Peckforton, Cheshire

Description
Peckforton, a township in Bunbury parish, Cheshire, 3 1/2 miles SSW of Tarporley. Acreage, 1754; population, 193. Peckforton Castle is the seat of Lord Tollemache; was built in 1849-51 after designs by Salvin; is in the style of the time of Edward II.; contains a drawing-room 55 feet long, an octagonal dining-room 36 feet in diameter, and a hall 66 feet by 40 ; has a lofty round tower figuring conspicuously in a landscape of many miles ; and stands on a well-wooded height and near the summit of Peckforton Hill, commanding a diversified and extensive view. A chapel, accessible to the neighbouring inhabitants, is attached to it. The south drive extends for 2 miles along the ridge of the Peckforton range, through wild, rugged scenery. One mile northward stands the ruin of Berston Castle on a solitary hill 500 feet high, with precipitous descents, built and fortified in the 12th century, with a fortified wall and flanking turrets half-way up the slope on the approachable side. These castles are the most striking objects in the scenery of the county of Chester.