WENLOCK-GREAT, (Salop) 114 cm. 143 mm. from London, 10 from Shrewsbury to the S. E. in the road to Worcester, is an
ancient corp. governed, pursuant to a charter of Cha. I. by a bailiff, recorder, and 2 other justices of the peace, and 12
bailiffs peers, or capital burgesses. The bailiff, who is justice of the quorum, is chose at the common-hall on
Michaelmas-day, by 13 electors, who chuse another justice, the preceding bailiff being one for the year ensuing. In the
Saxons time it had a nunnery, which was endowed with this manor, and it was afterwards turned into a convent for monks. It
had in the R. of Richard II. a copper-mine. 'Tis now noted for lime-stone, and clay for tobacco-pipes, which are its chief
mf. The Mt. is on M. Fairs Trinity-M. June 24, each 2 days, and Oct. 6, for 3 days. The manor bel. formerly to Sir John
Winell, who, for his great services to Hen. VI. was created Baron of Wenlock, and Kt. of the Garter, but dying without
issue, his estate fell to his cousin and heir, Lawley, from whom the Lawleys of this Co. are descended. The members of Pt.
for this Bor. are chosen by the burgesses, who are about 100, and the bailiff returns them. 'Tis remarkable, that K.
Edward IV. empowered this Bor. by charter to send one member to Pt. which is the first precedent of any such privilege
inserted in the charter of any Bor.