The Britons gave the place the appellation of _Pengwern_, the Saxons
_Scrobbes-byrig_; both are synonymous, importing a fenced eminence
covered with shrubs. The ancient Welsh called it, and do so to this day,
_Ammwythig_, signifying “The Delight.” The Normans _Sciropesberie_, and
subsequently _Salopesberie_ and _Schrosbury_, from whence is formed its
present name Shrewsbury and Salop. The antiquary Leland thus beautifully
accounts for its name:
Edita Pengwerni late fastigia splendent,
Urbs sita lunato veluti mediamnis in orbe,
Colle tumet modico; duplici quoque ponte superbit:
Accipiens patria sibi lingua nomen ab alnis.
which may be thus translated—
Built on a hill, fair SALOP greets the eye,
While Severn like an eel curves gliding by:
Two bridges cross the bark-conveying stream,
And British alders gave the town a name.