Ellesmere Yard: A living relic of the canal age

Ellesmere's canal basin is at the end of a short branch off the Llangollen Canal, which used to be called the Shropshire Union Canal, but was rebranded in the 1980s in the hope that would bring more visitors.

At the point where this branch joins the main line stands an attraction I didn't know much about: Ellesmere Yard. 

The Canal & River Trust describes it:

Established in 1806, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, Ellesmere Yard is steeped in history. Originally the headquarters of Ellesmere Canal Company, it played a critical role in the golden era of canal building, helping to maintain the Llangollen and Montgomery canals, and providing a base for engineering luminaries, Thomas Telford and William Jessop.

The site has been in operation ever since, retaining much of its original charm and infrastructure, from its blacksmith’s forge and pattern room to its dry dock and workshops. Indeed, some areas have barely changed in over half a century, as if frozen in time.

The Trust is restoring the yard buildings, not only for its own use but also as spaces for other artisan crafts. This is somewhere to visit properly next time I'm in Ellesmere.

Here the first couple of photos relate to the yard, and the rest of the arm that runs to Ellesmere basin. Note to the arid cricket ground – very August 2026.

Thomas Telford's St Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth, may face closure

A Bridgnorth church designed by Thomas Telford has serious structural problems, reports the Shropshire Star:

In a statement the church said that the issues are not cosmetic and "go to the heart of whether St Mary's can continue to serve the town".

The statement also says:

St Mary’s Church is one of Bridgnorth’s most cherished buildings used both as a place of worship and a key community venue – but beneath its beautiful exterior, serious structural problems are putting its future at risk.

A recent study led by Oliver Architecture has revealed that without significant investment, the church could face closure within 15 years.

The challenges are fundamental: the flooring requires complete replacement due to extensive dry rot, the heating system is beyond repair, and poor thermal insulation is making the building increasingly difficult to maintain.

Community consultation events will be announced by the church authorities shortly.

St Mary Magdalene's was originally the church for Bridgnorth Castle. The current building was erected between 1792 and 1795. In a typically pragmatic 18th-century move, the church was aligned north–south to make better use of the site and to present a more pleasing prospect to adjoining streets.

Its distinctive tower stands 120ft high and has a clock, eight bells and a copper-covered roof.

Bridgnorth has a second church, St Leonard's. It is no longer used for worship but is often used for concerts. The group of buildings on the approach to it constitute a miniature cathedral close.