Romden Castle

Romden Castle is a double L-shaped house that has been built and modified over various periods. The walls of the cellars likely date from the 13th to 14th centuries. The tower was constructed by the Guldeford family in the 16th century. In 1586, the James family acquired the property and made additions during the 17th century, some of which can still be seen inside. The house was refaced and enlarged in the 18th century. After the James family, the castle passed to the Otway family through marriage and remained in their possession until 1786. The main exterior features date from their time, although part of the building was demolished in 1866. The structure is made of red brick with a tiled roof, and the glazing bars remain intact. The north-west front is L-shaped, with two storeys and attics, featuring seven windows and three dormers. The first floor of the north-east section is tile-hung, while the south-west section has a parapet and a curved bay with three windows on both the ground and first floors. The south-east front is also L-shaped, with seven windows, and the south-west part includes a parapet and a similar curved bay. At the south-east corner of this section is a square tower with four storeys, which has a two-storey projection to the south-east, featuring a doorcase with pilasters, a curved pediment, and a round-headed window on the first floor above.