Strefford

Strefford is a historic hamlet in Shropshire, England.

Strefford
The ford at Strefford, as seen in the summer; there is a footbridge to the side
Strefford Location within Shropshire
OS grid reference	SO443855
Civil parish	Wistanstow
Unitary authority	Shropshire
Ceremonial county	Shropshire
Region	West Midlands
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	CRAVEN ARMS
Postcode district	SY7
Dialling code	01588
Police	West Mercia
Fire	Shropshire
Ambulance	West Midlands
UK Parliament	Ludlow

It lies in the civil parish of Wistanstow and is situated just off the A49 road 2 miles (3.2 km) north of the small town of Craven Arms. The nearest settlement is Upper Affcot, to the north on the A49, a hamlet which has a public house. Strefford is at an elevation of between 130 metres (430 ft) and 135m, and just to the east is Strefford Wood which is at the southern end of Wenlock Edge; the bridleway that runs along the Edge ends just outside the hamlet.[1]

Strefford was recorded in the Domesday Book as 'Straford' and in 1255 as 'Streford'.[2] The name derives from its situation between the Roman road (a "Street") at Wistanstow (to the west) and the ford immediately to the east of the hamlet,[2] which crosses the Byne or Quinny Brook. The Byne and Quinny Brooks meet just prior to the ford and only a mile after flow into the River Onny.[1]

There is a farm shop[3] and bed and breakfast[4] at Strefford Hall.

Strefford Conservation Area covers all the settlement, including the ford.[5] There are five Listed buildings in the hamlet: Ford Cottage, Malt Cottage, The Cottage, the (disused) parish pumphouse, and Strefford Cottages; in addition there is a Listed milestone on the A49 road at Strefford.[6] The village lies within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation.