The city of ‘Scrobbesbyrig’ or present-day Shrewsbury, located within a few hours’ drive north of the supplied coordinates, has a history imbued with folklore and legends. Amid this fantastic collection, the story of Aethelfleda, the Lady of the Mercians, and her clever stratagem against the Vikings shines prominently. The tale unravels, bridging the gap between history and myth, during the tumultuous days of Viking invasions in Britain around 900 AD. Aethelfleda, the daughter of the famous King Alfred the Great, had assumed the throne of Mercia following her husband’s death. Known for her strategic acumen and leadership, Aethelfleda is said to have built a series of fortifications across Mercia to guard against the Vikings. According to the legend, when the Vikings laid a siege upon Shrewsbury, Aethelfleda was within the city walls. With supplies running low and morale dwindling, Aethelfleda devised a cunning plan. She ordered a loaf of bread stuffed with silver to be surreptitiously dropped outside the city walls. When the Vikings found the loaf and saw the silver, they mistakenly assumed that the city still had enough resources to withstand a long siege. Subsequently, they broke off the siege and retreated, allowing Aethelfleda and her people to survive and ultimately driving the Vikings out of Mercia. The legendary wisdom and bravery of Aethelfleda have been integral parts of Shropshire folklore, serving as tales of inspiration and moral instruction for generations. These stories continue to underline the rich tapestry of Shropshire’s cultural heritage and history.