Rockingham Castle Summary

• Address: Market Harborough, LE16 8TH (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)1536 770240
• Fax: +44 (0)1536 771692
• Owner: Saunders Watson
• Administrator: Andrew Norman
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Rockingham Castle website

Henry VIII granted the Castle to Edward Watson, ancestor of the present owner James Saunders Watson, who converted the medieval fortress into a comfortable Tudor house. His portrait hangs in the Hall alongside Jayne Seymour, one of Henry's unlucky wives. Queen Elizabeth I's also hangs there surrounded by her Courtiers Cecil, Howard and Dudley.

Originally a Royalist stronghold, Rockingham Castle was taken by Cromwell's Roundheads and then besieged by the King's troops. Although its defences held out against repeated assaults the Castle's owner Lewis Watson lost much of his wealth and never really recovered from the trauma of the war. Appropriately Rockingham was the setting for the BBC TV series "By the Sword Divided", which portrayed the turmoil caused by the war.

Rockingham was in its heyday as a Victorian mansion, filled with Richard and Lavinia Watson's family, friends and the servants required to look after the Castle and its inhabitants. The Watsons entertained there in style and among their guests was their great friend Charles Dickens. Dickens often performed in his own plays in the Long Gallery and drew inspiration for Chesney Wold in his novel Bleak House.

The castle remains the centre of an agricultural community and is still home to the Saunders Watson family. The family's collection of 20th Century pictures adds a particularly personal contemporary flavour. For more information about Rockingham a visit to their Website is recommended.

Gardens

Poised above the Welland Valley with fine views of five counties the ramparts enclose 12 acres of sweeping lawns, formal and informal gardens set among the medieval fortifications. There is a circular rose garden on the site of the old keep and a magnificent wild garden in the ravine below containing over 200 species of trees and shrubs, many rare.

Private and Corporate Functions and Events

The early choice of a defensive position for Rockingham Castle has rewarded the venue with a magnificent setting, dominating the local landscape. The sweep of the lush parkland and meadows has replaced the dense forest of the Middle Ages and the years have mellowed the colours of the ironstone, while the sun’s reflection off the limestone gives the Castle a luminous quality as it nestles into the hillside.

For centuries Rockingham Castle has entertained royalty and private guests within its ancient walls. The history and tradition continue. Walker’s House, within the original curtain wall of the Castle, has catering already available and has recently been refurbished to provide full conference facilities with meeting rooms, a conference room and dining room.

Possibilities include

• Drinks Receptions (150 max.)
• Dinners and Lunches (80 max.)
• Conferences (80 max.)
• Wedding Receptions (the Castle holds a Civil Wedding Licence)
• Exhibitions and Product Launches
• Meetings and Lectures

Opening Times - 2012

• 8th April - 31st May: Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays, Grounds 12 - 5 pm, Castle 1 - 5 pm
• 1st June - 30th September: Tuesday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays, 12 - 5 pm, Castle 1 - 5 pm
• Please Note - Closed: 5th June

Admission Prices - 2012

Castle & Gardens:

• Adult - £9.00
• Child (5-16 years) - £5.00
• Seniors - £8.00
• Family (2+2) - £23.00

Grounds Only:

• Adult/Child - £5.00

Groups (20+):

• Adult - £8.00
• Child (5-16 years) - £4.75

School Group (20+):

• Child - £4.75

1 Adult free with every 15 children. Additional adults £8.00

Private Tour

• Adult - £10.00

Including Gardens, Salvin's Tower, Gift Shop and Licensed Tea Room.

Further information including opening times and prices

Image Gallery

Events for Rockingham Castle

• Jousting & Medieval Living History Village - 10 June 2012
  The Knight of Nottingham & the Oxford Household make a triumphant return to Rockingham Castle. The knights of Nottingham perform a thrilling display of horsemanship and jousting from days gone by. The Black Knight has come to do battle and he intends to win at any cost. The Oxford Household provides a fascinating medieval living history village demonstrating skill-at-arms as well as many skills and trades from life in earlier times. Music & story telling for children and adults.
• Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club Concours & Rally - 15 June 2012 to 17 June 2012
  This flagship Club event attracts the world’s largest collection of over 1,000 Rolls-Royce and post-1933 Bentley cars with members travelling from across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. This event is well supported by specialists from the trade offering Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars for sale together with their services and essential parts and accessories.
• Steam, Transport & Family Show - Great Park - 30 June 2012 to 01 July 2012
  There will be steam engines, transport and vintage vehicles. Lots of family entertainment which will include; Dog Agility Demonstration, Model aircraft & boats, Motor Cycle Display, Pipe Band, Irish dancing, Classic Cars & Shire Horses. Caravan Club Camping.
• Jaguar Drivers Club Rally - 05 August 2012
  10 am: If you like cars - and especially Jaguars, the Jaguar Drivers’ Club National Day is the show to visit. With almost every model present and commentary throughout the day. A special trader’s marquee, new cars and spares for that classic Jaguar, and craft stalls complete the day.
• Vikings! Of Middle England - 26 August 2012 to 27 August 2012
  12 - 5 pm: The Vikings return! Be prepared for Battles, Horses, Pageant, Living History Camp and much more. The Vikings Of Middle England are most famous for their realistic, exciting and entertaining battle displays. The thunderous clash of steel rings out as opposing forces meet. Off the battlefield life in the tented encampment goes on with tradesmen displaying their skills, making weapons, coins and wood turning.

• The Rockingham Castle Country Fair - Great Park - 22 September 2012 to 23 September 2012
  10 am - 5 pm: This year’s show is promising to be even better than ever – with the magnificent and increasingly rare Suffolk Punch Heavy Horses, Birds of Prey Flying Displays, Terrier Racing, Re-enactments, Goat Display with milking and other hands-on activities, Miniature Ponies, Arts, Crafts, Gift, Food and Drink. Marquees as well as cookery demonstrations from the Events Show Kitchen.
• Victorian Christmas at Rockingham Castle - 19 November 2012 to 23 November 2012
  11 am - 8 pm: The Castle Courtyard is decorated with illuminated trees. It's Christmas Eve 1849 and the Castle is decorated for a nostalgic Victorian Christmas. The fires are lit, the food prepared and the Great Hall table is laid for a sumptuous Christmas lunch. Guided tours in period costume take place throughout the day departing every 15 minutes. Christmas shopping with a difference with the Gift Shop offering an exciting range of gifts for friends & family.

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Additional Info for Rockingham Castle

• Gardens
• Dogs allowed
• Weddings
• Disabled Access
• Education
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Meals Available
• Conferences
• Filming
• Gifts
• Shop
• Car Parking

Heritage Groups

• Historic Houses Association

Credit Cards Accepted

• Mastercard
• Visa
• Delta
• Switch

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