Walking in North Shropshire
In an effort, probably a vain one, to stop the splendours of Christmas dinner at home with my parents depositing themselves permanently on my hips, we all set off on Boxing Day for a gentle stroll around the Mere in Ellesmere.
Ellesmere, a small market town in North Shropshire, has changed radically. I remember as child thinking that is was somewhat run-down and a little rough - at night in particular. It wasn't the sort of place you parents told you not to go - it was the sort of place you chose not to go without any guidance from ones elders and betters. Prior to Boxing Day, I don't think I'd been there for 15 or so years. And what a change! Ellesmere is now an extraordinarily picturesque town, blessed with interesting buildings, nicely maintained streets, an imposing church and a canal with enormous potential - all that not to mention the Mere itself.
Boating on the Mere - not on Boxing Day!
Entering the town, we were drawn to wander through streets before heading for the Mere, starting out at the Wharf, where you can read about the ambitious plans for development which appear to be supported by the town and local authorities but which, sadly, seem to have been blocked by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. I was also delighted to spot a small, specialist bookshop - always a sign of a health local business environment. I was even more pleased to note that the speciality in question was Christian Books. Should I ever wish to move my bookshop to this idyllic little town, we won't be in competition!
The Wharf, Ellesmere
As we followed the tow path, it started to spat with rain, but not enough to cause discomfort. Heading over a small bridge, we turned off the tow path and climbed up the Castle Mound. There are no remains of the Castle to be seen now - indeed the local bowling club has two greens atop the site. I was tempted to climb the padlock gates just to catch a glimpse of the view from top green over the town and Mere, which must be fantastic, but husband and parents all frowned at the suggestion, so I behaved myself.
Ambling down the Castle Mound, heading back into the town itself, we passed the imposing Church, where a former teaching colleague of my father's is now vicar. My mother tells me it is one of the highest churches in Shropshire but unfortunately it was all closed up so we were unable to see the splendours of the interior.
The Church in Ellesmere
Our planning circumnavigation of the Mere was cut short by the attractions of the Red Lion Coaching Inn - who serve excellent coffee. (We didn't try the food, although that which passed by heading for other tables was almost good enough to make me wish it was Christmas Day all over again).
A quick hop in the car, and were found ourselves at Whittington Castle. This has to be one of the most romantic medieval castles. Now owned by the villagers, it is currently under restoration. It is also- when open - home to another second hand bookshop!
Whittington Castle
We wondered around the bailey and the grounds - unforntunately the reconstruction project means that the gatehouse is not currently open to the public - as my mother explained much of the history of the Castle - and the importance of the medieval garden archaeology which has been done around the castle. What was once thought to be an old Mott is now thought to be a viewing mound for the gardens - if that proves to be the case, it will be the oldest viewing mound know in England!
Elizabeth Chadwick has written two historical novels based on the story of the Fitzwarin family who held the castle in the Middle Ages, which are partially set in and around the Castle itself. Ms Chadwick attended a medieval festival at Whittington Castle earlier this year; my father had his copies of her books signed and has now lent them to me to read. The books set at Whittington Castle are Lords of the White Manor and Shadows and Strongholds.
