Stokesay Castle
Stokesay Castle is the most complete and best-preserved fortified medieval manor house in England. Located in a quiet Shropshire valley near the Welsh border, the castle is known for its remarkable 13th-century Great Hall, stone towers, and ornate 17th-century timber-framed gatehouse.
The core of the castle, including the great hall, solar (private apartment block), and north and south towers, was largely completed by 1291. The use of the same team of carpenters throughout is evidenced by shared carpenter's marks on the timbers. The imposing appearance, particularly the south tower, was a status symbol echoing the grand castles built by King Edward I in North Wales, though its actual military strength was superficial.
The castle passed through the Vernon family in the 16th century and was sold to Sir George Mainwaring in 1596, and then to Dame Elizabeth Craven and her son William, the 1st Earl of Craven, in 1620. William Craven made the only substantial addition to the castle's fabric since the 13th century: an ornate, timber-framed gatehouse built around 1640-1641.
In the 18th century the castle was let to tenant farmers who used parts for agricultural purposes, including using the great hall as a granary and the south tower basement as a smithy.
Antiquarian interest grew in the 19th century, and in 1869, wealthy glove manufacturer John Derby Allcroft bought the estate. He embarked on a sympathetic and extensive restoration program that aimed to preserve the existing structure rather than rebuild it.
The Allcroft family maintained the castle for over a century, opening it to the public. In 1986, Jewell Magnus-Allcroft placed the castle into the guardianship of English Heritage, which assumed ownership upon her death in 1992. Today, Stokesay Castle stands as an exceptionally complete and rare example of a medieval fortified manor house, offering a unique glimpse into 13th-century life.
Stokesay Castle
Stokesay Castle is the most complete and best-preserved fortified medieval manor house in England. Located in a quiet Shropshire valley near the Welsh border, the castle is known for its remarkable 13th-century Great Hall, stone towers, and ornate 17th-century timber-framed gatehouse.
The core of the castle, including the great hall, solar (private apartment block), and north and south towers, was largely completed by 1291. The use of the same team of carpenters throughout is evidenced by shared carpenter's marks on the timbers. The imposing appearance, particularly the south tower, was a status symbol echoing the grand castles built by King Edward I in North Wales, though its actual military strength was superficial.
The castle passed through the Vernon family in the 16th century and was sold to Sir George Mainwaring in 1596, and then to Dame Elizabeth Craven and her son William, the 1st Earl of Craven, in 1620. William Craven made the only substantial addition to the castle's fabric since the 13th century: an ornate, timber-framed gatehouse built around 1640-1641.
In the 18th century the castle was let to tenant farmers who used parts for agricultural purposes, including using the great hall as a granary and the south tower basement as a smithy.
Antiquarian interest grew in the 19th century, and in 1869, wealthy glove manufacturer John Derby Allcroft bought the estate. He embarked on a sympathetic and extensive restoration program that aimed to preserve the existing structure rather than rebuild it.
The Allcroft family maintained the castle for over a century, opening it to the public. In 1986, Jewell Magnus-Allcroft placed the castle into the guardianship of English Heritage, which assumed ownership upon her death in 1992. Today, Stokesay Castle stands as an exceptionally complete and rare example of a medieval fortified manor house, offering a unique glimpse into 13th-century life.