Shropshire

Shropshire, covering  an area of 1,346 square miles is England's largest inland county. With a population of around 450,000 it is also one of England's most rural and sparsely populated - the Shropshire Hills Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering about a quarter of the county, mostly in the south.

The county town of Shrewsbury (pronounced "Shrowsbree"), is culturally and historically important. With over 660 listed buildings it is known as Britain's finest Elizabethan town.  Other principal towns include Oswestry, Bridgnorth, Telford and the historic castle-dominated Ludlow.  The Ironbridge Gorge area, known as the "Birthplace of Industry," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are several stunning natural landmarks in the county, including The Wrekin, Clee Hills, Wenlock Edge and the Long Mynd.

The land in Shropshire is extremely fertile and agriculture remains a major feature of the landscape and economy along with growing service related industries.

Education

Shropshire has a completely comprehensive education system, along with thirteen independent schools including the prestigious Shrewsbury School. In the Telford and Wrekin borough there are two selective schools, Newport Girl's High School and Adam's Grammar School, and two independent schools.

Transport

Major roads in the county include the M54 motorway, connecting Shropshire to the rest of the motorway network and to the West Midlands. The A5 runs through the county east to west and is a route into North Wales. Other major roads include the north-south A49, the A53 and the A41.  Commuting time by train to Birmingham is approximately 1 hour and 3 hours to London.

Interesting Shropshire facts

• Charles Darwin (1809-92), originator of the Theory of Evolution, was born in Shrewsbury and attended Shrewsbury School.
• Bridgenorth has a leaning tower that has a slant three times that of Pisa.
• Shropshire is home to the world's first skyscraper. Ditherington flax mill, on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, was the first multi-storey iron-framed building in the world - and therefore the forerunner of every skyscraper and tower block in the world. Built in 1797, it is currently awaiting redevelopment.