|The thumbnails below are linked to larger pictures The castle
is of a basic rectangular design with great drum towers at each
corner but due to its magnificent setting and the peaceful
reflections created in the waters of the moat, it has a
romanticised appeal that has led to its reproduction on
everything from book covers to jigsaw puzzles. Despite the
expansive moat, a long wooden access bridge and apparently
impressive fortifications, the castle was incapable of being
defended against heavy canon fire as the walls were too thin. It
was in 1483 that it fell to a siege by Richard III, although it
is commonly believed that no siege took place and the then owner
Sir Thomas Lewknor probably surrendered without a fight. In 1644
during the English Civil War the Parliamentarians were ordered
to dismantle the castle and it remained a ruin until partially
restored by Cubitt in the late 19th century and finally
purchased and restored to its present condition by Lord Curzon
in 1917, the castle passed to the National