Castle With 'Strong Connection' To British Monarchy Is For Sale: Who Owned It?

A castle that has been called a "slice of British history" has recently gone up for sale. With landscaped gardens and various period features, the property certainly is beautiful. However, the visual elegance also comes with a dark history, according to the Mirror.

Devizes Castle in Wiltshire, England, listed for £3.25 million (approximately $3.9 million USD), has served as a home for royals for centuries. At one point, it was owned by Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, who gifted it to her before marrying Anne Boleyn.

Built on the site by Bishop Osmund of Salisbury in approximately 1080, the original structure burnt down in 1113 and had to be rebuilt in 1120. It then became a battle ground for King Stephen and Empress Matilda as the monarchs feuded in the 12th century. That was not the only part of its past that was troubled, as it also served as a prison for Henry II and Henry III before being passed onto Catherine.

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Following that turmoil, it was destroyed for a second time in 1648 during the English Civil War. The existing structure that is now for sale was rebuilt yet again in the 1830s. "Until the 17th century, it remained in the hands of the Crown and became the property of the Queens of England, including Henry VIII's wives, amongst others," states the listing.

"They say an Englishman's home is his castle but rarely are we able to peek inside an actual bona fide castle that has such a rich heritage and strong connection to the British monarchy," stated Rightmove's property expert Miles Shipside, adding, "This property beautifully maintains its charming character and detail, but also represents a contemporary, modern home. It's undoubtedly one of the most luxurious homes on Rightmove."

Referred to as a Grade I Castle, the listing states that it has 9,117 sqaure feet and sits on 2.4 acres in an elevated position. It has not been publicly stated whether the property has attracted any official offers at this time.