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The
town of Mediolanum (meaning "The place in the mid plain")
was established in about 70AD by the Romans on the site of modern
day Whitchurch. Built on a low hill, Whitchurch provided a perfect
location on a major Roman route, half way between Chester (Deva) and
Wroxeter (Viroconium).
Today, unlike Chester and Wroxeter, there's very little evidence of
Roman occupation in the town. However the nearby mosses have provided
both Iron Age and Roman artifacts - a few of which can be seen at
the Whitchurch Heritage Centre. What Whitchurch possesses in abundance
is beautiful Medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture.
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St
Alkmunds
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The name
Whitchurch comes from 'White Church'. The church in question was Norman
and built from white stone (thought to be local chalk). That church
was considered to be the second church on the same site. Although
it hasn't survived, the current St Alkmunds church was again built
on the same spot in 1712, using sandstone.
One of Shropshire's chain of market towns, Whitchurch was granted
'town' status in 1284, and was awarded a market charter in the 14th
century. Today there's still a vibrant market every Friday.
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One
of the many JB Joyce clocks around Whitchurch. This one lives
in The Bullring
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Whitchurch
also has a reputation for being 'The home of tower clocks'. Local
clockmakers JB Joyce & Co were established in 1690 and are the
oldest tower clock manufacturers in the world.
Many of their timepieces can be seen around Whitchurch and beyond,
including Australia, China and India (They even had a hand in the
building of the famous Westminster clock known as Big Ben!).
Whitchurch
also has a famous reputation for cheese making. Despite lying in north
Shropshire, Whitchurch is widely regarded as the home of Cheshire
cheese.
Whitchurch's famous sons and daughters include composer Edward German,
Sir John Talbot (who gets a mention in Shakespeare's Henry IV part
1), and Victorian Illustrator Randolph Caldecott. Author, Lorna Sage
also went to the Whitchurch Girls' High School.
Despite a rich history, Whitchurch isn't rooted in the past. It offers
enough large chain stores and smaller local shops to attract people
from a large outlying area of north Shropshire and south Cheshire.
Not only can you find all the necessities, but a variety of more traditional,
specialist retailers provide visitors with a real shopping experience,
in a town which possesses plenty of character.
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Whitchurch
Civic Centre on the High Street
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The Civic
Centre boasts a number of facilities including a concert hall, tourist
information office and local library, as well as doubling up as an
occasional cinema.
Nearby, the small but fascinating Heritage Centre offers tourist information
services, a historical guide to the town and often exhibits work by
local artists.
Next door, the Whitchurch Craft Centre offers visitors the chance
to see traditional arts and crafts being made.
Elsewhere, The Whitchurch Leisure Centre stages touring theatre productions
and shows by local am dram companies. The Centre also offers cinema
screening and a huge variety of sporting activities.
Meanwhile, the town swimming pool is handily situated near the main
car parking area and retail park.
If you're into team sports, there are few activities which aren't
available. Whitchurch boasts active football, rugby, cricket, hockey
and netball teams.
If you're into extreme sports, both rally driving and sky diving courses
are available within a few miles of the town centre.
If all that sounds a bit too athletic for you, you may just prefer
to relax in one of Whitchurch's many excellent pubs. |
