Virtually demolished as a result of battle during the War of the Roses and during the Civil War, Wem has always prided itself on its wide selection of small, independent shops. The town is now the home of the modern Sweet Pea which was developed by Henry Eckford, the 19th Century nurseryman. Every year Eckford’s contribution to gardening is celebrated at the Sweet Pea Show which, along with the annual carnival, brings a riot of colour to the town.