Throughout the Medieval period, Shrewsbury
was a centre for the wool trade, and used its position on the River Severn to
transport goods across England via the canal system. Unlike many other towns in
this period, Shrewsbury never became a centre for heavy industry. By the early
1900s, the town became focused on transport services and the general service
and professional sector, owing to its position on the A5 road, part of the
strategic route to North Wales.
The town is the location of the town and
county councils, and a number of retail complexes,
