Ruyton of the Eleven Towns - 1884
The history of Ruyton XI Towns, situated close to the Welsh border between the Shropshire towns of Shrewsbury and Oswestry, dates back to at least the Anglo Saxon period, (410-1066) as it is recorded in the Doomsday Book.
The village gained its name in the twelfth century when a castle was built and the village became the focus of eleven local townships, some of which still survive today. The eleven townships in question were: Coton, Eardiston, Felton, Haughton, Rednal, Ruyton, Shelvock, Shotatton, Sutton, Tedsmore, and Wykey. The name of the village has changed a few times from Ruyton of the Eleven Towns or simply Ruyton.
In 2008 the 'township' celebated its 700 year Charter Borough anniversary which coincided with the completion of preservation work on the ruins of Ruyton XI Towns' castle. The resulting interest in, and awareness of, the parish's history led to the creation of the Ruyton XI Towns Local History Society.
The aims of the Society are: To promote the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the history, archaeology and architecture of the parish of Ruyton XI Towns and its surrounding area and to investigate and encourage research into the history, archaeology and architecture of Ruyton XI Towns and its surrounding area.
10 Jan
7.30pm - Members Social Evening - Bring & Share Food, Quiz
14 Feb
7.30pm - AGM & Talk 'The History of the Cliffe’
Zia Robins
13 Mar
7.30pm - The History of Town Criers
Martin Wood
10 Apr
7.30pm - The History of Shrewsbury
Dorothy Nicolle
11 May
10.30am Saturday - Show and Tell event with coffee/tea and refreshments. Invitation to people to bring along historic artefacts and tell us of their significance to them.
TBN July
Visit to Whittington Castle with possible guided tour
Sarah Thursfield
11 Sep
7.30pm - Talk - I was naked and you clothed me. Parish, workhouse and charity clothing for the poor in the late eighteenth century.
Sarah Thursfield
9 Oct
7.30pm - Talk - Shropshire Mines Trust and Snailbeach Lead Mine
Andy Wood
13 Nov
7.30pm - Talk - Underground Shrewsbury
Dr Nigel Baker
Dec
No meeting
The Society, which meets regularly provides lectures, visits and exhibitions. New Members are always welcome. The annual membership fee is £20. Non-Members pay £5.00 per meeting.
The Cross, built in 1881 on the site of the old lock-up of the Ancient Manor and Borough of Ruyton. It was originally intended to house a light so that the intersection of Church Street with School Road could be seen more easily.