There will be a rare opportunity to visit one of Shropshire’s most significant historic sites during an open day next week.
Wappenshall Wharf, near Apley, Telford, will be open to the public between 10am and 4pm on September 13, offering visitors the chance to explore the buildings.
The day is being run by the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust, which has ambitious £1.5 million plans to restore buildings at the wharf and turn it into a visitor attraction and community hub. The ultimate aim includes restoring the Shrewsbury to Newport waterway link.
At the free open day, there will be guided tours around the historic buildings by Trust volunteers who can explain the wharf’s background, which includes the part played by Thomas Telford.
Neil Clarke will be signing copies of his new book Waterways of East Shropshire Through Time. Visitors will be able to learn more about life on the waterways on the display narrowboat called Justfashow and there will be refreshments, a bouncy castle, and stalls including a book sale.
Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust chairman, Bernie Jones, said: “The site is not generally open to the public, so this is one of the few chances to have a look at the site and learn more about our plans to restore the wharf to its former glory.
“It is also an important fundraising event for us. We have already raised more than £1,114,000 towards the overall cost through a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, pledges, donations and other funding, but we are still some way from our target.
“These events will help us to reach our final goal as well as educate more people about this historic site.”
To find Wappenshall Wharf, turn off the A442, at Apley, near the Maxell site. It is signposted for Wappenshall and the historic site is just under a mile along the lane (use postcode TF6 6DE for sat nav directions).
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