Heritage Open Days celebrate England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Four stunning properties are opening their doors for visitors in Shrewsbury, make sure you take a look!
Every year at the start of September for a period of four days, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life.
That will be just the case when The Summerhouse, the Flaxmill Maltings, St Alkmund’s Church and Shrewsbury Drapers’ Hall take part in the initiative.
Free of charge and right on people’s doorstep, Heritage Open Days offer an event for everyone, whatever their background, age and ability. From castles to city halls, tunnels to tower tops, police cells to private homes, workshops to woodland walks, the variety of places and ways to discover them are endless.
Heritage Open Days celebrate what makes local communities and neighbourhoods special. By stimulating curiosity and discovery, the event connects people with their local places and helps foster a sense of belonging and pride.
Make sure you pencil in some time between September 6th and September 9th to discover how special these historical buildings really are. They are all just a stones throw away from Shrewsbury town Centre – and who knows, you may find a new place to create family memories for years to come!
Heritage Open Days:
http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/
info@heritageopendays.org.uk
Explore these Heritage Open Days near you!
The Summerhouse
Eyton on Severn, Wroxeter, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 6PW
Located in the tiny hamlet of Eyton on Severn, the Summerhouse is a rare surviving example of an Elizabethan banqueting tower. It was built circa 1595 by master mason Walter Hancock for Sir Francis Newport to enhance his home at Eyton Hall.
Directions: From Shrewsbury on the B4380, turn right after Attingham Park; right at Wroxeter Roman city – there is very limited parking available.
Open: Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September, 10:30am until 3:30pm
Organised by: The Vivat Trust, visit www.vivat-trust.org
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The Flaxmill Maltings
Ditherington, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 2SX
Ditherington Flax Mill is the world's first iron framed building. In fact the site also contains the 3rd and 8th oldest iron frame buildings. Built in 1797, the Main Mill established the principal on which all modern high rise buildings have been based. Guided tours are available alongside demonstration of flax and maltings. Interpretive displays, short films and art will be shown. This year will also see a major Arts and Crafts Fair and displays by the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust, Railway Trust, Music, refreshments and other attractions will be present. Hard hats will be provided. Displays and 'hands on' flax working. Music, refreshments, an Arts and Crafts Fair and more.
Open: Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September, 10:00am until 4:00pm. Alternative Heritage Open Day tours can be provided at other times with prior arrangement
Organised by: Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings, visit www.flaxmill-maltings.co.uk
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St Alkmund’s Church
St Alkmund’s Square, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1UH
St Alkmund's Church (Grade II*) was founded by Aethelfleda, daughter of King Alfred in 912; celebrating its 1100th anniversary this year after a 12-year programme of major repair work. The tower and spire total 184 feet, dating from circa 1475. The church was rebuilt in Gothic Revival style in 1795 and contains a fine painted east window by Francis Eginton. Join us for a special day of walks and talks: ''Restoring St Alkmund's: A 12 Year Project'', a lecture given by The Reverend Richard Hayes, resident Priest; ''The Georgian Group: 75 Years Protecting Britain's Georgian Architectural Heritage'', given by James Darwin, Senior Caseworker for the Georgian Group; a walk around St Chad's Church, a neo-classical circular building (dated 1792) designed by George Steuart.
Directions: From Shrewsbury railway station, it is a 10 minute walk up Castle Hill, left into St Mary's Street and first right into Church Street. If driving into Shrewsbury, it is best to use the Park and Ride, or park in the Abbey car-park, walk across the English Bridge, up Wyle Cop and turn right into Fish Street.
Open: Saturday 8th, 10:30am until 3:30pm.
Lectures/talks: 11am – Restoring St Alkmund's: A 12 Year Project; 11:45am – The Georgian Group: 75 Years Protecting Britain’s Georgian Architectural Heritage; 2:15pm – walk to St Chad’s Church. Pre-book lectures with Reverend Richard Hayes by emailing l.r.hayes@btinternet.com
Organised by: St Alkmund’s Church, visit www.stalkmundschurchshrewsbury
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Shrewsbury Drapers’ Hall – 550 Anniversary
10 St Mary’s Place, St Mary’s Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1DZ
An Elizabethan Guildhall built between 1576 and 1580 for the Shrewsbury Drapers' Company, the leading Town Guild. Grade II* listed. Oak framed with distinctive external carvings, in the Shrewsbury style of carpentry. The building features interior paneling in traditional Welsh oak, with original 17th century oak furniture. Talk by Madge Moran on Thursday and by James Lawson on Saturday, followed by open afternoon. Lots for families to get involved with including hands on knitting, weaving and other wool related interactive activities. Also participate and enjoy Children's stories at midday.
Directions: Located in the town centre, best approached via Castle Street.
Open: Thursday 6th September, 10:00am until 4:00pm with talk at 11am; Friday 7th September, 10:00am until 4:00pm; Saturday 8th September, 10:00am until 4:00pm with talk at 11am; Sunday 9th September, 10:00am until 4:00pm.
Organised by: Shrewsbury Drapers' Hall Preservation Trust, visit www.shrewsburydrapers.org.uk
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