Old Wardour Castle, Ansty (Wiltshire)

Built in 14th century by Lord Lovel as a fortified yet luxurious house. A scene of bitter fighting in the Civil War.

Summary 14th century buildings Information provided Learning facilities

Introduction

Beautifully sited beside a lake, Old Wardour Castle, the set for part of the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, was built in the late 14th century by John Lord Lovel as a lightly fortified but showy and luxurious residence. A hexagonal tower house ranged round a central courtyard, its form is very unusual in England.

Substantially updated by the staunchly Roman Catholic Arundell family after c.1570, the castle saw much fighting during the Civil War. In 1643 the 60 year old Lady Arundell was forced to surrender it to Parliament. But the new garrison was almost immediately besieged in turn by Royalist forces led by her son. After an eventful 10 months of bombardment and undermining, they finally capitulated in March 1644.

The badly damaged castle became a romantic ruin, and was incorporated in the 18th century into the landscaped grounds of Lord Arundell's New Wardour House (not managed by English Heritage, no public access). The castle's setting in a Registered Landscape enhances the significance of this hidden jewel.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Old Wardour Castle, Ansty, Wiltshire, , United Kingdom

Opening Times:

1 Apr-30 Jun: 10am-5pm daily

1 Jul-31 Aug: 10am-6pm daily

1-30 Sep: 10am-5pm daily

1 Oct-1 Nov: 10am-4pm daily

2 Nov-31 Mar: 10am-4pm Sat-Sun

24-26 Dec and 1 Jan: Closed

Admission Prices:

Adult:£3.60

Children:£1.80

Concession:£3.10 

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library

More photos of Old Wardour Castle, Ansty

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