Alton Castle, Gothic Revival castle in Alton, England.
Description
Alton Castle is a Gothic Revival fortress perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Churnet Valley, featuring two towers and a defensive wall. The north side benefits from natural cliff formations that serve as built-in defenses.
History
Bertram de Verdun built the original stone fortification in 1175, while architect Augustus Pugin transformed it between 1847 and 1852 for the Earl of Shrewsbury. This renovation converted a medieval stronghold into a 19th-century structure.
Culture
The Sisters of Mercy established a convent and school at the castle in 1855, operating an educational institution that remained active until 1989.
Practical
The site functions as a Catholic youth retreat center that welcomes visiting groups with activities like mountain biking, archery, and rock climbing. Various group-oriented programs and skill-building sessions are available for participants.
Did you know?
The design takes inspiration from medieval fortifications built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order in Germany. This connection to German castle types makes it an unusual example of English military architecture.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Alton).
Alton Towers
1.2 km
Alton Towers Resort
1 km
The Smiler
874 m
Nemesis
1.1 km
Oblivion
835 m
Wicker Man
1.1 km
Galactica
1 km
Rita
630 m
Alton Towers
770 m
Thirteen
599 m
Corkscrew
599 m
Black Hole
886 m
Hex – the Legend of the Towers
668 m
The Flume
1.1 km
Spinball Whizzer
1.1 km
The Curse at Alton Manor
1.2 km
Congo River Rapids
1.2 km
Church of St Peter
136 m
Memorial To The 15th Earl Of Shrewsbury
842 m
The Talbot Inn
145 m
The White Hart Inn
193 m
Alton Bridge (That Part In Alton Parish)
147 m
The Pagoda Fountain And Bridge Pier
842 m
The Conservatory And Attached Wall, Steps And Urns
917 m
Old School House
172 m
The Lock Up
362 m
Townhead Farmhouse
255 m
Milepost, W of Gallows Green
918 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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