Famous MPs have included Sir Philip Sidney in 1581, Robert Clive (known as 'Clive of India') from 1761 to his death in 1774, and Benjamin Disraeli (later Prime Minister) in 1841–47.

The parliamentary borough was abolished with effect from the 1918 general election, and the name transferred to a new county constituency.

The constituency was renamed Shrewsbury and Atcham, but continued with the exact same boundaries as had been in effect from 1974-1983.

The seat was re-established from wards that had comprised Shrewsbury and Atcham as part of the 2023 Periodic Review of Westminster constituencies.

The political parties had been making preparations for an election to take place from 1939 and by the end of this year, the following candidates had been selected; The outbreak of World War II in September 1939 caused general elections to be suspended until 1945.