More information : (SO 449654) Croft Castle (NR). (1)
Largely 14th-15th c with 18th c and later alterations. (2)
No change. Published survey (25") revised. (3)
Listed Grade 1. (4)
Croft Castle. Two storeys with cellars and attics. Walls of stone and brick, roofed with slate. Roughly rectangular in plan with central courtyard and circular four-stage corner turrets at angles. Probably 15th century or earlier in date. Attic floor and top stages of angle-towers are modern. The original fabric is probably indicated by the thicker walls on the W. and S. sides. N. range with N.E. turret rebuilt in 16th century, and large L-shaped wing added on N. side. Castle dismantled by Royalists in 1645. N.W. range largely reconstructed in brick during the early 18th century, and the S. wall of the N. range rebuilt. Considerable alterations were made during the mid-18th century, followed by the rebuilding of the E. side and the modernisation of the whole of the fabric. The E. [main] front proch and the two projecting bays flanking it are of modern construction.
The interior contains some 16th century doorways and ceiling beams, much 17th century wall-panelling, some reused, staircases of 17th century date in whole or part, and several fireplace surrounds c.1700. (5)
SO 449655. Weak quadrangular castle with very small round towers and rather thin walls, Mentioned in 1478 (a), and `defaced' in 1645 to prevent it becoming an enemy stronghold. (6)
Country house. Probably late 16th or early 17th century, extended late 17th century. Interior and exterior remodelling c.1765 by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard of Shrewsbury, and Walter Sarel 1913. There are the remains of a late 17th century range, extending N. from the N.W. corner (largely demolished in 1937). Listed grade I, the property is in the care of the National Trust. (7)
Additional reference. (8)
Listed by Shoesmith. (9) |