Acton Burnell

Settlement in Shropshire

England

Acton Burnell

Hobsley Coppice with Park Wood beyond Credit: Richard Law

Acton Burnell is a small village located in the county of Shropshire, England. Situated approximately 9 miles south of the county town of Shrewsbury, Acton Burnell lies in a picturesque setting amidst the rolling countryside of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The village is best known for its historic connections and architectural heritage. Acton Burnell Castle, a fortified manor house built in the 13th century, stands as a prominent landmark. The castle was once owned by the influential Burnell family, who held prominent positions in the English government during the medieval period. Today, the ruins of the castle remain, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history.

Another notable feature of Acton Burnell is St Mary's Church, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 12th century. The church features an impressive collection of medieval stained glass windows, which are considered to be among the finest in the country.

Despite its small size, Acton Burnell boasts a close-knit community that takes pride in preserving its heritage. The village has a local pub, The Burnell Arms, which provides a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Acton Burnell offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and horse riding. The nearby Long Mynd and Carding Mill Valley offer stunning landscapes and are popular destinations for nature enthusiasts.

Overall, Acton Burnell is a charming village that seamlessly blends history, natural beauty, and community spirit, making it a delightful place to visit or call home.

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Acton Burnell Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.613909/-2.694306 or Grid Reference SJ5302. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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

St Mark's Church, Frodesley

Unfortunately it was locked when I passed (being a Saturday) so unable to take any interior pictures on this occasion.

Richard Law

Brickyard Field trig point

Trig S5064 just north of Frodesley. Despite being at a relatively low altitude (only 145m) it commands good views of the hills all around, including The Wrekin in the distance.

Richard Law

Brickyard Field trig

Close view of the trig, with Lodge Hill in the background beyond 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