HISTORY OF STAFFORDSHIRE. 345 



has been celebrated for many eminent men, who were chiefly re- 

 markable for their warlike genius, and among others, James Lord 

 Audley, who was in the wars of France several times with King 

 Henry the Fifth ; but being sent by Queen Margaret, consort to 

 King Henry the Sixth, to encounter Richard Neville, Earl of Sa- 

 lisbury, he was slain on Blore Heath, (see page 328) and buried in 

 the Abbey of Derley, in Derbyshire. 



The village of Audley is situated on a hill; and the fields around 

 it are fertile, and in a high state of cultivation. It contains se- 

 veral good farm-houses, public-houses, and small tenements, some 

 of which are slated* and some thatched. The Church is an ancient 

 fabric, with a strong square tower of stone. It is built in the 

 Gothic style, and consists of the nave, a north and south aisle, and* 

 the chancel. Five pointed arches on each side separate the aisles 

 from the nave. The interior is clean, and the pews, which are of 

 oak, were made in the year 1793. There is an ancient gallery at 

 the west end, which belonged to the old church at Newcastle. The 

 church contains monumental inscriptions to Mr. Charles Toilet, 

 Dr. Henshall, and others. 



Audley Church is dedicated to St. James, and is a vicarage in 

 the patronage of George Toilet, Esq. of Betley. The Rev. Wil- 

 liam Hicken is vicar, and the Rev. Thomas Wright, curate. At 

 the north-east angle of the church-yard, and within its bounda- 

 ries, is a school-house erected by the benefactions of Edward 

 Vernon, and other benevolent individuals, for the instruction of one 

 hundred boys. 



There are also tables in the church containing an account of 

 benefactions to be distributed to the poor in bread and clothing. 



John Unwyn, of Clough, in this parish, Gent, who deceased this 

 life, Anno Domini 1641, did by his last will give to the parish of 

 Audley the sum of j80. to be lent to eight young tradesmen in 

 equal portions ; which eight are to be chosen, two out of each 

 quarter of the parish, and they to occupy the same for the space 

 of three years gratis, without paying interest for the same. 



The parish of Audley contains 469 houses, 517 families ; 1355 

 males, 1263 females : total, 2618. 



Coal abounds in this parish, and the mines afford employment 

 for many hands. The price of coals at some* of the works is nine 

 shillings per heap of from 25 to 30 cwt. 



At the bottom of the hill on which the village of Audley stands, 

 on the road to Talk-o'th'Hill, there is a chapel for the Wes- 



