Discover the heritage of the Shropshire Hills

The heritage of the Shropshire Hills, as witnessed by the area’s buildings, can be traced back to the very earliest civilisations to make their home in the British Isles.

Ancient hill forts and other ancient fortifications, and medieval castles bear testimony to conflict, real or threatened – this is classic border country, or Marches, with Offa’s Dyke the most visible evidence of the “hard border” between England and Wales.

But not all historic buildings in the Shropshire Hills are military in nature – the area’s rich geology gave rise to an important mining industry and remnants of this activity give a fascinating insight into those times.

The following is a selection of some of the best places to visit to open a window onto the extraordinary history of the Shropshire Hills.

All Heritage in Shropshire

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    Religious History

    Whether or not you consider yourself to be religious, the religious history and sites of the Shropshire Hills are something to be in awe of and are a must see, particularly for those with a keen interest in history or architecture.

  • Castles

    Thanks to it's rich history and heritage the Shropshire Hills have plenty of castles for you to discover and explore, including Ludlow Castle and Stokesay Castle.

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    Homes and Gardens

    The stately homes and gardens of the Shropshire Hills and surrounding area are truly something magical, and certainly a recommended visit. From Stokesay Court to Wilderhope Manor - there's something for everyone.

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    Ancient Sites

    The Shropshire Hills are remarkably rich in remains from Neolithic times and the more recent Bronze and Iron Ages. Neolithic sites include stone circles and single standing stones, of which the best example is the stone circle at Mitchell’s Fold, near Stapeley, which stands on a plateau with expansive views over surrounding summits.

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    Industrial Heritage

    The heritage of the Shropshire Hills spans many centuries and it's particularly spectacular when you take a step back and look specifically at the Industrial Heritage and consider how this has shaped the Shropshire Hills and communities we see today.

© Shropshire Hills Tourism Association