Highcliffe
Highcliffe, just four miles out of Christchurch is the most easterly parish in Dorset, although, it was originally in the county of Hampshire. This award- winning floral village has a wild slipping short cliff down to the sea, with wonderful coastal views across to the Isle of Wight. Its peaceful coastline is only a few minutes walk from the bustling village centre and its unspoilt beaches are a great place to unwind.
Perched high on the cliff top above is Highcliffe’s jewel in the crown, the magnificent Grade 1 listed mansion, Highcliffe Castle. The Castle is arguably the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture, which flourished at the end of the 18th Century and the beginning of the 19th Century.
The Castle was built in its enviable position between 1831 and 1836 by Charles Stuart, who later became Lord Stuart de Rothesay. The Castle replaces the original High Cliff Mansion which was built in 1775 by Lord Bute, Stuart’s grandfather.
The carved medieval stonework used to build the Castle was acquired from two buildings in Normandy, Northern France. Much of the remaining stonework came from the Purbeck area of Dorset, though Portland, Bath and Totterstone were also used.
Many windows in the original Castle were glazed with ancient stained glass from a magnificent collection built up by Stuart from his years as a Diplomat at the Embassy in Paris. The exquisite pieces, which ranged from the 12th to the 16th century, were mainly French, although there are some magnificent pieces of Swiss, German and Flemish work too.
The Castle and its contents were sold in 1950 and having passed through several owners, was left uninhabited in the late 1960s. After fires, vandalism, theft and storm damage, the Castle was bought by Christchurch Borough Council in 1977.
In the early 1990s the Local Authority’s partnership with English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund enabled the first phases of exterior repairs and restoration work to take place. These works were completed in 1998 and the tarpaulin which had shrouded the Castle for several years was finally removed to reveal His Lordship’s vision renewed.
Funding to this point had been for structural repairs only and very little had gone towards internal fixtures and fittings. In 2007, much work was carried out on the interior of the building and the Castle that we see today is testament to the commitment from local groups, the Borough Council, English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery fund.
Today Highcliffe Castle is a popular visitor attraction, exhibitions and events location and provides many activities for all to enjoy and houses a Heritage Centre, gift shop and is fully accessible throughout. Guided Tours take place on Tuesdays and Sundays throughout the year and the 14 acres of grounds are open all year round, free for visitors to enjoy at their leisure. There are
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many walks around the estate, along the cliffs and through the adjoining nature reserve.
Regular events held at the Castle include open air theatre, Shakespeare plays, exhibitions showcasing textiles, ceramics and works of art, as well as popular sell-out concerts which include classical, jazz, swing and cabaret. With its own Civil Weddings Licence, Highcliffe Castle has established itself as a premier location for weddings, as well as banquets and small conferences.
For more information and details of the events and exhibitions taking place please call 01425 278807 or visit:
www.highcliffecastle.co.uk.
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