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The Shelsleys |
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Shelsley
Walsh is the home of Britain's oldest
motor sporting event. The event was first held in 1905 before racing
on public roads was banned, except for the war years racing has taken
place here every year since (see Events page). The hillclimb was originally
leased to the Midland Automobile Club by Montague Taylor, who lived
in the 16th century Court House, The hamlet of Shelsley Kings stands above the river, and offers some of the finest views of this part of the Teme valley. The River Teme itself is 75 miles long and rises on Cilfaesty Hill, near Newtown in Wales. It was once a milled river but today only one remains ( near Ludlow) and the river level is consequently much lower. No craft are allowed on the water and there are few public footpaths, making it one of the most unspoilt stretches of water in Britain. The Shelsleys enjoy one of the most picturesque of the river's meanders. The Shelsleys Parish Council: Chairman - Anthony Champion; Clerk - Jan Speyer. Click here to read a summary of the last meeting.
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In
Shelsley Beauchamp for example, Oliver
Cromwell stood on the ridge at Pudford and shelled Homme castle ( today
a farm house) and it's said that canon balls have been found in the
river. Nearby is a round motte which could be pre-Roman, but there is
little left of the old castle. The Church of All Saints is probably
14th century, although only the original tower now remains. The bells,
cast by John Rudhall of Gloucester were brought to Shelsley Beauchamp
by way of the river.
once the home of the Walsh family at the time of the Gunpowder plot.
Each hillclimb begins with a service in the tiny church of St Andrews
which dates back to the 12th century. It has some fine features and
since 1981 has been registered as a charity to safeguard its future.