In the county of Shropshire, Whitchurch is a small, pretty market town which houses some lovely architecture from various points in its long history. It also holds a couple of interesting records. Not only is it the oldest inhabited town in Shropshire but it is also home to JB Joyce Tower Clocks, the world’s oldest tower clock making company. Being the base for a company which has been turning out clocks for cities all around the world since the 17th century makes it easier to explain the number of fine clocks which are to be seen around town.

The town’s population barely reaches 9,000 but it is considered as an important junction town, a reputation which goes back to its early days as a Roman settlement. Nowadays there are road links to the likes to Chester and Shrewsbury and a train station on the line that links Crewe and Newport. The Llangollen Canal offers the possibility of water transport, although it only reaches to around a mile short of the town centre.