A visit to the Castle starts as you pass through the gatehouse lodge and up the sprawling driveway. Pass through the surrounding woodland before entering via an open carriage way, protected by a stunning portcullis through which adventure awaits…
1840 - 1851
It was in 1840 that John Tollemache bought the land that would become the home of Peckforton Castle. 36,000 acres of sprawling green Cheshire countryside. The plot included the villages of Peckforton and Beeston, plus the rolling hills destined to house this grand project.
Tollemache dreamt of a palatial fortified home in the style of a medieval castle and so work commenced in 1842 and the castle’s story began. With the sheer magnitude of such an imposing build, it was not completed until 1851.
1890 - 1952
In 1876, Tollemache was awarded a Lordship in recognition of his services to agriculture. Throughout his life he was married twice, father to an impressive 25 sons and one daughter until he passed away in 1890 at the ripe old age of 85.
Only 12 of his sons survived him. The last member of the Tollemache family to live in the castle was Lord Bentley; who left Peckforton in 1939 and took up residence in Eastbourne. During World War II, in Lord Bentley’s absence the Castle provided care and a safe home to disabled evacuee children.
In 1952, the Castle was recognised and rewarded by English Heritage when it was granted Grade I-listed status; as a building of exceptional interest and importance.
In the 1980s the castle welcomed new tenants hosting a private members club known as The Treasure Trap. Visitors would don medieval costumes for live action fantasy games and once again the incredible setting was at the heart of all the fun. In 1989 the castle was sold again, becoming a venue for business conferences and wedding receptions.
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