THORNBURY CASTLE

Gloucestershire

This handsome building is one of those that lays claim to being the "last true Castle built in England".  The definition of a 'true' Castle usually being a fortified manor house.

Well, it is certainly a strong contender, having been begun by Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham in 1511.  Just ten years later he was executed for treason by Henry VIII, partly for raising his own army and possibly partly for building a Castle without a licence to crenellate. Thornbury was thus never properly finished.

The Castle lay abandoned for nearly 200 years before the Howard family decided to make the inner courtyard into a habitable building.  It is a great shame the Duke of Buckingham never finished his Castle, as it was certainly have been a magnificent "last Castle" judging by the portion he did finish!

The Castle today operates as an hotel, and the owners are very welcoming to visitors.

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2001