are finely sculptured, full-length figures of some of the early
proprietors of the Court House; and in the register is an entry dated
April, 1645, stating that the edifice was at that time garrisoned by a
Parliamentary regiment, commanded by Captain Harrington. Six years later
than the event recorded, we have the story of King Charles' visit to the
village in disguise, after the battle of Worcester, and of his being
lodged in a barn belonging to Mr. Wolfe. At the Restoration the king did
not forget his host, but presented him with a very handsome tankard, with
the inscription, "Given by Charles II., at the Restoration, to F. Wolfe,
of Madeley, in whose barns he was secreted after the defeat at
Worcester." The tankard is now in the possession of W. Rathbone, Esq.,
and a print of it hangs in the old house, now the possession of C. J.
Ferriday, Esq. The tankard has upon the cover a coat of arms; the crest
is a demi-wolf supporting a crown. In the hall there is also an old
panel, containing the initials F. W. W. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe, with the date
1621.

[Ironbridge: 28.jpg]

Madeley is also celebrated as the scene of the labours of the venerated
Fletcher, so much so, that admirers of his life and writings come long
distances to visit his tomb, a plain brick structure, with a simple
inscription upon an iron plate.



IRONBRIDGE


Is nine miles from Bridgnorth, and thirteen and a half from Shrewsbury.