A bustling town with a market on Wednesdays that dates back to the times of Edward l, Market Drayton also claims to be the place where gingerbread was invented. The centre of the town has a number of black and white, half-timbered buildings which include the Butter Market. Clive of India was born and raised here and is said to have climbed the local church and contemptuously sat astride a gargoyle when he was just a young tearaway. The Butter Cross was built in 1842 to keep traders dry on rainy days. Nearby are two superlative gardens, the Dorothy Clive Garden and the gardens of Hodnet Hall. The Shropshire Union Canal passes by.

Dorothy Clive Gardens