The History of Oswestry / Comprising the British, Saxon, Norman, and English eras; the topography of the borough; and its ecclesiastical and civic history; with notices of botany, geology, statistics, angling, and biography: to which are added sketches of the environs

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

63840

Title

The History of Oswestry / Comprising the British, Saxon, Norman, and English eras; the topography of the borough; and its ecclesiastical and civic history; with notices of botany, geology, statistics, angling, and biography: to which are added sketches of the environs

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

William Cathrall's 1855 history of Oswestry chronicles the borough's evolution from British and Saxon roots through Norman and English eras. Blending topography, ecclesiastical records, and civic biography with notices of botany and geology, this illustrated volume offers a comprehensive, locally focused narrative of a town shaped by border feuds and royal decrees.

Summary up to 500 words

William Cathrall's 1855 volume, *The History of Oswestry*, serves as a comprehensive local chronicle that bridges the gap between scattered historical records and the preservation of regional traditions. Illustrated by Percy Cruikshank, the work traces the borough's evolution from ancient times through the reigns of Henry II, Edward I, and Edward III, highlighting its strategic role as a border fortress. The narrative details the turbulent relationship between English monarchs and Welsh princes, particularly focusing on the conflict with Llywelyn ab Jorwerth. This includes the burning of the town by Llywelyn and the eventual conquest of Wales. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the town's fortification under Edward I, describing the construction of defensive walls and the specific taxation levied to fund them, known as 'murage.' The book explores the ecclesiastical history of the district, including the rights of the Bishop of St. Asaph, the Abbey of Shrewsbury, and the unique grant of land in exchange for a pair of gilt spurs. Political upheavals involving the Mortimers and the execution of the loyal Edmund, Earl of Arundel, are also recounted. Beyond strict chronology, Cathrall provides extensive sections on the local landscape, agriculture, and the lives of notable residents. The work aims to preserve dispersed facts and traditions for future generations, offering a glimpse into a district transitioning from feudal strife to a more genial era where religion, literature, and science begin to shed their radiance over the area. The volume concludes with observations on the local economy, noting the influence of manufacturing on agriculture and the high demand for mountain land in the Vale of Llangollen.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63840.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg63840.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-08 02:49 UTC

Categories

• History
• Natural history