Dowles
Dowles is an ancient parish in the far south-east of Shropshire, where the county projects between Staffordshire and Worcestershire. It is located just north of the town of Bewdley in the latter county, and indeed part of the town extends into the parish. The parish and county extend over the River Severn, such that the land on the east of the river is essentially detached from the rest, as there is no bridge here.
History
Under another name, Dowles was a member of the Domesday manor of Stottesden. Its ancient name was Achiscy or Hakieshcy. Either one of the Palatine Earls, or else King Henry I, granted it to Wydo, son of Helgot, at a ferm or rent of two shillings per annum.
The church, dedicated to St Andrew was demolished in 1956. The building dated largely from 1789 and was altered in 1882. The churchyard remains hidden in a copse off the B4194.
The old Dowles Manor House stood just north of the Tenbury & Bewdley branch railway, and west of the B4194. It was dated to 1560, restored by W.H. Bidlake between 1908 to 1915, but destroyed in a fire in 1982.
Transport
The eastern part of parish has a station Northwood Halt on the Severn Valley Railway.
Outside links
- Location map: 52°23’1"N, 2°19’28"W
