This remarkable castle, built on the instruction of William the Conqueror, has been my family's home for 450 years. Prior to the Watson's ownership the Castle was held by the monarch. There are very few other homes that have been continuously occupied for nearly 1000 years and have had just two owners. The Castle is now home to my James Saunders Watson and his family, all of whom enjoy the Castle.
Visitors to Rockingham Castle tour the Castle in their own time. Guides are located throughout the Castle and are happy to answer questions or assist children completing the Rockingham eye spy.
The tour of the Castle starts in what was originally exclusively the "below stairs" area. The Old Kitchen, which has recently been restored to how it would have looked in 1895, it shows the preparation for a grand dinner in progress.
The Great Hall was built on the instruction of William the Conqueror in 1086. Edward Watson, ancestor to the present owners, divided the the room in the early 1600's creating the adjacent Panel Room. These rooms have always been the core of the house and are still in use today as the main dining and reception rooms of the Castle.
The Great Hall retains a strong Tudor atmosphere with portraits of Queen Elizabeth I and her most powerful advisors - Lords Burghley, Howard and Dudley.
The Panel Room, more than any other room in the Castle, stands witness to the natural evolution of Rockingham Castle from its earliest use as a Royal Fortress to its modern role as a family home and national treasure.
The Long Gallery houses some of the finest paintings and furniture in the Castle. This room would have been the focal point of family entertainment in the past. During the 1850's Charles Dickens was a regular visitor to the Castle and would have undoubtedly performed one of his many plays here in this room.
Rockingham Castle is ideally positioned in the centre of the country with good road, rail and air links.
By Road:
Poised on the side of the Welland Valley, the Castle is off the A6003, 1 mile north of Corby; 24 miles from Peterborough, Northampton and Leicester; half an hour from the A1 and the M1 and 10 minutes from the A14 at Kettering.
By Rail:
There is a regular train service from London St Pancras to Kettering (8 miles) and Market Harborough (10 miles). The train journey takes approximately one hour. Taxis should be available at the Stations.
By Air:
East Midlands Airport 48 miles 1 and 1/4 hours
Birmingham Airport 56 miles 1 and 1/4 hours
Stansted Airport 71 miles 1 and 1/2 hours
Luton Airport 58 miles 1 and 1/4 hours
Helicopter landing may be available in the Grounds by prior arrangement.
