Editing Peckforton Castle

{{Short description|Grade I listed English country house in Cheshire East, United Kingdom}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox historic site | name = Peckforton Castle| native_name = | image = Peckforton Castle 2014.jpg| image_size = 300| caption = Peckforton Castle from the courtyard| alt=  A sandstone castle-like building with a tower slightly to the left of centre. The walls are battlemented and in the foreground is a grassed area   | locmapin = Cheshire| map_width = 250| map_caption = Location in Cheshire
| coordinates = {{coord|53.1175|-2.6990|region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| gbgridref = SJ 533 580 | location = [[Peckforton]], [[Cheshire]], England| area = | elevation = {{convert|469.2|ft|m|0}}| formed = | founded = | built = 1844–50| built_for = [[John Tollemache, 1st Baron Tollemache]]| demolished = | rebuilt = | restored = | restored_by = | architect = [[Anthony Salvin]]| architecture = [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]]| visitation_num = | visitation_year = | governing_body = | designation1 = Grade I| designation1_offname = | designation1_type = | designation1_criteria = | designation1_date = 10 June 1952| delisted1_date = | designation1_parent = | designation1_number = 56862 | designation1_free1name = | designation1_free1value = | designation1_free2name = | designation1_free2value = | designation1_free3name = | designation1_free3value = | designation2 = | designation2_offname = | designation2_type = | designation2_criteria = | designation2_date = | delisted2_date = | designation2_parent = | designation2_number = | designation2_free1name = | designation2_free1value = | designation2_free2name = | designation2_free2value = | designation2_free3name = | designation2_free3value = }}

'''Peckforton Castle''' is a Victorian [[English country houses|country house]] built in the style of a [[England in the Middle Ages|medieval]] [[castle]]. It stands in woodland at the north end of [[Peckforton Hills]] {{convert|1|mi|km|0|spell=in}} northwest of the village of [[Peckforton]], [[Cheshire]], England. It is recorded in the [[National Heritage List for England]] as a designated Grade&nbsp;I [[Listed building#England and Wales|listed building]].<ref name=images>{{National Heritage List for England |num= 1135729|desc= Peckforton Castle|access-date= 12 August 2012|mode=cs2}}</ref> The house was built in the middle of the 19th&nbsp;century as a family home for [[John Tollemache, 1st Baron Tollemache|John Tollemache]], a wealthy Cheshire landowner, estate manager, and member of parliament. It was designed by [[Anthony Salvin]] in the [[English Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style. During the [[Second World War]] it was used as a hostel for physically disabled children.

The Tollemache family used the castle for occasional gatherings, but otherwise it was unused until 1969. From 1969 to 1980 the castle was leased by the [[John Tollemache, 4th Baron Tollemache|4th Lord Tollemache]] to George W. Barrett, and it again became a private residence and closed to the public. The right wing and tower and the castle gardens were restored by Barrett, an American employed by the U.S. Government. His daughter Pascale's wedding was the first to be held in the chapel and a special decree had to be obtained by the Archbishop of Canterbury to legally hold Catholic weddings in the grounds of the castle.

During the 1970s and 1980s it was used as a location for shooting films and television programmes. The castle was bought in 1988 by Evelyn Graybill, who converted it into a hotel. In 2006 it was purchased by the Naylor family, who expanded its use to include hosting weddings, conferences and other functions.

==Early history==
[[File:Peckforton Front Gate.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|View of the front gate of Peckforton Castle]]
Peckforton Castle was built between 1844 and 1850 for [[John Tollemache, 1st Baron Tollemache|John Tollemache]], the largest landowner in Cheshire at the time, who was described by [[William Ewart Gladstone]] as "the greatest estate manager of his day".<ref name="Durdey2007">{{Harvnb|Durdey|2007|p=77}}</ref> Tollemache's first choice of architect was [[George Latham (architect)|George Latham]] of [[Nantwich]], but he was not appointed, and was paid £2,000 in compensation. Instead Tollemache appointed [[Anthony Salvin]], who had a greater reputation and more experience, and who had already carried out work on the Tollemache manor house, [[Helmingham Hall]] in [[Suffolk]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Durdey|2007|pp=81–82}}</ref> The castle was built by Dean and Son of [[Leftwich]], with Joseph Cookson of [[Tarporley]] acting as clerk of works. Stone was obtained from a quarry about {{convert|1|mi|km|0}} to the west of the site, and a railway was built to carry the stone.<ref>{{Harvnb|Durdey|2007|p=83.}}</ref> The castle cost £60,000.<ref name=pev>{{Harvnb|Hartwell|Hyde|Hubbard|Pevsner|2011|pp=524–527}}</ref>

Although it was built as a family home its design was that of a [[Middle Ages|medieval]] castle. It has a [[gatehouse]], a [[portcullis]], a dry [[moat]], external windows that are little more than [[arrowslit|arrow slots]], and large towers.<ref name=d75>{{Harvnb|Durdey|2007|p=75}}</ref> In 1851 ''[[The Illustrated London News]]'' said that it "seems to exhibit the peculiar beauties of [[Caernarfon Castle|Carnarvon Castle]] without its inconveniences" and in 1858 [[George Gilbert Scott|Sir George Gilbert Scott]] called it "the largest and most carefully and learnedly executed Gothic mansion of the present"  and that it was "the very height of masquerading".<ref name=pev/> It is regarded as "the last serious fortified home built in England" and "it was executed to the highest standards and is one of the great buildings of its age".<ref name=images/>

There has been debate about the motives for building a more-or-less complete medieval-style castle in the 19th&nbsp;century. Although he was a great estate manager, Tollemache was also perceived as "a man of considerable eccentricity".<ref name=d75/> Dr Jill Allibone is of the opinion that he might have been protecting himself and his family from the political troubles of the time.{{sfn|Allibone|1988|p=101}} In a defensive building he would be able to protect himself against any revolution by the masses from nearby [[Manchester]] or [[Liverpool]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Durdey|2007|p=76}} This opinion was expressed in Allibone's doctoral thesis on Anthony Salvin, published in London in 1977.</ref> A possible practical reason for building such a solid residence rather than an [[Italianate architecture|Italianate]]-style villa was to provide shelter from the adverse weather conditions which could affect the Cheshire plain.<ref>{{Harvnb|Durdey|2007|pp=76–77}}</ref> However Durdey comes to the conclusion that the decisive factors were to use his "vast inheritance" to provide himself with a house that was "impressive, dominant and suitable for Cheshire's greatest landowner".<ref name="Durdey2007" />

==Location==
Peckforton Castle stands in a wooded area near the northern extremity of [[Peckforton Hills]] at an elevation of {{convert|469.2|ft|m|0}}. The land falls steeply downwards to the north and the west of the castle, and the [[Sandstone Trail]], a [[Long-distance footpaths in the United Kingdom|long-distance footpath]], runs along the base of these slopes. The ruins of [[Beeston Castle]] stand on a separate steeply sloping hill {{convert|0.75|mi|km|0}} to the north. The village of [[Beeston, Cheshire|Beeston]] is {{convert|0.75|mi|km|0}} to the northeast and the village of [[Peckforton]] is {{convert|1|mi|km|0}} to the southeast. Access is via the road between Beeston and Peckforton.<ref>''Crewe & Nantwich, Whitchurch & Tattenhall: Explorer 257 map'', [[Ordnance Survey]].</ref>

==Architecture==
[[File:Peckforton Castle from Stanner Nab.jpg|upright=1.6|thumb|Peckforton Castle is in the right foreground. The medieval [[Beeston Castle]] is on the hill beyond at left.|alt=A wooded area with a sandstone castle on the right. Beyond is another wooded hill with the ruins of a castle on its top. In the far distance are fields and houses.]]

===Castle===
====External====
The castle is faced with red [[sandstone]], and has lead, [[Bitumen|asphalt]] and tile roofs. It is mainly in three storeys with a five-storey tower. The buildings are arranged around a [[Inner ward|ward]] with the principal accommodation on the north side. It is surrounded by a dry moat which is bridged at the gatehouse. To the west of the inner ward are the stables, the coach house, a rectangular bell tower and the kitchens and service area. To the north is the great hall range which consists of 18&nbsp;bays. Behind the entrance to the hall is the circular main tower. At the east end of the gallery wing is the octagonal library tower. The outer walls of the castle have full-height slender [[Turret (architecture)|turret]]s at the changes in direction. [[Corbel]] tables support part of the [[battlement]]s. The walls contain arrow slots, and in the gatehouse is a [[garderobe]]. The flat roof has a [[Crenellation|crenellated]] [[parapet]].<ref name=images/>

====Internal====
The porch leads into the [[great hall]] which has a [[Mintons Ltd|Minton tile]] floor and a large stone chimney piece. In the east wing is the [[long gallery]] which has oak panelling, a chimney-piece and a panelled ceiling. Behind the long gallery is an irregularly-shaped billiard room and the drawing room. To the south of these is the library. Behind the great hall is the main staircase. The circular tower at the north-west corner contains the octagonal dining room with a Minton tile floor, two fireplaces, and a [[Vault (architecture)|vault]] of eight radial ribs running to a central [[boss (architecture)|boss]]. The room contains an oak [[sideboard]] with a carved [[Green Man]]. Below the dining room is a wine cellar. On the fifth floor of the circular tower is a room designed for playing [[rackets (sport)|rackets]], which is approached by a stone spiral staircase.<ref name=images/>

===Garden===
The castle had no formal garden, but at the bottom of the drive were kitchen gardens which included vegetable gardens, an orchard, extensive glass houses and a large [[orangery]]. At one time, 17&nbsp;gardeners were employed.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.peckfortonhills.co.uk/public/control.php?_path=/137/165/171 |title=Peckforton Castle |access-date=1 March 2008 |publisher=Peckforton Hills Local Heritage |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718082640/http://www.peckfortonhills.co.uk/public/control.php?_path=%2F137%2F165%2F171 |archive-date=18 July 2006 |url-status=usurped }}</ref>

===Chapel===
On the east side of the ward is the family's private chapel, a Grade&nbsp;II* listed building. It was also designed by Salvin and is constructed of rock-faced sandstone with a tile roof. Its plan consists of a two-[[bay (architecture)|bay]] [[nave]], a south [[aisle]], a [[vestry]], and a narrower and lower single-bay [[chancel]]. On the [[gable]] ends of the nave and chancel are stone cross [[finial]]s. Over the chancel arch is a [[cruciform]] stone [[Bell-Cot|bellcote]]. Inside the chapel an [[Arcade (architecture)|arcade]] of three [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] arches separates the south aisle from the nave. The [[reredos]] is made of oak and is inscribed with the [[Lord's Prayer]] and the [[Ten Commandments]]. The choirstalls and the benches in the nave are carved with [[Poppyhead (carving)|poppyheads]]. The [[baptistry]] at the west end contains a carved stone [[baptismal font|font]] with a carved oak cover. Although it is described as a modest building, the chapel is considered to "complete the ensemble" of the castle.<ref>{{National Heritage List for England |num= 1138621|desc= Chapel in the ward of Peckforton Castle|access-date= 12 August 2012|mode=cs2|fewer-links=x}}</ref>

===Entrance lodge===
The entrance lodge to the southeast of the castle is also listed at Grade&nbsp;II*. It was designed by Salvin and is constructed in red brick and stone with a tile roof. It consists of an archway with a round [[Turret (architecture)|turret]] behind and a two-storey lodge to the left.<ref>{{National Heritage List for England|num=1313148|desc=Entrance Lodge southeast of Peckforton Castle|access-date=30 April 2011|mode=cs2|fewer-links=x}}</ref>

==Later history and present use==
[[File:Peckforton Castle Wedding.jpg|thumb|right|A formal room set up for a wedding reception]]
Before moving into the castle in the 1890s, [[Wilbraham Tollemache, 2nd Baron Tollemache]] added central heating and electric light.<ref name=d86>{{Harvnb|Durdey|2007|p=86}}</ref> In 1922 a large scheme of afforestation was started on the Peckforton Hills,<ref name=d86/> and the resulting woodland has been granted the status of a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]].<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1002801.pdf | title = Citation | access-date = 29 September 2009 | publisher = [[English Nature]] }}</ref> [[Bentley Lyonel John Tollemache, 3rd Baron Tollemache|Bentley Tollemache, 3rd Baron Tollemache]], grandson of Wilbraham Tollemache, and his family left Peckforton at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.

During the war the castle was used as a hostel for physically handicapped children who had been evacuated from the London area. Bentley Tollemache died in 1955 and, as he had no sons, the estate passed to his cousin, [[John Tollemache, 4th Baron Tollemache|John Tollemache]].<ref name=sand>{{Citation | last = Bate| first = Helen| date = January 2007| title = Kings of the Castle | volume = 8| series = The Sandstone News | publisher = sandstonenews.co.uk| url = http://www.sandstonenews.org.uk/Newsletters/Issue8/Issue8.pdf | access-date = 29 September 2009}}{{dead link|date=September 2014}}</ref>

During the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s, the castle was used as a location for shooting films and television programmes. These include the ''[[Doctor Who]]'' serial ''[[The Time Warrior]]'', broadcast in 1973–74,<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.doctorwholocations.net/stories/timewarrior| title = The Time Warrior | access-date = 29 September 2009 | publisher = Doctor Who Locations Guide}}</ref> and a 1991 movie of ''[[Robin Hood (1991 British film)|Robin Hood]]'' starring [[Patrick Bergin]] and [[Uma Thurman]].<ref>{{Citation | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102797/| title = Robin Hood (1991 TV) | access-date = 29 September 2009| publisher = [[IMDb]]}}</ref> From 1982 to 1986, ''[[Treasure Trap]]'', one of the world's first [[live action role-playing games]], took place on the site.<ref>{{Citation | last = Barrell | first = Tony | date = 26 October 2003 | title = The land of make believe | periodical = The Sunday Times | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/article993904.ece | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070221011649/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/article993904.ece | url-status = dead | archive-date = 21 February 2007 | access-date = 29 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Kostick | first = Conor | title = Treasure Trap and LARP | website = Level Up | url = https://www.levelup.pub/treasure-trap-and-larp | access-date = 21 April 2022}}</ref> In 1988 the castle was purchased by an American, Evelyn Graybill, for £1&nbsp;million. She renovated most of the building and secured planning permission to convert it into a hotel.<ref>{{Citation | date = 10 September 1998 | title = Hotel dream is no castle in the air | series = Guardian Series | url = http://archive.runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk/1998/9/10/237737.html | access-date = 29 September 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

In 2006 a member of the Naylor family was married in the castle, and the family subsequently bought it.<ref name=sand/> Peckforton is now used as a hotel and for corporate events and weddings.<ref>{{citation  |url=http://www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk/ |title= Welcome to Peckforton Castle |access-date=29 September 2009 |publisher= Peckforton Castle}}</ref> The building was severely damaged by fire in June 2011 during a wedding, the cost of the damage being in the region of £6 million. In December 2011 the bridegroom admitted to a charge of arson.<ref>{{Citation | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-16003901| title = Peckforton Castle fire: Bridegroom admits £6m arson| access-date = 3 December 2011| publisher = [[BBC]]| date=2 December 2011}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Cheshire}}
*[[Grade I listed buildings in Cheshire West and Chester]]
*[[Listed buildings in Peckforton]]
*[[Castles in Great Britain and Ireland]]
*[[List of castles in England]]

==References==
'''Citations'''
{{Reflist}}
'''Sources'''
{{refbegin}}
*{{Citation | last =Allibone | first =Jill | title = Anthony Salvin: Pioneer of Gothic Revival Architecture  | publisher = [[Lutterworth Press]]| year =1988| location =Cambridge | isbn =978-0-7188-2707-6 }}
*{{Citation | last =Durdey | first =Ronald | year =2007 | title =John Tollemache and his Castle | journal =Cheshire History | volume = 47| pages =75–87 | issn =0141-8696 | postscript = . }}
*{{Citation | last1 = Hartwell | first1 = Clare |last2 = Hyde | first2 = Matthew |last3 = Hubbard | first3 = Edward | author3-link=Edward Hubbard (architectural historian) | last4 =Pevsner | first4 =Nikolaus | author4-link =Nikolaus Pevsner | series= The Buildings of England| title = Cheshire | publisher =[[Yale University Press]]| year =2011| orig-year=1971| location =New Haven and London| isbn =978-0-300-17043-6 }}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk/ Peckforton Castle website]
*[http://www.thornber.net/cheshire/htmlfiles/peckforton.html Photographs of the castle]

[[Category:Hotels in Cheshire]]
[[Category:Grade I listed buildings in Cheshire]]
[[Category:Grade I listed houses]]
[[Category:Country houses in Cheshire]]
[[Category:Houses completed in 1850]]
[[Category:Gothic Revival architecture in Cheshire]]
[[Category:Anthony Salvin buildings]]
[[Category:Mock castles in England]]
[[Category:Country house hotels]]