Why was Alton Castle built?

Why was Alton Castle built?

A “replica of a medieval hospital, a guildhall and presbytery” were constructed; dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the buildings served as a church and hospital (almshouses) and were designed to provide and care for the poor for of the parish. The church was also used as a school for local poor children.

Who owned the castle at Alton Towers?

Founded on the site of an Iron Age camp, there were actually many different buildings before the existing Towers, but from 1412 until 1924 they all belonged to the same family – the Talbots (Earls of Shrewsbury).

What do you do at Alton Castle?

At Alton Castle children aged 10-13 are able to experience new activities, from mountain biking, archery and climbing to team games in a safe environment enabling them to grow in self-esteem, develop communication skills and know that they are treasured by God.

Why is it called Alton Towers?

In the 17th century, the former castle was redeveloped as a hunting lodge known as Alerton (or Alverton), which is the ancient name for Alton. The three-storey structure reused one of the castle’s former towers, which remains part of the present-day building.

What was the first ever ride at Alton Towers?

Corkscrew – The first rollercoaster in Alton Towers Resort.

Is The Castle at Alton Towers real?

It is now a major theme park in the United Kingdom. The area around Alton Towers has been occupied for more than a thousand years. Beginning in the Middle Ages, the site has been redeveloped several times from fortified encampment to castle and then country house….History of Alton Towers.

Can you stay in the castle at Alton Towers?

We stayed here while going to Alton Towers. Check in was easy, we had to call a number then someone came down straight away to show us around. The accommodation was basic but very clean and pleasant. It is such a beautiful area!

Is hex at Alton Towers a true story?

The Alton Towers’ attraction ‘HEX The Legend of the Towers’ is based on the story of the nearby Chained Oak. It is one of Staffordshire’s great legends. For the purposes of the ride at Alton Towers, the original legend has actually been altered.

When was Alton Castle built?

In the 11th century, Alton Castle was built soon after the Norman Conquest above the Churnet Valley, in the village of Alton, Staffordshire. It is about 1 mi (1.6 km) from the present-day Alton Towers.

Who was the architect of Alton Towers?

John Talbot, 16th Earl of Shrewsbury, commissioned Catholic architect Augustus Pugin, who was already working for the Earl at Alton Towers, to construct a new gothic castle/ country house on the site.

Why is Alton Castle a Grade 1 listed building?

Since 1967 the castle has been designated a Grade I listed building. It is also a scheduled ancient monument. Alton Castle was founded in stone by Bertram III de Verdun and built on a rocky precipice overlooking the River Churnet in the 12th century, however the site had been fortified in wood since Saxon times.

When was Alton Towers sold to the public?

In 1924, the remaining part of the estate and house was sold to a group of local businessmen, who formed Alton Towers Limited. Although the contents of the house were sold off, the grounds were restored and remained open to the public.