Castle Pulverbatch Norman Motte and Double Bailey Castle, Scene of Marau...

Castle Pulverbatch Motte and Bailey Castle, Shropshire

Pulverbatch, Shropshire is a pleasant village on the minor road which takes the most direct route to the Long Mynd from Shrewsbury centre, passing through Longden and climbing onto the Mynd, after the hamlet of Bridges.

Here are the remains of two motte and bailey castles, both are scheduled ancient monuments about 1,000 years old.

Norman Invasion

They were needed when in 1066 a Norman expedition from France invaded and conquered England.

The Norman dynasty established by William the Conqueror, ruled England for over half a century and his successors beyond, and was disliked by all, and hated by many.

The Welsh Marches is said to have the highest number of motte and bailey remains in the UK.

The Normans Were Unable to Conquer the Welsh

Most likely this was due to the inability of the Normans to conquer the Welsh, resulting in frequent incursions by marauding Welshmen at that time.

Pulverbatch Motte and Bailey Location and Features

Castle Pulverbatch motte and double bailey castle is situated on a ridge to the south of Pulverbatch village.

It overlooks the village, and the ancient valley route, from Shrewsbury to Bishops Castle (now a green lane at this point).

Roger Venator - Invader Who Took Over the Castle

The manor of Castle Pulverbatch was held by Roger Venator in 1086,  and it's likely he built the castle.

The castle is first mentioned in 1153, but it was not used for long, probably not even for 50 years.

What You Will See if You Visit Pulverbatch Castle (Motte and Bailey)

The castle earthworks include a castle mound or motte.

There were once two baileys, and there are still substantial ditches, mounds, and banks to explore.

On the south-east side, the natural hills lope was cut back, to create a defensive steep scarp slope.

A ditch runs along along the western side of the north-east bailey.

The castle has an extensive view over the surrounding countryside, and would have been particularly easy to defend.

Visit and explore! (There is a car park.)

Watch this video on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/ufbyxMpAh84

Text sources were: http://www.pulverbatch.org.uk and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motte-and-bailey_castle

The Iron Bridge, Ironbridge in the River Severn Gorge, UK

The History of the First Ever Iron Bridge in the World

The newly restored Iron Bridge in Ironbridge a presentation style video of the heritage bridge in Shropshire, UK.

The Iron Bridge is a beautiful and historic bridge that crosses the River Severn in Shropshire, England, dating back to the industrial revolution.

Opened in 1781, it was the first major bridge in the world to be made of cast iron, and was greatly celebrated after construction owing to its use of the new material.

Not Used for Road Vehicles Since 1934

In 1934 it was designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument and closed to vehicles.

Tolls for pedestrians were collected until 1950, when ownership of the bridge was transferred to Shropshire County Council.

It now belongs to the local council Telford and Wrekin Borough Council, and has recently been restored into the glorious rusty-red colour which it had when first built.

Part of the the UNESCO Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site

The bridge, the adjacent settlement of Ironbridge and the Ironbridge Gorge form the UNESCO Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

The bridge is a Grade 1 listed building and a waypoint on the South Telford Heritage Trail.

Visitors travel from all over the world to see the bridge, the gorge and the renowned museums of the small town which remains.

Text source: Wikipedia with addtions.

Watch this on the YouTube site at: https://youtu.be/gANEbFi-h3I

It's amazing that this Iron Bridge in Ironbridge, was the first ever Iron Bridge in the World. It is located near Telford.

Paint Colour Was Grey/Blue and is Now Reverted to the Original Rust Red!

It was previously restored in 1980 and they didn't do a bad job at that time. The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site now has a Management Plan which is placed under regular review every ten years

Just down the road is the Museum of iron operated by the ironbridge gorge museum trust (museum).

Top 10 Shropshire Gardens List A Countdown to the Best Rated Gardens in the County

Top 10 Gardens in Shropshire Open to the Public Historic and Modern Gardens

There are some lovely gardens in Shropshire including 3 listed gardens in Shrewsbury itself.

Keep reading while we count you down to the most highly rated "Shropshire Gardens" according to Trip Advisor ratings.
The 10 Best Shropshire Gardens Open to the Public are:

10 - Abbey Gardens, Shrewsbury

Small gardens at the end of the English bridge. Well kept and tranquil bordering the River Severn.

9 - Dower House Garden, Morville, Bidgnorth

About an acre and a half, with a series of historic garden "rooms", marking significant developments in the history of the English garden. Created by gardening writer Katherine Swift.

8 - Oakgate Nursery & Garden Centre Ellerdine, near Telford

Gardens open for garden centre visitors to explore.

7 - Shropshire Wildlife Trust Garden, Shrewsbury

Small formal gardens in Shrewsbury. The Wild Child Garden is open all year round. Where children can get muddy and discover the joys of outdoor wild play.

6 - Hodnet Hall Gardens, Market Drayton

Over 60 acres of brilliantly coloured flowers, magnificent forest trees, sweeping lawns and a chain of ornamental pools.

5 - Dorothy Clive Garden, Market Drayton

On the North Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire borders, the garden is both formal and informal, with a network of paths to explore and discover the garden. Glorious rhododendrons and azaleas.

4 - Bridgnorth Castle and Grounds, Bridgnorth

Created as a public garden around the castle to commemorate Queen Victoria’s jubilee it includes a bandstand.
The main feature is a square great tower, which was built during the reign of Henry II.
There are plenty of benches with some great views of the lower town.

3 - Attingham Park, Near Shrewsbury

An the park surrounds an 18th-century mansion and includes a deer park, and woodland walks. There is a walled garden and an orchard plus a children's play area.

2 - Wollerton Old Hall Garden, Wollerton

Designed and developed by Lesley and John Jenkins since 1984, designed and developed by Lesley and John Jenkins since 1984.
It is set around a 16th Century Hall House and has developed into an important modern garden in the English Garden tradition with echoes of Arts and Crafts.
It covers 4 acres, set around a 16th Century Hall House. A modern garden in the English Garden tradition with echoes of Arts and Crafts.

1 - The Quarry, Shrewsbury

With a leafy avenue beside the River Severn, and renowned for The Dingle, a park within a park. Home to the Shrewsbury Flower Show every August, and many other events. A 40 minute boat trip is available in summer on the Sabrina with an informative talk.
List Sequence Source; Trip Advisor www.tripadvisor.co.uk


You can also watch this video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/UQc1Aerk_40