Project Update
During 2025 staff are helping to inventory and relocate corporate records. These are currently cared for by the Records Management Service at Shirehall. We’ve finished our stock checking in February. That is 8 stores assessed and about 45,000 boxes inspected. Boxes are now being prepared for their new locations.Business as usual continues as council departments work with us to ensure their records are deposited and accounted for, in line with the Council’s retention schedule. We are ensuring that best use of space is made within the Shropshire Archives building at Castle Gates and moving boxes in preparation for new shelving. The Archives building will become the point of drop off and collection for the semi current files still required by council teams. We’ve already added new shelving to provide a secure and safe location for files awaiting collection. For a more personal view of the project, visit our Cataloguing Assistant’s blog posts at:https://www.shropshirearchives.org.uk/blog/category/2025-project/
Historic Shropshire Council records
Staff are also listing the pre 1974 Shropshire County Council records.
It’s a pragmatic cataloguing which makes use of old lists where possible, so some of the references will look a little different but they will be findable via our online catalogue. This month, we’ve been working on the records generated by the Surveyor and Clerk to the Council. The Clerk to the Council was also Clerk to Shropshire and Montgomeryshire Counties and Wenlock Borough Lunatic Asylum at Bicton Heath (later Shelton Hospital). Records in this section (SD1/5) have included gems such as surveyors reports and building plans, 1887-1931. The Clerks records also include material relating to the foundation and activities of the Walker Trust (SD1/4) who still offer grants in the areas of health, education and training. Sections on Civil Defence and Air Raid Precautions (SD1/ARP) and Elections (SD1/2) have also been completed.Visiting usWe are open every Thursday from 10am-5pm.
Please do book in if you want to look at archive material. Find out more at How to book or email us at: [email protected] Do check our website before visiting in case of changes.
If you aren’t able to visit, we can provide copies and also have a Research Service.
Find out more here:Our services
Off the shelf talks
We are delighted that the Off the Shelf free talks have returned. These take place on the last Thursday of the month at 2pm.In February, it was a treat to hear Jane and Paul talk about their research into Worfield Court rolls, taking an example from 1482. The rolls made the society come to life with tales of daily squabbles, mutual responsibility and infrastructure maintenance. Off the Shelf in MarchTomorrow we welcome back local historian Penny Ward who will talk on Peopling the Shrewsbury Workhouse 1784 to 1808 and beyond.
Her source will be the Register of Paupers admitted to Shrewsbury Workhouse, 1784-1808 ref PL2/13/6/1.Penny will show how this document has allowed her to flesh out the stories of some of the people who worked at the Shrewsbury Flax Mill at the beginning of the 19th century, especially the pauper children who were apprenticed there. The Register not only records the names and ages of each individual when they were first admitted to the Workhouse, but also often provides an indication of their back story. As each entry was then updated whenever they left, it also tells us what happened to them up to their final departure from the Workhouse.
When: Thursday 27 March 2pm
Where: Shropshire Archives
Cost: FREE no need to book.
Off the Shelf in April
Join Researcher Clare Brown to find out how a trade directory can help with family history research and add extra detail to an ancestor’s life and the town they lived in.
When: Thursday 24 April 2pm
Where: Shropshire Archives
Cost: FREE no need to book
Shropshire Family History Society help deskIf you are in need of a bit of advice to help you with family history research, drop in and talk to one of the Shropshire Family History Society volunteers. They have a help desk at the Archives every Thursday morning and stay until 4pm on the last Thursday of the month. Market Drayton History DayAll welcome to a day celebrating the history of Market Drayton with talks linked to the town and local area followed by guided visits to some of the town’s attractions and a display of photographs and postcards.In association with the Drayton Civic Society & Museum and the Friends of Shropshire Archives
When: Friday 25 April 10am-4pm
Where: Festival Drayton Centre, Frogmore Road, TF9 3AX
Cost: £25 with lunch, £15 without lunch
Please book early as places are limited.For more information on the talks and walks and to book, please download Market Drayton History Day (PDF)
Shropshire Street Market Drayton PH/M/6/14/12
Last modified: 27th March 2025
