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Whittington Castle

Oswestry, Shropshire

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Myths and Legends

There are a number of myths and legends connected with Whittington and the Castle. In fact, it is thought rather uncanny for one small village in England to be associated with so much of our nations folklore.

Dick Whittington

Obviously!!! I expect that all Whittington’s in the UK would claim Richard Whittington, Mayor of London, as their most famous son. However, similarities between Dick Whittington’s coat of arms to those of Fulk Fitzwarine (who was largely responsible for the building of Whittington Castle) may not be pure coincidence and the cottage where he reputedly lived is not far from the Castle. With the A5 passing right in front of the Castle gates it seems entirely reasonable that Dick set out along this ancient route to London to seek his fortune.

Robin Hood

There are many similarities between the lives of Fulk Fitzwarine and Robin Hood which suggest that the two characters may have similar origins within our oral tradition. They were both outlawed by King John for instance. But that is not where the similarities end. http://www.boldoutlaw.com/realrob/

The Holy Grail

In his book “The search for the Grail” Graham Phillips links the grail legends to Fulk Fitzwarine and Whittington Castle. http://www.britannia.com/history/arthur/marian.html

Fulk Fitzwarine III

Read a translation of the medieval manuscript “The history of Fulk Fitzwarine” which resides in the British Museum and which explains the link to Robin Hood. You can find the text here. http://www.yorku.ca/inpar/fulk_kemp.pdf

“Mad” Jack Mytton

Jack Mytton lived close to the Castle at Halston.

Babes in the Wood

The hamlet of Babbinswood (Babies-in-the- wood) lies 1 mile south of the Castle.

The Cursed Chest at Whittington CastleThe Cursed Chest

Little is known about this impressive object and its connection with the Castle and its owners. It is approximately 5’x3’x3′ and weighs about 10cwt. There is much rumour and innuendo about it but that’s probably not surprising considering there is a curse on it. The key is apparently in the moat!!!

The chest was recently moved from the Castle for safe-keeping.

If you want to find out more about the myths and legends of Shropshire visit Mythstories Museum in Wem. You can find more details here http://www.mythstories.com/

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Upcoming Events

  1. Jubilee Street Party

    June 5 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  2. A Midsummer Nights Dream

    June 5 @ 7:00 pm
  3. Green Fair

    June 18 - June 19
  4. Great Expectations

    July 2 @ 7:00 pm
  5. Plant Hunters Fair

    July 3 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  6. Alice in Wonderland

    July 21 @ 2:00 pm
  7. War of the Roses Re-enactment

    August 13 - August 14

View All Events

Venue Hire

Weddings, civil ceremonies and celebrations at Whittington Castle.

If you are looking for an intimate and cosy venue within an enchanting and romantic setting look no further than Whittington Castle, some of which dates from the C12th and has links to the Holy Grail.  We cater for weddings, civil ceremonies and celebrations, be it an informal lunch or a formal gathering.

Schools & Education

Whittington Castle welcomes school groups for educational visits on Mondays and Tuesdays.

We offer activities linked to the National Curriculum and will always discuss your needs in advance.  Visits generally last for four hours, usually from 10-2pm

Please phone our General Manager on 01691 662500 to talk to us about your requirements.  Alternatively email info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk

Group Tours / Guided Walks

Arrange a pre-booked individual or group guided tour or talks during the day or evening (daylight hours only).

We can accommodate groups of eight or more with lunch.

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Contact The Castle

Click here to Email the Castle
Phone: 01691 662 500

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© Whittington Castle

Whittington
Oswestry
Shropshire SY11 4DF

Tel 01691 662500
info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk

Free Entrance

£2.00 to park via the Pay and Display Machine

Charity Number 1075248

Castle Opening Times

Grounds always open!

kitchen@thecastle open: 10am-4pm, Wednesday to Sunday all year & Bank Holiday Mondays

Please check regularly for updates

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We can only survive with support from our own income and those kind enough to donate to the Castle.

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