CASTLES IN VIRGINIA
PRESENTED BY MUNGO NAPIER, LAIRD OF MALLARD LODGE
This page is a collection of residential castles, relocated historic buildings, and recreated period structures. The purpose is to spotlight buildings from which medieval re-enactors can learn about life in the days of old, or just have some fun.
The decision of what to include in this list was somewhat arbitrary and personal. I chose buildings that consciously imitate European residential/military castles, but excluded Victorian or baronial-style homes that are called “castles” simply because they are large and happen to have a tower. Also eliminated were military academies, armories, prisons, Pythian lodges and other civic buildings decorated in a faux-medieval style.
The decision of what to include in this list was somewhat arbitrary and personal. I chose buildings that consciously imitate European residential/military castles, but excluded Victorian or baronial-style homes that are called “castles” simply because they are large and happen to have a tower. Also eliminated were military academies, armories, prisons, Pythian lodges and other civic buildings decorated in a faux-medieval style.
I welcome suggestions and photos to expand this list, but the final decision of what to include is my own.
Some of these sites are open to the public, usually for a modest admission fee. Please respect the privacy of residential castles and enjoy them from the roadside.
Some of these sites are open to the public, usually for a modest admission fee. Please respect the privacy of residential castles and enjoy them from the roadside.
RESIDENTIAL CASTLES
Rose Tower (above), Franklin County (Crown Lands). This delightful tower, the first part of a planned larger home, is a private residence near Martinsville. It is on private property and far from any paved roads. Please respect the owners' privacy. (Photo submitted by the owner.)
John Gabel’s Tower, 3160 Wades Gap Road, Boones Mill, Franklin County (Crown Lands). This is a round stone tower used as a retreat. (Photo needed.)
Melrose Castle, Route 602, Casanova (Barony of Stierbach). A mid-19th century stone house, it features battlements and a three-story tower. A private residence, it is not open to the public. (Photo from Wikipedia Commons by Jerrye and Roy Klotz, MD.)
Keen’s Castle, Rockingham County (Shire of Isenfir). A recently-built private home with castle-like features: battlements, large corner towers along the front and small turrets on the rear corners. (Photo needed.)
Bull Run Castle (above), 24637 James Madison Hwy. (U.S. 15), Aldie, (Barony of Stierbach). A private residence, but visible from the shoulder of northbound U.S. Highway 15. (Photo by Lord Mungo Napier.)
Royal Orchard Castle (aka Scott’s Castle), 501 Royal Orchard Drive, Afton, (Shire of Isenfir). Royal Orchard Castle is a private residence that is definitely NOT open to the public. The owners do not appreciate public interest, and employ private security guards. Briefly visible in the winter along the ridge line from westbound I-64 on the north side of the freeway at milemarker 102.5. This photo is about as close as you will ever get. (Screen capture from Google Maps.)
Swananoa, near the junction of Routes 610 and 250, Afton (Shire of Isenfir). This is a marvelous replica of a 16th century Italian villa. It is open to the public for guided tours (web site: https://skyline-swannanoa-inc.square.site ). (Photo from Wikipedia Commons by Colchicine.)
REPLANTED HISTORIC HOUSES
Virginia House, 4301 Sulgrave Road, Richmond (Barony of Caer Mear). Like the adjacent Agecroft Hall, Virginia House was built using salvaged materials from an English medieval structure, in this case Warwick Priory in Warwickshire. Today it serves as the headquarters of the Virginia Historical Society. Virginia House is open for tours by appointment for a modest admission fee (web site: http://www.vahistorical.org/your-visit/virginia-house ). (Photo from Wikipedia Commons, courtesy of the Virginia Historical Society.)
The English Farmhouse House at the Frontier Culture Museum, 1290 Richmond Road, Staunton (Barony of Black Diamond). The English House is actually a late 17th century building salvaged from England. Of half-timber/wattle-and-daub construction, it is furnished and interpreted as a typical middle-class English farm structure. It is filled with replica furniture, and features a working kitchen with a costumed docent (in season). Rural material culture of 17th century was not much different from the early 1500s, so this house is worthy of a visit, especially for re-enactors (web site: http://www.frontiermuseum.org ). (Photos by Lord Mungo Napier.)
REPLICA HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Henricus State Park, 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester (Barony of Caer Mear). This park recreates the village and fort founded here in 1611, with replica houses, furnishings and domestic stuff similar to that of the late Elizabethan period (web site: http://henricus.org ). (Photo from Wikipedia Commons by Jerrye and Roy Klotz, MD.)
Jamestown Settlement, Route 31 S., Jamestown (Barony of Tir-y-Don). This living history park and museum includes a replica of the original Jamestown 1607 fort, with several structures and furnishings similar to those of England during the late Elizabethan period. Also displayed are replicas of the three ships that brought the first colonists to Jamestown (web site: https://www.historyisfun.org/jamestown-settlement/ ). (Left photo from Wikipedia Commons by TASMA3197; right photo by Lord Mungo Napier.)
