The seat was founded in 1468 as a borough constituency and was represented throughout its history by two burgesses.
Much Wenlock's constituency boundaries ran from Leighton to just west of Dawley, to Ironbridge, and finally to just east of Madeley along the northern border; travelling eastwards, the boundaries ran from just east of Madeley to the bend in the River Severn, following the river thereafter.
The far southern border, commencing in the east, travelled along the southern part of the Severn across to Easthope; the western border, running northwards, going from Easthope through to Benthall, and onwards back to Leighton.
Weld-Forester was appointed Groom of the Bedchamber to William IV, requiring a by-election.
Gaskell was appointed a Lord Commissioner of the Treasury, requiring a by-election.