Shropshire Day is celebrated annually on February 23rd, a date chosen to honour St. Milburga. It is more than just a day to appreciate the beauty of our county; it is an opportunity to recognize Shropshire’s profound and lasting impact on the world stage.
From the heart of England, Shropshire has made significant contributions to global history. The Industrial Revolution was born in Ironbridge Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the world’s first iron bridge was built. This groundbreaking innovation transformed industries and reshaped societies across the globe.
Shropshire’s influence extends far beyond industry. Our county has been a cradle of scientific discovery, with renowned figures like Charles Darwin conducting research that revolutionized our understanding of the natural world. Our picturesque landscapes and rich biodiversity have inspired artists, writers, and thinkers for generations.
This year, however, we saw a different dimension of this legacy. Soulton Hall was proud to join the Shropshire Day services and walk, an event convened by HM Lord-Lieutenant for Shropshire and attended by the High Sheriff.
As we followed the River Severn and crossed the bridge at Coalbrookdale, we paused to reflect on the “Dance of Harmony.” The social reproduction of this concept has been deeply embedded in the Shropshire mind for centuries. The rounded seals on the Iron Bridge draw from the same instincts and understandings as the dancing pavement at Soulton; indeed, this motif is repeated many times in the design of the later 1818 Coalbrookdale bridge’s parapet.
The Dance on the Colebrook Bridge
The river here marks the boundaries of our dioceses and local authorities, making the act of crossing it a physical gesture of connection. The “S” curve of the dance serves as a visual reminder of the balance and grace required in our collective life as we navigate these different spaces and jurisdictions.
The day included a reading from Joshua 5:13 to 6:3, a text that speaks to the weight of leadership and the sanctity of the ground upon which we stand.
In a poignant moment of regional unity, the Bishops of Shrewsbury, Lichfield, and Hereford all participated. The Bishop of Hereford preached on a particularly striking element of that text: the word “Neither.” When the divine messenger is asked whose side they are on, the answer is simply “Neither.” This served as a powerful call to think civically about what lies in the middle of our collective life—the shared values and institutions that bind us together, regardless of our differences.
The walk was a truly inclusive community effort where dogs were welcome, and our own Philemon joined the group.
Philemon clelebrates Shropshire Day
Having been newly rescued, Philemon still carries the legacy of the kennels and past trauma. He finds other dogs very over-stimulating at the moment, so he hung back from the main crowd. His presence was a quiet reminder that our collective life must always make space for those moving at a different pace or carrying their own hidden burdens.
Today, Shropshire continues to be a hub of innovation and creativity. From cutting-edge research to thriving arts and cultural scenes, the county plays a vital role in shaping the future. On Shropshire Day, let us celebrate not only the beauty of our county but also its remarkable global legacy. Let us honour the pioneers, innovators, and visionaries—as well as the civic leaders and quiet walkers—who make Shropshire a force for positive change.
