Located a few miles NW of Pontesbury guarding the route from Shrewsbury to Montgomery. Caus occupies one of the best defensive sites along the Welsh border, on the summit of a steep ridge above the River Rea.
Before its ruin the castle featured a round shell-keep with a curtain wall encompassing an inner bailey, entered by a gatehouse at the N end. Archaeological remains also indicate a rectangular building adjacent to the keep on the S side, which likely was the great hall.
A possible performance venue. Caus Castle was refurbished by Henry, 10th Baron Stafford, whose entertainers are recorded elsewhere in Shropshire in the mid-16th c. It may also have been used a residence by Edward, 12th Baron Stafford, whose entertainers appear in the SW, before he lost ownership in 1590
Only ruined earthworks remain.
late 11th c. Original Caus Castle built by Roger Fitz Corbet, probably at the site of the Hawcocks Mount ringwork. Abandoned in the 12th c. (Barker, 'Caus Castle' 34).
Late 12th c. A new stone motte and bailey castle was built three-quarters of a mile W. The borough of Cause was founded in the outer bailey.
1347 On the death of Beatrice Corbet the castle passed to the Staffords.
early 15th c. Garrisoned during Welsh rebellions but abandoned as a residence.
1521 Described as ruinous in a survey of the Stafford estates.
ca. 1540--56 Extensive repairs and alterations by Henry, 10th Baron Stafford, who used it as a residence.
1573 Sold to Sir Rowland Hayward as a gift for his son-in-law John Thynne but the Staffords retained possession.
1590 Sir John Thynne seized it by force.
1630s Thynne family made further repairs and additions.
1645 The castle surrendered to parliamentary forces after a short siege and was dismantled. Some fittings were removed to the Thynne residence at Minsterley Hall, Shropshire.
18th/early 19th c. Ruins used as a quarry.
REED Shropshire 1.194, 206
| Name | Dates | Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Stafford, Edward | 1536-1603 | 12th Baron |
| Stafford, Henry | 1501-1563 | Earl of , Lord , 10th Baron |
