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Coordinates: 53°6′40″N 1°33′30″W / 53.11111°N 1.55833°W / 53.11111; -1.55833
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{{Short description|House in Derbyshire, United Kingdom}}{{Infobox historic building
[[Image:Willersley Castle.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Willersley Castle in 2008]]
| name = Willersley Castle
'''Willersley Castle''' is a late 18th-century country mansion above the [[River Derwent, Derbyshire|River Derwent]] at [[Cromford]], [[Derbyshire]], outside [[Peak District National Park]].<ref name="keel">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.countrylife.co.uk/property/a-castle-that-might-just-pay-for-itself-has-come-to-the-market-in-one-of-englands-most-beautiful-areas-217901 |title=A castle that might just pay for itself has come to the market in one of England's most beautiful areas |first=Toby |last=Keel |date=24 August 2020 |magazine=Country Life |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> The castle has been a [[Grade II* listed building]] since April 2000.<ref name=herit/><ref name="NHLE">{{NHLE |num=1248280 |desc=Willersley Castle |grade=II* |access-date=10 January 2020}}</ref>
| former_names = Willersley Hall, Willersley Estate
| image = Willersley Castle.jpg
| caption = Willersley Castle in 2008
| location_town = [[Cromford]]
| location_country = [[England]]
| coordinates = {{coord|53|6|40|N|1|33|30|W}}
| architect = William Thomas
| owner = Manor Adventure
| map_type = Derbyshire
| client = Sir Richard Arkwright
| grid_name = [[Ordnance Survey]]
| grid_position = SK2964857226
| embedded = {{Designation list
| embed = yes
| designation1 = Grade II* Listed Building
| designation1_offname = Willersley Castle
| designation1_date = 22 June 1950
| designation1_number = {{NHLE|num=1248280|short=y|postscript=none}}
}}
}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
'''Willersley Castle''' is a late 18th-century country mansion above the [[River Derwent, Derbyshire|River Derwent]] at [[Cromford]], [[Derbyshire]], outside [[Peak District National Park]].<ref name="keel">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.countrylife.co.uk/property/a-castle-that-might-just-pay-for-itself-has-come-to-the-market-in-one-of-englands-most-beautiful-areas-217901 |title=A castle that might just pay for itself has come to the market in one of England's most beautiful areas |first=Toby |last=Keel |date=24 August 2020 |magazine=Country Life |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> The castle has been a [[Grade II* listed building]] since April 2000.<ref name=herit/><ref name="NHLE">{{NHLE |num=1248280 |desc=Willersley Castle |grade=II* |access-date=10 January 2020}}</ref>


Standing in {{convert|60|acre|m2}} of grounds, the [[Classical architecture|Classical]]-style [[castellated]] house is three storeys with a seven-bay frontage, the central bay flanked by full-height round towers.<ref name="herit">{{cite web |url=https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MDR3092&resourceID=1023 |title=Derbyshire HER |publisher=Heritage Gateway |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> In recent years, the property operated as a hotel but was permanently closed and listed for sale in summer 2020.<ref name="closure">{{cite news | url=https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/business/consumer/stunning-derbyshire-castle-hotel-market-after-sudden-closure-2932463 |title='Stunning' Derbyshire castle hotel on the market after sudden closure |first=Tim |last=Paget |newspaper=Derbyshire Times |date=4 August 2020 |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref>
Standing in {{convert|60|acre|m2}} of grounds, the [[Classical architecture|Classical]]-style [[castellated]] house is three storeys with a seven-bay frontage, the central bay flanked by full-height round towers.<ref name="herit">{{cite web |url=https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MDR3092&resourceID=1023 |title=Derbyshire HER |publisher=Heritage Gateway |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> In recent years, the property operated as a hotel but was permanently closed and listed for sale in summer 2020.<ref name="closure">{{cite news | url=https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/business/consumer/stunning-derbyshire-castle-hotel-market-after-sudden-closure-2932463 |title='Stunning' Derbyshire castle hotel on the market after sudden closure |first=Tim |last=Paget |newspaper=Derbyshire Times |date=4 August 2020 |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Originally named "Willersley Hall",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/magna-britannia/vol5/lxxv-xcix|title=General history: Gentry &#124; British History Online|website=www.british-history.ac.uk}}</ref> it was built on the slopes of Wild Cat Tor, {{convert|400|ft|m}} above sea level, for the occupation of the industrialist [[Richard Arkwright|Sir Richard Arkwright]] by the architect William Thomas. A news item in 2016 stated that "with its turrets and crenellations, it was intended to resemble a castle".<ref name="ashworth">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.derbyshirelife.co.uk/out-about/places/inside-sir-richard-arkwright-s-willersley-castle-in-cromford-1-4769118 |title=Inside Sir Richard Arkwright's Willersley Castle in Cromford |first=Pat |last=Ashworth |magazine=Derbyshire Life |date=11 November 2016 |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> Arkwright had purchased the estate in 1782 from Thomas Hallet Hodges for £8,864.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.arkwrightsociety.org.uk/news/newspdfs/ArkwrightNewsIssue15.pdf |title=Heritage Open Days Programme 11–14 September 2008 |journal=Arkwright Society News| volume=15 |date=2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100216170552/http://www.arkwrightsociety.org.uk/news/newspdfs/ArkwrightNewsIssue15.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2010 |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> The land was previously known as Willersley Estate and had been purchased by Edwin Lascelles in 1759.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.derwentvalleymills.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/History_Research_WillersleyCastle.pdf |publisher=Derwent Valley Mills |access-date=30 August 2020}}</ref>
Originally named "Willersley Hall",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/magna-britannia/vol5/lxxv-xcix|title=General history: Gentry &#124; British History Online|website=www.british-history.ac.uk}}</ref> it was built on the slopes of Wild Cat Tor, {{convert|400|ft|m}} above sea level, for the occupation of the industrialist [[Richard Arkwright|Sir Richard Arkwright]] by the architect William Thomas. A news item in 2016 stated that "with its turrets and crenellations, it was intended to resemble a castle".<ref name="ashworth">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.derbyshirelife.co.uk/out-about/places/inside-sir-richard-arkwright-s-willersley-castle-in-cromford-1-4769118 |title=Inside Sir Richard Arkwright's Willersley Castle in Cromford |first=Pat |last=Ashworth |magazine=Derbyshire Life |date=11 November 2016 |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> Arkwright had purchased the estate in 1782 from Thomas Hallet Hodges for £8,864.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.arkwrightsociety.org.uk/news/newspdfs/ArkwrightNewsIssue15.pdf |title=Heritage Open Days Programme 11–14 September 2008 |journal=Arkwright Society News| volume=15 |date=2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100216170552/http://www.arkwrightsociety.org.uk/news/newspdfs/ArkwrightNewsIssue15.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2010 |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> The land was previously known as Willersley Estate and had been purchased by Edwin Lascelles in 1759.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Joyce |first1=Barry |last2=Buxton |first2=Doreen |last3=Hool |first3=David (Assistance) |title=History Research Willersley Castle |url=https://www.derwentvalleymills.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/History_Research_WillersleyCastle.pdf |website=derwentvalleymills.org |publisher=Derwent Valley Mills |access-date=16 March 2023 |pages=1{{ndash}}41 |language=en |format=PDF |date=August 2011}}</ref>


At the time of the Arkwright purchase there was no large house here, just a few farms and "Derwent House", which still stands off the main drive. Those farm buildings, later converted to residences, were sold by the estate some time before 2016.<ref name="ashworth" /> Arkwright planted many trees, though not before clearing away a large limestone rock, which cost £3,000.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.westparkcommunity.co.uk/PDF/chaddesdenhistorical/autumn2008.pdf |title=Willersley Castle |date=2008 |first=Tony |last=Bowler |journal=Chaddesden Historical Group Newsletter |volume=11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226215015/http://www.westparkcommunity.co.uk/PDF/chaddesdenhistorical/autumn2008.pdf |archive-date=26 February 2012}}</ref>
At the time of the Arkwright purchase there was no large house here, just a few farms and "Derwent House", which still stands off the main drive. Those farm buildings, later converted to residences, were sold by the estate some time before 2016.<ref name="ashworth" /> Arkwright planted many trees, though not before clearing away a large limestone rock, which cost £3,000.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.westparkcommunity.co.uk/PDF/chaddesdenhistorical/autumn2008.pdf |title=Willersley Castle |date=2008 |first=Tony |last=Bowler |journal=Chaddesden Historical Group Newsletter |volume=11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226215015/http://www.westparkcommunity.co.uk/PDF/chaddesdenhistorical/autumn2008.pdf |archive-date=26 February 2012}}</ref>


In 1791, when the building was approaching completion, a fire broke out and severe damage was caused to part of the interior of the castle. Although the damage was repaired, Arkwright died in 1792 before the building was completed. Repairs were completed in 1792 by Thomas Gardner. In 1796, [[Richard Arkwright junior]], moved into the castle with his family; his son Peter inherited the estate in 1843. Members of the Arkwright family lived there until [[World War I]]. During the early 1800s, visitors to the nearby [[Matlock Bath]] spa, were invited to visit the castle property and tour the gardens and pleasure grounds. During the war, the castle served as a maternity hospital.<ref name="NHLE1001459">{{NHLE |num=1001459 |desc=Willersley Castle [Park and Garden] |grade=II |fewer-links=yes |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> The nearby
In 1791, when the building was approaching completion, a fire broke out and severe damage was caused to part of the interior of the castle. Although the damage was repaired, Arkwright died in 1792 before the building was completed. Repairs were completed in 1792 by Thomas Gardner. In 1796, [[Richard Arkwright junior]] moved into the castle with his family; his son Peter inherited the estate in 1843. During the early 1800s, visitors to the nearby [[Matlock Bath]] spa, were invited to visit the castle property and tour the gardens and pleasure grounds. Members of the Arkwright family lived there until [[World War I]]. During the war, the castle served as a maternity hospital.<ref name="NHLE1001459">{{NHLE |num=1001459 |desc=Willersley Castle [Park and Garden] |grade=II |fewer-links=yes |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> The nearby
[[St Mary's Church, Cromford]], was originally built in 1802 as the Arkwright family chapel and was extensively modified decades later when it became a church.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://st-marys-cromford.co.uk/index.php/about-st-marys/ |title=About St. Mary's Church |publisher=St Mary's Church, Cromford |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref>
[[St Mary's Church, Cromford]], was originally built in 1802 as the Arkwright family chapel and was extensively modified decades later when it became a church.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://st-marys-cromford.co.uk/index.php/about-st-marys/ |title=About St. Mary's Church |publisher=St Mary's Church, Cromford |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref>


Richard Arkwright sold the property in 1927 to Sir Albert Ball who split up the estate and sold the castle and its grounds to [[Methodist]] businessmen;<ref name="ashworth" /> they converted it to a Methodist Guild Holiday Centre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christianguild.co.uk/willersley/index.php |title=Willersley Castle Hotel |publisher=Christian Guild |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516050653/http://www.christianguild.co.uk/willersley/index.php |archive-date=16 May 2018}}</ref> At an unstated later date, the stables were converted to residential use.<ref name="NHLE1001459" />
Richard Arkwright sold the property in 1927 to Sir Albert Ball who split up the estate and sold the castle and its grounds to [[Methodist]] businessmen;<ref name="ashworth" /> they converted it to a Methodist Guild Holiday Centre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christianguild.co.uk/willersley/index.php |title=Willersley Castle Hotel |publisher=Christian Guild |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516050653/http://www.christianguild.co.uk/willersley/index.php |archive-date=16 May 2018}}</ref> At an unstated later date, the stables were converted to residential use.<ref name="NHLE1001459" />


During [[World War II]], the castle again served as a maternity hospital between 1940 and 1945. It subsequently returned to operating as a Methodist Guild hotel, then as a Christian Guild hotel. In 2020, the hotel had "some 30,000sq ft of living space over three floors, ... further accommodation in the mews house and gate house, grass tennis courts, a swimming pool and gym area" according to [[Country Life (magazine)]] in 2020.<ref name="keel" />
During [[World War II]], the castle again served as a maternity hospital between 1940 and 1945. It subsequently returned to operating as a Methodist Guild hotel, then as a Christian Guild hotel. In 2020, the hotel had "some 30,000sq ft of living space over three floors, ... further accommodation in the mews house and gatehouse, grass tennis courts, a swimming pool and gym area" according to [[Country Life (magazine)]] in 2020.<ref name="keel" />


A 2015 report provided these details about the gardens:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.derwentvalleymills.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/4158141-Willersley-Castle-Grounds-LCMP-v4_final.pdf |title=Willersley Castle Registered Park and Garden, Cromford, Derbyshire: Landscape Conservation Management Plan |date=May 2015 |publisher=ArcHeritage |via=Derwent Valley Mills |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref><blockquote>The design of the landscape is attributed to John Webb, a pupil of William Emes ... Although some design elements have been partially lost, the grounds of Willersley Castle, in the picturesque style, are of international importance and exceptional significance, which is reflected in their inclusion as one of the key features in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, as well as on the National Heritage List for England’s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest at Grade II.</blockquote>
A 2015 report provided these details about the gardens:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.derwentvalleymills.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/4158141-Willersley-Castle-Grounds-LCMP-v4_final.pdf |title=Willersley Castle Registered Park and Garden, Cromford, Derbyshire: Landscape Conservation Management Plan |date=May 2015 |publisher=ArcHeritage |via=Derwent Valley Mills |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref><blockquote>The design of the landscape is attributed to John Webb, a pupil of William Emes ... Although some design elements have been partially lost, the grounds of Willersley Castle, in the picturesque style, are of international importance and exceptional significance, which is reflected in their inclusion as one of the key features in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, as well as on the National Heritage List for England’s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest at Grade II.</blockquote>


The hotel was temporarily closed during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] lockdown in 2020. In July 2020, Methodist Guilds Holidays Limited<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/stunning-castle-hotel-derbyshire-go-4309370 |title=Stunning castle hotel in Derbyshire to go on sale after sudden closure |first=Nigel |last=Slater |date=9 July 2020 |newspaper=Derby Telegraph |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> announced that the hotel would not reopen. It was subsequently listed for sale.<ref name="closure" />
The hotel was temporarily closed during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] lockdown in 2020. In July 2020, Methodist Guilds Holidays Limited<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/stunning-castle-hotel-derbyshire-go-4309370 |title=Stunning castle hotel in Derbyshire to go on sale after sudden closure |first=Nigel |last=Slater |date=9 July 2020 |newspaper=Derby Telegraph |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> announced that the hotel would not reopen. It was subsequently listed for sale.


On 16 Sept 2021, residential outdoor education company Manor Adventure<ref>{{Cite web|title=Residential Activity Courses for Schools in the UK & France|url=https://www.manoradventure.com/|access-date=2021-09-17|website=www.manoradventure.com}}</ref> issued a teaser video on [[YouTube]] announcing "outdoor pursuits coming soon to Willersley Castle in Derbyshire's Peak District".<ref>{{Cite web|last=YouTube|date=16 September 2021|title=Willersley Castle Intro|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3RrH3el65k|url-status=live|access-date=17 September 2021|website=YouTube}}</ref>
In 2021 Willersley Castle was acquired by the residential outdoor education company Manor Adventure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manoradventure.com/|access-date=18 April 2022|title=Residential Activity Courses for Schools in the UK & France}}</ref> It now offers residential accommodation for up to 90 school students to participate in a range of outdoor pursuits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manoradventure.com/willersley-castle.php|title = Willersley Castle School Activity Centre}}</ref>


==The name Willersley==
==The name Willersley==


The name Willersley comes from the ancient [[Manorialism|manor]] or estate. The adjacent manors of Cromford and Willersley were partitioned in 1615.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cromfordvillage.co.uk/crom_his.html |title=Local History |work=Cromford Village in Derbyshire |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref>
The name Willersley comes from the ancient [[Manorialism|manor]] or estate. The adjacent manors of Cromford and Willersley were partitioned in 1615.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cromfordvillage.co.uk/crom_his.html |title=Local History |work=Cromford Village in Derbyshire |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref>


The name Willersley also appears in:
The name Willersley also appears in:
* the nearby Willersley Tunnel, which is {{convert|764|yd|m}} long and lies between [[Cromford railway station]] and [[Matlock railway station]].
* the nearby Willersley Tunnel, which is {{convert|764|yd|m}} long and lies between [[Cromford railway station]] and [[Matlock railway station]].
* the nearby Willersley Crag,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thepeakdistrict.info/derbyshire-climbing/climbing-willersley.php |title=Climbing at Willersley Crag |website=A Taste of the Peak District |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> also called Willersley Castle Rocks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/willersley_castle_rocks-127 |title=Willersley Castle Rocks |website=UKClimbing |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref>
* the nearby Willersley Crag,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thepeakdistrict.info/derbyshire-climbing/climbing-willersley.php |title=Climbing at Willersley Crag |website=A Taste of the Peak District |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> also called Willersley Castle Rocks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/willersley_castle_rocks-127 |title=Willersley Castle Rocks |website=UKClimbing |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Grade II* listed buildings in Derbyshire Dales]]
*[[Listed buildings in Cromford]]


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 13:31, 10 July 2024

Willersley Castle
Willersley Castle in 2008
Willersley Castle is located in Derbyshire
Willersley Castle
Location within Derbyshire
Former namesWillersley Hall, Willersley Estate
General information
Town or cityCromford
CountryEngland
Coordinates53°6′40″N 1°33′30″W / 53.11111°N 1.55833°W / 53.11111; -1.55833
Ordnance SurveySK2964857226
ClientSir Richard Arkwright
OwnerManor Adventure
Design and construction
Architect(s)William Thomas
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameWillersley Castle
Designated22 June 1950
Reference no.1248280

Willersley Castle is a late 18th-century country mansion above the River Derwent at Cromford, Derbyshire, outside Peak District National Park.[1] The castle has been a Grade II* listed building since April 2000.[2][3]

Standing in 60 acres (240,000 m2) of grounds, the Classical-style castellated house is three storeys with a seven-bay frontage, the central bay flanked by full-height round towers.[2] In recent years, the property operated as a hotel but was permanently closed and listed for sale in summer 2020.[4]

History

[edit]

Originally named "Willersley Hall",[5] it was built on the slopes of Wild Cat Tor, 400 feet (120 m) above sea level, for the occupation of the industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright by the architect William Thomas. A news item in 2016 stated that "with its turrets and crenellations, it was intended to resemble a castle".[6] Arkwright had purchased the estate in 1782 from Thomas Hallet Hodges for £8,864.[7] The land was previously known as Willersley Estate and had been purchased by Edwin Lascelles in 1759.[8]

At the time of the Arkwright purchase there was no large house here, just a few farms and "Derwent House", which still stands off the main drive. Those farm buildings, later converted to residences, were sold by the estate some time before 2016.[6] Arkwright planted many trees, though not before clearing away a large limestone rock, which cost £3,000.[9]

In 1791, when the building was approaching completion, a fire broke out and severe damage was caused to part of the interior of the castle. Although the damage was repaired, Arkwright died in 1792 before the building was completed. Repairs were completed in 1792 by Thomas Gardner. In 1796, Richard Arkwright junior moved into the castle with his family; his son Peter inherited the estate in 1843. During the early 1800s, visitors to the nearby Matlock Bath spa, were invited to visit the castle property and tour the gardens and pleasure grounds. Members of the Arkwright family lived there until World War I. During the war, the castle served as a maternity hospital.[10] The nearby St Mary's Church, Cromford, was originally built in 1802 as the Arkwright family chapel and was extensively modified decades later when it became a church.[11]

Richard Arkwright sold the property in 1927 to Sir Albert Ball who split up the estate and sold the castle and its grounds to Methodist businessmen;[6] they converted it to a Methodist Guild Holiday Centre.[12] At an unstated later date, the stables were converted to residential use.[10]

During World War II, the castle again served as a maternity hospital between 1940 and 1945. It subsequently returned to operating as a Methodist Guild hotel, then as a Christian Guild hotel. In 2020, the hotel had "some 30,000sq ft of living space over three floors, ... further accommodation in the mews house and gatehouse, grass tennis courts, a swimming pool and gym area" according to Country Life (magazine) in 2020.[1]

A 2015 report provided these details about the gardens:[13]

The design of the landscape is attributed to John Webb, a pupil of William Emes ... Although some design elements have been partially lost, the grounds of Willersley Castle, in the picturesque style, are of international importance and exceptional significance, which is reflected in their inclusion as one of the key features in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, as well as on the National Heritage List for England’s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest at Grade II.

The hotel was temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020. In July 2020, Methodist Guilds Holidays Limited[14] announced that the hotel would not reopen. It was subsequently listed for sale.

In 2021 Willersley Castle was acquired by the residential outdoor education company Manor Adventure.[15] It now offers residential accommodation for up to 90 school students to participate in a range of outdoor pursuits.[16]

The name Willersley

[edit]

The name Willersley comes from the ancient manor or estate. The adjacent manors of Cromford and Willersley were partitioned in 1615.[17]

The name Willersley also appears in:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Keel, Toby (24 August 2020). "A castle that might just pay for itself has come to the market in one of England's most beautiful areas". Country Life. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  2. ^ a b "Derbyshire HER". Heritage Gateway. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  3. ^ Historic England. "Willersley Castle (Grade II*) (1248280)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  4. ^ Paget, Tim (4 August 2020). "'Stunning' Derbyshire castle hotel on the market after sudden closure". Derbyshire Times. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  5. ^ "General history: Gentry | British History Online". www.british-history.ac.uk.
  6. ^ a b c Ashworth, Pat (11 November 2016). "Inside Sir Richard Arkwright's Willersley Castle in Cromford". Derbyshire Life. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  7. ^ "Heritage Open Days Programme 11–14 September 2008" (PDF). Arkwright Society News. 15. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 February 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  8. ^ Joyce, Barry; Buxton, Doreen; Hool, David (Assistance) (August 2011). "History Research Willersley Castle" (PDF). derwentvalleymills.org. Derwent Valley Mills. pp. 1–41. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  9. ^ Bowler, Tony (2008). "Willersley Castle" (PDF). Chaddesden Historical Group Newsletter. 11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 February 2012.
  10. ^ a b Historic England. "Willersley Castle [Park and Garden] (Grade II) (1001459)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  11. ^ "About St. Mary's Church". St Mary's Church, Cromford. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  12. ^ "Willersley Castle Hotel". Christian Guild. Archived from the original on 16 May 2018.
  13. ^ "Willersley Castle Registered Park and Garden, Cromford, Derbyshire: Landscape Conservation Management Plan" (PDF). ArcHeritage. May 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2020 – via Derwent Valley Mills.
  14. ^ Slater, Nigel (9 July 2020). "Stunning castle hotel in Derbyshire to go on sale after sudden closure". Derby Telegraph. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  15. ^ "Residential Activity Courses for Schools in the UK & France". Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  16. ^ "Willersley Castle School Activity Centre".
  17. ^ "Local History". Cromford Village in Derbyshire. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  18. ^ "Climbing at Willersley Crag". A Taste of the Peak District. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  19. ^ "Willersley Castle Rocks". UKClimbing. Retrieved 29 August 2020.

53°6′40″N 1°33′30″W / 53.11111°N 1.55833°W / 53.11111; -1.55833