A BOOKLET detailing the history of a country house in Oswestry and commissioned by Dame Stephanie Shirley is now for sale by a historian of the town.

John Pryce-Jones has written a number of books about Oswestry and his latest ‘Oakhurst: The Story of a Country House’ was launched this week by Llanforda Press and is now available for sale.

Focusing on the Victorian country house of that name on the outskirts of Oswestry, ‘Oakhurst: The Story of a Country House’ is the ninth title by Mr Pryce-Jones, stretching back to Historic Oswestry, published in 1982 by Shropshire Libraries.

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He said: “It has been a privilege to work on this project and the varied history of the house since its construction in 1854 has been fascinating, providing me with a number of different avenues to explore.

“The book was commissioned by the well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, who lived at Oakhurst as a boarder while attending Oswestry Girls’ High School.

“Oakhurst served as a boarding hostel, or hall of residence, for the Girls’ High School from 1948.

“Dame Stephanie contacted me in March 2022, inviting me to carry out research into the history of Oakhurst, and the present booklet is the result.”

In the 48 page booklet, the author talks about the Venables family, who had Oakhurst built in 1853/54, and life at their new house from that time through to the Second World War.

He also describes the house that preceded Oakhurst – known as Mount Sion – built in 1774.

A chapter focuses on Oakhurst’s role in the Second World War when it was leased by Coventry Climax Engines Ltd who relocated much of their operations from Coventry to Oswestry.

They had factories in Oswald Road, the Cross Market and in Victoria Road. Oakhurst was used for offices, and for the company’s board meetings.

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Illustrations, in colour and in black and white, have been provided by sources including Shropshire Archives, Oswestry Library, and the National Library of Wales.

Other titles, all published by the Llanforda Press, have included Oswestry, a local history (1994), The Street Names of Oswestry (1997), An Oswestry Miscellany (2008), and A Second Oswestry Miscellany (2020).

The publication will cost £4.95. Proceeds from the sale of the booklet will be donated to the Mayor of Oswestry’s annual charity.