Wright's Directory of South Derbyshire 1874

SHIRLEY

Shirley is a parish and village 4½ miles (S.E by S) from Ashbourne, in the hundred of Appletree, union and county court district of Ashbourne, archdeaconry of Derby and rural deanery of Cubley. Most of the land still belongs to the Shirleys, from whom the place is named, and whose familiy is now represented by Earl Ferrers. The hall, now a farmhouse, still bear some of its ancient features, including the moat by which the grounds are nearly surrounded. There is some beautiful scenery in the vicinity of the park. The church dedicated to St. Michael is a beautiful building, with nave aisles, chancel and handsome tower. The body was built about the 14th or 15th century. The north aisle was added in 1843 at a cost of £800. There is a remarkable yew tree in the church yard. The vicarage house was built in 1827 by a former vicar, the Rev. Walter Augustus Shirley, archdeacon of Derby, who was afterwards appointed Bishop of Sodor and Man. He died in 1847. The vicarage is of the annual value of £125 with residence, and the next presentation is in the hands of Mrs. Shirley. There is a National School and Wesleyan chapel. The acreage of the parish is 1,582 and the population in 1871 was 279. The lord of the manor is Earl Ferrers. Yeaveley is a hamlet in this parish. The feast is on the Sunday before Michaelmas day.
   The wall letter box is cleared at 6 p.m. Letters are delivered at 7.30. Nearest Money Order and Telegraph office, Brailsford, under Derby.
Cooke Geo. butcher
Goodall Miss Elzh. dress maker
Goodall Miss Leah       do
Gregory Fdk. shopr
Maskery Mrs. Ann, milliner and dress maker
Maskery, Jno. boot maker
Mason, Jno. brick maker
Powys, Rev, Chs. Fdk. M.A.