Maesbury, Shropshire

Gwernybrenin

Gwerbybrenin translates as 'King's Marsh' which is reputed to have arisen from King Henry II setting up camp in the area in 1163.

The earliest clear evidence we have is from Roque's 1752 map of Shropshire, the area around Gwernybrenin is on the right.

Unfotunately the map is hopelessly inaccurate, but it does clearly show an area of marsh land to the west of the Morda, with a track through it (highlighted in yellow).

The lower end is rather confused as the mapmaker seems to have combined the bridge by Maesbury Mill with Newbridge - however the top end is significant as it clearly shows the lane continuing north to meet with Weston Lane, it did not curve round to meet with Ball Lane as it does today.

There are no houses shown anywhere along the lane (those is 'Measbury' are in the wrong place), so Gwernhafod (literally Marsh Farm) probably came a little later. The photos below are from January 2006, click on the graphics for bigger images:

Gwernhafod, built facing south in local pre-1800 tradition.

Just past Gwernhafod, the road bends to the right but the hedge does not. Through the gate the line of trees and the next gate show the route of the original road.

The road to Ball was almost certainly added after the canal was built and the road from Maesbury Wharf to Oswestry became more important. It also gave a useful link to the blacksmith who set up near the Original Ball, also after the canal arrived. The map below is from 1890, showing the the top part of Gwernybrenin Lane much as it is today. The footpath follows the line of the original track.