STACk ANNEX 5 077 356 ^ELLINGTON A '0 1 2 4 3 8 6 ==. SALOP OFFICIAL GUIDE Issued zinaer trie ^i uspices o] oftfi^ mi, ^ XUeffinqtorL Urban Qjistriet GoiUT\eiL Second to None in SKropshire for RELIABILITY, VARIETY and FASHION. SPECIALITIES: Dress and Blouse Fabrics, Dress 0 87272 ENSOR AND SHAW'S GARAGE FOR Prompt and Serviceable Repairs. FORD SERVICE DEPOT RAILWAY AND ROAD MAP OF THE WELLINGTON iSALOPi DISTRICT. o € High-Class Ladies' and Gentlemen's BESPOKE TAILOR AND Expert BREECHES MAKER W. E. Steventon o 7, CHURCH STREET WELLINGTON - - SALOP. Riding Habits, Sporting Outfits, Motor Clothing, Clerical Dress, Liveries. :: All Garments Cut and Made- Up on the premises Wrekin Stores Proprietor : W. BOFFEY. Illlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllililllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Finest, Freshest and Best Selection of Sweets, Biscuits and Chocolates in the County. Try our celebrated Welling- ton Rock. 42, NEW STREET, Wellington (Salop) High-Class Ladies' and Gentlemen's BESPOKE TAILOR AND ExF)ert BREECHES MAKER W. E. Steventon 7, CHURCH STREET WELLINGTON - - SALOP. Riding Habits, Sporting Outfits, Motor Clothing, Clerical Dress, Liveries. :: All Garments Cut and Made- Up on the premises ASK FOR O.D. MURPHY'S Pure Mineral Waters, ^'^'de frnn, Distillcd Artcsiaii Well Water. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Also Bottler of Bass' Ales and Guinness' Stout. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Syphons of Lemonade, Potass, Lithia, & Soda Water filled to order. Ill ALL ORDERS Promptly Attended to. 'PHONE No. 73. Cfystal lVo7'/{s^ Holyhead Road^ Welli7igt07i^ Salop. j^red. ^ean HIGH-CLASS Qe7itleme7j's Outjittei^ For BEST VALUE in Hats, Caps, Hosiery, Gloves, Shirts, etc. Agent for 'Tween Hats and Atkinson's Royal Irish Poplin Ties. Sports Jackets. Flannel Trousers. Raincoats a Speciality. 25. NEW STREET, WELLINGTON (Saiop). Telegrams: " Wingles, Wellington (Salop)." ■ OB THE Wrekin Motor Co Motor Engineers and Agents. LARGE GARAGE FOR CARS. Tyre and Petrol Stock. Repairs by a Competent Staff of Skilled Mechanics. Any well-known make of Car supplied. Illlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllillllllllllllllllll Garage and Works : Foundry Lane, WELLINGTON, SALOP. liJI I JOHN MORGAN I I (Wellington, Salop), LTD., | HiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirH HIGH-CLASS FAMILY ^iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii^ I Tea Dealers l\ JANET BIRRELL, Proprietress. Sec [lliistratitiit itpfosite. 18 i ^ Hi 1 .. \ VY yj i^^^BH IJH ^^ 'jf^^f^Js^ B| Hi^ "i ^^^^^^^^^Hr*'^^! ^ ^H 1 ^H 1 /t- :' >^-.4l^^.\yi-vjHI ^^^^^^^l^^l I^^H '9 Walter Davies, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin:i!iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii LADIES' AND GENTLEMEN'S Jjigh-class 'Cailoring All Materials of the highest quality. Design and Workmanship to the last detail. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii The Square, Welling^ton. Foreword. WELLINGTON as residential town, as touring base, and as commercial centre, is the theme of this little handbook. The two first aspects have long been tamiliar to the public. Wellington has seldom been mentioned apart from the W'rekin- the two are inseparable in one's mental associations. There are unmistakable signs, however, that commercial de\elopnients on a large ■^cale will take place here in the near future ; so that this characteristic of the town deserves as much prominence as the other two. It is not anticipated that these develop- ments will detract from the residential amenities, as the " industrial zone " is -eparate from the other parts of the town. As for the surrounding district, this is singularly rich in scenic and historical interests. It deserves to be more thoroughly explored, and if this little Guide helps to induce many visitors to make the tours of exploration, then the aim of the Publishers will have been attained. 'X'U-^ Telf.phosk. No. 74. Charlton Arms Hotel (CXDHR SEW MAXAGEMEXT). W fin OTEL, ^GARAGE The FIRST-CLASS MOTORISTS' HOTEL Commercial & Family. Eight Bedrooms. Baths (H. & C). Private Silting Room. F.xcellent Accommodation for Motorists. Reasonable Charges. Lock-Up Garage. Ten minutes walk from Golf Links {l8 holes). Otficially .Appointed hy the R..A.C., .^.A. & M.U. Lunchcons, 1 p.m. daily. Afternoon Teas. Evening Dinners. .■\ll the Leading ".\ INF? it SPIRITS in stock. Billiards & BowliTig Green. Motor- Car Landaulette for Hire. IIIIIIIIINlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllli Wellington - - Salop. Wellington (Salop). W 'HERE\ ER Englishmen go, to the diamond fields of South.Africa. or the wheat prairies of Manitoba -amid x\rctic ice or beneath Antipodean suns, and wherever Shropshire men are found, " To all friends round the Wrekin " is as heartily re-echoed as it is at the close of a civic feast in any part of Shropshire. The Shropshire town of Wellington, which was constructed on the famous Roman highway of Watling Street from London to Uriconiiim, has changed in a way that could hardly have been anticipated by our mediaeval forefathers. Until the seventeenth century Wellington slumbered pleasanth' amid its picturesque surroundings, when owing to the development of the coal pits and the iron industry in the district lying to the south, it began to become an important commercial centre. In the first half of the last century it became a railway centre of importance, with two great main lines — the London and North- Western and Great Western Railways — con\'erging upon it, and thence, together with iheir branch lines, spreading in all directions. It is a prosperous market town, serving an extensive area of country round, largely agricultural, but in parts also mining and manufacturing. The town covers an area of 700 acres. The population of the urban area is 7,600, but the inhabitants of the town and its adjacent townships (almost suburbs), is Y>robably nearer 25,000. Wellington is most charmingly situated at a con- siderable elevation above sea level, and it is said that the steps leading into the Parish Churchyard are at a greater elevation than the top of St. clary's Church spire, Shrewsbury. It should be noted that the manufacturing district lies entirely on one side of the town, which is surrounded GENEKAl, CHAKACTEKISTICS. on tiu- other three by charming country and wooded hills, and is entirely without the smoke and grime' usually associated with modern industry. The town is well supplied with good hotel accommo- dation, the principal Hotels being the Wrekin, and the Charlton Arms, which has the R.A.C. and A. A. appoint- ments. There are also the Bull's Head Hotel, the " Cock " Hotel, Duke of Wellington Hotel, and the Central Temperance Hotel. Cyclists should note the proN'ision made for their comfort and refreshment at Arthur's Tea Room in New Street. Mr. J. W. Heath has excellent Dining and Tea Rooms in the same thoroughfare. Prior to 1894 the town was administered by a Board of Improvement Commissioners ; it is now governed by an Urban District Council. The popula- tion has been steadily increasing for several years, and recently the growth has been much more rapid. The water supply is pure and abundant, it is an upland scheme from gathering grounds round the Wrekin. The water is impounded in a reservoir of 22,000,000 gallons capacity, and until recently there was an adequate supply for a town of n,ooo inhabitants. With the growth of the district the Urban Council, under the direction of their engineer, put down a bore-hole in the red sandstone, and now there is a water supply sufficient for a much larger town. The water is pumped from the bore-hole 2.46 feet deep into the Wrekin reserA'oir, filters have been laid down, and the water has proved highly satisfactory. In the matter of sewerage all the latest methods have been adopted and from a sanitary point of view Wellington holds a position equalled by few towns in England. The streets are with two exceptions reasonably broad, \\ell cared for and with pa\'ed footpaths. This especially apphes to the outskirts of the town, where the roads are bordered by many well-b\iilt villas. There are several picturesque half-timbered houses in the town, of which mention may especially be made of the " Cock Hotel," in Watling Street, the " Swan " Hotel and " Buck's Head " Inn— both in the Holyhead Road — 24 PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. and a shop in the " Market Square." The town has an aspect of neatness, cleanliness and good order, and gives an assurance that its affairs are well managed by the Urban District Council. The local rates are moderate, and the markets draw people from a very large surrounding area, the Smithfteld being one of the largest and most important in the West of England. Generally, Wellington is regarded to-day as a go-ahead town, and will no doubt make considerable strides in the near future. This well-ordered country town has also become noted as an educational centre, and in its midst stand some of the finest scholastic establishments to be found in this part of England. For details about the Grammar School turn to the announcement on page 43. Public Buildings. The Offices of the Urban District Council are in Walker Street, where are also situated the Offices of the Board of Guardians. The Corn Exchange underneath the Town Hall is largely attended on market days (Thursday) by farmers and dealers. A Public Library and Reading Room was opened some 3'ears ago in commemoration of the coronation of King Edward ^ II., and the town owes a deep debt of gratitude to the late H. H. France-Hayhurst, Esq., of Overley, who gave the building and a handsome con- tribution in addition. Tt is situated in Walker Street. The Ercall Assembly Room, Market Street is a very convenient hall for ordinarv meetings, but it is not large enough for great occasions. Fire Brigade. This is an efficient organisation under the control of the Urban District with Headquarters in Walker Street. One of the latest model steam Fire Engines is included in its equipment. Cottage Hospital, lliis is a modern and well- equipped building, situated in its own grounds in the Haygate Road. Tt was built and equipped from funds provided under the will of the late Mrs. Bowring, who also partially endowed it. 26 PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. Public Recreation Ground. This was also provided by a bequest from Mrs. Bowring and is beautifully situated in the Haygate Road and commands lovely views of the Wrekin and Ercall hills. Bowls, Tennis and other games may be enjoyed there in season. Banks. If there could be any doubt of the financial growth of Wellington and district, a glance at the Banks would (quickly dispel it, for there are three flourishing estabUshments, viz. : Lloyds, in Church Street ; Barclays Bank, a very handsome terra-cotta building in the same thoroughfare, and the London Joint City and Midland Bank at the top of Station Road. Another important Bank is understood to have purchased premises for a branch. The General Market Hall is a large building with entrances from Market Street and Market Square. Adjoining is the Town Hall, now let as a Cinema Theatre, but available on Wednesdays for public meetings. The Y.M.C.A. has large premises in Walker Street, the building containing a large assembly room which is available for pubUc purposes. The Head Post OfTice is in Church Street, and there are sub-ofhces at }Iill Bank and in Haygate Road. Newspaper. The Wellington Journal and Shrews- bury Xews is widely circulated in the district. Educational Facilities. The Old Hall School, beautifully situated on the edge of the Wrekin range, stands in its own grounds of 25 acres, on gravel soil, about 70 feet above the town of Wellington. It is one of the oldest and most picturesque Halls in Shropshire, the walls of the old oak-panelled dra.\ing-room being attributed to Sa.xon times. It was the ancient residence of the Foresters, keepers of the Royal Forest of Mount Gilbert or the Wrekin. There is a beautiful old-world garden of seven acres, noted for its flowers and vegetables, and the cricket field of 6| acres is one of the best in Shrop- shire. The school has its own farm and laundry. 27 EDUCATIONAL AD\AXTAGES. The Old Hall is conducted by Mr. R. H. Hickman as a first-class Preparatory School for boys under fifteen. The Headmaster has had an exceptional record of Entrance Scholarships at all the leading Public Schools and the Ro\'al Naval College. The boys' premises have recently been re-modelled and brought up to the highest standard of modern requirements, and a splendid new wing built ; the sanitary arrangements are excellent throughout. There is an open-air swim- ming bath in the gardens, and a large gymnasium offers facilities for physical training. There is accommodation for over loo boarders, and inspection is cordially invited. Wellington College. This School was founded by Mr. John Bayley in 1880, through whose untiring energy it has developed until it has become one of the leading Public Schools in the Midlands. The School occupies a fine block of modern buildings, especially designed and erected for this purpose, situated in the outskirts of the town. The buildings, apart from the usual dormitories, class-rooms, etc., comprise Drill Hall and Armoury for the O.T.C., Swimming Bath, Gym- nasium, School Chapel, etc., while the grounds and pla\'ing fields are large and splendidly laid out. There is a Golf Course on the grounds. In the vSummer of 1920 Mr. Bayley announced he would retire from active school life at the close of the vear, and that a controlHng interest in the School had been acquii-ed by a Board of Governors. It is the intention of these gentlemen to further develop the School along the best PubUc School lines and traditions. .^nv profits, after paying administrative expenses, will be devoted to the further development of the School and the provision of University Scholarships for the boys. Wellington High Schools. These were formed in 1 91 2 to gi\e a Secondary School education. They occupv a large block of buildings, erected in 1912 for the purpose, one side forming the (iirls' High School, 28 m m m n MISCELLAXEOl'S ITEMS. and the other the Boys' High School. Each school has its own Staff, and the playing-fields, class-rooms, etc., are entirely separate. Both schools have already out- grown their accommodation, and further additions are contemplated, to pro\ide for the many boys and girls who are entered for these successful establishments. Wellington Grammar School. This is a private establishment in New Street, for boys, conducted by Mr. Webb. It enjoys an enviable reputation for the training given to its pupils, especially those entering on a commercial or professional career. Sports and Pastimes. Bowls. This pastime is catered for by the Charlton Bowling Club, who have an excellent ground behind the Charlton Hotel. A Green is also available at the Public Recreation Ground in Haygate Road. Tennis. There are four good Courts in the grounds of the WelHngton Lawn Tennis Club, in Mill Bank. The game may also be enjoyed at the Public Recreation Ground in Haygate Road. Fishing may be obtained in the Severn and Tern. Golf. The Wrekin Golf Club has an excellent i8-hole Course within ten minutes' walk of the Railway Stations. Sunday play, with caddies, is allowed. Visitors' fees: 3/6 per day, 12/6 per week, 25/- per month. Membership 280 ; Club 'Phone, 89 WelHngton ; Secretary's 'Phone, 83 WelHngton. Amusements. The Grand Theatre, in Tan Bank, a very comfortably-seated building, is visited weekly by some of the best touring companies in the latest West End successes, and adds considerably to the amenities of the town. There are also two well-equipped Cinema Theatres. Places of Worship. The Parish Church of All Saints is a Saxon founda- tion. The medijL'val church was pulled down in 1789, and the new church was erected in 1790. It is a 30 WALKS AND DRIVES. coniniodious structure, of freestone with a square tower. Iron has been used wherever possible, instead of wood, in building. It contains an exquisitely-finished brass eagle lectern. Christ Church was erected in 1838, as a chapel-of- ease to the Parish Church, but is now the centre of a parisli. It is mainly of light-coloured brick, and in recent vears many improvements have been eftected. The Baptist Church, in King's Street, was greatly inipro\'ed and extended some years ago. The Congregational Church, in Constitution Hill, is also a tine building. Both of these churches have, however, recently united, and now form one congregation. Services are held alternatelv at each church. The Wesleyan Church, in New Street, is a very handsome building. The Primitive Methodists have churches in Tan Bank and Lee (iomery. The Roman Catholic Church of St. Patrick, situated at the junction of Plough Road and King Street, was opened in 190O bv Bishop Webster Allen. Delightful Walks and Drives. The whole neighbourhood abounds m delightful walks and drives, all within easy distances, embracing objects of great interest to the botanist, geologist and antic[uarian. Posting and motoring e.xcursions to these places can be arranged at moderate charges. During the Summer many excursions are frequently run to Wellington. One of the prettiest sylvan drives is along the Ercall Road to the Forest Glen, at the base of the Wrekin, and on to Little Wenlock. Apley Castle. This is a fine Georgian mansion, situated in an extensive park, one mile north-east of Wellington, and is the seat of Sir Thomas Charlton Meyrick, Bart., C.B. Apley Castle was the seat of the Charltons, an ancient family, formerly seated at Charlton 31 WALKS AND DRIVES. Castle, below the W'rekin, and afterwards, as early as the reign of Edward I., at Apley. The old castle remains are now converted into stables. The gardens and ground:* are laid out with nuich taste, and the public are allowed to walk through the extensive Park. The old Castle was the scene of some sanguinary fighting in the Ci\-il Wars, and in 1643 was captured by the Parliamentarians, under Col. Mytton from Wem. It was soon recaptured by the Royalists, under Col. Ellis, from Shrewsbury, who captured ten officers and seventy-three other prisoners, besides large stores of munitions. Orleton Hall. This pleasantly-situated residence of Colonel Edward Herbert, C.B., is about a mile-and-a- quarter from Wellington, in the direction of the W^rekin. It is surrounded by a fine expanse of well-timbered park-land. The estate, which includes a considerable portion of the Wrekin, came into possession of the late Hon. Robert Charles Herbert (uncle of the present Earl Powis) by his marriage, in 1854, witli the heiress of the ancient Shropshire house of Cludde. Dcthill Park is situated about a mile from Welhng- ton, and the house, which is of plain exterior, was built as a hunting seat by an ancestor of the present Lord Forester. The Park is walled round, and commands some fine views of the Wrekin and surrounding country. The Foresters own the quaint hereditary right of remaining covered in the presence of their Sovereign which ancient custom they share with the family of Lord Kingsale. Five daughters of the first peer were noted "toasts" in the early days of Queen X'ictoria's reign : they all married men of position, and among them were a Lady Bradford, a Lady Chesterfield, and a Lady Lnndesboroagh. Arleston Hall was formerly a hunting-box of the Lords Forester, and is a fine half-timbered Tudor manor house, with the date 1614 on one of the gables. It contains a fine plaster ceiling, and a painted figure, let into a wall, said to rep)resent James 1. The Hall lies about a luile from the town, ofi the Bridgnorth Road. 32 "THE MOUNTAIN GLORY OF THE COUNTY." But to the average visitor the greatest charm of WeUington Ues in its rich scenic surroundings, with the romantic height of the Wrekin, the " mountain glory of the county," and its sister hill, the Ercalh dominating the beautiful undulating pastoral country- that stretches for miles around. From the summit of the Wrekin, 1.320 feet above sea-level, one gains a view over nineteen counties- -hence the reference by Lord Macaulay in The Armada: "Streamed in crimson on the wind the Wrekin's crest of Hght." The hill takes its name from two Saxon words, Wre and Ken, signifying the highest or most con- spicuous hill. In Norman times it was known as Mount St. Gilbert, and was the centre of a vast forest, a favourite hunting-ground of the early Plantagenet King>. On the summit of the hill are traces of an ancient British encampment, with artificial m.ounds and a well-defined fosse, the entrance in the north being known as Heaven's Gate, and the other as Hell's Gate. The hill rises abruptly from the vast plain around, and the lovely panorama gained from its summit embraces the wooded hills of Acton Burnell, the Caraduc, Lawley and Longmynd, the Brown Clee, the Titterstone, the Breidden, the Stiperstone range, the "lion-shaped" hill of Pontesford, Haughmond, (irinshill, Hawkstone and Pimhill. On the Worcester- shire border may be seen the Clent and Abberley Hills and the far-off Malvern range, while the " Sugar Loaf " in Monmouthshire, and, in Wales, the Beacons of Breconshire, Plinlinnnon, Cader Idris, Aran Fawddwy, the Berwyns. Arran Benllyn, and the Snowdonian range, may be seen ; to the right are the ("heshire hills. To accomplish the asrent of the Wrekin is no mean task, but if undertaken in a leisurely manner, with a halt every now and again to enjoy the constantly-expanding view from one or other of the glades that open out in the rich growth of timber with which the sides of the hill are clad, the effort becomes enjoyable rather than fatiguing, and the reward when the summit is reached is rich enough to compensate for all the efforts exerted. 33 NOTES FOR NATURE-L(AERS. A rough road, starting from the Forest Glen at its foot, near the Reservoir, winds gently up to the Half-way Cottage, after which the gradient is easily negotiated to the top. No one is supposed to ha\e "explored" the Wrekin unless he has passed thnmgh the " Needle's Eye," a cleft between the pile of rocks known as the Bladder Stone, which is only wide enough for one person to pass through at a time. This cleft is popularly supposed to have been formed " when the rocks were rent " at the Crucifixion. On the same side of the hill is a conical mass of rock on the top of which is a small, round cavity, that always contains water. This is called the " Raven ''^ Bowl," or the " Cuckoo's Cup." Tn the driest seasons water is always to be found here. Tradition declares the " unfailing spring " to have been specially prepared b}' heaven for the use of the pious hermit, Gilbert, who once inhabited the hill, but another explanation of the cause of this somewhat marvellous phenomenon is offered by geologists. The " Forest Glen " Pavilion is most pleasantly erected between the Wrekin and Ercall Hills, and provides refreshments : also at the Wrekin Cottage Refreshment Rooms (see page i8), half-way up the hill, the needs of the visitor are capablv catered for. Notes for Nature- Lovers. Whilst several species of birds of interest to the ornithologist are to be met with in the area of the Wrekin and Ercall Hills, it is regrettable that, owing to the preservation of game, raptorial birds are little in evidence, though the sparrow and kestrel hawks are still to be met with. The little merlin has once or twice been observed by the writer. The tawny, long-eared and screech owls still breed here, and the hoot of the former, probably the commonest of the British species, may often be heard late in the evenings. The carrion crow and the magpie — the latter, perhaps, the hand- somest of th^ British corvidce, the jay not excepted — are generally annihilated by the keepers as soon as the}" obtain, foothold, but the jay is still to be found on its 34 35 PLACES OF INTEREST IN DISTRICT. noiseless wings, or skimming over the meadows after its insect prey. The wood warbler, the largest of the willow wrens, is a common species on the Wrekin and Ercall, being much more common than the chiff-chaff and willow- wren. Then there is the tiny gold-crest, the smallest of British birds, which is frequently to be seen. The turtle dove, often called the Wrekin Dove, from its being more numerous around the neighbourhood than in any other portion of the British Isles, can readily be distinguished from any other of the British columbide , not only by its small size, but also by its being the only " member of the family " not lacking a slate-grey plumage. In the Spring and Autumn the curlew may occasionally be seen or heard passing overhead, possibly on its way to the Longmynd, just beyond, where they breed. Places of Interest in the District. Wrockwardine. This is a very pretty village, two miles from Wellington, and ihe Parish Church of St. Peter is of Saxon foundation. In the third quarter of the twelfth century considerable alterations took place. A new chancel was built, and the church a as made cruciform with a central tower and north and south transepts. Late in the fourteenth century a chapel was built on the north side of the chancel, and other alterations and extensions have been made from time to time. The chancel is separated from the north or Cludde Chapel by a low, four-centred arch. There is no old glass in the church, but a window in the south transept com- memorates the Hon. R. C. Herbert, who married the heiress of the Cludde family in 1854, and died in 1902. Other windows commemorate the late Mr. New ill and Mrs. R. C. Herbert. Of Charlton Castle, two miles south-west, nothing remains but the mound on which it stood and a fragment of masonry. 36 PLACES OF INTEREST IX DISTRICT. Wroxeter — The Uriconium of the Romans. Five miles from Wellington is the famous Roman City of Uriconium or Wroxeter, and anciently the chief town of the Roman province of Britannia Secunda. A very vivid account of the destruction of the city in 504 is given in Green's " Making of England." For ages past the site of the city of Uriconium has been marked by a mass of solid masonry, some 72 feet long, upwards of 20 feet high, and a uniform thickness of three feet. This, the only portion of the ruins above ground, is part of the remains of the South Wall of the basilica or town hall of the Roman MiUtary Station, by the Saxons called Wrekinceaster, or Wroxeter. The Romans selected a lovely spot for their settlement, between the Severn and the Wrekin, on a plateau of rich alluvial soil, from which fine views of the country and a panorama of mountain scenery, formed by the Wenlock and Stretton Hills, the Caradoc and the Breidden, and the more distant Welsh Mountains, backed bv the isolated form of the Wrekin, are striking features. About fifty years ago the Shropshire Archaeological Society obtained the consent of the Duke of Cleveland to make excavations near the ruined wall, and a certain number of acres were rented to this Society for the purpose. Previous to this time no systematic attempt had been made to examine the ground. Through past years coins in abundance and curious relics and frag- ments of pottery were turned up by ploughmen and others, and the fine sepulchral stones preserved in the old Shrewsbury Grammar School were unearthed. The Society mentioned commenced their excavations near the old wall, and soon uncovered three other walls parallel with that standing, which, with cross or end walls, formed three enclosures, each 226 feet long, but of varying widths. Portions of the bases, shafts and capitals of pillars were scattered about in these spaces, the floors of which were paved with small tiles 37 PLACES OF INTEREST IX DISTRICT. (three inches by one inch), in herring-bone fashion. The doorways of these buikhngs were traceable, also the grand entrance of the principal enclosnre. At the eastern end was a pavement of fine mosaic. It was found that this building, supposed by Mr. Thomas \\'right to be a basilica, abutted on a street at right angles with which ran the old Watling Street. Further on, the workshop of a worker in metal was discovered, and six or seven hypocausts beneath structures which were the public baths of the city. Numerous human skeletons were discovered during the excavations, and in the corner of one of the hypocausts, as though he had concealed himself on the spot, was the crouching skeleton of a very old man, and close by him lay a little heap of coins, 132 in number, and traces of rotten wood and a number of small iron nails, the remains of the old man's money-box. Several old houses were dug into, and numerous tesselated floors were found, while the walls of sonie were seen to have been lined with tiles in patterns. In another part the remains of the Market House were discovered. By far the larger portion will be found admirably arranged in the Society's ^Iuseum in Shrewsbury. The city is supposed to have been occupied by the Saxons after its evacuation by the Romans, and to have been sacked and burnt by the Danes in one of their earliest irruptions. Subsequently the Roman masonry was appropriated by church- builders in different parts, as at Atcham, three miles away, and in the Parish Church of the present village of Wroxetcr. Further excavations were commenced in 1912, but had to be discontinued in 1914, after further important discoveries had been made. At the entrance to the churchyard stand two Corinthian pillars, almost entire, and there are several broken shafts, columns and capitals in a garden adjoining. Wroxeter Church. In this church, dedicated to St. Andrew, there are many features of Saxon and Norman character. The chancel arch is of twelfth century date. The north wall 38 >- H- O 2 < 2 ■ " O a: ^ uj 2 F o ii ^^ 1- H <5 ^■K ^ -1 i i* < _i t? O i±s :^^ ^^' m < E^-. UJ Z jf'J^-A I . f- 2 t^2 o Z „ o (/5 rj -: a; ^iJ 1=^ li"^ UJ u. rk-. £V O iH [^ 39 PLACES OF INTEREST IX DISTRICT. of the nave is Saxon work, in which Roman materials have been used, and there are traces of a very beautiful Norman doorway and much Norman work of the twelfth century in the chancel. A Saxon cross of the eighth or ninth century is built into the south wall, and the font was originally the capital of a Norman column. In the church are the monuments of the Newport and Bromley families, constituting in them- selves a history upon which one could dwell for a long time. The three principal monuments (in a wonderful state of preservation) are : — (i) Sir Thomas Bromley, Lord Lyster, once Lord Chief Justice, dated 1555. He is depicted in his official robes, with the Judge's biretta or cap. (2) Sir Richard Newport, of High Ercall, and Dame Margaret, his wife, dated 1570. (3) Sir Francis Newport, of High Ercall, and his wife, dated 1680. Another marble monument is to the memory of Francis, second Lord Newport, and first Earl of Bradford, dated 1708. . ; Eyton-on-Severn Hall, one-and-a-half miles south- east of Wroxeter, was the ancient home of the Newports, and consists not only of two turreted summer houses, built in the early seventeenth century, on a terraced walk, one of these adapted and added to being now the present residence, but the others remain untouched. The walled kitchen garden and an avenue of Spanish chestnuts, relics of the old house, also survive. Wenlock Abbey. From Wellington to the ancient town of Wenlock, about eleven miles distant, there is an excellent train service, and many objects of interest are to be found in the borough, the chief one being the Cluniac Abbey of St. Milburga, where a nunnery was founded in the seventh century by Milburga, daughter of Merewald, King of Mercia (the founder of Leominster Priory), who laid the first stone of Llan Meilen (its ancient name), a.d. 680. After an existence of about 200 years it was destroyed by the Danes, a.d. 896 ; it is said to have been restored by the Lady Godi\a, as a college 40 PLACES OF INTEREST IX DISTRICT. for secular priests, but this building, after an existence of scarcely half-a-century, was demolished by the Normans. The edifice of which the present ruins are the remains was commenced by Roger de Montgomery, a kinsman of the Conqueror, and commander of the Norman vanguard at Hastings. The new foundation speedily rose to great magnificence as a house of the Cluniac Order, and the remains of St. Milburga, dis- covered during the erection of the new church, were /. /.. Delia Porta, Photo. WENLOCK ABBEY. re-interred in front of the high altar. May 26th, iioi. The Priory was originally subservient to the House of La Charite-sur-Loire. The priories of Dudley, Paisley, Bermondsey and others were affiliated to the Abbey of \\'enlock, and it received many marks of Royal favour, especially during the reigns of Richard I. and Edward III. A bull of Pope Alexander III., freeing it from foreign subjection, was granted in 1494, but it was dissolved by King Henry VHI. in 1539 or 1540, when, with the exception of small pensions to the prior, sub-prior and eleven monks, the whole of the revenue 41 PLACES OF INTEREST IX DISTRICT. amounting to £431 were seized by the King ; it after- wards became successively the property of the Lawley, Bertie, Gage and Wynn families, and, lastly, of the present owners, the Milnes Gaskell family. The ruins of the Abbey buildings are very interest- ing. The Priory Church w^as over 350 feet in length, the nave 156 feet, space. under the tower 39 feet, and the choir 156 feet. The remains are Early English, and there may be mentioned three sides of the south transept, three bays of the south aisle, and part of the west wall of the nave. The bases of the pillars which supported the tower are in situ. These ruins contain remains which show many fine specimens of archi- tecture, such as the beautiful gallery which ran along the second storey of the church, consisting of series of pointed arches divided by slender clustered pillars. The well-head in the garth remains, but the Lady Chapel (east of chancel) has almost entirely disappeared. The Infirmary (or perhaps the Chapter- House) is part of Montgomery's building, and should be noted. Montgomery's Infirmarv and the Priors' Lodge have been converted into a private house, the present residence of the owners, and is in some respects unique. The Priors' Hall has a splendid roof. Wenlock also contains many other interesting and picturesque old buildings, — the old half-timbered Gaol House in Swindon Street, erected in 1577, should be noted. The fine Church (Holy Trinity) ranges from Norman to Perpendicular in architecture. A round arch separates the chancel from the nave, and the arches between the nave and aisles are supported by beautiful clustered pillars. The square tower, surmounted by a lead-covered timber spire, is built against a fine Norman doorway. In the churchyard are several quaint epitaphs. The Guildhall is a half-timbered building, supported by wooden columns ; the Butter Market is held in the Colonnade underneath. Two pillars near the entrance form the whipping posts, the wrist fetters still remaining. Upstairs, the first room, or common hall, is used for the Quarter Sessions, 42 PLACES OF IXTEKKST IX DISTRICT. and over the Recorder's Chair are the Arms of Queen EHzabeth and the date 1589. The old Latin inscription should be noted. The movable stocks are preserved here. The inner room, richly panelled, is the Council Chamber ; over the Mayor's seat is an old sword of Justice, dated 1757. \'isitors to Wenlock should ride or walk along the Church Stretton Road to beyond Presthope Station, as some beautiful views are to be obtained from the road which in places runs along the edge of the ridge which on this side drops sheer for several hundred feet. Other places worth visiting are Buildwas Abbey (close to Buildwas Railway Station), Iron Bridge (reached from Buildwas by a short walk), Lilleshall Abbey and Church (6 miles north-east of Wellington), Eaton Constantine (4 m.), with its interesting historical associations, Haughmond Abbey (5 m.), and High Ercall (5 m.), with its fine old manor house. THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, WELLINGTON, Salop. This School guarantees a thoroughly sound education, its courses of study being based upon the requirements of the Cambridge Locals and College of Preceptors' examinations. Care is devoted to the promotion of a manly spirit and gentlemanlike habits amongst the boys, the success of which is evidenced by the good tone which attaches to the establishment. The masters interest themselves in their pupils' work, and en:ourage them in their sports by their presence and co-operation. School games are compulsory. The branches of knowledge requisite for Professional and Business purposes receive special attention. Mr. Webb, the Headmaster, has had a wide and varied ex- perience in Middle and High Class Schools, including Ewart High Schools and Douglas Academy. Newton Stewart. Llandudno College, and the Wellington College, Wellington. Complete supervision is exercised to promote the comfort, health and happiness of pupils by Mr. and Mrs. Webb, provision being made for the enjoyments of those pleasures to be found in well-regulated homes. In short an excellent education, in refined and congenial surroundings, is here provided at a very moderate cost. For Prospectus apply the Headmaster. 43 The Wellington (Salop) GAS COMPANY UNDERTAKES Complete histallatmtsfor Lig/it^ Heat &f Povoer. Gas Engines, Water Heaters, Cooking and Heating Stoves, High- Power Lamps and Fittings of Every Description supplied and fixed. Enquiries solicited. Estimates given. Showrooms and Offices : Market Street, Wellington, (Salop) 44 THE COMMERCIAL ASPECT OF WELLINGTON and its Advantages as a Site for New Industries. The industries carried on in Wellington itself are few, biit within a few miles of its market place are many large and prosperous works and factories. Wellington, therefore, is rather the commercial centre of a small compact industrial district, as well as a large agricultural area, than a manufacturing town itself. The manufacturing district lies to the south-east and east of the town, and is served by the main lines of the Great Western and London & North-Western Railways, as well as branch lines belonging to each Railway, all of which merge at Wellington. It is also served by the Shropshire Union Canal ; and lying, as it does, almost midway between Bristol, Liverpool and the South Welsh seaports, and within four hours' journey from London, the transport facilities cannot well by excelled. The local manufacturers are, therefore, admirabU' placed, both for obtaining their raw material and despatching, w^hether inland or overseas, their finished articles. As regards fuel, there are situated in the district many large and small collieries, providing a supply close at hand both of industrial and household fuel, while within short distances there are several other large coalfields. It will thus be seen that as a site for new industries Wellington is admirably situated : fuel and transport are good, while the many amenities of social life, and the recreations provided in Wellington itself (to which reference is made in the early pages of this Guide), together with the beautiful country around, and the many outdoor sports and pastimes which it offers, render it an ideal place of residence for those engaged in one or other of the modern industrial processes. The management of the works cannot but profit from the greater efficiency and contentment of workers, whose spare time can be filled up so pleasantly and fully, and under such healthy conditions. 45 OUR SERVICE is your service. TPHE Latest Novel, the Daily Paper, a Pad of Distinctive Notepaper, a Reliable Guide — these are among the essentials of a thoroughly enjoyable vacation. We supply them all. A century of experience enables us to offer a unique combination of un- equalled service and value. A few particulars are given below. Books. — The latest fiction and a wide selec- tion of Books on all subjects. Library. — Constant stream of New Books from London. Sub- scriptions to suit all requirements. Newspapers. — Early and reliable delivery. Maps and Guides. — Reliable and up-to-date Maps and Guides to the district. Stationery. — Distinc- tive Stationery in many grades at moderate prices. Postcards, Fancy Goods, etc. — Wide selection. W. H. SMITH & SON, oKiarket Street, WELLINQTON . 1,000 Branches. 1.000 Branches. 46 COMMERCIAL WELLINGTON. The existing industries of the district, apart from the coal mining, to which reference has been made, are largely concerned with iron and steel. At Priors Lee, two miles from Wellington, are the large Iron and Steel Furnaces and Rolling Mills of the Lilleshall Company. There are also a number of large Engineering establishments, employing many thousands of hands, whose products are varied, and include motor wheels and bodies, gas-works plant, bridges, gas engines, developing to thousands of horse-power each, P.T. head- gear, and Rolling Mills, to mention a few. Two large Malleable Iron Foundries are situated respectively at Oakengates and Madeley, their productions being in great demand. Another branch of the metal trade carried on is the manufacture of light castings, i.e., gutters and rain-water piping, ranges, fireplaces, etc., used by builders, one of the firms concerned being among the foremost in the trade, with a history dating back nearly two centuries. At Ironbridge, six miles from Wellington, along the banks of the Severn, the potter's trade is extensively practised, the manufacture of tiles, both of the decorative (encaustic) variety and the common roofing tile, employ- ing manv hundreds of people. Near here are situated the works in which the world-famous Coalport China is made. In Wellington itself a large industry is the manu- facture of Agricultural Implements, in which three firms are occupied ; there are also three breweries, and a large wood-turnery establishment. It is hoped that shortly, as the country settles down, many more industries will be located in this district, where the facilities are so noteworthy. Heads of industrial concerns into whose hands this (iuide may come are invited to investigate the industrial advantages of the Wellington neighbourhood. Enquiries, addressed to the Clerk to the Council, Urban District Council Offices, Wellington, Salop, with reference to available sites, etc., will receive prompt attention. 47 The . . . Wellington Journal and . . . Shre\A/sbury News Has proved the Largest Net Sale of any Country Weekly Newspaper in Great Britain, and is therefore the finest Advertising Medium of its kind. Offices : WELLINGTON and . . . SHREWSBURY. Road Distances from some Important Towns. .Miles. Birmingham 31 Bristol 10 1 Cardiff ii() Chester 42 Chesterfield 74 Crewe 31 Dudley 24 Crloucester . ■ . • • • . 67 Hereford 61 Kidderminster . . . . 27 Liverpool . . r . . . 3S CXxford Kugb\" ()2 Shre\vsbur\- Stafiord . '. 12 21 Stoke-on-Trent Walsall 2S Welshpool Wolverhani] Worcester Wrexham . )t()n . . . . 40 . . 18 .. 41 .. 40 Third Class Fares from some Important Towns. Birmingluun Bristol Cardift Cliester Chesterfield Crewe . . Dudley Gloucester . . Hereford Kidderminster Liverpool London Macclesfield (Pre-war Figures.) 9/2 8/ii.\ 4/1 " 6/2 2 /8.1 2 /il 6/1" 4/11'. 5/7l II /o.', 4/31 Manchester Oldham Oxford Kugln Shrewsbur\- . . Staftortl Stoke-nn-Trent Walsall Welshpool . . Wolverhampton Worcester . . \\'rexham 5 /3 5 '« 8 /2 3 lA it)d. 1 '7 2 :7h 2/2i 2 lb' I 7i 4/- 3 '4 A matter of vital interest to l)U>iness men— and particularly to retailers — is that of adequate publicity. Fortunately, the journal whose announcement appears on the opposite page is a thoroughly live paper, welcomed b}^ all classes for its " newsy " features, and constantly consulted whenever there is anything to be bought, sold or exchanged. Hence it is advisable for the man opening up a new business in the town to make good use of this admirable medium. Write for the latest advertisement charges. 49 R. COOK _ iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii:;;;!:i;!L| j Provision Merchant | High - class Provisions. HOME CURED HAMS (SI BACON. ENGLISH cSl COLONIAL CHEESE. MARKET SQUARE, WELLINGTON. 50 THE NEEDLE'S EYE (See iiage 34). i WHILST IN WELLINGTON DONT FORGET Scott (S Brown FOR Cycles, ^iotoj' Cycles and large selection of Cjramophones. Your Inspection Invited at 48, New St., Wellington, (Salop) Don't forget SCOTT & BROWN when in need of a Baby Carriage, Coach-built Car, or a Baby's Cot. Note Address — 54, New St., Wellington, (Salop) 52 We Specialise in PRESENTS, whether for a Wedding, Birthday, Coming-of- Age, Christening, or just for a small Souvenir of the Town and District for \'isitor5 to take back home. Call here for Local View Postcards, Letter Cards, and Souvenir Book. Crest China. Large Stock of Modern Novels, etc. John Jones & Son Jewe//e?'s &f Statioiiei^s^ Etc. 19, Church St., Wellington. 53 R. BERESFORD, Motor (SI Cycle Stores. II A^ent for HUMBER, CENTAURS, RUDGE- WHITWORTH, FRANCIS, MONOPOLE, RAMBLER, &c. Repairs by Skilled Work- men. Cycles Built to Order ; B.S.A. Fittings. Accessories of all kinds. Electric Lamps and Batteries. Cycles for Hire at reasonable charges- llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll llllllllllllllllllllllll Note Address 10, New Street, Wellington, SALOP. J. W. HEATH, Caterer, Cook and Confectioner. DINING AND TEA ROOMS. NEW STREET, WELLINGTON, Salop. Our Noted Pork Pies have a Good Reputation far beyond Wellington. 54 W. COOPER EDMONDS (.\L-n:h,r jf the I'l'jhiilonjl T/ifjro^i\lp/h-is .-J sp/L/cirionJ ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER. HIGH-CLASS Photographs in SILVER, PLATINUM & CARBON. fS,;- l/htiturioris in this (Juuit- 'Book) DEVELOPING and PRINTING for Amateurs. ARTISTIC PICTURE FRAMING a Speciality. 19, NEW STREET, WELLINGTON. ERNEST MYNETT, FANCY DRAPER and LADIES' OUTFITTER. Best Value in the District in LADIES' ^ CHILDREN'S COATS. Latest Styles in BLOUSES. Tasteful and Exclusive Designs in MILLINERY. Specialists m HOSIERY. GLOVES and CORSETS. .4 Visit Solicited. 11, NEW ST., WELLINGTON, SALOP. 55 A. BARLOW (Fkom HARROU'S, LONDON) Toadies \z Ge7itle7ne7r s Hah^dresser Ct'it'ifcatCi of Miiit. EVERY DESCRIPTION OF HAIRWORK. DYEING AND TINTING. MARCEL WAVING. GENTS' SALOON. PRIVATE ROOM for LADIES & CHILDREN. V^^ 40 , New Street, Wellington, Salop. Established 1870. <©> "Phone 47. Telegrams : " Wrekin Brewery, Wellinj^ton, Salop." The Wrekin Brewery Co., Brewers of Strong, Mild Ales and Stout. Brewery and Offices : Market Si., JVellingt07i.^ Salop. 56 LLOYDS, Millinery and Blouse Specialists and Ladies' Outfitters. A LARGE Variety of Trimmed Millinery always on view. Blouses in all the Newest Styles and Materials. Senii-Trimnied Hats at Popular Prices. Corsets, Veilings, Underskirts, Gloves, Hosierv, Scarves. Exceptional Value in Silk and Wool Sports Coats. MILLINERY SHOWROOM on Groinp Floor. MARKET SQUARE, Wellington, Oliver Scott, Watchmaker and Jeweller For HIGH-CLASS REPAIRS. THF DcpAt for Wedding, Engagement, Dress an