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Acton Burnell Park

Downs, Moorland in Shropshire

England

Acton Burnell Park

Hay bales in field below Ruckley The ubiquitous black bales in a field between Ruckley and Netherwood Coppice.
Hay bales in field below Ruckley Credit: Richard Law

Acton Burnell Park is a picturesque estate located in Acton Burnell, Shropshire, England. Covering a vast area of downs and moorland, the park offers stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. The estate is nestled in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, with rolling hills and expansive views stretching as far as the eye can see.

The park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, with a rich variety of plant species that thrive in the open landscape. Visitors can expect to see heather, gorse, and wildflowers dotting the moorland, while the downs are adorned with lush grasses and scattered trees. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rabbits, squirrels, and numerous species of birds.

Acton Burnell Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Walking and hiking trails crisscross the estate, allowing visitors to explore the park's natural wonders at their own pace. The park also offers opportunities for picnicking, birdwatching, and photography, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.

In addition to its natural beauty, Acton Burnell Park holds historical significance. The park is situated near the ruins of Acton Burnell Castle, a medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th century. Visitors can explore the castle's remains and learn about its fascinating history.

Overall, Acton Burnell Park is a haven of natural beauty and tranquility, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Shropshire. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a picnic with friends, or a historical exploration, the park has something for everyone to enjoy.

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Acton Burnell Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.610065/-2.6793041 or Grid Reference SJ5401. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hay bales in field below Ruckley The ubiquitous black bales in a field between Ruckley and Netherwood Coppice.
Hay bales in field below Ruckley
The ubiquitous black bales in a field between Ruckley and Netherwood Coppice.
Barn Cottage Apparently a building of two ages (rough stone and brick) which was once considerably more prosperous and busy than it is nowadays.
Barn Cottage
Apparently a building of two ages (rough stone and brick) which was once considerably more prosperous and busy than it is nowadays.
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.
Footpath approaching Barn Cottage Barn Cottage has long been a ruin. It stands today isolated in fields below Park Wood.
Footpath approaching Barn Cottage
Barn Cottage has long been a ruin. It stands today isolated in fields below Park Wood.
The ruin of Barn Cottage A small two storey cottage stands in ruination here. Roofless and with collapsed floors it retains many old features internally.
The ruin of Barn Cottage
A small two storey cottage stands in ruination here. Roofless and with collapsed floors it retains many old features internally.
Field edge footpath near Acton Burnell On the edge of Hobsley Coppice.
Field edge footpath near Acton Burnell
On the edge of Hobsley Coppice.
Field edge near Frodesley in spring A sheltered field corner traps the sunshine a little.
Field edge near Frodesley in spring
A sheltered field corner traps the sunshine a little.
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.
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Acton Burnell Park is located at Grid Ref: SJ5401 (Lat: 52.610065, Lng: -2.6793041)

Unitary Authority: Shropshire

Police Authority: West Mercia

What 3 Words

///prove.marmalade.smuggled. Near Kenley, Shropshire

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