ROYAL CHASE OF SHIRLOT. 41 



as it affords an insight into the early iron manufac- 

 turing operations whicli, at a later period, led to the 

 destruction of forest trees, but, at the same time, to 

 the development of the mineral wealth of the dis- 

 trict within and bordering upon the forest. Of its 

 origin nothing is known ; but it is supposed to have 

 arisen out of some kingly peril or other forest inci- 

 dent connected with the chase. It consisted in this, 

 that the tenant of the king at the More held his 

 land upon the condition that he appeared yearly in 

 the Exchequer with a hazel rod of a year's growth 

 and a cubit's length, and two knives. The treasurer 

 and barons being present, the tenant was to attempt 

 to sever the rod with one of the knives, so that it 

 bent or broke. The other knife was to do the same 

 work at one stroke, and to be given up to the king's 

 chamberlain for royal use.* 



That iron was manufactured at a very early 

 period in the heart of the forests of Shirlot and the 

 Glees, is shown by Leland, who informs us that in 

 his day there were blow-shops upon the Brown Glee 

 Hills in Shropshire, where iron ores were exposed 

 upon the hill sides, and where, from the fact that 



* For additional particulars respecting tliis interesting tenure 

 we refer the reader to the Appendix B. 



