Shropshire

Shropshire is a ceremonial and historic county in the West Midlands of England. It borders Wales to the west and is surrounded by Cheshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Powys in Wales. The county town is Shrewsbury, situated on the River Severn. The landscape is varied, with the Shropshire Hills, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty that includes the Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge, as well as broad agricultural plains and river valleys.

The ceremonial county contains two unitary authorities: Shropshire Council, which covers most of the historic county, and the borough of Telford and Wrekin. The area elects Members of Parliament and shares a Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff within the ceremonial county.

Shropshire has a long border with Wales and a border heritage dating to medieval times. Ironbridge Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution with its ironworks and the Iron Bridge. Towns such as Ludlow (castle and food festival), Oswestry, Bridgnorth, and Much Wenlock reflect the county’s long history.

Shropshire’s economy centers on agriculture, food and drink, tourism, and light industry in towns such as Telford. Tourism is driven by historic towns, the Ironbridge Gorge, and countryside walks. Cultural events include food festivals and local markets; the county is known for its traditional country houses and rural landscapes.

The county has good road links including the M54 and A49 corridors and rail services via Shrewsbury on the Cambrian Line. The population is concentrated in towns, with Shrewsbury and Telford being the largest urban areas.