The secret castle near Coventry with a moat, a ghost and a sunken garden

Did you know that there is a castle near Coventry that has its own moat and sunken garden? Maxstoke Castle in Coleshill dates back to the 14th century and has been in the same family for more than 400 years – and is just 20 minutes’ drive from Coventry.

It is steeped in history as one of the family’s ancestors was executed for trying to overthrow Richard III – and another was accused of high treason by Henry VII and executed on Tower Hill, reports BirminghamLive. It was twice confiscated to the Crown for attacks on the throne and is rumored to have a resident ghost.

The mansion has been through a lot from surviving a major fire and was missed by a cannonball that hit a tree. It was previously used as a 24-bed hospital in the First World War for wounded soldiers, before being taken over by the Ministry of Aircraft Production to store aircraft engine components manufactured in Birmingham and Coventry.

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The mansion is usually closed to the public but will be open for a day on Sunday 16 June to raise funds for local charities. You will be able to enter the courtyard via the main drawbridge over the moat to see the castle with four towers and a gate. The castle is surrounded by four acres, with gardens including moat walks and lawns behind a walled structure dating from the late 18th century.

Once you enter through the oak doors, there is an elegant banqueting room, a library and an oak drawing room with a whispering door salvaged from Kenilworth Castle when it was dismantled after the Civil War. The furniture includes a Gunpowder Plot table which belonged to Sir Everard Digby, the first conspirator to be executed after the 1605 plot.

The castle is also said to have a resident ghost of Ward Dilke’s “temperamental” wife. She died after falling down the stairs in the Lady Tower in the 17th century. Her portrait is in the library.

Owner Edwina Fetherston-Dilke told BirminghamLive what it’s like looking after the site. “Maxstoke Castle is one of the oldest privately owned and continuously inhabited castles in England.

“Fortunately, only one cannon ball was fired into the building and it hit a nearby tree! Otherwise, it might not have been in the excellent condition we find it in today.

“However, the castle and surrounding curtain walls are sandstone, a delicate and porous stone, so they require constant maintenance! We are lucky to have a small and stable team here, including a full-time gardener, who all work extremely hard. .”

When you can visit Maxstoke Castle

A fundraising event is being held at the castle on Sunday 16 June. All proceeds will help raise funds for the National Garden and Field Learning Scheme. Proceeds will go to schools in Birmingham and the Midlands to help children get outside and learn more about nature and the environment).

The castle will be open from 11am to 5pm, advance online booking is required via the Maxstoke Castle website. There will be teas and refreshments on the grounds, plus plant and gift stalls. No dogs are allowed and unfortunately the castle is not wheelchair accessible. Tickets are £11 for adults and £8 for children and concessions and under 8s are free.

Location of Maxstoke Castle

Maxstoke Castle is a 22-minute drive from Coventry on the A45. The postcode is B46 2RD with free parking on site.

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