Pledge over visitor centre at Battlefield

A new visitor centre dedicated to the Battle of Shrewsbury will be one of the county's best heritage and education attractions, bosses have pledged. A new visitor centre dedicated to the Battle of Shrewsbury will be one of the county's best heritage and education attractions, bosses have pledged. The Battlefield 1403 visitor centre, cafe and farm shop will open on Monday after six years of planning and preparation by farmer Joyce Jagger and her family. The attraction, which aims to merge history, agriculture and regional food, will provide up to 20 new jobs. Mrs Jagger said: "The Battle of Shrewsbury was fought on the land that my family farm. We are delighted that Battlefield 1403 is now open for business." Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star

The Battlefield 1403 visitor centre, farm shop and Sparrows Cafe. A new visitor centre dedicated to the Battle of Shrewsbury will be one of the county's best heritage and education attractions, bosses have pledged.

The Battlefield 1403 visitor centre, cafe and farm shop will open on Monday after six years of planning and preparation by farmer Joyce Jagger and her family.

The attraction, which aims to merge history, agriculture and regional food, will provide up to 20 new jobs.

Mrs Jagger said: "The Battle of Shrewsbury was fought on the land that my family farm. We are delighted that Battlefield 1403 is now open for business.

"We feel strongly as a family that we will develop this as a legacy for Shropshire, with the aim of supporting the local community with the benefits it will offer."

Her son Jeremy Jagger said he believed it would offer a fantastic experience for school groups, families and individuals alike.

He said there would be exhibits such as pieces of armour and fun facts notice boards for children featuring their very own mascot Archie Sparrow.

Mr Jagger said: "Apart from exhibits in some of the museums in Shrewsbury there isn't really anything dedicated to the battle and that is something we want to put right."

He said the centre could also provide a catalyst for further development and said there were plans to create a footpath link from the site to join the council's Battlefield Heritage Trail.

Mr Jagger said there was also a possibility that the Battlefield Church, which was closed to the public in the 1980s, could also be opened on special occasions if church commissioners gave it their backing.

The centre tells the story of the Battle of Shrewsbury which continues to evolve with the co-ordinated archaeological investigations and research.

The farm shop and Sparrows Cafe will provide an outlet for the sale of local produce which will have a 100 per cent traceability and will be sourced from within a 30-mile radius of the farm.

Mr Jagger said the centre will be open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm Mondays to Saturdays and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays. For further information visit www.battlefield1403.com

By Russell Roberts

The Battlefield 1403 visitor centre, farm shop and Sparrows Cafe.