BU Castle facts for kids
The Boston University Castle is a beautiful mansion owned by Boston University. It looks like a grand old English house from the Tudor period. The university often uses it for special events like parties or concerts. You can also rent it for your own events!
Architecture: A Medieval Look
People who study buildings say the BU Castle has "the most convincing medieval effect" in its area. This means it really looks like a building from the Middle Ages.
The person who built the Castle, William Lindsey, loved old English manor houses. He was inspired by their impressive style. Lindsey was also a poet and playwright, and his writings showed his interest in old, romantic stories. This same love for history and romance can be seen in the design of the Castle.
History: From Home to University Landmark
The Castle was built as a home for William Lindsey (1858–1922). He was a very successful businessman in Boston. Construction started in 1904 and finished in 1915. It cost a lot of money back then – over $500,000!
Sadly, soon after the Castle was finished, Lindsey's oldest daughter got married there. But she and her husband passed away during their honeymoon. To remember her, Lindsey built a beautiful chapel called the Leslie Lindsey Memorial Chapel at Emmanuel Church in Boston.
In 1926, a man named Oakes Ames bought the Castle. Later, in 1939, he and some others gave the mansion to Boston University. For many years, until 1967, the Castle was where the presidents of Boston University lived.
The Castle has even been in movies! It was a filming spot for the movie 21 in 2007 and for Ghostbusters in 2016.
The BU Pub
In the basement of the BU Castle, you'll find the BU Pub. It's an English-style pub that serves drinks and sandwiches. It's the only place on campus run by Boston University where you can get these kinds of items. The pub is open to students, staff, and alumni, but it's closed on weekends.
