A Medieval Meander

From manor house to priory church, it was a journey from riches to rags between Stokesay Castle and Bromfield.

Take the A49 out of Craven Arms towards Ludlow, to Secret Hills and Stokesay Castle (English Heritage). The route returns to Craven Arms through Ludlow Racecourse and Golf Course. Take care on race days and watch out for golf-balls!

Our first stop was at Secret Hills, set in an imaginitive grass-roofed building shaped to reflect the surrounding landscape. We enjoyed the simulated hot air balloon flight over the Shropshire Hills.

Enveloped in the border country, we continued in the grandest style at Stokesay Castle. Time stood still around us in the unchanged medieval hall. The timbers of the gatehouse stood out against the yellow walls and the tiny panes of glass glistened under a peaceful sun. We were caught in its spell.

Dragging ourselves away, we passed through Onibury en route to Bromfield where the broom of its name once flourished. There used to be a row of poplars here, known locally as the 'twelve apostles'; curiously one of them fell down on a Good Friday.

At Ludlow Racecourse the mats were laid across the road, ready for the day's racing.

Around Stanton Lacy church, the spring's last snowdrops were all gone but the churchyard's calm drew us in. We enjoyed more time browsing through some facinating craft workshops in old farm buildings next to the church.

On our journey home we discovered a potter at Culmington. more finds to remind us of our Brief Encounter in Shropshire!