The district also included the towns of Much Wenlock, Shifnal and Broseley and the villages of Albrighton and Sheriffhales, as well as RAF Cosford.

[1] The former municipal boroughs of Much Wenlock and Bridgnorth had been converted into rural boroughs in 1966 and 1967 respectively, making them part of Bridgnorth Rural District whilst retaining some of their civic dignities such as the right to appoint a mayor.

From 1 April 2009 the area was administered by the new Shropshire unitary authority created as part of the 2009 structural changes to local government in England.

In May 2006, a report commissioned by British Gas [1] showed that housing in the district of Bridgnorth produced the 12th highest average carbon emissions in the country at 7,176 kg of carbon dioxide per dwelling.

The first elections to the council were held in 1973, initially operating as a shadow authority until coming into its powers on 1 April 1974.