Shropshire is rich in literary connections, with many famous people finding inspiration in its rural setting and industrial past. Some were born in the county, others lived here and many have used it as a setting in literature of all kinds, including poetry, fiction and drama.
Here are a few:
- Mary Cholmondeley (1859-1925), belonged to an old Shropshire family and her relations included literary figures Reginald Heber (1783-1826) and Stella Benson (1892-1933)
- Mary Webb (1881-1927) provides examples of the lush countryside of Shropshire in her novels and poems
- E. M. Almedingen (1898-1971) was a Russian refugee living in Shropshire and a prolific author of books, especially children's stories
- Edith Pargeter (1913-1995) made Shrewsbury famous with her depiction of medieval life in the Cadfael novels under her pen name of Ellis Peters
- Bob Bibby, Kate Long and Priscilla Masters are active authors living in Shropshire
West Midlands Creative Literature Collection
This is housed at Shrewsbury Library and comprises material by authors native to, or substantially influenced by, the West Midlands region. This covers the counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, and the metropolitan districts within the West Midlands.
It is a uniquely diverse reference collection of materials made up of books, periodicals, pamphlets and posters. Small-press and mainstream poetry, contemporary and 19th century fiction for adults and children and non-fiction background material for researchers are all represented. You may ask to see the collection, and requests to borrow items are considered.
Literary Heritage website
This gives information about people, places and writing connected with the West Midlands of England where these have made, or will make, a contribution to the literary heritage of the region and beyond. Its starting point has been the materials featured in the West Midlands Creative Literature Collection, but has expanded to draw in resources from other libraries, literary associations and individuals. The website contains information about authors, examples of their work and complete books in digital format for reading online or downloading for use on a computer or e-book reader.