Wellington

Wellington sits comfortably in the shade of the Wrekin, which dominates the landscape. The proximity of the town to the Wrekin means that it is a popular spot for walkers wishing to work their way to the top.

Wellington was built on the edge of Watling street, the ledgendary ancient road that the Romans built to link London with their important city of Viriconium, now better known as Wroxeter.

Over time Wellington grew in importance as a medieval market town, with its first charter being granted in 1244 - the current market hall was built in the Victorian period.

With the development of the iron industry and growth in the coaching trade, prosperity came to the town, helped particularly by Thomas Telfords great road from London to Holyhead in 1835 - which incidently went through Wellington en-route.

Wondering Around Wellington

Today Wellington is best know as a small town with regular, typical English, street markets. It is also home to a number of attractive buildings, the oldest being the 15th Century Old Hall and including the 18th Century All Saints church by George Steuart, the architect of Attingham Park.

Despite Wellington's name, it is not connected with the Duke of Wellington in any way. However, its main claim to fame is that it was here, in Wellington that King Charles I was staying in an Inn when he declaired war on Parliament.

The town hosts the well-know Wellington Literary Festival each year, and the poet Phillip Larkin once worked at the town's Library.

You'll also find the Victorian Suburban Villa 'Sunnycroft' a typical gentlemans residence from the late Victorian period.

Another well-known Wellington face includes, the abolitionist Dr William Withering who was born in the town in 1741. Withering investigated Digitalis, a medicine used in the treatment of heart disease.

You can discover Victorian Wellington for yourself by requesting a 'Victorian Wellington' leaflet. To request a copy, please click here.

If you would like to visit Wellington and need accommodation and are interested in finding the best hotel, guest house, bed and breakfast or self catering property, please click here.