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Stokesay Castle, South Shropshire added to English Heritage in West Midlands by D0c.Col on 07/05/2025

Stokesay Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval manor houses in England, with a fascinating history that blends elements of fortified architecture and domestic comfort. Here's a rundown of its story:
Laurence of Ludlow, one of the richest men in England thanks to the wool trade, started building Stokesay around 1281. He acquired a license to fortify the house in 1291, as a sign of wealth and prestige rather than a real need for defence. The castle’s layout, with it’s central great hall, flanking towers, and a moat, demonstrated a blend of domestic luxury and symbolic strength. Laurence died in a shipwreck off the coast of Ireland in 1294, leaving his project largely complete.
The 14th Century was a period of Prosperity and Consolidation for the family, who retained their ownership of Stokesay, and the castle remained a comfortable rural retreat. The estate benefitted from the ongoing wool trade, which continued to fund both improvements and the maintenance of the property. Although there were no major architectural changes made, the property stayed in active use, with the great hall still at the centre of domestic life.
The 15th Century was largely dominated by the Wars of the Roses where supporters of the Houses of Lancaster and York battled each other to gain control of the English throne. By 1471, it had resulted in the end of the Lancastrian male line, and the subsequent creation of the Tudor dynasty via the union of the two houses through marriage. However, throughout the civil war, Stokesay stayed relatively untouched due to its remote location and lack of military value.
It was during this period Stokesay Castle’s Ownership transitioned by marriage to the Vernon family, a well-established gentry who made the castle their home. There were some subsequent additions made to the property, but mostly minor such as improved fireplaces and windows, reflecting changes in domestic living standards of the time.
The 16th Century and the Tudor period brought peace and prosperity, for the Vernons and they continued to occupy and enjoy the castle. Further modifications in line with the time such as interior panelling, updated furnishings, and subtle architectural tweaks were added for comfort, and as a private residence, it retained its medieval character while adapting to Renaissance tastes.
In the 17th Century Stokesay had passed onto William Craven, 1st Earl of Craven, who was a courtier and soldier from London. One of the wealthiest peers in England he was a keen supporter of King Charles I, and therefore it was no surprise that he took the side of the Royalists during the English Civil War. In 1645, the castle was garrisoned by Royalists but surrendered without bloodshed to the Parliamentarians. As was the way during this turbulent period of English history, Parliament ordered its fortifications dismantled, but since it wasn’t truly defensive, only light damage occurred. It was around this time when the timber-framed gatehouse, built around 1640, some 2 years before the war had started, remained unscathed and is now a signature feature of the property.
During the 18th Century the castle began to fall into disrepair as it was no longer used as a main residence. Romantic ruin culture took hold, where visitors saw it as a relic of a lost age. There was no major restoration undertaken at this time, but its picturesque decay continued to draw the attention of antiquarians and artists.
In 1869, John Derby Allcroft, a Victorian philanthropist, and a wealthy glove manufacturer purchased Stokesay Castle and initiated its restoration, sensitively repairing the structure while preserving its medieval elements.

The castle survived both World Wars without damage as Allcroft's descendants continued to own the castle, opening it to the public and dedicating funds from admissions towards upkeep. However, due to the increasing cost of maintenance, Jewell Magnus-Allcroft, the last Allcroft family member to own the castle, entered an agreement with English Heritage in 1986. English Heritage assumed responsibility for the castle's preservation during her lifetime and inherited ownership upon her death in 1992.

Today it continues to be a popular historic site, with visitor-friendly interpretation and events with the emphasis of preservation, digital archiving, and community engagement. Stokesay Castle is a rare example of a medieval building that has never been significantly altered or rebuilt, making it invaluable for historians and tourists alike.

I TOAL from the English Heritage carpark, which on the date of visit cost £3.50. The carpark is very close to the castle and VLOS is easily maintained, however, as English Heritage has a 'no drones' policy I wouldn't advise this approach. Instead TOAL close to the entrance to the Church where I believe the road is open to the public.

There is a cafe and toilets on their carpark so comfort breaks are well taken care of!

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

Co-ordinates: 52.43027, -2.831084 • what3words: ///slave.deodorant.smuggled

The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 12/04/2025. 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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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

Peveril Point, Purbeck (By richrab)

Peveril Point is a headland on the east-facing coast of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, England, and is part of the town of Swanage. It forms the southern end of Swanage Bay.

The rocks that make up Peveril Point are shale and Portland and Purbeck limestone in a syncline structure. This has resisted erosion more than the adjacent clay of Swanage Bay; whilst the clay has eroded away over time, the limestone has remained as a headland.

On top of Peveril Point is a National Coast watch Institution lookout. The point is also home to Swanage Lifeboat Station.

Peveril Point contains tunnels connecting disused gun emplacements which defended the entrance to Southampton Water from the west of the Isle of Wight during World War II.

TOAL was from the Helicopter Landing "H" to the side of the Coastguard Observation Station.
This area is on the Northern edge of the Portland No Fly Zone, so check in which direction you fly.

No close parking, nearest car park is Broad Road opposite the Pier.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.60737, -1.944599 • what3words: ///skins.handyman.fountain

St Giles Church, Mid Sussex (By grandad1950)

St Giles is a Grade 1 listed church in the West Sussex village of Horsted Keynes.

Nearby is the heritage Bluebell Railway that is also worth a visit.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.04008, -0.027631 • what3words: ///lordship.appendix.ambitions

Lenham Cross, Maidstone (By grandad1950)

The chalk cross is carved out of the hillside just above the village of Lenham in Kent.

It is a memorial to those that died in WW1 and WW2.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.24221, 0.729004 • what3words: ///bends.trades.game

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

St Margarets parish church in West Hoathly in Mid Sussex dates from the 11th century. It is a grade 1 listed building.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.07628, -0.055228 • what3words: ///mattress.lyrics.metro

Grey Crag, South Lakeland (By D0c.Col)

Discover one of the most scenic Lake District circular walks starting from Stonethwaite, climbing up to Great Crag, and exploring Grange Fell before looping back. This hike offers breathtaking views, peaceful woodlands, and classic Lakeland landscapes. Perfect for walkers looking for a moderately challenging but rewarding route in Borrowdale.

📍 Route: Stonethwaite → Great Crag → Grange Fell → Return to Stonethwaite
🥾 Distance: ~6–7 miles (approx.)
⏱️ Duration: 3–4 hours (depending on pace)
💡 Highlights: Stunning fell views, hidden tarns, and a quiet alternative to the busier Lakeland peaks.

If you’re planning a Lake District hike, or looking for ideas for your next Borrowdale walking route, this circular walk is a fantastic choice!

I parked in Stonethwaite (limited so would have to be early to secure a spot) and the only way to this location is by trekking, I'm afraid. No short cuts, but the views are spectacular.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.45794, -2.777197 • what3words: ///openly.range.hulk


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