The Medieval Heart of Shrewsbury
Before the 1300s the busiest market place and the heart of Shrewsbury
was the area around St. Alkmund’s Place. Stalls and live animals
would occupy the churchyard as well as the streets.
This area still retains an intensely historic feel with black & white buildings in the shadow of St. Alkmund’s Church. Street names reflect the activity that went on there – Butcher Row, Fish Street, and don’t miss Grope Lane, the alley of ill repute that connects St. Alkmund’s Place with The Square.
One side of St. Alkmund’s Place is taken up by a timber hall and cottages dating back to the 1400s, known as Bear Steps from the short flight of steps which leads to the street and an inn called The Bear which stood opposite.