Chirk Castle
Built over 700 years ago this former Marcher fortress has been continuously lived in since it was built, keeping Chirk Castle well preserved and its staterooms beautifully stocked.
Chirk Castle dates back to the 13th Century and was built for Roger de Mortimer probably to a design by Edward I ’s master architect James of St George. As one of Edward I’s favourites, Mortimer was granted land and lordship as Justice of Wales, he was however to fall seriously out of favour with successive Kings. Exiled by Edward II, Mortimer started up a scandalous affair with his Queen Isabella. Together they overthrew the King and had him murdered and sought to govern the country on behalf the following monarch, the young King Edward III. However Edward III took revenge for his fathers murder by having Roger Mortimer executed for treason.
Chirk was then held by the crown and granted to favoured courtiers including Elizabeth I ’s favourite Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. In 1595 it came into the hands of Thomas Myddleton, a merchant adventurer who became Mayor of London . His descendants have lived at Chirk since and still retain private apartments at the Castle today.
The rooms open to the public outline the castles development over the centuries. Pugin was commissioned between 1845 and 1848 decorate the some of the interiors including the gothic style Cromwell Hall, with oak panelling and impressive arrays of arms and family heraldry. The neo-classical Grand Staircase is a hugely impressive feature, hollowed out of a circular tower and hanging in the gallery a fine collection of family portraits. The state dining room boasts a ceiling with fine plasterwork and mythical images as well as exquisite period furnishings. One of the most impressive of the older sections is Adam’s Tower, which housed a former dungeon where French prisoners from Agincourt were locked up.
This attraction is included in the Great British Heritage Pass.
