Where do we start?

We have to retreat to pre 1066 and look at the formation of our towns and boroughs. So what was a borough? Originally called a 'Burr' spelt 'Burgh' these basic settlements evolved to protect local inhabitants and their livestock. They then naturally became a place to trade, in fact, a market place.

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The development was actively encouraged by the Crown and the local Barons who, through taxes, saw it as an excellent source of revenue. So these settlements or boroughs spread across the country and Shrewsbury was no exception.

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Everything was developing nicely until 1066 and the Norman Conquest. England was then divided up into Manors. Some of these were retained by the Crown, so the boroughs contained therein were 'Royal Boroughs' and the others given to the Norman Barons as a reward for military service. These were called 'Senorial Boroughs'.

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Shrewsbury was given to Roger de Montgomery, a trusted counsellor of King William, since it was strategically placed to fend off the troublesome Welsh.

Following the conquest, Norman traders arrived and settled in England. In Shrewsbury they located 'Frankville', now Frankwell. Having the distinct advantage of being Norman, and consequently not liable for taxation, they prospered and this led to a conflict between the town Burgesses and the tax collector.

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Here we have the first mention of 'Burgesses', and who were they?

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A 'Burgess', originally called a 'Burger', leased a plot of land in the town, either from the crown or the Local Lord, called a 'Burgage'. These were uniform strips of land, complete with a dwelling, adjacent to the main thoroughfare in any Borough. Much Wenlock has examples of 'Burgage' plots. These 'Burgesses' developed their trade from these plots actively encouraged by the landlord because they could be easily taxed.