Castles in England - Lulworth, a Romantic English Castle and Historic Chapel

The English countryside is littered with castles and stately homes built with a bit of royal social climbing in mind. Lulworth, in Dorset, is among the prettiest castles in England and, over the years, has hosted many royals, one of whom made an important contribution to Anglo Catholic (and ultimately, American Catholic) history, as you will see. But, its original builder never lived to host the Royal visit he'd hoped for.

A Castle in England That's Not a Castle at All

Castles in England are meant as defensive structures but Lulworth, erected in the reign of James I about 400 years ago, is a fantasy castle but was actually a hunting lodge. It was built by Thomas Howard, Vicount Binden, to host the King's hunting parties. But, by the time the King visited, in 1615, Thomas had died and the house had passed to the Earl of Suffolk.

A House With a Turbulent History

Lulworth was purchased by the Weld family, its current owners, in the early 17th century. Catholics in Protestant England - when their religion was actually outlawed for a time, Royalists when Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentarians were winning the English Civil War, the Welds seem to have been on the wrong side throughout the 17th century. And after the Restoration, their loyalty was rewarded with a visit from King Charles II in 1665 that almost left them bankrupt.

In 1929, the Castle was nearly destroyed by fire that collapsed the roof and knocked out all the internal floors.

English Heritage restored the exterior and consolidated the lovely, bare stone interiors. Today, Lulworth, at the center of a 12,000 acre park is the beautiful backdrops for an annual music festival.