Last update:
21 October 2004

Shrewsbury was once home to its famous son Charles Darwin. Born in 1809 Charles Darwin the author of the 'Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection' is said to have been inspired by Shrewsbury and the Shropshire landscape. Today Shrewsbury is still famous and one of the country's most beautiful and pictures market towns. Nested in the rolling hills of the Shropshire plains the surrounding countryside is simply stunning. The quiet towns and villages housed in Shropshire are well worth visiting for a country drive, walk, cycle or picnic.

The River Seven meanders around the town in a horseshoe loop and is one of the reasons Shrewsbury's red sandstone castle guards its particular places, as this was the only land approach to the town. The town itself is full of intrigue, there are plenty of places to explore through the narrow cobbled streets. Surrounded by the black and white buildings there is a distinct air of Tudor England. This ancient taste travels further back in time and is evident in the ancient place names you come across. Nearly all of them can be traced back to the beginning of the town in the 8th century.

No Medieval town would be complete without a castle and Shrewsbury does not disappoint. The castle great hall is now home to the Shropshire Regimental museum, here you can discover two centuries of treasure from military campaigns of the area. In the grounds you can explore the motte of the first Norman Castle.