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, including luxury accommodations, group tours, and special events. Below is a detailed summary of the offerings and their respective conditions:
Accommodations
Upton Cressett Hall provides four award-winning self-contained properties available for rent during summer and autumn. These properties include the Gatehouse, Moat House, Coach House, and Cider House. Each property has specific rates for low and high seasons, with a minimum stay of two nights (three nights during Easter, May Bank Holidays, August Bank Holiday, Christmas, and New Year). High season includes mid-July to mid-September, Easter, and Bank Holidays. A 20% premium applies during Christmas and New Year. Rates vary by property and duration of stay. A dog fee of £30 per dog applies, with a maximum of two dogs per property.
Dragon Hall
The Dragon Hall is a boutique dining and events space styled as a 15th-century Florentine palazzo. It accommodates private dining for 10 to 50 guests and includes a professional kitchen, sitting room, and Tudor fireplace. Additional costs may apply for hosting more than 20/22 guests staying on-site. Catering is available through the in-house team.
Group Tours
Group tours are available year-round by appointment, accommodating 12 to 40 guests. Tours include access to the Hall and Gardens, with catering options such as tea, coffee, and lunch menus. A 50% deposit is required for group bookings, with the balance due two weeks before arrival. Wheelchair access is limited to the gardens and ground floor of the Hall.
Literary Talks and Walks
Literary talks and walks led by William Cash will return in 2024, featuring various themed walks and talks. Dates and details will be announced later.
Invitation to View
Exclusive tours under the "Invitation to View" program offer access to private homes, including Upton Cressett Hall. These tours include refreshments and opportunities to interact with the owners. Group bookings for 2023 are available by prior arrangement.
General Policies
- Check-in time is 4 PM, and check-out time is 10 AM.
- A 50% deposit is required upon booking, with the balance due one month before the rental date.
- No commercial photography or filming is allowed without prior consent.
- Fireworks and drones are prohibited on the properties.
- Smoking is not allowed in any property.
For further details or to make bookings, contact Laura at [email protected].
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”