Did You Know...?

What is the population of Shrewsbury?

Shrewsbury's population has grown from about 1,000 recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 to about 70,000 today.

Important Buildings to see

Shrewsbury Castle

Shrewsbury Castle

Originally a motte & bailey castle built soon alter The Norman Conquest, by Roger de Montgomery cousin to William the Conqueror, to guard the two river crossings and establish control of the central Marches (English/Welsh borders). Many additions and changes over the centuries. In 1790 Thomas Telford remodelled the 12th century great hall into a family home. It now house the Shropshire Regimental Museum.

St. Mary's Church

Shrewsbury only complete medieval church. The treasure of the church is the large colourful 14th century 'Jesse' window. (Jesse is the lather of King David in the bible). Also beautiful 15th century carved ceiling.

Shrewsbury Abbey

Founded in 1073 as a Benedictine monastery. Across the road is the remains of the pulpit which stood in the refectory (monks dining room). Selling for Ellis Peters' 'Brother Cadlael' mystery stories. Shrewsbury Railway Station -officially opened in 1848 and built in imitation 'Tudor' style.

Shrewsbury Library

Shrewsbury Library

Was formerly Shrewsbury School, built in 1552. Charles Darwin went to school here and his statue stands in front of the building.

St. Chad's Church

Completed in 1792. The round nave (controversial al the lime) is the largest 01 its type in England.

The Lion Hotel

It's famous Assembly Room has seen renowned guests such. as Charles Dickens and Benjamin Disraeli. In 1830 Madame Tussaud presented an exhibition and the following year Paganini performed two concerts there.

The Old Market Hall

In The Square. Built in 1596, for trading in cloth on the upper floor, probably a corn or produce market below in the open arched area. Look for the 'Tudor' abacus in the corner (a matrix of holes in the stone for counting). Now houses a studio cinema and a café bar.

Bear Steps

Group of 15th century timber collages and hall now housing an art gallery and café and located in the picturesque historic heart of the town.

Famous People

Charles Darwin

Born on The Mount, Frankwell just outside the town centre, in 1809.

Wilfred Owen

The most famous of the First World War poets, killed in action. The Owen family lived near to and attended Shrewsbury Abbey where a memorial tablet and sculpture can be seen.

Robert Clive

Better known as Clive of India, secured India for the British Empire in the Battle Of Plassey in 1757. Aller his return to England he was elected three times as MP for Shrewsbury, but charges of corruption led to his fall from grace and unexplained death in 1774.

Lord Hill

Second in command to the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo, his statue can be seen at the top of the Column, the tallest Doric column in the world at 133.5 feel (and erected in Lord Hill's lifetime).

Martin Wood

Shrewsbury's Town Crier, tallest in the world at 7 ft 2 inches.

What else to see and do

The Quarry and The Dingle

A 29 acre riverside park and beautiful sunken flower garden.

The River Severn

Which almost encircles the town. Easy. scenic walks along the tow path and through The Quarry.

River Cruises

Sabrina cruise boat, Shrewsbury

On Sabrina cruise boat, from Victoria Quay by Welsh Bridge, from Easter to October (conditions permitting). Canoe hire from Shrewsbury Marine by Theatre Severn.

Guided Town Tours

Everyday May - Sept. and Monday -Saturday in October. Every Saturday the rest of the year. From the Visitor Information Centre.

Theatre Severn, Frankwell

Shrewsbury's new riverside theatre. Full programme of theatre, shows, music. dance etc ... café with river views and balcony open during the day.

Old Market Hall

Stylish café bar and cinema in the 16th century building in The Square.

Shropshire Regimental Museum

Located in Shrewsbury Castle.

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery

Rowleys House, Barker Street - collections reflecting life in Shropshire from prehistoric of modem times plis special exhibitions. Also houses the Visitor Information Centre. Both will move to the restored and redeveloped Music Hall in The Square in summer 2012.

Cineworld

Multi screen cinema on Old Potts Way.

Shropshire Wildlife Trust

Wildlife garden (free to visit), wildlife information and shop. plus various workshops and activities. On Abbey Foregate opposite Shrewsbury Abbey.

Markets

Indoor market beneath the 1960's clocktower on Shoplatch. Main market days Tues. Wed. Fri. Sat. (toilets on upper floor are accessible by lift).

Farmers Market

In The Square first Friday of every month. Art & Craft market in The Square, second Saturday of every month.

Shopping

Especially lots of interesting independent shops such as boutiques. delicatessens, crafts & gilts & old established family businesses like Tanners Wines and Birches Ironmongers.

Out of town

Battlefield 1403

Visitor exhibition about the Battle of Shrewsbury when Harry Hotspurs rebellion against Henry IV was foiled. plus farm shop & restaurant. Attingham Park -National Trust Regency age hall and deer park.

Wroxeter Roman City

Ruins of the fourth largest city of Roman Britain. English Heritage property. Wroxeter Roman Vineyard - vineyard tours by arrangement. Farm & vineyard shop. Two World Heritage Sites within 40 minutes drive - Ironbridge Gorge Museums near Telford, and (new - designated in June 2009) Pontcysyllte (Ponty) Aqueduct and Canal on the Welsh-Shropshire border al Chirk.

Click here to download the Shrewsbury fact sheet (PDF version).