Stokesay Castle
 Castles |
Stokesay Castle is in reality an outstanding example of a fortified manor house belonging to the late 13 th century, rather than a thoroughgoing castle. As such it is a hugely attractive building, historically very significant with a distinctly authentic medieval presence.
Although the castle's origins can be traced back to the very early Norman period, perhaps the late 11 th century, the building that delights us today was constructed in the late 1200's. Stokesay takes its name from the de Sayes, a junior branch of the powerful Say family, who were its earliest occupants. The fact that the manor house was fortified reflects genuine fears of Welsh raiders marauding across the nearby border, as well as the ever-present medieval concern with local disputes. However, as the castle's design is predominantly domestic rather than military, it could never have resisted a really serious assault, despite being encircled by both a moat and a curtain wall.
In 1281, Lawrence of Ludlow, England's leading wool merchant, purchased the site for the price of a sparrowhawk, so the records claim, and proceeded to build Stokesay Castle. Completed 10 years later Lawrence then approached Edward I for licence to crenellate his new manor house, thereby enhancing its defences. This request met with royal approval, but he was only able to enjoy its comforts for three more years before meeting his death by drowning. Lawrence's castle comprises four main buildings, the most important of which is the high-roofed hall at its centre; this large space, where the occupants would have gathered, retains its authentic barn-like early medieval atmosphere. At the southern end of the hall lies an octagonal hearth set in the middle of the floor, where it would be nearest the high ranking occupants at the top table.
To one side of the hall is the solar block, the upper chamber where the lord of the manor's private living quarters was located. This first floor room is lined with extraordinary Jacobean wood panelling dating back to the early 17 th century. Adjoining the solar is the battlemented South Tower, the one part of the structure that accords with it being called a castle, constructed in 1291 under royal licence. The tower probably accommodated a royal suite within its apartments as well as guest-rooms. Located on the other side of the hall is the strikingly different North Tower. Originally designed to complement its sister tower at the other end of the building, it comprised a plain defensive tower with tiny arrow loops for windows; dark, prosaic and merely functional. Very soon after its conception the North Tower was remodelled to accommodate comfortable living quarters. But it was not until the 17 th century that the very remarkable extruding timber windows were added, which contribute so much to this picturesque medieval relic.
Somewhere in the 16 th century the Baldwyn family were in possession of Stokesay, and were responsible for construction of the extremely pretty timber-framed gatehouse that stands across the courtyard from the castle. The Baldwyn's were in occupation at the time of Stokesay's one and only serious military confrontation during the Civil War of 1642-9. Following the fall of nearby Shrewsbury, in 1645 the castle capitulated very quickly after a short Parliamentarian siege, with the ensuing orders that it was to be ‘slighted'. Fortunately, this command was never acted upon; only the curtain wall was destroyed two years later. The Baldwyn family continued to live at the castle for the rest of the century, but by 1706 it had been deserted and for the next 150 years was utilised by local farmers as outbuildings to store grain.
In the early 19 th century, the castle's historic worth as one of the finest 13 th century buildings in England was recognised, and schemes were set in motion to restore Stokesay, which in the preceding 200 years had fallen into a sorry state. In 1869, it was purchased by the Allcroft family who fortunately adopted a very sympathetic approach to restoring the castle to its former glory, rather than following the fashionable Victorian desire for everything to appear Gothic in design. The Allcrofts managed to open Stokesay Castle to the public as early as 1908 and it remained in their good offices until 1992.
It is remarkable to consider that this wonderfully romantic medieval castle-house has come down to us virtually unchanged and unscathed from the time of its construction over 700 years ago. Its amazing state of preservation is due largely to its peaceful existence and to the generations that cared for it, most particularly those who recognised its historical importance after it was abandoned to the elements.