Much Wenlock is the birthplace of Dr William Penny Brookes, the inspiration for the modern Olympic Movement and founder of the Wenlock Olympian Society.
It was in 1850 that the first ever Wenlock Olympian Games were held here in Much Wenlock.
The brainchild of Dr Brookes, the Games were originaly designed “to promote the moral, physical and intellectual improvement of the inhabitants of the Town and neighbourhood of Wenlock”.
Over subsequent years this concept inspired individuals & sporting organisations throughout Europe – inspiration that no doubt made a significant contribution to the re-birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Today you will find relics of our Olympian heritage all around the town.
Follow the Wenlock Olympian Trail or visit our wonderful Museum with its collection of Olympian artefacts.
And in July of each year you can attend the actual games, which continue to be held on the very same Linden field as the original 1850 games and are still organised by the Wenlock Olympian Society.
In recognition of our sporting heritage, the 2012 London Olympic Games named one of their mascots Wenlock.
For more information about the original games and Much Wenlock’s contribution to the modern Olympic Games visit the Wenlock Olympian Society web site
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