Shropshire is a county in the West Midlands region of England. It is bordered by Cheshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and the Welsh counties of Powys and Wrexham.
Shropshire | 0 to the 9th century AD
Roman Period | 1st – 5th centuries
Shropshire, situated within the larger Roman province of Britannia, experienced Roman occupation. The Romans established settlements and infrastructure, and Wroxeter (Viroconium), located in present-day Shropshire, was a significant Roman town. It was one of the fourth-largest cities in Roman Britain, boasting impressive structures such as the municipal baths.
Anglo-Saxon Settlement | 5th -9th centuries
With the decline of Roman influence and the withdrawal of Roman legions in the early fifth century, Anglo-Saxon tribes migrated to and settled in various parts of England, including Shropshire. The area became part of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia.
Kingdom of Mercia
Shropshire was within the territory of Mercia, one of the most powerful Anglo-Saxon kingdoms during the early medieval period. The Kingdom of Mercia played a significant role in the political and cultural landscape of England. Tamworth, in Staffordshire (near Shropshire’s border), was the capital of Mercia.
Christianization
The spread of Christianity in Shropshire is associated with the Anglo-Saxon period. Monasteries and churches were established, contributing to the Christianization in the region.
Viking Raids | 8th – 9th centuries
Like many areas in England, Shropshire experienced Viking raids during the eighth and ninth centuries. The Vikings targeted monasteries and settlements along rivers, contributing to the historical narrative of the Viking Age.
Burial Mounds
Shropshire has several Anglo-Saxon burial mounds and barrows, reflecting the cultural practices of the early medieval period. Archaeological evidence from such sites provides insights into the material culture and burial customs of the time.