Work on the castle was begun 1812 during the Napoleonic Wars. Lord Somers commissioned Sir Robert Smirke, R.A., architect of Covent Garden and the British Museum, to build something of a similarly theatrical design.
Stones for the replica medieval castle were brought by mule from the Forest of Dean. An artificial lake was dug and the foundations of Eastnor laid in front.
Wood was in short supply because it was needed for the war effort so Smirke successfully used cast-iron stanchions for the roof trusses.
The Great Hall was designed by George Gilbert Scott. Today this enormous room is lined with suits of armour and other military items.
The Gothic drawing room was among the last works of Augustus Pugin. The completed work was amazingly ornate and more like a cathedral than a drawing room.
Eastnor Castle Opening Times2009: 11:00-16:30 last entry 16:00 on Easter Weekend 10-13th Apr; 3rd-4th & 24-25th May; 7Jun-27Sept: Sun; 20Jul-31Aug: Sun-Thur; DEER PARK: 2009 to be confirmed
Tel: 01531 633160 Eastnor Castle Website
