All about Shrewsbury
There can't be many towns with 660 listed buildings, a museum in an old music hall and carved characters peering down at you from a c.1500's building. And have you heard about Shrewsbury's 921 years of wine buffs and Darwin's school days?
Founded by the Saxons and developed mostly by the Tudors, there's no place like Shrewsbury and you spot it as soon as you step out of the train station (which has the largest mechanical signal box in the world).
Shrewsbury's name has evolved from Old English Scrobbesburh, its later Welsh name Amwythig means "fortified place"
The town centre is neatly scooped up in the loop of the River Severn. Inside the loop crisscrossing Medieval streets are lined with wonky buildings containing original and one-off shops and street names that truly tell a story - look out for Butcher Row, Fish Street and Grope Lane.
If you're exploring on foot then don't miss the statue of Charles Darwin outside the library. Darwin was born in the town and went to Shrewsbury School which was then housed in the library buildings and follow a Darwin Trail around town. Look out for the Quantum Leap sculpture on the riverbank opposite Theatre Severn which was created to mark Darwin's 200th birthday.
Founded in 1083, the Shrewsbury Abbey was once the centre of Norman and Medieval power in the region as well as the centre of a daily prayer, study and work for a community of monks. It's still a place of worship today and well worth a visit.
From the red sandstone castle walls, you'll see why Shrewsbury Castle was once a place to guard the town. Inside the walls lies the Museum of the Shropshire Regiments, which is dedicated to the King's Shropshire Light Infantry.
Explore Shrewsbury's history
Posted 7 February 2018
Historic Architecture in Shrewsbury
In Shrewsbury the very very old, sits along side the very very new.
Posted 1 August 2022
Shrewsbury Stories
Scooped in the loop of the River Severn, Shrewsbury is a town oozing with history. Whether from the comfort of your home, whilst commuting or out and…
Posted 28 February 2022
6 inspiring women from Shrewsbury
For some inspiring International Women's Day reading, we've collected a selection of the most impressive women to have called Shrewsbury home.
Posted 8 September 2020
Famous historic faces of Shrewsbury
The cobbled streets of Shrewsbury have been home to many significant figures in British history. Read on to discover some unexpected names.
Posted 10 September 2018
Charles Darwin in Shrewsbury
The father of evolution, Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury on 12th February 1809 at Mount House. Before attending Edinburgh and Cambridge…
Posted 13 November 2019
A guide to Shrewsbury's historic pubs
Nestled within the loop of the River Severn, Shrewsbury is a town steeped in history. Archaeological evidence dates the town back to the 7th century,…
Discover Shrewsbury's quirky side
Posted 22 April 2022
Shrewsbury's Architecturally unique buildings
Shrewsbury may be famous for its Tudor and Georgian architecture - but it isn't all black and white! Alongside the very old, you'll also find the…
Posted 12 January 2023
Shrewsbury in TV and film
Over the decades, Shrewsbury’s been at home on the big screen. From the George C Scott 1984 classic A Christmas Carol to the BBC’s BAFTA…
Posted 13 November 2019
A guide to Shrewsbury's historic pubs
Nestled within the loop of the River Severn, Shrewsbury is a town steeped in history. Archaeological evidence dates the town back to the 7th century,…
Take a tour
Posted 26 April 2022
Guided walking tours of Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury Visitor Information Centre offers year-round walking tours of Shrewsbury in the heart of the historic town.
Shrewsbury Prison
The current prison buildings are Victorian, built in 1868 but there has been a prison on that site since 1793. The prison was decommissioned by the…
Open Today 10:00AM - 5:00PM
The Sabrina Boat
Join the Sabrina Boat and take in the beauty of Shrewsbury as you take a daytime cruise past the stunning Quarry Park and the town’s historic…
Open Today 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Posted 27 March 2023
Shrewsbury Heritage Trail
Welcome to your passport to Shrewsbury's heritage! Follow the trail to explore some of our architectural and historical gems and stories of people…
Posted 15 September 2020
The Darwin Shrewsbury Trail
Shrewsbury boasts many buildings and locations that were the backdrop to many pivotal moments in Darwin’s early life. His story is written on the…
Posted 4 January 2019
Shrewsbury's four churches
Shrewsbury's churches are packed with significant stories and awesome architecture. This tour takes you from medieval times to the Georgian period to…
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