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Cassandra Clark's avatar

Loved this piece. I briefly visited Stokesay years ago when driving into Wales but you make me want to go back for a proper look. It’s an intriguing history too. Thank you so much.

I’ve just finished my fifteen medieval novel series but (bad you!) I’d like to write one more….those families. Sad and so important in their day.

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Helen Barrell's avatar

Hi Cassandra, thank you! I'm glad to hear you've been to Stokesay too. It's a fascinating place. I had to feel sorry for William Craven, going to all the effort to do the place up, only to have it taken from because of the Civil War! But at least it was blown to bits, like other castles at the time. And hey, they named a pub *and* a town after him!

There's something about that period, isn't there? I'm very impressed you've written all those Mediaeval novels. I often picture Cadfael pottering about in these places in Shropshire. He'd love the courtyard garden!

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Cassandra Clark's avatar

Yes, it’s real Cadfael country. Very beautiful and rich with stories. I rather hoped the East Riding would become Hildegard country but sadly she seems doomed to track down the wicked in obscurity🥲

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TAROTSOPHICAL's avatar

Fascinating article!

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Helen Barrell's avatar

Thank you!

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Margaret Bennett's avatar

I've never been Helen, but next time I"m over that way I'll make a visit. It's a really interesting looking building.

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Helen Barrell's avatar

It really is. I can't think of any other castle in the UK which looks like it. We're so lucky it survived that siege! The combination of timber frames and stone is so unusual - but presumably at some point, that was pretty standard!

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