Early History
The Astley family held the manor from the 12th century. It is not thought likely that there was ever a true 'castle' at Astley. Although a licence to crenellate the manor house there was granted in 1266, the property was only ever a fortified house.
Sir William Astley died in 1420 leaving his estate to his daughter who had married a Lord Grey of Ruthin, a dynasty of the Welsh Marches.
The Greys rebuilt the manor house in 1555 and most of the remains date from this time or later. The rectangular building rose to two storeys with attics above hidden by embattled parapets.
Read more about this topic: Astley Castle
Famous quotes containing the words early and/or history:
“... business training in early life should not be regarded solely as insurance against destitution in the case of an emergency. For from business experience women can gain, too, knowledge of the world and of human beings, which should be of immeasurable value to their marriage careers. Self-discipline, co-operation, adaptability, efficiency, economic management,—if she learns these in her business life she is liable for many less heartbreaks and disappointments in her married life.”
—Hortense Odlum (1892–?)
“Universal history is the history of a few metaphors.”
—Jorge Luis Borges (1899–1986)