Church Stretton
Church Stretton lies in the south of the county of Shropshire in the West Midlands region of England. Settlers have lived in the town’s area since Iron Age times as can be seen from the hill fort that was constructed here on Caer Caradoc Hill. The area is of particular interest to geologists as it contains some of the most ancient rock formations in the country. It also contains some of the most impressive and beautiful scenery in the area.
It is thought that the name of Stretton comes from the Old English based words straet and tun (Roman road and settlement). Its name was most likely given to the town because the Watling Street Roman road runs through it. The town’s church (St Lawrence) still stands on the site that was probably used in Saxon times for this same purpose. Much of today’s church dates back to the times of the Normans but it does have a carved Saxon fertility symbol on display as well. The area was ruled in Norman times by Roger de Montgomerie who was the Norman Earl of Shrewsbury.
By the early 1200s Church Stretton had a Royal Charter that gave it the right to hold its own market and regular fairs during the year. A few centuries later much of the town was destroyed in a large fire and much of it had to be rebuilt. From an industrial perspective Church Stretton was mainly known for its textile concerns which included a carding mill. As with so many places in the UK the arrival of the railway in the mid 1800s played a major part in the success and development of the town.
Visitors can still visit Church Stretton market which runs every Thursday. You can also visit the old carding mill in the town which is now part of the National Trust. If you are looking for sportier pursuits then you may well find something to suit you in Church Stretton as well. The Long Mynd hill that is close to the edge of the town is regularly used for hang-gliding, gliding and para-gliding. The golf course here is considered to be the second highest course in the country. There are also plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling in the local countryside. The local villages of All Stretton and Little Stretton are also worth a visit.