I am very much indebted also to Mr. Whitmore, of Apley, for his kindness in giving me the free use of his own collection of historical notices of our town and neighbourhood, from the MSS. in his possession. I would gladly avail myself of this opportunity of expressing my thanks likewise to the Town Clerk, for allowing me to consult the Common Hall Order Books, and other documents belonging to the Corporation; and to Mr. Hubert Smith for giving me his valuable assistance in decyphering them. Nor should I omit to offer my thanks to the Rev. G. L. Wasey, for some interesting particulars which he communicated to me, respecting the early history of Quatford; and to Mr. S. Sidney Smith, from whose antiquarian lore I have, on several points, derived much valuable information. CONTENTS. PAGE. The Foundation of Bridgnorth 3 The site of Ethelfleda’s Castle 9 The Castle and Church of Quatford 11 Bridgnorth Castle built by Robert de Belesme 22 The First Siege, by Henry I. 27 The Second Siege, by Henry II. 32 Wooden Fortifications of the Town in the time of King John 42 Charter for St. Luke’s Fair 44 Charter of the Borough 45 The Visit of Prince Edward to Bridgnorth Castle, after the Battle of Evesham 48 The Siege of Bridgnorth by Edward II. 50 His taking refuge in it when pursued by the Rebels 53 The Church of St. Mary Magdalene 55 Notice of William of Wykeham 63 The Church of St. Leonard 68 The Hermitage of Athelardestan 78 The Hospital of St. John 80 The Leper Hospital of St. James 83 The Friars 87 Bridgnorth Hobelers in the Army of Edward III. 105 Henry IV. at Bridgnorth, before the Battle of Shrewsbury 110 Thomas Hoord, Member for Bridgnorth, and the Duke of York 113 Suppression of the Religious Houses 120 The Cappers of Bridgnorth 126 The Transfer of the Castle of Bridgnorth to Sir W. Whitmore 127 The Great Rebellion 128 Charles I. Visits to Bridgnorth 135 Narrow escape of Oliver Cromwell at Bridgnorth 149 Two Letters of King Charles’s written from Bridgnorth 155 Encounter between the King’s Troops and the Roundheads 158