Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire is the home of the Hervey-Bathurst family and a large part of the castle is open to the general public.

Like many of these buildings you are not allowed to take photographs of the interior of the building.  Therefore there are only exterior shots of the castle on these pages.  However I assure you that the insides of the castle are just as beautiful and lavishly furnished with many items steeped in history.

The family has been in the castle since they moved there at the end of the 16th century.  The family is currently working on the long and expensive take of restoring it to its former glory.

There are many outdoor activities at Eastnor and on the day I was there a living history day was taking place, recreating life during the War of the Roses.  There was also a fête on the grounds.  However since we arrived rather late in the day (we had travelled to Goodrich Castle first) a lot of the activities were over and the rest were finishing off.

However the Castle was still open to the public and we set about taking the tour.

The tour begins in the Entrance Hall where there are portraits of the 1st Earl Somers, the builder of the house, and by the Earl, later Duke of Shrewsbury on the right.  The Earldom became extinct in 1883.

There are also suits of armour which form part of the family's collection.  The hall was redecorated in 1989, however the 19th-century frieze was retained.

From the entrance we go on to The Great Hall.  It is set up almost as a family room with sofas, desks and a huge assortment of memorabilia and portraits spanning the centuries.  There are also more suits of armour on the walls and standing by the doors.

The Red or Inner Hall is next on the tour where there is more armour and shields showing just how extensive the collection is.

In The Dining Room there are numerous portraits on the walls of both the family and others, including Archbishop Tillotson and Queen Henrietta Maria.  The Dining Room is still used for both corporate and private functions.

The Gothic Drawing Room is largely unchanged since 1849.  The prominent feature in the room is the magnificent chandalier of which there is an identical version in the House of Commons.  The one at Eastnor was exhibited at the Great Exhibition.

Unlike the Gothic Drawing Room the next room, The Octagon Saloon has changed extensively over the last 60 years.  In the 1930's the Gothic fireplaces were removed and replaced with just one to "give a greater incentive for the male guests to talk to the ladies after dinner".  Maybe it didn't work for they were returned in 1990 (after being preserved in the cellars).

Next is The Long Library (always my favourite type of room).  With tapestries and books taking up most of the walls, the room also contains musical instruments and several desks.

Off of the library there is the Turret Room which is located in one of the towers.  It is now used for exhibitions and there is a beautiful view over the park.  Unlike the rather dark library this room appears the perfect one to hide in with a book from the nearby collection.

And if you don't find what you are searching for in the Long Library there is also The Little Library to visit.

Up the Staircase Hall where there is more to see in the way of 16th-century tapestries you find the upper rooms.

First there is the Chinese Bedroom which is designed in the popular Oriental way.

The Guest Bedroom Landing is lined with portraits of the family.

The Red Bedroom, believed to be the best guest bedroom is also open for the public to look at, together with the Red Dressing Room.

The Landing and Bathroom, which has been recently refurbished is also open to see.

The Chapel is also here on the upper floor.

Back downstairs the final room to see is The State Bedroom.  The Dressing Room here has been converted into a bathroom.
 

After the tour there are the grounds and Deer Park to see.  There is also an adventure playground for the children to play in.

A beautiful castle and wonderfully restored home.  I only wish I had had more time to look around it.