EXTRACTS FROM THE SHREWSBURY CHRONICLE

17^th June, 1853

On Tuesday, Richard Chadwick was brought before the court on a warrant, charging him with having committed rape upon an old woman named Russell aged 61.  On the evening of Saturday, 28^th May, the prisoner accosted the old woman as she was on her way home, she having previously called at the shop of Mr Greaves, grocer, of Broseley.  He then proceeded a part of the way home with her.  When they had reached the Hay Cop he said something about a shilling and placed his hand upon her mouth.  The remainder of the evidence is not fit to reach the public eye.

15^th July, 1853

Between Jiggers Bank and the Coalbrookdale turnpike gate, an omnibus overturned onto its side and several of the outside passengers were thrown completely over the hedge into the adjoining field.  Although badly shaken, no-one was seriously injured.

29^th July, 1853

A man and his son of the name of Rogers, residing at Buildwas, was approached in an attempt to pass a bad sovereign at the shop of Mr C. Smith.

16^th September, 1853

The organ which had been installed at the licensed lecture room, was removed by two persons who were more or less connected with the place.  The hour selected would seem to imply a clandestine removal.  No window was injured, neither was any injury done to the door, or the lock thereof.  As may be supposed, the circumstances gave rise to much comment and became the topic of general conversation.  The mystery of how access was obtained remains to be solved.  One thing, however, has since taken place; the organ, after some days disappearance, has been replaced.  Why it was removed and for what intent are questions which time, perhaps, will solve.

6^th October 1854

Lecture delivered at the Wharfage Rooms by Rev Mr Hayes from Coalbrookdale on the life and times of the late Duke of Wellington.  H Dickinson Esq. was in the chair and there was a very numerous attendance considering it was the wake and considerable other events were taking place including at least 11 parties at various public houses and a Temperance Tea Party Meeting at the Parochial School Room.

 13^th October 1854

Coal has retained its present price since January 1853, with no need for reduction as demand was so great.  Price at the wharf: Best – 13 shillings, Common 11 shillings and Lumps 10 shillings per ton.

2^nd February 1855

Coalport - Salmon Fishing Extraordinary

On Saturday, as two men, Preece and Lines, were navigating their barge up the Severn, Preece saw a large salmon.  He called to the horse driver to stop, and very adroitly placed the iron fork of the shaft across the back of the fish and pinned it to the bottom of the river.  His companion hastened to his assistance, and by means of the barge hook, which he cleverly inserted in the gill of the fish, landed it on the deck of the barge.  The fish measured 3’9” long, 9” deep, 5” across and weighed 20lb.

Salmon are more numerous in the Severn this season than they have been for many years owing, it is said, to some alterations made in the weirs favourable to the upward progress of the fish.

30^th March 1855

Ironbridge

Since the evening of the 6^th inst. there has been missing from his lodgings near Bedlam furnaces, an old man who had been for some years in the employment of the Madeley Wood Company, by name Luke Wedge.  We understand that when last seen it was by a companion of his named Davies.  They had been spending an hour or two together, and as they journeyed towards their respective abodes they parted not very far from the missing man’s lodgings.  Immediately after separating a very dense fog came on, and since that time no information has been heard of him.

Under the Heading “District Intelligence” – Treat to the older Servants of the Coalport Company in the Painting Department.

On Saturday, New Year’s Eve, an excellent dinner was given to the older servants in the department of the Coalport Company’s works known as the Coalport Bridge Inn, by W.F. Rose Esq.  The dinner consisted of the usual Christmas fare, goose, roast beef, mutton, plum pudding etc. and was admirably served by Mr and the Misses Roden, tenants of Mr Rose.  After the cloth was withdrawn, Mr Birbeck, who occupied the chair, read a note from Mr Rose, apologising for not being present on account of having taken cold.  After the Queen and other toasts usual upon similar occasions had been drunk, those of Mr Rose and Mr Pugh’s succeeded.  Then followed those of Mrs Rose and Miss Pugh, accompanied by highly complimentary remarks upon the distinguished virtues of both.  Afterwards, the healths of H. Dickinson, John Anstice, G. Pritchard Esq. and others were given.  

15^th February 1860

Volunteer Rifle Corps

We understand that John Anstice Esq. paid a visit to the Dale Works with a view to ascertain how many young men would join the volunteer movement.  Many were invited to join, but all declined unless clothing, arms, ammunition and payment for loss of time were guaranteed.

11^th May 1860

Careless Proceeding

On Saturday night the  young woman who lives as servant with the family of Mr Walker, Lincoln Hill, retired to rest with the junior part of the family.  After disposing of her young charge she, it would seem, placed the candlestick on the bed after she had extinguished the flame.  Some time subsequently Mrs Walker was awoke by an oppressive sense of suffocation arising from a very unusual quantity of smoke in the room.  She had some difficulty in awaking Mr Walker who, upon making an examination as to the cause of alarm, found that it originated in the bedroom of his children where the servant lay.  The bedclothes had been in a state of smouldering ignition for some time, and had filled the room with a dense mass of smoke, so much so that one of the children, who was disturbed by the burning clothes reaching his feet, could not give an alarm.  “I felt my feet burning, but could not call out” said the little one.

^{Steps were immediately taken to arrest the burning element thus providentially discovered.  It is really gratifying, under the circumstances, to be able to state that the inmates escaped personal injury.}

25^th May, 1860

Accident

Mr R Smith, of The Orchard, was proceeding on Sunday in his gig to some appointment in the county.   The horse which he was driving, upon arriving near to Buildwas Inn, stumbled.  Mr Smith was pitched forward out of the gig, and we regret to add that the result was that his wrist was broken.  He had assistance immediately, and returned towards home, calling on his way upon M. Webb Esq., surgeon, where the injured limb was dressed and splintered.  Later information informs us that Mr Smith is progressing favourable.

Rifle Corps

The Rifle Corps, both here as well as Broseley and Wenlock are devoting much time to their improvement in drill.  Among the members, as may be expected, there seems to be a difference in the progress made.  The earnestness of some gives them a decided advantage over the careless indifference of others.  The latter, for their own sakes, will do well to awaken to a sense of what is due to themselves and the corps.