1849 Hunts Directory

Thornbury has had a nominal corporation consisting of a mayor and 12 aldermen from so early a period that its very origin is lost in the labyrinth of antiquity.  The manor is held by Henry Howard Esq who holds an annual court leet and a court of record for the Honour of Gloucester, which takes cognizance of pleas to any amount, every three weeks; besides which courts are held for the recovery of debts under 40s during the latter period for the borough and hundred, but these are now rendered obsolete by the operation of the New Small Debts Court here held once a month.

Thornbury is a polling station at the election of member for the western division of the county and gives a poor law union, comprising 21 parishes and an area of 87 square miles.

Apart from St Marys Church, now undergoing complete repair, there are chapels for the use of Baptists, Independents, and Wesleyans and the Society of Friends has a meeting house The charities are an almshouse, a free grammar school  and a free school for children.

The market, formerly held every Saturday, now takes place every second Wednesday, every month. The fairs are on Easter Monday, August 15^th, and the Monday next before 21^st December.

Population – Thornbury parish with its several chapelries and tythings contained 4706 inhabitants in 1841 .

Post Office – George Shepherd, postmaster.  Letters are delivered daily at 10am, and despatched to all parts, at 2.50pm.  Box closes at 2.30, but letters may be posted to 2.45 by paying a fee of 1d extra.

Railway – the nearest stations are Charfield and Yate (both about 7 miles) on the Birmingham and Bristol railway.

Coaches  – to Bristol the Mail from the Swan, daily at 3pm; and Red Rover from James Prewett’s at 8.15am.

Carriers – to Bristol, Baylis, also Greenland on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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