Earlier Houses: There was probably an earlier house on, or near, the site of the current house.

Built / Designed For: Robert Burnell

House & Family History: Beginning as a clerk for Prince Edward (later King Edward I), Robert Burnell rose to great heights, becoming chancellor of England and bishop of Bath and Wells. It was probably because of his newly elevated position that Robert received a license in 1284 from the king to build a fortified manor house in the village of Acton, a placename later changed to Acton Burnell because of the family’s importance. Edward I, a war-like king who was frequently in Shropshire because of his military campaigns in Wales, is known to have stayed at Acton Burnell on more than one occasion. The king’s visit in the fall of 1283 is particularly significant, as it was then that the first known Parliament that included a representation of commoners occurred. The building of the castle hadn’t started, so it’s very likely that this first modern Parliament was held in the great tithe barn, the only building on the estate large enough to hold a gathering of that size (only the foundations of the barn remain today). The law passed during that session of Parliament became known as the Statute of Acton Burnell, an act that gave protection to creditors. By the 17th century Acton Burnell Castle had been abandoned, its lovely red sandstone walls and towers becoming a romantic ruin. By this time the estate was owned by the Smythe family, who built the classically styled Acton Burnell Hall next to the impressive Medieval ruins of the castle. Acton Burnell Hall [qv] is today a school that is not open to the public, but you can visit the romantic ruins of the castle anytime!

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Robert Burnell, until 1292; Burnell family here since the 1180s. Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, 15th century. Smythe family, 17th century.

Current Ownership Type: English Heritage

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 08703-331-181

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk

Historic Houses Member: No