|
Although this once quiet
village has been made famous world-wide by Alton
Towers, one of Britain's top tourist destinations
situated on the opposite side of the Churnet
valley, it still has other attractions for the
visitor.
|
Alton Castle was built on
the site of a Norman castle.
It was begun in 1847 to a design by the
architect Pugin (of Houses of Parliament fame).
It is thought that the Earl of Shrewsbury wanted
it constructed to house priests but Pugin was
not enthusiastic about the idea of a castle to
house priests and it was left incomplete.
The castle is approached from the village
walking on a bridge over the moat.
The Catholic Church in Birmingham now owns it
and uses it as a Catholic youth centre offering
a variety of outdoor activities.
|
|
 |
|
The idea for Alton Towers
came from the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury but Pugin
was a great friend of the Earl's nephew, John
Talbot, who succeeded him as 16th Earl.
With Pugin's help he
enlarged the house itself and was responsible
for the construction of many of the Catholic
churches in the area. |
|
 |
|
