Page:Remarks on a Tour to North and South Wales In the Year 1797.djvu/34

 miniature is intense; indeed, scarcely bearable; and the thick black smoke emitted from the smelting-houses almost suspends respiration. The coals necessary in such abundance for carrying on the different manufactories are conveyed in low carts, which are drawn up and down the surrounding precipices in groves laid in the ground, in which cast iron wheels run. The roads are entirely surfaced with clinkers, cinders, and dross from the iron ore. At Hay-gate(the foot of the Wrekin), we found nothing to tempt us to stop.

Shrewsbury is the next town; it is situated on an eminence, with two bridges over the Severn. The Castle was erected by Roger de Montgomery the first Earl, to whom it was granted by William the Conqueror; he also founded an Abbey here. In the reign of Henry III. part of the town was burnt by the Welsh. The corpse of Harry Percy, surnamed Hotspur, was here buried; but by order