A little history of Buildwas, Shropshire

Buildwas, Shropshire

Buildwas is a village and civil parish in Shropshire, England, situated on the north bank of the River Severn. The area is historically significant, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded a manor held by the Bishop of Chester. The settlement was valued at 2.25 pounds and featured five plough teams, indicating a thriving agricultural community.

A notable landmark is Buildwas Abbey, founded in 1135 as a Savignac monastery by Roger de Clinton, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. It became a Cistercian abbey in 1147. The abbey was dissolved in 1536 during the reign of Henry VIII. Today, its substantial remains, including the church and chapter house, are managed by English Heritage and serve as a testament to the area's rich monastic history.

In the 19th century, Buildwas expanded with the construction of a railway station in 1862, facilitating transportation and trade. The station operated until its closure in 1963. The village's proximity to the Ironbridge Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, further highlights its historical importance in the context of the Industrial Revolution.