Category Archives: Gallery

The Friends first visit in 2023 was to the wine merchants, Tanners, in Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury. We were taken for a tour of the cellars and back-room offices of the ancient buildings and shown many pieces of equipment and storage used over the preceding 3 centuries.

We were welcomed by staff with a glass of champagne and the three leaders Alix, Jo and Howard guided us through the labyrinth of cellars and spoke of the company’s development.

The building itself was fascinating with evidence of 15th century beams which themselves would have been ancient when first put in place. On some beams were carpenters marks and even ‘witches marks’ apparently burned in place centuries ago. Many thanks to Tanners and their staff for a truly interesting and eye-opening visit.

We were delighted to welcome Thomas, second Lord Berwick of Attingham, to Shropshire Archives to tell us about his ancestors, his life – and his descendants! Martin Jones took on the persona and regaled us with ‘tales and travails’ of his family and the history of Attingham Park. Facts, interpretations and stories were imparted with flair and humour giving us a very entertaining and enjoyable event.

Our visit to Acton Scott Hall was enthusiastically guided by our hosts, Francis and Alison Acton who each took three groups of us in turn round different parts of the interesting house which dates back to the late 16th Century. Friend and volunteer Tam guided us round the grounds where we were grateful for the shade of the trees on one of the hottest days of August! The walk included a wander through the rock garden created in the old quarry. Edward Acton Scott, son of the family, served a very welcome tea.

Saturday, 5 March 2022

Our sale of surplus 6″ scale Ordnance Survey maps was a great success. We raised over £900 and introduced some new users to the wonderful collections held at Shropshire Archives.

Saturday, 13 November 2021

Gareth Williams delighted his audience at our 2021 annual lecture with his illuminating insights into the history, architecture and art of some of Shropshire’s country houses. Our virtual tour of these prestigious properties, illustrated by many instructive documents, drawings and photographs, was enhanced further by Gareth’s in-depth knowledge of his material, much of which was researched at Shropshire Archives, which he put across in his naturally engaging and enthusiastic style. Gareth has kindly donated a copy of his book The Country Houses of Shropshire which is available to view at Shropshire Archives, or can be purchased through the publishers Boydell & Brewer.

Wednesday, 8 September 2021

Neil Clarke led us on a fascinating and informative guided walk around Little Wenlock on a beautiful, sunny afternoon. We covered a lot of ground including the parish church which houses the county’s earliest cast-iron grave slab, the Royal Arms of George IV, and the Forester memorial east window; the range of the village’s domestic buildings (16c-20c); the historic road pattern; and remains of the industrial history of the area. It was a very interesting and enjoyable tour.

Thursday, 19 August 2021

We were delighted to be able to repeat our visit to Pitchford Hall this summer – our first in-person event for 20 months due to the pandemic. As before, we were expertly taken through the house and ground by four guides and given a delicious tea afterwards.

Wednesday, 9 June 2021

We held our 2021 Annual General Meeting online via Zoom and were delighted to have 26 Friends attend. This was a special event as we had been unable to hold our AGM in 2020 due to COVID-19. Through the magic of the online polling system, we were able to conduct our essential business, update our Constitution and elect the officers and members of the Committee.

After the AGM, we heard a most interesting and informative talk by local archaeologist Nigel Baker about Shrewsbury Abbey and its waterfront onto the River Severn. Nigel is a very engaging speaker and his illustrated presentation was greatly appreciated.