Castles in Shropshire

Many people equate the decline of the castle with the development of firearms and the increasing use of gunpowder. However, the true picture of the castle's decline is far more complex, and no simple military or architectural explanation is adequate. Put in its most simplest terms the decline of the castle was symptomatic of social and political changes which took place over a long period of time. Indeed in Shropshire, as elsewhere in England in the 12^th and 13^th centuries, many motte and bailey castles were abandoned totally.

Some castles were also abandoned due to attacks by the Welsh which rendered them useless and too costly to repair. Then with the conquest of Wales by Edward I, many castles lost their defensive function and thus began to fall into decay as the fashion and social climate changed to the building of fortified manor houses.

There were, however, some major Shropshire castles which continued in use during this time, including Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Ludlow. It was not until the Council of the Marches brought about the pacification of Wales in the 15^th century that nearly all the castles in Shropshire were left to become ruinous.

Although many castles were revived and reused during the Civil War, the climax of the Civil War brought about a policy of castle destruction. The castles fate was, therefore, sealed under Charles I and Cromwell in the 17^th century and with the introduction of firearms and gunpowder.