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Lilleshall Abbey, Telford and Wrekin added to English Heritage in West Midlands by D0c.Col on 11/02/2025

LILLESHALL ABBEY A LOVELY FREE ACCESS ENGLISH HERITAGE SITE IN SHROPSHIRE

Lilleshall Abbey is a ruined medieval monastery located in Shropshire, England. It was founded around 1148 as an Augustinian abbey and was once a wealthy and influential religious house, known for its impressive architecture and peaceful surroundings.
The monks of the Abbey were members of the Augustinian order, a group of canons who followed the Rule of St. Augustine. Unlike some other monastic orders, such as the Benedictines or Cistercians, the Augustinians were more involved in pastoral and community work, often serving as priests in local churches while maintaining a communal monastic life, following a strict daily routine of prayer, study, and labour.
After Lilleshall Abbey was dissolved in 1538, under the orders of Henry VIII, it was stripped of its valuables, and the monastic community was disbanded. Like many other abbeys at the time, its lands and buildings were sold off.
The abbey and its estates had been granted to Sir Richard Leveson, a wealthy landowner and politician but over the following centuries, the abbey buildings fell into ruin. Parts of the structure were repurposed, with stone being taken for local building projects
The Abbey had been involved in the English Civil War in the 17th Century. Although it was already in a state of decline after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the site played a role in the conflict as a Royalist stronghold.
During the war, the Leveson family, who owned the abbey, were strong supporters of King Charles I and used the abbey as a defensive position. In 1645, Parliamentarian forces besieged the abbey, and after a fierce battle, captured and under Cromwell’s orders slighted it. The impact of the Civil War was to contribute to its final abandonment as a residence or defensive site.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the ruins had become a picturesque landmark, appreciated for their historical and aesthetic value.
Today, the remains of Lilleshall Abbey, including parts of its church, chapter house, and other buildings, stand as a historic site managed by English Heritage. The ruins, with their grand arches and intricate stonework, offer a glimpse into medieval monastic life. The site is open to visitors and is a popular spot for history enthusiasts and photographers, and offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval monastic life.

I visited the Abbey out of season so although it was closed as far as English Heritage is concerned, the site is open and access is available at all times (at least when I've been there). That said, the carpark is closed out of season and as it is accessed from a narrow country road you may have to walk a bit to get there. I managed to park right outside the gate but no more than a few cars can park next to the road safely here.

English Heritage have a no drone policy, but if you choose the right time of day or out of season it is easy to fly around the Abbey and maintain VLOS.

There are no toilet facilities or refreshments to be had at this site so plan ahead for relief and sustenance respectfully!

View and discuss this location in more detail on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.72494, -2.389849 • what3words: ///donation.organisms.bulk

The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 16/01/2025. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location. Landowner permission may be required before taking off.

Where to fly your drone

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Bordon Village Park, Swale (By grandad1950)

A lovely little village with a multi use park right in the centre. Loads of room to fly.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.33477, 0.703702 • what3words: ///watch.compliant.rehearsed

Kingswood Canal Junction, Warwick (By t0mroche)

Plenty to take in, lots of canal barges, bridges & countryside views. There is also a railway line running through if you’re lucky enough to spot a train like I was!

Walked from their car park through to the T junction and took off from the bridge at the end. Not many people around but do be mindful of potential inhabitants of the barges.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.33617, -1.727498 • what3words: ///skylights.twinkled.joystick

St. Mary The Virgin Church, Warwick (By t0mroche)

A lesser known gem of the Warwickshire country side. Quite an impressive building with barely anybody around (visited on a Tuesday lunch time).

Parked their car park to the rear & walked through the church yard & took off from the road. Not the easiest place to fly due to the height of surroundings & houses nearby but can be done with care

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.33775, -1.762012 • what3words: ///decent.alas.inserting

Umberslade Obelisk, Stratford-on-Avon (By t0mroche)

Visible from the M40 northbound. Flying from the shown TOAL point provides good views of the M40 in both directions as well as countryside.

Parked & took off from the section of Nuthurst Rd that overpasses the M40, the obelisk is visible & provides good VLOS for flying

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.3423, -1.78795 • what3words: ///excusing.handwriting.next

St Mary Church, Mid Sussex (By grandad1950)

St Marys is a grade 1 listed church in Balcome West Sussex. There has been a place of worship on this site since pagan times

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.06262, -0.13621 • what3words: ///reflect.chap.swung

Swale Marina, Swale (By grandad1950)

Tucked away at the end of Conyer creek off the river Swale is the small tidal marina of Swale Marina near Sittingbourne in Kent. There is a good footpath down to the coast

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.34703, 0.81217 • what3words: ///browser.factoring.unzipped

Padstow Harbour, North Cornwall (By akey_uk)

Lovely harbour on the North Cornwall Coast, worth a visit to the National Lobster Hatchery while you are there. Lots of opportunities for TOAL outside of the main Harbour. Lots of choice for food and drink while around the harbour.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.54114, -4.937013 • what3words: ///clotting.appointed.brilliant

Charlestown Harbour (By akey_uk)

Beautiful old harbour with 2 beaches. Parts of Poldark were filmed here.

Easy parking at the top of the town, some great places to grab a drink and a bite, its also worth taking in the Shipwreck museum while you are here. Can get busy, but there is usually somewhere quiet to TOAL.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.33153, -4.756629 • what3words: ///rejoins.guideline.handfuls

St Peter's Church, Mid Sussex (By grandad1950)

St Peter's church in the West Sussex Village of Ardingly is a Grade 1 listed building dating from the 14th century.

An interesting village to explore with a great artisan bakery. Nearby is the South of England Show Ground and Ardingly Reservoir.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.05215, -0.089996 • what3words: ///bearings.untruth.topical

Grove Park, Swale (By grandad1950)

On the edge of Sittingbourne, Grove Park has lots of space to fly providing there is no cricket match on.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.3458, 0.706061 • what3words: ///adopters.exclaim.series


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