Shropshire Routes to Roots

In the nineteenth century, independent fire brigades were run by insurance companies. In 1900, Kelly's Directory reported that there were still two brigades in Shrewsbury, "one belonging to the Alliance Assurance Co. with a fire engine station in Cross hill, the other, belonging to the Royal Insurance Co. with a fire station in Mardol Head."

In 1900, this building was probably a warehouse. It became a Ford motor garage, before a municipal fire station was built on the site sometime in the 1940s.

This was demolished in 1976, and a set of flats for eldery people replaced it.

The photograph on the left is of the old municipal fire station as it was in the 1970s.

It was superseded by an even more modern station in Ditherington, at the northeast end of town, which was opened in 1973. By being out-of-town, there is far more space for excercise towers, garages and appliances than there ever could be in a town centre.

In 1900, the borough police station was in Swan Hill. There were residences for the chief constable and two inspectors and 'residence' for 5 prisoners in the cells. Throughout Shropshire, besides the Chief Constable, Captain William G. Williams-Freeman, there were 8 superintendents, 4 inspectors, 20 sergeants and 132 constables.

The building was demolished in 1977, and this block of flats was built on the site. Further up the hill, however, the old constabulary headquarters is still standing, used as an insurance company's offices.

Shrewsbury's municipal baths used to stand in Priory Road, near Shrewsbury Sixth Form College and the Quarry. They were built in 1894 by J. Chappel Eddowes.

The modern baths, opened in 1970, stand in much the same spot, although this photograph shows them from a different angle.

In 1900, there were three ferry boats working on the River Severn in Shrewsbury. They were based at the upper end of the Quarry, at the lower end of the Quarry, and at the Cherry Orchard end.

Today, there are cruisers on the river, but the ferries have been superseded by bridges such as Castle Bridge, which was opened in 1951. There are, however, plans to turn the Quarry into a major tourist attraction, including a floating tea room and open-top bus tours.

Although in the 1960s and 1970s many old buildings were destroyed, the modern ethos is to preserve and restore old buildings, whilst also adapting them for modern needs.

This building was first a brewery, then later a warehouse for a fruit and veg wholesaler. Recently, it was turned into a set of riverside apartments. Will more old buildings be restored and preserved like this in future?