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 historical tours, literary talks, and group visits. Below is a detailed summary of the offerings:
Literary Talks and Walks
In 2024, Upton Cressett Hall will host a series of literary talks and walks led by William Cash. Specific dates and details will be announced. Planned walks include:
- A walk along the Abbesses' Way from Morville Priory to Wenlock Priory
- A walk along AE Housman's Shropshire Hills
- PG Wodehouse's Shropshire
- The Three Castles Walk from Ludlow
Future talks include topics such as the restoration of Upton Cressett and the art of country house painting by Adam Dant.
St Michael’s Church
The Grade 1 Norman Church of St Michael is open daily throughout the year with free entry. It features notable architecture and historical artifacts, including the early Norman font and the 16th-century Cressett Brass.
Group Tours
Group tours are available year-round by appointment. Groups of 12 to 40 people can enjoy a house tour and refreshments for £22.50 per person. Lunch menus start at £35 per person. Wheelchair access is limited to the gardens and ground floor of the Hall.
Open Days
Open days are hosted through "Invitation to View" and include a two-course lunch with wine. Scheduled dates are:
- Wednesday, 7th May
- Wednesday, 4th June
- Wednesday, 2nd July
- Wednesday, 6th August
Guests arrive at 11:30 AM and meet family members during the visit.
Upton Cressett Literary and History Festival
The festival on Saturday, 7th September 2019, features guided tours, talks, and performances. Highlights include:
- Talks by William Sitwell, Harry Mount, Jane Thynne, and others
- Elizabethan costume dancing and falconry
- Gourmet food and drinks
Guided tours are £10 each, and Historic Houses members have free admission with a festival ticket.
Restoration Hall Exhibition
The exhibition showcases the restoration history of Upton Cressett Hall and its gardens, featuring photographs, drawings, and a video interview with artist Adam Dant.
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”