Bishops Castle was once one of the largest castles in Shropshire dating from the 11th century. Today there is very little remaining to picture this. The ruins can be found in the centre of the picturesque and ancient town.

~ History ~

1087 ~ The Bishop of Hereford has a timber motte and baily castle built on the troublesome Welsh borderlands to protect the town and church. It is called Lydbury Castle, built high up on a hill with commanding views.

1167 ~ The castle is modernised and strengthened including a square keep with inner and outer walls built of stone. Upon its completion it is used as one of the Bishop's palaces.

1226 ~ A young and future King Henry III tours the Welsh Borderlands and visits the Bishop at the castle.

1249 ~ A Royal Charter is granted by King John allowing a weekly market to be held plus an annual fair in June. This greatly enhances trade and wealth of the growing township.

1263 ~ John Fitzalan, Lord of Arundel and feudal Lord of Oswestry andClun, holds siege to the castle during his feud with the Bishop of Hereford, causing significant damage.

1281 ~ Following a devastating attack on the castle much of it has to be rebuilt.

1570's ~ Queen Elizabeth sells Bishop's Castle and its surrounding lands. The castle is allowed to slowly fall into a state of disrepair.

1603 ~ The castle is granted by King James I to the Howard family. The castle is allowed to fall into ruins and is used extensively as a quary for building materials by the inhabitants of the town.