Bomere Heath Village
Shropshire, England
TIME LINE upto 1899
Date |
Event |
1086 |
In the Domesday Book, Preston Gubbals being the Parish which included Bomere Heath is described as:- “Now a parish, the name Gubbals is from the 1066 holder Godbold. It was in Baschurch Hundred (2) in 1086, later in Pimhill, where the Abbot of Lileshull holds 4 hides in Preston Gubald belonging to the Church of St Alkmund in RH ii p. 75a; see Pimhill Roll p. 119, FA iv p. 231 and Eyton x p. 171. Lea [GR SJ 4921] was a member, as was an unidentified ‘Charlton’, not the same as 3g,9: see Ch. 3g note. 4 HIDES.... In the MS a gap suitable for about 5 letters has been left after hide; see 1,5 note.” Merrington nearby also appears in the Domesday Book and is described as follows:- “DB Gellidone. Later forms of the name are Guidone, Murydon and Muridone, see VCH I p. 336 note 89 and DEPN s.n. It is now in Preston Gubbals parish and lay in Baschurch Hundred (2) in 1086, later in Pimhill. Picot de Sai gave two-thirds of the demesne tithes to Shrewsbury Abbey (Salop. Cart. pp. 7-8, 43, 45, 276-279 etc.) and the manor itself was later given to Haughmond Abbey: in the Pimhill Roll (p. 121) the Abbot of Haughmond holds Meryden in free alms by gift of Robert Girreis; see TE p. 260b and Eyton x p. 154.” Both above paragraphs are English translations of the original and are taken from Domesday Book - Shropshire published by Phillimore 1986 ISBN 0 85033 586 8 see also The National Archives - Domesday or The Domesday Book Online |
1199 |
The Manor of Preston Gubbals passed to Lilleshall Abbey, tenure confirmed by King John. (Source: Printed Parish Register) |
16th Century |
Families began to squat on the common or heath lands. |
John Somerfield is earliest recorded Incumbent of Preston Gubbals church. (Printed Par. Reg.) |
|
1544 |
Grant to Edward HOSYER in fee of all lands in Preston Gubalds
and all tithes in the township of Meriden and he, being late parcel of
the possessions of the Abbey of Lilleshall. |
1560 Apr 18 |
Edward, son of John Williams baptised at Preston Gubbals church. This is the earliest known entry from the register, now lost, but is taken from the Geo. Morris’ Register extracts in Shropshire Archives. (Printed Par. Reg.) |
1564 |
Edward HOSIER conveyed the Manor of Preston Gobalds and lands
these to his daughter and heir Elizabeth who married John
DRAYCOTT of Paynsley, Co. Staffs. |
1578 |
John DRAYCOTT conveyed the Manor and Rectory to Edward
BASSET and others to certain uses. |
DRAYCOTT died seised of the Manor of Preston Gobalds, his heir being his son John a recusant. (Source: Printed Parish Register) |
|
1609 |
John PEERSALL had a lease of the Manor (of Preston Gubalds) for 61 years. (Source: Printed Parish Register) |
1638 |
A sundial was placed in the churchyard at St Martin’s Church, Preston Gubbals bearing the date 1638 and the initials ‘W.G.’.
I am grateful to
The British Sundial Society
for the following description from their register and notes:-
"Initials ‘WG’ are prominent suggesting they are not the maker. Rare ornate gnomon supporter lies across dial at North end of gnomon. Dial plate partly prised from capital which is itself broken. Shows 4am to 8pm in hours. Half hours marked by dots between numerals. No split noon line. IIII used. Engraving on the gnomon & supporter indicates the metal came from re-used brass. Mounted on square shaft set on tapered octagonal stone which in turn is mounted on an old octagonal two step plinth. Arthur Mee's King's England, Shropshire volume. Ref: BSS Bulletin 20 (iii) (Sept 2008)."
The printed parish register contains the following entry which may be relevant or may just be a coincidence:-
1638 Apr. 7. Katheryne, wife of William Gannowe ... buried
[
See entry Nov 2002 for subsequent information about the sundial
] |
1639 |
John DRAYCOTT appears to have been in at least nominal possession of the Manor as late as this year, but soon after it had passed to the LEES of Langley and Lea Hall, who owned it during the Civil War, for in the Sequestration Papers of Sir Richard LEE mention is made among his estates of the Manor of Preston Gobalds. (Source: Printed Parish Register) |
1660 |
Sir Richard LEE died and his estates divided between his two daughters; Mary, wife of Edward SMYTHE, and Rachel, wife of Ralph CLAYTON (or CLEATON), second son of Ralph CLAYTON of Oneley in Woore. The Preston Gobalds property went to Mrs CLAYTON. (Source: Printed Parish Register) |
1682 |
The son of Mrs CLAYTON, Richard CLAYTON (d.1684) suffered
a Recovery of the Manor and of Lea Hall. |
1715 Apr 22 |
This year was seen a total eclipse of the sun such as had not been seen in England these several hundred years, in so much that we saw stars between nine and ten in the morning. |
Richard CLAYTON (son of Ralph) settled these properties on his marriage with Mary JEFFREYS. His daughter and coheir Jane married Watkin Williams WYNNE of Voelas. They had two daughters: Jane wife of the Hon. Charles FINCH, and Elizabeth wife of Thomas Assheton SMITH, who (in 1760) sold the Manor of Preston Gobalds and Lea Hall to Sir Thomas Tyrrwhitt JONES of Stanley, nephew and heir of Sir Thomas JONES, Sherriff of Shropshire. (Source: Printed Parish Register) |
|
1749 Sep 28 |
William BAGLEY appointed Perpetual Curate at Preston Gobalds Parish (Source: The Clergy Database) |
1761/2 Jan |
A Stage Coach made its first appearance in Shrewsbury.
|
1775 Sep 8th Friday |
Whilst the following was written about the village of Whittington in North Shropshire I feel sure it applies equally to Bomere Heath. |
1775 Oct 18th |
A violent storm of wind attended with much damage. |
1776 Jan |
The New Year is set in with a dreadful fall of snow wch began on the 6th at night, blown in drifts by a brisk easterly wind that it lies in several parts deep; and has rendered it impossible for the mails to pass: The London bag did not come into Oswestry from the 8th till the 16th. The snow did not fall so deep in this neigh’hood as nearer London. It has been observed that English snows wch fall with an Easterly wind are always deepest. |
1776 Jan 30th |
A drizzling rain wch fell partly in Icicles and froze as it fell. Many accidents happen’d from the slippery surface of the paths wch were perfectly glazed. Travellers cloathes instead of being wet, were so stiffly congealed about them that it was with difficulty that they were got off. The wings of small birds were so frozen that they fell to the ground. Many were picked up and others died frozen to the ground. The next day a gentle thaw began to discover the face of the earth wch had been hid for so long a time. |
1777 |
By his Will of 1777 Richard BRETHEN set up a Charity for local residents. |
1783 Jun 8 |
The Icelandic volcano Laki erupted for eight months in 1783 spreading a giant cloud of sulfuric acid across Europe causing the deaths of an estimated 20,000 people in Britain. It is difficult to know what effect it had on Bomere Heath but the Preston Gubbals burial register does not include any comments so perhaps that is a good sign. |
1783 Jun 11 |
John JONES appointed Perpetual Curate at Preston Gobalds Parish (Source: The Clergy Database) |
c.1790 |
Map of the Parish of Preston Gubbals showing water (a bow shaped lake or mere) between Preston Gubbals Road and Windsor Lane. (Source: Tyrwhitt Jones collection) |
1793 Aug 30 |
Thomas FRANK appointed Perpetual Curate at Preston Gobalds Parish (Source: The Clergy Database) |
1796 Sep 5 |
Thomas EBREY appointed Stipendiary Curate at Preston Gobalds Parish (Source: The Clergy Database) |
Census (Numbers only - no names taken) |
|
1809 |
[From Shropshire Archives online catalogue] An act for inclosing lands in the township and manor of Leaton in the parish of St Marys, Shrewsbury in the County of Shropshire, 1809 – Title on the spine: Shropshire Acts VII Enclosure (Ref: q C41.2) |
1811 May 26th Sun |
Census (Numbers only - no names taken) |
1813 |
Leaton Enclosure map (Ref: B35) |
1817-1827 |
First Ordnance Survey Map drawn at a scale of 2 inches to 1 mile (1:31,680) and later published at a scale of 1 inch to 1 mile (1:63,360) and showing about 40 houses with Albion Hayes (farm) being the only named property. (British Museum - Sheet 320) |
1819 |
Map of “Estate at Merrington in the Parishes of Preston Gubbals and Baschurch” (Shows north part of village from cross roads) (Ref: 93) |
c.1820 |
Some sources say that Leaton Knolls, our local stately home, was built about 1820 (although the Leaton Estate History says it was built as late as 1837) between the Shrewsbury to Baschurch road and the River Severn. Modern Ordnance Survey map reference: SJ 470 166.
|
1821 May 27th Sun |
Census (Numbers only - no names taken) |
1822 Nov 25 |
William John JAMES appointed Stipendiary Curate at Preston Gobalds Parish (Source: The Clergy Database) |
1826 |
Map of the Estate of Tyrwhitt Jones (Ref: 169) Map of Preston Gubbals parish (Ref: 248) |
1827 |
Congregational Dissenters or Independents Chapel erected at the junction of Shrewsbury Road and Baschurch
Road at a cost of GBP 226. A sandstone building. (Date stone:
Zion’s Hill 1827) |
1827 |
Primative Methodist Chapel erected at Dunnsheath almost opposite the lane to Little Wollascott. It ceased to be a chapel by 1900 and was used as a police house in the early 20th century. It is now a private house.
|
1827-1864 |
George ROGERS (who died: 21 July 1868) is listed as a Congregational minister in the Bomere Heath area.
|
1828 May 1st Thu |
Mr George Rogers, late of Carmarthen College, was ordained as minister of the Independent Church and congregation assembling at Zion's Hill Chapel, Bomere Heath. [Source: Press cutting from Miscellaneous Intelligence page 503] |
1831 May 29th Sun |
Census (Numbers only - no names taken) |
1835 |
Leaton Knolls designed by Edward Haycock Sr. was built between the Shrewsbury - Baschurch road and the River Severn as the family home for the Lloyd family. It was demolished in 1955. |
1836 |
Wesleyan Methodist Chapel built in Baschurch Road. It was rebuilt in 1868
(Date stone: Wesleyan Chapel erected 1836. Rebuilt 1868) |
1837 |
The appointment of a visiting clergyman to Bomere Heath school is recorded. See Shropshire Archives Ref: XP22/R/4 |
1840 |
Tithe Map and Apportionment of Preston Gubbals Parish compiled. This included the northern and eastern parts of Bomere Heath. |
1841 June 6th Sun |
Census |
c.1845 |
The Red Lion Public House then known as the Lion Inn was built about this date. The first licensee was BURROWS. It is not known when the original Licence was granted but according to the Return of Licensed Houses in the Petty Sessional Division of Albrighton 1896 it had been granted more than 50 years. The similar return for 1901 says it had been granted for more than 55 years. |
1848 Oct 14th |
The Shrewsbury - Chester Railway line opened (Source: The
Baschurch File by N. Rowley 1994 pp 1 & 7. ISBN 0 9503979 4 6) |
1848 Oct 16th |
A reference No.527 in Shropshire Quarter Sessions describes 'A Meeting House recently purchased known by the name of The Primitive Methodist Chapel' at Bomer Heath in the parish of Preston Gubbolds, Salop (Spelling as original) |
Census |
|
1851 |
There is a reference that “New walled kitchen gardens were under construction” at Leaton Knolls. The house itself was also extended about this time. [Source not stated but possibly Lloyd papers at Shropshire Archives] |
1853 |
The house now known as The Mount in Shrewsbury Road was constructed. |
1854 Apr 17th Sun |
Zion's Hill, Bomere Heath was duly registered for solemnizing marriages
|
1859 |
Date Stone on School built at junction of Preston Gubbalds Road and Merrington Road. |
1859 |
Leaton Church built and Parish formed in 1860. |
1860 |
The Cottagers’ Garden Society for the parishes of Albrighton, Baschurch, Fitz, Leaton, Little Ness, Weston and Preston Gubbals was established under the auspices of John Arthur Lloyd Esq. of Leaton Knolls and other resident landowners, for the purpose and in the hope of encouraging cottagers and their families to be neat, cleanly and industrious by offering prizes for the better cultivation of small gardens and for other kindred objects. (Source: The Baschurch File by N. Rowley 1994 p14. ISBN 0 9503979 4 6) |
1861 Apr 7th Sun |
Census |
1861 Jul 27th |
The Stage Coach service, which had run to and from the Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury, finally came to an end on 27th July 1861 when the remnants of the service, 30 first-class coaches from the Shrewsbury Mail and Coaches service, were sold. |
1862 |
Hand (water) pump erected at Dunn’s Heath bearing the following inscription:- This pump was erected A.D.1862 / as a memorial of the late Charlotte Sophia LLOYD / of Leaton Knolls. / Who by her Christian benevolence and unwearied charitable / exertions contributed so much to the comforts and welfare / of her poorer neighbours. |
1863 |
There was a Royal Marriage which no doubt meant there was much merry making in the village. (Source: The Baschurch File by N. Rowley 1994 p9. ISBN 0 9503979 4 6) |
1863 |
The local roads, 1863-1893. ('Highway Districts ' were virtually imposed on the county under an Act described by some people as 'a Gentleman's Act ' for 'the upper ten thousand') but the surveyor of the Pimhill Highway District Board for 32 years was the much respected James Truman Howell. He died on 23rd January 1895, two days before the dissolution of his Board, after serving diligently for the greater part of his life, since the Board’s creation in l863. Those present at his funeral included the Vice Chairman, Mr A. Mansell, Mr Davies of Yeaton, waywarden, Mr Davies of Little Ness, ex-waywarden, and many others for the whole area. (Source: The Baschurch File by N. Rowley 1994 p24. ISBN 0 9503979 4 6) |
1864-66 |
Walton Edwin WHEREAT (who died: 23 May 1866 at Bristol) is listed as a Congregational minister at Bomere Heath. [Source: The Surman Index Online, Dr Williams's Centre for Dissenting Studies ] |
1866 |
Margin note in Preston Gubbalds Marriage Register adjacent to entry No.92 dated 29 May 1866 - "The old Church being in part pulled down." [Initialled] W.S.B. Margin note in Preston Gubbalds Marriage Register adjacent to entry No.93 dated 16 June 1866 - "In old Chancel, a month before the _____ new Church." [Initialled] W.S.B. |
1866 |
A large new church was added to St Martin’s, Preston Gubbals in 1866 at which time the chancel of the mediaeval church became the south aisle. See The Churches Conservation Trust |
1868 |
Wesleyan Chapel re-built in Baschurch Road. A sandstone building. It was originally built in 1836 (Date stone: Wesleyan Chapel erected 1836. Rebuilt 1868) |
1869 |
Charles Spencer Lloyd, of Leaton Knolls was High Sheriff of Shropshire in 1869 (Source: The London Gazette. 31 January 1868. p. 453 and Wikipedia) |
1870 |
Licensee of Lion Inn - Mrs Isabella Burroughs. Post Office - sub-postmistress Annie Rogers. (Kelly’s Directory) |
1871 Apr 2nd Sun |
Census |
1871 (Sept?) |
The Cottagers’ Garden Society held their annual show at Leaton Knolls (Source: The Baschurch File by N. Rowley 1994 p14. ISBN 0 9503979 4 6) |
1872 |
Tower added to Leaton Church. Foundation stone engraved 1871. |
1873 Jun 26 |
Death - Mr John Ward aged 47 of the Lion Inn, Bomere Heath
and formerly of the Albert Inn, Smithfield Road, Shrewsbury.
|
1873 |
The clock mechanism of Leaton Church which is installed in the tower was made by the world famous clock manufacturers J.B. Joyce of Whitchurch, Shropshire and their manufacturers plate on the clock is engraved “Joyce Whitchurch 1873". |
Joseph CREWE (who died: 3 January 1895) is listed as a Congregational minister at Bomere Heath. [Source: The Surman Index Online, Dr Williams's Centre for Dissenting Studies ] |
|
1878 |
Weather Station at Leaton - The Meteorological Society’s new station at Leaton Vicarage, which is under the charge of Rev. E.V. Pigott F.M.S., was officially inspected on the 30th ult. by Mr Marriott, the assistant secretary, who was accompanied by Mr Graves, the president, and found to be in a satisfactory condition. The observations include the reading of the barometer, dry and wet bulb thermometers, with the highest and lowest temperature in the shade, the highest in the sun’s rays and the lowest on the grass, as well as the rainfall, direction and force of the wind, the amount of cloud etc. They are made twice daily, viz. 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and copies are forwarded on monthly forms to the Meteorological Society for publication in its quarterly journal. Weekly returns are also furnished, giving the highest and lowest temperature in the shade, rainfall and weather, for incorporation with other returns from the various grazing and wheat-producing districts of the county, which are published on Thursdays for agricultural purposes. (Source: The Baschurch File by N. Rowley 1994 p14. ISBN 0 9503979 4 6) |
1878 Sep |
Tale of a stolen duck. At the Albrighton Petty Sessions on Thursday before G.M. Campbell and T.S. Eyton Esq., Richard Evans and William Evans were charged with stealing a duck, the property of John Bromley, at Leaton on 7th August. Emma Bromley deposed to missing a duck, and identified a duck produced as that which she lost. The prisoners were working for her brother at the time, William as an indoor servant. Police Constable Samuel Taylor said he received information of the loss of the duck and went to the house of the elder prisoner at Bomere Heath. Upon asking for the duck, the prisoner's daughter brought a duck downstairs and gave it to him. He then went to Mr Bromley's farm and apprehended both prisoners, charging them with stealing the duck. William Evans said he threw a stone at the duck and struck it, and Richard Evans struck it with a knife on the head and took it home. They did not intend to steal the duck. This statement was repeated and he said the duck had got into an oat stack, and in throwing stones to drive them (sic) out William Evans accidentally struck the duck, while the other prisoner took it home with the intention of concealing, not stealing it. The elder prisoner said he had belonged to the Foresters Society for 23 years, and if he should be convicted of felony he would be turned out of the society and lose the benefit of his subscriptions. He said he would pay any amount of damages the magistrates might order. William Evans said he also belonged to the Order of Foresters and should forfeit the membership if sent to gaol. The magistrates ordered them to pay the value of the duck and costs of 12 shillings and tenpence each. Mr Campbell had great misgivings whether they were acting rightly in not sending them to gaol. (Source: The Baschurch File by N. Rowley 1994 p17. ISBN 0 9503979 4 6) |
1880s |
A signal box had been opened at Leaton Station by the 1880's, about thirty years after the opening of the line. The original brick (lower level) and timber (upper cabin) box was replaced in 1905 with an all timber GWR style structure which was in use until it closed on 12 November 1987 and was subsequently moved to the Llangollen Railway. (Source: Disused Stations) |
1881 Apr 3rd Sun |
Census |
1881 |
Ordnance Survey Map First Edition at 1:2,500 (25 inches to 1 mile). |
1886 Apr 23 |
Chapel anniversaries at Bomere Heath On Good Friday the annual tea in connection with the Zion Hill chapel was held. The chapel, which had been refurbished for the occasion by Mr Payne of Prescott, looked very neat and quite surpassed any other chapel in the neighbourhood for comfort and accommodation. It was filled three times. The ladies who presided at the tables were mostly from the Davies and Evans families. After the tables had been cleared, a service of songs entitled ‘Bunyan’s Holy War’ was rendered by the choir. Mr W.F. Davies referred to the need to clear the chapel of debt. Subscriptions would be gladly received by Mr E. Davies, butcher, of Bomere Heath. The anniversary of the Wesleyan chapel was held in May, and a selection of hymns from Moody and Sankey’s edition was sung by the scholars, the service being conducted by Mr Emberton of Liverpool. (Source: The Baschurch File by N. Rowley 1994 p19. ISBN 0 9503979 4 6) |
1887 June ?? Wed |
Queen Victoria’s Jubilee - there were celebrations in other villages so no doubt there were similar festivities here. |
1890 |
The village consists of about 70 houses as shown on the Ordnance Survey map at a scale of 6 inches to 1 mile. Places named on the map are:- Methodist Chapel (Wesleyan) (Baschurch Road), The Grove (house), Bomere Villa, School (corner of Preston Gubbals Road and Merrington Road), Methodist Chapel (Calvanistic) (corner of Shrewsbury Road and Baschurch Road), P.O. (Post Office in Shrewsbury Road), Lion Inn, Sefton Cottage. |
1891 Apr 5th Sun |
Census |
1891 |
[From Shropshire Archives online catalogue under Leaton] Colonial Training Home – From Penny Illustrated Paper 1891 (Ref: L33.7 v.f.) |
1893 |
Mission Church built in Shrewsbury Road. At this time it was a ‘black and white’ construction and consisted of just the portion which is parallel with the road. see also The Church of England |
1894 |
The school at the junction of Merrington Road and Preston Gubbals Road was enlarged. (Plaque in school (Photo 056/38) and Kelly’s Directory 1922 & 26) |
1896 July 23rd |
According to the Return of Licensed Houses in the Petty Sessional Division of Albrighton 1896 the “Lion Inn” had its licence granted more than 50 years. The owner was Henry J Hearn, Brewer, Shrewsbury and the occupier / licensee was Sarah Peers. Its accommodation was ‘Good’ with 5 rooms down and 4 upstairs with Stabling for 3 horses. |
1897 Jun 22 Tues |
Local villages celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria (Source: The Baschurch File by N. Rowley 1994 p24. ISBN 0 9503979 4 6) |
If you know about a local event which is not listed here please pass it on to me so that it can be added for the benefit of everyone else. Please include the date if known (or approximate date) but if you don’t know the date I will try to find it.
If you spot an error in this Time Line please let me know the correct information.
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This file was updated 11 Sept 2023
