Monument record 19/2/2 - Warkworth Castle (post medieval manor house/ country house)

Manor house (site) C16th

{1} Documentary references to a medieval manor being demolished in 1595. The manor house was rebuilt the same year, but the new house itself was demolished in 1806.

{2} The medieval manor house of Warkworth presumably stood on this site, but it was pulled down and rebuilt about 1595. The later house survived until 1806 when it was demolished. Two surviving illustrations and a description by Baker indicate that this was a large building around a central courtyard, with square projecting bays at the corners. The main front had a central entrance flanked by half-round turrets, the upper parts of which were glazed. The whole building was surmounted by a balustrade.
Nothing now remains of the house apart from some uneven ground, and the whole area is now arable. Until 1970 a terraced area was preserved within pasture and this is visible on air photographs of 1947. The latter indicate that the terrace was a large curved feature facing southwards and cut back into the hillside, it was at least 150m long x 40m wide at its widest part.

{3} Locally known as "Warkworth Castle"

{4} April 1659: A. Wood writes that Warkworth lately belonged to Chetwoods. Sold some years back to Philip Holman, London (died 1669 aged 76). P Holman acquired Warkworth circa 1629. The English Gardener - Leonard Meager, dedicated to him (pub 1670). Son George Holman died 1698, widow died 1744, estate to daughter Mary who married Thomas Eyre of Derbt 1709. Thomas Eyre's son Francis aged 14 in 1746. Married Lady Mary Redcliffe in 1755. Son sold Warkworth after inheriting (Francis died 1804) - had lived at Hessop for many years - castle demolished.

{5} (SP 48724067) Manor House (LB) (Site of).

{6} Locally known as "Warkworth Castle". There is a terraced area in a pasture field at the published site, almost certainly the site of the manor house.

{7} Warkworth Castle, illustration.

<1> Baker G., 1830, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.741 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77327.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.162 Site 2 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP44SE20 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<4> GIBSON J.S.W., 1976, Three Lost Northamptonshire Houses and Their Owners, p.318-22 (checked) (Article). SNN41445.

<5> Ordnance Survey Map (Scale/date), OS 6" 1955 (Map). SNN112944.

<6> Baird, J., 1970, Field investigators comments, F1 JB 02-APR-70 (Notes). SNN110341.

<7> Cake and Cockhorse, 75 Autumn, 1973 p. 130 (Journal). SNN115550.

Record last edited

Feb 17 2025 7:13PM