Pictures of Market Drayton
About Market Drayton
Market Drayton is famous as the home of Gingerbread, and as the birthplace of Robert Clive - Clive of India, he was educated at the Grammar School, founded in 1558, and his desk bearing his carved initials is still preserved.
This attractive town has produced Gingerbread for over two hundred years, it is produced to a secret recipe said to contain rum. Many believe it has restorative powers which act more quickly if you dunk your gingerbread into a glass of port!
Historically the town grew out of a Saxon settlement and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086.
A market has been held in the town every Wednesday ever since it was granted its market charter by Edward I over eight hundred years ago. This is a lively event, with the atmosphere made more vibrant by the picturesque ancient buildings which act as a backdrop to the colourful, crammed with local produce market stalls.
Market Drayton possesses many historic places to see; there is a wealth of black and white buildings and others from the 17th and 18th centuries. At nearby Hodnet, there is gracious Hodnet Hall, home of the Herber-Percy family and their ancestors for several centuries, here visitors can take pleasure in over 60 acres of glorious gardens and parkland. Other gardens include; The Dorothy Clive Gardens, the award winning gardens of Wollerton Old Hall, and Bridgemere Garden World. For a unique landscape of follies, caves, cliffs and grottoes, you should hasten to unforgettable Hawkstone Park.
St.Mary's Church is set in a picturesque position high above the Tern Valley, this been a place of constant worship for hundred of years and stands on the site of church of Saxon times, but nothing of this remains. However, visitors can see a 12th century doorway set in to a tower of the 14th century which has 16th century battlements and is adorned with 19th century pinnacles. Inside the church there is much of interest including beautiful stained glass windows. There is a calm, peaceful atmosphere which encourages you to spend a few moments kneeling in silent prayer.
Market Drayton offers several town trails, these give a glimpse of its history and heritage - you can take the trail of the boyhood haunts of Clive of India, a Murder and Mayhem trail, or for children there is a Wild Animal Adventure Trail. Another pleasure is to walk along the foot paths of the Shropshire Grand Union Canal and take the 40 steps to the top of the aqueduct for breathtaking views of the local scenery.
Food is still an important Market Drayton commodity, it was once famed for its Damson Fairs when traders would buy the fruit to make dye for their cloth. Today, you can still purchase this delicious fruit in the region as well as cheeses, pies, jams and of course tasty Damson Gin!
Apart from the regular Wednesday market the town offers a pleasant shopping experience with several individual shops where the owner himself will attend to your needs. There is a wealth of friendly inns and hotels, some historic retaining many of their original features. The town also offers excellent recreational facilities.
Market Drayton offers visitors a lively experience and makes an ideal base from which to explore the famous Shropshire countryside, the old towns of the Potteries, Ironbridge and the Severn Gorge, Shrewsbury and magnificent Chester.
