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Stokesay Castle
Travel Information and nearby accommodation
A fortified manor begun in 1281 by Lawrence of Ludlow, a wealthy wool merchant, incorporating parts of older buildings. Stokesay was built at a time when the long border wars between the Welsh and English were, if not ending, at least entering a more peaceful phase. Thus, though Lawrence built what can be described as one of the first fortified manor houses in England, Stokesay was first and foremost a comfortable country residence, with large, wide windows allowing light into a spacious interior.
The oldest part of Stokeay Castle is the north tower, a late 12th or early 13th century pele. Inside the north tower are remains of original medieval floor tiles and traces of medieval wall paintings. A wonderful panelled solar, or private chamber, was added in the early 17th century, and this features a quite magnificently carved wooden fireplace overmantle. Beyond the solar is the south tower, a severe castellated tower reached only by a staircase that was designed to be easily defended.
To these towers were added the timber-framed great hall, begun sometime between 1260-1280. The great hall is a magnificent structure, topped by a lovely timber roof. The hall features three large widows in the outer wall, making it clear that even this close to the Welsh border, the owner felt safe enough to make comfort a priority over security. At one end of the hall a steep stair leads to chambers on the upper floor; this stair is worth examination; its treads were sawn from whole tree trunks. At the top of the stair a landing allows you to get a close-up view of the superb timber roof, supported by huge timbers.
Work on the core buildings of Stokesay was complete by 1291, and, remarkably, the same group of carpenters worked on the entire project from start to finish. Even more remarkable is the fact that the castle has been essentially unchanged since it was built. Thus it provides a wonderful glimpse into the world of the late 13th century in this turbulent area of the Welsh Marches.
The medieval buiuldings at Stokesay were augmented by a timber-framed gatehouse in 1641. The gatehouse is one of the most photogenic buildings you can imagine, with beautifully carved timbers in typically ebullient Jacobean style. The gatehouse exterior is decorated with carvings of dragons, human figures, and Adam and Eve wearing modestly-large fig leaves. Its a wonderful building, worh a visit in itself. The gatehouse was threatened shortly after it was finished, for in 1645 a group of Parliamentary soldiers surrounded the house. The owners surrendered without resistance, so Stokesay was spared any damage, leaving it essentially as it has been for over seven centuries.
Beside the castle is the parish church, which is worth visiting. Within you will find a lovely collection of memorials and wall paintings dating from the 17th century and earlier.
Stokesay Castle is a delightful place to visit and one of the premier medieval houses in England.
Craven Arms,
Shropshire,
England, SY7 9AH
About Stokesay Castle
Attraction Type: Historic House
Location: 7 m north of Ludlow, on the A49
Website: Stokesay Castle
Phone: 01588 672 544
English Heritage
Location
map
Stokesay Castle Photos
OS SO446 787
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Heritage Highlight: Beautifully carved Jacobean overmantle in the solar block.
Heritage Rating:  ?
Photos of Stokesay Castle
Castle from the churchyard |
Great Hall window |
Timber framed gatehouse |
See all Stokesay Castle Photos
Nearest Accommodation to Stokesay Castle
Nearest Self Catering Cottages |
 Palace Cottage -
4.8
miles from Stokesay Castle
Hopesay, Shropshire
Sleeps: 2
Stay from: £355 |
 Munslow Cottage -
5.4
miles from Stokesay Castle
Corfton, Shropshire
Sleeps: 2
Stay from: £225 |
 Diddlebury -
5.4
miles from Stokesay Castle
Corfton, Shropshire
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £250 |
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Nearest Tourist
Information Centre
Ludlow
Tourist Information Centre
Castle Street
Ludlow
Shropshire
England
SY8 1AS
Tel: 01584 875053
Fax: 01584 877931
Email: ludlow.tourism@shropshire-cc.gov.uk
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