Severndroog Castle

Sir William James served in the Bombay Marine, the naval force of the East India Company and in 1755, he captured the fortress of Suvarnadurg (Severndroog or the 'Golden Fortress') 80 miles to the south of Mumbai and approximately 1 mile offshore. The island fortress together with a number of others close by on the mainland, was one of the principal strongholds of the independent prince Tulaji Angre, a continual irritant to the colonial Brits and hence labelled together with his men, pirates. A biassed view if ever there was one in my opinion.

His wife, the Lady Jane built the castle in his memory, just a year after his death, to celebrate his most famous exploit of destroying the fleet and stronghold of 'pirates'.

Today, the castle rests in the hands of the The Severndroog Castle Building Preservation Trust (SCBPT) and following the benefit of restoration funded by the lottery, is in fine order, standing in one of the highest points in London atop Shooters Hill in Oxleas Woods. Due to its position, it commands spectacular panoramic views of London and Kent and if that wasn't of sufficient appeal, the tea room serves fine looking cake too!

More available on the website: severndroogcastle.org.uk