1837 – Tandragee Castle, Tandragee, Co. Armagh

Country houses become hotels and guest houses, this one became a crisp factory. Built around 1837 for the 6th Duke of Manchester as the family’s Irish home. The castle has a strong tower at one end, with a gabled block at the other, behind which is a large courtyard. Described by Lewis in 1837 as “Adjoining the town is Tanderagee Castle, the splendid seat of Viscount Mandeville, erected on the site of the ancient castle of O’Hanlon, which, after it was rebuilt by Sir Oliver St. John, was surprised and completely destroyed by the O’Hanlons in the war of 1641: the present structure, which is still in progress, is spacious and of elegant design, and is situated in an ample demesne, richly embellished and pleasingly diversified with bold eminences clothed with stately timber.”

The Mandevilles became benefactors of the community, establishing an orphanage, three dispensaries, and 25 public schools in the area, each of which was attached to a lending library. During the Second World War the Castle was home to the United States Army with many local GI brides resulting. The 10th Duke, who was born in the castle, sold it in the 1950s. The main castle building is today in pretty poor shape with the courtyard buildings being used as part of the factory.