better known as St. Mary’s Almshouses. They were founded in the reign of Edward IV., about 1461, by Degory Water, a draper of Shrewsbury, who was admitted a burgess in 1404 and lived in the “hall house” or centre house among the poor. He died in 1477. He made no respect of persons in St. Mary’s Church, but set an example almost in anticipation of the modern “open-pew” system by accompanying the poor people to church and kneeling among them in a “long pew in the quire.” The original almshouses were taken down in 1825, and the present comfortable buildings erected by the Drapers’ Company at a cost of upwards of £3,000. On the south-west side of the churchyard is the DRAPERS’ HALL, which is supposed to have been erected about 1560. The interior is wainscotted with oak, and the floor was formerly rich in emblazoned tiles. The members of the Drapers’ Company feasted at the north end, and on the opposite side is a fine old chest, above which are portraits of the first steward of the company, Degory Water, and his wife. Edward IV. was a patron of the Company, and his patronage is gratefully recorded in some quaint lines under his portrait, which adorns the east side. A little beyond the Drapers’ Hall is the SALOP INFIRMARY, an institution which is acknowledged to be one of the best conducted of its kind in the kingdom. It was formed in 1745, when a commodious house was purchased, fitted out, and opened for the reception of patients on the 25th of April, 1747. The present building, on the site of the former structure, was commenced in July, 1827, when Lord Hill laid the foundation-stone. It was completed and opened in September, 1830. The appurtenances and appointments of the institution are admirable. It is supported by voluntary contributions and benefactions. It possesses a large number of valuable legacies. It has been an inestimable blessing to thousands upon thousands. Returning from the Infirmary past the Draper’s Hall we cross the road to CHURCH STREET. The half-timbered house, conspicuous by its gables, on the right hand side, formed a portion of JONES’S MANSION. It was erected by Thomas Jones, Esq., the first Mayor of Shrewsbury, son of Sir Thomas Jones, Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas. It was the residence of the Duke of York in 1642, and of Prince Rupert “when he joined his uncle after the brilliant action of Worcester.” The Church a few yards further on is ST. ALKMUND’S CHURCH,