Alton Castle

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Alton Castle

Alton Castle is a neo-Gothic castle on a hill above the Churnet Valley. It belongs to the village of Alton in Staffordshire . Fortifications had existed at this point since Saxon times. The original castle dates from the 12th century. The current castle was built in the mid-19th century by John Talbot, 16th Earl of Shrewsbury , from nearby Alton Towers . In 1967 the castle was designated a Grade I Historic Building by English Heritage . It is also a protected archaeological site .

history

The original Alton Castle was built by Bertram de Verdon in the 12th century on a rocky promontory over the Churnet River , which has been fortified since Saxon times. The castle is mentioned in documents as Alton , Alverton or Aulton . This castle from the 12th century was largely rebuilt in the 15th century, but subsequently destroyed in the civil war.

Since 1442 the castle has belonged to the Earls of Shrewsbury, who had resided in nearby Alton Towers since the early 19th century . Most of the castle was in ruins in the middle of the 19th century. John Talbot, 16th Earl of Shrewsbury, commissioned the Catholic architect Augustus Pugin , who was already working for the Earl in Alton Towers, to build a neo-Gothic castle or a neo-Gothic country house in place of the old castle. Most of the ruins from the 12th century were removed and a new building was erected in 1847, resembling a medieval castle from France or Germany. Pugin was also commissioned to redesign the surrounding area on the castle hill. A "replica of a medieval hospital, a guild hall and a choir" was built and consecrated to Saint John the Baptist . The buildings served as a church and hospital for the poor in the community. The church was also used as a school for poor local children.

It is not entirely clear why the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury rebuilt the castle. Perhaps it was intended for the earl's cousin and possible successor, Bertram Talbot, 17th Earl of Shrewsbury , or as a widow's residence for the earl's wife in case the earl died before her. When the new castle was almost complete, the Earl suggested that it be used as a seminary, but Pugin "was firmly against".

In 1855 the property was taken over by the Sisters of Mercy and the choir became their convent. The castle remained a private residence until 1919; then the Sisters of Mercy bought it for £ 3,500 and built it up as an extension of their convent school. The boarding school was closed in 1989 and so the castle remained unused until 1996.

In 1996, the Archdiocese of Birmingham established a Catholic youth retreat in the castle.

today

Alton Castle is now a non-profit youth home for children aged 9 to 13. Over 8000 children visit the castle every year, mainly organized by schools, but also by other youth organizations such as youth groups or non-profit associations that look after disabled children. Some of the children are disadvantaged or disabled and many come from inner-city social hot spots.

The purpose of the youth home at Alton Castle is to increase self-esteem and to form friendships so that the children can recognize their potential. The children take part in many activities during their stay, such as B. mountain biking, trekking, archery, climbing and survival training.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b The Castle, Alton . In: The National Heritage List for England . English Heritage. 2011. Accessed February 10, 2015.
  2. ^ Alton Castle . In: The National Heritage List for England . English Heritage. 2011. Accessed February 10, 2015.
  3. ↑ a b c d The 16th Earl and Castle Hill ( Memento from October 7, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Alton Towers Heritage
  4. ↑ a b Alton Castle . CastleUK.Net. Archived from the original on January 3, 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  5. ^ Alton Castle . Staffordshire County Council. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. Retrieved on February 10, 2015.
  6. ^ Alton Castle . Gabriel Education Trust. Archived from the original on October 16, 2007. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  7. ^ Alton Castle website. Alton Castle, Paul Connor. Retrieved February 10, 2015.

Web links

Commons : Alton Castle  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Coordinates: 52 ° 58 ′ 46.2 "  N , 1 ° 53 ′ 33.7"  W.