Market Towns
North Shropshire has four market towns, Ellesmere, Market Drayton, Whitchurch and Wem, all of which still hold a weekly market and are well worth a visit.
Ellesmere
is an ancient settlement beside the lake or mere that bears its name (or
is it the other way round?); Of course, the facilities are now a little
more sophisticated and Ellesmere has since grown into a pretty market
town with medieval streets, Georgian houses and half-timbered buildings,
as well as a wide variety of shops selling everything from antiques and gifts
to exotic foods. There are regular festivals, antique markets and events
to amuse you, including the Ellesmere Triathlon, where competitors brave
the cold waters of the Mere.
Market
Drayton, the largest of the market towns, was once home to the terrifying
teenager
Clive of India and now famous for its gingerbread. It is also famed,
for its market, which has been running continuously for some 39,520 Wednesdays
(or over 750 years and still going strong!). The Shropshire Union canal
passes just a few 100 yards from the town centre, it gives boaters a chance
to moor up, explore the town and stock up on supplies. Two of North
Shropshire’s gardens surround Market Drayton, you can gaze
at the waterfall in the
Dorothy Clive Garden or pinch ideas from the modern knot garden at
Wollerton Old Hall.
MARKET DRAYTON
Oswestry's
roots are lost in the mists
of time, but probably result
from Welsh sheep farmers
and Shropshire traders
putting aside ealier difficulties
in favour of commerce.
The town is still a focal
point for shoppers from
both sides of the border
and internatinal smuggling
of luxury goods is positively
encouraged.
Around the town lie many magnificent fortifications. Whittington Castle comes complete with moat, swans tea rooms and good cakes. A wander to welshpool brings you to Powis Castle, home to the stunning Clive of India treasure and containing Prince Charles' favourite gardens.
Whitchurch is
the oldest continually-inhabited settlement in Shropshire , where they make
very big clocks indeed. Their Heritage and Craft Centre allows you to spend
time with Joyce the clock makers, the Romans, and local artist Radolf Caldecolt.
Afterwards, perhaps a walk is called for; in which case, the Jubilee Park
is the starting point for five long distance walking routes, including our
own Shropshire Way . This will take you to the Llangollen Canal and a superb
flight of staircase locks at Grindley Brook , about a mile out of town.
Wem is famous for its women (don’t ask),its sweet peas (they were
invented here) and its Treacle Mines (What?). Our Heritage and Craft Centre allows you to spend time with
Joyce, the Romans, and much else besides. Afterwards, perhaps a walk
is called for; in which case, the Jubilee Park is the starting point
for five long distance walking routes, including our own Shropshire
Way. This will take you to the Llangollen Canal and a superb flight
of staircase locks at Grindley Brook, about a mile out of town.