Shropshire's Great Days Out - Stokesay Castle
Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area's top visitor attractions. Today it's the turn of Stokesay Castle. Click here for an overview of the great days out campaign and check back each day for the latest idea.
Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area's top visitor attractions. Today it's the turn of Stokesay Castle.
Click here for an overview of the great days out campaign and check back each day for the latest idea.
Where is it? Just off the A49, south of Craven Arms, SY7 9AH.
What is it? Stokesay Castle is not really a castle at all, but a fortified manor house – a private residence with fortifications including strengthened walls, a gatehouse and perimeter ditch. In the care of English Heritage, this 'miniature castle' has barely altered since it was completed in 1291, and is the best example of its kind in England.
How much is it? Admission prices are £6 for adults, £5.40 for concessions and £3.60 for children. A family ticket (two adults and up to three children) is £15.60, and English Heritage members get in free.
What is there to do? If you are feeling a bit medieval, probably the best way to explore Stokesay Castle is with an audio tour, which provides an excellent description of the site in its medieval heyday.
You will learn how Stokesay Castle began its life as a stark Norman stronghold, but was transformed sometime between 1285 and 1305 into a grand manor house. Learn how the owners added the timber-framed Jacobean gatehouse in the 17th century.
The ornate carved timbers over the gatehouse entrance, depict Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Look away now . . .
Outside there are also stunning cottage-style gardens, which is a riot of colour over the summer months, and a tearoom for refreshment during your visit.
Learn the secret of self-preservation – Stokesay Castle has only ever had one military encounter: in 1645, it surrendered to a Parliamentarian force without any fighting, which is probably the reason why it remains in such superb condition today.
Interesting fact: Lawrence of Ludlow, who built Stokesay Castle, was so wealthy that he lent money to King Edward I – and it is thought that he might have been a spy for the king, using his wool trading credentials as cover!
Opening times: Open daily in August from 10am to 5pm.
Verdict: A little jewel of a site – easy to imagine life in the castle hundreds o years ago and great for exploring. Another must for a day out in Shropshire. Who knows, you might learn something too.
Further information: Go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/stokesaycastle or call 01588 672544.
