The remains of the ancient castle, founded by Robert Burnell, Bishop of
Bath and Wells, consist of a large building, with a square tower at each
angle. To this place the parliament of Shrewsbury adjourned in 1283,
where were passed (and received the royal assent) certain legislative
regulations, and amongst these the act touching merchant debtors, called
“Statutum de Mercatoribus,” designated likewise the Statute of Acton
Burnell. The church is cruciform, and in the pointed style of the
fourteenth century, having a wooden tower in the centre. Near this
village is the seat of Sir Edward Joseph Smythe, Bart. and the grounds of
the park are beautiful and extensive.