IS a parish in the hundred of Stoddesdon—the market town, a small one, is 137 miles N.W. from London, 33 S.S.E. from Shrewsbury, and 11 E. from Ludlow, situated on the road from the metropolis to the latter town, close to the southern border of the county, abutting upon Worcestershire, and on an eminence rising gradually from the western hank of the river Rea, which is crossed by a neat stone bridge. The country around here is very productive, and its fertility is promoted by the river, and by numerous fine springs that rise in this neighbourhood. The name of the place is said to be derived from its situation, in a district abounding with clay, and from the Saxon word _byrig_, a town; the adjunct, by which it is distinguished from North Cleobury, is obtained from its ancient possessor, Ralph de Mortimer, who held it at the time of the general survey. The town consists principally of one long street, in which are some good houses, and the mutilated remains of an old cross. The government of the town is vested in a constable, who is annually appointed at the court-leet of the lord of the manor, William Lacon Childe, Esq. This town is included in the twenty-seventh circuit of County Court towns, for the recovery of debts not exceeding £50. Formerly this was a place of good trade, having extensive iron works; these have disappeared, and, with the exception of the extensive paper works belonging to Mr. Thomas Lambert Hall, jun., and which affords employment to a considerable number of hands, the town is not distinguished by any manufactures. The malting business is carried on by a few individuals; and on the Clee hills, about three miles west, are collieries, producing good coal, but the works have little or no influence upon the trade of the town.