Shrewsbury is well known for the variety of its architecture and fine examples can be found of many eras and styles within the loop of the River Severn in which the town lies. With locals and visitors alike there is a certain affection for the shuts and passages that sneak between them.
They give you sneak previews of streets you have not yet found, they let you take short cuts, smokers use them to escape the wind when they want to light a match, lovers use them for secret cuddles, and sadly the homeless have to use them for shelter from the cold wind that howls around the tall buildings of Shrewsbury. There shouldn’t be homeless anywhere in the world and in so-called civilised countries like ours there should be none. Sadly homelessness is on the increase. At least our county town has some shelter in the shuts and passages.
We took a wander around the centre of town and took photos of these little alleyways, the good and the bad, the attractive and the ugly. Visiting on the day that the recycling bins were due for collection spoilt many a photo opportunity, but I suppose this juxtaposition of the heritage and beauty from the town’s past should be presented alongside the reality of today’s world. We need everything recycled that can possibly be recycled after all.
This beautiful gate marked the entrance to one of the few private alleyways.
Enjoy a peak into a variety of our shuts and passages.
greenbenchramblings 
13 replies on “The Architectural Heritage of Shrewsbury – Shuts and Passages”
Love the passageways and the gates are wonderful.
Interesting little tour of the alleyways. That gate is particularly beautiful.
We thought we would like a garden divide made like that gate instead of usual wooden trellis. Malc
Hello, I am only recently subscribed to your lovely blog and loved this post! Although I live in the U.S. I have a close friend who lives in Ludlow and I have been to Shrewsbury on numerous occasions . I always thought it would be great if someone did a series of photos or a booklet ect just on the myriad little passageways of the town. They are a marvelous network of mysterious and quirky spaces~ like being in a labyrinth at times. One certainly feels a part of the past in them. I think you captured a bit of their charm , mystery as well as beauty Thank you for this really lovely post. I look forward to all your future offerings!
I enjoyed the challenge of taking these photos – strange light in these passages.
You’ve managed to capture some really charming images – they make me want to wander around and linger to peak past those lovely gates!
You can wander through most of them luckily. Malc
It was very enjoyable to have a walk about to see the unique architecture in your community; I would describe it as charming and fun.
Thanks for the comments. Yes it is both charming and fun. Malc
Love these photos Dad, it’s so easy to forget just how beautiful Shrewsbury is. I’ve loved rediscovering it recently through grown up eyes (well, as grown up as I’ll ever be!)
We have found new places when taking these photos, so always places to discover. Daddymalc
Another enjoyable architectural walk around! I always love passageways and all the local names they have – I don’t think I have come across ‘shuts’ before. That gate is an excellent addition to the streetscape too.
Yes, the gate was great. It would fit in our garden nicely!