Peckforton Castle is set on the summit of a thickly wooded hill rising sharply from the Cheshire plain. Although the vast medieval-style building appears to be ancient it was actually constructed in the mid-19th century.
The fortress was the creation of John, 1st Lord Tollemache, who owned huge estates in Cheshire and Suffolk. The 1st Lord was an enlightened and improving landlord who became famous for providing all his estate workers with a cottage and three acres of land.
In keeping with his semi-feudal ideals the 1st Lord created a castle at the centre of his 35,000 acre domain. The romantic house, built in 1844 - 50, was designed in Gothic Revivial style by the celebrated architect, Anthony Salvin. Peckforton Castle was the home of the Tollemaches until World War II, although the family found it difficult to make the huge rooms feel comfortable.
The building was then abandoned until 1988 when it was purchased by the present owner. Peckforton Castle has no historic contents but the building is still a dramatic architectural experience.
The buildiing is also used for banquets and receptions and has been featured in a number of television programmes and films, including the 1991 film, 'Robin Hood'. Only the castle's towers show above the dense trees on Peckforton Hill.
A long drive winds up through the woods to the huge red sandstone castle. The building surrounds a large irregular courtyard and is entered through an authentic-looking gatehouse with a drawbridge and portcullis. To the right is the Chapel, like a small parish church.
One side of the courtyard is left open as a terrace and has spectacular views down through the surrounding woods. On the left are the service buildings and large stable block.
Facing these are the vast main ranges with great towers rising from them, on three sides of the courtyard. Inside Peckforton Castle there is massive and precisely-cut masonry and woodwork on an enormous scale. The Victorian workmanship is of the highest quality but the size gives the interiors a strange quality.
The visitor passes through the porch and enters the Great Hall. This sombre room has a huge vaulted roof and unplastered stone walls. Here, and elsewhere in the castle, are animated figures which give words of wisdom to the visitor.These are part of the present owner's bid to give the castle a new lease of life.
Beyond the Great Hall is staircase set around a unplastered stone light-well. The Gallery and Drawing Room, on one side, are slightly lighter with dado-height panelling and beamed ceilings. Some of the vaults are also on view including the huge wine cellar set in the basement of the tallest tower.
The Dining Room, part-way up the stairs above the wine cellar, is octagonal with deep window embrasures and a vaulted ceiling.
On the upper floor are the former bedrooms which are well-lit but have plain and severe decoration.
A spiral staircase leads to the flat roof and battlements over the main part of the building. From here there are magnificent views over the Castle's skyline and across the Cheshire plain far below.
Open: for weddings and accommodation.
Tel: 01829 260930 Peckforton Castle Website
