Pontesbury

is an extensive parish containing the townships of Arscott, Asterley, Boycott, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Edge, Farley, Halston, Hanwood (Little), Hinton, Lea, Longden, Newnham, Oakes, Onslow, Plealey, Pontesbury, Pontesford, Sascott, and Siberscott, with the hamlets of Exford’s Green, Ford Heath, Horton, Lea Cross, Longden Wood, Moathall, Pansom, Polmer, Malehurst, Shorthill, and Woodhall, which together comprehend an area of 10,635a. 2r. 13p. of land, the rateable value of which is £14,513. 10s. At the census of 1841, here were 697 houses and 3,311 inhabitants; population in 1801, 2,053; and in 1831, 2,936 persons. Edward William Smythe Owen, Esq., is lord of the manor. A great portion of the labouring population find employment in the extensive lead and coal works of this parish. The township of Pontesbury is situated seven and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, and fifteen and a half miles N.N.E. of Montgomery, and, with the hamlet of Malehurst, contains 1,119a. 1r. 30p. of land. Francis Harries, Esq., is the principal landowner. Sir Joseph Hawley, Bart., H. D. Warter, Esq., Colonel Wingfield, Henry Gardener, Esq., T. H. Hope, Esq., and Sir Offley P. Wakeman, and others are also proprietors. The turnpike road from Shrewsbury, which joins the Montgomery road at Brockton, passes through this township. In May, 1811, Pontesbury was visited by a most terrific tempest, when “a cloud burst upon the Stiperstone hill,” and the waters rushed down the acclivities with irresistible force, sweeping away cottages, mills, cattle, and trees, and drowning nine persons. The water being in many places from thirteen to seventeen feet deep.

The Church, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, was formerly collegiate, having a dean and two prebendaries. The old structure was taken down in 1825, except the chancel, and was rebuilt of rubble stone in the year 1829. At the west end is a lofty square tower containing a peal of five bells. The interior consists of nave, lofty north and south aisles, and chancel. The living is a rectory divided into three portions, the first portion is in the patronage of the present incumbent, the Rev. William Harrison, M.A. The tithes of this portion are commuted for the sum of £780. 6s. There are 21a. 3r. 21p. of glebe land. The second portion is in the gift of Brazen-nose College, and incumbency of the Rev. Charles Drury, M.A., the tithes of which amount to £774. 11s. 10d., and there are 58a. 2r. 3p. of glebe land. The third portion is in the gift of the present rector, the Rev. William Vaughan, who purchased it from Smythe Owen, Esq., for his life and ten years after. The tithes are commuted for £571. 6s. 4d., and there are 59a. 2r. 36p. of glebe land. The Rev. William Harrison, M.A., also receives £129. 9s. as the impropriator. The Independents have a neat brick chapel, built in 1839, which will accommodate 200 hearers. The Baptists have also a small chapel here. The National School is a spacious brick structure. Charities—It is stated on the table of benefactions that Thomas Davies left £200, John Peers £10, Eleanor Peers £10, and Thomas Higgins, D.D., left £10 the interest thereof to be distributed to the poor. This sum, amounting to £230, was expended in the purchase of 21a. 3r. 2p. of land in 1716, the rent of which is distributed to eight poor widows of this parish.

Arscott is a small township and sequestered village situated two and a half miles N.E. by E. of Pontesbury, which contains 463a. 3r. 5p. of land. The soil is mostly strong. Coal is got in the township. In 1841 here were 24 houses and 127 persons. The tithes are commuted for £93. 15s. 6d., and apportioned to the rector of the second portion. Francis Harries, Esq., is the sole landowner.

Asterley and Inwood is a township and pleasant village, one mile and a half west of the parish church, which at the census of 1841 had 61 houses and 305 residents. The township contains 535a. 3r. 31p. of land. The tithes are commuted, and apportioned to the rector of the third portion, for the sum of £90. 15s. 6d. The principal landowners are Henry Gardner, Esq.; William Gardner, Esq.; and Mr. Everall. Extensive coal works are carried on here. The Primitive Methodists have a small chapel.

Boycott is a small township, three quarters of a mile N.W. by N. of Pontesbury, containing 344a. 2r. 9p. of land. In 1841 here were three houses and 33 persons. The tithes are commuted for £75. 2s. Thomas Baycott, Esq., and Henry Warren, Esq., are the principal freeholders.

Cruckmeole is a township and pleasant rural village four and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 512a. 0r. 13p. of land. At the census of 1841 here were 33 houses and 136 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for the sum of £114. 17s. The township is intersected by the Reabrook and the Shrewsbury and Minsterley turnpike road. H. D. Warter, Esq., and Francis Harries are the principal freeholders. Cruckmeole Hall is a handsome brick mansion, the property and residence of Henry Diggory Warter, Esq.

Cruckton is a township, chapelry, and pleasant village four and a half miles S.W. by W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 900a. 1r. 28p. of land. In 1841 here were 27 houses and 155 persons. The tithes are commuted, and £76. 4s. 4d. is paid to the rector of the first portion, to the Rev. Wm. Harrison, as impropriator, £10. 9s. 4d., and to Geo. Tomline, Esq., £7. Francis Harries, Esq., is sole landowner. The Chapel, dedicated to St. Thomas, was built in the year 1839. On the entrance door are two figures of angels carved in oak. It will accommodate 180 persons. This chapel was built for the district comprising the townships and hamlets of Arscott, Sibberscott, Shorthill, Cruckmeole, Cruckton, Sascott, Horton, Nox, Onslow, Woodhall, Moathill, Panson, and Little Hanwood, so much of the township of Newnham as is north of Yockleton brook, and for the places on Ford’s Heath. The Rev. Charles Drury, M.A., is patron and incumbent. The Hall, a commodious and handsome mansion in the early English style of architecture, is built of brick, with stone facings, and is the seat and property of Francis Harries, Esq.

Edge township, situated two miles N.W. by W. of Pontesbury, contains 422 acres of land. In 1841 here were 15 houses and 68 persons. The tithes are commuted for £95. 11s. 6d. The executors of the late Mr. Thornes are the principal landowners.

Farley is a small township one mile N.W. by N. of Pontesbury, which contains 172a. 0r. 10p. of land. At the census of 1841 here were three houses and 19 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 3s. 3d. The principal proprietors are Mr. Thomas Inions, and Mr. John Hughes.

Halston is a small township to the S.W. of Shrewsbury, which contains 275a. 0r. 39p. of land. In 1841 there were three houses and 17 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £78 17s. 9d. W. L. Childe, Esq., is the sole landowner. Hanwood Little is a small scattered township four miles south of Shrewsbury, which contains the hamlets of Moathall, Woodhall, and Pansom, and comprehends an area of 667a. 2r. 37p. of land. In 1142 here were 11 houses and 60 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £133. 13s. 9d. The principal landowners are Miss Oldnell, John Berrington, Esq., and Francis Harries, Esq. Coal is got here in considerable quantities.

Moothall, an ancient half timbered mansion the property of John Berrington, Esq., is still surrounded by a moat filled with water. The interior of the house is of curious workmanship, and has some fine specimens of elaborate oak carving. It is now occupied as a farm residence. Woodhall was built in the year 1684, on the site of a more ancient structure; it is now occupied as a farm house. Hinton is a small rural township one and a half mile north of Pontesbury, which contains 339a. 3r. 13p. of land. In 1841 here were 12 houses and 59 persons. The tithes are commuted for £80. 18s. 3d. Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., is the sole landowner.

Lea is a small township pleasantly situated on the turnpike road from Pontesbury to Shrewsbury, which comprehends the hamlets of Crosshouses and Shorthill. In 1841 here were 27 houses and 132 inhabitants. There are 481a. 3r. 21p. of land. The tithes are commuted for £143. 6s. 3d., of which £33. 15s. 8d. is apportioned to the rector of the first portion of Pontesbury, and £109 10s. 7d. to the Rev. William Harrison, as impropriator. The principal landowners are Sir Offley P. Wakeman, Bart., and William Henry Nicholls, Esq. There are several collieries at Shorthill. The National School, situated at Shorthill, was built in the year 1842. It is supported by voluntary contributions and a small charge from each scholar. About ninety scholars attend.

Longden is a chapelry and township six and a half miles S.W. by S. of Shrewsbury, which contains 1,604 acres of land, of which Sir Joseph Hawley, Bart., is the principal landowner. John Walton, Esq., Rev. George Jewdwyne, Samuel Harris, Captain Parr, and Robert Hesketh, Esq., are also proprietors. In 1841 there were 80 houses and 371 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £330. 19s. 2d., one half of which is apportioned to the rector of the second and the other half to the rector of the third portion of Pontesbury. The Chapel is a small structure consisting of nave and chancel. The living is a donative curacy in the patronage and incumbency of the Rev. Edward Homfray, M.A. The Independents have a chapel here built of brick. The British School is held in the chapel. About forty children attend.

Newnham is a small township six miles west of Shrewsbury, which with the hamlets of Polmer and Ford’s Heath contains 345a. 2r. 6p. of land. In 1841 here was one house and nine inhabitants. The rent charge is commuted for £79. 14s. 5d. The principal landowners are W. H. Nicholls, Esq., Francis Harries, Esq., and the Rev. F. D. Dimmock.

Nox is a hamlet in Newnham township, situated five and a half miles west of Shrewsbury, which contains five houses and 22 inhabitants. Mr. Richard Lloyd is the sole landowner in this hamlet.

Oakes is a township and scattered village three miles west of Pontesbury, which contains 630a. 2r. 25p. of land. In 1841 here were nine houses and 42 inhabitants. H. D. Warter, Esq., is lord of the manor and sole landowner. The tithes are commuted for £110. 12s. 3d., and £97. 10s. are apportioned to the rector of the first portion, and £13. 2s. 3d. to the rector of the second portion.

Onslow is a small hamlet three and a half miles W.W. by N. of Shrewsbury, which contains 251a. 3r. 20p. of land. In 1841 here were two houses and twelve persons. The tithes are commuted for £54. 4s. 8d. Colonel John Wingfield is lord of the manor and sole landowner.

Plealey is a pleasant rural township and village seven miles S.W. of Shrewsbury. It contains 664a. 2r. 12p. of land. This township had in 1841 43 houses and 212 inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £134. 11s. The principal landowners are Dr. Griffiths, Mr. Thomas Wilkinson, Joseph Phillips, Esq., Rev. Mr. Phillips, Mr. Richard France, and Mrs. Cross. The Wesleyan Methodists have a neat chapel here.

Pontesford is a township seven miles south of Shrewsbury, containing 387a. 2r. 38p. of land, and at the census of 1841 had 67 houses and 283 inhabitants. The tithe is commuted for £82. 12s. 2d. There are coal, lime, and lead works in this township. The Wesleyan Methodists have a small chapel here.

Sascott, a small township five miles west of Shrewsbury, containing 221a. 2r. 28p. of land, in 1841 had 24 persons and three houses. The tithes are commuted for £52. 6s. 6d. Francis Harris, Esq., is the sole landowner.

Sibberscott is a township five and a half miles S.W. of Shrewsbury, having 147a. 3r. 6p. of land, and in 1841 had one house and nine inhabitants. The tithes are commuted for £34. 18s. 1d. H. W. Meredith, Esq., is the sole landowner.

Post Office.—At Mr. Samuel Griffith’s. Letters arrive at 6 A.M. and are despatched at 7 P.M.

Pontesbury & Pontesford Directories.

Bennett Isaac, inland revenue officer

Birkenshaw Mr.

Chapman Miss

Croft Mr. Richard, registrar

Deakin William, farrier

Drury Rev. Charles, M.A., The Rectory

Eddowes William, surgeon

Harrison Rev. Wm., M.A., The Rectory

Heighway Miss, gentlewmn., Upper House

Jones Frederick, Esq., Pontesford Hall

Jones John and Company, Pontesford Works

Jones Mrs. Sarah

Jones Rev. Thomas, Independent minister

Jones Robert Corbet, gentleman

Jones The Misses

Jones Wm., land surveyor

Nicholls Thomas, parish & vestry clerk

Philpot Charles, mine agent

Plimmer Mrs.

Preece Richard, engineer

Rogers Robert, agent, lead works

Rogers Thomas, schoolmr.

Vaughan Mr. John

Vaughan Rev. William, M.A., The Rectory

Ward and Co., Shorthill Colliery

Agents.

Jones William, (land)

Philpots Charles, (coal)

Rogers Robert, (lead)

Blacksmiths.

Elks William

Griffiths John

Boot and Shoemakers.

Breeze John

Hughes John

Bricklayer.

Barber John, and builder

Butchers.

Cross Forrester

Blackmore William

Broxton William

Coal Merchants.

Harries Francis

Jones Frederick

Snailbeach Co., Nagshead Colliery

Whitegrit Co., Shorthill Colliery

Cooper.

Griffiths Edward

Corn Millers.

Blakeway Richard and Wm.

Edwards Patience

Evans Thomas

Farmers.

Croft William, Pontesford

Inions Edward, Red House

Jones Frederick

Jones Henry, New House

Jones John and Company

Morris Edward, Nills

Morris Thomas, Woodhouse

Price Widow

Ward and Company

Wilde Samuel, White Hall

Grocers and Tea Dealers.

Griffiths Samuel

Owens Owen & Son, drapers, outfitters, shoemakers, & leather cutters

Roderick John, and druggist

Innkeepers.

Breese Mary, vict., Red Lion

Croft Mary, vict., Seven Stars

Langford John, vict., Nag’s Head Inn

Beerhouses.

Evans Ann

France John

Tipton Edward

Wilde Samuel

Lead Merchants, Miners, and Smelters.

Snailbeach Company

White Gritmines Company

Shopkeepers.

Davies Mary

Jones Hugh

Shevlin John

Saddler.

Brazanor Samuel

Tailors.

Davies Richard

Littlehales Mr.

Powell William

Tomlins William

Arscott Directory.

Bearcroft Rev. Thos., M.A.

Bridgeman John, farmer

Deakin Thomas, farmer

Nicholls Henry, butcher

Asterley Directory.

Breese John, blacksmith

Chapman Richd., vict., Wind Mill

Everall Richard, farmer

Gardner Hry, Esq., The Hall

Gardner Messrs., coal masters and farmers

Jones Robert, beerhouse

Lewis William, shopkeeper and joiner

Marsh Henry, shopkeeper

Pritchard John, farmer

Tipton Jacob, mine agent

Wheelding John, wheelwrt.

Boycott Directory.

Andrews Thomas, farmer

Jones Edward, farmer

Cruckmeole Directory.

Cumpson Joseph, miller & farmer

Pugh William, farmer

Warter Henry Diggery, Esq., The Hall

Weaver William, farmer

Whittall Thomas, miller

Wilding James, farmer

Cruckton Directory.

Bates John, farmer

Crump Thos., vict., Hare and Hounds, maltster & farmer

Harries Fras., Esq., the Hall

Wilding Henry, Holly Bank

Shepherd Mr. Jph., the Lodge

Edge Directory.

Jackson George, assistant overseer and collector

Pugh William, farmer

Thornes George, gentleman, The Grove

Farley Directory.

Briscoe John, farmer

Inions Thomas, farmer

Halston Directory.

Bennett Thos., underground bailiff

Blowet Benj., Shorthill farm

Glover Joseph, farm bailiff

Lee Mr. farmer

Ward & Company, farmers

Hanwood Little Directory.

Crapper and Proctor, coal-masters, Moathall colliery

Gibbs William, farmer

Passant Jas., Woodhall farm

Savage Thos., Moathall farm

Hinton Directory.

Everall John, farm bailiff to Sir O. P. Wakeman, Bart.

Parry John, Esq.

Lea Directory.

Baldwin John, farmer, Shorthill

Bowen John, farmer

Davies Richard, wheelwright

Diggery John, machine mkr.

Edwards John, machine mkr.

Hudson William, vict., the Cross, and farmer

Lashbrook Richard, National Schoolmaster

Rowland David, blacksmith

Longden Directory.

Bowers William, parish clerk

Casewell Richard, beer retailer, Exford’s green

Crisp Alfred, school teacher

Davies Thos., beer retailer

Deakin Edward, farmer

George Samuel, joiner

Gittins Adams, blacksmith

Harris Mr. Samuel, farmer and maltster

Higley William, wheelwright and beer retailer

Homfray Rev. Edward, M.A.

Jewdwyne Rev. George

Jones Edward, saddler and harness maker

Jones Richard, vict., Tankerville Arms Inn, & farmer

Jones Richard, farmer

Jones William, farmer

Littlehales Rd., blacksmith

Matthews John, vict., Red Lion, the Wood

Morgan Thomas, Hall farm

Munslow Join, farmer, the Wood

Nicholls Henry, butcher

Preece Joseph, tailor

Richards Edward, bricklayer

Roberts William, cowleech

Sutton John Hart, surgeon

Thomas John, farmer

Thompson Wm., farm bailiff

Timmis Rd., grocer & draper

Tipton Wm., pump maker

Whittall Edward, beerseller

Woodcock Samuel, farmer

Malehurst.

Issard Thomas, farmer

Newnham and Polmer Directory.

Niccolls Wm. Henry, Esq., Newnham house

Skyrinsher John Mytton, Polmer farm

Nox Directory.

Dillow William, blacksmith

Lloyd Richard, gentleman

Nicholls Thomas, farmer

Tomlins Thomas, wheelwright

Oaks Directory.

Howells Wm., gamekeeper

Lewis Jeremiah, farmer

Perks Thomas, farmer

Whitehurst Jn., the Hall Farm

Woodcock John, farmer

Onslow Directory.

Vaughan Richard, farmer

Wingfield Col. John, the Hall

Plealey Directory.

Bowers James, shoemaker

Bromley Edward, blacksmith

Bromley Richard, farmer

Cross Mrs., the Villa

France Richard, farmer

Hall Mary, farmer

Little Thomas, wheelwright

Peacock George, farmer

Phillips Joseph, farmer

Phillips Mrs., the Cottage

Phillips William, glazier

Wilkinson Thomas, farmer

Sascott Directory.

Evans Robert, farmer

Higginson Thomas, farmer

Sibberscott Directory.

France Richard, farmer

France Samuel, farmer