Tixall Gatehouse

Tixall Gatehouse is a Grade I listed gatehouse in Tixall, England. The three-story rectangular building features four octagonal corner turrets topped with cupolas and displays columns in Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian architectural orders.

The gatehouse was constructed around 1580 by Sir Walter Aston and later served as a temporary prison. Mary Queen of Scots was held there for two weeks during 1586.

The structure displays late Elizabethan design combined with classical inspirations from ancient times. Visitors notice these influences in the ornamental details across the exterior and throughout the interior spaces.

The building is managed by the Landmark Trust as a holiday rental accommodating six guests across four bedrooms with modern heating systems. Visitors should book in advance and be prepared for narrow staircases and low doorways typical of buildings from this period.

The building is the sole surviving structure from the former Tixall Hall estate, which was completely demolished in 1927. This makes it a rare remnant of what was once a grand country seat.

Location: Tixall

GPS coordinates: 52.80410,-2.03240

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57