head of the corporation, have long ceased to exist. The latest instance of the use of the common seal is on a lease of Saunders' meadow in 1618, and the next subsequent lease bears the seal of Sir Francis Charlton.

The " pretty Chapel of St. Catherine," which certainly did formerly stand on Ludford Bridge, has been forgotten for several generations; but the celebrated well of St. Julian, is fresh in the memory of the inhabitants of the village, because, the wonderful cures of diseases believed to have been miraculously performed by it, connected with the ancient superstition, are circumstances so strongly impressive, that the fame of them continues for a long series of ages,

This well used to be seen and resorted to, under the garden wall, near the Hospital."

" SAVAGE. See Neen Savage."

" SCOTT. See Acton Scott."

" SCRIVEN. See Middleton Scriven."

" SELATTYN MOUNTAIN, a slate mountain in the hundred of Oswestry, 6 miles north-west of Oswestry."

" SEVERN, a river. See appendix."

" SHELTON OAK. An aged oak about a mile and a half west of Shrewsbury. It is remarkable from a tradition, that at the battle of Shrewsbury, Owen Glyndwr ascended it to reconnoitre; and finding that the king was in great force, and that the Earl of Northumberland had not joined his son Hotspur, he fell back to Oswestry, and, immediately after the battle, retreated precipitately into Wales. The following are the dimensions of this venerable tree:-

Feet Inc.
Girth at bottom, close to the ground 44 3
Ditto, 5 feet from the ground 25 1
Ditto. 8 feet ditto 27 4
The height of the tree to the top of the
main trunk, or principal bough 41 6

This tree is now very much decayed, and has a hollow at the bottom sufficient to hold, with ease, half a dozen persons."

" SHIFFNAL. See Idsall."

" SHORTHILL. See Arscott and Shorthill."

" SHOTTON. See Hardwick and Shotton."

" SNAILBATCH MINES. In the hundred of Ford, 10 miles southwest of Shrewsbury."

" SOLARS. See Neen Solars."

" ST. GILES. See Shrewsbury Holy Cross St. Giles."

" STANTON. See Clee Stanton, and Clee Downton.

" STERCHLEY. See Sturchley."

" STEVENTON COTTAGE, is placed on the brow of an eminence overhanging the river Teme, and commanding an extensive prospect over Herefordshire to the left, and to the right overlooking the town of Ludlow. This romantick, secluded spot is part of the Steventon demesne, belonging to E.L. Charlton, Esq. and has for many years been occupied by Mr. E. Prodgers."

" STIPERSTONE HILL, a hill partly in the hundred of Chirbury, partly in the hundred of Ford. About 5 miles north-east by north of Bishopscastle. See Plain of Shropshire."

" STIRCHLEY. See Sturchley."

" STRETTON. See All Stretton, and Church Stretton."

" SUDBURY. See Sidbury."

" SUNDORN. An extra-parochial place, in the Wellington division of the hundred of Bradford South. 3 miles northeast of Shrewsbury.

The landscape in travelling along the road from Shrewsbury to Standen is exquisitely beautiful; rich corn fields and pastures demonstrate the fertility of the soil, watered by the majestick stream of the Severn, with a great number of rivulets which, descending from the uplands, pour their tributary streams into that river; while the pleasant seats and farm-houses, thickly scattered through the scene in contemplation, and surrounded by clumps of trees and copse wood, satisfy the spectator that nature has not, in this neighbourhood, lavished her treasures in vain.

The elegant mansion of Sundorn was erected in the castellated style by the late John Corbet Esq. Its site in a beautiful lawn, the venerable appearance of the castle, the sloping banks which surround the large sheet of water, and covered with plantations, the rich verdure of the adjoining woods, numerous corn fields and pasture grounds tufted with trees, the hedgerows and walks happily diversified, and the bold appearance of the castle on the adjoining hill, vary the scene, and render the tout ensemble extremely interesting.

Within the demesne of Sundorn, are situated the remains of Haughmond Abbey. See Haughmond."

" SUTTON. See Lawton and Little Sutton."

" TENURES. There is much copyhold-tenure, but of easier customs than in the neighbouring counties. The lords of some customary Manors have enfranchised the copyholders, upon receiving an equivalent in money. The customs of the greater number are preserved and acted upon. In the manors of Ford, Condover, Wem, and Loppington, the lands descend to the youngest son, and in default of sons, to the youngest daughter. In the manors of Cardington, and of Stretton, estates descend to the eldest son, and in default of sons, the daughters are coheiresses. The fines and herlots also in these two manors, though somewhat different, are so fixed and easy, that it may be doubted whether the tenure is not preferable to freehold. See appendix."

" TERN, a river. See appendix."

" TITHES. Very little tithe is gathered. In the archdeaconry of Salop, in Hereford diocese, somewhat above one half of the land pays tithe to the parochial clergy. The average of the compositions for tithes in this county, does not, perhaps, exceed the tithe of the rent. A few extreme cases may be pointed out, and, such instances will be talked of; but, again, there are other instances below the average mentioned."

" TITTERSTONE CLEE HILL, 5 miles north-east of Ludlow. It rises to the height of 1,800 feet. The summit of it, on which was formerly a Roman Camp, affords very extensive prospects on every side, bounded by different ranges of distant hills, so that on a clear day no less than thirteen or fourteen counties are to be seen with the naked eye; but the sides (as Lord Littleton observes) are more difficult to pass than almost any of the Welch hills, being covered with loose stones, or rather with pieces of rocks, which from their extraordinary magnitude must have required an immense force to throw them in the different directions in which we find them scattered. The extreme point called Titterstone, which comprehends a space of nearly an acre and a half of ground, is supposed to have been formed by a volcano. The rugged exterior of this hill, is compensated by the great quantity of coal and ironstone, found within it; with the former of which, of a very excellent quality, the surrounding country is supplied.

The Collieries are chiefly on the south, and north-east sides of the Clee Hill, and in sinking the deepest on the first of these, the following strata occur.- Earth, sandstone-rock, and basalt, called jew-stone, 75 yards; sandstone-rock, bind, clunch, and coal-roof, 23 yards; the great coal, 2 yards; coal-bottom and ironstone-roof, 1 yd. 1 ft.; ironstone 1 yd. 6 inches; three-quarters coal, 1 ft. 6 in.; clumper, 2 yds.; smith's coal, 1 yd. 2 ft.; smith's coal-bottom, down to the four feet coal rock, 2 ft.; in all, 107 yards 1 foot. In the deepest pit on the other side of the hill, it is necessary to sink 116 yards before coal can be found, the vein is however 6 feet thick. The whole depth of this pit is 137 yards, and from the great coal to the bottom there are 10 feet of mixed coal veins."

" TRAIAN. One of the three great Manors or Lordships in the Seigniory of Oswestry. The town and liberties of Oswestry form one manor; the second, which is the most extensive, and embraces 18 townships or hamlets, is called Duparts, and the third the Traian. The lords of these several manors being lords Marchers, exercised jura regalia therein, until 27 and 34 Hen. 8, when pleas of the crown were directed to be held before the King's Justices in Eyre.

Two great Courts Leet were held annually in each of these lordships of Duparts and Traian, and Courts Baron every three weeks. At the former court, being a great inquest, each township appeared by its court-men, and if any made default of appearance, or concealed that which ought to have been executed, (being in the nature of a suit royal) a mulet of 3 kine, or 15s. was levied on the township by ancient custom.

No free tenant could alienate his land without licence of the lord, and a Heriot and Relief were payable at his death. Heriots still continue to be collected, but the Reliefs have generally fallen into disuse. So also a peculiar species of rents called Morc-y-cantedion, [Morc-y-cantedion,- a fine or imposition on the district] and Tangc- y-cantedion, [Tangc,- Peace, or earnest of peace, which was thus purchased by the inhabitants] which were paid in some parts of these manors, (e. g. in Dudleston,) and which appear to have been originally imposed for the maintenance of a garrison of defence against the inroads of the Welch. A sum of 100 marks was formerly paid by each manor on the change of its lords, as a recompense or earnest, for the continuation of the accustomed privileges and charters.

An Inquisition of the manor of Traian made in 1601, shews that it was then divided into districts, (called Gavels and Gwellies,) over which bailiff's or mayors were appointed to collect the above mentioned rents, as well as the chief and fee farm rents due to the lord. The names of the tenants were at that period, as at present, almost exclusively Welch, and though that language is not spoken yet it is retained in the names of most of the places and fields in the manor. Amongst the Gavels occur the following, viz., Gavel Jenkin, Elidir, Heylin, Cornwynwr alias Cadivor, Morgan, Owen, Yr-offeiriad, Y-Rhyn, Jevan, Wien, Kenric-ddu, Mab-ymon, Hen, Milir-goch, Cadwgan, Bronygarth, &c. &c. In these Gavels from 10 to 20 families are numbered; the Gwellies (from Gwely a bed) appear to have been single families, and we find the names of Gwely Rys, David, Adda, Howel, Ostburn, Hanmer, Siartir, &c.

The manor of Traian is coextensive with the parish of St. Martin's, including therein the townships or hamlets of Bronygarth, Weston- Rhyn, Ifton-Rhyn, Wiggington and Coedyrallt; also the whole and extensive township of Dudleston, in the parish of Ellesmere, the township of Middleton, in the parish of Oswestry, and the township of Tre-prenol in the parish of Llanymynech.

The Constables for these several places are annually appointed at the Court Leet.

In an ancient Survey of the Manor it is said,- " Item. "There are two forrests, viz. Glynkierk and Coedyrallt, and a parke of the Lords called Bronogard, and for the trespasses done and committed in the said forrests and parke, it was accustomed to keepe forrest courts in the same yeare. And there all faults committed to be presented. And the benefit thereof to come to the lord wholly."

"Item. There is a river called Kyrioche, and another called the Dee, which rivers are my lords for fishing. As in time past the Abbot-house of Waller-court paid yearely 2s. for the Water-course to serve a Mile of his neare the same river."

The forest of Glynceiriog, thus referred to, is supposed to have extended from Bronygarth Park to the junction of the river Ceiriog with the Dee; where the forest of Coedyrallt commenced and continued along the Banks of the Dee to Knolton or Shellbrook; which stream divides the counties of Salop and Flint, and is also the eastern boundary of the manor, Offa's Dyke being its western, and the rivers Ceiriog and Dee its northern limits.

The line of country sloping down to the Banks of these rivers is clothed with beautiful woods, and forest rents are still paid, as corroborative of the fact above recorded.

At Bronygarth there is a vast bed of Lime stone, which is remarkable for its purity and strength when calcined. Marine shells and Madrepores occur abundantly, with slight veins of copper and lead. Below the lime works and near the river, opposite Chirk castle, is to be seen the Adit of a natural cavern, a circumstance common in the limestone formation. It is said that this cavern (ignotum pro magnifico) extends to a great distance; it has not been recently, and probably never scientifically examined; and the attention of a Geologist, even of a Buckland, might be rewarded in exploring its dark recesses. What is now a den of foxes may before the deluge have been the haunt of Bears and Hyenas.

The Seigniory of Oswestry was, for many centuries, in the Arundel family, but passed to, and still remains in the family of Powys, with the exception of the manor of Traian, which is the property of Edward Morrell, Esq., by purchase."

" UCHA. See Maesbrook Ucha."

" VYRNWY (or VERNIEW RIMER). See appendix."

" WAFERS. See Hopton Wafers."

" WALCOT PARK. In the hundred of Purslow. The seat of the Earl of Powis. 3 miles south-east of Bishopscastle.

The adjacent hills are clothed with full-grown woods and flourishing plantations; the park is very extensive, finely laid out, and abundantly stocked with deer. On a gently rising eminence stands the mansion, which is built of brick, with stone corners and a Dorick portico in front. The approach to it is nobly embellished by lofty trees, and by a fine expanse of water on the right. Within the verge of the domain is a hill called Tongley, on which are vestiges of a British encampment called Bury Ditches. The area of the camp is circular and of great extent, defended by three deep trenches with high mounds or ramparts, which in some places have been planted with firs, by order of the proprietor. These, as they grow up, tend to interrupt the continuity of the trenches, and to destroy the character of the place, a circumstance which every antiquary who visits it will doubtless regret. From this eminence a grand and varied scene presents itself: on one hand is seen Clun, with its ruined castle, situated in a dreary wild, bounded by bleak heights; on the other, the town of Bishopscastle, with the interjacent valley, displaying several gradations of culture and fertility. In other parts the prospect is enlivened by occasional glimpses of rich pastoral landscape, rendered more delightful by contrast with the bold and naked hills that overlook them.

Among other encampments in this neighbourhood, there is one between Purslow and Basford Gate; it takes in the whole compass of a hill called Borough Hill, in form somewhat resembling a heart, and is fortified with a fosse in some parts, and in others with a double or triple area, according as the ground is more or less accessible; and where there is the advantage of a precipice there is neither ditch nor rampart: the fosse is grown over with trees. About three miles south of the Bury Ditches is the Caer Caradoc, designated by Camden as the scene of the contest between Caractacus and Ostorius, to which we have elsewhere adverted. See Caer Caradoc."

" WALKERSROW. See Wrickton and Walkersrow."

" WALLS, (The). See Quatford."

" WARD. See Castle Ward, Stone Ward, and Welsh Ward."

" WELBATCH. See Whitley and Welbach."

" WELSH FRANKTON. See Frankton (Welsh.)"

" WENLOCK. See Much Wenlock."

" WENLOCK EDGE, a precipitous ridge commencing about two miles north- east by north of Wenlock, and running about eleven miles in a south westerly direction. Ordericus who wrote in the reign of Henry the first, gives a very particular description of Wenlock Edge, which he probably remembered in his childhood. Either through an error of his own, or of his transcriber, or of his learned editor, Du Chesne, the name is strangely disfigured, though a sight of the original MS. would perhaps detect the source of the error. The situation, however, and accompaniments identify the spot. It was after the capture of Bridgnorth, that Henry the first commanded his army to pass through Hunel-hege, and lay siege to Shrewsbury. "Hunel-hege is the English name for a passage through a wood. In Latin it may be called malus callis, or vicus: for it was a hollow way of a mile in length, full of great sharp stones, and so narrow as scarcely to admit two horsemen abreast. It was overshadowed on each side by a dark wood, wherein were stationed archers in ambuscade who greatly annoyed the army with arrows and other missile weapons. But as the king had more than 60,000 men in his army, he detached large parties to cut down the wood and make a wide road, which should endure for the use of posterity," lib xi. p. 108.

From this period then we may probably date the existence of a road over this steep ridge, which has since been rendered more commodious, and has laid aside most of its pristine horrors. Many of the passes, however, down this ridge, retain all their ancient ferocity; one in particular, termed Blakeway hollow, from the little hamlet adjoining, is nearly as impenetrable now, as it could have been in the days of Henry the first."

" WEST COPPICE. In Bradford North. The residence of Major Edwardes. 10 miles south-east of Shrewsbury."

" WHITE LADIES. 5 miles east of Shiffnal. See Boscobel, and appendix."

" WILD MOORS. See Eyton upon the Wild Moors, and Preston upon the Wild Moors."

" WILDERHOPE. Part of a township in the hundred of Munslow. See Stanway and Wilderhope."

" WITBATCH. See Clay, Felton, and Witbatch."

" WIXHILL. See Weston and Wixhill."

" WOODCOTE HALL, a hall and the residence of John Cotes, Esq."

" WOODLANDS. See Styche and Woodlands."

" WOODS and PLANTATIONS. See Plants, &c."

" WOOFERTON. See Woolverton."

" WREKIN (The), a hill. The Wrekin is a solitary hill, rising suddenly from a vast plain to the height of one quarter of a mile above the sea, and 1,200 feet above the river Severn at its foot. It is situated in the central part of Shropshire, which seems spread like a map below it.

The views from the summit of the Wrekin are, in several directions, very beautiful and grand. The south-west declivity, in particular, is awfully precipitous; and the summit of the rock commands a most romantick view of the windings of the Severn under the woods of Buildwas; beyond which, between the Clee hills on the left, and Church Stretton hills on the right, extend the Vale of Corve, and a multiplicity of wild woods and hills in the direction of Ludlow. The prospect of North Wales also to about the Brithen Hills is very magnificent.

But striking as these particular views are, they do not constitute the distinguishing character of the Wrekin. It is the extent and majesty of its horizon which stands unrivalled in England. The bold arch of the mountain, suddenly rising from a most extensive plain, forms a small central pinnacle, which may properly be called the key stone of the arch. From this point the whole horizon is seen.

The cause of its extraordinary extent and grandeur is, that the circumjacent plain is seldom interrupted by any lofty boundaries, till it naturally sinks from the eye, and is then succeeded by eminences so happily situated as greatly to extend the prospect, and form a diversified and magnificent outline.

The atmosphere indeed seldom exhibits the whole horizon at once, unless it be at sun-rise in fine summer weather. It is well if we are favoured with an opening either to the Peak of Derbyshire, or to South or North Wales: but it is folly to ascend the Wrekin, unless the atmosphere be remarkably clear, and some distant eminences be distinctly visible from the plain.

The circuit of the horizon, it is conjectured, may be from 350 to 400 miles, embracing the following objects.

N.B. Conjectural Statements are noted by ? Inferior Objects by &c., objects not ascertained, by N.A.

SOUTH-WEST BY WEST TO WEST.

COUNTIES. DIST. HEIGHT.
1. The Caerdoc, the nearest boundary of the horizon Shrop. 13
2. The Long Mynd Shrop. 17 1674
3. Llandinam Mountain? above the Long-Mynd Montg. 43 1898
4. Stiperstones Shrop. 18 1800?
5. Corndon Hill, a round summit above the west end of
Stiperstones Shrop. 22
6. Plinlimmon, &c. between the Stiperstones and Long Mountain Cardig. 54 2463
7. The Long Mountain Montg. 22 1330
8. Cader Idris, over the west of the Long Mountain, with
another mountain to the left, N.A. Merion. 60 2914

WEST TO NORTH.

9. Lower Ridge, probably the Camlin & Moel Dyfy, near Mallwyd Merion. 50?
10. The Brithen, distant 21 miles, in height 1,200 feet,
overtopped by Arman Fowdy Merion. 50 2955
11. Chain of Mountains, proceeding as from
Arran Fowdy; among which is, probably Arran
Ben Llyn, and part of the Berwyn chain to
the right, and the Arrenig beyond
12. Cader Ferwyn, summit of the Berwyn range,
overtopped to the right also by mountains N.A
. in the line of the Snowden range Denb. 38 2563
13. Castle Dinas Bran, above the right
declivity of the Berwyn Denb. 33 1857
14. Ruabon Denb. 30
15. The Cluidian range, of which the highest
Moel Vamma bears the Jubilee columns Flint. 40?
16. The Hope Mountain Flint. 35?
17. High Land, ascertained beyond Parkgate Chesh. 50
18. Ditto, ascertained beyond the Mersey and Prescot, Lanc. 50?
16. Pecfarton Hall; and Beeston Castle, &c. above
Hawkstone Chesh. 30?
20. Delamere Forest, a small eminence Chesh. 40 596

NORTH TO EAST.

21. A very extensive plain Chesh. 50?
22. High ground partly overtopped, perhaps
by the Cloud Mountain, near Congleton Chesh. 40? 1200?
23. Ashley Heath, over Wellington Staff. 20 803
24. Moel-Cop Staff. 35 1901
25. The range of the Peak, in which have been
ascertained Coombe-Moss, near Buxton,
and Axe-edge which is in Derb. 60? 1751
26. Weaver Hills Staff. 40 1151
27. Atlow Wyn, near Ashbourne Derb. 50?
28. Lower eminences, extending as far as the
direction of Abbots-Bromley and Nottingham, a
little to the right of that of
Stafford and Derby, N.A. Derb. 50?
29. Cannock Chase Staff. 25 715

EAST TO SOUTH.

30. High ground in continuation from Cannock,
part of which is Bar Beacon Staff. 20 653
31. Corley & Meriden hills, above Wolverhampton War. 45 521
Other distant hills, perhaps in Northamptonshire,
in the same direction
32. Sedgley Staff. 21 800
33. Rowley, in part concealed by Sedgley Staff. 26 900
34. Edge Hill War. 60 900?
35. Hill about Banbury, in the same direction. Oxf. 65 800?
36. Clent hill and Bromsgrove Lickey, in part
behind, due south-east Worc. 26 950
37. Broadway Hill, &c. above Apley Terrace and Envill Gloc. 54 1006
38. Cleve Hill Gloc. 50 1134
39. Bredon Hill, intercepting the Cotswold Range,
nearly over Colebrookdale and Bridgnorth Worc. 50 1000?
40. Lackington Hills, &c. in the same range Gloc. 60? 1160?
41. Abberley and Woodbury Hills &c. Worc. 27 800?
42. Malvern Hills Worc. 40 1444
43. High ridge on the further side of the river Teme Worc. 27 700?

SOUTH TO SOUTH-WEST BY WEST.

44. The Titterstone Clee Shrop. 20 1800?
45. The Brown Clee Shrop. 15 1805
46. The Sugar Loaf Monm. 55 1852
47. The Cradle Mountain, perhaps the same with
the Halteral Hills Brec. 55 2545
48. A long and more distant ridge Brec. 60?
49. Hill beyond Ludlow Shrop. 25?
50. The two Beacons of Brecnock the higher Brec. 66 2862
51. Radnor Forest ? Radn. 40 2163
52. Church Stretton Hill Shrop. 15 1200?
53. Radnor Forest continued to the Caerdoc ?

The Wrekin is distant ahout two miles south-west from Wellington."

" YEO EDGE, a precipitous ridge in the hundred of Munslow, 6 piles north-west of Ludlow."

 

[Transcribed information from A Gazetteer of Shropshire - T Gregory - 1824](unless otherwise stated)

[Description(s) transcribed by Mel Lockie ©2015]