Wenlock Edge facts for kids
Wenlock Edge is a long, steep ridge of limestone rock in Shropshire, England. It's like a natural wall, stretching for over 31 kilometers (19 miles) between the towns of Craven Arms and Much Wenlock. This amazing natural feature rises about 330 meters (1,083 feet) above sea level.
The sides of Wenlock Edge are covered in beautiful forests with trees that lose their leaves in autumn. These woodlands are very old and well-preserved in many places. Because of its unique rocks and history, Wenlock Edge is also a special protected area known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Wenlock Edge was even featured on a TV show called Seven Natural Wonders in 2005, showing how special it is to the Midlands region of England.
This area is a great place for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hillwalking, cycling, mountain biking, and even horseriding. Many visitors come to see the sights and explore famous trails like the Shropshire Way and the Jack Mytton Way. You can also find interesting spots like Flounders' Folly and Wilderhope Manor along the Edge.
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Ancient Rocks and Fossils
Wenlock Edge is famous around the world for its limestone rocks. These rocks are some of the most important geological sites in Britain. If you look closely, you can find amazing fossils here!
How Wenlock Edge Formed
About 425 million years ago, the area where Wenlock Edge now stands was very different. It was covered by warm, shallow seas, much like the Seychelles islands are today. This was a time when Earth's continents were in different places, and this part of England was south of the equator.
In these ancient seas, tiny sea creatures built huge reefs, similar to coral reefs we see today. These reefs were made of limestone. Over millions of years, these reefs turned into the hard rock we see at Wenlock Edge.
Finding Fossils
Many types of ancient sea creatures were first discovered here. Scientists have found fossils of brachiopods (shellfish), trilobites (ancient sea bugs), and tiny ostracods (crustaceans). Most of the known fossils from the Wenlock period of Earth's history come from this very place. You can often spot fossilized crinoids (sea lilies) and brachiopods if you go for a walk along the Edge.
The "Wenlock" part of the Wenlock Epoch, a major time period in Earth's history, is named after the rocks found at Wenlock Edge. This shows how important this place is to understanding our planet's past.
Local Legends and Stories
Wenlock Edge is not just about rocks and nature; it also has some exciting local legends!
Ippikin the Robber
One old story tells of a robber named Ippikin. He was a bandit who supposedly buried his stolen treasures somewhere along Wenlock Edge. The legend says that if you stand on the Edge and say, "Ippikin, Ippikin, keep away with your long chin," his ghost might try to push you over!
Major's Leap
Another famous legend comes from the English Civil War. A Royalist officer named Major Thomas Smallman lived nearby at Wilderhope Manor. One day, he was carrying important messages and was chased by Cromwell's soldiers. To avoid being captured, the Major bravely galloped his horse right off the edge of Wenlock Edge, falling about 60 meters (200 feet)!
His horse sadly died, but the Major was incredibly lucky. He landed in an apple tree, which saved his life! He then walked all the way to Shrewsbury and delivered his messages. The spot where he made this daring jump is now called Major's Leap. People say that the ghosts of the Major and his horse still haunt this area.
Getting Around Wenlock Edge
Bus Service
If you want to explore Wenlock Edge, there's a special bus service called the "Wenlock Wanderer." It runs on weekends and holidays during spring and summer. This bus connects the towns of Much Wenlock and Church Stretton, traveling mostly along the B4371 road that runs right on top of Wenlock Edge. It also stops at smaller villages like Ticklerton and Acton Scott.
Be aware that the road going down Wenlock Hill towards Shrewsbury is one of the steepest main roads in the United Kingdom, with a very sharp slope!
