This apparently medieval castle, complete with towers and
battlements, is not what it appears to be at first sight.
Eastnor Castle is two miles east of the Herefordshire town
of Ledbury and is therefore in the “Marches”, which is the name given to the
border country between England and Wales that was – in medieval times – a
lawless region in which private armies fought each other for domination of the
land.
A number of castles were therefore built by local landowners
to protect themselves against potential enemies. However, Eastnor Castle was
not one of them!
Although the Cocks family that owns the Eastnor estate were
established there in the 16th century, it was not until 1812 that
John Cocks, the first Earl Somers, commissioned a castle to be built in the
neo-Gothic style that was popular at the time. It was completed in 1820,
although later alterations were made by his descendants.
The castle contains antique furniture, armour and tapestries
and the grounds include a lake, deer park and arboretum.
The site has been developed as a tourist attraction that is
suitable for the whole family, including an adventure playground, maze and
junior assault course.
© John Welford
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