Angler gets a bite and nets large piece of history from bottom of Shrewsbury waterway

For his hook snagged part of a 17th century weir which had become embedded in the silt and stone over the years.

Mr Roberts, who is also chairman and head bailiff of Shropshire Anglers' Federation, said: "They have been found before and the last one was scuttled away for firewood by someone.

"In this particular instance, I had waded out to just above knee depth, opposite the coppice above the beach by Sydney Avenue.

"But then I spotted something in the river. It was very long, very square and pointed one end. I couldn't really see what it was but three weeks later and the river level has dropped alarmingly and at the water's edge was a piece of wood.

"My first thoughts were that it was another piece of the old wooden Weir or Weir Pier or Boat Pass, either way pre 1900's"

But Mr Roberts took the wood to Shropshire Council who said it was part of Hollywell Fish Weir.

"I knew of the existence but not by the correct name," said Mr Roberts. "The Island in Sydney Avenue just below the weir as we know used to be some 30 yards or so closer to the weir. But due to erosion the upstream end of the island has receded.

"The timber in fact is deemed to be post 1540's and most likely late 1600's or early 1700's.

"Indeed in my view a very "interesting piece of driftwood", many more exist without doubt."

Mr Roberts was so taken by his find that he has now had it mounted close to the new weir.

He said: "It is an example of this little known local history. I have had it mounted by the railings of the weir with a plaque relating to Hollywell Fish Weir."