Wrested from the hands of the Cornoviis, the Romans, the Welsh, the Dutch and the Normans, Shropshire’s early history is full of politics, religion and conflict. Still proudly bearing the vestiges of its complicated past, the countryside of this bucolic county is peppered with the remains of abbeys and castles, each denoting a different chapter in its complicated life story. 

With lots of beautiful abbeys and 16 castles to visit, we’ve picked out our favourites for you to visit during your luxury boutique hideaway in Shropshire. 

Stokesay Castle

Walking around Stokesay Castle is like wandering into a time portal. Built in the 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, it is one of the finest and most well-preserved fortified medieval manor houses in the UK. Upon your visit, snap photos of the impossibly picturesque gatehouse with its ornate carvings, wander around the Great Hall (unchanged for over 700 years) and climb to the top of the fairy-tale South Tower to enjoy mesmerising views of the Shropshire Hills.

Lilleshall Abbey

Founded in the mid-1100s by a community of Augustinian canons, Lilleshall Abbey was once one of the most famous and prestigious religious houses in England. Standing proud for hundreds of years, the abbey later succumbed to a hard-hitting financial crisis in the 14th century and was further damaged during a Parliamentarian siege in the Civil War. Although now just a shell, the abbey remains are still exceptionally beautiful and retain many original 12th century detailing. 

Clun Castle

Overlooking the Shropshire town of Clun lies the Welsh border fortress of Clun Castle. Originally constructed following the Norman Conquest by a prominent Norman Lord, Robert de Say, the castle consists of a motte and no less than three baileys. Continually modified throughout the Middle Ages, Clun’s once impressive frame was reduced to fractured remains largely as a result of the English Civil War. It was never restored, but today the Grade I listed building serves as a haunting reminder of the area’s past. 

Buildwas Abbey

Encompassed by picture-perfect scenery in a water meadow beside the River Severn, the extensive ruins of the 12th century Buildwas Abbey are truly captivating. A former Cistercian abbey, this English Heritage-run site is a must-visit, with many sections of the abbey still unusually untouched by the hands of time. Particularly striking are the chapter house, with its amazingly intact medieval tiled floor and decorative stonework, and the church, unaltered from its 12th century foundation. 

Ludlow Castle

Ludlow Castle is perhaps Shropshire’s most visually and architecturally striking castle. A medieval fortress built in the scenic town of Ludlow, it became Crown property in 1461 and remained a royal castle for 350 years, playing host to medieval high society from kings and queens to judges and nobility. Abandoned in 1689, Ludlow Castle eventually fell into disrepair, described by Daniel Defoebeen as “the very perfection of decay”. Widely hailed as one of the finest castles in England, this incredibly well-preserved castle is another must-see.

Wenlock Priory 

One of the oldest monastic sites in the UK, Wenlock Priory was founded in the year 680 AD by the King of Mercia, Merewalh, for his daughter Saint Milburga – who served as abbess at Wenlock until her death in 722. Destroyed in 874 by Dutch invaders, the abbey was rebuilt in 1101 and became a popular destination for pilgrims. Today, one of the finest features of the abbey is its beautiful 11th century chapter house, decorated with blind arcading and carved columns.

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