A History of Shropshire: Volume X: Wenlock, Upper Corvedale, and the Stretton Hills

The history from early times to the 1980s of the 27 ancient parishes that formed the extensive ancient borough of Wenlock (corresponding to the estates and liberty of Wenlock priory) and the adjoining parts of Munslow Hundred: the south Shropshire region comprehending Wenlock, upper Corve Dale, and the Stretton Hills. It is an area of great natural beauty celebrated (from a distance) in the poetry of A.E. Housman. Farming has for the most part been pastoral, though in periods of 19th and 20th century prosperity there have been periods when scattered rural industries, including ironworks, have been important. Three towns are dealt with: the ancient ecclesiastical and administrative centre of Wenlock (possibly with Roman antecedents): the 18th Century industrial town of Broseley with its satellite mining and earthenware manufacturing settlements; and the resort of Church Stretton. This book is intended for local historians; professional and amateur, social, economic, architectural, ecclesiastical, landscape, and family historians.