Much Wenlock Things to Do

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The ruins of Wenlock Priory are among the most romantic ruins in England. Originally a Saxon monastery the ruins we see today are from the Norman rebuilding that took place in the 12th century. The priory became redundant after the reformation as did many others including nearby Buildwas abbey. Many of these ruined monastic buildings are now owned and administered by English Heritage as is Wenlock priory and there is a modest admission charge (about £3.60 for adults). There is an audio device included in the price of admission.
The most stunning part of the ruins is the wall of the chapter house that dates from 1140 the detail of the stone carving is hugely impressive.
There is a small gift shop on site with some remarkably good quality items for very reasonable costs. I loved the medieval style glass goblets and wished I'd have bought one now.

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When you tell people that the modern Olympic movement really began as a consequence of a rural doctor in the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock they nod and secretly think you are raving mad but it's actually true. Local resident Dr William Penny-Brooks instigated the first Olynpic games back in 1850 and can be regarded as the father of the modern Olympic movement. Eventually the games were to inspire others to organise the full international event we know today but the first of those wasn't until 1896. The town is rightly proud of it's Olympic connections and you can follow a well marked trial around the town that starts and ends at the museum in the town centre where there are plenty of exhibits from the town's Olympic games. The trail is 2,100 meters long and there are information boards en route that tell you a little more about the history of the games in Wenlock. Fittingly the trails passes through the church graveyard and past Dr William Penny-Brookes' last resting place.

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These spectacular ruins are the 12th & 13th century remains of a church and cloistral buildings belonging to the Cluniac Priory, now under the management of English Heritage. It is said to be the final resting place of St Milburga, the first Abbess, whose bones were found during rebuilding in 1101. Some of the best topiary of animals I have seen makes for a wonderful landscape amongst the ruins. A unusual monks wash house has some interesting carvings on it too. Admission price was £3.50 but this also includes an audio Tour which takes approximately 35 minutes. Well worth a visit and is within walking distance of the town - just 200 yards from the centre.

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Just off the high street is Back Lane and towards the end can be see a fine example of a cruck-frame house - St Owen’s Well House and in the wall on the outside of the house is St Owen’s well itself. Cruck frame means 2 matching curved beams that meet at the gabled end, this may be one of Wenlock’s oldest buildings.

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The Guildhall is from the 16th century. The lower part houses a market now inside the market you can see some of the original borough signs which extended over 17 parishes. Upstairs are the council chambers which are still in regular use and the old court. Above the judge's chair you will see The Coat of Arms of Queen Elizabeth I (1589). This is open to the public seasonally.
Have a look at the back of the Guildhall as well by walking along Church walk where lovely gardens and cottages can be enjoyed such as Church House yet another black and white timbered house.

Holy Trinity Church became the church of the parish around 1100 and the Cluniac monks from The Priory were said to responsible for much of the stonework. t was here that St. Milburga (Wenlock’s female saint and abbess of Wenlock Priory) was buried and later moved. Her remains are said to have been moved a number of times. She is reputed to have started the church for the women town folk and her nuns to attend services. Today family graves of the Brookes Family can be seen in the churchyard.

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Opposite Raynauld's Mansion is the Talbot Inn which has been a lodging since 1361. It was called the Abbott's House, the Almoners , a pub for travellers and a centre for alms giving. The courtyard was a pleasant place to stop for some lunch and a drink here as we explored the town sights. At the back of the courtyard is a malt house - now converted to 6 en-suite rooms. The sandwiches here came with a generous portion of salad - really one plate between two would have been plenty.

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Just along from the Corn Exchange on the High Street is another interesting building - a plain timber frame Elizabethan building, Raynald’s Mansion, constructed 1682. Looked like it was being renovated inside for a fine furniture shop.