Stokesay Manor House and Parish Church

Stokesay is said to be the best-preserved example of a 14th-15th century manor house/fortified residence. It was scheduled for "slighting" after the Civil War, but somehow was left relatively intact. The parish church adjoining it dates from the 11th century, but had to be rebuilt after Civil War fighting damaged it. The Say family came over with William the Conqueror.

Stokesay castle

Inside the great hall

Beautiful 15th century hearth in the family quarters

The tower

View from the battlements; Stokesay was assailed only once 
in its long history, during the Civil War, and the Royalist 
contingent holding it quickly surrendered to the 500

Parliamentary troops set to attack

Some residual fighting did occur, which damaged the little 11th century church, 
then rebuilt in the 17th

The church is notable, we thought, for its boxed or gated

pews, including the high boxes afforded some members;

today's equivalent of "sky-boxes," I suppose