Shrewsbury Castle

Museum | Shrewsbury | England | United Kingdom

Historic fortress in Shrewsbury

The Shrewsbury Castle in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, is a historic fortress originally built around 1070 by Roger de Montgomery. The castle is situated on a hill on the riverbank of the River Severn, offering an impressive view of the surrounding area. Over the centuries, the castle has served various functions, including as a military fortress, royal residence, and administrative center.

Soldiers of Shropshire Museum exhibits

Today, the castle is home to the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum, which documents the history of the royal regiments of Shropshire. The collection includes a variety of exhibits, including uniforms, medals, weapons, and photographs illustrating the military history of the region. Particularly notable is a lock of hair from Napoleon Bonaparte, which is one of the museum's unique artifacts.

Laura's Tower with panoramic view

Another highlight is the so-called Laura's Tower, which provides a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding landscape. This tower was built in the late 18th century by engineer Thomas Telford and now serves as a venue for various events and weddings.

Military history of Shropshire

The castle and museum are operated by volunteers who are responsible for the preservation and presentation of the collection. Regular events are held to bring history to life and give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the military history of the region.

Contact details

Web

https://www.shropshiremuseums.org.uk

Phone

+441743358516

Address

Castle St

SY1 2AT Shrewsbury

Map view

Reviews

1061 Reviews

Seokjin Ham

19.01.2025

The castle was built after the Norman Conquest by William the Conqueror in the 1070s to strengthen the town's defenses and guard against Welsh invasions. Over time, its defensive role decreased and it became a residence for the nobility. Thomas Telford remodeled the castle in the 1780s, incorporating designs by Robert Adam, resulting in the current main structure. Today, it functions as the Shropshire Soldiers Museum, showcasing a variety of weapons, documents, and artifacts from British military history. Visitors can explore lookout points and beautifully landscaped gardens inside, offering stunning views of the River Severn, Shrewsbury town, and the surrounding countryside.

Ralitsa Boneva

11.01.2025

Easy access from the train station,wonderful view from the tower, nice place for relaxing

Ian Arthur

15.12.2024

Marvelous piece of history in a town full of historic buildings

Benjamin Guilleminot

14.12.2024

Not as impressive as other Welsh castles, still beautiful to visit.

John Peck

14.11.2024

Nice museum but little information about the castle

Warren Heath

14.11.2024

Being close to Remembrance Sunday made my visit more emotional. Lovely, well kept grounds with far reaching views from Laura's Tower. If you're in to militaria then this is a must. Total history of the Shropshire Regiment up to present day. You get a good overall internal view of the castle from the balcony. Too many exhibits to mention.

Tamara Salas

14.11.2024

The same staff was lovely the outside is beautiful , I wouldn’t go again indoor because I did realise inside it is a glorification to war and that is something I am against so no coming in again .

Philip Watts

11.11.2024

Worth a visit. Small castle covering napoleon era to modern day TA. Lots of uniforms, arms, medals and general history. Allow 2-3 hours for walk round at very reasonable price.

Sharon Howard

10.11.2024

Beautiful castle and military displays.

Paula Pearce

10.11.2024

Museum in the castle was very good - bit tricky for the disabled

Kev

05.11.2024

Well preserved and well kept site really enjoyed my visit military side of it was fantastic

Melantha Snow

04.11.2024

Small castle with a nice couple of walks and machinery, would recommend if you're passing through Shrewsbury, the children enjoyed our mini detour.

Farzana Suri Victory Coach

27.10.2024

They don't really take you to the castle really...it's a museum of soldiers and their arms...a bit of a disappointment...

Ryan Cox

21.10.2024

Nice place, rich with history.

Dee Bailey

06.10.2024

Staff very friendly and informative

Kylo K

05.10.2024

Uroczy zakątek miasta

Paul Gilliland

28.09.2024

Mainly museum for Shropshire Regiment - interesting historically

Chris Payne

25.09.2024

Really interested museum to visit, great enthusiastic knowledgeable staff and good gift shop

David

25.09.2024

Always love an army museum and this was one was excellent. A lot of stories of bravery and heroism. It goes on for quite some time as well, even though the building looks small for a museum. Staff are hugely friendly as well. Recommend.

Alan Holmes

20.09.2024

Excellent military museum and castle with a fantastic collection. Relatively cheap entrance with plenty to see Worth a visit, good place for all age groups

Ann Phipps

17.09.2024

Well worth a visit, staff very welcoming & was amazed at how many medals were on display as well as in drawers

Arsha Rose Devasia

17.09.2024

Shrewsbury Castle: A Glimpse of History Shrewsbury Castle proved to be a delightful surprise during my travels. While I didn't have the opportunity to explore the interior due to time constraints, the castle's exterior and surrounding gardens were more than enough to capture my attention. The castle itself is a grand structure, showcasing a blend of architectural styles and historical significance. The gardens are beautifully maintained, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling town. I particularly enjoyed my stroll through the side garden, which led me to a secluded area offering breathtaking panoramic views of Shrewsbury. While I didn't delve into the castle's history, the mere sight of its imposing presence was enough to spark my imagination. Shrewsbury Castle is a testament to the region's rich heritage and a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.