Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury, the capital of Shropshire, stands on a bend of the Severn, 30 miles S. of Chester, and has stations on the Great Western and London and North-Western Railways. Under the name Pengwerne, it was founded in the 5th century as a border fortress, held high rank among Saxon cities, and after the Conquest played an important part as the seat of several Parliaments, the scene of a great battle in 1403, and the headquarters of Charles I. in 1642. The Old grammar school, founded by Edward VI., now serves as a museum, handsome new buildings having been erected at Kingsland in 1882. The market-house dates from 1595, and the streets contain many interesting examples of domestic architecture. Three fine bridges span the river. The local industries include the making of thread, linen, and canvas, and iron-founding. Salmon are fairly abundant in the river. Shrewsbury, since 1885, returns one member to Parliament.