Hopton Castle, Shropshire - Archaeological Evaluation Report

Wessex Archaeology

The evaluation, comprising seven trenches, identified three major phases of activity on the Site: medieval, early post-medieval and mid 17th century, involving a siege during the Civil War, in 1644. As well as reviewing what was previously known about the upstanding remains of the medieval tower house, the evaluation also found evidence for the medieval moat and curtain wall. A large cellared building and a stone-built tower were also identified within the confines of the bailey. The dating for these remains uncertain, but they were likely to have been of medieval origin, but still standing during the Civil War siege.

To the north-east of the Castle, remains were encountered which were interpreted as being structures associated with the early post-medieval re-landscaping of the Site prior to the Civil War period. There was also evidence that some structures may have been demolished at this time.