Charleville Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charleville Castle |
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| General information | |
| Type | Country House |
| Architectural style | Gothic revival |
| Location | Tullamore, County Offaly |
| Coordinates | 53°15′37″N 7°31′40″W / 53.2604°N 7.5279°W |
| Current tenants | Dudley Stewart (manager) |
| Construction started | 1798 |
| Completed | 1814 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Francis Johnston |
Charleville Castle is a beautiful Gothic-style castle in County Offaly, Ireland. It sits right next to the town of Tullamore, close to the River Clodiagh. Many people think it is one of the best Gothic castles in all of Ireland.
Contents
History of Charleville Castle
Building the Castle
The first big house on this land was built around 1641 by Thomas Moore. Later, the estate went to Charles William Bury. He became the first Earl of Charleville in 1806.
The new Earl decided to build a grand new home. He hired a famous architect named Francis Johnston in 1798. The castle was built between 1800 and 1812.
Famous Visitors and Changes
Charleville Castle was not always lived in. Sometimes, the owners did not have enough money to keep it open. Each time it reopened, new rooms were added or old ones were fixed up.
A famous designer named William Morris even created the ceiling in the dining room. The castle also hosted many parties, including some with the famous poet Lord Byron.
Restoration Efforts
From 1912, the castle was empty for a long time. Colonel Howard Bury, the owner, moved to another house. By 1968, the roof was even gone!
Luckily, people started working to fix it up in 1973. Michael McMullen began the restoration, and later Constance Heavey Seaquist and Bonnie Vance helped too. Now, a special group called a Charitable Trust helps with the repairs.
Charleville Castle Today
What Happens at the Castle?
Today, the Charleville Castle Heritage Trust looks after the castle. Dudley Stewart manages it, and many volunteers help with daily tasks.
The castle hosts many fun events. These include "fright nights," auctions, and plays. Festivals like the Mór Festival and Castlepalooza have also taken place here. There's even a festival called Facefest held during the Summer Solstice.
The castle is also home to "The Explorers' Museum." This museum honors Charles Howard-Bury, a famous explorer.
Is Charleville Castle Haunted?
Many people believe Charleville Castle is one of the most haunted places in Europe. It has even been featured on TV shows like Most Haunted and Scariest Places on Earth.
The most famous ghost is said to be a little girl named Harriet. She reportedly died after falling on a staircase. Many people who investigate ghosts and psychics have visited the castle. The famous photographer Sir Simon Marsden has also taken pictures of it. The castle was also shown on Ghost Hunters International.
Castle on Screen
Charleville Castle has been used as a filming location for movies and TV shows. It appeared in Becoming Jane (2007) and Northanger Abbey (2007). It was also used as a set for "French Court" in the first episode of the TV show Reign (2013).
See also
In Spanish: Castillo Charleville para niños
