³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

The rural landscape of Shropshire evokes powerful imagery, but the industrial history of the region also lingers.

Darby's iron bridge, by Jenny Gunning

Perhaps the most famous structure in Shropshire is the Iron Bridge which crosses the river Severn at Ironbridge Gorge. Completed in 1779 by Abraham Darby III, the 30 metre bridge was the first in the world built of cast iron and was designed by Shrewsbury architect Thomas Pritchard. Now listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site at Ironbridge Gorge, the architectural wonder still draws thousands of people to see it every year.

For early 20th century romantic novelist Mary Webb it is the hills, woods and fields of Shropshire’s border countryside that provided the setting for much of her work. Mary’s passion for the county is evoked through the vivid descriptions in her poetry and prose.

Acclaimed First World War poet Wilfred Owen was born in Oswestry. Regarded by many as one of the leading poets of his generation, his poems such as Anthem for Doomed Youth brought home the horror of the Great War.

Edith Pargeter created the Cadfael series of Medieval mystery novels set in the splendour of Shrewsbury Abbey. Under the pen name Ellis Peters, she wrote 20 books featuring the Benedictine monk.

AE Housman’s book A Shropshire Lad mixes the styles of the traditional English ballad and classical verse. The cycle of 63 poems was first published in 1896, and with his vision of Shropshire so romantic and idyllic, it is surprising that Housman wrote most of the work before he even visited the county.

Made in England

Made in England is a joint partnership between ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ English Regions and Arts Council England to bring audiences and artists together in unique collaborations to provide exciting new cultural experiences.

It is a project dedicated to exploring how England – the place and the people - is expressed through creative and artistic forms.

Think about the Lake District - dramatic and elegant, the lush greens and icy blues depicting an unspoilt England. William Wordsworth was so inspired by the landscape he wrote poems, sonnets and ballads dedicated to it.

Non-traditional art is just as important to recognise - graffiti on the streets, estates built in the Sixties, and even regional accents. Does this architecture, history and culture inspire you to think of all things English?

If you’re bursting with enthusiasm at the thought of creating something - why don’t you see how you can get involved? Visit the main Made in England site to find out how you can get your creative juices flowing.