Ford

is a parish and township, in the hundred to which it gives name, five miles west by north of Shrewsbury, containing 2,140 acres of land, the rateable value of which is £2,040. 10s. At the census of 1841 here were 66 houses and 309 inhabitants. Population in 1801, 349; and in 1831, 263. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is lord of the manor, and a considerable landowner; the Rev. Robert L. Burton; Henry Gardner, Esq.; Mr. Henry Leey; and Mr. John Baldwin, are also proprietors. The river Severn and the Watling street intersect the parish. Earl Edwin held Ford in the Confessor’s time; and Earl Roger in the time of the Conqueror. In the 14th of Henry III. Henry Andele had a grant of the manor of Ford; and in the 37th year of Henry III. James Aldithele had a grant of free warren here, as had also Thomas Boterel some time after. The manor of Ford continued in the Talbot family, Earls of Shrewsbury, until the year 1824, when the same was sold to Sir Henry Wakeman, Bart., in whose family it now continues. The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a small structure, built of rubble stone. The interior is neatly pewed with oak. The chancel is separated from the nave by a screen of oak of antique carving. There is also an ancient stone font. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of G. E. W. Tomline, Esq., and incumbency of the Rev. John Wason, M.A. It was valued in the king’s book at £3. 6s. 8d., now £138. In the taxation of Pope Nicholas, A.D. 1291, Ford chapel is estimated at £10. In the parliamentary returns of 1786 it is stated that Joseph Waring, by will, in 1726, gave to the poor of this parish £10., which produces 10s. yearly.

Directory.—John Baldwin, farmer, Shoot Hill; John Barrett, farmer, maltster, and victualler, Cross Gates; Hy. Brayne, wheelwright; Ths. Breese, shoemaker; Edw. Bufton, shopkeeper and draper; Edwd. Bufton, jun., farmer; Rchd. Clayton, blacksmith; David Evans, farmer; Jno. Gittins, farmer, Ford heath; Joseph Gough, farmer, Ford heath; Rchd. Hughes, shoemaker; Thomas Humphreys, farmer, Chavel; Wm. Jones, shoemaker; Wm. Pugh, shopkeeper; John Quay, shoemaker; George Rogers, farmer; Thomas Rogers, tailor; William Wall, farmer; Joseph Waring, shopkeeper; Rev. John Wason, M.A., The Rectory; William Weaver, carpenter and parish clerk.

Post Office—At Mary Bishop’s. Letters arrive at 5.30 A.M., and are despatched at 6.30 P.M.