Council welcomes special gift from Shropshire Archaeological and Historical Society

Dr Roger White presents the Floreat Salopia book to Councillor James Owen

The Shropshire Archaeological and Historical Society has presented a book to Shropshire Council commemorating the issuing of the 100th volume of its annual ‘Transactions’ .

Entitled Floreat Salopia. A Celebration of History and Archaeology the specially commissioned volume of papers covers the history and archaeology of the historic county of Shropshire from earliest prehistory to the beginning of this millennium.

The papers offer snapshots through time and demonstrate both the many varied approaches that scholars take to the study of the county, and the rich (but largely untapped) resources that lie within it.

Floreat Salopia is available for anyone to consult at Shropshire Archives as part of the local history library.

James Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and leisure, said:

“I was very happy to accept this generous gift on behalf of Shropshire Council, and want to thank the Shropshire Archaeological and Historical Society for their kind donation.

“This volume provides a fascinating and important record of the history of Shropshire and I encourage my fellow councillors and anyone with any interest in local history to take a look.

“This also provides a nice link to the longevity of Shropshire Council and its records – the council in its original guise was formed in 1889 and its predecessor, the Quarter Sessions, goes back to the 13th century.”

The Shropshire Archaeological and Historical Society was founded in 1877 and seeks to promote the study of the history and archaeology of the county through its grants and publications, largely comprising an annual volume of Transactions issued to the members of the Society, alongside rarer occasional publications.

The Society exists to help, and advise, those seeking to carry out research, or make decisions about the county and its development.

Dr Roger White, Hon. Chair and Hon Editor of the Shropshire Archaeological and Historical Society, said:

“We have donated this volume in the hope it can be accessible to councillors and that it will inform and encourage wider engagement with the historic environment and Shropshire’s rich heritage.

“One paper draws on my experience as a former Senior Lecturer at Ironbridge Institute on the future of heritage of the county, and specifically the modern pressures that the county faces in preserving this important cultural component of its people’s identity.”