Photograph of Oil Painting by Hilda Kent of The Talbot and Town Hall

George Talbot the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, was the only son of Francis Talbot, 5th Earl of Shrewsbury and Mary Dacre. As a young man George saw military service under Protector Somerset in the ‘Rough Wooings’ in Scotland and he married Gertrude Manners, daughter of the 1st Earl of Rutland, by whom he had six children, although she died in 1566. In March 1568, he married Bess of Hardwick, the wealthy widow of Sir William Cavendish of Chatsworth, who was a year older than himself.
The first creation of Earl of Shrewsbury occurred in 1074 for Roger de Montgomerie, one of William the Conqueror's principal counsellors. Roger thus became one of the most powerful magnates in England, ruling most of Shropshire and holding lands in eleven other counties, and included most of Bampton which continued to belong to the family through future generations.
Roger was succeeded in 1094 by his younger son Hugh, his elder son Robert of Belléme succeeding to his lands in Normandy. On Hugh's death in 1098 the earldom passed to his brother Robert.
More information about the Earls of Shrewsbury can be found in the pdf attached.

Talbot, Thompson grocery store, Viner the miliner, Joyner the bakers

Town Hall with some archways blocked up, Talbot Inn, grocers and Duttons

Picture postcard across the east end of the Market Square showing part of the Town Hall, The Drapers, The Talbot and Hythe House. It is addressed to Mrs W. J. Johnson at Syringa Cottage in Aston post dated September 28th 1905

Jean and Peter Elliott who were the licensees of The Talbot Hotel.

Jean and Peter Elliott who were the licensees of The Talbot Hotel.

A hunt meet outside The Talbot & Rosemary House.

Horse Fair outside the Talbot. Carts outside Thompsons, the high class grocers