A Visit to Shrewsbury: Abbey to Appleyards

The ancient market town of Shrewsbury continued from HERE

 

shrewsbury abbey

The Abbey itself was founded as a Benedictine Abbey in 1083 by Roger De Montgomery who was related to William the Conquerer and is still a place of worship.  It has a powerful atmosphere: the history seeps through the walls.

lord and lady shrewsbury abbey

The first thing you notice (apart from the beautiful stained glass and the high altar), is the font.  This is made from an upturned Roman column, said to be from nearby Wroxeter.

inside shrewsbury-abbey

Although there are over 660 ancient buildings in Shrewsbury, the Norman arches which were built in 1083 are the only building work left  that date from 11th century.

There are  quite a few tombs in the abbey and also what remains the remains of a shrine to St Winefride.

To read more about the interesting history of the Abbey HERE

Appleyards a ham sausage and cheese cornucopia

Appleyards is  a Deli on the corner of Wyle Cop in Shrewsbury.  The window is a fascinating array of strange cheeses, homemade bread, exotic sausages and bottles of unusual ale.

The smells that waft out of the shop every time the door is opened just makes you want to go in.  Once inside, you can spend ages looking at all the unfamiliar food.  We bought some ale, olive bread and cheese from here.   Can’t remember what the cheese was called but it was lovely, spicy and peppery!

A Visit to Shrewsbury: Out and About

Continuing my post about our recent visit to the ancient market town of Shrewsbury, Salop….

Part 1 HERE

black and white buildings everywhere

Ancient buildings abound here.  Some are bowed and crooked, but on they go, as they have done for hundreds of years.  Here’s a few of them;

the roofs may be bent but these houses are sticking together

The Kings Head pub contains an ancient wall painting.  This was uncovered during renovations.  It shows what looks like the Last Supper.  The original Kings Head was further up the street.  This pub may be on the site of an old chapel.

 

 

 

The Kings Head Shrewsbury

Unfortunately the pictures of the wall painting didn’t come out very well….

 

 

 

kings head wall painting

As you can see, it was extremely difficult to get a complete picture of the painting as it went right into what looked like an old chimney or recess, thereby making it tricky to get the whole of it in.

 

 

 

kings head wallpainting detail

You can just about make it out.  Considering how old the painting is, the colours are remarkable though.

 

 

 

kings head wall painting info

So much is made of the city of York, and especially the Shambles, – yet here is a whole town of wonderful buildings, streets that rise and meander, winding alleyways, each twist and turn reveals another architectural delight!  We found lots of streets and alleys and passageways, tiny squares, hidden pubs.  Shrewsbury is a town full of surprises!

Lots more about the Kings Head Wall painting  HERE

to be continued tomorrow..

A Visit to Shrewsbury

just one of many ancient buildings in Shrewsbury

Just returned from a couple of days in the ancient market town of Shrewsbury (Salop).  Handy this scheduling tool isn’t it!  What a beautiful town this is.  Never have I seen so many ancient buildings – all in one place! 

the fabulous Derek Jacobi as Brother Cadfael

 Shrewsbury can count Charles Darwin, Judge Jeffreys and Ellis Peters (the author of the Cadfael books) amongst its famous Salopians.  We have taken loads of pictures.  I will post  a selection  tomrrow.