The general history of Albrighton

Albrighton in Domesday book Albrighton village High Street, which is its most attractive part, has not been altered too much over the years. The half timbered inns, Georgian facades and lime trees still make the street picturesque. Bad planning in the 1960’s did however replace Ashfield House and Wolverley House with unattractive dwellings that today would not even be allowed in areas away from the village centre. Some sources say the lime trees were planted in the 10th century by a Dr Bidwell, others say a former Earl of Shrewsbury was responsible. In all probability both of them planted trees and so may many other people if a tree was damaged or failed. The diary of John Howell, tenant farmer of Beamish and House Farm gives the year of planting as 1832.

The Earl of Shrewsbury is the premier Earl of England and until 1918, the biggest land owner in Albrighton. They were originally the Talbot family, many of whom are buried in Albrighton Church.

Early in the 1600’s, Albrighton was noted for making buttons and then in the 1700s clock making flourished. By 1880 it was bricks, but by and large, agriculture was the main industry before the building of the railways.

Albrighton was granted Borough status in 1303 on account of its remoteness from Shrewsbury. That was renewed in 1662 but it seemed to lapse again by the 19th century. A Mace confirming its borough status was discovered for auction at Southerby’s and this was purchased for £359 in 1948. The money was raised by local subscription under the guidance and perseverance of the Rev E E Wright. The Borough status meant that there was a Justice of the Peace who could order the arrest of criminals. A small jail and stocks stood somewhere near to the Crown, whilst a room above it was used for various village meetings and transactions. There was also a Toll House nearby. The Rev Wright thought it more likely to be on the area of the village green but none of the early tithe maps show these buildings.

The village green was much more important in the first half of this century. At the time of the First World War there were swings on it, political meetings were held there, an evangelist lady spent three days a year in a caravan giving out leaflets and talking to people, also the band gave concerts there.

The population of Albrighton in 1800 was 900. In 1900 it was 1200 and was still on 1230 by 1931. Today it is over 4000.

Gas came to Albrighton in 1868 and the Gasometer was at the side of the railway goods yard. The Cosford Waterworks were established in 1857 and water was first supplied to the village in 1895. Electricity came in 1919 initially on overhead poles and later, during the 1950’s, the cables were put underground.

Words: Ernest Howells