Wem

Wem is a market town in Shropshire built around a traditional high street lined with brick buildings and independent retailers. The town center retains a mixed architectural character spanning several centuries, with timber-framed and Georgian buildings alongside more recent structures.

King John granted Wem a market charter in 1202, establishing the town as a regional trading hub that would shape its future prosperity. This royal permission launched the town's long history as a market center, a role it continues to fulfill.

The market operates every Thursday and on selected Saturdays, serving as a meeting place where residents and visitors gather to buy local goods and connect. This regular event shapes the rhythm of community life in ways that extend far beyond simple commerce.

The train station provides regular connections to larger cities, making it easy to reach by rail whether you live nearby or are visiting. The town center is easy to explore on foot, with most attractions and shops clustered around the high street.

Horticulturist Henry Eckford developed several varieties of sweet peas in the town during the late 1800s, earning international recognition for his breeding work. His achievements put the town on the map as a center for plant development and left a lasting mark on gardening worldwide.

Location: Wem Urban

Shares border with: Shrewsbury

Website: http://wem.gov.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.85550,-2.72500

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:06