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.
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
May
Visit. To be arranged
10 Jun
Coffee morning
1 Jul
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.
Ruyton XI Towns looking South East - 1951 © Historic England
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