History and Geography of Shropshire and the Marches

Severn Valley:  The River Severn, Britain’s longest river, flows through Shropshire from west to east.  It passes through Shrewsbury, Ironbridge Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Bridgnorth.

North Shropshire Plain – Low-lying, fertile land with glacial lakes known as meres with unique ecosystems (e.g., Ellesmere).  Rich farmland, interspersed with woodland and historic towns.

Telford – The largest town, a modern new town developed in the 20th century.  Shrewsbury – The historic county town, with medieval buildings and a loop of the River Severn.  Ironbridge Gorge – a key site in the Industrial Revolution, famous for the world’s first iron bridge

The Welsh Marches refer to the historic and often-contested borderlands between England and Wales, stretching from Cheshire in the north to Herefordshire in the south.

Marcher Uplands and Valleys – Clun and Knighton area – Remote hills with medieval castles and Offa’s Dyke.  The Black Mountains (on the Herefordshire border) – Part of the Brecon Beacons, with dramatic scenery.  Radnor Forest – A rugged upland area in Wales, near Presteigne.

River Systems – River Wye – forms part of the England-Wales border, passing through Hereford and Hay-on-Wye.  River Teme – A tributary of the Severn, flowing through Ludlow. River Clun and River Lugg – Important watercourses in the borderlands.

Castles were built to defend against Welsh incursions, including Ludlow, Clun, Montgomery and Stokesay Castles.

Offa’s Dyke – An ancient earthwork running along the border, reputedly built on instruction of King Offa of Mercia in the 8th century.

There is an abundance of flora & fauna and the region includes rare heathland species, ancient woodlands, and a variety of birdlife, especially in the hills and wetlands.

Although part of the Welsh Marches, North Herefordshire merits a mention.  It is a rural and historically rich area in western England, bordering Shropshire and Wales.   Characterised by rolling countryside, river valleys, orchards, historic market towns, and a legacy of border conflicts. Remaining largely unspoiled, preserving its medieval villages and Norman castles, the region’s history is deeply tied to the struggles between England and Wales, with Offa’s Dyke, Mortimer’s castles, and Marcher lordships shaping its past. Today, it is a peaceful, picturesque area known for its timber-framed villages, cider-making, and walking trails along the Welsh border. 

The area is dominated by undulating farmland, wooded areas, and small hills.  The Herefordshire Plateau extends into this region, providing fertile soils for agriculture.

Hatterall Ridge & The Black Mountains (western edge) form part of the Brecon Beacons National Park where you will find rugged landscapes with stunning views.

The Wye is the most significant river in Herefordshire, flowing through Hereford and towards the border with Wales.  The River Lugg is a major tributary of the Wye, flowing through Presteigne, Leominster, and other parts of rural Herefordshire.

The River Teme forms part of the northern border with Shropshire, passing through Ludlow, an important medieval town very close to the Herefordshire/Shropshire border.