Name: Moreton Corbet Castle
Rating: 5.0

Moreton Corbet Castle

Moreton Corbet, Shawbury, Shrewsbury SY4 4DW, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Moreton Corbet Castle The impressive ruins of Moreton Corbet Castle are the product of over 500 years of building. The earliest surviving remains are those of a stone castle begun in about 1200, including a fine gatehouse.

The Corbet family remodelled the castle in the 16th century, and the Elizabethan south wing is a rare survival from this period of a bold Italian-inspired design, which was devastated during the Civil War. Fine Corbet monuments fill the adjacent church.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Moreton Corbet Castle: The impressive ruins of Moreton Corbet Castle are the result of over 800 years of building, combining elements of a medieval castle and a fashionable Elizabethan mansion. The original timber castle of about 1100 was replaced in stone about 1200. In the 1560s Sir Andrew Corbet began to remodel the castle, and from 1579 his son Robert began its transformation into a spectacular mansion with an elaborate three-storey south range and a formal garden. After 1680, however, the Corbets lost interest in the castle as a residence and it slowly fell into decay. Today the Elizabethan range endures as its most impressive building, while parts of the 13th-century castle, including a fine gatehouse, also survive.
The Medieval Castle: The Torets, a family of Saxon descent, established the first castle in about 1100. The first buildings were of timber. They were encircled by earth and timber defences, including the ditch – originally a deep obstacle – visible alongside the west wall.
The Elizabethan Mansion: In the 16th century the castle was extensively remodelled in two phases. First, around 1560 Sir Andrew Corbet (1522–78), a prominent royal servant, erected a two-storey range between the medieval great tower and gatehouse. It housed a kitchen with a massive brick chimneystack, a larder on the ground floor and accommodation on the first floor.
A most gorgeous and stately house: Robert immediately began to transform his ancestral home into a spectacular mansion by building a new great hall and a three-storey south wing. According to the antiquary William Camden, writing in 1607: Robert Corbet, carried away with the affectionate delight of Architecture, began to build in a barraine place a most gorgeous and stately house …’. Sir Robert’s symmetrical south range had huge grid windows, a pitched slate roof partially concealed by tall gables, and rich, classical detailing. It was probably inspired by Renaissance architecture in contemporary great houses in England, with some French and Flemish influences.
The Corbet family monuments: The nearby parish church of St Bartholomew houses several Corbet family funerary monuments. These include two elaborately sculpted and painted chest tombs. The oldest is of Sir Robert Corbet (c.1477–1513), sometime sheriff of Shropshire, and Elizabeth (née Vernon), his wife, who outlived him by 50 years. Elizabeth’s mother was a member of the powerful Talbot family, so she had brought good connections to the marriage.
Civil War: During the English Civil Wars (1642–53), Sir Vincent Corbet, first baronet, fought for the king, and the castle became a base for Royalist soldiers under his command.
Abandonment: The house was repaired after the Civil War. But after the death of Sir Vincent Corbet, second baronet, in 1681, and his 19-year-old son, also Vincent, in 1688, it was no longer favoured by the Corbet heirs from another branch of the family, who preferred their residences at Acton Reynald and Shawbury Park. In consequence, Moreton Corbet was abandoned as a residence. Over the 18th century it slowly decayed and fell into ruin.

Facilities

Parking: There is limited free car parking available in the layby next to the castle.
Food & Drinks: Shops and a pub can be found in nearby Shawbury.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Moreton Corbet, Shawbury, Shrewsbury SY4 4DW, UK

Post Code: SY4 4DW

Council: Shropshire

County: Shropshire

Road Access: In Moreton Corbet off B5063 (a turning off A49), seven miles north-east of Shrewsbury.
Bus Access: Arriva service 64 to Shawbury then 3⁄4 mile walk.
Train Access: Yorton four miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is limited free car parking available in the layby next to the castle.