Repurposing a thirteenth century moated castle.

Everything You Need To Know About Caverswall Castle

Caverswall Castle has a varied and exciting history. This castle was built at the point where the two River Blythe tributaries rise and where there had been an Anglo-Saxon Manor. Due to its interesting appearance and history, it is one of Staffordshire’s most attractive mansions.

Ernulf de Hesing is the earliest known owner of the castle. He was a Saxon holder and it is believed that during the Conquest he was driven away from the estate. This property then came into the possession of Sir William de Caverswall. In 1275 he received a license to Crenellate and formed a moat when he incorporated the two tributaries. Inside the bailey, the keep was then constructed.

The castle started to fall into decay. It 1615 Matthew Cradock, the mayor of Stafford, purchased the property. In 1625 he had it rebuilt as a Jacobean mansion. He kept the great tower as well as the walls and turrets which he transformed into garden pavilions and remodelled the gatehouse to match. In the middle of the bailey, a formal Jacobean manor house was built and attached to the keep.

There have been a few additions made since, however, Caverswall Castle has largely remained the way it was made by Craddock. During the English civil war, parliamentary forces garrisoned the castle. However, it was deemed to be indefensible. That led to the castle to emerging from the war unharmed, and it was turned into a sanctuary where Benedictine nuns fled to escape the French Revolution.

During the mid-19th century, Sir Percival Radcliffe owned the castle. He had the moat drained and created incredible decorative gardens that today are still part of the grounds. The Wedgewood family lived in the castle during the 1880s and the Wedgewood ceiling was added to the library. Mr. W.E. Bowers purchased the house in 1891. He lived there for 40 years. During that time he added on a complimentary wing that is a separate residence on the property now.

Some Key features:

• Stunning historic grade i listed moated castle
• Set in over 20 acres in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside
• 18 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 9 reception rooms games room, entertainment room, gym room
• Steeped in history.
• Owners have included the Wedgewood family
• Visitors have included Charles Darwin

The main part of Caverswall Castle has remained intact in all of its impressive grandeur. It has been faithfully restored over the years to an incredibly high standard by its current owner. There have also been great lengths taken to get the property’s very impressive moat reinstated.

The home’s primary material is sandstone. It covers three storeys and also an extensive basement. There are many stained glass windows that offer beautiful views over the grounds with lakes and woodlands. The property’s interior is still mainly Jacobean with many of the rooms still featuring the original oak panelling. The large carved sandstone fireplaces have decorative craved screens.

The library still contains the Wedgewood ceiling. On each turn of the oak staircase, there are carved mythical figures. The staircase connects with the three floors and has a door that leads to the roof. The castle contains 11 suites, which include the converted turrets, that all provide spacious double bedrooms along with en suite bathrooms.

The property’s grounds feature a parkland with a range of trees including mature oak and beech along with two stunning leaks. A dramatic setting for the impressive property is provided by the gardens.

Caverswall Castle is approached via a double round-arch bridge covering the moat that Matthew Craddock built. It replaced the original drawbridge and leads up to a Tudor archway that has a studded old oak door resting on iron hinges. The gateway is flanked by an octagonal gatehouse and opens to the bailey.

Caverswall is a historic village that is located in the back of the property with the front overlooking the gardens, farmlands, and lakes beyond. The village is tucked away neatly from the view and surrounded by trees.

The village contains a range of local amenities including an active village hall, a shop, and 2 schools. Blythe Bridge is within 3 miles of Caverswall Castle and there is also a supermarket. The castle is surrounded by many golf courses and it is also ideally situated for the Peak District and the Potteries.

The castle is 3 miles away from A50 in terms of communication links, which provides easy access to both the M6 and M1. A rail station is located 7.3 miles away in Stoke on Trent. The station provides direct service regularly to London Euston and takes only 1 hour and 23 minutes. The castle is located between Birmingham and Manchester which both have international airports.