A History of Telford

Early settlements in the area were on land that sloped up from the Weald Moors towards the line of Watling Street which was built by the Romans.Three estates existed in this area in the 10th Century which were Wellington, Wrockwardine and Lilleshall.
Also there was a Royal forest called Mount Gilbert later called the Wrekin.
Much of the area was deforested in 1301.

Urban developments started from the 13th Century in Wellington and Madeley where Wenlock Priory was founded.

Six monastic houses were founded during the 11th and 12th Centuries.
They benefited from coal and iron stone mines and Smithies on their estates.
1806 the area boasted Britain’s second largest Iron works.
The area had no Administrative unity before 1974, although Telford’s predecessor Dawley was a single authority 1966-1968.

The area was drawn from a number of diverse communities.
Wellington, Oakengates, Madeley, Ironbridge, Wenlock, Dawley.
Dawley New Town was designated in 1963 and in 1968 was extended north and renamed Telford.

It was renamed by Anthony Greenwood in honour of the great civil engineer whom had been Shropshire’s first County Surveyor.
Initially it was thought that a number of area’s would be able to be used as Birmingham overspill but in the end only Dawley (Telford) and Redditch were finalised in 1964.
Under the 1952 Town development Act Birmingham people were beginning to be re-housed in Dawley (Telford).

In 1963 Dawley was extended to cope with 50,000 from the Birmingham conurbation.
First Industrial Estate built in Tweedale first occupied in 1966.
Halesfield Estate started in 1967 (industrial).
Coporations first Housing Tenants in Sutton Hill 1966 visited by the Queen in 1967.
Woodside estate was built 1968 through until 1973
Telford town centre built 1973.
Last two collieries closed in 1967 and 1979.
In 1968 Telford was extended to take a further 50,000.
Swimming pool 1981.
By 1983 Telford’s population was approx 108,000.
1984 new police headquarters and Courts were built.
Ice skating rink 1984
Town centre library 1984

With the best of intention all of the above information is true, correct and given in good faith, however, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions contained within the above.

Equally we recommend that should you need or want to find out more you should conduct more detailed independant research.