The magnificent Gatehouse entrance to Stokesay Castle, 5th August 2022 (Author’s Collection).
Until a couple of short weeks ago in this, a heatwave English Summer to remember, I was completely unaware of Stokesay Castle. The 13th Century medieval manor house resides in tranquil and peaceful countryside near Craven Arms in Shropshire and as soon as I saw similar images of the Gatehouse as to my image captured on my visit of 5th August, I simply had to visit as soon as possible. As a result of my elongated visit of well over two hours recently, this article is yet another in the vein of a “Special Edition” as the near 40 images that follow represent an incredible afternoon in a time capsule from another century.
I simply can’t recommend this peak into medieval history highly enough and should your travelling feet find themselves in or nearby central England, you simply have to make this a priority and a beautiful indulgence.
The article that follows is an exact replica and representation of my afternoon as we begin and end with a slightly differing wide shot of the castle from the adjoining car park and a first of many looks at St John’s Church or St John the Baptist’s Church which stands mere feet from the castle and acted as a chapel for the castle many centuries ago. Following multiple views from the grassy moat that surrounds the castle we venture through the Gatehouse and into the main courtyard before a room by room tour of the impressive remains of the main castle building.
With only minimal colour commentary on the images from hereon in, I sincerely hope you enjoy this pictorial stroll through the utterly magnificent, and equally beautiful, Stokesay Castle.
*All images captured on Friday 5th August 2022*
Welcome to Stokesay Castle!
A first view of the castle from the grounds of the adjoining St John The Baptist’s Church.
Looking radiant against an almost clear blue sky, St John The Baptist’s Church. The church itself faces the magnificent castle mere feet away.
Close up view of the castle as seen from the boundary between the church and castle.
Picture book representation of St John The Baptist’s Church.
A particularly favourite image of a wonderful afternoon as, from the church gardens, you can now see a larger portion of the castle, a portion of the tower (with English Heritage flag flying high) and a beautiful first sight of the Gatehouse.
A final image from the church grounds of the adjoining castle.
And a final image captured from the church gardens as we approach the entrance to Stokesay Castle.
Welcome to Stokesay Castle!
“The Gatehouse”.
The first of several views from the dry grassy moat that surrounds the castle. Here is the magnificent Gatehouse as seen from the moat.
A final beautiful image of the St John The Baptist’s Church taken from the top of the footbridge that leads to the moat below.
(1) Four further images of the outside of the castle as seen from the grassy moat.
(2) Four further images of the outside of the castle as seen from the grassy moat.
(3) Four further images of the outside of the castle as seen from the grassy moat.
(4) Four further images of the outside of the castle as seen from the grassy moat.
One of two images from within the courtyard with the castle tower now fully shown.
And the splendour of the entirety of the castle as well as a glimpse of the adjoining church.
A final and once again beautiful view of the St John The Baptist’s Church before we enter the castle.
(1) Two sun streaked images of the “Great Hall”.
(2) Two sun streaked images of the “Great Hall”.
The ceiling of the “Great Hall”.
(1) Level One North Tower — Reproduced exactly from the information board “In the 13th Century this was originally a single space. The insertion of a small fireplace into the tiled portion later in the century suggests it was divided soon after completion”. The information board also suggests this would have been the quarters of the “Steward” in charge of managing the castle.
(2) Level One North Tower — Reproduced exactly from the information board “In the 13th Century this was originally a single space. The insertion of a small fireplace into the tiled portion later in the century suggests it was divided soon after completion”. The information board also suggests this would have been the quarters of the “Steward” in charge of managing the castle.
(1) Level Two North Tower.
(2) Level Two North Tower.
(1) First Floor Solar Block — Reproduced exactly from the information board “The Solar Block, with its surviving mid 17th Century wood panelling, ceiling and outstanding fireplace overmantel, is one of the most impressive survivals of Stokesay Castle. This was a space to receive important guests and to dine and relax in. By the standards of the time, this room provided a high level of comfort”.
(2) First Floor Solar Block — Reproduced exactly from the information board “The Solar Block, with its surviving mid 17th Century wood panelling, ceiling and outstanding fireplace overmantel, is one of the most impressive survivals of Stokesay Castle. This was a space to receive important guests and to dine and relax in. By the standards of the time, this room provided a high level of comfort”.
(3) First Floor Solar Block — Reproduced exactly from the information board “The Solar Block, with its surviving mid 17th Century wood panelling, ceiling and outstanding fireplace overmantel, is one of the most impressive survivals of Stokesay Castle. This was a space to receive important guests and to dine and relax in. By the standards of the time, this room provided a high level of comfort”.
Level One — South Tower.
(1) Two sun streaked images from Level One — South Tower.
(2) Two sun streaked images from Level One — South Tower.
The Gatehouse as seen from the top of the castle tower.
A further snapshot of a portion of the castle, church and Gatehouse as seen from the castle tower.
A final departing image and a thank you to Stokesay Castle.
Your humble narrator, larking around in Ironbridge, a World Heritage Site that blooms in the sunshine, 11th August 2022.
Thanks for reading. Please see my archived articles for more from historical ruins such as these or my soothing trips beside the rivers and canal waterways of the UK.
Alternatively, my three most recently published articles within my travel series are linked below:
