Church Stretton
Church Stretton is a British market town, right in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nicknamed the Little Switzerland in the late Victorian and Edwardian period for its scenery. Also of high interest is its Sheela na gig (medieval sculpture of a woman exhibiting her genitals).
There is a Victorian cemetery in the centre, with elaborate stone cutting and carving and is also advertised by the city council as sheltering a rich ecosystem of wildlife and vegetation.
There are two main areas to explore from Church Stretton, which correspond to the two sides of neighbouring hills:
All the pictures below are from our first (and so far, unique) visit on 1 March (2020), to explore the Caer Caradoc area.
The Church of Church Stretton and its main street. This nice pub was on the time of our visit to a Greek restaurant.
Down the street.
The Raven, an imposing timber house.
Brick houses on the other side.
The Square.
The Sheela na gig, adorning the wall left to its entrance.
The churchyard.
Farther, one of these typical British towers.
The Victorian cemetery.
Julia with the Anchor Grave, apparently a tribute to a Titanic victim.
The Tudor cottage (oldest and best preserved one in Church Stretton).
