Caynham

400 million years ago, when life on earth was only 150–200 million years old, life was only under water.[3] Caynham was situated in warm coral waters and was likely to have been bristling with sea-life, shells can still be found today in the stones around the foothills of Shropshire. Dead sea life fossilised over time to create limestone. This limestone was extensively quarried from the 18th century onwards.[3]

First evidence of human settlement in the area is the massive earthwork of "Caynham Camp". It can be dated back to 900 BC, late in the Bronze Age. It was later developed and expanded until the Roman invasion of 44 AD.[3]

Much of Caynham's later history lies with the manor of Caynham. It is believed that the village of Caynham today is far less important than the manor was in Norman times. There have been many owners of the manor, from Saxon and Norman times with the Earl of Mercia, and Ralph de Mortimer who wrote the extract within the Domesday book for Caynham, to the Curtis dynasty of 1852–1946. In addition the manor of Caynham passed through many different hands in years to follow, until only recently in 2003 the court was bought by Paul Chester and work continues to substantially refurbish and restore the Manor.[5]

Bishop Hooper is Caynham's local primary school. Long serving the village and surrounding areas, dating back to the early 19th century in 1834. Aided by Shropshire Local Education Authority, the school is prestigious for its upkeep, and won an award for Environmental friendliness.[6] In 2011 the school moved out of Caynham, to a new site in nearby Ashford Carbonell.

As a parish Caynham possesses a small parish church.[7] St. Mary's Church is a small but quaint church, used mostly by local settlers and dates back to 1179, during the reign of King Henry II.[8] The churchyard contains one Commonwealth war burial of the First World War, Captain Sir William Michael Curtis, 4th Baronet, of the Royal Defence Corps, who lived at Caynham Court.[9] The lych gate was dedicated to the nine local men who died serving in the same war, whose names are also listed on a brass plaque within the church in addition to a roll of honour of those who served.[10]

Caynham Village Hall was opened in 1911 in loving memory of George B. Charleton Esq. A new window was also placed in St. Mary's Church in memory of him. The hall is now used by youth clubs, the Mothers' Union and the local school for nativity performances etc. Moreover, it is also used for village socials suggesting a very close-knit, rural community. The Village Hall Committee manage and maintain the Hall.[11]