| Alton Castle | |
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| Alton, Staffordshire | |
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Shown within Staffordshire
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| Type | Masonry castle |
| Coordinates | grid reference SK074425 |
| Built | 12th century |
| Built by | Bertram de Verdun |
Alton Castle is in the village of Alton, Staffordshire. The castle is also known as or referred to in historical documents as Alverton or Aulton. The remains of the castle have been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building.[1] It is also a scheduled ancient monument.[2] Despite its close proximity, it is entirely separate from the theme park of Alton Towers.
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The castle is located on a hill above the Churnet Valley.
Alton Castle was founded by Bertram de Verdon and built on a rocky precipice overlooking the River Churnet in the 12th century. It was substantially reconstructed during the 15th century and subsequently was damaged during the Civil War. In 1847 it was significantly reconstructed by Pugin as a Gothic country house[3] for the 16th Earl of Shrewsbury.[1]
The site was taken over by the Sisters of Mercy in 1855 and the presbytery became their convent. The castle remained a private residence until 1919 when the Sisters of Mercy bought it for £3,500 to extend their boarding school. The school closed in 1989 and the castle was left empty until in 1996.[4]
In 1996 it was established by the Archdiocese of Birmingham as a Catholic Youth Retreat Centre.[5] This is a Grade II* listed building.[6]
Alton Castle is now in its 15th year as a residential youth centre and UK registered charity working with children aged between 9 and 13 years. Over 8,000 children visit the Castle each year, mainly with schools, but also from other children’s organisations such as youth groups and charities who work with children with disabilities. Some of the children have suffered disadvantages, including disability, and many come from inner city areas of social and economic deprivation.
Alton Castle aims to raise self-esteem, to strengthen and build friendships, and to help each child realise their potential as human beings. The children participate in a variety of activities during their stay including mountain biking, trekking, archery, rockclimbing and survival. [7]
