Linley

is a small parish in the Wenlock franchise, situated about three and a half miles south-east from Much Wenlock. The parish comprises 636 acres of land, the principal owners of which are Lord Forester and John Stephens, Esq. At the census in 1801 there were 108 inhabitants; 1831, 111; and in 1851, 105; of whom 42 were males, and 63 females. At the same period there were 19 inhabited houses, and one uninhabited. Gross estimated rental of the parish, £809. 2s. Rateable value, £729. 18s. Lord Forester is lord of the manor and impropriator. The Church, a plain, unpresuming structure, has the appearance of great antiquity: the windows are small and square headed, and there is a short tower. The church is situated in a field, and near it stands a venerable yew tree, but there is no inclosed burial ground. The living is a rectory, annexed to that of Broseley. The Hon. and Rev. Orlando Forester is the incumbent. Divine service is only performed once a month. Linley Hall was formerly the seat of the ancient family of Lacon, who possessed the greater part of the parish. It is a plain brick structure, now occupied by Miss Martha Onions.

Directory.—George Carpenter, vict., Duke of Wellington Inn; Robert Harrison, farmer; Joseph Langmore, wheelwright and blacksmith; Ann Newton, vict., Britannia Inn; Miss Martha Onions, Linley Hall; Edward Owen, proprietor of Owen’s pills and drops, Linley Villa; Josiah Wellings, bailiff to Mr. Hembry.