A Short History of Maxstoke Castle

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On 20th June, 1599, Sir Thomas Egerton, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, conveyed to Thomas (later Sir Thomas) Dilke the Castle, Manor and park of Maxstoke for a consideration of £5,500. The Dilke, and later Fetherston-Dilke, family have remained in possession and, except for certain short periods, in occupation until the present day.

The have been many changes over the centuries, both in the fortunes of the family and in the state of the Castle, but it has always remained a home, for which purpose it was built six and a half centuries ago.

The history of any house of note is shaped to a great extent by the character and achievements of those who created it, and others who subsequently cared for it, altered it to suit their needs and used it as their home. Some of the owners of Maxstoke were men of distinction who left their mark in history and on the Castle and recorded their achievements; others left few momentos of their occupation. But the survival of the Castle for over six hundred years is evidence that, in every century, there have been men - and some notable women - prepared to devote time, energy and resources to ensure that the fabric remained sound, sound enabling this ancient home to be preserved for later generations.

C.B.F-D, M.C.F-D (2000)