MUSEUM PARTNERSHIP: THE STORY

TELLING THE STORY OF THE WREKIN

What's so special about The Wrekin?

The museums of Shropshire's Ironbridge Gorge - 'the birthplace of industry' - focus on the Industrial Revolution. The story of The Wrekin doesn't quite live up to that level of world significance, but it is an icon of Shropshire around which the ancient history of our county has been woven. The hill itself is unique in its geology, dense with wildlife, rich in mythology and human activity. As such, it provides a strong narrative around which a museum could be structured, threading together the histories of its surrounding towns and villages along the way. The following themes are amongst those that could be explored:

 

Pre-history:

 

Geology of The Wrekin (unique rock formations, forged in the South Atlantic 600 million years ago)The prehistoric landscape (the Wrekin hills, the Ice Age and the creation of the Wealdmoors and the Severn Valley)Wildlife: sea creatures, flora and fauna

 

Human history:

The Iron Age: the Cornovii, the hill fort and the Roman Conquest, the building of Watling Street, and the city of ViroconiumThe Wrocensaetan: the people of the Wrekin in the Saxon period, the kingdom of Pengwern and claims of a 'King Arthur connection'The growth of settlements around The Wrekin: East Shropshire in the Domesday Book and Wellington's emergence as a market townThe Royal Forest of the Wrekin: hunting, medieval forestry and the rise of the Forester FamilyMyths, folklore and faith on The Wrekin: legends of its creation; spirituality on the hill (sacred rocks, tree and springs) and visits on holy daysThe Wrekin at Work: early industry on The Wrekin, charcoal burners & limekilns; farming; timber and quarryingThe Wrekin at Play: the Wrekin Wakes of the 18th century, political rallies in the 19th century, sporting events and high days & holidaysThe Wrekin as Icon: books, music and poetry about the Wrekin since 1800, and the Victorians' fascination with 'the oldest mountain in England'The Wrekin at War: warning beacons from the time of the Armada to the Second World War; the Wrekin Militia of the Napoleonic Era and the Wrekin Rifle RangeConserving The Wrekin: environmental concerns, protecting wildlife and biodiversity, preserving the hill fort

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