SHREWSBURY CASTLE

Shropshire

In a town so historically and strategically important as Shrewsbury the Castle is something of a disappointment.  The town stands on a big loop in the River Severn in one of the most heavily fortified areas in Britain, and although the Castle was once much larger, relatively little remains today.

The motte still stands, albeit somewhat reduced in size and shape, but of the bailey little remains aside from a vague hint in the shape of the curtain walls.  This early Castle was attacked by the Welsh in 1069.  The Castle was owned by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury.  His son, also Roger, sold it to the King in 1102.  Two periods of intensive work followed; firstly from 1164-1216 strengthening the existing structure, probably including the building of the shell keep on the motte.

From1216 to 1272 the Castle was greatly expanded and the great hall, attributed to Edward I, was added.  Part of the motte collapsed in 1269, and once Wales had been subdued by Edward I the Castle lost its strategic importance and was allowed to fall to ruin, a second part of motte collapsing in 1443.  In 1596 the town of Shrewsbury was granted the property of their Castle and some repairs were undertaken, it was probably at this time that the great hall (pictured above) was restored to its current state.  Further repairs were made after its capture by Parliament in 1645, a few years later it had become a private house.

In the late 18th Century it was owned by Sir William Pulteny who employed Thomas Telford to undertake extensive alterations.  Today the Castle is the Shrewsbury Military Museum and is open throughout the summer months.

Back to Castles of Shropshire Page

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