‘People go to York, but why go to York when you can go to Shrewsbury?’

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to explore Shrewsbury with an expert guide on hand? One that can tell you all about hundreds of fascinating places and buildings, including stories and information you’d never even guess?

Now, it’s possible, thanks to cultural archaeologist Dr Paul Belford. He’s created Histomap. It’s an app which is crammed with information about Shrewsbury’s buildings and places, and their history. I love it!

Paul joined me in the centre of Shrewsbury to wander around the town, with Histomap as our guide. Hear what happened in this episode of Hello You the Shropshire podcast!

Join in the Hello You conversation by leaving a comment:

‘There is a cultural heritage which is an important part of the history of Shrewsbury, and I felt that needed to be told’

Follow Paul and my wander through Shrewsbury with Histomap and this episode! Get the app on your phone, put your earbuds in and trace our footsteps like this:

* Start in Butcher Row, outside Number Four

* Walk up the slight incline towards St Alkmund’s Church and, er, the public toilets

* Turn right down Fish Street then follow it around to the left, pausing at Bear Steps (and Jessica Vanitas Tattoo)

* Continue along Fish Street to the junction with the High Street

* Cross the High Street and walk up Milk Street, with a moment to check out the Old Post Office through the passageway

* Carry on towards Belmont and you’ll see Old St Chad’s

* Turn right along Princess Street towards The Golden Cross

* Walk down Golden Cross Passage, looking out for the medieval doorway

* At the end of the passage, turn left onto High Street

* Check out the buildings mentioned including the Unitarian Church

* End your walk in The Square, or cross High Street and return to Fish Street and Butcher Row via Grope Lane, which runs between Jones the Bootmakers and Costa Coffee

Enjoyed this episode? Why not share it with a friend?

‘I just want to help people understand a bit more about the town and its history’

Come and visit us in Shropshire! As you’ve been hearing, it’s fascinating place with so much to enjoy. And if you visit as a result of listening to Hello You the Shropshire podcast, let me know? It would be great to share a coffee with you, and maybe we could have a chat for Hello You as well …

Send me a message? Whether it’s about your holiday plans or absolutely anything else:

Become a member of the Hello You family!

I mean, you already are, just because you’ve listened to this episode, but to pull up your chair to the Hello You virtual kitchen table with the other family members, take out a subscription?

The regular subscription means you get an email every time I publish something. A paid subscription gives you access to special ‘soundscape’ episodes, and enables me to do more of Hello You the Shropshire podcast and some associated projects that I’m thinking of for the future. Paid subscribers will be the first to know about them!

Thank you for being there

Please, take care of yourself. These are challenging times.

Take care of the people around you, and I hope the people around you are taking care of you, too.

Hello You - the Shropshire podcast from Jim Hawkins is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimallthetime.substack.com/subscribe