More information : Davies (a) lists four periods for the town wall of Shrewsbury:
1st Norman (1100-1135?)
2nd Great wall of Henry III (1220-1252)
3rd The Edwardian wall (1272-1307)
4th The Civil War wall (1643-45)
Robert de Belesme (the third and last Norman earl of Shrewsbury),
built the first wall, c.1100, which ran from the Castle to the river
on either side. Nothing remains of that to the east; to the west,
considerable remains were extant in 1911 along Meadow Place (name
centred: SJ 49331287) to the river. Davies suggests that it was
between 1102 and 1135 that the "first inclosing wall" or inner wall ofShrewsbury was built (by Henry I). Its existence was unknown till traced by Drinkwater (f) in 1880. Many fragments still remained in
1911, was excavated in 1958, when the line and date were confirmed.
(1)
There is no documentary evidence for a stone built town wall before
the 13th c. "... examination of the evidence makes it virtually
certain that no Norman town wall ever existed. For the 13th c. wall
both documents and structures are available" An entry in the patent
Rolls of 1218 ordered that Shrewsbury should be strengthened, and
enclosed. Earlier defences probably existed for in 1231 reference is
made of using materials from the old ditch for making the new. The
construction of a stone wall was probably commenced about 1218-1220
and was largely completed by 1256 (h).
The course of the wall of the outer bailey of the castle (shown as
Town Wall on O.S. 25" 1927) ran southwards from the motte along the
high ground above the western bank of the River Severn. A
substantial stretch of ashlar with a chamfered plinth on the North
side of Water Lane marks the south side of the outer bailey (j).
(2)
See "Town Wall" cards for detailed perambulation of course of wall.
The course of the wall along the east and south side of the town is
generally well authenticated. It is marked by a retaining wall which
is heavily buttressed in some sections. The wall itself varies from
red sandstone to brick. It has been considerably repaired and it is
difficult to differentiate between original portions and early
repairs. Only small stretches remain of the chamfered plinth which
Ralegh Radford refers to as a feature of the original wall. (3)
Excavations at Roushill (SJ 49051262) revealed the remains of the town wall, together with a valuable pottery series from the 13th to 18th centuries. Further excavations at the nearby 'Charles Clark's Garage'revealed a further 86 feet of the 13th century wall. Original walling up to a height of 15 feet survived.
Excavation at Pride Hill Chambers (SJ 49171260) revealed a two-storey
13th century building, the north wall of which was founded on the
town wall. (4-6)
A substantial part of the C13 town wall remains, the street known as
Town Walls being laid across the top of it. Built of sandstone with
rampart and raised steps and buttresses. Overlooking bank sloping to
river. Begun by Henry III in 1226. AM. (7)
SJ 490 122. Town Wall section W of Belmont Crescent. Scheduled Salop 150A.
SJ 490 121 - SJ 493 122. Town Wall section E of Belmont Crescent. Scheduled Salop 150B.
SJ 491 126. Length of medieval town wall, Sally port and interval tower. Scheduled Salop 317. (8) |