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• 1840 - 1876
• 1876 - 1939
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1840 - 1876

The story starts in 1840 when John Tollemache bought/inherited 36,000 acres of land which included the villages of Peckforton and Beeston. The Tollemache family ancestral home was, and still is in Helmingham, Suffolk where Elizabeth 1 is said to have stayed in 1578.

John Tollemach's dream was to build on the top of the Peckforton Hills a fortified home in the style of a medieval castle and to this end work commenced in 1842 but the magnitude of the project meant it was not completed until 1851. Such a unique and magnificent project has since been rewarded by English Heritage giving it the status of a Grade 1 Listed Building. The forest planted soon after the completion of the castle has since been awarded the status of S.S.S.I (Site of Special Scientific Importance).

The Architect was Anthony Salvin, who was also responsible for various other castles around the country in the late 19th century. The design follows the Norman style of architecture which prevailed in the time of Edward 1. It should be emphasised that Peckforton castle is not 'pseudo' or 'mock' but is a real castle built on the 13th century model and capable of being just as effective as a fortress of that time.

1876 - 1939 >>
1939 - present day >>

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