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Wem is a market-town, near the source of the Rodan, distant from London one hundred and fort-eight miles, nine from Salop, thirty-two from Chester, and twenty from Newport. Market-day on Thursday; and fairs May 6, June 29, and November 22. it is a place of great antiquity. Wem was the title bestowed by King James II on his worthless and wicked lord-chancellor Judge Jefferies. In 1676 great part of the town was burnt down. Sir Thomas Adams, lord-mayor of London, gave the house in which he was born to be a free-school for the children of this town. The church has a square tower and six bells.
Post-Office – The post is dispatched for London Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, at eight in the evening; arrives from London every Morning at five o’clock, except Tuesday. Dispatched for Whitchurch Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, at eight in the evening; arrives from Whitchurch Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, at the same hour: William Deakin, post-master.
There is no stage or mail coach to or from this town. – A wagon from the White Horse inn, to Manchester, every Tuesday. – James Brown’s cart to Shrewsbury Saturday and Wednesday; returns the same days. – The following are the principal inhabitants:

GENTRY, &C.

Bickerton Mrs.
Cokebourn Capt. George, Navy
Dickin Thomas, Esq.
Hodgson Mr. John
Roberts Owen, Esq.
Wickstead Mr. Richard

CLERGY.

Aslet Rev. William, Dissenting Minister
Dickin Rev. George
Edwards Rev. Peter, Dissenting Minister
Smallbrook Rev. Samuel
Spedding Rev. John
Walker Rev. Richard

PHYSIC.

Clay Joseph, Surgeon
Gwinn Edward, Surgeon
Higgins Thomas, Surgeon

LAW.

Henshaw John, Attorney
Jeffreys William, Attorney
Lee John, Attorney
Walford John, Attorney

TRADERS.

Allison John, Shoemaker
Ashford Joseph, Hair-dresser
Bagshaw John, White Horse Inn
Baker John, Taylor
Basford Daniel, Clockmaker
Briscoe John, Baker
Brockham – , Wheelwright
Bucks Thomas, Currier
Bull John, Grocer
Cartwright William, Staymaker
Clayton Francis, Shoemaker
Colley Samuel, Maltster
Cook William, Farmer
Cottam John, Victualler, (Three Tuns)
Darlington Tho. Victualler, (Talbot)
Dawes George, Maltster
Drewry John, Victualler
Edwards James, Taylor
Elkes Tho. Victualler, (Buck’s Head)
Evans John, Shoemaker
Garbet James, Cabinet-maker
Golding Joseph, Victualler, (Hart)
Gough Edward, Currier
Gregory Thomas, Hair-dresser
Griffith William, Draper
Hales John, Victualler, (White Lion)
Hales Arthur, Smith
Hales John, Shoemaker
Hales Robert, Butcher and Victualler
Harris Thomas, Staffordshire-ware-shop
Hildish Joseph, Victualler, (Bull’s Head)
Howard Andrew, Hatter
Ireland Philip, Liquor Merchant
Jab William, Miller
Jeffreys Thomas, Miller
Jenkins Tho. Victualler, (New Crown)
Jinkes William, Sadler
Jones Arthur, Gardener and Seedsman
Kelvert Anne, Milliner and Mantua-maker
Kitching David, Draper
Kynaston John, Baker
Lane Anne, Black Lion Inn
Lawrence James, Boot and Shoe Maker
Lee Sarah, Huckster
M’Call Samuel, Linen-draper
Mason John, Cabinet-maker
Morris Andrew, Taylor
Newns Richard, Farmer
Newns John, Victualler, (Horse and Jockey)
Parker Timothy, Skinner and Breeches-maker
Pidgeon Thomas, Butcher
Pidgeon William, Chandler & Butcher
Prince Sarah, Milliner
Prince Charles, Shoemaker
Ralph Elizabeth, Huckster
Richards Edward, Schoolmaster
Roberts Benjamin, Breeches-maker
Sandland Thomas, Staymaker
Sandland Thomas, Cabinet-maker
Sharrat Richard, Grocer and Ironmonger
Shaw Thomas, Shoemaker
Shenton William, Plumber and Glazier
Snape John, Taylor
Swanwick Mrs. Ladies Boarding-school
Vickers Richard, Swan Inn
Wilkinson Thomas, Farmer
Walford George, Timber-merchant
Walker John, Roper
Wamsley William, Maltster
Wamsley John, Draper
Watkiss John, Smith
Yond Samuel, Dyer

About three miles and a half from this town are the delightful seat and park of Sir Richard Hill, member of parliament for the county. – Redcastle is near Wem, on a rocky hill, anciently called Radcliff.

Source: Universal British Directory 1791