Acton Burnell Castle Castles

Tucked away in a quite backwater of Shropshire stand the remains of a thirteenth century fortified manor house at Acton Burnell. It was built in the 13th century by Robert Burnell, Chancellor of England and close friend of King Edward the First. Acton Burnell was built of red sandstone and is considered to be one of the oldest remains of its type in the country and thus very important.

Entry to the grounds is by an ancient yew-lined path. When you arrive at the castle, you are greeted by a statuesque Cedar of Lebanon and the inner shell of what was once a very grand building.From today's perspective it may be difficult for us to understand why anyone would build a castle in such a remote location, however, at the time the position was very important, as it was close to Watling Street, an old Roman road linking the city of Vironconium (Wroxeter) with Church Stretton.