Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is a historic market town in Shropshire, England. It is the county town and lies on the River Severn, near the Welsh border. The town preserves a compact medieval core with timber-framed buildings along narrow lanes, and it is a popular destination for visitors. The population is around 70,000.

The town's history stretches back to the medieval period. The Normans built Shrewsbury Castle and established Shrewsbury Abbey; later centuries added Tudor and Georgian architecture that remain visible today. The Ditherington Flax Mill, completed in 1797–98, is notable as one of the earliest iron-framed factories and a precursor of modern skyscrapers. The Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403, in which royal forces defeated a rebellion led by Henry "Hotspur" Percy, is a landmark event in the town's past.

Shrewsbury is home to Shrewsbury School, founded in 1552 by charter of Edward VI; the town hosts cultural events including the annual Shrewsbury Flower Show and a program of theatre and music in its historic venues.

Today, the economy centers on services, education, retail, and tourism. Shrewsbury railway station on the Welsh Marches line provides connections to Birmingham and North Wales; road links connect to national networks. The town sits near the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with access to scenic countryside.