The Lions Of Shrewsbury - 8

This is one of 4 lions that stand at the base of the Lord Hill Column (a future posting). It is 133 feet tall and completed in 1816. There are steps to the top of the structure. I asked if it was possible to go up them, but the receptionist in the council office said that it was closed for health & safety reasons. A great shame, as the views are meant to be quite spectacular.

The Lions Of Shrewsbury - 7

Here the the photo that I promised you. It shows the area's crest and motto; when translated means 'May Shropshire Flourish!. And by all accounts it seems to be. The bridge featured on the shield is one of two in the town which crosses the Severn. One is called the English Bridge, and the other the Welsh Bridge. I'll leave you to work out which one it is.

The Lions Of Shrewsbury - 6

Stone ones on a shield today. A change from pub ones. This appears to be the coat of arms of Shrewsbury, as I took a photo of a similar design last week, which I'll show you tomorrow.

The Lions Of Shrewsbury - 5

Another pub, another lion. Seems strange the strong association between the king of the jungle and a pint of beer. And who's ever seen a real red lion?

The Lions Of Shrewsbury - 4

This lion is on a front door of a very nice home along a road called Abbey Foregate. Most of the roads, streets and lanes seem to have unusual names, which are all linked in someway to the town.

I had to return this week & so many more photos were taken, which of course will end up here over the coming weeks.

The Lions Of Shrewsbury - 3

This lion stands proud in the grounds of the hotel that I was staying in. The Albrighton Hall, around 5 miles outside Shrewsbury. It is a converted country house, and very nice it was too. I have to return there tomorrow for 3 days. So I can take more photos for the page

The Lions Of Shrewsbury - 2

Another hotel, another lion. I think this is an interesting mix of animals, in as far as I know pheasants don't live in Africa, and I don't think that lions ever lived in England, except in zoos, wildlife parks etc.

I wonder what mix of beasts signwriters could come up with these days? The Zebra and Lemur perhaps? Or The Hippo and Koala?

The Lions Of Shrewsbury - 1

Following on from yesterday's photo of the Lion Hotel. Here's a close-up of the statue above the entrance. A fine looking beast who's protecting the grape harvest. Although I would have thought hops would have been more in keeping.