SPiHEWSBURV. 237 



the recreation of hunting in the neighbourhood. 

 Thefe fervices were impofed as a punifliment ; for, 

 not many years before the conqueft, Edric Streon, 

 duke of Mercia, having, near this place, lain in wait 

 for, and murdered prince Afhelm, as he v/as return- 

 ing from the chace. 



The burgeifes of Shrewfbury had many privileges 

 even before the conquef: ; and Henry I. on the for- 

 feiture of Robert de Belefme, fon to Montgomery, 

 feized the town into his own hands, and granted to 

 the burgeffes their firH; charter. By various grants 

 and charters in this and fubfequent reigns, the bur- 

 geffes, amongfh others, were allowed the following 

 privileges : — To hold all pleas except thofe of the 

 crown : — to receive toil and cuflom from all the 

 Welfli that traded in the town. — They were ex- 

 empted from pontage, toll, and all exactions of bur- 

 geifes throughout the kingdom, except London.— 

 Their goods could not 'be feized for any forfeiture 

 made by their fervants. — They could in no cafe be 

 fummoned to appear before any others than bur- 

 geifes, their peers. — No fheriiT, or other officer, 

 could diftrain within the hberties of the town ; — and 

 no burgefs could be arrefled, nor have his goods 

 feized. In the reign of Elizabeth the town was in- 

 corporated ; and the charter of the incorporation 

 Was afterwards confirmed by Charles I. and James II. 

 The corporation confiils of a mayor, twenty-four 

 aldermen, forty-eight affiftants, and inferior officers. 

 "—The town returns two members to parliament. 



Several 



