REVIEW BY BRANDON BRAUN
The Latin motto for Shropshire – Floreat Salopia, ‘may Shropshire flourish’ – has been used since at least the 17th century, so it is a fitting title for the 100th volume of the Transactions of the Shropshire Archaeological and Historical Society.
This edited volume traces the history and archaeology of Shropshire from prehistory to the 21st century in 14 chapters. These are organised chronologically, each exploring research themes through the lens of Shropshire-specific case studies. For example, in the opening chapter on the Neolithic and Bronze Age, Dave Mullin and Jodie Lewis discuss prehistoric artefacts found in Shropshire and the significance of places like the Wrekin, outside Shrewsbury, whereas Barrie Trinder outlines Shropshire’s role in the innovations of the Industrial Revolution, focusing on Coalbrookdale Coalfield.
Overall, Floreat Salopia is an interesting and useful volume that highlights the known archaeology of Shropshire, while also contributing to wider discussions about archaeology in the county and beyond.
