User:Tom29739/Books/Shopping in Shrewsbury/Shrewsbury2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shrewsbury (/ˈʃroʊzbri/ ⓘ or /ˈʃruːzbri/ ⓘ)[2][3] is the county town of Shropshire, England. It is on the River Severn and has a population of approximately 72,000.[1]
Shrewsbury | |
---|---|
Motto(s): "Floreat Salopia" ("May Shrewsbury Flourish") | |
Coordinates: 52.708°N 2.754°W / 52.708; -2.754 | |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Constituent country | England |
Region | West Midlands |
Ceremonial county | Shropshire |
Local government | Shropshire Council |
Website | Shrewsbury Town Council |
Founded | c. 9th century |
Market charter | 1189 |
Administrative HQ | Guildhall, Frankwell |
Government | |
• Type | Town council |
• Governing body | Shrewsbury Town Council |
• UK Parliament | Shrewsbury and Atcham |
• European Parliament | West Midlands |
Elevation | 233 ft (71 m) |
Population (2011) | |
• Total | 71,715[1] |
Demonym | Salopian |
Time zone | GMT |
• Summer (DST) | BST |
Post codes | |
Area code | 01743 |
Police Force | West Mercia Police |
Fire Service | Shropshire Fire |
Ambulance Service | West Midlands |
Shrewsbury is a market town whose centre has a largely unaltered medieval street plan and over 660 listed buildings,[4] including several examples of timber framing from the 15th and 16th centuries. Shrewsbury Castle, a red sandstone fortification, and Shrewsbury Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery, were founded in 1074 and 1083 respectively by the Norman Earl of Shrewsbury, Roger de Montgomery.[5] The town has historically been a centre for the wool trade and brewing. Horticulture remains popular, and the Shrewsbury Flower Show is one of the largest horticultural events in England.[6][7][8]
9 miles (14 km) east of the Welsh border, Shrewsbury serves as the commercial centre for Shropshire and mid-Wales, with a retail output of over £299 million per year and light industry and distribution centres, such as Battlefield Enterprise Park, on the outskirts. The A5 and A49 trunk roads cross near to the town, and five railway lines meet at Shrewsbury railway station.