Aldridge in 1859

ALDRIDGE (ST. MARY), a parish, in the union of WALSALL, S. division of the hundred of OFFLOW and of the county of STAFFORD, 3 miles (E. N. E.) from 
Walsall ; containing, with the chapelry of Great Barr, 2094 inhabitants, of whom 1007 are in the township of Aldridge. The neighbourhood affords a kind of clay, well adapted for the manufacture of the finest sort of pottery and tiles, which are made in great quantities. An extensive distillery is also carried on ; and the trade of the district is greatly facilitated by the Wyrley and Essington Extension canal, which passes within a quarter of a mile of the village.

The living is a rectory, with the perpetual curacy of Great Barr annexed, valued in the king's books at  £8.1.3.; net income, £905 ; patron, Sir E. D. Scott, Bart. The glebe comprises 30 acres. The Wesleyans have a place of worship ; and there are two free schools ; one with an endowment of about £110 per annum, founded in 1718, by the Rev. John Jordan, and the other endowed with £12 per annum. The remains of a Roman encampment are visible 
in the parish. 

[Description(s) from The Topographical Dictionary of England (1859) by Samuel Lewis - Transcribed by Mike Harbach ©2020]