Page:The Grand junction railway companion to Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham; (IA grandjunctionrai00free).pdf/129

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Grand Junction Line.
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endowed by Sir Steven Jenyns, Knt., a native of the town, and Mayor of London, Anno Domini 1508. It is liberally endowed to the amount of £1,200 annum, and has from between 140 to 160 boys on its foundation. Among the eminent men educated in this school, are the late Mr. Abernethy, the very eccentric but talented physician, who certainly will never add much to the reputation of the town for politeness; and Sir William Congreve, the eminent engineer, who invented that most destructive missile the Congreve Rocket. Here is also a Blue-coat School, for the education of 36 boys, and 30 girls. Wolverhampton was created a borough by the Reform Bill, and now sends two members to Parliament; the High Constable is the returning officer. This town has a very large and important trade, particularly in every branch of ironmongery, tools, brass, and japanned wares, all of which are here brought to the greatest perfection. It has the benefit of a large and very regular inland navigation by means of the Stafford and Worcester, and the Wyrley and Essington Canals, upon which fly-beats proceed daily to London, Liverpool, and the various places between them which lie on their course. The town contains a Theatre, Subscription Library, and Assembly and Concert Room, and a Dispensary. We must not entirely overlook the early history of this important town. In 996, a college was here founded by Wulfruna, sister of King Edgar, and widow of Aldhelem, Duke of Northampton; previous