Circular Walk 3 Plaster Ceiling

Acton Hall in the country. As part of work undertaken by T.P. Stackhouse Acton, a new family transept was constructed, featuring a fine, rib-vaulted Circular Walk 3 plaster ceiling. To the north is a field called Tower Yard. A medieval Tower, probably a predecessor to the The Country Elizabethan Acton Scott Hall, was abandoned in the Squire’s Stroll 17th century. The stone of the ruins were re-used Discover Shropshire Archaeology elsewhere and nothing As part of the extensive re-landscaping, three remained by 1790. Now Walking the Acton Scott Circular takes roads were moved away from Acton Scott Hall there is only a level patch of you back to a quieter time. One where to enlarge its parklands. The course of one can ground. great Shire horses and farm labourers Lord Stackhouse 1820 be seen 25 yards south west of the Historic were the only horsepower. Through Working Farm’s visitor car park. All that’s left is a High Trees low bank and dip in the ground. an ancient estate little changed since Amongst the improvements made on the it was landscaped in the ‘picturesque’ It was during this work that the remains of a estate by T.P. Stackhouse Acton was this hill manner 200 years ago. The land where Roman Villa were found by Frances Stackhouse top plantation. To the south-east of the wood, Acton. When Frances excavated the site in some earthworks can be seen. This is probably the BBC2’s ‘Victorian Farm’ was filmed. 1844 she found fragments of painted wall a defended site, possibly Iron Age in date. The The walk is in 4 parts: plaster and parts of an under floor heating name of the field, ‘Burr field’, also indicates this. system. . A short walk to the Church of St Historic Working Farm The dismantled Railway Line Margaret, suitable for all. The Buildwas to Craven Arms railway line was During the 18th century, significant investment . An extension from the Church walk, opened in 1867, crossing the Parish north of was undertaken by Edward Acton, including Henley. Once it thrived but eventually traffic taking in the Glebe lands. the rebuilding of the Home Farm. This is the dwindled and it was closed in 1951. location of the Historic Working Farm, founded . A longer walk including Iron by Thomas Acton in the 1970s. His foresight HM The Queen Elizabeth II spent one night Age earthworks, the dismantled preserved many traditional skills that might on the Royal Train stationed in the cutting, Railway Line and Acton Scott Hall easily have been lost to modern day practices. during a visit to Shropshire shortly before her It is well worth a visit to see what it was like to coronation. Villagers waved flags from the field Carriageway. live and work on a Victorian Farm. above and the Queen, dressed in red, was seen . A short cut to the longer walk. to wave back. St Margaret’s Church The Carriageway Acton Scott today The Church occupies an ancient site and is This tree lined lane is one of three new The landscape you see today has its origins surrounded by yew carriageways, built by T.P. Stackhouse Acton, in work undertaken in the early 19th century trees over 800 years each with its own Lodge and Gate. Visitors by Thomas Pendarves (T.P.) Stackhouse Acton old. The 12th century would have travelled nearly a mile along this and his wife, Frances. The landscaping work tower houses a peal route, taking in the picturesque landscape was undertaken in the latest style of the time, of three bells, thought to be one of the earliest before reaching the Hall. known as the ‘picturesque’. Prior to this, very little woodland existed and For further information about Acton Scott the estate would have looked very different. see www.actonscott.com

Designed by MA Creative • www.macreative.co.uk • Photographs copyright of the Acton Scott Estate The Long Mynd from Acton Scott

Discover Shropshire Circular Walk 3 1 For a more detailed map and information 0 KILOMETRES /2 visit: www.shropshirewalking.co.uk

1 0 MILES /4

DIFFICULTY: Can be wet under foot

3½ mile walk Please note: The Historic Working Farm car park Village Hall opens from 10am to 5pm Tuesdays to Sundays and Start bank holidays between Roman Villa April and November. Castle Glebelands The Church carHill park is open Home Farm every day from 8am to 6pm Bench Tower Yard Hatton St Margaret’s Acton Scott Wood Church Hall

To Church Church Stretton Car Park

High Trees Earthworks

AY E W A G R R I C A S H E O R N T C A U T L

E L

N E H Barn

A49

I L W AY E D R A N T L MA I S To Craven Arms D

Henley Shropshire Way Footpaths Bridleways

Circular walk Permissive Path

Café Place of Worship Public House Wildlife Reserve Toilets Caravan/Camping Site ROUTE PROFILE Visitor Attractions Car Parking

600Feet Telephone box Disabled access route 500 Open Access area Railway Station 400 0 Miles 1 2 3