Having Lunch at Willersley Castle

After leaving Cromford Mills we wanted to know more about Sir Richard Arkwright. What better way than to visit his home, Willersley Castle? Today, it is a hotel and they will serve light meals and snacks throughout the day in the drawing or music rooms. It is just a short drive from Cromford Mills.

#willersleycastle

By 1782, Sir Richard Arkwright was ready to own a mansion. He chose the manor of Willersley. What he purchased for over 8,000 pounds was two or three farms and a house located at the bottom of the present driveway. He decided to build his castle at a high point on the property facing south, to get the most sunlight. This area was made of limestone and in order to create a place to build his castle, they had to blast the rock away.

Cellars were built and it wasn’t until 1789 that construction began on the building designed by William Thomas. The design is Neo-Classic and two and a half stories high. The front of the house has two turrets which are as high as the house and eight bays, one of which is between the upper floors. At the time, it was not admired by the local nobility who thought it reflected his total lack of good taste. It seems that Sir Richard would always smell of the factory to the gentry.

Unfortunately, he never got to live in Willersley Castle. In 1791 when he was ready to move in, the house was gutted by a fire. He died in 1792 before the restoration could be completed. His son Richard however, did live here with his wife and eleven children and it passed down through the Arkwright family until the 1920’s. It was sold and eventually purchased by The Christian Guild as a holiday center for young Methodists. 

Willersely Castle is now a hotel with a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. You may also walk around and enjoy the beautiful features that are still visible. If you don’t see anything else, be sure to look for the Well Gallery. Stand at the bottom of the gallery and look up to the glass-domed ceiling, the balconies are built on a cantilever system and the sight of all of them spiraling above you is quite amazing.

We had our lunch in the Drawing Room of Willersley Castle which has an Adams fireplace and a French plate mirror above. It is thought that this one, along with others in the house, had to have been smuggled in since there was no trade with France during this period. The molding is also outstanding in this room.

You ask for the menu at the desk, pay and then sit in one of several rooms. We went to the drawing room. Your food will be brought to you.

 I ordered a coronation chicken melt with chips, Al had a tuna melt and chips, Joe had a cheddar sandwich. We all had tea. The food was surprisingly good, generous portions and friendly service. It is not fancy or fussy but it is a bargain and was well worth spending an hour enjoying the atmosphere of the house.

To find out more about Willersley Castle. 

Cromford Mills