Sizergh Castle

Sizergh Castle is a complex of buildings, primarily a castle with associated hall and wings, dating from the 15th century, although earlier elements were initially thought to be present. A South Tower, probably built in the 15th century, was added to an earlier hall with a crosswing that forms the basis of the North Tower. The original entrance to the hall was on the East side, at ground floor level. Remnants of a wall, now under a verandah, appear to be from alterations made between 1670 and 1770. Further alterations in the 19th century accommodated a carriage entrance. Subsidiary wings to the West were constructed in the mid-16th century, with later alterations including 19th-century replacement windows in the North wing. The building is constructed of limestone rubble walls, with some areas partially rendered. The pitched roofs are slated, with decorative barge boards, probably dating to the 17th century, and stone ball finials. The roofs are embattled and leaded; leadwork to the South Tower turret is dated 1749. A variety of stone chimney stacks are present, including massive three-stage stacks to the West wings and an embattled stone chimney stack to the South Tower, likely dating to the 16th century. Upper-floor windows on the west side of the South Tower are 15th-century mullioned and transomed, while ground-floor windows are 19th-century. The East and West sides of the main block predominantly feature late 18th-century Gothick detailing under hood moulds, with Venetian windows in the East side of both North and South Towers. 16th-century mullioned and transomed windows appear in the South West wing. A panel above a second-floor window on the West side of the South Tower displays the arms of Deincourt quartering those of Strickland. The interior includes vaulted undercrofts to the North and South Towers, the undercroft in the North Tower being a later addition. A mural staircase is within the South Tower, and there are fine panelled rooms dating from the 16th century onwards, featuring ornately carved overmantels and decorative ceilings. There are also dated Jacobean windows from various sources.