Visit the castle

The first Bernard de Croft of Croft Castle was noted in the Domesday book in 1086 and the Crofts have fought to keep their home ever since. In the castle you can uncover stories about the key members of the family who played their part in influencing British political and military history.

Our guides will give you the highlights such as Sir Richard Croft who fought with his Croft army during the Wars of the Roses alongside Edward Mortimer in 1461 at the 'Battle of Mortimer's Cross'. The Tudor Sir James Croft was imprisoned in the Tower of London during the 'Wyatt rebellion' and tortured because he wouldn't betray Elizabeth I; she later appointed him 'Comptroller' of her Royal household.

The castle volunteers will also tell you about a time when the Crofts lost their home in 1746 and eventually bought it back 177 years later. You can see the changes the 'Somerset Davies' and 'Kevill Davies' families made to the interiors and estate at Croft whilst the Crofts were away.

Find out about William Croft and the Civil War and what happened to the castle during this time and move right up to the twentieth century as we continue to research and share stories of Croft and its inhabitants with memorabilia, costume, photographs and letters from the last 100 years.

Sit and relax in the Saloon and find out about the life of James Croft and how the family bought back their home in 1923. You can explore the family photographs or sit and read through the auction catalogues.

Upstairs in the Ambassador's Room, you can discover how our house team conserve and care for our collections. From the beginning of March 2019, this room will tell the story of Fishpool Valley, how it was relandscaped during the late eighteenth century and how we're restoring and reviving it today, thanks to funds raised by our supporters.

Discover how the Croft family worked with the National Trust to save the castle and estate for the nation in 1957 and what life was like here during the decade with archive material, photographs and memorabilia in the Library.

From the beginning of March 2019, you can step back in time to the Second World War in the Dining Room and Family Room; find out what life was like at Croft as a school for evacuated children and discover the link between the Croft family and Winston Churchill.