PROBATE VALUATIONS IN WHITCHURCH
The History of Whitchurch
The origins of settlement in Whitchurch have been traced back to the Neolithic era (est. between 10,200 BC and 4500 to 2000 BC), with flint and artefacts discovered in the area helping to date occupation of Whitchurch to around 3000 BC. The town has some of the richest history in Shropshire, as the oldest town to be continuously inhabited in the area.
Recorded history of Whitchurch dates back to the Roman times, between 52 and AD 70, when the town was referred to as Mediolanum, and was located on the Chester to Wroxeter road. In 912, the first church in Whitchurch was constructed, with a new church later being constructed at the same time as the motte and bailey castle after the Norman Conquest of 1066 had finished. The new church was constructed from white stone, eventually giving Whitchurch a new name ‘Album Monasterium’, which translates to ‘White Church’.
In the Domesday Book of 1086, the town was still referenced as Westune, and due to its location, was a site of military activity after the Norman Conquest. At the time of entry into the Domesday Book, Whitchurch was considered a member of the Hundred of Hodnet; later becoming part of the North Bradford Hundred.
In the subsequent years, ownership of the estates in Whitchurch would pass between ownership in the 14th century by the Talbot family, to Thomas Egerton, the Earl of Bridgwater, and the Earl Brownlow. During the 14th century, market status was also granted to the town.
Dairy farming would later become a significant part of Whitchurch history and the town went on to thrive on the production of fine cheese. Upon the opening of the Whitchurch Canal in 1811, the production and sale of cheese, along with other goods from Whitchurch, reached a larger market.
The transport links in Whitchurch were further enhanced in 1858, with the construction of the railway line. As of 2011, Whitchurch had a population of 9,781, and is home to a large number of historic buildings.