Maxstoke Castle

Maxstoke Castle, is a fine example of a 14th-century moated and fortified manor house, commissioned by Sir William de Clinton. The Castle’s licence to crenulate dates from February 1345.

It was built by Sir William de Clinton, 1st Earl of Huntingdon, in 1345 to a rectangular plan, with octagonal towers at each angle, a gatehouse on the east, and a residential range on the west, all surrounded by a broad moat. The Clintons were influential figures during the medieval period, and Maxstoke Castle served as their stronghold. Clinton died in 1354 but his widow, Juliana Leybourne spent time here even after her next marriage.

Over the centuries, the castle underwent modifications and expansions, adapting to changing architectural styles and military strategies. Additions were made by Humphrey Stafford, 1st Duke of Buckingham, who acquired it in 1437 by exchanging it for other manors in Northamptonshire. Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VII, was later married to Sir Henry Stafford, son of Humphrey. The two lived at Maxstoke and were responsible for the addition of the Elizabethan wing.

The Castle is unusual in that it has survived largely intact. It was used as an auxiliary hospital in the First World War and for remote storage of aircraft engines during the Second World War. The Ministry of Aircraft were located nearby in Castle Bromwich where Spitfires were made. Grooves can still be seen to this day in the concrete of the Great Banqueting Hall, where the heavy engines made their mark in history.

The house, which is surrounded by four acres of mixed formal and informal gardens, has been in the continuous ownership of the Dilke (later Fetherston-Dilke) families for over 400 years. The Castle remains privately owned, however, limited guided tours are occasionally available.

Amongst the antiquities there is a 15th-century chair upon which Henry VII was crowned after the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, a table owned by Sir Everard Digby (cousin to the Digbys of Coleshill) around which the Gunpowder Plot was planned in 1605, a chair and artefacts from Queen Mary’s visit in 1927 and a ‘Whispering Door’ (two doors with a common jamb) brought from Kenilworth Castle.

The tour will be led by a member of the Fetherston-Dilke family, living in the Castle, starting with a brief introduction to the history and the architecture (conducted outside, weather permitting). Those feeling keen/strong enough are then invited to climb the Gatehouse, where the view from the top allows guests to get a picture of the setting of the house and a better view of some of the architecture. There are 50 steps to the top and some are steeper and narrower than others – please note, we strongly recommend flat rubber-soled shoes be worn. Members of the group who do not wish to attempt the climb can walk around the inside of the moat and courtyard instead. We then enter the Castle to look around our ceremonial rooms, historical artefacts and The Lady Tower, home to our resident ghost! Guests are then invited to explore the gardens at their leisure. The Head Gardener will be on site to answer any questions.

Tickets £33 including tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits.