The history of the worthies of England who for parts and learning have been eminent in the several counties : together with an historical narrative of the native commodities and rarities in each county / endeavoured by Thomas Fuller.

¶ A note to the Reader.

I have heard the natives of this County confess and complain of a comparative dearth (in proportion to other Shires) of Benefactors to the publick. But sure, Shropshire is like to the Mulberry, which putteth forth his leaves last of all Trees, but then maketh such speed, (as sensible of his slowness with an ingenious shame) that it over∣taketh those trees in Fruit, which in Leaves started long before it. As this Shire of late hath done affording two of the same surname still surviving, who have dipp'd their hands so deep in charitable morter.

Sir * 1.1 THOMAS ADAMS, Kt. was born at Wem in this County, bred a Draper in London, where God so blessed his honest industry, that he became Lord Major thereof 164.. A man, who hath drunk of the bitter waters of Meribah without making a bad face thereat, cheerfully submitting himself to Gods pleasure in all conditions.

He gave the house of his nativity, to be a Free School (that others might have their breeding, where he had his birth) and hath liberally endowed it. He liveth in due honor and esteem and, I hope, will live to see many years, seeing there is no better Collurium or Eye-salve to quicken and continue ones sight, than in his life time to behold a building erected for the publick profit.

WILLIAM ADAMS Esq. was born at Newport in this County, bred by Trade a Haberdasher in London, where God so blessed his endeavours, that he fined for Alderman in that City. God had given him an heart and hand proportionable to his estate, having founded in the Town of his nativity a School-house in the form following.

• 1 The building is of Brick, with Windowes of free stone, wherein the School is Threescore and ten in length, and two and twenty foot in breadth and height.
• ...

  2 Over it a fair Library furnished with plenty and choise Books.

  At the South end, the lodgings of the Schoolmaster, whose salary is sixty; On the North the Ushers, whose stipend is thirty pounds per annum.

• 3 Before the front of the School a stately Crupto-porticus, or fair walk all the length of

• the School, with Pillars erected, and on the top thereof a leaden Tarras, with Railes, and Barristers.
• 4 Two Alms-houses for poor people, at convenient distance from the School, with competent maintenance.
• 5 Two Gardens a piece, for School-master and Usher, with well nigh two Acres of ground for a place for the Scholars to play in.
• 6 The Rent for the maintenance thereof deposed in the hands of Trustees, a year before, that in case of casualty there may be no complaint.
• 7 More intended for the settlement of exhibitions to Scholars chosen hence to the University, as God hereafter shall direct the founder. But who for the present can hold from praising so pious a performance.

Come Momus, who delight do'st take, Where none are found, there faults to make: And count'st that cost, and care, and pain, Not spent on thee, all spent in vain. See this bright structure, till that smart Blind thy blear-eyes, and grieve thy heart. Some Cottage-Schools are built so low, The Muses there must groveling go. Here, whilst Apollo's sharp doth sound, The Sisters Nine may dance around; And Architects may take from hence The Pattern of magnificence. Then grieve not, Adams, in thy mind, 'Cause you have left no Child behind: Unbred! unborn, is better rather If so, you are a second Father To all bred in this School so fair, And each of them thy Son and Heir.

Long may this Worthy person live to see his intentions finished and compleated, to his own contentment.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Dub'd by K. Charles the II at the Hague, when sent thithera Com∣missioner for the City of London.