Alberbury Castle

Heritage Site in Shropshire

England

Alberbury Castle

Loton Park Hillclimb Credit: Brian Deegan

Alberbury Castle is a historic heritage site located in the village of Alberbury, Shropshire, England. It is a motte-and-bailey castle that dates back to the 12th century and is a significant historical landmark in the region.

The castle was originally built by the Fitzalan family, who were powerful Norman lords. It served as a defensive stronghold and a symbol of their authority. The castle consists of a large motte, or mound, with a bailey enclosure surrounding it. The motte would have had a wooden keep or tower, which has since been lost to time.

Throughout its history, Alberbury Castle witnessed several conflicts and changes in ownership. It was besieged and captured by Welsh forces during the Welsh resistance against Norman rule in the 13th century. The castle then passed through various nobles' hands and underwent several modifications and expansions.

Today, Alberbury Castle stands as a ruin, with only remnants of its former grandeur. The motte and the earthworks of the bailey are still visible, giving visitors a sense of the castle's original layout. The site is open to the public, and visitors can explore the castle's remains, walk along its earthworks, and imagine the castle's past glory.

Alberbury Castle holds great historical and architectural significance, representing a time of Norman influence in Shropshire. Its picturesque setting and atmospheric ruins make it a popular attraction for history enthusiasts, locals, and tourists alike.

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Alberbury Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.723/-2.955 or Grid Reference SJ3514. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loton Park Hillclimb

Brian Deegan

Alberbury, St. Michael's Church with its c13th saddleback tower

Michael Garlick

Alberbury, St. Michael's Church: Buttressed south east corner

Michael Garlick

Alberbury, St. Michael's Church: The nave

Michael Garlick

Alberbury, St. Michael's Church: The font

Michael Garlick

Alberbury, St. Michael's Church: The font (detail)

Michael Garlick

Alberbury, St. Michael's Church: The c15th roof

Michael Garlick

Alberbury, St. Michael's Church: The c14th south chapel

Michael Garlick

Alberbury, St. Michael's Church: Unusual memorial plaques in the c14th south chapel

Michael Garlick

Old Milestone by the B4393, by Loton Park, Alberbury

Stone post (plates lost) by the B4393, in parish of ALBERBURY WITH CARDESTON (SHREWSBURY AND ATCHAM District), West of Alberbury, Loton Park, South side of road. Erected by the Shrewsbury to Welshpool turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription once read:- : (LLAN / FYLLIN / 16 / MILES) : : (ALBERBURY) : : SALOP / 9) : Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1308265 Link

Milestone Society National ID: SA_LFSB16.

A Reade/J Higgins

St Michael, Alberbury: the roof of the Loton chapel

Monuments to members of the Leighton family of Loton Park are concentrated in the south aisle, under this deep and sumptuous late mediaeval roof.

Chris Brown

St Michael, Alberbury: Loton Chapel

View west.

Chris Brown

North from Alberbury churchyard

Houses and farm buildings mediate the view down into the broadening Severn valley.

Chris Brown

Alberbury, from the churchyard

Chris Brown

Lodge and gates, Alberbury (1)

Known as the English Lodge, at the south-east entrance to Loton Park. By Thomas Jones, 1849, in a Tudor-Gothic style. The materials are Alberbury breccia and red sandstone. (According to Wikipedia, "breccia is a rock composed of broken fragments of minerals or rock cemented together by a fine-grained matrix".) Grade II listed. Its counterpart to the west, the Welsh Lodge, can be seen here: SJ3514 : Lodge and gates, Alberbury (2).

Stephen Richards

Lodge and gates, Alberbury (2)

Known as the Welsh Lodge (though still in England), at the south-west entrance to Loton Park. By Thomas Jones, 1832, in a Tudor-Gothic style. It is spikier than its English counterpart, with lots of finials, but the materials are the same - Alberbury breccia and red sandstone. (According to Wikipedia, "breccia is a rock composed of broken fragments of minerals or rock cemented together by a fine-grained matrix".) Grade II listed. The English Lodge can be seen here: SJ3514 : Lodge and gates, Alberbury (1).

Stephen Richards

Roadside plaque at Prince's Oak

A restored plaque commemorating the Prince of Wales' visit to this spot, or a nearby spot, in 1806 when he was 'introduced to his principality' by a local baronet, in attendance were various dukes, other baronets, Members of Parliament, senior military figures and presumably various admirers, hangers-on and flunkies. The PoW in question was later to become Regent (1811) and George IV of England (1820 - 1830). Poor fellow. It is not recorded what residents of his principality thought of this event, or even if any were invited, attended or approved.

Jeremy Bolwell

Prince's Oak

In 1806, George, Prince of Wales rode here on a horse or in a carriage and was 'introduced to his principality' by various bigwigs who were vying for favouritism, ingratiating themselves or diverting the dissolute playboy from more wearisome responsibilities. The spot offers quite a poor view towards Wales. It is doubtful that George was impressed, intrigued, puzzled or grateful and I don't know whether he advanced or retreated. It is also doubtful whether any Welsh people knew of the event, encouraged it or ignored it. Anyway the plaque and stone encircled tree certainly get you thinking of the event, its background and implications.

Jeremy Bolwell

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Alberbury Castle is located at Grid Ref: SJ3514 (Lat: 52.723, Lng: -2.955)

Unitary Authority: Shropshire

Police Authority: West Mercia