Explore poetry and literature in the Shropshire Hills

The Shropshire Hills have inspired verse and prose across the centuries, from ancient legend passed down by word of mouth, to more recent tales of adventure and romance.

To visit the Shropshire Hills is to bring the written word to life – seeing the locations that have inspired writers across the ages can set the imagination racing and leave today’s witness eager to learn more about such figures as the celebrated travel writer and novelist Bruce Chatwin, the “angry young man” John Osborne, the young person’s adventurer Malcolm Saville or the rural romanticist Mary Webb, to mention just a few.

A E Housman’s verse in A Shropshire Lad is so vivid that, if you shut your eyes and listen, the landscape will come to life in your mind’s eye.  Small wonder that poets today continue to be inspired by the Shropshire Hills, making the area a wonderful place to catch a live poetry event.

All Poetry and Literature

  • Bishops Castle Town Hall

    Bishop’s Castle Town Hall is an 18th Century Grade II* Listed Building open to the public, providing an information service for local people and visitors to the town; a location for local markets, local crafts and products; a community facility for meetings, and events; a licenced wedding venue and the home Read more [...]

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    Literary legends and locations

    The Shropshire Hills have inspired storytellers across the centuries: from legends, passed on by oral tradition, to the more recent works of authors and film-makers drawn to its dramatic scenery, period-piece towns and characterful buildings.

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    Church Stretton Arts Festival

    Church Stretton Arts Festival is the highlight of the Arts scene in South Shropshire. In 2021, because of Covid, we organised a reduced festival, from 26th July to 6th August, comprising three outdoor events (in Church Stretton’s Rectory Field) and a series of free indoor concerts. Full details of what Read more [...]

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    The Aardvark Bookery

    A bookshop, cafe and exhibition space all in one The Aardvark Bookery ( or Book Barn) was created from a nineteenth century farm building, on the historic Harley Estate in the village of Brampton Bryan. Using the services of craftsmen who lived and worked on the estate, a special space Read more [...]

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