Former Charles Darwin garden to open to the public
Part of the garden once owned by Shrewsbury's most famous son Charles Darwin will be opened up to the public next week.
From next Monday, the garden once owned by the Darwin family in Mountfields, which is usually not open to the public, will be open to visitors.
The guided walks will be launched as part of the fundraising campaign under way at St George's Church, in Frankwell, to raise up to £100,000 for urgent repairs to the tower and roof at the historic church. So far about £12,000 has been raised and church leaders are currently waiting to hear back about a national funding bid worth £55,000.
The series of walks will explore the original estate of the Darwin family and will continue every Wednesday afternoon through to September.
The Reverend Murray McBride, of St George's Church, said: "The walks themselves will take place on private land so owners John and Sharon Leach will be able to look after that and fill visitors in with the background behind the garden and even show them maps of what it used to look like.
"Then after the tour people will come down to us where we will be putting on cakes and cookies each week which will be a nice touch."
A small exhibition showing the Darwin family's connections to the local church will also be available to view and all money raised through the tours will go towards the church campaign.
The tours will start from the Visitor Information Centre at Rowley's House at 1pm each Wednesday with tickets £6 for adults and £3 for children.
To book call (01743) 258888 and spaces are limited so advance booking is essential.
