Parishmouse Free Resources For Family Historians

Clun. A parish in the Clun division of the hundred of Clun, a vicarage, in the diocese of Hereford, the deanery of Clun, and archdeaconry of Salop. 324 houses, 2,781 inhabitants. 5 miles south-west by south of Bishopscastle. It derives its name from its river Colun, or Clun. It is an insignificant and neglected town, and possesses little worthy of observation, except its castle, which has long been a ruin. It was erected in the reign of Henry the third, by William Fitz-alan, to one of whose ancestors the manor had devolved by marriage to the family of Say. John, the son of William, was captain-general of the forces, commanding the Welsh marshes, and this castle was, in those turbulent times, a stronghold for warriors, and a receptacle of their plunder. It remained in his line, down to the reign of Queen Elizabeth, when the last earl died. By the marriage of Mary Fitz-alan, with Philip Howard, the son of Thomas Duke of Norfolk, it became vested in that noble family. From thence it passed to the Walcotts, and afterwards by purchase to Lord Clive, in whose family it continues. The Duke of Norfolk still retains the title of Baron of Clun. Fairs, Whitsunday, and Nov. 22; the last is a great fair for sheep. See appendix.

Source: The Shropshire Gazetteer, with an Appendix, including a Survey of the County and Valuable Miscellaneous Information, with Plates. Printed and Published by T. Gregory, Wem, 1824