Whittington Castle

Overview

Whittington Castle is a picturesque and partially restored medieval fortress located near Oswestry in Shropshire, England. Standing on the edge of the Welsh Marches, it was a key stronghold in the centuries-long conflict between England and Wales. Its romantic twin-towered gatehouse, surrounded by a moat and leafy parkland, makes it one of the most distinctive small castles in the region. The site is now owned by a community trust and open to visitors, offering both historical interest and scenic charm.

Early history

The first fortification at Whittington was a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, built shortly after the Conquest to help secure the borderlands. Around 1138, the castle was granted to William Peverel and later came under the control of the powerful FitzWarin family. It was Fulk FitzWarin, the family’s most famous member, who transformed Whittington into a stone castle in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Fulk became a local legend — a rebellious outlaw whose exploits inspired the medieval romance Fouke le Fitz Waryn, often compared to the tales of Robin Hood.

Building and layout

Whittington Castle developed from an early motte-and-bailey design into a small but well-defended stone fortress. The layout centred on a roughly pentagonal inner ward surrounded by a curtain wall and defended by a broad, water-filled moat. Its most striking feature is the twin-towered gatehouse, built in the 13th century and still standing today. Within the walls were a great hall, kitchens, chapel, and domestic chambers. Though compact, the castle’s design provided strong defences while maintaining the comfort expected of a noble residence.

Later history and decline

Whittington remained in the FitzWarin family for several generations and saw action during the medieval conflicts between England and Wales. It was garrisoned at various times during the 13th and 14th centuries, particularly during Edward I’s campaigns in Wales. By the 16th century, however, it had lost its strategic value and fell into disrepair. The castle later passed through private hands and was partly dismantled, though its moat and gatehouse survived remarkably well. Romantic interest in the 19th century led to small-scale restoration work and the creation of landscaped grounds.

Present condition

Today, Whittington Castle is managed by the Whittington Castle Preservation Trust and is open to the public. The gatehouse, sections of curtain wall, and parts of the inner ward remain standing, surrounded by the original moat. The site includes a small visitor centre and café, and hosts historical re-enactments and community events throughout the year. With its mix of legend, medieval history, and rural beauty, Whittington Castle stands as one of the most evocative and accessible castles of the Welsh Marches.