Oswestry

Oswestry is a Shire which includes Knockyn (Knockin) Castle, Oswestry Castle, Kennerley Castle, Whittington Castle

Oswestry in Shropshire was the frontline defence for England during the early le Strange era.

Arrival of the le Stranges

The 3rd Lord of Hunstanton, John le Strange [I] (d. 1178) inherited his Father, Roland le Strange’s Estates in Norfolk about 1122-1135. John was active in both Norfolk and Shrophire by 1155, witnessing various grants of their Chief associates, the Fitz Alan Family who resided nearby at Oswestry and Shrawardine Castles.

In 1158, Joh also inherited his younger brother, Hamon’s Estates in Shropshire which included Cheswardine, Osbaston Manor House (later aka Knockin Castle) situated at the very frontline of defence in the Shropshire Marches.

We also know that he held Ness, and Myddle Castles.

1155-60 large additions were made to the lands acquired by John le Strange, nearly, if not quite all of them, by subinfeudation from the son of Alan fitz Flaald, William fitz Alan (I).

NB: Also held land in the barony of Fitz Alan was Myddle Manor, was afterwards castellated ; Ruyton-of-the-eleven-towns; Wykey, now part of Ruyton, but at that time independent; Moreton, Maesbrook, Melverley, Acton-Scott, Abdon, Berrington, Glazeley, Longnor, and Alwett (?)