Clearwell Castle, Gothic country house in Newland, England
Clearwell Castle is a limestone country house in Gothic style in Newland, England, designed with castellated parapets, lancet windows, and octagonal corner towers. The facade rises amid the Forest of Dean woodlands and displays stonework reminiscent of medieval fortifications.
The property was built in 1727 by Roger Morris for the Wyndham family and incorporates parts of an earlier ballroom from around 1600. In 1953, Frank Yeates saved the building from demolition and began restoration work with his son Bernard.
In the 1970s, the basement served as a recording studio where Black Sabbath created their album Sabbath Bloody Sabbath and Led Zeppelin composed music. The rooms preserve this musical past and draw visitors interested in rock history.
The building now houses several event spaces and guest rooms within formal garden grounds that belong to the Clearwell Estate. Visitors can tour the property by arrangement, as it mainly operates as a venue for private celebrations.
Frank Yeates purchased the property in 1953 for 3,000 pounds when it faced demolition and saved it from ruin with his son. Their work over several decades transformed the shell into a livable building now open for public use.
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