Queen of the Castle

Thinking of a wedding with a difference, or a party with a swing? We checked out the latest place to offer food and fizz with a zing. It’s Lady C’s Castle Goring…

THE DESIGN
In case you didn’t see the TV show the other week, Castle Goring is THE venue of the moment. A magnificent Grade I listed building just outside Worthing, West Sussex, it was the first house ever built with a dual façade; a Greco-Roman feature on the south side and Castellated Gothic feature on the north. The Greco-Roman south side is more like a house, with its yellow brick façade, and is thought to reflect the famous Villa Lante near Rome.

The Gothic part was constructed of flint and sandstone and designed to replicate Arundel Castle – and it’s just like a castle! If you’re going there, be sure to check out the beautiful spiral staircase in the foyer and the famous West Wing. Outside is a terrace and gorgeous sweeping lawns with views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a stunning venue.

LADY C’S REIGN
During the Second World War the house was requisitioned for use by the Canadian Army and later used as a language school. It remained in the Somerset family until it was bought in 2014 by Lady Colin Campbell (yes, the loveable but slightly bonkers one from last year’s I’m a Celebrity).

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One of the State Rooms

Lady C has been working closely with Historic England, formerly English Heritage, to restore the castle. On ITV’s Lady Colin and Her Castle, she described doing the castle’s PR as ‘whoring for Goring’. She decided to appear on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! so that she could afford to replace the castle roof. She’s dedicated to the castle and making it beautiful again.

THE SHELLEYS
Sir Bysshe Shelley later commissioned the property. It was his idea that his grandson, Romantic poet Percy would live there. Unfortunately the poet romantically drowned at the tender age of 29, and instead it fell into the hands of his wife, Mary. And as literature buffs will know, she wrote Frankenstein and we can’t help wondering if she was inspired by the house. Anyway, in 1835, Mary sold Castle Goring to George Brooke-Pechell.

WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
Not only does Castle Goring have a vast and romantic history, it’s also a popular venue for private events such as weddings, conferences and parties. The in-house team, Red Anywhere, handles the castle’s catering and event enquiries. Talk about multi-tasking! Dan Clarke from Red Anywhere said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be working here with Lady C who is brilliant. This venue is completely unique, there really isn’t anything else like it.”

The North side of the house

The North side of the house

If you’d like to know more about Castle Goring, please contact Castle Goring Events on 01903 790254 or go to their website.

Castle Goring
Arundel Road
Worthing
West Sussex BN13 3UN
enquiries@castlegoring.com

About Sam Harrington-Lowe
As the managing editor Sam is responsible for all the Title publications and works diligently to develop the brand and support relationships with all partners and clients. She runs things with her dedicated PA Ms Alice Pickle Pug