Bridgnorth | |
---|---|
High Town from the River Severn | |
![]() Coat of arms of Bridgnorth Motto: Fidelitas Urbis Salus Regis In the town’s loyalty lies the King’s safety [1] | |
Population | 12,079 (2011)[2] |
OS grid reference | SO716927 |
Civil parish |
|
Unitary authority |
|
Ceremonial county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | BRIDGNORTH |
Postcode district | WV15, WV16 |
Dialling code | 01746 |
Police | West Mercia |
Fire | Shropshire |
Ambulance | West Midlands |
UK Parliament |
|
Bridgnorth is a town in Shropshire, England. It is on the River Severn.
Bridgnorth is named after a bridge over the River Severn.[3][4] A Saxon defencive mound existed in Bridgnorth as early as 912.[3] Earliest names for Bridgnorth include Brigge, Brug and Bruges, all referring to its position on the Severn.[5]
In 1101, the town was founded when Robert of Bellême, 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury built a castle and a church here.[3] The town was attacked and burnt in 1322.[6]
During the English Civil War, in 1646, Oliver Cromwell and his cavaliers attacked roundhead Bridgnorth. By the time the castle was in ruins, the entire town was on fire.[7] After a three-week siege, Cromwell was successful and he ordered that the castle be demolished in 1647.[8]
Boroughs or districts | |
---|---|
Cities & Towns | Albrighton • Bishop's Castle • Bridgnorth • Broseley • Church Stretton • Clun • Craven Arms • Ellesmere • Ludlow • Market Drayton • Much Wenlock • Newport • Oswestry • Shifnal • Shrewsbury • Telford • Wem • Whitchurch See also: List of civil parishes in Shropshire |
Rivers | River Corve • River Roden • River Severn • River Teme • River Tern |
International | |
---|---|
National | |
Geographic |