A castle with almost a millennium of history is on the market for a mere £500,000, but there’s a significant catch.
The Grade I Listed fortress occupies nearly 29.8 acres of land, which is equivalent to nearly 23 football pitches. Despite its substantial size, the castle is in ruins, and only a small old workshop remains standing. The prospective owner must undertake the task of converting this workshop into a two-bedroom home on their own to make it habitable.
Wigmore Castle, located near Leominster in Herefordshire, was established by William Fitz Osbern, the Earl of Hereford, in 1067. Over the centuries, the castle hosted various kings and queens and is currently protected by English Heritage.
While the property comes with planning permission for the conversion of a small two-metre by six-metre barn into a detached two-storey, two-bedroom home, the castle itself is not inhabitable. The sale includes ownership of the land, which features a moat, woodland, and a former jousting field. The property’s remote location offers easy access to the village of Wigmore, albeit with only two local pubs for entertainment.
The site is designated as Grade III, and the land has primarily been maintained as “managed wilderness,” providing a habitat for diverse wildlife. English Heritage has maintained paths around the castle ruins to facilitate visitor access. The remains of Wigmore Castle are considered among the most remarkable ruins in England, as described by English Heritage.
The property’s history is rich, with the castle passing through various hands until it was sold to Sir Thomas Harley in 1601. During the Civil War, Sir Thomas’s wife ordered Parliamentarian troops to dismantle the castle walls to prevent its use by Royalist forces.
The listing underscores the overgrown appearance that characterizes the castle’s current state and highlights its significant historical and architectural value. The ruins are designated as Grade I Listed and are also part of a scheduled monument.
Prospective buyers should be prepared for a unique restoration project, preserving a piece of history and contributing to the upkeep of a treasured heritage site.