Board of Guardians. Hodnet has had a parish council since 1895. Shropshire Council, a Unitary authority is responsible for local government services in Hodnet. The population of this ward at the 2011 census was 4,429. The village is in the North Shropshire parliamentary constituency. Geography Hodnet is on the A53 road from Shrewsbury to Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Potteries. The ancient parish covered 10,700 acres of fertile arable land. The underlying geology consists of red Bridgnorth Sandstone which is covered with glacial till forming a rolling landscape while the flood plain of the River Tern is flat. Marl deposited by retreating glaciers was dug for fertilizer and the resultant marl pits are now wildlife habitats. Transport The four-mile Hodnet bypass, the A53 opened in 2003 at a cost £14 million, taking traffic on the old A53 and A442 roads away from the village's narrow streets. It was built by contractors Alfred McAlpine. Hodnet Station was a stop on the Wellington and Market Drayton Railway, which opened in 1867 and was operated by the Great Western Railway. Lack of use forced the line to close to passenger traffic on 9 September 1963, and to freight four years later. Bus Service Hodnet is served by the 64 route, operated by Arriva Midlands North, which runs between Shrewsbury and Market Drayton via Shawbury. Once at Market Drayton, some 64 bus services form a 164 service and continue on to Hanley in Staffordshire. Landmarks The motte and bailey castle is a scheduled monument in the grounds of Hodnet Old Hall surrounded by Hodnet Park which incorporates elements of a medieval deer park. Hawkstone Hall in Hawkstone Park adjoining the village was the home of Rowland Hill, 1st Viscount Hill. Religion St Luke's Church has an early foundation and retains much of its Norman nave. It was extended in the 14th century and its octagonal tower dates from this time. The church was restored in 1846. The church has some notable stained glass windows including one by David Evans depicting the evangelists and is connected with the story of the Holy Grail of Arthurian legend. Economy The village also has two shops and the Bear at Hodnet public house. There is a florist and a crockery shop. Education Hodnet Primary School has 177 pupils, and is maintained by Shropshire County Council. There is no provision of secondary education in the village. Notable people Sir Rowland