| Alton Castle | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Type | Masonry Castle |
| Built | 12th century |
| Built by | Bertram de Verdun |
Alton Castle is in the village of Alton, Staffordshire (grid reference SK074425). The castle is also known as or referred to in historical documents as Alverton or Aulton. The remains of the castle are a Grade I listed building. It is also a scheduled ancient monument.[1] Despite its close proximity, it is entirely separate from Alton Towers.
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Physical description
The castle is located on a hill above the Churnet Valley.
History
Alton Castle was founded by Bertram de Verdon and built on a rocky precipice overlooking the River Churnet in the 12th century. It was substantially reconstructed during the 15th century and subsequently was damaged during the Civil War. In 1847 it was significantly reconstructed by Pugin as a Gothic country house[2] for the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury.[1]
The site was taken over by the Sisters of Mercy in 1855 and the presbytery became their convent. The castle remained a private residence until 1919 when the Sisters of Mercy bought it for £3,500 to extend their boarding school. The school closed in 1989 and the castle was left empty until in 1996.[3]
In 1996 it was established by the Archdiocese of Birmingham as a Catholic Youth Retreat Centre.[4] As many as 7,000 children age 9-13 spend time there each year.[5]
This is a Grade II* listed building.[6]
Notes
- ^ a b "Images of England: Alton Castle". English Heritage. http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=275004. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
- ^ "Alton Castle". CastleUK.Net. http://www.castleuk.net/castle_lists_midlands/128/altoncastle.htm. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
- ^ "Alton Castle". Staffordshire County Council. http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/engine/resource/exhibition/standard/default.asp?resource=13101. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
- ^ "Alton Castle". Gabriel Education Trust. http://www.altoncastle.co.uk/. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
- ^ Paul Connor. "Alton Castle - a Christian haven". BBC.
- ^ "Images of England: St. John's Preparatory School". English Heritage. http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/details/default.aspx?pid=1&id=275005. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
External links
- "Alton Castle". Webb Aviation. http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/gallery/v/alton/alton-castle-aerial-aa04173b.jpg.html. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
- "Alton Castle". Pugin Society. http://www.pugin.com/PugAcas.htm. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
See also
- Alton Towers - a nearby but separate property
- List of Grade I listed buildings in Staffordshire
Coordinates: 52°58′47″N 1°53′28″W / 52.97980°N 1.89124°Wtsd all day
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