The changing faces of Croft Castle

The Croft's undying loyalty to the British monarchy was rewarded in 1671 when Bishop Herbert Croft's son was created a Baronet and the title lives on to this day in Australia.

 

In the gallery you can see a collection of family portraits, spanning across the many generations.

 

 

The 700 year history of the Crofts came to an abrupt end in 1746 when Sir Archer Croft declared bankruptcy after investing in the 1720 South Sea Bubble.

 

Eventually Sir Archer ended up selling the castle and the estates to the self made millionaire Richard Knight, a local Ironmaster. 

 

 

After 170 years, in 1923, Croft was reclaimed by Lady Katherine Croft. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s the castle was brought back to life by Katherine and her children.

 

They enjoyed many parties, balls and social banquets. Sir James excelled at sport, choosing to spend his time hunting, fishing and driving his extremely fast cars around the Herefordshire countryside.

 

 

 

During the Second World War the castle became home to St. Mary’s Convent School for Girls. Some of the girls' coat pegs and graffiti can still be seen on the attic walls today.

 

In 1957, Croft Castle and its parkland came into our care.