Rodney’s Pillar and 3 Lovely Hills Near the Welsh Border on the Shrewsbu...

Rodney’s Pillar is visible far and wide in this part of the Shropshire/ Powys border between England and Wales.

We made this video because we think that relatively few people are aware that behind Rodney's pillar to the south and west there are two more lovely hills to walk and enjoy.

This is a beautiful area near the Welsh Border, but few tourists visit this area, mot people simply drive right-on past on their way to more publicised parts of Wales.

Rodney's Pillar is a Massive Obelisk

Rodney’s Pillar on top of Breidden Hill, Powys, is an obelisk commemorating Admiral Rodney’s victory over the French in 1782.

It was built by the gentlemen of Montgomeryshire who supplied oak wood from the area and shipped it down the River Severn to Bristol, to where Admiral Rodney’s fleet was built.
The Breidden Hills are an isolated group of three peaks south east of the River Severn about 13 miles from Shrewsbury and 6 miles north east of Welshpool.

The Breidden Hills

The Breidden Hills are a volcanic feature.
They dominate the area and stand over 1200ft high.
Footpaths lead up to the summit with wonderful views of Shropshire & Wales.

There are remains of an old hill fort which was occupied in Roman times, and may have been the site of the last stand of Caractacus.

Middletown Hill, the second peak is about 1195ft and stands on the north side of Middletown Village.

There are remains of an ancient camp, on Cefn-y-Castell.
Moel-y- Golfa is the highest of the three peaks at 1324 ft and is largely wooded.

There are footpaths over the Breidens which can be accessed off the B4393 Llandrinio to Crew Green road, turn right towards Criggion.
Text Source: www.oswestry-welshborders.org.uk/attractions/breidden-hill-rodneys-pillar/

William Shakespeare and Shrewsbury Associations Facts About the Bard

Facts About William Shakespeare Every Shropshire Resident Should Know

Fact 1 - In 1603, William Shakespeare is reported to have joined King James' theatre group and travelled to Shrewsbury.

And, performed in Shrewsbury, one of the very first places they chose to perform.

Shrewsbury was a great place to stage theatre events in those days.

The town was well-served by roads both North-South and East-West, the Shrewsbury of 1603 would have proved a pleasant destination, situated on a peninsula formed by the winding Severn River.

One reason for the King's Men's early plans to tour was no doubt the virulent plague that beset London at the time; it had closed the public theatres in the capital and in fact caused King James to delay his coronation until July 25th 1603.
Fact 2 - Shakespeare set the finale of his historic play Henry IV, in Shrewsbury at "The Battle of Shrewsbury" in 1403.

Remind me! Who was William Shakespeare again?

 "The Bard" was the English author of famous plays which although written over 400 years ago, are still regularly performed, and he lived during the Elizabethan era.

But why is Shakespeare considered such a great artist?

Born in England in 1564, William Shakespeare started his career as an actor and playwright as a member of the actors group the "Lord Chamberlain's company", which later became the "King's Company".

They played in several theatres until eventually they built the famous Globe Theatre in London which was their very first "own" stage.

As there were only male members in the company, every role had to be played by men.

But that wasn't the reason why Shakespeare's plays, like Othello or Hamlet, were very popular.

To match the various tastes of a diverse audience Shakespeare created texts of high complexity, containing relatively simple plots as well as subtle nuances.

Being the key to his success, his stories also contained multiple interlocking plots, twists and confusions, containing something for everyone in the audience.

So it wasn't just for common people, who enjoyed his works, his company even played at the king's court for the amusement of the aristocracy.

Beside the plays, Shakespeare also wrote a multitude of sonnets and poems.

At first his work consisted almost exclusively of histories and comedies, like "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Henry VI".

Later tragedies like "Hamlet" also became part of his portfolio.
In his work, Shakespeare used his own special language, rich in metaphors and vivid images.

He even created new words, which became formally established.
As a consequence many English words used today, like "lonely" and "gossip", make their first appearance in one of his plays or sonnets.

Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of 52.

His plays still amaze audiences when performed today.

Shakespeare's stories have even found their way into many of today's movies, books and music.

Plus, fortunately, nowadays women can also play Juliet.

Shrewsbury Shakespeare connection source: www.original www.shrewsbury.co.uk/news and the BBC website.

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You can watch this video on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/cHtwGh8Np-8

The Highest Points in Shropshire - A List of the 10 Highest Shropshire Hills

This list of the Highest 10 Shropshire Hills provides a wonderful subject, on which to base this slideshow style video. A video which shows images which display the beautiful hills of South Shropshire. Most of these hills are within the Shropshire AONB - (Area of Natural Beauty).

Source: shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk

List of the 10 Highest Shropshire Hills

Some of he hills of Shropshire are fine summits and well known, others are more wild and seldom trodden.

See how many hills in this list you know about.

1 - Brown Clee – Abdon Burf 540m. Is the highest point in Shropshire.

2 - The Stiperstones 536m (Long Mynd). The highest point is Manstone Rock. Be sure also to watch out for the Devil’s Chair.

3 - Titterstone Clee 533m, SO591779. In the south-east of the county, provides many views including to the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds.

4 - Long Mynd – Pole Bank 516m. Rises gently above the Long Mynd plateau.

5 - Clee Burf (Brown Clee) 510m. Slightly lower sister to the first in our list. This hill lies just to the south.

6 - Kerry Ridgeway 483m. One of the hilltops in the Clun Forest.

7 - Hoar Edge (Titterstone Clee) 478m. An outlier of Titterstone Clee close to the large Cleehill Quarry, with some interesting prehistoric cairns on its flat topped ridge.

8 - Yearlet 465m. A fine hill summit along the eastern edge of the Long Mynd.

9 - Caer Caradoc 459m. Above Church Stretton, Caradoc is one of the most beautiful of Shropshire’s Hills.

10 - Knolls (Long Mynd) 457m. Located in the southern part of the Long Mynd, it is well worth exploring.

We hope you enjoyed watching our list of the 10 Highest Shropshire Hills.

Find out more about walking the hills of the Logn Mynd around Church Stretton, at the Shropshire Hills website.

Don't forget. For those that pale at the thought of walking up hill. There is a solution. Take the Shropshire Hills Shuttlebus up to the top and walk back down to your car, or Church Stretton Station. The Shuttlebus runs all summer, at weekends.

Those are the highest Shropshire Hills, and include the highest point in Shropshire!

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Haughmond Abbey and Mysterious Sundorne Castle - Shrewsbury History in S...

The History of Haughmond Abbey and Mysterious Sundorne Castle

We inform viewers about the historic former Augustinian abbey at Haughmond Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, it was extended in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries part of it was converted into a mansion, and after the Civil War (1642–1651), it became a farm.

Only ruins remain, the most substantial parts being parts of the infirmary and the abbot's lodging, the latter with a large three-sided bay window. Only the foundation stones of the church have survived.

Other remains include part of the cloister walls, three arches from the chapter house, and three chimneys from the kitchen.

From Haughmond Abbey, not far away downhill toward the outskirts of Shrewsbury some people are intrigued to see another "castle".

Sundorne Castle, a more modern country house that has been demolished.

It looks mysterious to many onlookers because a number of structures associated with the house have survived.

Other listed buildings include houses, cottages, farmhouses and farm buildings, in the nearby village of in Uffington, Shropshire.

The earliest of these are timber framed, there's also a pump in an enclosure, and a church.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listed_buildings_in_Uffington,_Shropshire
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9 Facts About Much Wenlock Historic Shropshire Abbey Priory Olympics & More

Much Wenlock is a lovely small town in beautiful Shropshire countryside. 

It has a number of historical associations going right back to Saxon England.

The priory ruins are open to visitors, and the town boasts a number of charming old wood framed buildings. From the town there are also some lovely walks, not least on the wooded Wenlock Edge.

Here is a Potted Introduction to Much Wenlock from Wikipedia

Much Wenlock is a small town and parish in Shropshire, England, situated on the A458 road between Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth. Nearby, to the northeast, is the Ironbridge Gorge, and the new town of Telford. The civil parish includes the villages of Homer (1 mile north of the town), Wyke (2 miles northeast), Atterley (2 miles southeast) and Bourton (3 miles southwest). The population of the civil parish, according to the 2001 census, was 2,605, increasing to 2,877 at the 2011 Census.

Much Wenlock was historically the chief town of the ancient borough of Wenlock. The "Much" was added to the name to distinguish it from the nearby Little Wenlock, and signifies that it is the larger of the two settlements. Notable historic attractions in the town are Wenlock Priory and the Guildhall.

The Wenlock Olympian Games established by Dr William Penny Brookes in 1850 are centred in the town. Dr Brookes is credited as a founding father of the modern Olympic Games, and one of the Olympic mascots for London 2012 was named Wenlock after the town. via en.wikipedia.org

The Local Tourist Website Says:

It is the home town of Dr William Penny Brookes, the inspiration for the modern Olympic Movement and founder of the Wenlock Olympian Society. In recognition of our sporting heritage, the 2012 London Olympic Games named one of their mascots Wenlock.

Dr Brookes instigated the Wenlock Olympian Games in 1850 and they still take place here every July. You can learn more about them by visiting our wonderful free Museum and taking a stroll around the Wenlock Olympian Trail.

Today, with a population of around 3,000 people, Much Wenlock feels much more like a village than a town. Try sitting on a bench in the Town Square and it won’t be long before the person sitting next to you is willing to talk of the old times and be just as interested in you as you are in the town.

Stroll around the town centre and it may seem you have stepped back fifty or more years. You won't find any ‘big names', but you will find a great selection of traditional shops, all offering good old-fashioned personal service. Much Wenlock is a place where folk still have time for you. via www.visitmuchwenlock.co.uk

The Pubs And Surroundings of this Town

The historic town of Much Wenlock is surrounded by country pubs, cafes and fine dining restaurants. Shropshire County Hotels and Inns offer a range of modern British food. Their Much Wenlock Hotel, The Raven Hotel, has a particular passion for food and has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes. So, whether you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere with some classic country food, a sophisticated evening out or even a quick bite to eat, stop by the Raven Hotel.

With transport links to Shrewsbury, Telford, Birmingham and Cannock, via bus, car and train, Much Wenlock is situated in the perfect location for a day out. Whether it's shopping or with the family, Much Wenlock is central to Shrewsbury, Telford, Birmingham and Kidderminster.

Renowned for its breath-taking scenery, Wenlock Edge surrounds the town. A 15-mile-long limestone escarpment offering a long history of quarrying and industry. Wenlock Edge has inspired countless artists, poets and composers. In 2007 the beautiful landscape was listed as one of the ‘seven wonders' of the West Midlands. via www.visitshropshirehotels.com

Wenlock Olympian Games

The Wenlock Olympian Games, dating from 1850, are a forerunner of the modern Olympic Games. They are organised by the Wenlock Olympian Society (WOS), and are held each year at venues across Shropshire, England, centred on the little market town of Much Wenlock. One of the two mascots for the 2012 Summer Olympics was named Wenlock in honour of the Wenlock Olympian Games. via en.wikipedia.org

Conclusion

Much Wenlock is well worth a visit. Its long and colourful history is only part of its appeal.

Set in the beautiful countryside of Shropshire with Wenlock Edge (home to many rare orchids) nearby, it is also a must for nature lovers.

The town itself is a stunning medieval "black and white" town with many beautiful buildings, including the Guildhall that is open in summer months. via www.historic-uk.com

Fascinating Shropshire Archaeology Cropmarks Found During Aerial Survey Work in Summer 2018

Dry summer revealed historic and archaeological sites across Shropshire Archaeology

Last summer SAW the recording of a wide range of archaeological sites, including Bronze Age burial monuments, Iron Age farms and Roman ‘marching’ camps.

22 sites recorded during aerial surveys in 2018 have never been seen before, and significant new detail has been recorded at previously known archaeological sites.

This adds to aerial photography taken over the last 10 years, which has recorded a wide variety of archaeological sites, historic buildings and landscape features.

The imagery has been catalogued and recorded within the Council’s Historic Environment Record, to support the work of the team in ensuring the rich heritage of the county is effectively protected and managed by working constructively with farmers, land owners and developers.

The drought conditions of early summer 2018 put many crops under stress, with the result that buried archaeological remains rapidly became visible as ‘cropmarks’.

These are created when ditches buried below the ploughed soil cause the overlying crop to grow taller and ripen more slowly.

In addition, ‘parchmarks’ have developed where buried stonework causes stunted grass growth above archaeological features.

For more information about Shropshire Council’s Historic Environment Record, and the wide range of archaeological sites and features it records.

Visit the "Discovering Shropshire’s History" website.

Sites shown in video: Roman buildings at Wroxeter, an enclosure near Gobowen, a ditched enclosure near Much Wenlock, a Prisoner of War Camp near Oswestry, Ring ditches near Cound, a long pit alignment near Hodnet, features at a field near Whittington.
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Queen Aethelflaed - The Warrior Queen 1st Anglo Saxon Queen of Mercia

The Middle Ages were full of kings, but there are hardly any strong defining women we know much about. There are, of course, notable exceptions such as Elizabeth I, and Hildegard of Bingen.

It now seems that those may be just the tip of the iceberg, and that many more have been recorded in old manuscripts and need to be researched, their stories published and brought out into modern culture.

This article is about one such woman. We are beginning to be told about Aethelflaed, Queen of Mercia, and it seems there may be many more. The rest of this article is devoted to our local female Aethelflaed:

Aethelflaed - The Warrior Queen who was the first Shropshire town planner.

Aethelflaed, the daughter of Alfred the Great, was the first Saxon woman to rule a kingdom.

Many of the urban centres we know today, including Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth, Chester and Stafford, are Aethelflaed's gift to the Midlands.

Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians, is the subject of a new book by Margaret Jones, who says that in recent years her story has been rediscovered by historians.

Aethelflaed lived over 1,000 years ago, and she was powerful.

She did what no Anglo-Saxon woman before her had done – she led her army in battle, says Margaret in her book, "Founder, Fighter, Saxon Queen," published by Pen & Sword.

Shrewsbury had been founded between 901 and 912, to keep watch from a hilltop over a bend in the River Severn.

St Alkmund's Church, Shrewsbury is unusual in having retained the name and dedication of the original Aethelflaedan church.

This is where Aethelflaed is said to have brought the remains of St Alkmund – Ealhmund – from Derby, to keep them safe from the Danes and to bless the newly established town.

Margaret says while locals in Bridgnorth insist on dating the town from 1101 when a Norman lord built a castle there, but it is almost certainly the place referred to in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles, where Aethelflaed built a burh – a fortified settlement – on a hill overlooking the river in 912.

In 896 the marauding Danes had wintered near Bridgnorth, but were to find it impossible to do so again.

Both Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth were entirely new towns built from scratch, she says, although Bridgnorth was in effect re-founded in the 12th century when the layout of the main streets probably changed.

As a warrior queen defending her realm against invasion, and as the founder of strategic towns like Runcorn, Stafford, Shrewsbury and Warwick, she brought peace to the Midlands and paved the way for the unification of England.

Click the link below to read the book:
https://amzn.to/2CgljrF

Law and Order Before Police Forces

Throughout all-time, and until the end of the medieval period it was believed that the only way to keep order was to make sure that the people were scared of the punishments given for crimes committed.

For this reason all crimes from stealing to murder had harsh punishments. Although there were goals, they were generally used to hold a prisoner awaiting trial rather than as a means of punishment. Fines, shaming (being placed in stocks), mutilation (cutting off a part of the body) or death were the most common forms of punishment. There was no police force in the medieval period so law-enforcement was in the hands of the community.