Europe · United Kingdom · Powys
Oswestry Castle
The story
History of Oswestry Castle
Oswestry Castle is a medieval castle in the town of Oswestry, Shropshire, England. The castle has also been known as, or recorded in historical documents as: Album Monasterium; Blancminster; Blankmouster; Blancmustier; Croes Oswald…
United Kingdom · Powys
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Powys
- UNESCO
- —
- Coordinates
- 52.861, -3.055
In depth
The fuller history
The first reference to the castle in Oswestry was in 1086, when castelle Lurve (or castle L’oeuvre) is recorded in the Domesday Book as being built by Rainald, Sheriff of Shropshire in the Hundred of Meresberie. No town was recorded until around 1272 when references appear to the settlement of Blancminster (named after its white stone church).
After Rainald the castle passed to Alan fitz Flaad. The civil war between Stephen and Empress Matilda (1135–54) saw the Marcher Lord of Oswestry, William FitzAlan, join forces with Matilda. As a consequence he was deprived of his lands, including the castle and its area, and titles by Stephen after 1138, when he fled into exile. The castle was reclaimed by Madog ap Maredudd the Prince of Powys between 1149 and 1154, along with the lordship of the area.
Key dates
- 1086The first reference to the castle in Oswestry was in 1086, when castelle Lurve (or castle L’oeuvre) is recorded in the Domesday Book as being built by Rainald, Sheriff of Shropshire in the Hundred of Meresberie.
- 1154This was short-lived; on the accession of Henry II in 1154, William FitzAlan recovered his estates and was restored as High Sheriff of Shropshire in 1155 until his death in 1160.
- 1270By 1270 the castle’s walls had been extended to embrace the town, but its military significance declined.
- 1644The castle was garrisoned by Royalist troops during the Civil War, and captured by the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1644.
- 1650It had been largely demolished by the Roundheads by 1650.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
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