Fonthill Castle and the Administration Building of the College of Mount St. Vincent

Fonthill Castle is a Gothic Revival structure in Riverdale, the Bronx, featuring six octagonal towers built from hammered grey stone. The building stands beside the Administration Building of the College of Mount St. Vincent, forming a distinctive architectural pair from the 1800s.

Edwin Forrest, a renowned Shakespearean actor, and his wife Catherine Norton Sinclair built this castle in 1852 as a private country estate. Over time, the Sisters of Charity of New York acquired and adapted it for use as religious and educational facilities.

The structure takes its name from William Beckford's Gothic Fonthill Abbey in England, reflecting a romantic fascination with European medieval design. This naming choice shows how 19th-century American wealthy families drew inspiration from historical European estates for their own homes.

The site is located in Riverdale and is accessible by public transportation. Some areas may have restricted access due to ongoing academic activities on campus.

During the cornerstone ceremony, Edwin Forrest placed a collection of coins and a Shakespeare volume inside the foundation. These hidden items remain sealed within the stone today, creating a rare time capsule from the 1800s.

Location: New York City

Inception: 1852

GPS coordinates: 40.91361,-73.90944

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:40