Tickets for Calderdale Heritage Walks annual tour of Dobroyd Castle are now on sale. I’m excited to be leading this walk again as the Fieldens are such a fascinating family and it’s not often that people get the chance to have a look round this historic building and its surrounds.
The castle was built in 1869 and is what’s called a brass castle – built by someone with plenty of brass! The Fieldens were one of the richest families in the country with money made largely from cotton manufacture and they built a number of iconic buildings in Todmorden and made their mark on the town in the 1860s.
There’s a very romantic story linked to John Fielden and the castle – but is it true? Come along and find out more. See inside the saloon and imagine grand soirées with some very well-known visitors gracing the room. Walk up the grand staircase and see the ornate architecture evoking the life John Fielden aspired to. See, too, the entwined initials of John and his wife Ruth. But it’s not just its 19th century history we’ll see – the castle had a very different story to tell in the 20th century and we’ll see some reminders of that side of its history.
Outside, we’ll explore the walled garden and the grounds and find out about how the garden was designed and planted and see some of the staff cottages.
On the walk up to the castle there’s an opportunity to find out more about the Fieldens and their industry and some other buildings associated with them. It’s a steep climb up to the castle but well worth it.
We are grateful to Robinwood Activity Centres for allowing us to visit the Castle.
To book a ticket go to https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/calderdale-heritage-walks – there are still a few left.