Shipston-on-Stour is located on the banks of the River Stour in South Warwickshire, between Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford. The town was once an important stopping place for stagecoaches. Many former coaching inns remain in the town in the area of the High Street. The origin of the name Shipston is from the Anglo Saxon Scepwaeisctune meaning Sheep-wash-Town, because of having once been an important sheep market town.
Although demand for local wool fell, fortunately the local economy was sustained by the opening, in 1836, of a branch line running from the horse-drawn Stratford and Moreton tramway. This linked Moreton-in-Marsh with Stratford. In 1889 the line was upgraded to allow the operation of steam trains from Moreton to Shipston. Passenger services to the town were withdrawn in 1929 and the line closed completely in 1960.
Today, the modern day Shipston is charming place to visit, surrounded by picturesque countryside and independant shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels. The historic market towns of Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Camden are only a short drive. Stratford-upon -Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare is only 10 miles away.
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