The Britons gave the place the appellation of Pengwern, the Saxons Scrobbes-byrig; both are synonymous, importing a fenced eminence covered with shrubs. The ancient Welsh called it, and do so to this day, Ammwythig, signifying “The Delight.” The Normans Sciropesberie, and subsequently Salopesberie and Schrosbury, from whence is formed its present name Shrewsbury and Salop. The antiquary Leland thus beautifully accounts for its name:

Edita Pengwerni late fastigia splendent,
Urbs sita lunato veluti mediamnis in orbe,
Colle tumet modico; duplici quoque ponte superbit:
Accipiens patria sibi lingua nomen ab alnis.

which may be thus translated—

Built on a hill, fair Salop greets the eye,
While Severn like an eel curves gliding by:
Two bridges cross the bark-conveying stream,
And British alders gave the town a name.