The Legend of the Wrekin
Wellington, Shropshire


A Welsh Giant, bearing a grudge against the people of Shrewsbury, set out one day with a spadeful of earth to dam the Severn and thus drown the town. But he took the wrong road and, meeting a cobbler near Wellington, enquired of him the way. Now the cobbler, hearing the Giant's intention, decided he could not risk losing so many of his best customers. So he tumbled the boots and shoes from his bag. "I've come from Shrewsbury, and I've already worn out all these boots and shoes, so far away is it." In despair, the Giant dumped his spadeful of earth where he stood, and returned home. The Giant's load is the hill which people now call the Wrekin.