1958 cover
50 years ago
J L Hobbs reflected on Shropshire’s claim to be England’s healthiest county, a claim said to be reflected in the number of centenarians to have lived within its boundaries.
Probably the most famous of these was the man said to be England’s oldest-ever individual, Thomas Parr (‘Old Parr’), born supposedly in 1483 at Winnington, near Alberbury.
His claim to be over 150 years of age was accepted by his contemporaries, and even by King Charles I who invited him to London in 1635. He stayed at the Queen’s Head Inn in The Strand, had an audience with the king, had his portrait painted, and died, it is said, of the too-rich food to which he was not accustomed. He was buried in Westminster Abbey – another reason that the authorities must have had no doubt as to his great age.
Old Parr’s descendants also seem to have benefited from his durability: two grandsons lived to the age of 127 and a great grandson to 124.
The Salopian Journal for January 7, 1795, recorded that there was then living at Bridgnorth a man of 104, one David Caldwell, who on being told that there was a traveller at Badger nearly as old as himself, said: “Then I’ll go and see him, for I’ve not seen one for many a day.” The next morning he walked from Bridgnorth to Badger, spent several hours with his brother centenarian, and returned to Bridgnorth – a round trip of 14 miles.
2008 cover
Aside from the articles you can browse on this website, the print magazine contains a wealth of fascinating feature pieces and regular items to keep you entertained and informed. This month, you can also read about:
Heroes’ homecoming . . . Following their return from Afghanistan this month, the 1st Batallion, Royal Irish Regiment, based at Tern Hill, will parade in the county town following a thanksgiving service at the Abbey
Twin peeks . . . Kicking off a new series looking at the many Shropshire towns that have twinned with like-minded others overseas, Shirley Tart focuses on Shifnal
Singing their praises . . . Ben Bentley visits the Phoenix Singers as they start the search for a new conductor
Caskets with a conscience . . . Environmental concerns have spread to all facets of life – and are now going beyond even that, as ‘green’ coffins are becoming increasingly popular. Gill Guest investigates
Gliding over south Shropshire.
Thermal thrills . . . Andy Richardson revels in the peace and beauty to be enjoyed as a passenger in a glider over the Long Mynd
Food and Drink . . . Andy Richardson’s monthly news round-up; dinner at Dinham Hall; a lighter bite at The Armoury
Fashion focus . . . Sue Turner on coats for cooler days; Nathan Rous feels the lure of the jumper
Gardening . . . Ken Tudor visits the winner of a national newspaper’s gardening competition
Travel . . . Ann Clarkson takes an active approach to holidaying in Andorra, while Nathan Rous (and son Noah) mix it with Santa and the elves in Lapland
Motoring . . . Andy Richardson gets into gear with a new performance car club, while Tony Adams meets an expert restorer of classic cars
Social diary . . . Our photographers, your events
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