OR MUCH WENLOCK, is an ancient borough, both corporate and parliamentary, a market town and parish, and the head of a liberty, having separate jurisdiction; 148 miles N.W. from London, and 12 S.E. from Shrewsbury. The town, which is situated on the Phobrook, and in a pleasant vale, is of considerable antiquity. The British name was _Llan Melien_, or ‘Saint Milburgh’s Church;’ and in the Monasticon it is denominated _Winnica_, or ‘the windy place.’ Its early importance originated with the establishment of a convent, about 680, by Melburga, daughter of king Merwald. Having been destroyed by the Danes, it was restored by the Earl of Mercia, after which it fell into decay. Soon after the Conquest it was rebuilt by Roger de Montgomery, and converted into a priory for Cluniac monks. The ruins are on the south side of the town; they are extensive, and present the most finished specimens of Norman architecture, together with the early and decorated English styles. Of the church, the south transept is in the most perfect state, three beautiful Norman arches, and two of the cloisters remain in good preservation. This establishment must have been extensive, and its buildings magnificent. The town consists principally of two narrow streets, some of the houses forming which are modern and respectable in appearance, and others but poorly built. The guildhall, more remarkable for its antiquity than its external beauty, is constructed of timber frame-work, resting on piazzas. This building underwent in 1849, restoration with great taste and skill, at the expense of the corporation. Two charters have been granted to this ancient borough; the first in the eighth of Edward IV, at the request of Sir John Wenlock, Knight, ‘in consideration of laudable and acceptable services performed by the liege men of the town of Wenlock.’ The second charter was granted in the reign of Charles I. Under the Municipal Reform Act, the corporate body consists of a mayor, two aldermen and six councillors. The borough is divided into three wards—namely, Wenlock Ward, Broseley Ward, and Madeley Ward. Sessions are held quarterly in the guildhall, before the recorder, and the magistrates meet here in petty sessions every sixth Tuesday. The Madeley circuit of the new County Court, includes Wenlock in its jurisdiction; the court sits monthly at the former town, and takes cognizance of debts and claims to any amount not exceeding £50. Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., is lord of the manor, and holds, by his agent, courts leet and baron, in the months of May and October. The elective franchise was conferred upon the burgesses by Edward IV, with the privilege of returning one member—the borough now sends two; those returned at the general election in 1852, were the Honble. George Cecil Weld Forester, Willey Park, Salop; and James Milnes Gaskell, Esq. Thornes House, Wakefield, Yorkshire (both re-elected). The Boundary Act defines