Stokesay Castle is one of the finest fortified manor houses in England. Built in the 1280s by the fabulously rich wool merchant Laurence of Ludlow, it stands in a peaceful Shropshire valley, an exceptionally picturesque ensemble of 13th-century towers, magnificent great hall and a delightful gatehouse built in 1640. Among its many treasures are its medieval staircase and tiled floor, and its richly carved 17th-century chamber. This new guide, beautifully illustrated with plans, maps and historical images, includes a tour of the site and a history of the castle and the characters who lived there.