Bridgnorth

Bridgnorth is a town in Shropshire, England. It is split into Low Town and High Town, named on account of their elevations relative to the River Severn. It is the seat of the Bridgnorth district. As of the 2001 census the district's population was 52,497. The population of the town of Bridgnorth is estimated to be 11,500.

Low Town is home to the Severn Valley Railway, which runs southwards to Kidderminster. Low Town is connected to the High Town by the steepest inland cliff railway in Britain, the Castle Hill Railway.

 
High Town is dominated by Bridgnorth Castle and St Mary's church, designed by Thomas Telford. Other notable buildings in the town are the seventeenth century Bridgnorth Town Hall, a surviving town gate, and Daniel's Mill, a watermill.

The Castle, built in 1190 by Robert de Belleme (later Earl of Shrewsbury) was besieged four times in its history, last by the Roundheads in 1646 during the English Civil War. Parliamentary forces used an artificial hill (Panpudding Hill) across from the castle in order to bombard it. The castle survived the seige only to be blown up by the Roundheads in order to prevent its use by the Royalists. The only part that remains, part of the great tower, leans at an angle greater than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

 
On August 21, 2003, Bridgnorth was granted Fairtrade Town status.

It is popular with Black Country tourists and drinkers because of, amongst many other things, its 27 pubs, including 'The Golden Lion', 'The Railwayman's Arms', 'The Black Horse' and 'The Black Boy'.

Bridgnorth is the home of a well-known folk festival.

Nazi HQ of Britain? In 2005, German papers from 1941 were discovered outlining a possible Nazi invasion of the United Kingdom. There is a lot of detail about two Shropshire towns in the documentation - Ludlow and Bridgnorth. Some experts now believe that it was Hitler's intention to make Bridgnorth his HQ in Britain, due to its central, but rural, location and its now disused airfield.

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Oswestry

Oswestry is a market town in Shropshire which is very close to the Welsh border. The town has many Welsh street names since the town changed hands between the English and Welsh a number of times.

Oswestry gets its name from Oswald's Tree. There are several historic buildings in the town which still has a market held each Wednesday. A statue of a shepherd and his sheep in Market Square reminds us that prior to the late 1960's and an outbreak of foot and mouth disease the livestock market was held within the town.

The town has a number of good independent shops, pubs and cafe's and is a popular destination for visitors especially at weekends. 

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Ironwork Centre - Oswestry

From humble beginnings in 2008 as a theatre company for amateur performers and singers this fund raising arts centre has raised money for charity and diversified into other areas resulting in a huge collection of ironworks and creative artifacts.

As you approach the main buildings you drive through a large field resplendent with large full scale models of animals from all parts of the globe. Even before you get inside you know you are visiting something special.

With resident crafts people, a warehouse full to the brim with interesting and exciting ironworks this is definitely worth a visit. For details on opening times please visit their website.

Whitehall, Aston, Oswestry, SY11 4JH 
(opposite the Oswestry Golf Course on the A5)

www.blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk

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Ashby de la Zouch

Ashby de la Zouch is famous for its castle. It also became prosperous as a Spa town in the 19th century and its main street has many fine buildings from this era.

The name Ashby de la Zouch comes from a nobleman of the 12th century but Ashby is also a word in Anglo Danish wich means Ash tree farm or settlement. The La Zouche family took lands here after the Norman Conquest but eventually the town and estate came into the ownership of the Hastings family. The castle was actually built by the first Lord Hastings in the 15th century  and today it is an impressive ruin and a tourist attraction.

Coal mining and brick making around the town were the main industries until recent times along with leather and cotton working. Today United Biscuits provides much needed emplyment in the area.

Ashby de la Zouch has its own museum which tells the story of the towns history. Nearby there is also the Heart of the National Forest Visitor Centre at Moira which provides an outdoor forest experience in a woodland setting. Throughout the year events take place here and there is an Adventure Woodland play area and woodland trails and sculptures.

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Coughton Court

Splendid Tudor House. The Throckmorton family have been here since 1409. There are ties with the Gunpowder Plot and an exhibition which illustrates the family and estates involvement. 

Features central gatehouse, courtyard and fine collections of furniture, porcelain and paintings. The walks are interesting and take into account two churches, a lake, a river, the walled flower garden and bog garden.

Alcester, Coughton Alcester B49 5JA. Telephone: 01789 400777

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