I was partly inspired to visit Old Wardour Castle after seeing a picture of it by the artist Anne Sudworth, who is one of my favourite fantasy artists and landscape painters. So following Anne's advice to make sure I go to the Old Wardour rather than the new one, I made my way there through some very thick woodland. The drive took me down Hazeldean Lane, which was through a forest of huge pine trees and thick ferns, and the castle itself was very secluded and in a beautiful location. This is partly due to its being landscaped in the 17th century. It is the most romantic ruin I have been to. In some respects it resembles Minster Lovell Hall near where I live, although on a much bigger scale. It is very intact with some ornate architecture. The castle is licensed for weddings and was used as a set in the Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (Kevin Costner) movie.
Glad you enjoyed your visit Benjamin.
ReplyDeleteThe castle has quite a haunted history.
The ghost of Lady Blanche Arundell still haunts the ruins and the grounds to this day, and is often seen walking from the castle to the nearby lake at dusk, mainly alone, but sometimes accompanied by others.
The castle has paid host to many paranormal researchers and still does. Many have reported an overwhelming feeling of calm when inside the ruin, these reports include those given to me by English Heritage staff, who I spoke to at great length during my visit.
http://Hauntedwiltshire.blogspot.com