Secret Oswestry

Secret Oswestry explores the lesser-known history of the Shropshire town of Oswestry through a fascinating selection of stories, unusual facts and attractive photographs.

The Shropshire town of Oswestry, lying close to the Welsh border, has long been significant and its history reveals its mixed Welsh and English heritage. At one time part of the Welsh kingdom of Powys, Oswestry’s history stretches back into the Bronze Age and it is the site of one of the best-preserved hill forts in Britain.In this book author John Idris Jones reveals the hidden history of Oswestry and its surrounding villages. From its connections to the legendary figure of King Arthur and the site of the battle between the competing Saxon kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria where King Oswald, from whom the town’s name is derived, died, to the Norman takeover of the area and the later revolt by Owain Glyndwr, Oswestry has been fought over for centuries. It also developed as a prosperous market town serving the community and later is famed as the birthplace of First World War poet Wilfred Owen.Secret Oswestry is fully illustrated and will appeal to all those with an interest in this ancient town.