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Black Dick's Lake

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Shropshire

England

Black Dick's Lake

Acton Burnell Castle Acton Burnell Castle is a 13th-century fortified manor house, located near the village of Acton Burnell. It is believed that the first Parliament of England at which the Commons were fully represented was held here in 1283. Today all that remains is the outer shell of the manor house and the gable ends of the barn. It is a Grade I listed building of the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. The manor house was built in 1284 by Robert Burnell, Bishop of Bath and Wells, friend and advisor to King Edward I. Its position was important at the time because it was near to the old Roman road of Watling Street. The extent of the estate is not known, as much of the building has been completely destroyed or remains undiscovered. It would have been substantial enough to accommodate Edward I and his retinue, soldiers and advisers, but was never an actual castle.
Acton Burnell Castle Credit: Jeff Buck

Black Dick's Lake is a small, picturesque freshwater body located in the county of Shropshire, England. Nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant landscapes, it is known for its serene beauty and abundant wildlife. Measuring approximately 2 acres, the lake is often referred to as a pool or pond due to its relatively smaller size.

The lake's name, Black Dick's, is believed to have originated from a local legend, although its exact origins remain unclear. Surrounded by lush vegetation, including reeds and water lilies, the lake is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.

The freshwater marsh surrounding the lake provides a habitat for numerous species of birds, including ducks, swans, and herons, which can often be spotted gracefully gliding across the water's surface. Additionally, the lake supports a variety of aquatic life, such as fish and amphibians, contributing to its ecological significance.

Visitors to Black Dick's Lake can enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and take in the scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside. Many choose to explore the area by foot, following the well-maintained walking trails that wind through the nearby woodlands and meadows.

Overall, Black Dick's Lake offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a connection with nature. Its idyllic setting, diverse wildlife, and captivating scenery make it a hidden gem within the Shropshire landscape.

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Black Dick's Lake Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.612317/-2.6737416 or Grid Reference SJ5401. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Acton Burnell Castle Acton Burnell Castle is a 13th-century fortified manor house, located near the village of Acton Burnell. It is believed that the first Parliament of England at which the Commons were fully represented was held here in 1283. Today all that remains is the outer shell of the manor house and the gable ends of the barn. It is a Grade I listed building of the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. The manor house was built in 1284 by Robert Burnell, Bishop of Bath and Wells, friend and advisor to King Edward I. Its position was important at the time because it was near to the old Roman road of Watling Street. The extent of the estate is not known, as much of the building has been completely destroyed or remains undiscovered. It would have been substantial enough to accommodate Edward I and his retinue, soldiers and advisers, but was never an actual castle.
Acton Burnell Castle
Acton Burnell Castle is a 13th-century fortified manor house, located near the village of Acton Burnell. It is believed that the first Parliament of England at which the Commons were fully represented was held here in 1283. Today all that remains is the outer shell of the manor house and the gable ends of the barn. It is a Grade I listed building of the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. The manor house was built in 1284 by Robert Burnell, Bishop of Bath and Wells, friend and advisor to King Edward I. Its position was important at the time because it was near to the old Roman road of Watling Street. The extent of the estate is not known, as much of the building has been completely destroyed or remains undiscovered. It would have been substantial enough to accommodate Edward I and his retinue, soldiers and advisers, but was never an actual castle.
Acton Burnell Castle ruins The 'castle' is a fortified manor house, the private chambers of Robert Burnell, its builder in 1284, rather than a fortress in the traditional stone castle sense. Robert Burnell was a Bishop of Bath and Wells and for thirty years an advisor, confidant and friend to one of England's most powerful kings, Edward I. Burnell was a Shropshire lad who became a minor official to Edward when he was a young man and effectively rose with him. He was a trusted regent when Edward was abroad on a Crusade and served as Lord Chancellor of England from 1274 to 1292, and was twice elected as Archbishop of Canterbury. This fortified manor house was what his close relationship with a hugely powerful ruler enabled him to establish. No doubt a lifelong ambition achieved; a huge home of his own in his home county. But it seems somehow to count for nothing when compared to the vast revenues the king dealt in and benefited from. The huge Lebanese Cedar tree somewhat obscures and overshadows this side of the ruin. It is a splendid specimen and so tall as to thwart attempts to photograph both tree and castle, as to get the tree into shot you are so far back that the castle shrinks to insignificance. Somewhat akin to Burnell's place in the scheme of things with regard to Edward Longshanks...
Acton Burnell Castle ruins
The 'castle' is a fortified manor house, the private chambers of Robert Burnell, its builder in 1284, rather than a fortress in the traditional stone castle sense. Robert Burnell was a Bishop of Bath and Wells and for thirty years an advisor, confidant and friend to one of England's most powerful kings, Edward I. Burnell was a Shropshire lad who became a minor official to Edward when he was a young man and effectively rose with him. He was a trusted regent when Edward was abroad on a Crusade and served as Lord Chancellor of England from 1274 to 1292, and was twice elected as Archbishop of Canterbury. This fortified manor house was what his close relationship with a hugely powerful ruler enabled him to establish. No doubt a lifelong ambition achieved; a huge home of his own in his home county. But it seems somehow to count for nothing when compared to the vast revenues the king dealt in and benefited from. The huge Lebanese Cedar tree somewhat obscures and overshadows this side of the ruin. It is a splendid specimen and so tall as to thwart attempts to photograph both tree and castle, as to get the tree into shot you are so far back that the castle shrinks to insignificance. Somewhat akin to Burnell's place in the scheme of things with regard to Edward Longshanks...
Acton Burnell Castle ruins (north wall) The fortified manor house stands three storeys high and has four corner towers, the nearest being seen in section after a collapse, and incorporated all the latest must-have features of its time; great hall of course, large solar or private chambers, large kitchen and of course private family chapel. The king granted Robert Burnell a licence to crenellate in 1284 and Burnell had this built swiftly. He only lived until 1292 to enjoy it, having already spent maybe three decades in royal service.
Acton Burnell Castle ruins (north wall)
The fortified manor house stands three storeys high and has four corner towers, the nearest being seen in section after a collapse, and incorporated all the latest must-have features of its time; great hall of course, large solar or private chambers, large kitchen and of course private family chapel. The king granted Robert Burnell a licence to crenellate in 1284 and Burnell had this built swiftly. He only lived until 1292 to enjoy it, having already spent maybe three decades in royal service.
Acton Burnell Castle ruins The shell of the fortifed manor house stands isolated today; the church is nearby but not immediately adjacent and the village lies some distance further. This ruin was only part of a likely medieval complex here, which may have included associated buildings large enough to accommodate a royal retinue of officials, administrators, clergy, servants and bodyguard. Thus ruins survives as it was in effect treated as a romantic folly in the grounds of nearby Acton Burnell Hall, now an international college.
Acton Burnell Castle ruins
The shell of the fortifed manor house stands isolated today; the church is nearby but not immediately adjacent and the village lies some distance further. This ruin was only part of a likely medieval complex here, which may have included associated buildings large enough to accommodate a royal retinue of officials, administrators, clergy, servants and bodyguard. Thus ruins survives as it was in effect treated as a romantic folly in the grounds of nearby Acton Burnell Hall, now an international college.
Inside Acton Burnell Castle ruins The interior layout and construction can be appreciated in the interior of the shell. It is well made and is certainly a statement.
Inside Acton Burnell Castle ruins
The interior layout and construction can be appreciated in the interior of the shell. It is well made and is certainly a statement.
Gable ends of the Parliament Barn at Acton Burnell These stone gable ends are the remains of a barn in which parliament sat in 1283 and which was a significant sitting in that Edward I decreed that not just knights of the county would sit but commoners would also sit with authority more regularly. His reason was not the advancement of parliamentary democracy and a greater say for 'the man in the street', no, he wanted vital acts passed that would enable the crown to recoup debts faster and generate still more huge revenues. He needed more acquiesance. He had just dealt with a Welsh rebellion, had ensured that Llywelyn the Last was murdered and his brother hung drawn and quartered in Shrewsbury and that a massive campaign of castle building in North Wales was initiated. Edward was not a man that you said no to. And he was about to focus on Scotland.
Gable ends of the Parliament Barn at Acton Burnell
These stone gable ends are the remains of a barn in which parliament sat in 1283 and which was a significant sitting in that Edward I decreed that not just knights of the county would sit but commoners would also sit with authority more regularly. His reason was not the advancement of parliamentary democracy and a greater say for 'the man in the street', no, he wanted vital acts passed that would enable the crown to recoup debts faster and generate still more huge revenues. He needed more acquiesance. He had just dealt with a Welsh rebellion, had ensured that Llywelyn the Last was murdered and his brother hung drawn and quartered in Shrewsbury and that a massive campaign of castle building in North Wales was initiated. Edward was not a man that you said no to. And he was about to focus on Scotland.
The remains of the Parliament Barn at Acton Burnell Now surrounded by the grounds and facilities of Concord College, an international college. This was once a large medieval tithe barn where parliament sat in 1283.
The remains of the Parliament Barn at Acton Burnell
Now surrounded by the grounds and facilities of Concord College, an international college. This was once a large medieval tithe barn where parliament sat in 1283.
Lane near Acton Burnell The boundary wall of Acton Burnell Park skirts the hillside here and the lane follows this line towards Ruckley. A perfect early spring day; warm sunshine, cool breeze, nice views, growing crop.
Lane near Acton Burnell
The boundary wall of Acton Burnell Park skirts the hillside here and the lane follows this line towards Ruckley. A perfect early spring day; warm sunshine, cool breeze, nice views, growing crop.
Shropshire in spring The fields under crop are near Acton Burnell and the hills are the Lawley and Caer Caradoc.
Shropshire in spring
The fields under crop are near Acton Burnell and the hills are the Lawley and Caer Caradoc.
Field below Ballshill Cottage near Acton Burnell Spring is coming to these fields. Looking westwards.
Field below Ballshill Cottage near Acton Burnell
Spring is coming to these fields. Looking westwards.
Fields below Acton Burnell Park and Park Wood Quiet, sheltered and south facing fields in pleasant spring sunshine.
Fields below Acton Burnell Park and Park Wood
Quiet, sheltered and south facing fields in pleasant spring sunshine.
Rabbits in the crop Some large, healthy and well fed rabbits sit out enjoying the sunshine.
Rabbits in the crop
Some large, healthy and well fed rabbits sit out enjoying the sunshine.
Field edge footpath near Acton Burnell in spring The field margin has been established as a bit of set aside and planted with some young trees. Nice grasses.
Field edge footpath near Acton Burnell in spring
The field margin has been established as a bit of set aside and planted with some young trees. Nice grasses.
Pond on the field edge near Acton Burnell village This pond is not marked on the map but it seems to have been part of a nature initiative around the village which also includes set aside, tree planting and no-go zones to leave wildlife undisturbed.
Pond on the field edge near Acton Burnell village
This pond is not marked on the map but it seems to have been part of a nature initiative around the village which also includes set aside, tree planting and no-go zones to leave wildlife undisturbed.
Part of Acton Burnell village A wonderful example of a Shropshire village.
Part of Acton Burnell village
A wonderful example of a Shropshire village.
Gateway and cottage in Acton Burnell Nice understated place. Good taste exemplified.
Gateway and cottage in Acton Burnell
Nice understated place. Good taste exemplified.
Langley Chapel A 17th century chapel that fell into disuse and then disrepair in the 19th century and by 1914 was one of the very first important historic buildings to be taken into the care of the state. It is now owned and managed by English Heritage. Its importance is that it illustrates how small Anglican chapels operated in the 1600's - and the interior comprises box pews, a desk for musicians and bench seats at a communion table for the sacrament, all in a simple plan.
Langley Chapel
A 17th century chapel that fell into disuse and then disrepair in the 19th century and by 1914 was one of the very first important historic buildings to be taken into the care of the state. It is now owned and managed by English Heritage. Its importance is that it illustrates how small Anglican chapels operated in the 1600's - and the interior comprises box pews, a desk for musicians and bench seats at a communion table for the sacrament, all in a simple plan.
Langley Chapel on a spring evening This compact little chapel feels even more peaceful under a westering sun on a spring evening.
Langley Chapel on a spring evening
This compact little chapel feels even more peaceful under a westering sun on a spring evening.
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Black Dick's Lake is located at Grid Ref: SJ5401 (Lat: 52.612317, Lng: -2.6737416)

Unitary Authority: Shropshire

Police Authority: West Mercia

What 3 Words

///sniff.bonfires.national. Near Kenley, Shropshire

Nearby Locations

Shadwell Lake Acton Burnell Park Black Dick's Lake Black Dick's Coppice

Related Wikis

Concord College, Acton Burnell
Concord College, Acton Burnell

Concord College is an independent co-educational international day/boarding school in Shropshire, England situated in the grounds of Acton Burnell Castle...

Acton Burnell Hall
Acton Burnell Hall

Acton Burnell Hall is a 19th-century country house, now used as a private school, located near the village of Acton Burnell, Shropshire, England. This...

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Acton Burnell Castle is a 13th-century fortified manor house, located near the village of Acton Burnell, Shropshire, England (grid reference SJ534019)...

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St Mary's Church, Acton Burnell

St Mary's Church is in the village of Acton Burnell, Shropshire, England, and stands near the ruins of Acton Burnell Castle. It is an active Anglican...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.612317,-2.6737416
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Long Moss Roxburghshire
Padaff Pot Aberdeenshire

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