Soldiers of Shropshire Museum could move from historic Shrewsbury base after four decades

The Soldiers of Shropshire Museum is currently based at the Grade I-listed Shrewsbury Castle - a building which has been its home since 1985.

It has now emerged that the museum could be set to leave the site, after Shrewsbury’s Reform group revealed discussions around its future.

The castle is owned by Shropshire Council and the museum’s lease on the building expires in 2027, with the authority confirming to the Shropshire Star that it is currently carrying out a review of the site’s future use.

It said the review is looking at its financial sustainability and commercial opportunities for the location.

It comes as Shrewsbury’s Reform group shared messages from the council’s Liberal Democrat cabinet member David Vasmer saying the authority is not sure the museum is in the right place for the long term - and that its presence in the building means the council cannot use it for services such as weddings.

The messages also indicate that the site will be closed for much of next year while preservation work takes place on the building - although the councillor also stresses the importance of having a military museum in Shropshire.

Reform has accused the council trying to “hush up” the potential departure of the museum from the venue.

A statement from the council confirmed the current review and said it is “working closely” with the Soldiers of Shropshire Trust as it looks at “future possibilities”, adding that the could be at Shrewsbury Castle - or somewhere else.

There has been no public confirmation of whether the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum Trust would itself be interested in departing the site. The trust was contacted by the Shropshire Star but referred to the statement issued by the council.

Councillor Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council’s deputy leader, said: “The Soldiers of Shropshire Museum, operated by a charitable trust, has proudly occupied Shrewsbury Castle since 1985. It showcases collections that celebrate the history of Shropshire’s regiments and the modern army, distinct from the castle’s own heritage.

“With the current lease due to expire in 2027, Shropshire Council is undertaking a review of the site’s future use.

“This includes exploring commercial and heritage opportunities to ensure the castle remains a financially sustainable and vibrant civic landmark.

“It serves as the proud gateway to Shrewsbury, a fantastic tourist attraction and a wonderfully atmospheric venue for cultural events and we need to recognise and build on this.

“We appreciate the importance of providing clarity on the castle’s future and we will continue to work closely with the Soldiers of Shropshire Trust as they refine their business plan and explore future possibilities - whether at Shrewsbury Castle or a suitable alternative location.

“Further updates will be shared as this work progresses.”

The council added that design and procurement is progressing for a programme to repair the castle wall, and remediation works are planned for 2027.

A spokesman for the Shrewsbury Reform group urged the council to be clear about the plans for the museum.

He said: “In the run-up to Armistice Week, the Liberal Democrats have tried to hush up possible plans to shut one of the jewels in Shrewsbury’s military crown.”

He added: “Reform UK Shrewsbury urges all residents to contact their local councillors and demand that the council, for once, does the right thing and protects our county’s proud military history.”