victorian country house built style medieval castle stands woodland north end mile northwest village recorded designated grade listed building house built middle 19th century family home wealthy landowner estate manager member parliament designed gothic style second world war physically handicapped children family castle occasional gatherings unused castle leased lord private residence closed public right wing tower castle gardens restored glory american employed daughter wedding held chapel special decree obtained archbishop_of_canterbury legally hold catholic weddings grounds castle 1970s 1980s location shooting films television programmes castle bought converted hotel purchased family expanded use include hosting weddings conferences functions early history built largest landowner time described greatest estate manager day choice architect appointed paid thousand today compensation instead appointed greater reputation experience carried work manor house suffolk castle built dean son acting clerk works stone obtained quarry mile west site railway built carry stone castle cost million built family home design medieval castle gatehouse dry moat external windows little arrow slots large towers said exhibit peculiar castle sir called largest carefully executed gothic mansion present height regarded fortified home built england executed highest standards great buildings age debate motives building complete medieval style castle 19th century great estate manager perceived man considerable opinion protecting family political troubles time defensive building able protect revolution masses nearby manchester liverpool possible practical reason building solid residence style villa provide shelter adverse weather conditions affect plain comes conclusion decisive factors use vast inheritance provide house impressive dominant suitable greatest landowner location stands wooded area near northern elevation feet land falls downwards north west castle long distance runs base slopes ruins castle stand separate sloping hill miles north village miles northeast village mile southeast access road architecture castle external castle faced red sandstone lead asphalt tile roofs mainly storeys storey tower buildings arranged ward principal accommodation north surrounded dry moat gatehouse west inner ward stables coach house rectangular bell tower service area north great hall range consists bays entrance hall circular main tower east end gallery wing octagonal library tower outer walls castle height slender turrets changes direction tables support walls contain arrow slots gatehouse flat roof internal porch leads great hall tile floor large stone chimney piece east wing long gallery oak chimney piece ceiling long gallery irregularly shaped room drawing room south library great hall main staircase circular tower north west corner contains octagonal dining room tile floor vault radial ribs running central boss room contains oak carved dining room wine cellar fifth floor circular tower room designed playing approached stone spiral staircase garden castle formal garden drive kitchen gardens included vegetable gardens orchard extensive glass houses large time employed chapel east ward family private chapel grade listed building designed constructed rock faced sandstone tile roof plan consists bay nave south aisle narrower lower single bay chancel ends nave chancel stone cross chancel arch stone inside chapel arcade gothic arches separates south aisle nave oak inscribed lord prayer benches nave carved west end contains carved stone font carved oak cover described modest building chapel considered complete ensemble castle entrance lodge entrance lodge southeast castle listed grade designed constructed red brick stone tile roof consists round turret storey lodge left later history present use moving castle 1890s 2nd baron added central heating electric light large scheme started hills resulting woodland granted status grandson family left outbreak second world war war castle physically handicapped children evacuated london area died sons estate passed cousin 1970s 1980s early 1990s castle location shooting films television programmes include doctor serial time warrior broadcast movie starring world live action role playing games took place site castle purchased american million renovated building secured planning permission convert hotel married castle following family bought property luxury hotel venue corporate events weddings building severely damaged fire june wedding cost damage region million december admitted charge arson
Peckforton Castle