Shifnal and surrounding area

Shifnal, also once known as Idsall, is mentioned in the Domesday Book and is thought to date back to the 7th Century. Shifnal’s town centre retains some timber-framed buildings, some of which are featured in the Charles Dickens novel The Old Curiosity Shop. King Henry III granted a market charter in the 13th Century.  Shifnal enjoyed considerable prosperity with its transport links as a key staging point for the London to Holyhead Road. However, during the 1840s the railway line from London and Birmingham to Holyhead was constructed through Shifnal which brought an abrupt end to the already declining coaching traffic. Shifnal lies just three miles from the M54, the only motorway in Shropshire, and retains a popular train station.

Sheriffhales is nestled around three miles from Shifnal and was the site of a World War II prisoner of war camp which housed up to 2,000 prisoners until 1948, when most were repatriated.  

For up-to-date area profile and census information, please take a look at our Shifnal profile.

Place plans were developed to include a main centre (often a market town) and its surrounding smaller towns, villages and rural hinterland. These areas are recognised in the local plan as functioning geographical areas, with strong linkages to and from the main town and the wider area.

The Shifnal and Surrounding Area Place Plan covers the area identified on the map on this page. It summarises and prioritises the local infrastructure needs which are required to support the sustainable development of the area, and identifies the wider investment needs to assist delivery of the community’s vision and aspirations.

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Data and information review