There has been debate about the motives for building a more-or-less complete medieval-style castle in the 19th century. Although he was a great estate manager, Tollemache was also perceived as "a man of considerable eccentricity".[1] Dr Jill Allibone is of the opinion that he might have been protecting himself and his family from the political troubles of the time.[7] In a defensive building he would be able to protect himself against any revolution by the masses from nearby Manchester or Liverpool.[8] A possible practical reason for building such a solid residence rather than an Italianate-style villa was to provide shelter from the adverse weather conditions which could affect the Cheshire plain.[9] However Durdey comes to the conclusion that the decisive factors were to use his "vast inheritance" to provide himself with a house that was "impressive, dominant and suitable for Cheshire's greatest landowner".[4]