Whittington Castle

Whittington Castle — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

About Whittington Castle

Whittington Castle sits about two miles east of Oswestry on the B5009, its remains reflected in a broad moat that gives the site much of its quiet, picturesque character. A castle has stood here since soon after the Norman Conquest; William Peveril built the first timber motte-and-bailey around 1138, and stone building began in the late 12th century under the Fitzwarin family. The twin-towered gatehouse, which still stands to a considerable height, dates from the 13th century and is the most substantial survival above ground.

The castle was a frontier fortress for much of its early life, sitting on the disputed border between England and the Welsh principalities. It changed hands between English and Welsh lords several times, and its strategic position between Oswestry and the Vale of Llangollen made it a prize worth fighting over. The Fitzwarin family, who held the castle for much of the 13th century, gave their name to the medieval outlaw romance of Fulk FitzWarin — a story of rebellion, exile, and eventual reconciliation with the English crown that is one of the great narratives of the Welsh Marches.

The Castle Today

Whittington Castle is managed and maintained by the Whittington Castle Preservation Trust, a voluntary organisation that has been responsible for ongoing conservation work since the late 1990s. The castle is freely accessible to the public with no admission charge; the outer bailey and gatehouse area can be walked around at leisure. A small shop and café operate within the castle grounds during opening hours.

A pair of swans traditionally inhabits the moat — by local tradition always called Beatrice and Benedict — and the moat itself, with its reflections of the medieval stonework, makes for peaceful and photogenic surroundings in all seasons. The village of Whittington, just beyond the castle, has a pleasant church worth visiting.

Fulk FitzWarin and the Outlaw Legend

The most colourful chapter in the castle’s history belongs to the FitzWarin family and specifically to Fulk FitzWarin III, the early 13th-century lord who became the subject of one of the great outlaw romances of medieval England. Born around 1180, Fulk had been a companion of the young Prince John at the English court and the two had a bitter personal falling-out — legend says over a chess dispute, though the political dimensions ran deeper. When John became king in 1199, Fulk was dispossessed of Whittington Castle, which John granted instead to a rival. Fulk responded by refusing to submit and taking to the forest with a band of followers.

For the next three years Fulk lived as an outlaw, evading royal pursuit, conducting raids, and building a reputation as a bold and resourceful rebel against an unjust king. The Fouke le Fitz Waryn, a prose romance in Anglo-Norman French written down around 1325 from earlier oral and verse sources, tells his story in gloriously embellished form: forest retreats, sea voyages, disguises, romantic adventures, and repeated outwitting of the king’s men. Elements of the story prefigure the Robin Hood legend — the noble outlaw, the corrupt king, the loyal band — and scholars believe the two traditions cross-pollinated. Fulk was eventually pardoned and had Whittington restored to him in 1203, spending the rest of his long life as a loyal, if occasionally troublesome, subject of the crown.

The romance was clearly rooted in this part of the Welsh Marches: the Shropshire and Welsh border landscape it describes is recognisable, and several of its locations can be identified with places still visible today. For anyone interested in medieval literature, Whittington Castle is a place where the background to one of England’s earliest outlaw narratives can be felt.

Getting There

Whittington Castle is on Castle Street in the village of Whittington, postcode SY11 4DF. From Oswestry town centre, head east on the B5009 (Salop Road then Castle Road) for approximately 2 miles. There is free car parking adjacent to the castle. The route is also walkable from Oswestry for the energetic, following country lanes through the Shropshire borderland. Getting to Oswestry from further afield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Whittington Castle free to visit?

Yes. Whittington Castle is freely accessible with no admission charge. The outer bailey and gatehouse area can be walked around at any time.

How far is Whittington Castle from Oswestry?

Whittington Castle is approximately 2 miles east of Oswestry town centre on the B5009. By car it is about 5 minutes; on foot along the country lane around 40 minutes.

Does Whittington Castle have a café?

Yes. A small café and shop are operated by the Whittington Castle Preservation Trust during regular opening hours.

Are dogs allowed at Whittington Castle?

Yes, dogs are welcome on leads within the castle grounds.