Shawbury or “Sawesberie” as it used to be known, can trace its roots back to
Saxon times when Edric and Elict held the area. “Sawesberie” means fort in
the wood or an area more fortified than one would expect.
This location would have been an ideal place to set up a fortified dwelling with the
natural spring line providing fresh water.
The Roman Road came from Viroconium (Wroxeter), past the Moat area and
what are now The Glebelands and the playing fields onto the Wem Road and
across the fields towards Whitchurch.
The Parish Council with the assistance of the local community, seeks to conserve
and enhance the 13th Century Moat and surrounding area,
with the aim of encouraging the community to use the site
by improving access as well as maintaining the site for future generations.
Prior to 2006 the site had become neglected and was barely accessible;
it was also unsightly due to overgrown vegetation, brush and scrub.
Over the last 8 years a small Working Group set up by the Parish Council,
has set about restoring and maintaining the site, obtained funding/grants
and initiated improvements in and around the Moat.
They worked closely with English Heritage, the Environment Agency
and Shropshire Council's Countryside Conservation Service, Biodiversity
Officer and Community Archaeologist, the Badger Trust and pond/tree
specialists.
This Working Group, to maintain the whole green space area,
has now been taken over by the Parish Council
and is partly run by volunteers.
The Moat and the surrounding field is owned by the Diocese of Lichfield and
leased to Shawbury Parish Council.
Many thanks to Shawbury Parish Council for giving permission for this cache to be placed.
small click top box with room for swaps
Please return as found