sguise, 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.
From the disposition of the buildings on the hill side, it has a novel
and romantic aspect, whilst the high grounds adjoining afford varied
views of interesting scenery. Underneath the lofty ridge of limestone,
the higher portion of which is planted with fir and other trees, are
extensive caverns, which are open to visitors, who will find these
fossiliferous rocks, rising immediately from beneath the coal measures,
highly instructive.

BROSELEY

Is celebrated all the world over for its pipes, a branch of manufacture
for which it is now as famous as of yore. Partly in this parish and
partly in that of Benthall, and only about 300 yards from the station,
are the geometrical, mosaic, and encaustic tile works of the Messrs. Maw.
They were removed here a few years since from Worcester, the better to
command the use of the Broseley clays, since which they have attained to
considerable importance, and now rival the great house of Minton.

On leaving Ironbridge, the line passes by a sea wall the foot of Benthall
Edge--a limestone ridge, continuous with that of Wenlock, so famous for
that class of silurian fossils to which the town of Wenlock has lent its
name.

Benthall is a name significant of its elevated position--_Bent_, meaning
the brow, and _al_ or _hal_, a hill.

Benthall Hall, the property of Lord Forester, and in the occupation of
George Maw, Esq., F.L.S., F.