HISTORY OF STAFFORDSHIRE. 257 



about the middle of the last century, he found the ancient mansion 

 in a ruinous state. The situation was also repulsive to a man of 

 taste, being low, and without any advantage of prospect. Sir Ed- 

 ward, therefore, resolved to erect a new mansion in Teddesley 

 Park, about three miles from the ancient seat at Pilaton. 



Teddesley-hall is built on the verge of Teddesley Hay, which is 

 extra-parochial, and part of Cannock-heath. The waste lands in 

 this extensive manor are now under enclosure, which will contract 

 the enormous waste of Cannock-heath. Sir Edward Littleton 

 married Miss Horton, May 10, 1752, by whom he had no issue. 

 He was chosen five times to represent the county in Parliament, 

 and was remarkable for his patriotism in the senate, and his hos- 

 pitality at his country residence. When the Staffordshire and 

 Worcestershire canal was projected, Sir Edward warmly patronized 

 this great public work, subscribed for a number of shares, was al- 

 ways one of the committee for managing the business, and passed 

 the canal through his manors and estates from Galey Wharf to Acton 

 Trussell, a distance of upwards of four miles. The canal was cut 

 through the demesne of Teddesley, and within half a mile of the 

 mansion, thus affording a convenient supply of coal, lime, and build- 

 ing materials. During his long residence at Teddesley, Sir Edward 

 promoted general improvements in agriculture, and the comfort of 

 those around him. His mansion was noted as the scene of old 

 English hospitality, where plenty of roast beef and good ale were 

 provided for all decent visitors, without riot, profusion, or wasteful- 

 ness. The ancient Christmas festivities of Twelfth-night, were kept 

 up for the gratification of the inhabitants of the surrounding coun- 

 try as long as the health of the beneficent owner permitted. Sir 

 Edward died at Teddesley, and was succeeded in his estates by 

 E. J. Walhouse, Esq. his nephew, who took the name of Littleton. 



The parish of Penkridge contains several other townships, vil- 

 lages, and hamlets, particularly Coppenhall, Dunston, Lovedale, 

 and Drayton ; Mitton, Otherton, Pilaton, and Water-Eaton ; Rod- 

 baston, and Whiston. The total population of the parish in 1811, 

 was 2,243 persons. 



Cuttlestone-bridge, over the Penk, about three quarters of a mile 

 south-west of the town on the road to Stafford, gives name to the 

 hundred. 



CONGREVE, a village higher up on the Penk, is said to be the birth- 

 place of Congreve the poet. It was the birth-place of that eminent 

 prelate, Bishop Hurd, who held the spot in some veneration. It 



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