Shropshire Anniversaries

 

2009 is a very special year for Shropshire with lots of anniversaries. Here are a selection with suggestions for things to do to celebrate them.

 

This year sees the 50th anniversary of the Ludlow Festival.; A series of theatre, musical and speaking events held in and around Ludlow. The highlight is always the Shakespeare play held in the castle grounds. Take a picnic, a blanket and enjoy a magical summers evening.

 

A.E. Housman, the poet who write the poems, A Shropshire Lad, was born 150 years ago this year. His birthday will be celebrated with a number of special events in and around Ludlow. If you're up for a good walk you can do the Shropshire Lad Walk which featured as Walk of the Month in the Telegraph 2 years ago. The walk passes close to Hopton House and is a circular walk of about 15 miles.

 

It's 200 years since William Penny Brookes, the founder of the modern Olympic games in Much Wenlock , was born. Much Wenlock, just 45 minutes drive from Hopton House, is a lovely town to visit. There is an Olympic Trail,a spectacular guildhall and Much Wenlock Abbey which is managed by English Heritage.

 

If you're planning a visit to Much Wenlock then a few minutes drive down the road will take you to  Ironbridge, celebrating 300 years since the start of the industrial revolution. Lots of museums to visit and places to explore.

 

Darwin also celebrates his 200 year birthday. He was born in Shrewsbury. There will be a number of events held in and around Shrewbsury this year to celebrate. You can take the train up to Shrewsbury straight from Hopton House at 12.25 or drive to Craven Arms and pick up the more regular service from there.

 

And just last year we celebrated the 50th birthday of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Have a look at the website for lots of ideas of things to do.