 Ripley Castle
Undoubtedly a fine, fortified mansion and family home but, as a genuine castle,
Ripley is, perhaps, somewhat suspect. Since the 1320s Ripley Castle has been
the ancestral seat of the Ingilby family when, through marriage, they
inherited the manor house with its banqueting hall and chapel. In 1468
Sir John Ingilby decided to build a fortified Gatehouse which helped
reassure the family through many treacherous periods, often involving
violence. At one point, during the late 17th century, a David
Ingilby was falsely accused of an attempted royal assassination and
had to spend the last years of his life evading capture.
In 1548 a new, fortified tower (or Keep) was added by Sir William Ingilby. However,
this late tower house, built with three storeys, appears to have been
attached to the manor house more for show than as a defensive structure.
The Knight's Chamber is a particularly attractive room, with panelled
walls and a wooden roof, and was to play a major part in the history of
the family. In 1583 Francis Ingilby was ordained abroad as a priest, but
two years later Elizabeth I declared it a treasonable offence for priests
to be present in England. Therefore, a Priest-hole was made in the Tower
especially for Francis to secrete himself in times of danger. Sadly, he
was unwittingly betrayed and, in 1586, was hung, drawn and quartered.
His portrait and prayer book can still be seen in the Knight's Chamber today.
In 1603 King James VI of Scotland stayed at Ripley Castle whilst travelling to London for his
Coronation. This presented an ideal opportunity for the Ingilbys to
impress a royal visitor, and a magnificent ceiling was installed in
the Tower room, which bears King's Arms alongside those of Sir William
Ingilby and his wife. Another of the more gruesome events to be witnessed
at Ripley Castle was during the Civil War when a group of Royalist prisoners
were executed against the Gatehouse wall. The holes made by the musket
balls are still visible.
Towards the end of the 18th century Ripley Castle experienced a family crisis
which resulted in a period of vacancy and much chaos. Thankfully, the
extensive restoration works were eventually completed and it is these
splendid enhancements, which include semi-circular alcoves in several
rooms and a magnificent cantilever staircase in the entrance hall, that
the visitor can enjoy today.
Although the Ingilby family still reside at Ripley Castle, they do encourage the
public to take pleasure in the delightful grounds and gardens during the
summer, and also provide guides to conduct a tour of the house in an informative
and amusing manner. |
