Why Shrewsbury was a big draw for lawyer David

David is a commercial and agricultural property solicitor and joined Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors in 2024, based at the firm’s head office in the shadow of Shrewsbury Abbey. We asked him what makes Shrewsbury the perfect place to be.

Where did you live and work before?

I have spent my career to date in the South West, working in the Bristol office of a large national law firm.

What was it about Shrewsbury that attracted you?

I was first introduced to Shrewsbury when I met my wife who grew up in the town. No matter where we have lived, we have never quite been able to detach ourselves from Shrewsbury. Walks around Attingham Park. Breakfast at CSons. A haircut at Risdon’s. Handel’s Messiah in the Abbey at Christmas. Cheese from Appleyards. A wander around the market. Dinner at Dough & Oil. The view from the Castle. The Shropshire hills.

They are all things that have kept us coming back over the years and, ultimately, ruined everywhere else for us. We finally gave in and relocated to Shrewsbury last summer.

What’s it like living and working in Shrewsbury with a young family?

Because my wife grew up in the town, we knew that it would be a great place to raise a family. We wanted our children to grow up somewhere where there is always something going on and plenty for them to get involved in. Shrewsbury is proof that that is possible outside of the larger cities. We are surrounded by beautiful countryside. There really is no trade off living here!

There is a real sense of community in Shrewsbury and Shropshire more generally. I was excited to work somewhere that forms part of the landscape here and has done so for an awfully long time. The connection to the local community is integral to Lanyon Bowdler’s ethos and identity, and that is part of what attracted me to the firm.

How do you like to get around Shrewsbury?

Unlike a lot of towns of similar size, Shrewsbury is very cycle friendly. I’m not sure I will ever get tired of cycling into work and around the town. It’s a great way to take in the views of the town and surrounding countryside.

How would you describe Shrewsbury to someone who has never been?

Shrewsbury has a truly unique feel to it. It’s ancient and modern combined. It’s mediaeval and trendy at the same time.

Shrewsbury has really bucked the trend of medium sized market towns with struggling industries and tired high streets. It is a vibrant town which has an awful lot going for it. It is a place where businesses and brands that have been constants for decades (centuries, in some cases) sit in perfect harmony alongside start-ups and fledgling enterprises. Together, they create a thriving local economy where people are proud to support local businesses.