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The Hidden Highway

OSWESTRY

The name of the town comes from Oswald, the Christian king of Northumbria, who was defeated by the pagan Prince Penda of Mercia in 642 and trn limb from limb. His remains were nailed to a tree - hence the name Oswald's Tree, Oswestry.

Today it is a bustling market town with a rare charater gleaned from centuries of history. Its excellent shopping centre serves a wide surrounding area as does its weekly market, given its charter in 1190, which, with over 100 stalls, is the largest market in the Welsh Borders.

The Reverend W.D. Spooner was educated at Oswestry Grammar School, now the Heritage Centre. His famous mis-sayings include 'shoving leopard' and 'let me sew you into a sheet.'!

Wilfred Owen, the most famous of war poets, was born in Oswestry in 1893.

The town is a mecca for hot air ballooning enthusiats. Per Lindstrand's firm is based here and has made balloons for Richard Branson.

Old Oswestry Hill Fort (English Heritage) is a large Iron Age fort with a succession of ramparts which covers 68 acres (27.5ha). It's Welsh name, Caer Gogyrfan, links it to the legendary father of Queen Guinevere, and she is supposed to have ben born here.

Why not visit the Oswestry Transport Museum and Park Hall - The Countryside Experience; the latter is a restored Victorian farm with rare breeds and grand shire horses.

Just the twin-towered gatehouse remains of Whittington Castle but it is an impressive and picturesque sight, standing beside its moat. The castle is steeped in history. During the 1200s it was the home of Fulk Fitz Arine who is reputed to have won the castle and the hand of Lady Mellet in a tournament, her ladyship having vowed that she would only marry a brave knight.