 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. |
the internet holiday and travel guide to the UK
Eastnor
Castle
