Nooks and Corners of ShropshireTimmins, H. Thornhill (Henry Thornhill)
History
Nooks and Corners of Shropshire
Timmins, H. Thornhill (Henry Thornhill)
Shropshire (England) -- Description and travel
There is much else to be seen, for, wander where one will about the
tranquil enclave, some new beauty is ever revealing itself to the
discerning eye; while the sweet, reposeful landscape enfolds the old
ruins with its mantle of midsummer verdure. One pictures to one's self
this rich and sumptuous monastery in the zenith of its fame and
influence, the great Priory church with its crypt and chapter-house, its
library, scriptorium, and picturesque Prior's Lodging. One seems to see
the sober-liveried brethren plying their peaceful toil in cloister,
garden and field, or attending to the crowd of strangers that daily
throngs their gates; for whose benefit refectory and kitchen, vivaries,
columbarium and well-stocked cellars, yield each and all their tale of
good cheer to make glad the heart of man. Then, as nightfall draws on,
the long dormitories fill up with way-worn travellers and pilgrims;
while those in need of the leech's skill make their way to the hospital
hard by.
There are several good timbered houses dotted about the town, notably
the one seen upon the left in the annexed view. This formed part of
Ashfield Hall, an old abode of the Lawleys, which gave shelter to King
Charles after the Battle of Worcester. The house afterwards became the
Blue Bridge Inn, and has finally degenerated to a common lodging-house.
In the High Street we notice an old chequered front, relieved by an open
balcony, and inscribed: IOHN . AND . MARY . RAYNALDS . 1682. A still
older tenement in Shineton Street is said to have been the original
gaol-house of Wenlock; though its ancient Gothic doorway and traceried
window have anything but a dungeon-like appearance.
Some pleasant spots lie within a measurable distance of Wenlock.
Quitting the town by the Broseley road, we glance up at the admirable
little wrought-iron sign of the Raven Inn, as we proceed to Barrow. Our
way lies past an ancient stone grange, now used as a stable and
store-house; and a cottage farther on offers refreshment to the thirsty
traveller in the form of 'lemon aid and jingre bier!'
Then Barrow comes in view atop of a gentle rise, its old church tower
peering over the straw ricks of a barton; while far away beyond the dark
rolling woodlands of Willey Park spreads a rich, champaign country,
bounded by pale Midland hills.
Despite its small size, Barrow church proves interesting, having
considerable remains of Saxon work both in the chancel and under the
tower. This tower is a queer, bulky structure, rising in four
diminishing stages, hoary and weedgrown, at the west end of the church;
and a rather curious south porch and sundial keep it in countenance.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account