Broughton,

a parish and township in the Albrighton division, also contains the township of Yorton, which conjointly contain 878a. 2r. 1p. of land, and in 1841 had 37 houses and 188 inhabitants. The soil is mostly a stiff loam, and the meadow land is of good quality. There are 27a. of woods and plantations in the parish. The principal land owners are Viscount Hill, Spencer Roger Dickin, Esq., Mr. William Teece, and Cornelius Maddocks, the former is lord of the manor. Rateable value of the parish, £1836. 10s. The Church is a small ancient structure, dedicated to St. Mary, and was formerly subordinate to that of St. Mary, Shrewsbury; it is built of rubble stone, and rough cast, and has nave, chancel, porch, and small turret. The living is a perpetual curacy returned in £67, in the patronage of Viscount Hill, and incumbency of the Rev. Francis Parkes. It is related on a late occasion the parish clerk of Broughton was desired to acquaint the congregation during public worship that the then officiating minister would perform divine service at that church and at the Clive alternately, when, not exactly understanding the meaning of the latter term, he very gravely gave notice the Rev. Mr. W. “will preach here and at the Clive to all eternity.” The tithes are commuted for £105, Henry Lister, Esq., is the impropriator. In the field where the church stands an attempt has recently been made to open coal works; it appears that coal was found and lime works were also established, but the project was shortly after abandoned.

Directory.—Mr. William Clay, The farm; Mr. Alderton Clay, The hall; Joseph Molynax, blacksmith; Mr. Samuel Sherratt, The villa, William Sutton, wheelwright.

Yorton,

a small scattered township in the parish of Broughton, is situate about one mile from the church. The population and acres are included in the returns for Broughton. Viscount Hill is lord of the manor, Robert Panting Gardener, Esq., Mrs. Sarah Bayley and others are land owners. The greatest portion of the township is in the hands of R. P. Gardner, Esq.

Yorton Villa, the residence of the Rev. William Jaudwine, M.A., is a square stuccoed house pleasantly situated, and beautified with pleasure grounds, and shrubberies laid out with great taste. The following are the principal residents in this township:—Those with † affixed reside at Yorton Heath, Rev. William Jaudwine, M.A., The villa; † Thomas George, shopkeeper; † George Lea, farmer; † Joseph Lea, farmer; Lucy Martin, farmer; † Benjamin Shuker, farmer, Black Birch. Thomas Gregory carrier to Shrewsbury on Wednesday and Saturday.