Town of Salop 1793 56lb Brass Bell Weight

We do not know how or when this magnificent weight came into our possession.
 
In June 1960 Mr E. L. Ryley, Chief Weights & Measures Inspector in the County of Shropshire wrote to us saying ‘that in the records of the Quarter Session of the County of Salop 1793 it was resolved "whereas great inconvenience has arisen to the public from the practice of delivering articles by weight varying from those of established laws, that new standard weights be obtained” ‘. Mr Ryley goes on to say that this weight was probably purchased by Salop following on from that resolution, subsequently to be replaced when new standards were introduced.
 
Later research of the Shropshire Archives show that during the Mayoralty of John Rocke in 1794, the following items can be found in the bills and receipts:
 
"Receipt signed by Thomas Telford for 17s 'For making drawings for the piece of furniture to contain the weights and measures in the Exchequer and measuring and valuing the same.' "
 
"Ensuring that new legislation requiring accurate weights and measures is complied with …………..and a trip to London to check what was necessary to conform to the legislation and to order items from the scalemaker.”
 
"Receipt and bill from Charles de Grave 'scalemaker to his Majesty' for 30 3s 6d for making scales and weights of different sizes as well as a 'yard and ell measure' etc.”
 
This weight can be compared to the 1859 Borough of Shrewsbury 56lb brass weight on the 'Darwin Country' website run by Shrewsbury Museums Service, and this weight from Manchester dated 1754 in the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

 
Town of Salop 1793 56lb Brass Bell Weight

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