RED CASTLE

Shropshire

The scattered ruins of Red Castle stand amidst Hawkstone Golf Course.  They date to the 13th century.  In 1227 one Matilda le Strange sold the land to Henry de Audley who received a licence to crenellate for "his castle of Radeclif". In 1283 it was in good condition, but was most likely abandoned after the death of James, Lord Audley in 1386.  In the mid-16th century it was purchased by the King.  In the early 1700s the whole of Hawkstone Park was purchased by the Hill family who set about "improving" the Castle by adding folly towers, the work was done with aplomb and it is quite hard to tell folly from Castle.

Having done this the Hills then peppered their land with one of the greatest collection of follies still standing today and a visit to Hawkstone Park is a must for anyone with an interest in the bizarrest forms architecture ever spawned.

The Castle, however, is in the private Golf Course and an appointment needs to be made to visit.

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© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
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2001