SHROP SHIRE. Origin of parishes. division of manors, though frequently confined to the whole or part of a parish, comprehends, in some instances, parts of two parishes, and has within it parts of different townships; and the jurisdictions of courts-leet, but are not always confined to the hundred in which they are situated. He then observes that the history of that experience, whence our constitution has arisen, points out circumstances from which these various limitations of district have grown. With respect to parishes, they seem to have originated at the introduction and propagation of Christianity in these kingdoms, when lords of manors and persons of extensive landed property erected churches, as religion advanced, for the use of themselves and of their tenants. To these churches they procured the tythes arising from their estates to be paid, which, if not especially appropriated, would have been paid to the bishop of the diocese, for the use of the clergy in general, and for such pious purposes as he deemed necessary. Now the founders of any church would wish that all their lands should pay tythe thereto rather than to any other, and in preference to their tythes being applied at the discretion of the bishop; so that where the estate of any founder of a church was scattered, the districts appropriated to pay tythe to it would be scattered also; and it was from the junction of these circumstances, a church being built and a district appointed to pay tythe to its minister, that parishes had their beginning. Few counties are possessed of a greater Its soil and variety of soil, or are more diversified in appearance. Divided into nearly appearance. two equal parts by the Severn, its south portion assumes the mountainous character peculiar to the counties of Montgomery and Denbigh; whilst the north half approaches more nearly to a level, agreeably relieved by a few single hills, and romantic vallies, finely wooded. The meadows on the side of the Severn are extremely fertile, being frequently enriched by the overflowing of that river. The whole county is in general well cultivated, yielding great quantities of grain; its southern border producing excellent hops, and agreeably varied with fine healthy orchards. Of its farming stock, the breed of cows and sheep deserve peculiar notice; the former giving large quantities of rich milk, and the latter growing some of the finest fleeces in the kingdom. Amongst the mineral productions of the county may be enumerated a vast abundance of coal, iron, and lead; quarries of free stone and lime-stone; and pits of pipe-clay. The principal rivers in this county are, the Severn, Tern, and Rodon; besides several considerable brooks. A modern writer insists, and, we believe, with perfect truth, that "no where can be found a more interesting picture of the genuine English character than that exhibited in the state of society in Salop. Its proximity and relation to Wales probably contribute to preserve the tone and heighten the colouring. The gentry are not, perhaps, wholly free from that species of pride, which, as it consists more in dignity than in haughtiness, may indeed be termed a failing, but can hardly be deemed a vice, especially because it does not tend to impede, but rather to encourage the exercise of those social virtues, which ameliorate the condition of the lower classes. The ladies of Salop rank eminently among the beauties of England, and are equally distinguished for those mental qualities, which give lustre to personal charms. The middling classes partake of the character of the higher orders; they are hospitable and intelligent. Their example and influence operate powerfully in improving the habits of the labouring poor, and in effacing those traces of barbarism and vulgarity, which are but too frequently the reproach of the common people of these kingdoms. The numerous charitable institutions, and the various respectable societies, for the promotion of useful science, established in the county, fully attest the truth of this eulogy; to which we may be justified in adding, that Shropshire, by its inland situation, and the independent spirit of its inhabitants, will, for a long time, present a formidable barrier to the corrupting inroads of foreign manners, and the no less pernicious progress of domestic luxury." The social virtues of its gentry. Barriers to the introduction of foreign vices. Archbishop ..... Number of Miles from Bury. .5 Rochdale...7 Haslingden ..4 7 9 .8 5 128 ..5 .9 8 95 1491 Secker, * SIBTHORPE. Thomas Secker, Archbishop of Canterbury, was a of Canter- native of this place; he was born in 1698, and died in 1768. bury. Its picturesque and romantic scenery. † SIDBURY. Fairs, Tuesday before Ascension Day, and Michaelmas. SIDMOUTH is situated on the north of the river Sid, between two steep ranges of hills, nearly enclosing it on all sides, except the south, which lies open to a beautiful bay of the English Channel; it was anciently a considerable seaport, but its harbour has long been choked up with sand, so that pleasure-boats and fishing-smacks are now the only vessels that can approach the shore. Sidmouth, although lying open to the ocean, is at all seasons entirely free from fogs, and is consequently a very healthy as well as pleasant situation, and has of late years been much frequented by visiters during the bathing-season; for whose accommodation and entertainment there are warm baths, an elegant ball-room, billiard-tables, circulating libraries, and commodious public rooms on the beach. Many of the inhabitants are employed in fishing. The surrounding scenery has long been celebrated for its picturesque and romantic character, and is esteemed by many the finest on the western shores of Devon. A short distance hence formerly stood a fort, with four pieces of ordnance. In Woolbrook Cottage, in the vicinity, died the late Duke of Kent. Market, Saturday.-Fairs, Easter-Monday, Tuesday, and third Monday in September, for cattle. § SILCHESTER is situated near the borders of the county, adjoining Berks; from its elevated site it commands very extensive prospects over the surrounding country; it was the Caer Segont of the Britons, and the Vindonum of the Romans, and is one of the most perfect of the ancient Interesting stations in the south of England. The foundations of the street may still remains of antiquity. be traced, running in parallel lines across the area; the four principal streets communicate with the entrances, which were on the north, south, east, and west sides; the walls by which the city was enclosed are exceedingly strong, and are still remaining; that on the south side is the most |