Stainborough Castle was built by the 1st Earl of Strafford between 1727 and 1730 on the site of an iron age hill fort and on the highest point of the estate, over 180m/600ft above sea level. On completion, the name of the main house was changed from Stainborough Hall to Wentworth Castle, no doubt to provoke the family at Wentworth Woodhouse.

Conceived as an eye catcher, the mock castle formed a dramatic climax to the garden lay out. Although described as a folly, and believed to be the second oldest Gothic garden folly in the country, the castle was used by the 1st Earl and his family as a play area and for picknicking. The area within the walls was grassed.

The four towers were each named after the 1st Earl's children, Harriet, Anne, Lucy and William, and the insides were each painted in a different colour.

For details of the restoration plans, click here.