Discussion Of Historic Development & Evidence
As part of this assessment of the significance of Caverswall Castle, a full inventory of all historic features, fixtures & fittings within the house and the garden pavilions has been undertaken to gain an insight into its development. For a more comprehensive understanding of the development of the house, the building would require a full measured survey. The only historic floor plans date from 1893 and relate to W. E. Bowers works to improve the water supply to and within the building (see illustrations on pages 15-18). These floor plans are schematic and useful to show the earlier layout of the rooms but they are not an accurate measured survey and there are a number of draughting errors.
Early History
The early history of the site is documented in the Archaeological Desk-based assessment undertaken by Alison Nicholls of Stoke on Trent Archaeology, in March 2009. Tradition has it that there was an earlier stronghold here, a motte and bailey castle, but the earliest documentary evidence is for a fortified manor house of the thirteenth century. The form of courtyard and towers with a separate stone keep were a castle type of the thirteenth century and the octagonal turrets of the gatehouse and the corner towers were a particular feature of this century. Notably there is a rare thirteenth century octagonal west tower at nearby Dilhorne Church. Another local castle of a similar form is Eccleshall Castle.
Nineteenth Century
“the interior suffered from unfortunate Victorian restorations at a time when a Mr Holmes of Liverpool had the place. The old woodwork was evidently thought too plain and meagre. Much of an ornamental character was added, and the whole dealt with in the dark and juicy manner dear to the Wardour Street of the last generation. Thus the fine hall, which we enter from the porch, retains its old beam and rafter ceiling with ovolo mouldings, has a William III hearth and some good panels of Jacobean arcading. But the whole thing is spoilt by the extravagant and unsympathetic work added to the mantel-piece and doorways. So, in the dining room, a furious chimney piece destroys the effect of the plain panelling with quiet strapwork cornice rail….Recently, moreover, good taste has prevailed.”
The Garden and Extended Garden
The appearance of the garden in the front courtyard is recorded in drawings from 1893. Prior to this date there are no photographs of the garden & few of the historic engravings illustrate the courtyard garden. The early engraving of 1686 indicates that the space was treated as a garden, rather than a hard surfaced area, as shrubs or small trees are clearly visible. The present fountain and pond, the edge of which is lined with concrete blocks, were installed in the 1980s. A sundial of the 1890s, which is separately listed, was removed before the current owner occupied the building. This sundial may be the same baluster urn sundial, in the middle of the terrace lawn, illustrated in a 1950s photograph taken whilst the Missionary Sisters occupied the building.
