Friday 10 June 2022

Castles (18) : Stokesay

Stokesay is a fortified manor house located on the Welsh marches in Shropshire. Stokesay was built on the site of an earlier castle in the 13th century by Lawrence de Ludlow. Despite being owned by a Charles I supporter in the Civil War (and was beseiged by Parliamentary forces) the castle survived largely intact and continued to be used as a residence and later for agriculture until the 18th century.

By the early 19th century the castle has fallen into disrepair and was restored in the mid century. The castle was first opened to visitors in 1908. 

The castle consists of a hall connected to North and South towers. A wall enclosing the courtyard was demolished in the 17th century but the castle has otherwise remained intact and is one of the best preserved fortified manor houses in the country.