The History of Witton Castle

25

Situated in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is the ever so beautiful Witton Castle. It has been altered a fair amount over the centuries but has remained a beautiful sight. Nowadays, it is a grade II listed building.

The history of Witton Castle

Witton Castle is situated at the very heart of a holiday and caravan park at Witton le Wear. While the castle dates way back to the 14^th or 15^th centuries, its history is completely clouded in uncertainty. This is odd in comparison to the other surviving castles of County Durham.

The early history

In 1410, Sir Ralph Eure obtained a special license that allowed him to crenellate his manor house and create the castle. This castle was held by the Royalist Sir William Darcy during the English Civil War. He went forth and compounded for the return of his confiscated estate that was sold by his descendant Henry Darcy to William Cuthbert in 1743.

The castle then shortly passed on to the Hopper family. However, it was soon after severely damaged by a fire in 1796 and was destroyed inside.

Later on

In 1816, William Chaytor of Croft Hall, Yorkshire, went forth and purchased the estate from the previous owner, John Rober Hopper, for £78,000. He then got to work to restore the fabric and rebuild the interior in a stunning modern style. The estate was rich in coal and Witton Park Colliery was sunk in 1825.

Sir William Chaytor served as High Sheriff of Durham in 1839. Members of the Chaytor family lived at Witton until the mid-20th century.

The current day

In 2008, this castle sold in a deal worth an estimated £12.5 million. Nowadays, this beautiful castle is situated in the heart of the Witton Castle caravan park. The park within the immaculate and impressive grounds of this 15^th-century castle will have you enjoying an unrivalled choice of caravan holiday homes and high-end luxury lodges.

At the Witton Castle country park, you can enjoy fresh air, green spaces and a range of excellent on-park facilities make this one of the most sought-after locations for holiday homeownership.

Witton Castle Timeline

• 1410- Sir Ralph Eure obtains a special license that allows him to crenellate his manor house and create the castle
• 1743- The castle is sold by his descendant Henry Darcy to William Cuthbert
• 1796- The castle is severely damaged by a fire and destroyed inside
• 1816- William Chaytor of Croft Hall, Yorkshire, goes forth and purchases the estate from the previous owner, John Rober Hopper, for £78,000
• 1825-Witton Park Colliery is sunk
• 1839- Sir William Chaytor serves as High Sheriff of Durham
• 2008- The castle sold in a deal worth an estimated £12.5 million

Witton Castle facts

• Witton Castle is a grade II listed building
• Witton Castle was held by the Royalist Sir William Darcy during the English Civil War
• In 1796, the castle was severely destroyed inside by fire
• The estate sold for £78,000 in 1816
• Members of the Chaytor family lived at Witton until the mid-20th century

Books on Witton Castle

• Witton Castle by author unknown (1980)

Tourism

Witton Castle is situated beautifully in the foothills of the pennies roughly one mile from the A68 and 15 minutes from the A1. The holiday homes within the park are set amongst the most stunning grounds available in all of northeast England. It is a visit you won’t forget.

Witton Castle country park offers spacious pitches with lovely up-to-date services such as piped gas, updated electricity supply, private parking, and spacious patio areas. All of the accommodation offers fantastic views of the castle and surrounding countryside. Nearby, you can visit Auckland Castle, Kynren, Valhalla North Axe Throwing, Mining Art Gallery, and Raby Castle.

---