In 2000, as part of an M.A. course in Birmingham University, I made a study of place-names in Shropshire ending in "-ford". The resulting dissertation has now been edited and presented in this booklet. It describes the 64 place visited with place-names ending in -ford and discusses their relevance to the road system and the settlement pattern. Since the relation of these place-names to the Roman roads in Shropshire is an important part of the study, a summary of what is known about Roman Roads in Shropshire is also included.

This dictionary of Shropshire place names examines their origins and meanings. It includes not only towns, villages and hamlets, but also rivers, streams, hills, fields and woods, as well as streets, buildings and public houses. A comprehensive description of the origin and evolution of each name is given, which brings to life the history of the place in a new and remarkably revealing way. Few are aware of the background of the names that are part of our everyday language, and Anthony Poulton-Smith brings this enthralling aspect of Shropshire's rich history to life.