What a treasure trove, the seat of the 9th Earl of Radnor. I’m sure that I haven’t been to an historic property so very full of wonderful paintings such as Gainsborough, Van Dyke, Avercamp and Reynolds.
The guides told us some of the Castle’s collections of paintings are in the National Gallery. BUT that was not all. Every large room was also full of amazing furniture of outstanding quality, fireplaces and ceilings of such interest, and finally a magical beautifully cast and tooled Renaissance metal chair by Thomas Ruker of incalculable value and of international importance.
In one room we were thrilled to see a wonderful portrait of Queen Elizabeth I with her outstandingly painted ruff, with a crown and pearls wearing her red wig. In another room we saw a painting of Helen Matilda (nee Chaplin) wife of the 5th Earl of Radnor who catalogued all the Castle’s contents.
The view from the Chapel Room on the First Floor was most memorable because there was a notable view from each of the angled windows of a delightful vista over a long tree lined avenue, then a splendidly planted garden with statue, and then lastly the cricket pitch.
Longford Castle was originally built in the late 16th century to an unusual triangular plan. In the 18th century, the second Earl of Radnor employed the architect James Wyatt to transform it into a hexagonal palace.
Our guides were outstanding and really knew so much of every treasure they talked about. I certainly have to visit this special castle again!
TASH Trip report by Angie Green on LONGFORD CASTLE, 29th August 2025
Published on: February 27, 2026
Published By Society: Henley-on-Thames
