Shropshire, the largest of inland counties, is divided by the River Severn
into two roughly equal halves. The north-east is a wide and fertile plain;
south-west of the river is the famous hill country which is the subject of this
book.
One of the most attractive countrysides in the whole of England, it is still
remarkably unspoilt, having preserved its unsophisticated individuality together
with many of the outward and visible signs of an ancient past. The inspiration
of its own novelist, Mary Webb, and its own 'sweet sad singer', the author of 'A
Shropshire Lad', it is a hidden-away piece of old England much loved by its
visitors as well as its residents. All who know or wish to know the area will
find this book a fascinating companion.
From the great Salopian focal point, landmark for the Legions, the Wrekin, to
the uplands of the half-Welsh Clun Forest; from the bare Clee Hills to the
jagged Stiperstones, a rich diversity of rock formations produces striking
contrasts in the natural scene. So important is the geology of the region that a
special account of its complexity, by A.W. Coysh, is appended to the book.
Meanwhile, Mr Waite, in his own inimitable style, provides the reader with a
vivid account of the history and associations of its hills, houses, villages,
churches and castles, linking the story of the past with the present so that
landscape and places acquire a new meaning.
An essential book for all Salopians, this unique work is also a delight for
all who have what G.M. Trevelyan called ;the longing, too often a thwarted
longing for natural beauty and the great unspoilt area'.
Contents:
List of Illustrations
A Select Bibliography
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. The Background of History and Legend
2. Ludlow and the Clee Hills
3. Much Wenlock and Wenlock Edge
4. Church Stretton and its Hills
5. The Long Mynd
6. The Stiperstones
7. The District of the Clun Forest
8. The Shropshire Lass and Lad
Appendix A. A Short Sketch of the Geology of Shropshire Hill Country
Index
