Shadwell Coppice

Wood, Forest in Shropshire

England

Shadwell Coppice

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

Shadwell Coppice is a picturesque woodland located in Shropshire, England. Situated near the village of Shadwell, this forested area covers an approximate area of 50 acres and is known for its diverse flora and fauna.

The coppice, which refers to a traditional method of woodland management involving the cutting of trees for their wood, has been in existence for centuries. The area is characterized by a variety of tree species, including oak, birch, ash, and beech, which provide a rich and vibrant canopy. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of bluebells and wildflowers during the springtime, creating a stunning display of colors.

Shadwell Coppice is not only a haven for plant life but also a sanctuary for wildlife. The woodland is home to a myriad of animal species, such as deer, foxes, badgers, and an array of bird species. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds amidst the dense foliage.

The forest offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and walkers. Several well-marked trails and footpaths crisscross the woodland, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. The forest also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as picnicking, photography, and even camping.

Shadwell Coppice is not only a natural gem but also holds historical significance. The woodland has been managed sustainably for generations, and remnants of old charcoal hearths and boundaries can still be found, providing a glimpse into the past.

Overall, Shadwell Coppice is a captivating woodland that offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature.

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Shadwell Coppice Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.606298/-2.6824501 or Grid Reference SJ5301. 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.

Richard Law

Below Maypole Bank

A steep pull up to Parkgate Farm awaits from the road to the north west.

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

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