Acton Burnell Castle

Heritage Site in Shropshire

England

Acton Burnell Castle

Bridleway gate into open fields The gate leads onto a rather vague bridleway that eventually heads into Frodesley. — Bridleway gate into open fields Credit: Richard Law

Acton Burnell Castle is a historic site located in the village of Acton Burnell, Shropshire, England. It is a Grade I listed building and is considered a significant heritage site due to its architectural and historical importance.

The castle was constructed in the 13th century by Robert Burnell, the Chancellor of England and a close associate of King Edward I. It was initially built as a fortified manor house and served as the administrative center of the Burnell family estates. The castle boasts a remarkable sandstone exterior, showcasing the architectural style of the period.

One of the highlights of Acton Burnell Castle is its Great Hall, which is believed to be one of the earliest examples of such a structure in England. The hall was used for various functions, including court sessions and social gatherings. Its impressive size and grandeur reflect the status and influence of the Burnell family during the medieval period.

The castle fell into disuse and disrepair in the 17th century, but efforts were made to preserve and restore the site in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Acton Burnell Castle stands as a picturesque ruin, surrounded by scenic countryside. Visitors can explore the remains of the Great Hall and other parts of the castle, including the gatehouse and outer walls.

Acton Burnell Castle is a popular destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the English countryside. Its rich history and well-preserved ruins make it a captivating heritage site to visit.

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Acton Burnell Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.608/-2.687 or Grid Reference SJ5301. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridleway gate into open fields

The gate leads onto a rather vague bridleway that eventually heads into Frodesley.

Richard Law

Hay bales in field below Ruckley

The ubiquitous black bales in a field between Ruckley and Netherwood Coppice.

Richard Law

Hobsley Coppice with Park Wood beyond

Richard Law

Bridleway alongside Hobsley Coppice

Richard Law

Barn Cottage

Apparently a building of two ages (rough stone and brick) which was once considerably more prosperous and busy than it is nowadays.

Richard Law

Bridleway towards Frodesley

Richard Law

The bridleway back towards Ruckley

Richard Law

Barn conversions at Frodesley

Richard Law

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.

Jeff Buck

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...

Jeremy Bolwell

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.

Jeremy Bolwell

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.

Jeremy Bolwell

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.

Jeremy Bolwell

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.

Jeremy Bolwell

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.

Jeremy Bolwell

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.

Jeremy Bolwell