More information : [NY 97566328] Dilston Castle (G.T.] (Remains of) (1)
The tower of Dilston formed the nucleus of a later mansion, and is first mentioned in 1464. It is probably the work of Sir William Claxton who succeeded to Dilston in 1417.
Sir George Radcliffe (1545-1588) built a four-storeyed extension on the northern end of the tower. Other alterations also affected the tower and combined to give the whole building an Elizabethan character.
A typical Jacobean extension was made in 1622 by Sir Francis Radcliffe. Nothing of this building survives. He also enclosed the forecourt on the south side by an arched entrance gate, having a chapel [NY 96 SE 4] on its west side.
In 1710, the third Earl of Derwentwater pulled down the Elizabethen-Jacobean house and began a new mansion on its site. It was never completed.
After the Rebellion of 1715 the property passed to Greenwich Hospital. In 1765 the Earls mansion was demolished, the only remaining traces being two large square windows in the east wall of the tower. (2)
The tower of Dilston, although lacking documentary evidence must be attributed to the 15th. cent. (3)
Over the gateway, near the chapel is a stone inscribed "FR- 1616-IR", the initials of Sir Francis Radcliffe and his wife Isobel. [See Illustrations Card.] (4)
The only remains of Dilston Castle, are the 15th. cent. Keep, and the later north and south additions, which now constitute a single block. The building has been renovated, and although ruinous, the walls are well-preserved.
The Gateway at NY 97596326 is a plain arch; it carries the Radcliffe inscription as described (4). (5)
Condition unchanged. (6)
I Dilston Castle Tower-house of cream freestone, now a shell, walls up to 3 storeys high, with Elizabethan "cross" windows with labels, and fireplaces. Rectangular plan. Entrance tower has 4 storeys of 2-light windows, and round turret on corbels in angle. A.M. (7)
Dilston Castle. Grade I. Towerhouse, probably built by Sir William Claxton in early C15, enlarged later C15, and C16 by Radcliffes (later Earls of Derwentwater); remodelled c.1620 as part of Dilston Hall, altered when Hall was rebuilt 1710-15. Squared stone with dressings; roofless. L-plan. Foundations rmoved 1881 may have been of earlier medieval castle of Divelstons. Listed. See an online version of the designated record for Dilston Castle on the National Heritage List for England. (8-9)
NY 976 633. Dilston Castle. Scheduled No ND/97. Scheduled. See an online version of the designated record for Dilston Castle on the National Heritage List for England. (10-11)
Listed by Cathcart King and Dodds. (12-13)
This website of the Friends of Historic Dilston has a good description of the castle and its surroundings. It also has information on archaeological work carried out by the society and guided visits. (14)
This site includes a number of photographs of Dilston Castle. (15) |