Birmingham harbors a hidden gem: a moated castle with a sunken garden, yet few know of its existence. Maxstoke Castle, located near Coleshill in Warwickshire, dates back to the 14th century. This picture-perfect square fortress measures 60 by 60 yards, featuring four towers, a gatehouse, and a drawbridge.
Extraordinary History and Ghostly Tales
The castle boasts an extraordinary history. One of its ancestors was executed for attempting to overthrow Richard III, while another faced high treason charges by Henry VIII and was executed on Tower Hill. Additionally, a ghost is said to roam the premises.
Original oak doors, a vast banqueting hall, a library, and an oak drawing room with a Whispering door—recovered from Kenilworth Castle after the Civil War—adorn the interior.
Raising a Family in a Castle
Current owners Edwina and George Fetherston-Dilke married in December 2021 and moved in during the Covid lockdown with their three-month-old daughter Margot. They formed a 'bubble' with George's parents, Michael and Rosie. Now with two children, Margot (five) and Audrey (three), the family resides in a 'modest' Georgian section of the castle, using only 30 to 40 percent of the space.
"We had a wonderful time living with Michael and Rosie for six months," said Edwina. "Had it not been for Covid, we would never have lived together and learned so much about Maxstoke and how to live here, with its very old systems and leaking pipes."
The castle is a scheduled listed monument, more protected than Grade I. "We cannot double glaze or add insulation," Edwina explained. "We need lots of permission for the smallest of changes." The ceremonial rooms are unplumbed and uninsulated, kept cold to preserve ancient artifacts.
Childhood in a Medieval Setting
When asked if her daughters feel like princesses, Edwina laughed. "They have a trampoline and a sandpit in a wooden box, which we try to blend in with the surroundings. There's a certain charm to the castle because people expect pomp and circumstance, but it's very much a family home."
Children are most excited by the suit of armor and old weapons in one ceremonial room. "We have to be careful with little boys in that room!" Edwina added. The family has yet to host birthday parties but hopes to as the girls grow older.
Haunted or Not?
Yes, a ghost is believed to reside in the Lady Tower, the tallest of the four towers. Mary, the 'temperamental' wife of Ward Dilke, is thought to have died after falling down the staircase. "Visitors and family members have felt a 'presence' there," Edwina said. "She has been known to scatter the children's toys around the bottom of the tower."
Best and Worst of Castle Living
The best part, according to Edwina, is the constant discovery. "I discover new things every day when the sunset hits the walls and the sandstone turns orange. Throughout the seasons, it's always changing." Her favorite spot is walking around the inner moat at sunset with a glass of wine.
The worst part? "It gets quite cold in the winter. We have lots of fires burning, but the oil costs make us more frugal. We're definitely a hot water bottle in the bed and putting on extra jumpers kind of family."
Public Open Days and Events
Normally closed to the public, the family opens the castle for tours several times a year. The annual public open day is on Sunday, June 14, to raise money for charity. Additionally, the first Artisan Show will take place on May 16 and 17, featuring a handmade British craft market and a Knights of Honour re-enactment. Inside tours are available only on the open day.
Edwina feels a great sense of responsibility: "I feel it is never ever ours. We are custodians. We love the place, and it's our home. But we must make it attractive for the next generation to continue living here and looking after it."
This year's open day includes tours of the property, featuring the childhood bedroom of King Henry VII and a Gunpowder Plot table belonging to Sir Everard Digby.
How to Get There
Maxstoke Castle is near Coleshill in Warwickshire, postcode B46 2RD. It takes about 25 minutes from Birmingham via the M6, or a 16-minute train from Birmingham New Street to Coleshill Parkway, then a taxi.
