Located in a Shropshire valley close to the Welsh border, Stokesay Castle is one of the best-preserved fortified medieval manor houses in England. It was built in the late 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow. He accumulated vast wealth from the wool trade, becoming one of the richest people in the country. 

After Edward I defeated the Welsh prince, Llywelyn the Last, the once highly volatile border region was safe enough for the merchant to build such a modestly-defended property to protect his fortune. The picturesque gatehouse was added in 1640–41.