Shropshire was historically abbreviated as Salop due to its Latin name, “Salopia”, which was used in medieval documents. The name Salop is derived from this Latin form and was commonly used as a short reference for the county.
Origins of “Salop”
- Latin Influence:
- The Latin name for Shropshire was “Salopia”, which evolved from Old English and Welsh influences.
- Over time, this was shortened to “Salop”, making it easier to use in official documents.
- French and Norman Influence:
- After the Norman Conquest, Salopesberia (an early medieval form of Shrewsbury) was used in documents.
- The name Salop became widely accepted as a shorthand reference for both Shropshire and its county town, Shrewsbury.
- Legal and Administrative Use:
- Salop was used as the official postal and administrative abbreviation for Shropshire until 1980, when it was replaced with “Shrops” for clarity.
- The term still appears in historical contexts and within names such as Shrewsbury & Atcham’s old county council, which was once called “Salop County Council”.
Is Salop Still Used Today?
- While Shropshire is now the preferred term, Salop still appears in:
- Historical references
- Local business names
- Some older maps and documents
- Sports teams (e.g., Shrewsbury Town F.C. fans are nicknamed “Salop”)
Fun Fact:
People from Shropshire were sometimes referred to as “Salopians”, and the term is still used affectionately today.