Bear Steps (Shrewsbury)
Bear Steps is the name of one of the most picturesque and charming corners of the outstanding Shropshire town of Shrewsbury.
Approached from the High Street by Grope Lane, whose name refers to the ancient profession of the mediaeval ladies who frequented it, Bear Steps link Fish Street with Butcher Row.
The main building here is a 14th century hall, with an exposed timber roof, which is now used to house exhibitions.
At right angles to the hall, there is an arcaded range of shops from the same period, and this is now used as a coffee shop.
The group was originally the property of the Guild of the Holy Cross, founded in 1389 by Thomas Pride, a member of one of Shrewsbury's great families.
The extensive restoration of Bear Steps was undertaken by Shrewsbury Civic Society in 1969.
On the Butcher Row side of the group is the churchyard of St. Alkmund's Church.