Hartshill Castle

[cathidaw]

ONE OF THE GEMS OF NORTH WARWICKSHIRE IS HARTSHILL CASTLE.

this ruined castle is being preserved by a friend of mine --the current owner -- a retired schoolteacher -who bought it 6 years ago to save it for posterity and the people of Nuneaton--and from vandals
.From the road it looks very attractive now and is responding to its T.L.C.- and from the castle itself is even more so.
The owner takes groups around occasionally and talks about the fascinating history--
. It had been for sale for some time- no-one wanted it and the council were not interested enough in their 'heritage- on- the- doorstep' enough to buy it. When Hartshill Hayes country park was developed it would have been a great asset, although it probably would have been so developed and 'sanitised ' it would have been ruined (pun intended)
I have some lovely photos which I shall put on this site soon---if I may.
Inside the walls one can almost forget that Nuneaton is only down the road and Hartshill so near

[optrex]

I would love to see the pics of the castle - I didn't know there was one

[Will]

I'd like to see some pics too. Also it might be a good idea to add a marker to our interactive map cathidaw.

[Madhatter]

I don't agree with it being left, It should be rebuilt to what it was meant to be, a castle.
Last I heard, the owner filled the valley in to build a house on it.

[Shizara]

Madhatter, like the others I look forward to seeing your pictures of the castle.

[Madhatter]

I've never took a picture of the castle but I do look forward to seeing these.
Whats the chances of a group of us going ?

[cathidaw]

Tomorrow Iwill see my friend who owns this castle to see if she will arange a visit.
This place has been neglected for many years
The east wall- facing the road- had an Elizabethan house built on the inside of side of it..The fireplace and chimneys are still there to see.
It also had a moat Part of which is still there --and a bayley to the north, outside the wall which is patt of Hartshill hayes Ithink.
Iam hazy about the history but the owner would explain it better.
Some years ago it was used as a riding school which did not help.
Iwill endeavour to put photos on the photo pages.

[Will]

Wow, this looks an amazing place to explore. I'd really like to know the exact location.



That's a great picture too Cath.

[cathidaw]

The photograph is copyrighted to M D Wilson

tHE ONE OF matthew in the stocks is mine

[cathidaw]

If you are going through Hartshill (towards the clock bridge or Dobbies garden centre ,this is on the left ==in Hartshill itself.
Iwill not say you can't miss it because you can- its so unexpected, the road is busy and the field faces a block of hideous 70s flats

[Will]

Could you tell me where it is on this map Cath?

[cathidaw]

Will --HOPE YOU GOT MY INSTRUCTIONS.
If not, the place is about where the name Hartshill is on your map.
Quite surprisingly it is on Castle rd.
Right now the fields surrounding the castle are ankle deep in mud .and the nosey horses don't help.
Last week I went in with plastic carrier bags covering my shoes, held on with elastic bands. Forgot the wellies!
It would be best to wait 'til it's a bit drier for a visit, which can easily be arranged with the owner.
It is the most beautiful place in Spring and.especially when the Mayblossom is out.
Ishall send some more photo's later.

[Will]

Yes I got your instructions, but unfortunately castle road is quite long, and I don't see anything that obviously looks like a castle. Hence me asking if any of the places I've highlighted are correct?

[cathidaw]

If you go from the Nuneaton direction and pass what they call 'Hartshill green' on your left- (there is a pub there too I cant rememberthe name) and, driving carefully along the main road, on the left you will see some flats-whitish colour.The castle is opposite the flats. the other side of a low wall across a sloping field. If you see a sign saying cemetery- you have just passed it.You can only see the ruined wall from the road.
I shall be going latish next Monday morning with my wellies or plastic bags on my feet.

[Will]

Hi Cath,

I only really have the satellite image to go on, not living near the area. If you could just show me if I've got it right from any of the points I've indicated on the image above, that would be the best way.

[Will]

This image is the one I meant rather.