| Summary : Medieval stone keep with adjoining later 18th century farmhouse and remains of Medieval moated enclosure. The keep was probably built in the late 12th or late 13th century, with 14th to 16th century alterations. Although probably part of a larger complex of buildings, it was apparantly originally free standing, although the remains of a Medieval range are attached to the east and Wattlesborough Hall, built soon after circa 1711, is attached to the south. The Hall may incorporate reused Medieval material or even be a remodelling of an earlier Medieval building. The Hall and Castle were occupied as one dwelling until the late 19th century. Much of the moat has now been infilled and only fragmentary remains survive. Scheduled. |
More information : [SJ 35521263] Wattlesborough Hall and remains of [NAT]
Castle [NR] (1)
Wattlesborough Hall consists of a square tower or keep, a low wing to the north-east of it, and an 18th century farmhouse built against its south-east wall, probably on the site of an earlier structure. The keep is square and still about 50 foot high and its thought to date from the late 12th century. There are no signs that stone curtain walls were attached to it, nor has evidence been found to support the tradition that there were originally four such towers; it is probable that any additional defences consisted of wooden palisades. There is a large rectangular moated enclosure to the west of the house,and the vestiges of an inner moat can also be traced.(2-4)
Wattlesborough Hall has been modernised and much of the Georgian characteristics have been covered up or destroyed. The adjoining keep is in very good condition and particularly noteworthy as it appears to be complete, although it does have a modern roof. Much of the moat has been filled in and now only the south-west and north-west arms, waterfilled and dry respectively, remain at SJ 35411255. Published survey 25" revised.(5)
Wattlesborough Castle, (uninhabited part). Scheduled: Shropshire No.126.(6)
Comprehensive description of the keep. (7)
Wattlesborough Hall, two storey sandstone farmhouse built soon after circa 1711. The present building lies on the site of a Medieval wing to the Castle and probably incorporates reused material or may even be a remodelling of an earlier structure.Grade II.
Remains of Wattlesborough Castle, probably late 13th century for Sir Robert Corbet, with 14th to 16th century and later alterations. Grade I.
The Hall and Castle were occupied as one dwelling until the late 19th century. (8)
RCHME photographic survey. (9)
Cathcart King states that the keep is of late 12th century date with 14th century alterations. (10) |