Fortress Salopia: Exploring Shropshire's Military History from the Prehistoric Period to the Twentieth Century: 2016 Conference

Description

Fortress Salopia is the culmination of contributions from heritage and historic professionals, practising archaeologists and academic historians that explores the unique military past of the county of Shropshire from the prehistoric period to the twentieth century. Shropshire is one of the most characteristic counties of the Welsh Marches and occupied a strategic position between England and Wales. Consequently, the county boasts the highest numbers of Iron Age hillforts in England and the greatest density of Motte & Bailey castles. The archaeological remains that adorn the landscape are a prescient reminder that Shropshire was once a frontier battleground, although such reminders are often lost amongst the picturesque rural landscape that prevails today. However, Shropshire's military significance is not just confined to the prehistoric and medieval periods. Throughout the last 400 years the county has maintained military associations and became a major centre of training and supply during both World Wars. Comprising seven chapters Fortress Salopia explores a range of phenomenon throughout the past two thousand years. Andy Wigley contextualises the origins of hillforts and their social context within the evolution of the wider landscapes around them. Roger White focuses on the inter-relationship between the Roman Army and the native peoples in Shropshire and on the legacy of urbanisation and Romanisation in Wroxeter. Paul Belford examines the significance of Offa's Dyke, the western boundary of the Kingdom of Mercia, large parts of which survive in Shropshire. Rachael Abbiss considers the changing military landscape during the Georgian period including preparations for war, socio-economic developments and the creation of new military structures. Tim Jenkins reflects on the contribution of the county to the training and supply demands imposed during the two world wars and later twentieth century conflict. This includes the development of military installations and their significance as archaeological remains in the twenty-first century. Ruth R. Brown and Kay Smith highlight the significance of the arms and armour collections in Shropshire museums focusing on two rare shields known as Wrexham bucklers. James Pardoe deliberates upon the interpretation of our military heritage through the medium of regimental museums and considers their sustainability in an increasingly changing socio-economic climate. In conclusion, Fortress Salopia is a unique miscellany of Shropshire's military heritage and a fascinating insight into the antiquity of one of England's most rural shires.

Dr Tim Jenkins has worked extensively in the field of historic aircraft preservation and restoration and has a primary research interest in the history of science and technology relating to aviation. Tim is a heritage professional with experience of large-scale capital conservation and restoration projects in the museums sector. Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment is the culmination of research into the technological development of British airborne warfare during the Second World War and immediate post war period. It is the first work by the author on the subject and combines research interests in technology, manufacturing twentieth century conflict and the wartime economy. Dr Jenkins graduated with a Ph.D in History from University of Birmingham and currently holds visiting professorship in History & Archaeology at the University of Chester. An early modern military historian, Dr Rachael Abbiss has worked as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Chester since 2011 and at University Centre Shrewsbury since 2015. Her PhD focused on the role of the military in imperial security policy between 1685 and 1689. Rachael has curatorial and educational experience in the museum and heritage sector, and has worked for organisations such as the Assault Glider Trust and Buckingham Palace.