It is announced that in Shrewsbury the last home of war poet Wilfred Owen is to be given Grade II listed status by English Heritage. His first home, in Oswestry, was given Grade II listed status by English Heritage two years ago. Meanwhile Oswestry Hillfort and its setting, where he completed his military training, may shortly be thrown to the wolves.
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[Oswestry Hillfort is “a site of great national importance, one that helps to define our national story and identity” – English Heritage].
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02/01/2015 at 16:00
Dee
There is an Irony that his grandfather, Edward Shaw, was a member of the Oswestry Town Council and Mayor. Makes you wonder what Wilfred would be thinking now if he were alive.
02/01/2015 at 23:32
Dr George Nash
The Wilfred Owen influence should also move north to…..Old Oswestry Hillfort where he once trained. But, please tell English Heritage this; they and Shropshire Council appear to be oblivious to anything that has ‘heritage’ theme.
03/01/2015 at 03:45
heritageaction
Well, they aren’t oblivious to Owen’s importance as his nephew recently wrote to them about it. http://www.wilfredowen.org.uk/files/Plas%20Wilmot%20EH%20letter.pdf
“Arguably the true poet of the Great War” he says. Ironic that something associated with him has been put in jeapardy in the year the war’s centenary is being so widely celebrated.
As for the attitude of some Shropshire councillors towards Shropshire’s heritage, well ….