Battlefield 1403

Situated just outside Shrewsbury Battlefield 1403 farm shop and cafe was the perfect midway point for us to meet colleagues living in Cheshire and Staffordshire. 

Open everyday the exhibition there is free to enter. The battle took place in medieval times and the exhibition tells the story very well. I got there a bit early so I could take it all in. 

The battle that took place didn't change the course of history. But it was the first battle on English soil where both sides used the longbow. I learnt that longbow archers were the elite of the army at the time. They could shoot up to 20 arrows a minute! Sounds terrifying. 

There are some fun facts for children and some life sized models of men in armour. And a model of poor Prince Hal who was wounded by an arrow in his cheek! Apparently after the arrow was removed, the wound was cleaned with honey. 

Our colleagues arrived and we settled down to a light meal and an exchange of news. I chose a ploughmans as it was probably the nearest thing on the menu to food available in 1403. It came with a black pudding scotch egg and a pork pie, both of which are old English specialities.   

The cafe menu is extensive and the coffee is good, so something for everyone. We resisted the sumptuous cakes on offer though!

The Albrighton Estate that owns the land has created a self-guided walk that starts at the farm shop. We will do the walk next time we go there. The views from the shop are fabulous with a clear sight of the Long Mynd and other Shropshire hills. We will also take time to explore the church, which was built to commemorate the fallen on the battlefield. It now has just one service a year, on the Sunday closest to the anniversary of the battle. More than 600 years later, it is lovely to know we remember those brave soldiers. According to a sign by the cafe loos you can get the key to the church from the shop! 

Also open 7 days a week is the Falconry Centre. It caters for schools, groups and individuals interested in birds of prey. On the things to do list for next time. 

A really super day out would be to combine a Treasure Trail around Shrewsbury with a visit to Battlefield 1403. Do let us know if you been there.