Lowther Castle

I'd got on well with things today, preparing for the setting up of our marquee at a Game Fair near Telford tomorrow, so after our evening meal The Man and I took a drive out with the cameras as it was such a lovely evening.

This is not far from where we live: Lowther Castle. It lies in acres of parkland where cattle and sheep graze. It is the historic seat of the Earls of Lonsdale and occupies a site of mansions dating back to Edward I. Its design, in 1806, was the FIRST job of Sir Robert Smirke when he was only 25 years old! It was deemed too grand for the 20th Century and was abandoned and its interior dismantled.

Now there are plans for its conservation by a charitable trust. The objectives are:- the advancement of Education, Culture, Arts and Heritage for the benefit of the community.

Last year we took the opportunity to walk around it's enclosed gardens (C17th) which had been closed for over 70 years. Thrilling!