ELLESMERE, a market town of England, in Shrop shire, lies 16 miles north-north-west from Shrewsbury, and 176 north-west from London, and is situated on the margin of a beautiful lake, from which it takes its name. It is a very ancient town, and was formerly very strongly fortified. During the frequent contentions between the English and Welsh in the early period of our history, the castle of Ellesmere became a post of considerable importance, and was held alternately by both nations. The site of the castle, from whence there is a delightful prospect, and a distinct view of nine different counties, is now converted into one of the finest bowling greens in the kingdom. No vestige of the building remains, ex cept three walls and fosses, by which it is still surround ed. it is a neat clean town, but has nothing to boast of except its situation. It contains four well built streets, a spacious church of an irregular cruciform construc tion, in the centre of which is a handsome square tower with pinnacles; and the ceiling of the chapel is highly enriched with Gothic fret work. The principal trade of
this town consists in malting and tanning, and it has of late derived considerable advantages from the Elles mere canal, which forms a communication between the river Dee at Chester, and the Severn at Shrewsbury. The covers 116 acres : it is well stocked with fish, particularly eels, and its margin is finely wooded. On one side stand the tower, and a house of industry for the poor of five neighbouring parishes, and on the other the mansion and park of Oaticy.
According to the population return in 1811, the town and parish contained, Inhabited houses 1064.
Families that occupy them 1091 Families employed in agriculture 613 Families employed in trade and manufactures 452 Males 2715 Females 2924 Total population 5639 Sce Beauties of England and Wales, vol. xiii p. 280.
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