Sturminster Newton Castle - Deceptively, Sturminster Newton unfortunately does not boast an imposing fortified castle, to which the tourist information makes tantalising hints. The ‘castle’ is actually in a very dangerous state and is the ruinous remains of a 14th-century manor house. The building, or what is left of it, now stands on private property, and was given as a gift from Henry VIII to his sixth wife Katherine Parr in 1543. The ruins have not changed much in a little over 100 years, and it is thought that there was once an Iron Age hill-fort in the vicinity, with the site most likely having been reoccupied from the late Saxon period. The position of the ruins represent the earliest settlement so far discovered in the town.
Although no-one knows exactly where, legend has it that there is a well near the site of the castle, in which is hidden a wealth of treasure and a large object of solid gold is said to be hidden in a nearby tunnel.
More information on wikipedia.
5 май 2024
