Sheriffhales

Sheriffhales (or Sheriff Hales) is a scattered village in Shropshire, England, 13.8 km (8 mi) west-north-west of Brewood, and 4.8 km (3 mi) north of Shifnal.

Despite being a small village of around 100 people, there is a primary school, a church and a local post office, as well as a playing field with football goals and a children's playground. The church parish has a population of about 700 people, however it reached 1019 people in 1850, when the Duke of Sutherland owned most of it.

It was also the home of renowned attacking midfielder Brett Stirling. Stirling learned his trade in 'the field' or 'le stade' to the locals, who he amazed with feats of skill so awesome, it was once reputedly remarked "that kid's the new Gordon Cowans." Stirling now plies his trade in the Swiss 5th Division.

Sheriffhales has its own scarecrow competition where people from the village can design and make their own scarecrows. This year (2006), 86 people entered and they were judged at the village fayre on September 9th. This event was marred by the actions of a few vandals whereby at least one scarecrow was stolen. Also at the fayre, there was a mountain bike challenge.

The 2007 Tour of Britain bike race passed through the village on the first of September as part of the Wolverhampton to Birmingham stage.

The main farm within the village, Meadow Farm, is owned by Mr. Beasley, who purchased it in 1999. It was a predominantly dairy farm, but has been subsequently converted into an arable farm. It is the centre for Caroline Robinson's point to point yard. This has had much success over the years.

Sheriffhales was the site of the World War II POW Camp 71, located along the drive to Lilleshall Hall.