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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.

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Sackville College, Mid Sussex (By grandad1950)

Sackville college in East Grinstead is a grade 1 listed building. It is a charity providing Alms Houses for the local elderly. Check their website for opening times to visit.

East Grinstead high street, just a few minutes away, is also worth a visit for its many historic buildings

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.12459, -0.004021 • what3words: ///safety.pinks.jumps

Garn For and Trefor Quarry, Gwynedd (By AlbionDrones)

An exposed site with the hill of Garn For being half half-erased by the workings of the now-defunct Trefor Granite Quarry.

Free Car park about 2 miles from the quarry, with a fair climb up to the pass at Garn For before then descending 800ft to the quarry buildings - along reasonable paths for walking but not wheelchair friendly, and there is a gate to walk around at one point. We flew from one of the upper galleries, meaning we didn't descend the other 500ft to the main buildings, but we could see them well enough. If the weather had been less windy, and I could have flown the AVATA's, then I would have made the long walk down and back up, but no point when it was too windy.

Stunning views of the North Wales coast, Llyn peninsula and Snowdonia, and a fairly impressive quarry to fly around - including an abandoned piece of machinery or two and some rather cool quarry buildings lower down.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.98486, -4.439802 • what3words: ///tint.crimson.matter

Lochaline (By JoeC)

The small village of Lochaline, on the Morvern peninsula, lies at the mouth of Loch Aline. There are some lovely views out toward the Sound of Mull or up the loch itself. The village has a cafe or, if you want to push the boat out (excuse the pun) The Whitehouse Restaurant is very nice.

The ferry to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull runs hourly and is both a nice subject for a little video and a great way to get to Mull.

It's a bit of a drive to get to Lochaline, but it's worth it for the scenery and, if you take the time, there are plenty of spots to stop along the way for a quick flight.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 56.53639, -5.775075 • what3words: ///medium.skate.framework

Blow's Downs, South Bedfordshire (By pcexpert)

Features include a disused quarry and medieval cultivation terraces.

In the early 20th century, commercial chalk extraction brought further, large changes to Blow's Downs. There is evidence of a limeworks on the Downs by 1901.

The Luton-Dunstable rail link, which opened in 1858, provided transportation of lime away from Blow's Down.

The British Portland Cement Manufacturing Company acquired the lease to the site, and were still running the works during the 1920s. Production ceased some time before the Second World War, with the chalk pit being used by the Home Guard as a training area.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.88802, -0.487918 • what3words: ///broken.input.closet

Rempstone Woods and Stone Circle, Purbeck (By Prawntot)

Beautiful secluded woodland with the partial remains of a stone circle amongst the undergrowth. Lay-by and parking opportunity by woodland entrance.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.63803, -2.00891 • what3words: ///mills.skill.open

Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield, Mid Sussex (By grandad1950)

Holy Trinity church in Cuckfield West Sussex is a grade 1 listed building dating from the 11th century. It has a vast graveyard that is worth exploring. Lots of interesting small shops in the village along with a top ranked Cricket Team

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.0048, -0.143266 • what3words: ///mastering.await.party

Needles Eye Sandyhills, Dalbeattie Rural (By Toby999)

Needles Eye natural rock formation and Sandyhills beach and campsite.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.87298, -3.732103 • what3words: ///scoop.issues.listings

Daer Reservoir, South Lanarkshire (By Zipco)

Daer Reservoir lies in the Lowther Hills of South Lanarkshire, Scotland. Constructed in the 1950s, it was designed to secure a reliable water supply for Lanarkshire and nearby regions. Holding around 9 billion gallons of water, the reservoir remains an important part of Scotland’s water network. The surrounding moorland and upland scenery make it a popular destination for walking, birdwatching, and angling. With wide views of the hills and a circular path tracing the shoreline, Daer combines practical purpose with natural beauty, serving both the communities it supplies and visitors who come to enjoy its quiet landscape.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 55.36132, -3.61079 • what3words: ///camcorder.creatures.rucksack

Durisdeer Parish Church, Thornhill (By Zipco)

Durisdeer Village has a Parish Church (1720).

A peaceful country kirk with the spectacular Queensberry Marbles inside – elaborate marble monuments to the Dukes of Queensberry.

Just west of the village, look for the grassy earthworks of a Roman fortlet, dating to the Antonine period (2nd century AD).

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 55.31552, -3.744293 • what3words: ///airstrip.overlaid.incline

Glenbuck Loch, Cumnock Rural (By Zipco)

Glenbuck Loch is a small reservoir in East Ayrshire, Scotland, situated near the village of Glenbuck on the border with South Lanarkshire. Originally created in the 19th century to supply water for local industry and coal mining, the loch now sits in a quiet rural setting. The surrounding area is best known as the birthplace of legendary football manager Bill Shankly, and today the loch is valued for its natural scenery, walking opportunities, and historical connections to the once-thriving mining community.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 55.53621, -3.975772 • what3words: ///slyly.correct.unless


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