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About the Village

Norton-in-Hales is a picturesque village located in North Shropshire some 4 miles North East of Market Drayton. The village is close to Loggerheads and Woore and is within easy commuting distance of Crewe, Stoke, Telford and Shrewsbury.

The village green at the centre lies between the church and the village’s lively pub, the “Hind’s Head”. The church itself dates back to Norman times and was extensively rebuilt in the 19th century. At the centre of the village green is the “Bradling Stone” where, according to folklore, any male found working after noon on Shrove Tuesday was bumped or “bradled”.

The village has won the Heart of England in Bloom competition in the village category several times and gone on to win at the national RHS Britain in Bloom level three times, culminating in being declared The RHS Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions in 2015.

Returning to the competitions in 2018 saw Norton winning in the Heart of England level, being given a gold medal and nominated to enter the national Britain in Bloom, representing the Midlands in 2019. A successful outcome was gained by virtue of then gaining a Britain in Bloom gold medal at the 2019 results ceremony and so the story continues.

The village also has a thriving school, with 3 classes covering Reception to Year 6.

There are also excellent sporting facilities in the village for tennis, cricket and crown green bowls as well as a well-appointed play area for younger children. Other active village groups include the “Britain in Bloom” members and the church bellringers.

The website provides you with details of many of the sports and leisure clubs, societies and facilities in Norton-in-Hales.

A new monthly magazine called the “Bradling Stone” is distributed free of charge to all residents of the parish. It is supported by the Parish Council, by a number of village clubs and organisations, by local advertising and by several local resident “patrons”. The new magazine was launched in 2019 to replace the previous Messenger newsletter, which had been produced over many years. The “Bradling Stone” covers a range of articles of interest to parishioners and visitors alike, including among other things “What’s On”, Village In Bloom and Nature Notes reports, historical items, the vicar’s monthly message, also local sports reports and features. As with the earlier Messenger, the “Bradling Stone” can also be accessed via the Norton In Hales website.

We are also building an historical archive and anecdotal record of the village’s past. A photographic gallery is also accessible and we are building a list of local businesses and service providers, which we hope will be useful in a practical way to villagers.