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Acton Burnell Castle

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

The extensive remains of a fortified tower house built by Edward I's Lord Chancellor, Robert Burnell, Bishop of Bath and Wells. The castle was built between 1284-1293, using local red sandstone. It replaced an earlier house on the site, where Burnell had been born. Burnell also built the Bishop's Palace at Wells, which is similar in design to Acton Burnell Castle.

Bishop Burnell's influence was such that this little Shropshire village hosted Parliaments twice, in 1283 and again in 1285. On the first occassion, Edward I was visiting Burnell, and summoned one of the first Parliaments to include members of the Commons. They may have met in the nearby barn. One outcome of this Parliament was a new law meant to protect the rights of creditors. This law has since been known as the Statute of Acton Burnell.

Bishop Burnell rebuilt the nearby parish church, and, unusually, laid out the village according a formal plan. The castle was used as a family residence until 1420, and remained in the Burnell family's possession until it was seized by Henry VII in 1485.

Henry gave Acrton Burnell to the Earl of Surrey in recognition of his leadership at the Battle of Flodden. It later passed to the Duke of Norfolk, and eventually to the Smythe family. In the 18th century the Smythes built Acton Burnell Hall nearby, and made that their residence, so the castle fell out of use.

The castle's residential block was rebuilt as an ornamental building (what we might today call a folly) in the parkland surrounding the Hall. It now stands as a large shell, two stories high, and is surounded by traces of a moat on three sides. The castle that we see today is only Bishop Burnell's private apartments, a small part of the original castle complex.

A short distance away is the parish church, which contains some wonderful memorials to the owners of Acton Burnell Castle over the centuries.

Acton Burnell Hall is now a school, but access to the castle and church is permitted at any reasonable time.
Acton Burnell, Shropshire, England

About Acton Burnell Castle
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: Open access site, signposted from Acton Burnell village. Located in the grounds of Concord College (Acton Burnell Hall) school.
Website: Acton Burnell Castle
English Heritage
Location map
Acton Burnell Castle Photos
OS SJ533018
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information Photos

Nearest Attractions Langley Chapel - 1.1 miles (Historic Property) Cantlop Bridge - 2.9 miles (Historic Property) Cronkhill House, Attingham Park - 3.9 miles (Historic House) Wroxeter Roman City - 4.4 miles (Roman) Attingham Park - 5.1 miles (Historic House) Wilderhope Manor - 5.6 miles (Historic Property) Wenlock Priory - 5.7 miles (Abbey) Longner Hall - 5.7 miles (Historic House)

Nearest Towns and Villages Tenbury Wells - 21.3 miles away Bewdley - 22.6 miles away Abberley - 25 miles away Stourport - 25.5 miles away Bromsgrove - 32.6 miles away Droitwich Spa - 32.9 miles away Worcester - 35.1 miles away Crewe - 35.2 miles away

Photos of Acton Burnell Castle

Castle with flowers

Castle and tower

Castle walls

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Nearest Accommodation to Acton Burnell Castle

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Rickyard Cottage - 6.6 miles from Acton Burnell Castle Leighton, Shropshire Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £170

The Byre Cottage - 6.6 miles from Acton Burnell Castle Leighton, Shropshire Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £180

The Cornhouse - 6.6 miles from Acton Burnell Castle Leighton, Shropshire Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £195

More Self Catering near Acton Burnell Castle

Nearest Hotels

The Wroxeter Hotel - 4.3 miles from Acton Burnell Castle Wroxeter, Shropshire Stay from: £60.00

The Plume of Feathers - 4.5 miles from Acton Burnell Castle Harley, Shropshire Stay from: £42.00

The Gaskell Arms Hotel - 5.6 miles from Acton Burnell Castle Much Wenlock, Shropshire Stay from: £50.00

More Hotels near Acton Burnell Castle

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Grove Farm House Bed and Breakfast - 3.5 miles from Acton Burnell Castle Condover, Shropshire From: £70.00

Wenlock Edge Inn - 4.2 miles from Acton Burnell Castle Much Wenlock, Shropshire From: £75.00

Abbey Court House - 6.7 miles from Acton Burnell Castle Shrewsbury, Shropshire From: £40.00

More bed and breakfasts near Acton Burnell Castle

Much Wenlock
Tourist Information Centre
The Museum
High Street
Much Wenlock
Shropshire
England
TF13 6HR
Tel: 01952 727 679
Alternate Tel: 01746 763 257
Fax: 01952 727 679
Email: muchwenlock.tourism@shropshire-cc.gov.uk
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