The Shelsleys

Three miles from Clifton along the banks of the River Teme are to be found The Shelsleys, three hamlets comprising Shelsley Beauchamp, Shelsley Walsh and Shelsley Kings. One of the most beautiful parts of the Teme Valley, once famous for its Blossom Trail, it is a quiet and scattered community visited occasionally by walkers and fishermen but generally a haven of tranquillity. Although The Shelsleys are quiet today the area is steeped in bloody history.

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.

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, 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.

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.