MORE ABOUT SHROPSHIRE Shropshire is one of the largest and most beautiful counties in England. Its scenery is both spectacular and varied from the hills to the south and west of the county to the lakes and canals of the north and east. It is a walkers' paradise. The Long Mynd, Offa's Dyke and the rocky, mysterious Stiperstones are just some of the exciting places to be explored on foot. Wild life enthusiasts would also be well rewarded by a visit to Shropshire as many parts are comparatively free from development. Larks circle over the hill fort at Oswestry and the lakes at Ellesmere are visited by unusual waterfowl - especially in the winter. For history lovers there is much to see starting with the little moated manor at Stokesay and, nearby, the impressive ruins of Ludlow castle. It was here that Prince Arthur, the sickly brother of Henry V!!! died aged 16, enabling Henry to inherit the throne. Other interesting ruins include Clun castle, Shrewsbury Castle, the priory at Much Wenlock and, of course, the remains of the famous Roman city of Viroconium which lie not far from Shrewsbury. Boscobel House is also a "must" for it is here that Charles !! hid during his escape after the Battle of Worcester. Above all, a visit to the Ironbridge Gorge at Coalbrookdale is an unforgettable experience. This is a U.N. World Heritage Site, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Here, Abraham Darby first fired his furnaces using coke instead of charcoal and so was able to produce cast iron cheaply and plentifully. The Ironbridge Museum takes us back to that exciting time and there are also the Coalport China Factory and Jackfield Tile Factory museums to visit. Dominating this amazing place is the world-famous Iron Bridge itself spanning the River Severn. It was the world's first iron bridge and was opened in 1781. Gardeners will be interested in the annual Sweet Pea Festival in Wem and should also visit the wonderful gardens at Hodnet Hall. Both historic Shrewsbury with its museums and ultra-modern Telford are excellent shopping centres. In Telford park, a visit to "Wonderland" makes a wonderful treat for young children for here they can seek out their favourite fairy story characters such as Red Riding Hood, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and Toad of Toad Hall. All these places and many more can be viewed in the comfort of your own home with our video "Shropshire - A Land fit for Poets". See also: |
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