Discover who's who over the centuries at Tattershall Castle, from its first founder to the modern-day knight who grabbed it from the jaws of ruin.
Robert de Tatershale - first owner of Tattershall
© NTPL / Mike Williams
The first castle at Tattershall was built in stone by Robert de Tateshale in the early 13th century. The young de Tateshale had fought alongside Henry III in France and he received a license in 1231 to build a fortified stone house.
The original castle was probably built to develop the surrounding area as a trading post. Very little of it now survives, but its blueprint shaped the masterpiece to come.
Lord Cromwell (1393 - 1456) - the king’s treasurer
© National Trust
The man responsible for building the Great Tower of Tattershall Castle was Ralph, 3rd Baron Cromwell. A colourful character, not only was he a powerful landowner but also a successful diplomat, politician, financer and soldier.
Lord Cromwell took part in some of the defining events of the age. He fought at Agincourt under Henry V and was also present at the trial and burning of Joan of Arc in Rouen.
Lord Cromwell was often praised for the elegance of his manners. These no doubt helped his political career reach dizzying heights in 1433 when he was appointed Lord Treasurer to Henry VI. He managed to keep the post the next 10 years during a time of severe political instability.
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The knight in shining armour - Lord Curzon of Kedleston (1859-1925)
© NTPL / John Hammond
George Nathaniel, Lord Curzon of Kedleston was instrumental in saving Tattershall Castle from ruin. A former Viceroy of India, he became interested in the Castle in 1911 when the sale and removal of its famous fireplaces caused a public outcry.
Lord Curzon stepped in, buying the Castle and having all the ports watched so that the fireplaces could not leave the country. When they were finally discovered at Tilbury docks, Curzon saved them with the help of an appeal raising £5,155 and returned them to the Castle in May 1912.
Curzon's efforts didn't end there. He masterminded repair work on the site, taking a close personal interest at every stage. He opened the Castle to the public on 8 August 1914 and it was given to the National Trust on his death in 1925.
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