The wet weather drove us to Penrhyn Castle, the neo-Norman pile designed by Thomas Hopper, a hard-working and eclectic Regency designer in whatever style was suitable for a particular commission and who on this occasion based his design on a mix of Castle Hedingham and Rochester Castle.   His client was George Hay Dawkins-Pennant, who had inherited a fortune made from sugar and slate from his father’s cousin, Lord Penrhyn.

The interior ornament and carving is undeniably impressive.   This is the Grand Hall:-

Hopper’s oak chairs:-

And the stained glass windows:-

Next door, the library is equally impressive, with its elaborate carved chairs and slate gramophone:-

Most amazing of all is the range of rich carved ornament in the monumental Grand Staircase:-