Go behind the scenes on heritage days
To mark Heritage Open Days, a number of Shrewsbury attractions will be opening their doors to the public.
Between September 7 and 11, the public can step back into Shrewsbury’s past and explore amazing places free of charge.
It is a chance to go behind the scenes, scale heights and experience history in the annual initiative which celebrates the country’s architecture and culture by giving free access to places that are usually closed to the public or which charge for admission.
Seb Slater, executive director of Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Shrewsbury is known for being original and different, and it is great to see that we will be show-casing even more about the town’s past over the Heritage Open Days. It will be a great opportunity to discover and celebrate Shrewsbury’s colourful history.”
Among those opening up to the public is Lord Hill’s Column which will be open on September 10 from noon to 4pm. Pre-booking is required through Richard Hayes, email l.r.hayes@btinternet.com or write to 26 St John’s Hill, Shrewsbury.
There is also the chance to see the Shropshire Theatre Organ Trust Wurlitzer at The Buttermarket, Howard Street and organists will play the 1936 Mighty Wurlitzer on September 8 from 11am to 4pm.
Visitors can go behind the scenes at Shropshire Archives including the stores where over five miles of records are housed in environmentally controlled conditions, and the conservation and reprographics sections. Collections on show include the recently conserved minute books of Much Wenlock Borough from 1495-1810.
The archives will be open on September 7 and 8 and tours start at 2pm. Pre-booking required, call 0345 678 9096 or email archives@shropshire.gov.uk
Bear Steps will be holding an exhibition which celebrates 50 years of conservation work in Shrewsbury. It tells the story of how the Bear Steps cottages were due for demolition but saved by Shrewsbury Civic Society when it intervened in the 1970s. Walking tours will be led by local guides John Brown and Bibbs Cameron.
The gallery will be open on September 7 to 10 from 10am to 4pm and tours start at 1pm and 3pm.
There will be an open day at Shropshire Regimental Museum, Shrewsbury Castle on September 10.
Laura’s Tower on the castle mound will be open for the first and only time this year giving visitors the opportunity to look inside the tower and see its splendid domed ceiling.
The museum is open 10.30am to 4pm and Laura’s Tower will be open between 11am to 3.30pm.
Tours and talks will tell the story of how The Drapers Hall was built in 1575 for the Worshipful Company of Drapers of Shrewsbury. It is decorated with features of the Shrewsbury school of carpentry and has a collection of 17th century furniture also made specifically for the Company. It will be open from September 7 to 9 between 11am and 4pm. To book call 01743 344 679.
Other heritage events include guided tours of the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings on September 9 and 10 from 10am to 4pm. The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Fathers of Nicea, off Oteley Road will have open days on September 9 from 10am to 3pm and on September 10 from 1pm to 4pm.
For more information visit https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/printable-area-lists/town/Shrewsbury
