Stokesay Castle, Shropshire

Stokesay Castle is a fortified manor house built in the late 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, the richest local wool merchant of his generation.

The oldest parts of the building are the lower two storeys of the north tower, begun about 1240. The great slate-roofed hall, 34 feet high, with 4 cross-gables, was added in the 1280s and is a very rare survival.

The original wooden staircase round two sides of the walls, giving access to the north tower, is also still intact today. The solar, an upper living room in the cross-wing, is accessible from an exterior timber stair sheltered by its own roof and contains Elizabethan oak panelling and a sumptuous fireplace.

The Elizabethan gatehouse, added in the 16th century, is also half-timbered and is decorated with carvings. The interior of the castle contains a selection of rare wall paintings from the Medieval period. The castle was occupied by 10 successive generations of descendants of Laurence of Ludlow who lived in the building until the reign of Charles I.

During King Charles I reign the castle was used as a supply base for the King's forces in the area in the early stages of the English Civil War. A skirmish took place at the castle during the English Civil War, in which Stokesay was handed over to the Parliamentarians after a short siege.

Stokesay was lived in as a farmhouse and barn until the early 19th century. In 1869 it was purchased by John Derby Allcroft who set about restoring and maintaining it while he also had Stokesay Court built nearby.

There is a tearoom in the castle with indoor and outdoor seating.

Opening Times

Opening days and times vary throughout the year. Please check the website.

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £5.80
Children: £3.50
Concessions: £5.20
EH Member: Free Family Ticket: £15.10

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Disabled Facilities

Access to castle: Via hardcore path through churchyard; kissing gate may be avoided by opening main gate. Disabled visitors may be set down closer to entrance.
Access to buildings: Great Hall only has level access. Some steep steps within buildings; main oak staircase and steps to solar have handrail. Access to gardens and courtyard: On paths and smooth level grass via two steps and narrow gate. Buildings can be viewed from the courtyard. Assistance recommended for wheelchair users.
Benches provided.
Shop: Level access.

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More Information

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