Upton Cressett Hall
Home to the Cash family, the oldest house built entirely of brick in Shropshire.
Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 6UH
The Hall as it stands today was built in the late sixteenth century – with the remains of a 15th century Great Hall – and is reputed to be the oldest dated house built entirely of brick in Shropshire. A ‘date-stone’ of 1580 can clearly be seen on the front of the house from the Moat Lawn.
From the 14th century until 1926, the historic estate belonged to the Cressett family – Shropshire landowners and royalist courtiers – and their descendants. The Cressett direct line died out with the death of Elizabeth Cressett in 1792 after which the estate passed through various branches of the Pelham Cressett and Thursby Pelham family (which included two prime ministers).
The site of the Hall is ancient. It is recorded in the Domesday Book and in nearby fields there are the remains of a second century Roman settlement. The surrounding land is also the site of a deserted medieval village, traces of which remain as earthworks. A tiny Norman church, dedicated to St Michael, stands nearby and is maintained by the The Churches Conservation Trust.
Parts of the Hall date to 1380 and are the remains of an earlier manor which belonged to the de Upton family. In the thirteenth century, the de Uptons were Verderers of the Royal Forest of Morfe and Knights and suitors to Holgate Castle, and the last of their line married into the Cressett family in the 14th century.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Upton Cressett Hall offers a variety of attractions and events for visitors, including group tours, accommodation, and special exhibitions. Below is a detailed summary of the offerings and their respective conditions:
Group Tours
Group tours are available all year round by appointment. Groups can range from 12 to 40 people. The entrance fee for the Hall and Gardens, including a house tour and refreshments (homemade cakes, scones, and tea or coffee), is £22.50. Lunch menus for groups start at £35, which includes a glass of wine. Catering is typically provided in the Dragon Hall, but occasionally in the Great Hall of the main house. A 50% deposit is required to book, with the balance due two weeks before the visit. Wheelchair access is limited to the gardens and the ground floor of the Hall. Due to narrow access roads, large coaches (50+ seats) are not permitted, but shuttle services can be arranged for an additional fee.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available year-round with specific minimum stay requirements: two nights generally, three nights in August and on Bank Holidays, and five nights during Christmas and New Year. Availability can be checked via the provided calendars for each accommodation option.
St Michael’s Church
The Grade 1 Norman Church of St Michael is open every day of the year with free entry. It features notable architecture and historical artifacts, including a Norman font and the 16th-century Cressett Brass.
Restoration Hall Exhibition
Opening in May 2016, this exhibition showcases the history and restoration of Upton Cressett Hall, including photographs, drawings, and a video interview with artist Adam Dant. The exhibition also highlights the new gardens designed by Dr. Katherine Swift and Lindsay Bousfield.
Literary Talks and Walks
Starting in 2024, a series of literary talks and guided walks led by William Cash will be available. Topics include historical and literary themes related to Shropshire. Advance tickets are required.
The Gatehouse
The Gatehouse at Upton Cressett is Grade 1 listed. It was built by Richard Cressett in 1580 and is regarded one of the finest Elizabethan gatehouses in the country. It is often compared to the Tower at Sissinghurst Castle in...
Restoration
The Hall was saved in 1969 when Bill Cash – then a 30 year old lawyer in London with a young family – noticed Upton Cressett on the endangered buildings list of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings...
St Michael's Church
Any visitor to Upton Cressett must stop by the beautiful Grade 1 Norman Church of St Michael, which has stood beside the Hall since the 11th century. It’s simple architecture and fine Chancel Arch and Norman font has been acclaimed...
Willam and Lady Laura Cash
“Upton Cressett has been almost unaltered since the Elizabethan era so a visit, or romantic stay, is a magical step back in time. With our 800 years of history and beautiful gardens, we look forward to welcoming you to one of the secret jewels of Shropshire”