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On the morning of September 25th 2026, we hit the road for Much Wenlock, a way point on our scheduled visit to Bridgnorth, Shropshire. We took refreshment in Teas On The Square before heading off for a walk around the very extensive remains of Wenlock Priory.
It is difficult to imagine how large that building would have been prior to it's partial demolition by a certain Henry VIII in his programme to disband all Catholic monasteries, priories, convents, and friaries in England, Wales, and Ireland, What remains is still most imposing and it is a pleasure to see how well this site is maintained by English Heritage. Much Wenlock is a most attractive country town, and we wandered it's streets, taking in the Museum, The Guildhall and an interesting variety of shops
Duly rested, we continued our journey to Bridgnorth to instal ourselves at the George Hotel, our home for the night. After a short rest we made our way downhill to the river bridge where we embarked on the Cliff Railway for a very short but steep rise to High Town. Putting our best feet forward, we set off along the cliff parade until we reached a park where is housed the remains of Bridgnorth Castle which amounts to a heavily leaning and cracked piece of the castle walls
We moved on further to another castle, The Old Castle Hotel, where we enjoyed a hearty dinner in a heated covered patio at the rear of the building. Thereafter, a short walk back to the George for a slight liquid refreshment before retiring for the night.
After breakfast in the morning, we had time to wander the centre of Bridgnorth which was very busy, it being market day. At the appointed time, Twelve noon, we re-grouped at the station of the Severn Valley Railway to board our 12.30 train to Arley where we had arranged to have lunch at the Harbour Inn
After lunch. we returned to Arley Station for the return journey to Bridgnorth. Our outgoing journey was by steam and but we returned on a very noisy diesel. Our transport being parked on one of the several car parks, it was a short walk downhill back to our cars and we bade Bridgnorth a fond farewell.
Sheila in particular but ably helped by Don created a really memorable time. Thank you both