Wenlock

Wenlock, a municipal borough of Shropshire, extending over more than 50 sq. m., and comprising Much Wenlock, Broseley (q.v.), Coalport, Madeley, Ironbridge, and Coalbrookdale (q.v.). It was incorporated by Edward IV. in 1448, and till 1885 returned two members to parliament. Much Wenlock, under the north-east end of Wenlock Edge, 12 miles SE. of Shrewsbury, has a quaint guild-hall (restored 1848), a market-hall (1879), a corn exchange (1852), a museum, and interesting remains of a Cluniac abbey, originally founded as a nunnery about 680 by Penda's granddaughter, St Milburga, and refounded in 1080 by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury. Pop. of borough (1861) 19,699; (1891) 15,703-2180 in Much Wen- lock registration district. For the Wenlock group in geology, see SILURIAN SYSTEM.