Extracts from
Eddows’s Shrewsbury Journal
1861
relating to Broseley and District
2007
16th January 1861
BROSELEY.
CHRISTMAS TREE.—The ladies of Broseley during the past week have most successfully exhibited a magnificent Christmas tree in the Town Hall, the proceeds of which, amounting to £86 after payment of all expenses, are to be divided among the District Visiting Society, the Church Pastoral Aid Society, and the Missionary Society. Only the latter may be said to leave the town, as the Church Pastoral Aid has for some years contributed towards the support of a curate for the Jackfield district. The society at any rate may be said to have strong claims upon the inhabitants. The hall was tastefully, not to say artistically, decorated for the occasion, and an amateur hand of musicians enlivened the proceedings and added much to the interest of the day. The company included the principal inhabitants of the town. Altogether 300 or 1000 persons attended.
IRONBRIDGE
PETTY SESSIONS— January 8—Magistrates present- C. B. Ferriday, Esq. Mayor; G. Pritchard, Esq.; John Pritchard, Esq. M.P.; John Anstice, Esq.; W. Nicholas, Esq.; R. Thursfield, Esq.
Mr. W. R. Anstice made an application to the Bench to permit an amendment in the amount of Poor-rate on the part of the Great Western Company front £200 to £70, which was granted.
Mr. Clay charged two little boys with having placed an iron chair upon the railway, and read the Act of Parliament hearing upon the subject. The company, taking into consideration the age of the boys, asked only for such a judgment as would deter others, and enable the company to issue a public caution on the matter.—The Magistrates gave the boys a reprimand, and dismissed the case, the boys’ parents paying the expenses.
John Hughes, a publican, at the Wren’s Nest, and who had several times been before the magistrates, was charged under the New Wine Act with having created a disturbance at Mr. Charlton’s vaults. Miss Ellen Welsh, who keeps the house in question, and Mr. Cumpston, gave evidence, and said that upon remonstrating with defendant he knocked him down. The magistrates considered defendant’s conduct grossly improper, and inflicted the highest penalty, namely 40s.
An Irishman, named Kelly, was charged with knocking three times at the door of the Madeley policeman, in the night, without a justifiable reason.—Fused and expenses.
Ruling without Reins.—Edward Evans, waggoner, was charged with riding on the shafts of his waggon, on the Broseley road, on the 29th of December last. Defendant said that he got on the shaft to reach some “fettle” out for the horses. A witness named John Thomas proved the offence. It appears that the defendant had been the cause of a great many accidents during the day, causing several horses to run away, and doing damage to the carriages and carts to which they were attached, he being drunk and asleep in his waggon, and of course the horses were under no control. Fined £1 0s. 8d. including costs. Edward Gardiner was charged with riding on a timber carriage without reins in Farley Dingle, on the 10th of November last, a boy who ought to have charge of the leading horse being also on the shafts. Fined 1s. and 11s. costs.
Offence against the License.— Mr. Heyman, landlord of the Fox, Broseley, was charged by P.C. Duncan with supplying ale during prohibited hours, viz. at twenty minutes to five o’clock on Christmas-day. The officer deposed that he visited the house in company with P.C. Clark, and found two men in the kitchen, one of the men had a half-pint of ale before him and was intoxicated. The landlord said the man was not drunk, but was asleep, and was waiting till the time to draw, and he was not aware that there was any ale in the cup, but he had given the man some before closing time on purpose to get him out of the house. The officer was corroborated in his statements by P.C. Clark, but the magistrates taking a lenient view of the case dismissed it.
Obstructing the Highway. —Mrs. Mary Bourne, of the Horse Shoes, Broseley, was charged by P.C. Evans with having her cart standing opposite Mr. Smeeton’s, druggist, Ironbridge, for upwards of half an hour, on the 20th ult. without leaving any one in charge thereof. Fined 1s. and costs.
6th February 1861
BROSELEY
ACCIDENT On Thursday last a young man named Geltung, in the employ of Messrs. Davies and Lloyd, met with his death by a fall of earth in the pit in which he was at work. It appears that was engaged in taking out the timber from the roof in a faulty part of the mine, where what is called an “horse’s back” occurred, that about five tons of earth came down and crushed him in a fearful manner, causing instant death. An inquest was held on Monday and a verdict of accidental death returned.
AN AFFRAY WITH POACHERS.— Two of Lord Forester’s keepers the other night met with rather severe handling from some poachers, whom they met near the Barrow road. It appears that the former had been boasting in some of the public houses that they were a match, for any two, man for man; and that as they were going their rounds they were met by two fellows with ash sticks who reminded them of their boasting, and challenged their strength. The keepers suspecting that there were more “Richards in the field,” and acting upon the maxim “discretion is better than valour,” after the first onslaught beat a retreat, one, at least, hid himself; but as it was only ostrich fashion, by putting his head in a rabbit hole, the “seat of honour,” unfortunately, revived as sever pummelling.
SAD ACCIDENT TO A NAVVIE AT THE ROVING.— On Sunday tool last distressing cries were heard at some distance from this unfrequented part of the valley, but without those hearing them being able to distinguish the direction in which they came, or the exact locality from which they proceeded. As they continued for some hours— from about twelve o’clock till three or four – Mr. Jackson, of Sutton Wood on the opposite side of the river, got up with his two sons, and, called a man
Oliver to assist, procured a boat and crossed the Severn, thinking that some brother keeper had been left half dead by poachers. After some considerable time they came upon the object of their search — a man with his leg broken in two places from a fall on the side of the hill and weltering in a pool of blood. It appeared that, having been to Broseley for his provisions and having probably got more drink than was good for him, he had fallen in descending the hill side. He was taken to some temporary huts on the line, and medical assistance was sent for.
20th February 1861
MADELEY
Henry Booth, cattle dealer, Broseley, v. Thomas formerly butcher of the same place.—Plaintiff claimed £2. 5s. the price of a sheep, and obtained judgment.
Henry Booth v. Herbert Hooton, butcher, Broseley.—The sum claimed in this case was £10. 0s. 2d. balance of £1,226, a running account. Mr. Smallwood, who appeared for defendant, disputed the jurisdiction of his Honour on account of the amount claimed. Plaintiff said the amount having been reduced by several instalments, he would ask leave to abandon the excess. Mr. Smallwood ten claimed further particulars, and the case was adjourned to a future court for that purpose.
27th February 1861
BROSELEY
RATHER AWKWARD —It is well known that many of the mining districts are so honeycombed or undermined that the surface affords little indication of the dangers that lurk beneath, and that either your house, your kitchen floor, or a portion may go down through some invisible trap door, and totally disappear before morning. This is the case at Broseley where old pits not worked within the memory of man have been covered over, forgotten, and built upon, and where it is no unusual thing for a family sitting round the fire to see the ashgrate suddenly disappear, or the round table spread with the evening meal go down into some yawning chasm that opens without warning at their feet. Indeed, what between pits and slips, and the very queer way in which houses are sometimes built, the inmates may be said to got to bed without knowing where they will wake up that morning— it may in another parish or it may be not at all. Last week a family, named Cox, little dreaming that each time they passed form the front room to the back kitchen they walked over an old coal pit, having, gone to bed and slept soundly, were somewhat surprised upon going down stairs to find the flooring had disappeared, and a dark yawning chasm intervening between the front and back rooms of the house.
BROSELEY.
It having been announced a few weeks since that a subscription had been got up for the purpose of assisting the poor of the parish, by supplying them with bread and soup during the late very severe weather, we have now much pleasure in stating that the committee appointed for carrying out the wishes of the subscribers have, in consequence of the mildness of the weather, and the demand for labour, just brought their charitable work to a close. During the past month they distributed 3,132 threepenny loaves of bread, and 2,657 quarts of soup, at a cost to the poor recipients of one penny per loaf, and one penny per quart of soup. The pence thus received, together with £82 12s. subscriptions, amount to £106 18s. 7d. The expenses for bread, meat, and vegetables, together with the cost of making the soup, amount to £73 9s. 7d. thus leaving a surplus of £33 9s. in the hands of Mr. Nichols, the treasurer, which balance will be invested in the Savings Bank to the credit of the committee, and will be an available fund for the like purpose whenever circumstances may again require assistance to be given to the deserving poor of the parish.
BROSELEY.
MRS. WEALE’S EVENING CONCERT.—This lady, whose name we had not previously been acquainted with, gave an exceedingly pleasing concert at the Town Hall, on Thursday last. She was, we understand, a pupil at the Royal Academy, but has been for the last eighteen months a resident of Wenlock. Her pianoforte playing is of a charming character; she performs the most brilliant passages with apparent ease, and enters fully into her composer’s meaning. The pieces she selected were admirably adapted to exhibit her powers; the first was a Capriccio, by Mendelssohn, the second was the popular “Home sweet Home” of Thalberg; both were rapturously applauded. The overtures to L’ltaliana and Tancredi were very spiritedly performed by a well-balanced septett band, who also played Mendelssohn’s celebrated “Wedding March,” and a march called “The Hero’s Return.” The former was re-demanded and played a second time with even greater effect than the first. The glee, “When winds whistle cold” was tastily sung, and narrowly escaped an encore. Miss Humphreys sang a pretty ballad, “Under the Hawthorn,” with much feeling. Mrs. T. W. Hay obtained a well deserved encore in Mrs. Norton’s “ Maraquita;” and a great deal of applause was bestowed upon a duet from Verdi’s “ Trovatore,” admirably rendered by the two ladies. The remaining items in the programme were a flute solo and cornet solo, each of which seemed to afford great gratification. Mr. John B.
20th March 1861
BROSELEY
READING SOCIETY LEACTURE ON WATER.— On Friday evening last, R. Thursfield, gave an able and interesting lecture in the Town Hall, on this subject, the Rev. R Cobbold in the chair. There was quite a large audience, the subject not having been announced, and the lecture having been advertised “One of the four,” excited some interest and curiosity.
THE THIEF DETECTED BUT THE DELINQUENT NOT BROUGHT TO JUSTICE. A gentleman in Broseley who farms upon a small scale, and who keeps a choice stock merely for his own amusement, having lost a lamb, advertised in the usual form offering two guineas reward for the detection of the offender. A man named Garbett seeing the reward, presented himself and informed the owner that his own sow, a voracious animal, had bolted the pet, and offering to bring the offender to justice, claimed the reward. The owner of both being a J.P. refusing to I believe in the sow’s carnivorous propensities, declined to give the reward; but the informer insists that he saw the brute take the lamb out of its box and bolt it.
27th March 1861
SUICIDE.—An inquest was held at the Royal Oak public-house, Coleford, before E. G. Bartlam, Esq. on the body of a man named Andrew Boulkley, who committed suicide by hanging himself on Thursday last. From the evidence it appeared that deceased had for some time been suffering from lowness of spirits consequent upon inability to follow his usual occupation and an attack of asthma. The jury found a verdict of temporary insanity.
10th April 1861
BENTHALL.
DISCOVERY or A CHILD IN THE CHURCHYARD. — On Thursday a child was discovered in a corner of Benthall churchyard, placed in a ferret box, and a little earth scattered over it. It bears no marks of personal injury, and is supposed to have been still-born or else have died soon after birth. From subsequent inquiries by the police, suspicions has fallen on a woman named Jago, who has confessed, and says it was placed there about Christmas.
17th April 1861
TOWING-PATH TOLLS TO BE LET.
NOTICE is hereby Given, that the Tolls arising on the Severn Towing path, between Bewdley Bridge and a place called the Meadow Wharf, at Coalbrookdale, in the county of Salop, will be Let to the best bidder, either together or in three lots, namely, those between Bewdley Bridge and Bridgnorth Bridge, in one lot; those between Bridgnorth Bridge and the Mile-post next above Wood Bridge, near Coalport, in another lot; and the residue in a third lot; for one or three years, as shall be agreed upon, an Friday, the 19th day of April next, at the Tontine Inn, near the Ironbridge, in the county of Salop, at One o’clock in the afternoon.
A deposit equal to a month’s rent will be required from strangers previously to the acceptance of their biddings, and who ever happens to be the best bidder or bidders must at the same time give security with sufficient sureties, to the satisfaction of the Trustees of the said Towing-path for payment of the rent agreed for, at such times as they at all direct.
GEORGE POTTS,
Clerk to the said Trustees. Broseley, 18th March, 1861.
At this Meeting new Trustees will be appointed, in the stead or place of those who are dead, or have declined, or become incapable to act.
24th April 1861
BROSELEY.
TREAT TO BOYS WHO ATTEND THE EVENING SCHOOL.—On Thursday evening a treat was given in the Town Hall to the boys attending the National School on evenings. The treat, which had been gratuitously supplied by friends of the school, each contributing something, consisted chiefly of roast beef and plum pudding. The Rev. R. H. Cobbold and family, R. Thursfield, Esq. W. Nicholas, Esq. E. C. Bartlam, Esq. and others attended. The boys, whom Mr. Henry Bathurst had trained to sing, sang “The Roast Beef of Old England” and other pieces. Great credit is due to Messrs. Shaw, Westover and others for their gratuitous attendance at the school during the session just closed. We ought not to omit mentioning, amongst those who generously contributed to the treat, the name of Mr. J. E. Pugh, who, having commenced business in Broseley, lent the glass and China used at the entertainment.
1st May 1861
BROSELEY.
Sermons on behalf of the famine fund for India were preached here on Sunday by the Revs. Stott and Cobbold, when the stun of £20 18s. was collected.
15th May 1861
WENLOCK.
A MONSTER STONE.—Last week a stone was got out of a rock belonging to Mr. Joseph Norrey, of Much Wenlock, measuring in width 10 feet, and in length 14 feet, depth 6 inches, weighing 5 tons; it is a granite, which will polish like marble. The rock has been visited by a great concourse of people.
INDIAN FAMINE RELIEF FUND.—The collections in the borough of Wenlock, received by Pritchard and Nicholas, bankers Broseley, and already paid by them to the Bank of England, 7th May, 1861, are as follows;—Broseley Parish Church, £30 2s. 1d.; Broseley Old Baptist Chapel, £1 1s.; Broseley New ditto, £2 18s. 7d.; Church Preen Church, £1 5s.; Coalbrookdale ditto, £12 4s 1d.; Hughlee ditto, £1 10s. Ironbridge ditto, £10 1s. 5d.; Little Wenlock ditto, £8 2s.; Madeley ditto, £55; Madeley Methodist New Connexion Chapel, £2; Monkhopton Church, £6 6s. 7d.; Much Wenlock ditto, £15; Shipton ditto, £5 5s. 6d.; Stoke St. Milbro’ ditto, £3 13s.; and Barrow ditto, £6 16s.; total, £161 5s. 6d.
SERIOUS GIG ACCIDENT.—On Monday last, as Mr. J. Humphries, of Broseley, grocer, was proceeding to market he overtook, near the Marsh turnpike, Mrs. Franks, of Shirlett, to whom he courteously offered a seat in his trap to Wenlock market. This was accepted, and the distance was soon accomplished. On arriving opposite the Raven, the mare suddenly stopped and began kicking in the most furious manner. The trap was injured and capsized, throwing both the occupants on the ground. We regret to add that Mrs. Franks was severely injured. She was conveyed to the Raven, where she still remains, it being deemed unadvisable for the present to remove her. Mr. Humphries was much injured about the shoulder and head, and was conveyed to his own residence.
APLEY.
FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY, AT THE WREN’S NEST, OPPOSITE APLEY.—On Thursday last a navvie, named Nottingham, met with his death while engaged in tipping at the Forge Pool. When near the end of the embankment, and just before the horse was detached front the waggon, the animal stumbled. In endeavouring to check it Nottingham overbalanced himself and fell backward, the wheels of the loaded waggons going transversely over his shoulders and neck, and, as a natural consequence instantaneously killing him. The deceased was in the employ of Mr. Richard Walker, at the Apley cutting.
BROSELEY.
INDIAN RELIEF FUND.—A collection was made on Sunday, at the Birch Meadow Chapel, in aid of the above fund, when the sum of £3 was collected.
FIRE. — A fire occurred near the Nelson Wharf, whereby the roof of Mr. Patten’s house, which is thatched, was considerably damaged. The fire is supposed to have originated from a spark falling on the thatch from an oven close by. By the well-directed exertions of Messrs. J. and W. Evans and Easthope, and bothers, who were plentifully supplied from the reservoir of Mr. W. Southern with water, the flames were extinguished, not however, before considerable damage had been done.
29th May 1861
WILLEY.
A NEW CLAIMANT TO THE ESTATE.—One day last week a man named Morris, a shoemaker, from Ironbridge, having gained admittance to Willey Hall, coolly took his seat near the principal staircase, and informed the domestics that he was the legitimate owner of the property and estates. The Wenlock police were sent for, and the new claimant summarily ejected. Subsequent enquiries showed that Morris had of late been a little cracked.
BROSELEY.
SERMONS BY DR. MELSON, OF BIRMINGHAM.—On Sunday last two sermons on behalf of the chapel, which is £600 in debt, were preached by Dr. Melson. In the evening the chapel was densely crowded, and an eloquent sermon was listened to with rivetted attention, the subject being “the Three Graces, or Faith, Hope, and Charity.” The sum of £21 1s. was collected at the two services.
THE BROUSIL FAMILY.—On Friday evening this highly talented family of juvenile musicians visited Broseley, and afforded a rich treat to the lovers of sweet sounds. The first and second seats were tolerably full, but of third-class tickets not so many were sold. The audience here, as elsewhere, were both pleased and astonished by the brilliant performance.
TARBET’S DINGLE.
ACCIDENT UPON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY.—On Saturday morning last a man employed on these works, where there is a considerable slope, had his thigh broken by a fall of earth. He was carried, we believe, to Bridgnorth Infirmary.
12th June 1861
BROSELEY
THE DELPH.— A meeting has been called for the purpose of considering the propriety or doing away with the piece of water known by the above name, and which occupies a place in the centre of the town. It is a stagnant filthy pool, which has long been a public nuisance, and which on sanitary grounds ought to be removed.
26th June 1861
BROSELEY.
A man named Gintley, an Irishman, was brought before R. Thursfield, Esq. charged with creating a disturbance at Broseley Wood. P.C. Duncan gave evidence of the offence. The magistrate fined him £2 and 12s. 6d. costs, in default 21 days’ imprisonment. Defendant chose the latter, and was sent to prison.
BRIDGNORTH AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD
THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY.—The embankments along the flat between Bridgnorth and the Wren’s Nest Station having met, and the permanent rails having been laid, the first engine and train proceeded from Bridgnorth in the direction of Coalport on Saturday last, but stopped short of the slip at the Roving, which we mentioned a fortnight ago, and which we observed, had not entirely settled on Monday last. The men were employed however, on Sunday and Monday in correcting the deviation closed by the sliding of the ground, and it is hoped that by Friday next an engine will he enabled to run the whole distance to Coalport, to meet another coming down from Shrewsbury, in order to convey the Volunteers to Hawkstone. The inhabitants anticipate much from the opening of this important line, and are in the highest glee at the progress already made.
We have already described Bridgnorth as presenting, on ordinary occasions, a still-life picture of an English town. It has even lost much of the activity of its former self. The ringing horn, the merry clatter upon its pebble pavements, that announced the Hibernia, l’Hirondelle, and other fast Worcester, Cheltenham, and Liverpool coaches—bringing out white-aproned grocers, burly tapsters; and hosts of hostlers, porters, and booking-clerks have disappeared, without leaving behind those compensating advantages other towns enjoy. Its river wharves are no longer animate with imports and exports; staple trades have disappeared, or keep up a lingering existence only, whilst the population, as shown by the census just taken, has materially diminished. It has been stranded, as it were, and left out of reach of those stimulating influences which invigorate other towns. The hopes of the inhabitants now centre upon the railway, to obtain which they have laudably put forth every energy, and which, by affording means of communication with neighbouring towns, and ready facilities of transit, may be expected to do something towards infusing new life and energy. Bridgnorth may be said to possess peculiar advantages in itself; it is the centre of a wide agricultural district, which looks to it as the natural outlet for its produce, and which supplies its wants by means of merchandise it offers in return. It has others, arising from its position, its salubrity, its historical associations, and the beauty of its surrounding scenery. Its approach on both sides, by rail, will be by a panorama of sombre woods and sunny fields, of undulating knolls and pleasant hamlets, noble parks, and winding river, with many minor objects that stud the banks, between which,
“Slow and in soft murmurs, Nature bade it flow.”
One such green nook, within easy distance of the town, may be found near the Wren’s Nest station, opposite to Apley.
The Severn, genius of the valley it created, has here a margin of luxuriant vegetation—a wild rank tapestry of twining plants, nodding legs, bright flowers, and clustering forget-me-nots. Above the sloping pastures the ground is wooded with oak, ash, and larch, and one giant pyramid of vegetation may be seen towering high above the rest—it is a brave old oak, not yet beyond its prime. There are dells, glens, glades, and uplifted rocks running at right angles to the river, where, when Nature ceased playing with fire and flood, and ere her last squib had well exploded in this portion of her domain, brooks and streams began the part assigned them. Many gush forth from fountains opened in the solid rock; others, coming long long distances, are swelled by rills and brooklets as they roll, and take the earth-cracks bequeathed by such convulsions for their channels. Laughing in the open sunshine, but murmuring less loudly in the shade, they hymn the same melody now, and leap through the same rents they have for ages; and, where these enter the Severn, the fisherman usually finds good sport. If the visitor be a geologist, desirous of fish of ancient date, lie may find them petrified in their old feeding ground close by, where these brooks, flowing over ancient sea-beds, bring down numerous relics of the old world’s fauna. On ground dry only in summer time, on fords and natural weirs, the old red sandstone may he seen, exhibiting traces of the bone-bed so eloquently described by Hugh Miller. It contains a black mass of corrugated scales and sharply-pointed teeth. The latter may also be found in the Ludlow limestone close by; also univalves and bivalves, orthoceralites, bellerophons, aviculas, terebratulas, orthis, and trilobites, whose armorial covering reminds one of coats of mail worn by worn warriors of the middle ages. The latter limestone must not be mistaken for that singular freshwater bed which Sir R. Murchison describes as formed by hot water springs, like those of Avergne, and which is found to occur between two seams of coal near the entrance from the Severn. The Dingle soon separates into two, the Darby division having a rude and solemn aspect, the other a more open, honest look, bath streams expanding into a grassy lakelet, fringed by osiers, ere they enter the Severn. The old couple at the cottage close by are originals worth knowing. The old dame had her temper somewhat ruffled last time we wore there, from her pet lamb having buried its head in the meal tub awl sprinkled the furniture with its’ contents. Higher up the dell grows narrow, the music of the brook grows louder, and you hear the notes of the wood larks “swelling sweetly on the hill.” Otherwise the place bears a sort of sabbath stillness. Here there are orchards of stunted trees, mossy to the tips of their fruit-hearing branches, hazel bushes, lazy cows in the sloping fields or working their tails as they are driven to the fold yard of the Holly, Farm. There is a curious rent, too, in the grim rocks in the direction of the Albynes, where water trickling down over prostrate trees. Then there is the “Frog Mill”; and if ‘‘Frog Mill,” with its patchwork many gables, dusted and bronzed by flour and lichens, does not meet the taste of sketchers and lovers of landscape scenery we should feel surprised. It has an air of antiquity about it; it is mentioned in Doomsday, and in all probability it ground wheat or rye for the Saxon then churl at Astley and the Norman Lord of Linley.
Below the dingle we have described, and to the both of the river and the rail, is Rookery Wood and Chesnut Coppice. Between these two is an interesting glade, and on the left bank of the river, Apley House and Park come pleasantly into view. They occupy an opening and bounded by undulating knolls and an extensive terms It is one of those sudden expansions of the valley for which nature has done so much in form and outline, independant of its outer covering. Places, very beautiful in summer sometimes lose their interest when the leavers fall from the trees, and their harsher skeletons are disclosed. It is not so with Apley. Apley is always attractive-
“In all seasons and all hours-
From this, when Spring will soon walk forth at morn,
Strewing the lane-side banks with tenderest tiowera.
Or green yonder fields with fresh young cover
To that when Autumn’s evenings heaven adorn,
And roll o’er harvests ripe their golden light;
Or hoary Winter weaves for bending thorn
A frosty mantle, beautiful and bright.”
It is beautiful when the hardy yews which cling to its tall rocks alone look green amid the winter frost, when the lichened branches of others bear only a foliage of snow, and when the hoarse voices of the black and purple brawlers of Rookery Wood alone are heard. It is still more, beautiful when a faint verdure begins to subdue the red tints of the terrace, and catkins in the hedges usher in the blush of spring; when the wild plum wreathes its sprays, and the wild cherry comes out in snowy showers. But it may be said to be in its glory when oak and ash put forth their leaves, and all the forest trees are warming into life; or when its grand old chestnuts, assuming a summer air, bear high their waxy pyramidal flowers, and the proud elms that crown the rising knolls close by are fully clad, there are then delicious tints, and a fine harmony of light and shade wherever the eye is turned. As the woods that first appear a mass, separate into individual trees, those boasting a never-fading livery come into view, a few of which carry their flesh-coloured stems above all else, and droop their tresses of blueish green gracefully and condescendingly towards their meaner brethren. In front of these, and nearer the river, are some stern and storm-defying walnuts, one, in particular, throwing wildly its maimed and withered arms about. Then there are little grassy glades running up into tree-shadowed nooks, whilst to relieve the great breadths of green the red rocks lend warmth to a picture beyond
“ Whate’er Lorrain light touched with softening hue,
Or Savage Rosa dashed or Poussin drew!”
On a gentle eminence, thrown into relief by trees that form a sombre background, is the mansion of the Whitmore’s, reminding one of the lines of Mrs. Hemans :
“ The stately homes of England!
How beautiful they tuna.
Amid their tall ancestral trees,
O’er all the pleasant land !
The deer across their greensward bound,
Through shade and sunny glen;
And the swan glides past them with the sound
Of some rejoicing stream!’
But for the finest view of this splendid park the visitor should ascend its noble terrace, and from Belle Vue look down upon the picture at his feet. The river, like a silver thread, interweaves itself with the splendid carpet before him, and the scene which gradually unfolds itself is harmonious and soothing as a hymn. Fat pastures, enclosed by woods, are dotted with cattle, while sprightly stags graze near patches of bright green fern. It is fearful to look down the precipice over the tops of the trees, where a hawk is preparing to pounce on his prey. It is sublime to cast the eye over the sylvan slopes and cloud-shadowed sweeps into the distance where the Wrekin pierces the horizon. It is a solemn and impressive sight to tarry here till evening, till the burning sun has set behind the hill and the moon is rising to take its place, till the bird-voice of the woods beneath is still, and distant cottage fires peer out from the soft and shadowy gloom that steals o’er all.
3rd July 1861
WENLOCK QUARTER SESSIONS
THURSDAY JUNE 27.
William Boden, of Ironbridge, captain of a barge plying on the Severn, was indicted for stealing 6 cwt. of iron, the property of W. O. Foster, Esq. of Madeley Court Ironworks, which he had sold to the Coalbrookdale Company. Mr. Bayley, barrister, instructed by Mr. Anstice, of iron-bridge, appeared for the prosecution; Mr. Wade barrister instructed by Mr. James, of Wellington, defended the prisoner. A great many witnesses were called, and from the evidence it appeared that prosecutor had lost a large quantity of iron at different times on its transit from Coalport to other ports at distant places, and the iron sold by the prisoner to the Coalbrookdale Company was identified as being part of the iron missed. Mr. Wade argued that it was a case of finding an article, the ownership of which it was not easy to discover and cross-examined the witness for the prosecution to prove that there was no perceptible mark on the iron when first brought for sale, and relied on the fact of so highly respectable a company as the Coalbrookdale buying it from the prisoner, a proof that the mark was not recognisable. Several law cases were cited, in which the finder of an article, the ownership of which was not easily recognisable, was, on being indicated, ordered by the judge to be acquitted. The Recorder ably summed up and the prisoner was acquitted.
10th July 1861
BROSELEY.
ACCIDENT AT THE RUDGE WOOD CUTTING.— On Wednesday morning a quantity of earth gave way in the cutting, and partially buried two of the workmen. They were speedily extricated and conveyed to Broseley, where surgical attendance was afforded.
31st July 1861
IRONBRIDGE
THE SIXTH SHROPSHIRE’ AND THEIR ADVENTURES.— The members of this corps, upon the occasion of their visit to Warwick the other day; were favoured, as upon a former occasion, by a trip along the Severn Valley Railway. Unfortunately, some iron chairs having been carelessly left upon the line by one of the men, one became displaced by the passage of the train, and threw a carriage off the line. No further injury beyond a fright resulted to the passengers, and the carriage was soon placed again upon the rails. The party returned about two o’clock to Ironbridge, safe and sound, but in firing a volley to convey this intelligence to those most concerned the timid inhabitants awoke in fearful fright, and from the terrific noise the reports made along the valley all sorts of horrible impressions were produced. Not a few believed is to be thunder, whilst others thought the crack of doom was come, and many old ladies declare their nerves have not yet recovered.
7th August 1861
BRIDGNORTH
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY.
On Saturday the bells of both churches rang merry peals upon the visit to the town of Lord Shelbourne (chairman of the Great Western Railway Company), John Fowler, Esq. (engineer in chief), C. Sheriff, Esq. (general manager), and several directors of the Great Western and West Midland Companies, together with T. Brassey, Esq. and W. Field, Esq. (the contractors), and other officials of the Severn Valley Railway, who were going over the line, for a general examination of the works, prior to arrangements for its opening. We believe we may add that the necessary operations for the completion of the line are progressing satisfactorily, and that it will be opened in the course of a few weeks by the West Midland Company, to whom it is leased. The brave old river, formerly the great artery of communication with the sea and our inland towns, will then have a most formidable rival to compete with— will it succumb to its opponent ? It has been found that rival railway enterprise, in more than one instance, has given stimulus to water conveyance highly beneficial to the shareholders. The Shropshire canal has indeed just succumbed to the Coalport and Hadley line, which is to supply its place as a feeder to the Severn; but its death has been brought about mainly by damage done by mining operations disturbing its bed. The Ellesmere canal, that scarcely paid a dividend, became a profitable concern after the railway was constructed, and now, like the Leeds and Liverpool, the Staffordshire and Worcester, the Birmingham, and others, successfully competes with rival railways. The Birmingham, of which Philip Williams, Esq. high sheriff of Staffordshire, and chairman of the iron-masters’ quarterly meetings, is an influential shareholder, has just resolved upon raising £100,000, in new shares, for a tunnel for the better accommodation of the coal and iron trade. Had means been taken to improve the channel of the Severn, there is little doubt but that this noble river, navigable for 180 miles, may have been in much more flourishing condition than at present. The river has advantages which forbid the supposition that its present traffic will altogether be absorbed by its rival. It now costs the Coalbrookdale Company but sixpence to remove, by means of the river, one of their polished register grates from their warehouse on the river at Coalbrookdale to the one they have at Gloucester. Heavier goods are taken from there, and Coalport, at 2s. 6d. and from that to 5s. per ton. The expense of navigating the Severn with a sufficiency of water is less than upon any other river, and so small that the probability is the river will still retain its share of heavy traffic; similar means of transit having done so notwithstanding competing lines of rails running by their side. We have in Great Britain and Ireland four thousand miles of navigable river and canal, upon which fifty millions of money has been expended, and along which a large portion of the heavy traffic of the kingdom now flows. Still, a railway along the valley of the Severn affords an illustration of changes wrought by the quickest impulse of the times. Events little dreamt of in the philosophy of our forefathers, content with the jog-trot pace of the middle ages, revolutionise the world. Time and tide, ‘twassaid, wait for no man. No man now thinks of waiting the imperial will of time and tide. Everything goes with the times if it is to go at all, otherwise it stagnates, is swallowed up, and lost. Competition, quickness, and despatch, are the order of the day. Movements that led to fortune when mail coaches travelled rugged roads, bringing news from London once a week, would lead a man to the workhouse if adhered to at the present.
21st August 1861
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY COMPANY.
At a general meeting of the proprietors, held at the offices of the company, No. 4, Victoria Street, Westminster, on Wednesday, the 7th, day of August, 1861, the following report of the directors was read:
‘‘The directors very much regret that the serious slips on the line, which have occurred since the half-yearly meeting, have caused a further delay in the opening of the railway. Upon this subject they would beg to refer the shareholders to the Engineer’s Report, which, so far as it refers to the completion of the stations and other works, is satisfactory; and the directors trust that those portions of the earthworks where the slips have occurred will be sufficiently consolidated by October next to meet the requirements of the Board of Trade, previous to the opening of the railway. The directors have anxiously considered the altered position of the Severn Valley Railway Company, in consequence of the recent arrangements between the Great Western and West Midland Companies, and they are happy to be able to repeat that terms have been arranged with the directors of the West Midland Company, with the concurrence of the Great Western directors, for such an alteration in the existing lease of the Severn Valley Railway, as will give to the shareholders of the Severn Valley Railway Company, from the opening of their railway, after the payment of interest of their debenture and other obligations, a dividend in the ordinary stock of the company at the following rates, viz. :—For two years from the opening, 3 per cont. per annum. In the 4th, 5th, and 6th years from the opening, 4 per cent. per annum. And thenceforward in perpetuity, 4½ per cent, per annum. The agreement for carrying out these altered terms in course of preparation, and, when approved of by the West Midland and Great Western directors, will be submitted to the shareholders of this company. The directors suggest that the special meeting he adjourned for that purpose. The meeting is also made special for the purpose of creating preference shares to meet the requirements for land purchases and additional station accommodation; but, as the terms on which these shares will have to he created must be a matter of arrangement with the West Midland Company, the directors propose that this subject also should be postponed to the adjourned special meeting.
ENGINEER’S REPORT.
With the exception of some portions of slippery ground the earthworks of the railway are nearly completed.
These slips hove received the fullest attention from the contractors, and no other has been spared to overcome the difficulties they have occasioned; but, to obtain a permanently substantial formation for the permanent way, time for consolidation is essential.
The tunnels and bridges may be considered to be practically completed, and the permanent way about three miles only require to be laid.
The stations are finished, except fitting nail furnishing, and a few trifling works, witch are now in hand.
The telegraph is in progress and the signals along the line are in a forward state of preparation.
An early certain day might readily be named for opening the line throughout for public traffic, excepting for the unfinished earthworks in slippery pound.
To enable me to give you the best opinion which the circumstances admit of the probable time of opening. I have made a special and minute examination of the line, accompanied by Mr. Brassey, and I believe you may safely calculate upon the mouth of October next.
18th September 1861
IRONBRIDGE
INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION of 1862—An influential and important meeting way held at the Tontine Motel, on Wednesday, for the purpose of deciding whether steps should not be taken to exhibit in London, in 1862, the clay products of the district, the Mayor (C. J. Ferriday, Esq.) in the chair. Among those present were C. Pritchard, Esq. (high sheriff), John Pritchard, Esq. M.P. John Anstice, Esq. W. Nichols, Esq. Mr. Maw, Mr. John Fox (who represented the Coalbrookdale Company), Mr. John Burton, Mr. Exley, Mr. Timmis (as representative of Messrs. Thorne, Broseley), J. Davies, E. Evans (Broseley Hall), Mr. Lewis, Mr. Edge, and Mr. John Evans.—The Mayor introduced the business of the meeting by calling upon Mr. Maw to read a paper containing suggestions, for the purpose of bringing the subject formally before the meeting.—Several gentlemen who expressed their views upon the subject thought that from the Excellency of the clays, and from the fact that articles manufactured from them found their way into all parts of the country, it was desirable that something should be done to aid the manufacturer in bringing their goods in a proper manner before the public.—Some discussion arose as to the term to be adopted, namely, whether the definite and well understood name, “the Coalbrookdale Coalfield,” or that of “the Shropshire Coalfield” should be used to represent the district it was intended to include.— Mr. Anstice thought the former, as it was understood to include the coalfield comprised between the Severn and Donningtion, or Church Aston, near Newport. Mr. Exley considered the adoption of the term Coalbrookdale would have the effect of sending all the orders to the Coalbrookdale Company’s brick works. It was thought that this may be avoided by ….
25th September 1861
IRONBRIDGE.
THE FOURTH SHROPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.—The handsome silver cup presented to the borough of Wenlock corps by George Pritchard, Esq. High Sheriff of the county, will be shot for on Saturday next, upon the parade ground near Buildwas. In addition to this handsome present four other prizes will be contested for, namely a rifle, the winner to have his choice of the gun or £5, as he will; also, a purse of £5, one of £2, and another of £1.
Upon the return of the 4th Shropshire from Bridgnorth, on Thursday last, Captain Anstice ordered the men to get what refreshments they wished to call for at the Tontine. There were few who did not avail themselves of the offer, and speeches, songs, and sentiments, were indulged in.
FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Friday last a boy named Evans, son of Thomas Evans, of the Little Ferry, near Benthall Edge, met with his death under the following circumstances :—Deceased, who was a boy eight or nine years old, had got upon a truck on the Severn Valley Railway, loaded with limestone, and which tips on its side. It appears that he lay upon the board which lifts up and down upon an a hinge, and his weight overbalancing the carnage he turned the load over upon himself. When extricated from under it he was quite dead and much mutilated.
2nd October 1861
BROSELEY
SERMON FOR THE SCHOOLS BY THE HON. AND REV. O. W. W. FORESTER.— On Sunday last, the former rector of Broseley, the Hon and Rev. O. W. W. Forester, preached two sermons for the schools. Large numbers came to hear their former rector. In the evening as many as 1,400, it in supposed, were in the church. The collection, at both services, amounted to £31 5s 7½d.
9th October 1861
Eight to lake Tolls of Carts penning and repssing the Iron Bridge.—John and Edward Hinton v. John Frisky.—This was an action to recover the sum of 1s. overcharge of toll in passing and repassing the bridge gate. This was an important question, and one in which considerable in street is felt, namely, the right of the trustees of the bridge to exact toll both ways in crossing. Mr. Burd appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Smallwood for defendant. Mr. Burd stated the case. His client, he said, complained that whereas formerly toll had only been charged in passing one way, it had of late been exacted from his client both ways, when his cart went over empty and returned loaded. He handed in a copy of the table of tolls, one clause of which sets forth that for every horse, mule, ass, pair of oxen, drawing or harnessed to any waggon, cart, or such like carriage, the toll-keeper shall charge the sum of 3d. He granted that according to the working of the toll table, and also of the act of parliament, which was somewhat vague, that it may be contended that the gatekeeper was justified in making such charge. He was prepared to show, however, that the trustees, with the view of modifying the tax, and in the exercise of a power given to them by act of parliament of accommodating the publics, had not exercised that right, supposing they possessed it, and that it must be taken in connection with the conditions under which the trustees set the tolls, and which specified that the tolls should be collected at the same rate as they hitherto have been and now are, and another, the one which gates that all waggons, carts, or other carriages going over the bridge and returning loaded, pay once if loaded only once. He should be prepared from documents and other evidence to show that for forty years toll had only been taken one way, and that the innovation commenced in May last, and he thought that his Honour, taking a reasonable view of the case, would decide in favour of the single toll.— Mr. Smallwood, who appeared for Mr. Frisky, contended that the table of tolls over the gate was the one by which the trustees had let the gate to the present keeper, and that if other parties had taken different tolls it made no matter. — His Honour said if any ambiguity existed as to the construction of the act, usuage in such oases may be quoted. There was no dispute as to the power of the trustees under the act of parliament, and the question was whether there was any ambiguity.—The case then proceeded, and Mr. John Burton, Mr. Robert Burton, jun. and Robert Cox, then gave evidence as to the charges made. — His Honour said be would take time to consider his verdict, and would give judgment another day.
The court, after some eases of minor interest, adjourned till Tuesday, the 8th.
29th October 1861
BRIDONORTH.
A DRUNKEN Navvy. —On Saturday, before W. W. Browne, Esq. and Alderman Nock, Richard Cleyton was brought up, charged with drunkenness, and fined 10s. and costs, or 14 days in default. Committed.
ACCIDENT ON THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY.—On Wednesday Richard Jones, a navvy, while getting into one of the empty trucks at Hamptons Load, fell under the wheels, which passed over his right foot, and so injured his toes that lie had to submit to amputation.
THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY.—FIRST TRAIN WITH COALS.—On Friday last the first train of trucks with coals came down the line from Shrewsbury to Bridgnorth. A passenger carriage accompanied it containing Captain Field, who, having invited a few friends from Bridgnorth to join him, proceeded down the line to Bewdley. As stated in our last, the valley, wearing the autumnal livery of the year, appeared in its glory, and the members of the little party highly enjoyed themselves. The contractors have nearly completed their work on this line. The stations, bridges, banks, &c. along nearly the whole distance seem to be in a finished stat, and we understand that at the meeting of the directors and other officials, top be held on the 1st proximo, an early day will be fixed for the government inspector to go over the works.
13th November 1861
BRIDGNORTH
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY.—The inhabitants of Bridgnorth were gratified by the visit of a special train belonging to the West Midland Railway Company on Friday last, which conveyed the official, of the several companies connected with the line over the newly constructed railway from Hartlebury to Shrewsbury and back. Among them were C. Fenton, Esq. (chairman of the West Midland Railway), G. Wilson, Esq. (locomotive superintendent), C. Sheriff, Esq. (general manager), C. Fowler, Esq. (engineer in chief), Captain Field (of the firm of Brassey and Field, the contractors), H. O. Bridgeman, Esq. (resident engineer to the Severn Valley Company), Mr. T. Dowell (engineer and agent to the contractors). A number of ladies accompanied the party, and the whole signified the highest approval of the substantial and efficient manner in which the work had been executed, and considered the line in a most satisfactory condition for traffic, the return journey being performed at express speed. The day for opening is not yet decided upon, but that it will be in the first week in the ensuing month is very probable.
4th December 1861
BROSELEY.
LECTURE.—On Friday the third of a series of free lectures was delivered in the Town Hall by the Rev. J. W. Watson, rector of Kemberton, upon “Labour.” The lecture, which was a very interesting one, was attended by a large number of persons. At the conclusion a vote of thanks was proposed by the Rev. R H. Cobbold.
11th December 1861
BROSELEY.
On Monday morning last, before R. Thursfield, Esq. two men, named William Jones and James Morris, were brought up charged with asking for alms. The offence being proved, defendants were committed.
LECTURE IN TUE TOWN HALL—On Friday evening last, the Rev. John Hayes, of Coalbrookdale, delivered an interesting lecture, in connection with the Reading Society, the subject being geography. The reverend gentleman very graphically described different countries. The lecture was illustrated by some very excellent drawings of animals, indigenous to the countries he described. At the close a vote of thanks was proposed by the chairman of the society, the Rev. R. H. Cobbold.
25th December 1861
BROSELEY.
SERIOUS ILLNESS OF THE HIGH SHERIFF.—We regret to have to announce the illness of the high sheriff, G. Pritchard, Esq. He lies at present ill a very critical state, his illness being of the same nature as that which caused the death of the Prime Consort. Prayers for his recovery were offered in Broseley, Madeley, and other Churches on Sunday last.
GENERAL MOURNING.—The pulpit and reading desk were entirely covered with black velvet. The sermon was preached by the rector, the Rev. R. H. Cobbold, who took for his text the words “A great Prince is fallen in Israel.” The rev. gentleman applied the words and the circumstances connected with them to the case of the Late Prince Consort—spoke of the suddenness of the summons, and said it was his belief that they had not found him unprepared for that great event which comes to all alike sooner or later. He remarked on his great and unceasing activity in the service of his country, and on the deep and almost unrivalled gloom which the news of his sudden decease had cast over the whole country.