Ruyton XI Towns Local History Society

The History of Ruyton XI Towns

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.

Programme of Events 2023

11 Jan

Social. Bring and Share plus a quiz

 No Speaker

8 Feb

AGM & Shropshire Railways talk

Steve Boulding

8 Mar

Britain’s Wartime Anti Invasion Defences

Jonathan Worton

12 Apr

Talk: The Poor Law

Jeremy Farrow

27 May

Saturday - Ellesmere Port Visit

10 Jun

Saturday - Summer Bring & Buy Coffee morning. Timing: 1030 to 1200. Entry £2 which covers as much tea, coffee and biscuits as you can handle and a tour of the garden. Bring and buy stall for: Books, cakes, plants. Raffle with prizes donated by the committee members. All are welcome to attend, no requirement to be a RLHS member.

Address TBN

1 Jul

Saturday - Visit to Llanfyllin Work House

John S

13 Sep

Talk: Shrewsbury Castle Dig

Dr Nigel Baker

11 Oct

Talk: The Nesscliffe Hill Fort

Dr Andy Wigley

8 Nov

Talk: Mad Bad or Sad. The History of Mental illness

John S

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.

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Ruyton XI Towns looking South East - 1951 © Historic England
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