Acton Pigott

Settlement in Shropshire

England

Acton Pigott

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

Acton Pigott is a small village located in the county of Shropshire, England. Situated about 8 miles southeast of the town of Shrewsbury, Acton Pigott is nestled in the picturesque countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and lush green fields.

The village is known for its charming and tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. With a population of just around 100 residents, Acton Pigott maintains a close-knit community feel, where neighbors often know one another and socialize regularly.

The village is primarily residential, comprised of a mix of traditional cottages and larger homes. Many of these properties boast well-maintained gardens and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The village is dotted with quaint, historic buildings, including a beautiful 14th-century church called St. Mary's, which is a prominent feature of the village's skyline.

Although Acton Pigott is a small village, it benefits from its close proximity to larger towns and cities. Residents have easy access to amenities and services in nearby Shrewsbury, including shops, supermarkets, schools, and healthcare facilities. The village also enjoys good transport links, with several major roads connecting it to other parts of Shropshire and beyond.

For those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle with the convenience of nearby amenities, Acton Pigott provides an idyllic setting in the heart of the Shropshire countryside.

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Acton Pigott Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.620548/-2.677984 or Grid Reference SJ5402. 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.

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

Shropshire in spring

The fields under crop are near Acton Burnell and the hills are the Lawley and Caer Caradoc.

Jeremy Bolwell

Fields below Acton Burnell Park and Park Wood

Quiet, sheltered and south facing fields in pleasant spring sunshine.

Jeremy Bolwell

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.

Jeremy Bolwell

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.

Jeremy Bolwell

Part of Acton Burnell village

A wonderful example of a Shropshire village.

Jeremy Bolwell

Gateway and cottage in Acton Burnell

Nice understated place. Good taste exemplified.

Jeremy Bolwell

Sheep grazing near Stonewall Wood

The bridleway here runs through the delightfully-named Swallowtail Meadow.

Richard Law

Along the lane towards Harnage Grange

Richard Law

First glimpse of Acton Burnell Castle

A fortified manor house built in the late 1200s by Richard Burnell, who held both religious and political positions. This is the first view of the building, as you follow the English Heritage signs.

Christine Johnstone

South side, Acton Burnell Castle

A fortified manor house built in the late 1200s by Richard Burnell, who held both religious and political positions. This 'block' is just Burnell's private residence, not the whole castle.

Christine Johnstone

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Acton Pigott is located at Grid Ref: SJ5402 (Lat: 52.620548, Lng: -2.677984)

Unitary Authority: Shropshire

Police Authority: West Mercia