History

Frankwell 1960.

This view is looking up Frankwell towards the Mount. The white building in the centre is Ye Olde Bucks Head Inn. In 1835 James Birch was landlord, and to supplement his income he was also a blacksmith, plying his trade in yard at the rear.

All the buildings on the left up to the Bucks Head were demolished for the construction of Frankwell Island.

The building is dated before this date of 1835 going back to the 1600's we are in the process of gathering the history back to this date.

Yes the building is supposed to be haunted by the ghosts of children.

View of The Bucks Head Today.

Frankwell

Previously known as 'Frankville'. This name refers to the fact that in the 17th century traders within the bridges of the town paid a levy on sales similar to the VAT of today. If you resided or worked just outside the bridges you were exempt from this levy. Certain traders took advantage of this and built their settlements and developed just on the Welsh side of the Welsh Bridge, and did not, therefore pay the levy - hence the name 'free town'.

During the 17th and 18th centuries considerable river traffic, and some 300 - 400 boats piled for hire between Bristol and Shrewsbury. The 'ports' at Shrewsbury were at Mardol and Frankwell. Hence the modern names of Mardol Quay and Frankwell Quay.

Frankwell is often referred to as the 'Little Boro', because of its origins and strong independent nature.