Just three miles from the city centre, the town of Wollaton lays claim to one of Nottinghamshire’s most remarkable castles. Wollaton hall, established in 1588, was commissioned by Sir Francis Willoughby, a naturalist and curator.On an invitation to his previous residence, Queen Elizabeth I had refused to step her royal foot in his home, which by her account wasn’t fit for a queen.
Who did she think she was?
In a superfluous response to her rejection, Sir Francis had this illustrious structure planted visibly on top of a hill (that I had to drag my aching legs up today) and embellished with stone work from across Europe. The interior, illuminated by hundreds of windows, was also a new trend as England entered a peaceful time and fortified homes were no longer deemed necessary.
If not already outlandish, the building drew more contesting attention by its symmetrical layout, which was a symbol of Christianity and reserved for solely for God’s house.
Who did this guy think he was?
In the end, Willoughby’s ego was satisfied by a royal visit.
