Shrewsbury, Shropshire (2024)

Back to Library

Candidate Overview

Shrewsbury is an historic market town and the County town of Shropshire and was originally established as a medieval castle in a loop of the River Severn close to the border with Wales. It grew prosperous with the wool trade; during the Industrial Revolution expanded as a manufacturing centre (boasting the world’s first iron-framed factory); and in the 19th Century becoming an important railway hub, particularly between England and Wales.

Much of its historic fabric and character survives and this, along with its stunning location, makes it particularly attractive to visitors. This is enhanced by easy road access from West Midlands cities and its location close to the Welsh border. It has a population of around 77,000 and is a regional centre for communities on both sides of the border. This is generating strong demand for housing and commercial development.

Read full Assessment Report

Thumbnail illustration of Shrewsbury by David Rudlin AoU, Artist-in-Residence