Shrewsbury Castle Shropshire

Shrewsbury Castle

Shrewsbury Castle in Shrewsbury, Shropshire in the West Midlands is a red sandstone castle dating from the Norman period and the original motte-and-bailey fortress.

It was one of several Marcher castles stretching from Chester to Chepstow on the Welsh frontier which also included Chirk, Grosmont, Ludlow, Monmouth, Skenfrith and White Castle.

Now belonging to the town council, the castle is home to the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum (aka Shropshire Regimental Museum).

Laura's Tower, Shrewsbury Castle, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK. — Laura's Tower, Shrewsbury Castle

History

Shrewsbury Castle was originally built as a motte-and-bailey castle soon after the Norman invasion of 1066. It was first constructed over parts of the existing Saxon town of Scrobbesbyrig with a number of Saxon houses demolished to make way for the castle.

This structure was strengthened by Roger de Montgomery in 1074 as a base for military operations in nearby Wales. Town walls were also added to the defences of which only traces now remain.

The castle was besieged a number of times during its history including by King Stephen in 1138 during the period known as The Anarchy. It was also briefly taken by Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Wales, in 1215.

The castle fell into general disrepair following the medieval period and was leased to become a private residence in the Elizabethan age.

A Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War, Shrewsbury fell to the Parliamentarians through treachery in 1645.

Thereafter, the castle once again became a private residence and was remodelled by Thomas Telford for Sir William Pulteney, MP for Shrewsbury in the late 18th century. Laura's Tower was also added at this time. What we see today owes much to Telford's redesign and restoration.

The baton of Admiral Doenitz. — The baton of Admiral Doenitz © Soldiers of Shropshire Museum

Things to See & Do

Shrewsbury Castle houses the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum (formerly the Shropshire Regimental Museum). This was attacked by the IRA in 1992 but damage was limited and the museum reopened in 1995.

Exhibits include medals, photographs, uniforms and weapons from the 18th century to the present. The collection boasts the baton of Admiral Doenitz, captured at the end of World War II.

The castle and Laura's Tower can be hired for weddings and other functions. The castle grounds are free to visit and ideal for picnics.

Nearby

Shrewsbury is close to both the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge and Bridgnorth.

Ironbridge was a birthplace of Britain's Industrial Revolution, it was here the world's first cast-iron bridge (Iron Bridge) was constructed by Abraham Darby III. A Quaker, Darby was the third man of that name among the Darby family that played such a pivotal role in Britain's industrial breakthrough.

Bridgnorth is known mostly for its funicular railway, said to be the steepest in the country, and its heritage steam railway, the Severn Valley Railway.

Wenlock Priory in the village of Much Wenlock dates to the 12th century. Now ruined, the priory was dissolved in 1540, with many of the buildings destroyed at the time. The site is now managed by English Heritage. The spacious grounds contain a collection of topiary.

Access - Getting to Shrewsbury Castle

Shrewsbury Castle
Castle Street
Shrewsbury
SY1 2AT
Tel: 01743 258885
www: shropshiremuseums.org.uk

The castle has different opening times for winter and summer. From mid-July to mid-September the castle is open from 10.30 am to 5 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, closed Thursday and open from 10.30 am to 4 pm on Sunday. From mid-September until mid-December the castle is open from 10.30 am to 4 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and closed Thursday and Sunday. See the website above for full details.

Shrewsbury Station has trains to Chester Station in Chester and on to Holyhead on Anglesey. It is just 100 meters from the castle.

There are also trains to Aberystwyth, Birmingham New Street, Crewe, Coventry, Manchester Piccadilly Station in Manchester, Cardiff Central in Cardiff, Wolverhampton and Wrexham.

The #436 bus connects Shrewsbury with Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock, and Ironbridge. The bus station is only a 6-minute walk from the castle.

By car the town is about 50 minutes from Birmingham on the M6 and M54 motorways. From Aberystwyth take the A44 or A458. Driving time is about two hours. Shrewsbury's Park and Ride service drops off and collects at Castle Gates near the entrance.

Book a hire car for your holiday in Britain - pick up at the airport or in the major cities

Accommodation

Shrewsbury has many great places to stay. Choose from the Prince Rupert Hotel, a timber-framed hotel on Butcher Row, the Lion Hotel which is a former 16th century coaching inn and can count Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin among its guests or the Lion & Pheasant Hotel with a restaurant, large rooms and free WiFi.

See a listing on hotels in and near Shrewsbury