Highcliffe Castle
Highcliffe Castle was built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay between 1831 and 1835. Designed by William Donthorne, Highcliffe Castle was constructed mostly out of medieval materials. Now a Grade 1 listed building, Highcliffe Castle remained in the ownership of the Rothesay family for over a hundred years.
In 1949, the contents of Highcliffe were sold and a year later the house and estate were also sold off. Highcliffe Castle was then turned into a children's home and later a Roman Catholic seminary. By 1977, Highcliffe Castle had suffered a series of fires, attempted demolition and common vandalism. It was bought in a derelict state by the Christchurch Borough District Council and an extensive restoration project costing in excess of five million pounds followed. Highcliffe Castle is now one of the best preserved examples of Picturesque and Romantic forms of architecture in England.
On your visit you'll be able to see the 16th century stained-glass windows as well as other 12th century windows which were introduced more recently. You'll also be able to see the partially restored State Rooms now housing a variety of changing exhibitions. Another feature at Highcliffe Castle are the highly intricate stone carvings. These fine pieces of stone masonry were imported from France following the French Revolution and the dereliction of the Abbey of St. Peter at Jumieges and the Grande Maison des Andelys.
In 1949, the contents of Highcliffe were sold and a year later the house and estate were also sold off. Highcliffe Castle was then turned into a children's home and later a Roman Catholic seminary. By 1977, Highcliffe Castle had suffered a series of fires, attempted demolition and common vandalism. It was bought in a derelict state by the Christchurch Borough District Council and an extensive restoration project costing in excess of five million pounds followed. Highcliffe Castle is now one of the best preserved examples of Picturesque and Romantic forms of architecture in England.
On your visit you'll be able to see the 16th century stained-glass windows as well as other 12th century windows which were introduced more recently. You'll also be able to see the partially restored State Rooms now housing a variety of changing exhibitions. Another feature at Highcliffe Castle are the highly intricate stone carvings. These fine pieces of stone masonry were imported from France following the French Revolution and the dereliction of the Abbey of St. Peter at Jumieges and the Grande Maison des Andelys.
