FRONTLINE, SHROPSHIRE

THE MARCHER LORDS ARRIVE

The English shire town of Oswestry in Shropshire formed a key frontier stronghold during the early le Strange period, serving as part of England’s frontline defence along the Welsh Marches. It included these Castles: Knockin, Oswestry, Kinnerley, Whittington

It was John le Strange I (d. 1178) who inherited his father Roland le Strange’s Norfolk estates sometime between 1122 and 1135. Documentary evidence shows that by 1155 he was active in both Norfolk and Shropshire, witnessing charters and grants alongside his principal allies, the FitzAlan family. The FitzAlans—descendants of Alan fitz Flaad—were established at Oswestry and Shrawardine, forming one of the dominant Marcher dynasties of the region.

Between 1155 and 1160, John le Strange’s holdings increased substantially, largely through subinfeudation from William fitz Alan (I), son of Alan fitz Flaad. Through this association, John acquired lands within the FitzAlan barony, including Myddle Manor; Ruyton-of-the-Eleven-Towns; Wykey (then independent); Moreton; Maesbrook; Melverley; Acton Scott; Abdon; Berrington; Glazeley; Longnor; and Alwett.

In 1158, John further expanded his position by inheriting the Shropshire estates of his younger brother Hamon. These included Cheswardine and Osbaston Manor, later fortified and known as Knockin Castle, strategically positioned on the frontline of the Shropshire Marches. He is also recorded as holding Ness and Myddle, the latter subsequently strengthened and castellated.

By the later 12th century, the le Stranges had firmly established themselves as a significant Marcher family, holding a network of manors and castles that secured the volatile borderlands between England and Wales, while maintaining their ancestral seat at Hunstanton in Norfolk.