For the latest information on The Wrekin, go to discoveringbritain.org The Wrekin and see. It's the culmination of 70 years research and two years preparation. When you've read it, comments please. via George Evans # Posted by Steve Hooker at 28/3/13; 6:59:39 AM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Walks galore

Here's a perfect view from the top. OK it's a little robotic. And a long disclaimer about seeing Snowdon... You can't! # Posted by Steve Hooker at 20/2/12; 7:17:49 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
View from the top

Time	10 September · 11:00 - 16:00
Location	Ercall Local Nature Reserve, Ercall Lane, Wellington
Created by:	Wmp Wellington
More info	Entrance opposite the Buckatree Hotel Free Entry Bring a picnic Live Music & Entertainment Bug Hunts Woodland Crafts Family Activities Refreshments for sale

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 17/8/11; 2:18:38 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
The Wrekin Wakes, Wrekin Forest Big Picnic

Are you aware of the importance of the Wrekin to we poor colonials? Wesley Spragg, the man who put Anchor Butter on the map, was a Shropshire lad. I am a descendant and I live in Perth, West Australia. I have Wesley's letters from a return visit he made to Shropshire in about 1906. He talks of the family picnics to the Wrekin and his disappointment at the lack of donkeys to ride when he came to Shropshire at that time. He talks also of the Wrekin Toast and the Forest Glen Pavilion. I have copied Wesley's letters and will be in Shropshire at Hopton Court, Cleobury Mortimer in the second week in September. If you want to learn anything more to add to your case to preserve the Wrekin area, then please catch up with me then.

Christine Roberts

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 20/7/11; 10:39:53 AM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Wrekin and Anchor Butter and donkeys

I am trying to get a copy of Percy Poynton's Toast 'All Friends Round the Wrekin' that he use to give at functions at the Forest Glen rooms in the late 1950s do you know where I may get a copy? # Posted by Steve Hooker at 1/6/11; 6:05:03 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Toast

Roman road doubt after discovery cobbled built 100 years before invasion | Mail Online: "It is believed the road was built in the Iron Age British kingdom of the Cornovii, to link their hillfort ‘capital', now called The Wrekin, near Telford, with Old Oswestry hillfort.  # Posted by Steve Hooker at 15/3/11; 10:35:17 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss (2 responses) Comment [2]
3 or 4 thousand years ago, the highway to Oswestry Hillfort

My response to David Squires' comments:

I've attached a file showing three topographs published during the nineteenth century: the first in 1824, the second around 1870 and the third in the mid-1890s.
The latter two seem to be 'lifted' from the 1824 original.

None of them mentions Snowdon. I'd be very interested if David would let me know where he's seen Snowdon mentioned in the 'lots of guide books dating back to the 19th century'; I certainly haven't during my many years of research, but I'm very much aware that I can't possibly have come across every guide, directory or other publication. That's why I'd like to know David's sources: to further my own research.

Being realistic, and bearing in mind the Rotary Club (and hence Gerry) went to great expense and inconvenience to create and install both topographs asa worthwhile attraction on top of The Wrekin (Dave: please note 'The' is always initially capitalised when followed by 'Wrekin' which, strictly,should be followed by 'Hill'), I get the sense that David is making amountain (which The Wrekin Hill is not) out of a molehill (which, again, TheWrekin Hill is not).

OK, so the topograph may be inaccurate in one specific reference, but it isn't the end of the world. Life will go on whether or not the Snowdon reference is 'corrected'. Walkers will still get enormous pleasure from viewing the vista, whether or not they take the trouble to identify every single indicator on the topograph.

Gerry may have been misadvised, but he's not able to explain why it was included. What he did has given much pleasure to visitors who have managed to make it to the top of the hill and it seems to me as rather misguided to take such an adamant and intolerant stand. The topograph is rather like a history or any other factual book; they are created according to what the author (or, in this case, engraver) understands the situation to be at the time of creation. Following his logic, it seems that David would like to take every author and publisher to task in order to update their books every time someone discovers something slightly wrong with them. Some what unrealistic, I would say.

Let it lie, David. Unless, of course, you're willing to pay for are placement yourself without demeaning the efforts of those who can't defend themselves because they're no longer alive. An alternative is to wait until some kind person or group like the Rotary Club decides to replace the present topograph which, as you'll be aware, is itself a replacement because of severe weathering to the original. This minor, hardly earth-shattering error, can surely wait until then.

Allan # Posted by Steve Hooker at 6/3/09; 9:46:55 AM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Resonse to David Squires comments

I found, I thought I'd share. PDFs are available, at around 15-30Mb download, but well worth it. Each around 200 pages of text and line drawings. The latest has lithographs from photos.

*The castles & old mansions of Shropshire* (1868).

*Picturesque views and description of cities, towns, castles, mansions, and other objects of interesting feature, in Shropshire, from original designs, taken expressly for this work, by Frederick Calvert, engraved on steel dy [sic] Mr. T. Radclyffe, with historical and topographical illustrations* (1834)

*Shropshire houses : past & present ; illustrated from drawings* (1901)

*The four minsters round the Wrekin : Buildwas, Haughmond, Lilleshull and Wenlock, with ground plans* (1877)

In the first I found this odd, very steep hill. Maybe it was wood-less, then?

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 9/4/08; 9:12:57 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Old books

All friends around the Wrekin or an attempt to ascertain the limits of the horizon of that celebrated Shropshire mountain.

This scroll came from Anne Plummer's grandfather's house.
George says, "At 1824 it's nearly 99 years older than me. I always thought this design was not so old - it's before railways and mass tourism."

Anne gave it to George, who took this picture and who's passing it on to Allan Frost to scan. It's then going into a museum collection. Where that museum is... Well, it's moot point, because Wellington hasn't got one, nor The Wrekin.

George Evans says, "Perhaps I'll get the scroll framed and present it to Wellington Library to hang on their wall. What you think?" # Posted by Steve Hooker at 2/2/08; 10:19:17 AM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
An old Wrekin scroll

Tonight, The Wrekin Forest Partnership, was sort-of formed. Kinda launched. No champagne, but a toast, as every meeting of The Friends Round The Wrekin is ended with.

The Partnership, is a vehicle to raise money. It's a collection of quangos, landowners, politicians and us. Yes! US. We're the drivers. For who lots of stuff will done. We are the people who live there, visit there, and who've been there once, or not, maybe just thought about 'going up.'


The Introductions from the key players

Video: the second part of the introductions, and part one of Pete's piece

Tonight, was full of ideas. Full of hope. The Wrekin, and a large patch, right around is in good hands. Tonight was excited, engaged and becoming more knowledgeable of the goodness and wonder of The Hill. Tonight! "It's happening, Reg. Something's actually happening, Reg."



I'm often amazed by the various interest groups: walkers, bikes, horses, dogs, birdwatchers, tree spotters, geologists, historians, politicians, professional land carers, farmers, foresters, landed gentry, the people who live, there and are going to live there, vandals, road racers, shooters, beaters, fencers, anglers, nimbys, teachers, the guys that work the mast, those that para glide to work, witches and pagans, our Japanese readers, locals, lovers, funerals, accidents and helicopter pilots, and me. And all of those people there tonight. The Hill is a focal point for the whole area, from those that have never been up it, see it, know of it, read about it, study it and even for those that say they couldn't care less and litter it and fly tip it. It's quiet, it's safe, it's packed, it's empty, it's cloudy, windy. And always, for the eyes beautiful. Smell it, touch it. Go on—give a tree a hug!

History was made tonight. All the above people are included. A Partnership. Of Shropshire Wildlife Trust, The Shropshire Hills Area for Outstanding Natural Beauty people, Telford and Wrekin Council, Little Wenlock Parish Council, land owners, And us. We the people of the All Friends Round The Wrekin. Which is everybody and anybody.

The questions session was full and frank. Because everybody, from all of these interest groups above, is a part, a voice of The Wrekin Forest Partnership. There's going to be shouting, behind the scenes whispering, public 'consultation,' no voting, as things get done. Money is going to be raised, spent and squandered. Ideas are are being formed. The game is afoot.

Peter Lambert, the go between, the master planner, has a master plan. It's on video, and here as a download (or a pop open, below).

The Shropshire Wildlife Trust, is behind the plan, as is AONB, two elected Coucils, various sub-committees. The landowners need more buy-in. We the people, need more information and debate. Should we let it all happen as it always has, by benign neglect, or has this, us, them, have we let it all hang out too far, is it time to study, protect, enforce, help?

The plan, is good and wholesome and mainly general. IMHO. At least as Pete, the great persuader presenter told us as he whizzed through the general slides, (which will be posted here later). I haven't yet read the full 70 PAGES!




Part two


Part three


The tree man


Part four of Peter's piece


Questions and wrap up

The larger contentious issues are:

• Development. Development. Development! Development of the infamous, always one for opinion and debate,  toilets: come snack bar, come information centre, come architectural wet dream, drive-by tourist attraction and international tourist attraction, outdoor base camp and camping ground and ski lift to blue skies. And creeping house development.  
• Pathways: permissive paths, existing pathways improved and beautified, upgraded, usage switched, modified, assisted, controlled. And a gorgeous sign to commemorate the hill fort.
• Openness and transparency. (My pet 'issue.')

George Evan's famous toast to All Friends Round The Wrekin # Posted by Steve Hooker at 4/12/07; 2:22:58 AM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Historical meeting tonight

Pete Lambert also writes, "I have also been putting the finishing touches on the Wrekin Hillfort restoration plans which I will share with you when the Raby Estate have read and approved them."

I hope there'll be some heads on spikes! Oh wait that was Conan the Barbarian.
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 15/10/07; 3:03:30 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Hillfort restoration

In the discussion group, a new message was posted asking for help.

"Hi, I am undertaking a MA thesis on Iron Age hill forts in Shropshire and aim to visit the Wrekin soon to take some pictures and have a rootle round. I was wondering if there was anyone who went up on a regular basis and wouldn't mind accompanying me for an hour or so to ensure I don't get lost or miss anything interesting.


Thanks"

I suppose it'll need pointing out to her that she'll need much longer than an hour, unless she can run up the thing :-) Also, Jennie, if you could be specific about the date you're coming to visit... I'd try and make it a weekend, if I were you. Lots more about then.

If anyone can help, please drop a line to the discussion group or leave something in the comments below.

Jennie asked for some background to the hill fort. Here's the info, for others to follow.

Two files: Wrekin Report and the Wrekin Archeological Report 1973 were suggested by Allan Frost, he also wrote, "The other Archaeological Report to mention is that of Dr. Kenyon which took place in 1939. Shropshire Archives may be willing to send her a copy. Ask her to contact me again if she has a problem and I'll see what I can do. You could also mention my books 'The Wrekin Hill' and the 'Wrekin Wraiths, Rebels and Romans' novel, which may give additional material."

While George Evans wrote, "Please pass on the following:
1. Dig by Kathleen Kenyon, 1939
2. Dig by Stan Stanford before TV mast
3. Survey for AONB (not including hillfort)
4. Survey including 'hut circles'
5. Book (fiction but well researched) by Allan Frost
6. Orienteers' Map includes interesting information not intended for archaelogical study.
7. English Heritage should be asked abd encouraged to find out much more.
The site has not been given its proper importance and it would be great to have it examined.
I'll do anything I can to help."

Marc Petty of the Discovering Wellington Project says, "On top of what George and Allan have suggested I would also recommend reading (if you haven't already) Dr Roger White's 'Wroxeter: Life and Death of a Roman City', which contains lots of good background about the Wrekin hill fort and the function of hill forts in Cornovii society, etc." # Posted by Steve Hooker at 20/8/07; 6:48:19 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss (2 responses) Comment [2]
Proposed Visit


Wrekin hill fort


Cornovii hill fort

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 28/5/07; 10:56:09 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Mysterious lines

So, it wasn't vandals! Historical Quakes: "A month later, on 2nd April 1990 the Bishop's Castle earthquake (magnitude 5.1) in the Welsh borders was felt strongly across the region.

Two swarms of earthquakes became active in February 1995....

Also felt in Staffordshire during this period was a magnitude 3.4 earthquake near Shrewsbury on 7th March 1996"

Pete Lambert asked why a chunk of rock had fallen in the Needle's Eye. George Evans answered in the comments that the Bishops Castle earthquake in 1990 was the culprit and I went to Google to find out more.

And now, every lorry that goes past...
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 26/9/06; 9:20:40 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Historical Quakes

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 12/7/06; 4:05:39 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Discovering Wellington Project - We Have Lift-Off

Hi Steve,
The version I use, adapted from Percy and Ossie Pointon, is as follows:
Here's to Her Most Gracious Majesty The Queen
And to all her heirs and successors
Especially the Noble Prince Charles
And his two jockies

And here's to all the lads and the wenches
On the land, on the sea and in the air
England never did nor never shall
Lie at the foot of a proud conqueror

And here's to All Friends Round The Wrekin
And may the Devil rain pebblestones
On the toes of our enemies
That we may knopw the buggers by their limp

All Friends Round The Wrekin!

This is nearer to the Forest Glen version than the one you quoted. However, there's no 'Right Way'. The Pointons changed their toast depending on their audience and how sober they were at the time. First I heard it was 'The King!' And he was George V, not VI.
Be happy
George. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 13/6/06; 5:06:02 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
More toast

I've been asked by the esteemed local historian Allan Frost, to ask if any readers have any photos of...

1. events INSIDE the Forest Glen,
2. folk on the old swing boats at the Halfway House and
3. of the former Rifle Range on the north face of the hill (I'm really looking for a photo showing the numbered targets)?

Allan writes, "I've been given a lot of information about the Glen by a member of the Pointon family who had the Forest Glen built. More will be revealed on my book 'The Wrekin Hill', due out sometime next year. Watch this space!"

Please contact him via this spam free link or via the comments in the greyed out text below.

Allan.... Can you tell us a little about the swing boats? I know there used to be more happening at the Half Way House. Can you give us a little clue, as way of a tease for your new book?


# Posted by Steve Hooker at 31/5/06; 10:59:30 AM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Call for photos

More emailed stuff... But as usual I don't know the answers so if we could get them together here, then Google in all its wisdom can help others... (One thing to remember, The Wrekin has a capital 'T' !!!)

Hi I am a student at Harper Adams University Collage and I am doing an a assignment on The Wrekin. I was wondering if you could spare the time and allow me to ask you some questions about it?

1. Who owns The Wrekin and how does the ownership have implications for the site?
2. What are the environmental constraints and issues for the site and what are the consequences?
3. What is the status of the site in terms of environmental/ conservation/ heritage and the implications of this for its use?
4. What are the management objectives of the owners?

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 19/1/06; 1:25:11 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss (2 responses) Comment [2]
Students! Why? Why? Why?

Orleton School is doing their last ever run up (around?) The Wrekin. Thursday May 18th 2006. Last year George Evans posted about the run, and topically, Guy Gibson reckoned he came third, after Basher Bayliss

More details about the Orleton last run are on The Wellington News' site. Read about the web bringing past students back to school and the barbecue at the end. There's a telephone number there too.
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 19/1/06; 12:51:13 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Last run for Orleton

I've finally got my hands on The Wrekin Archeological Report.

Download it and enjoy. It's in PDF format. At some stage I'll rip it out of PDF format and stick it in as plain old web pages so we can all enjoy. Here's a snip of the introduction:

Introduction
The archaeological walk-over survey of the Wrekin was commissioned in February 2005 by the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership, with a view to establishing the scale of the archaeological resource within the two estates that together own a large proportion of the hill itself and its lower slopes. It was hoped that the primary role of the data collected might be to inform land management practices.
Most of the desk-top assessment was undertaken in March and this was followed by the fieldwork in the same month but which also ran into April. This report was prepared thereafter.
The report provides an introduction and background to the survey, details of the methodology adopted, and a relatively brief consideration of the archaeological remains that were recorded. It is completed by a series of plans and several gazetteers. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 4/1/06; 6:34:43 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Historical Wrekin

Did you know that Alan Wedge, whom I have been calling King of The Wrekin, is to celebrate his 90th birthday on top of The Wrekin on Sunday next (4. Sept) on the top at 6am?

So I'm told.

I'd like to be there but 6am is too early for me by many hours. I'm an owl, not a hawk. It's a time I've not been out since VE Day. It might be good to have something on the website after the event.

Dammit, who else has ever done that? Nobody I've ever heard of. Positively heroic! Historic even! World record! What you think? # Posted by George evans at 30/8/05; 9:28:58 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Happy birthday to Alan Wedge

"Back in 1964 the BBC carried out transmission tests on the Wrekin, only to be told by local politicians that they wouldn't allow anything to be built on the landmark." # Posted by Steve Hooker at 28/5/05; 11:16:49 AM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
BBC: Wrekin Transmitter

The lane called 'Wrekin Course', which runs parallel to The Wrekin on its northern side, appears to have acquired that name owing to the fact that it formed part of a horse racing course used by local landowners and gentry during the eighteenth century. Prizes of up to 50 guineas could be won.

# Posted by Allan Frost at 11/4/05; 9:29:05 AM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Wrekin Course

Research by local historian Allan Frost shows that riots between the apprentices of Wellington and miners in the vicinity got slightly out of hand during the 1750s.

A mock battle between the two sides had, by that time, become something of an annual event during the Wellington Wakes weekends which usually took place in June. The object of the battle was to gain and retain possession of The Wrekin summit by whatever means were to hand (usually fists and wrestling, where courage was enhanced by more than a drop of ale, which was considerably more potent then than normal ales or beers are today).

The local militia was summoned and the Riot Act read out to calm the situation. # Posted by Allan Frost at 11/4/05; 9:27:22 AM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Wrekin Riots

Steve, The building you ask about was stone built (try and get a tame geologist to tell you what stone) and outlasted the Glen though it has been vandalised and almost obliterated. It used to have a line of rings on the back wall, which I can only suppose were for tethering horses.

So I think it was a stable. Perhaps it's older than the Glen and was used for the quarries.

Early last century horse-drawn charabancs brought parties from Wellington station. These later were replaced by buses. A shuttle service. Didn't someone recently think that was a new idea? It's a good idea though and I look forward to seeing someone find a way of putting it into action. # Posted by George evans at 13/3/05; 10:16:22 AM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
The ruins next to the Forest Glen

George Evans, the venerable chairman of All Friends Around The Wrekin has a booklet out. Already on its second reprint and the only book about The Wrekin, like ever!

Join George for a walk up and around The Wrekin, learn all the important landmarks and all the historical aspects of The Wrekin.

BTW: A fern ticket is the mythical permit to adventure on The Wrekin or in its magical forest. Couples spotted leaving a dance at the Forest Glen were asked. "Have you got your fern ticket?"

It's published by Wellington Civic Society and is available from... Erm... I don't know, come to think about it. I'm sure someone will tell me in the next 24 hours. It's priced at £5.00.


# Posted by Steve Hooker at 16/2/05; 1:49:41 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
You got a fern ticket?

I just found this image of Romans building a road. It should have been in Phil's story about the hill fort on top of The Wrekin.

Worth another front news item, me thinks.
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 13/12/04; 12:25:14 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Phil's story about the hill fort

Try to imagine what Shropshire would have been like over 3000 years ago.  The broad plain stretching north of the Wrekin would have been heavily wooded and the Weald Moor between Wellington and Newport, very wet and marshy.  The River Severn would have been even more prone to flooding than it is now.  The Cornovii, the Celtic tribe who lived here at that time, would have seen the Wrekin as the obvious place to build their tribal capital on the high ground away from the marsh, the river and the dense woodland.... Wonderful story from our Phil (erm... I don't know his last name, no doubt, another editor will pop it here or in the comments).

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 3/12/04; 11:12:48 AM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
History of The Wrekin's hill fort

A Centenary Celebration

In aid of the Wrekin Appeal

A collection of recipes written down by Emmie Teece, a school girl from Wrekin Road school, exactly a century ago, has been put together and is  now on sale with profits going to the Wrekin Appeal.

The booklet has been produced by Jill Loach of Wolverhampton. She has extracted recipes from her grandmother's cookery book, written down while at Wrekin Road School. The first entry, for 6 October 1904, describes basic scullery work, detailing the materials needed to scrub boards, wash saucepans and clean silver.

Recipes for traditional English fare such as beef tea, steak and kidney pudding and gruel are included along with some good old-fashioned pudding suggestions, such as currant pudding and treacle tart. The booklet even includes some vegetarian recipes, such as lentil soup and a fruitarian Christmas pudding.

The recipes are interspersed with memories of the Wrekin and of life during the First World War. "Every Bank holiday.used to be a real day out - trips used to come in on the railway from different areas: Shrewsbury, Oakengates.wherever there was a train coming from. The streets would be absolutely crowded going up towards the Wrekin. They'd be selling pop and fruit and sweets and packs of buns."

Post card pictures of the Wrekin, of Emmie Teece and her family and of places where she worked are used to illustrate the book, along with woodcuts of animals and fish relevant to the recipes.

"This little book has been a labour of love on a personal level and also an attempt to help in a small way to secure the future of a precious and unique landmark," said Jill Loach. Her grandmother was an enthusiastic fund-raiser locally and she believes that the Wrekin Appeal would have been close to her heart.


The book is on sale priced at £2.99 and is available in Shrewsbury from Shropshire Wildlife Trust's HQ; in Wellington from Art Etc, Scoop'n Save, Busy Beez Wool and Needlecraft, Geoffrey Jones Opticians, The Wrekin pub, Wellington News, Langland Records and Peter Jones Carpets & Beds and from the Halfway House café on the Wrekin. It can also be obtained by post from:
On  receipt of a cheque for £3.50. # Posted by Jenny Smith at 4/10/04; 10:04:30 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Wrekin Road Recipe Book

We can see The Wrekin via the birds eye aerial version in Multimap, And with the overlay feature we can even see the roads, place names too. But, if someone has a map, with the areas that Peter Holt is flogging, even the areas of other land owners, including The Shropshire Wildlife Trust's areas, could they send that to me, or rather join the site, and upload the image themselves. Or perhaps someone could get out a paintbrush in Photoshop and draw on the areas? This would be a great help to me (I'm still a newbie to the area).


# Posted by Steve Hooker at 1/10/04; 12:35:56 PM
To the Historical Wrekin dept.
Discuss Comment [0]
Map of the area in question