It was a practice of the drapers and shearmen to assemble at the Market-house at two o’clock, and according to ancient usage proceed up stairs in seniority. The traffic was a ready money business, and as the Welshmen left much of their cash behind them, in exchange for groceries, malt, and other commodities, the loss of such a trade may easily be conceived, when it is said that more than six hundred pieces of web have been sold in one day. The Welsh flannels were formerly made by the rural population, and the small farmers employed their female domestics at leisure hours in this business. These seldom made more than four or five pieces during the year, and those from the wool of their own flocks. The principal manufacturers were farmers, who maintained servants solely for that purpose, and hired weavers by the year. They produced forty or fifty pieces annually at market, each measuring from 100 to 150 yards; and, as it was a ready money trade, many of them made considerable sums. At present, chiefly from the introduction of spinning mills and the power loom, this ancient domestic manufacture is almost swept away. The market, formerly held here every Thursday, is now removed to Welshpool, Newton, and Llanidloes, which has nearly caused the total extinction of this branch of local commerce. There are now only two flannel merchants in the town, and they visit the different localities in which the flannels are manufactured to purchase their goods. The general trade and prosperity of Shrewsbury are said to have been very much injured by the exactions of its guilds or incorporated companies, the most considerable of which are the drapers and the mercers. The former were incorporated by Edward IV., and united with an ancient guild or fraternity of the Holy Trinity, founded in the church of St. Mary. Their company is recognised by several subsequent acts of parliament. They have now a considerable estate, originally purchased by the voluntary contributions of the members, which is expended in the support of the inmates of St. Mary’s almshouses, in liberal subscriptions to the charitable institutions of the town, and in relief to widows and families of deceased members. On the south-west side of St. Mary’s church is the Drapers’ Hall, a curious half-timbered building, erected, probably, about the time of Elizabeth. The large room, finely wainscotted with old oak, contains two massive oak tables, and a fine old chest, with richly carved ornaments. Portraits of the royal founder of the company, and of Degory Watur and his spouse, decorate the wainscot. Among the records of the Drapers’ Company are the following:—“25 Elizabeth, 1583, ordered that no draper set out for Oswestry on Monday before six o’clock, on forfeiture of 6s. 8d., and that they should wear their weapons all the way, and go in company. Not to go over the Welsh Bridge before the bell tolls six.”—“27 of Elizabeth, 1585, a market was held at Knocking, and a