Shifnal in the East of Shropshire dates from at least the 7th century where it was known as Idsall and settled by the Angles. Shifnal was mentioned in the Domesday Book and the parish church of St Andrew has a surviving Norman chancel though was built on the site of a Saxon church. Shifnal was granted a charter to become a market town by King Henry III.
The town was devastated by a fire in 1591 which destroyed many buildings in the town and damaged the church. Queen Elizabeth I sent money for the town's rebuilding.
In latter years Shifnal became known for one of the biggest bank frauds during the reign of Queen Victoria when a director and staff stole the equivalent of £16 million.
Shifnal's railway station was opened in 1849 by the Great Western Railway.
