New Photography Highlights Farleigh Hungerford Castle’s Gruesome Past

Bath’s closest castle has more than its fair share of tales to intrigue and surprise visitors, and recent photographs of lead coffins with ‘death masks’ of the deceased serve to highlight the rare treasures Farleigh holds and its notable past. The castle’s chequered history is told in interpretation panels, extensive displays in the Priest’s House and an audio tour, plus a touch-screen virtual tour for disabled visitors.

The castle was once the home of the colourful Hungerford family, which  included two members executed during the Wars of the Roses. Another, who imprisoned his wife in the castle for four years, was beheaded for alleged treason and witchcraft by Henry VIII. One sinister Lady Hungerford was hanged for murdering her first husband and burning his body in the castle's kitchen oven and another was charged with adultery and attempted poisoning. The castle chapel stands above a crypt where the lead coffins of 16th and 17th century Hungerford’s are still visible. These have 'death masks' of the deceased indented into them, and are the best examples of their type in Britain.

English Heritage offers 15% discount for parties of 11 people or more. You also receive one free place for every additional 20 people in your group (i.e. from 31 people), plus free entry for one tour leader and coach driver per group. Free familiarisation visits can also be arranged, please contact the site for more details. 

For more information please call the site on 01225 754026 or visit Farleigh Hungerford Castle