Apley Castle, Medieval fortified manor in Hadley, England
Apley Castle is a fortified manor house near Shrewsbury with medieval origins. The buildings surround a central courtyard enclosed by stone walls and include a chapel and service block with preserved medieval features.
The Charlton family received permission to fortify their manor house in 1327, transforming it into a strategic stronghold in the region. The castle underwent major architectural changes from the 14th to 17th centuries as building styles evolved.
The castle served as the Charlton family seat and reflects how English domestic architecture evolved across several centuries. Visitors can observe how medieval features were adapted and combined with later additions over time.
The site is best explored on foot as you can move between the different courtyard areas and building sections. It is advisable to allow enough time to view all rooms and examine the preserved medieval details throughout.
The castle chapel preserves fragments of wall paintings from the 14th century, surviving despite the removal of the original roof structure. These rare medieval artworks offer a glimpse into the religious decoration that once adorned the interior.
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