Shrewsbury

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County town of Shropshire, England

Human settlement in England

Population	71,715

Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire, England. It is situated on the River Severn, 9 miles (14 km) east of the Welsh border, 48 miles (77 km) west of Birmingham, and 153 miles (246 km) northwest of London. The town is the administrative centre of the Shropshire Council.

History

Shrewsbury has a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. It was founded around 800 AD and has been an important market town and military stronghold for centuries. The town played a significant role during the English Civil War, with the Battle of Shrewsbury taking place nearby in 1403.

Geography

Shrewsbury is located in the West Midlands region of England. The town is built on a meander of the River Severn, which forms a natural moat around the town centre. The surrounding area is predominantly rural, with the Shropshire Hills to the south and the Welsh Marches to the west.

Economy

The economy of Shrewsbury is diverse, with key sectors including retail, tourism, and professional services. The town is home to a number of independent shops, as well as larger chain stores. The Shrewsbury Market Hall is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

Landmarks

Shrewsbury is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, including:

• Shrewsbury Castle - A red sandstone castle built in the 11th century.
• Shrewsbury Abbey - Founded in 1083, it is one of the most important religious sites in the town.
• St Mary's Church - A medieval church with a distinctive spire.
• The Quarry - A large public park that hosts the annual Shrewsbury Flower Show.

Education

Shrewsbury is home to several educational institutions, including:

• Shrewsbury School - An independent school founded in 1552.
• Shrewsbury Sixth Form College - A college offering A-level courses.
• University Centre Shrewsbury - A higher education institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Transport

Shrewsbury is well-connected by road and rail. The town is served by the A5, A49, and A53 roads. Shrewsbury railway station provides regular services to Birmingham, Manchester, and Cardiff.

Culture

Shrewsbury has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events held throughout the year. The Shrewsbury Folk Festival and Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival are particularly popular. The town also has a number of theatres, including the Theatre Severn.

Notable People

• Charles Darwin - The famous naturalist was born in Shrewsbury in 1809.
• Wilfred Owen - The renowned war poet attended school in Shrewsbury.

Twin Towns

Shrewsbury is twinned with:

• Bayreuth, Germany
• Blois, France

See Also

• Shropshire
• River Severn
• Shrewsbury and Atcham (UK Parliament constituency)