We visited the city partially in the hope of finding the gallery which sells youngest son's linocut prints
which we discovered down one of the many narrow alleyways
only to find that the day we chose to visit was their weekly closing day
Edward's designs show Gothic influences he must have received from his father
A visit to the Tourist Information Office informed that there was a church designed by Edward Pugin, son of Augustus Pugin, for the Earl of Shrewsbury with magnificent stained glass windows by the Arts and Crafts designer, Margaret Rope.
The visitation
The 'Lady Chapel' - all that remains of the old church of St. Chads dating back to the 8th century - St. Chad was the first Bishop of Mercia in the 7th century. A wonderful early Saxon arch with crude infilling to give support. To my eye it is an architectural crime that it has not been done more sympathetically.
Lovely post, I like those Tudor houses.
ReplyDeleteTudor buildings always look striking in whatever weather, but so especially when the hanging baskets are in full flower and the skies are blue.
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed your post. With my mother coming from Oswestry, Shrewsbury is somewhere I have visited a lot.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased that the post reminded you of your mother Susan - just few miles down the A5 between them.
DeleteI have been to Shrewsbury only a couple of times, and know I have much to see that I have missed on previous fleeting visits. This is a lovely post, reminding me... I need to go again. Lovely photos, as always Rosemary.
ReplyDeleteThere is such a lot to do in the area Janice, we feel that we only scratched the surface. We went on an Amazon special deal to a wonderful hotel with a huge discount, and if the same place appears in our emails again we shall definitely return.
DeleteDear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteI was particularly attracted to tudor houses as a child, so much so that I have since wondered about the possibility of a previous life in that time. The pattern on the upper story of the first image is unlike any I've ever seen. I wonder how many people will notice the fun trompe l'oeil effect of the 4th image?
Dear Mark - I had a Tudor dolls house, it does seem to have a strong appeal for youngsters that and thatched cottages.
DeleteYes, it is quite difficult to spot, you have very sharp eyes - we refer to it as 'mock' tudor.
Visited Shrewsbury back in the late 90's We liked it very much. What an absolutely stunning church.
ReplyDeleteWe were happy to find the church because although I am well acquainted with the work of Augustus Pugin I did not realise that one of his sons had followed in his footsteps.
DeleteTimbered houses are so beautiful and typical of Central and North Europe. Keep the old character of a town is so much appreciated nowadays. I'm in love with all those old, English villages and towns and your photos make them prettier in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI remember being impressed with the timber framed houses that I saw in the Moselle Valley, Germany. Although similar to the ones here, they also had their own distinctive style.
DeleteShrewsbury is still on my must see list Rosemary. What a beautiful town it is! I enjoyed looking at your beautiful photo's and reading about the towns history.
ReplyDeleteMadelief x
I am sure that you would like a visit to the area Madelief there are a host of interesting things and places to go. When I have shown a few more posts of the area may be you will tempted to consider making a trip there.
DeleteWe lived near Shrewsbury for a couple of years, and I went to school in the town. Your pictures bought back many happy memories. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting Sarah I didn't realise that you had lived in there. We found that there was a huge wealth of things to do in the area.
DeleteWhat an amazing place - steeped in history - definitely on my 'to go to' list. I learn so much from your posts - wonderful pics too.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how many places we have on our doorstep that are filled with so much history.
DeleteWell, you know I just love Tudor history too and the English Civil War period so I'd love to come and visit Shrewsbury as well!
ReplyDeleteYou will just have to pay us a visit sometime.
DeleteHello Rosemary, So much of high quality and good design has built up in Shrewsbury over the centuries. I would love to walk around there, perhaps on the next trip over. I agree with you that they could have done a better job featuring that Anglo-Saxon arch, but at least it will hold it up until some better plans can be made.
ReplyDelete--Jim
It is a good area to visit Jim - there are lots of really interesting locations and lovely countryside. I envisage the arch infilled with today's modern glass which has both strength and safety built in to it.
DeleteI have never been but always wanted to visit Shrewsbury, suspecting I might rather like it....however, it is now absolutely on my bucket list of places I MUST go to. You've really sold it so well and highlighted all the things I miss about English towns. Wonderful photos, though I agree with you about the last one. And one really should check when youngest sons' work is available to view!!
ReplyDeleteAs a friend of mine would say, Shrewsbury looks be definitely worth a turn of the head.
Axxx
If we had given more thought to it we should have realised that the gallery would most likely be shut on a Monday!
DeleteI think perhaps another visit to the city is in order as we barely scratched the surface.
Dear Rosemary – Shrewsbury is so nice and Tudor architectures are so beautiful and impressive for the exposed wood framing on the exterior. When I have a chance to visit England, I think I won’t miss it. By the way, I think the place you placed your signature “wfvm” in the third image is smart.
ReplyDeleteYoko
Dear Yoko - your comment gave me a smile as I placed wfvm above the shop without even thinking about it - it looks for all the world as if I have gone into business.
DeleteNot previously acquainted with this lovely town. I do remember I used to buy Shrewsbury cookies in the Crabtree & Evelyn shops. They were wonderfully buttery and crisp.
ReplyDeleteHow right you are Sanda - Shrewsbury cakes, biscuits, or cookies were documented in the town as far back as 1500, so it is a very old recipe. Apparently the British took them out to India during the Raj and they are still extremely popular out there.
DeleteA very beautiful town and very cosy too . Thank you as always for the wonderful virtual tour !
ReplyDeleteI think that you are right Jane - it is a city that has an intimacy to it.
DeleteOh Rosemary, what would we do without you and your wonderful posts. When I come to your blog it's to find myself abroad in Great Britain once again. :) I'm sharing this one on my Facebook page. (No stranger to your posts.) I was just talking about you and your Scotland posts to my brother - he and his wife were recently in Scotland (within the last three weeks) and even traveled to the Isle of Skye (after which my daughter is named as I may have mentioned.). They plan on returning.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased that your brother and wife had a lovely trip to Scotland - this morning I am feeling grateful that the Scots have decided to remain within the UK, for me it would have been like breaking up the family.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the post Yvette, and hope that you have sorted out your blog problems.
Oh so beautiful! What a lovely town...I love your tours Rosemary!
ReplyDeleteHave a sunny and happy weekend...
Love,
Titti
Thank you Titti - you might be interested to know that I still have some of your pretty little poppies flowering in the garden.
DeleteSuch beautiful buildings, and what wonder stained glass...
ReplyDeleteWe were pleased to be pointed in the direction of the church as the colours in the Arts and Crafts stained glass were like jewels.
DeleteThe Golden Cross looks wonderful, a lovely place to visit all round.
ReplyDeleteThe Golden Cross did look a very interesting place to stop and eat or have a drink with its own little courtyard behind the building.
DeleteWondeful photos. I like all these houses and treets.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very old and interesting town to wander around.
DeleteYou're almost on home ground for me here, Rosemary, as Shrewsbury is only about 45 miles from us and a town we know very well. Your lovely photos really do it justice and I was fascinated to learn about Old Saint Chad's.
ReplyDeleteWe are so fortunate Perpetua to have such lovely and historic places on our doorsteps.
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