Bridgnorth
(click on the above picture to view the Bridgnorth webcam)
"One of the most spectacular inland town settings in England"
Bridgnorth sits high on a sandstone cliff and its history, well, lets say its had it’s ups and downs and all have left their marks in Bridgnorth’s development.
The town is divided in two - a high town and low town. There are caves, a castle, a cliff railway, a civil war and catastrophes that all had a bearing on the town you see today.
Bordered and divided by Britain’s longest river, The Severn, there are spectacular views of the valley and low town from the high town.
Bridgnorth, in reality, is two towns: the High Town (good views down) and the Low Town (good views up). Now connected by the steepest inland funicular railway in Britain.
The Low Town was once a thriving port along the banks of the River Severn, while the High Town held the castle, the churches, and many fine 16th and 17th century mansions. Charles I, lost his head here completely, declaring the view to be "the finest in all my kingdom."
The more energetic amongst you can amble up one of the seven sets of steps, or the steep old Cartway, where goods were once hauled to the market above. The carts are gone, but the markets remain. Antiques and local produce are particular specialities.
By the time you reach the top, you'll probably need a sit down - and where better than the Castle Gardens? What's left of the Castle leans at an alarming angle, even greater than the Tower of Pisa. The
building was blown up in the Civil War by the parliamentarians - who botched it, as parliamentarians are wont to do.
Nearby an iron footbridge takes you to the Severn Valley Railway Station. If you want to explore the beautiful Severn Gorge to the south, you should definitely let the steam train take the strain. And you can enjoy wonderful 1940's and 1960's steam nostalgia weekends. (Hurry, before they reach the 1970's).
Believe it or not Hitler was planning to make Bridgnorth his european headquarters.
At first glance, Bridgnorth may not be the most obvious choice as the Führer's base for establishing his brave new world, but secret documents strongly suggest that that is what he had in mind.
A bundle of 1940s papers put up for auction contains maps highlighting strategic sites for attack by the Luftwaffe, including railway stations, power plants and bridges.
While there are maps of potential bombing sites and information on 146 towns and cities, it is the enormous amount of detail and attention placed on Bridgnorth that has led experts to believe that Hitler chose it as the ideal base.
"What a huge relief it is that Bridgnorth remained the lovely English towns it is today. You dread to think what might have happened if the Nazis had managed to invade."
The town has two unique heritage railways: a Cliff Railway that climbs from the Severn to the high town and the famous Severn Valley Railway operating vintage trains on a beautiful sixteen mile stretch of riverside line.
The town has won 5 consecutive gold medals in the Britain in Bloom competition and a silver award in the European floral competition.
There are shops and pubs and events galore, as well as many places to explore.
There are two markets - a livestock market and a street market as well as a permanent indoor market area and a Friday market under the Town Hall.
There are lovely side streets to explore with fine houses and cottages, the remains of a Friary, eight sets of steps to get up and down the town, a bridge, old residential caves and much more
For more information please go to the links page by clicking HERE
Enjoy your Bridgnorth experience with a relaxing stay at Gwelo........