 |
While
the most famous owner of Stokesay was Lawrence of Ludlow,
the leading wool merchant in the Welsh Marches with
headquarters in nearby Shrewsbury, this fortified manor
house was named because it was the "stoke" (dairy
farm) of the de Saye family, who were tenants during the
first half of the 13th century. When the owner died the
de Sayes moved to Ireland. The new owner may have begun
building the current castle as early as 1240, but it was
Lawrence who received the license to crenellate in 1291,
apparently when the building was complete. In addition to
the manor, tower and gatehouse, there was originally a 30
foot tall curtain wall around the courtyard. The castle
has been open to the public since 1908.
|
 |
