Brampton Bryan

Brampton Bryan is a small village with a complex history. Once part of the Mortimer estates, The Harley Estate has owned and controlled the area since the fourteenth century. Robert Harley (1579-1656) was a prominent Marcher lord and a dedicated Puritan, serving as a member of Parliament. Most famously he left the estate and castle in the hands of his wife, Lady Brilliana Harley, who repulsed the Royalist forces in July 1643 after some weeks of siege during which all the buildings in the village were burned to the ground, cattle, sheep and horses were plundered and the castle was attacked with cannon and shot. Her casualties were very low but a tenth of the Royalists were killed or injured. Subsequently her health grew worse and she died at the end of that year. The Royalists laid siege again in the spring of 1644 and the castle was surrendered after only three weeks. It was sacked and burned and the Harley children were taken to Shrewsbury. Cromwell rewarded Robert Harley well for his support and compensation amounted to £13,000 (£1,000 today).

There are delightful walks on the Harley Estate, a cafe for refreshments and the famous yew hedge to photograph.

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