Noake's Worcestershire Page 321

SHRAWLEY. 321

Tredington; value, £552; same patrons; church accommodation, 356; free, 250.

Quakers have existed here ever since 1664. George Fox first held "precious meetings" in a barn at Armscot, but was apprehended there by Justice Parker, and taken to Worcester gaol. The Quakers erected a chapel near the church, which still remains. There is also a handsome Baptist Chapel in Church Street, erected in 1866, on the site of an older one; and a Wesleyan Chapel in New Street, erected in 1827.

Shrawley.

THIS parish, situate between Worcester and Stourport, 1,830 acres in extent, with a population of 549, has passed through the hands of the Warwick, Sheldon, and Vernon families, the present Mr. Vernon, M.P., being the patron and a principal landowner, together with the Earl of Dudley; and the Rev. W. F. Vernon is the rector. J. R. Cookes and E. Vernon, Esqrs., also reside in the parish. The usual crops met with on the west bank of the Severn are grown here.

The church is beautifully situated on an eminence, and has some noticeable Norman work in its doorways and some windows, one of the latter being pierced through a buttress, which is unusual. Another curious feature is the holy water stoup at the south entrance - a later insertion, long after the construction of the doorway. In 1862 the church was partially restored from a fund of £300, left by the late Mr. Vernon, to which Mr. Vernon, M.P., made a considerable addition. There is here an ancient stone coffin-lid, prism-shaped, with incised cross batonne on each side. Church accommodation, 250; free seats, 68. Value of living, £355.

There, is a good National School with a certificated master.