Pictures of High Ercall

About High Ercall

High Ercall, or rather Arkle, as the locals pronounce it, is the very epitome of rural charm. It has the most pleasing of village properties, mostly built of rich sandstone and brick, clustered around a T-junction, close to what remains of High Ercall Hall. The hall was built at the turn of the 17th-century for Sir Francis Newport, 1st Earl of Bradford. Little remains of what was once a powerful stronghold of the Royalists during the Civil War for the Newport's, like most of Shropshire's important families, where ardent supporters of the King. In spite of holding out for over a year, the house eventually fell to the Roundheads.

Interestingly, the village was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Another place of interest here is the church which stands next to the remains of High Ercall Hall. It is thought a church may have stood on this spot since Saxon times but St.Michael's shows mostly medieval work with a tower dating from the 14th-century. The base of the tower is badly weather-beaten, however the parishioners have a more romanticised explanation, they say the damage is due to people sharpening their weapons on it in ancient times. The church interior is interesting with many treasures from its rich historic past. In the churchyard, as well as graves covering several centuries, there is a sundial from the 18th-century which records the time in Jerusalem, Rome and Plymouth in Massachusetts.

Another striking feature of the village is the almshouses of 1694. The building is of brick with small dormer windows, it carries an air of solidity, matching the rest of the village.

Lying a short distance from the ancient town of Shrewsbury amid glorious water meadows and fine countryside, this delightful historic village makes a pleasant stopping place when visiting the Shropshire area.