Heritage & History
Dudmaston
Hall, near Bridgnorth, is a late 17th century house set in
lovely gardens, with a fine collection of contemporary paintings and sculpture.
There are paths through the estate, and the wooded Dingle is a particular
delight. The house is in the care of the National Trust, and the family
rooms contain fine furniture, paintings and objets d'art.
Benthall
Hall, near Broseley is a fine stone-built house of around 1580.
Another National Trust property, the house has star-shaped chimneystacks
and mullion windows. The house has both a plantsman's and a kitchen
garden and the pretty little Restoration church of St Bartholomew sits handily
next door. Inside, the Hall features carved oak panelling, a grand
17th century staircase, superb plaster work and substantial over mantels.
Boscobel House, near Albrighton, is a charming little timber-framed hunting lodge, which achieved fame when King Charles II was given sanctuary, following his flight from the Battle of Worcester. The house was built in 1600 by John Giffard, a Catholic, and conceals several 'priest holes'. Boscobel contains fine period furnishings and is in the care of English Heritage. The Royal Oak, where Charles spent an uncomfortable night, is in a field nearby.
Wenlock Priory, in Much Wenlock are the remains of a 12th century church that belonged to the Cluniac monastry, refounded in 1079 and 1082, on the site of an earlier 7th century foundation, by Roger de Montgomery. It is thought to be the final resting place of St Milburga, whose bones were discovered during restoration work in 1101.
Weston Park, near Shifnal is a sumptuously furnished treasure house containing a huge collection of paintings, ceramics, furniture and silver. The house is the ancestral home of the Earls of Bradford. Set in 1000 acres of parkland and surrounded by formal gardens, with woodland walks, Weston has a host of attractions for the whole family. As well as its in-house attractions, Weston holds a variety of events each year, including one of the country's biggest music festivals, a game fair, concerts, horse trials, rallies and conventions.
Daniel's Mill lies just a mile or so outside Bridgnorth. Situated in a delightfully secluded setting, it has been in the present owner's family for 200 years, and still grinds wheat to produce traditional wholemeal flour. The 38 ft iron water wheel is a spectacular sight reflected in the mill pool.