Some people collect art, watches, or vintage cars. Sir Robert Worcester, the American-born founder of polling company MORI, had a different and much bigger passion: castles. In 1996, he bought Allington Castle, a medieval fortress in the English countryside that had fallen into disrepair, and spent nearly three decades bringing it back to life. Now, following his death last year at age 91, the historic property is available through Knight Frank for 5 million pounds (about $6.7 million).
Presiding over 42 acres along the River Medway in Kent, about an hour southeast of London, the estate is mentioned in the Domesday Book, a survey of England completed in 1086, while the present castle dates to the 12th century. Over the years, it’s hosted several notable visitors, including Henry VIII, who reportedly stayed in the castle’s Royal Room. The king and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, are also said to have dined in the Great Hall.
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A stone arch spans the fireplace in the restored living room.
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The castle has many of the hallmarks associated with a medieval fortress, including six towers, two inner courtyards, a full moat, and Guelph crenellations, the square battlements along the roofline that once helped protect against attacks. There’s also a jousting yard, hidden doors, a secret staircase, and underground spaces known as the Dog Caves, believed to have housed hunting dogs.
One of the castle’s larger bedrooms.
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The historic details continue throughout the interiors, with thick stone walls, leaded-glass windows, fireplaces, and a long gallery. But this isn’t just a museum frozen in time. The property also accommodates modern life with numerous sitting rooms, a kitchen and a dining room, a library, and more than a dozen bedrooms. Nine separate lodgings across the estate offer additional space for family, guests, or staff.
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The Great Hall can operate as an event venue.
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Worcester was known for his interest in preserving English history, and during his time at Allington, he filled the rooms with antiques and furnishings, including various books and furniture he tracked down at auction and returned to the castle.
The grounds are equally impressive, with formal gardens, woodland, a meadow, and a historic dovecote believed to be among England’s oldest. There’s also a tennis court, a Victorian-style greenhouse, and an indoor swimming pool that’s currently out of use.
The estate has also operated as a wedding and events venue, with the Great Hall accommodating around 120 guests, and has served as a filming location for the British children’s comedy series Horrible Histories.
Click here to see more photos of the UK property.
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Abby Montanez
Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, entertainment, dining, travel to…