Castle Ward, County Down

The main Gothick room in the house is the saloon in the centre of the east front - most striking for the rich quality of its decoration, with a ceiling of fretting and quatrefoils, pointed doors and an overmantel with battlemented top. The adjacent sitting room or boudoir is the most astonishing room of the house because of its spectacular ceiling with huge udder-like pendentives, which according to a contemporary letter are based on Henry VII's chapel at Westminster Abbey. This room lies adjacent to the main staircase, notable for its elegant wrought-iron balustrade with S-scrolls of the type popularised by Sir William Chambers. It occupied a bay in the middle of the north-west faÁade and gives access to the bedroom floor, the mid Victorian entrance porch and the basement.

On their way out through the basement, visitors will find a special room dedicated to the memory of Mary Ward (1827-69), one of the most fascinating people associated with Castle Ward. Born Mary King, the daughter of a rector in Offaly, she was a botanical artist and outstanding naturalist who published a number of books connected with the microscope. She married Henry Ward (1828-1911) in 1854 but died before he succeeded his brother as fifth Viscount in 1881. With the death of her eldest son Maxwell Ward, sixth Viscount Bangor (1868-1950), Castle Ward was given in lieu of death duties to the National Trust who have continued to maintain the house in excellent condition.

Located 1 mile west of Strangford on the Downpatrick Road (A25). NGR: J 573494. House open April, September and October: weekends, 1:00 - 6:00 pm. Open daily during Easter. Open daily from May to August, except Thursdays. Estate and grounds open daily from dawn to dusk. Restaurant and gift shop in stableyard open as house. Toilet facilities.

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From the Appletree Press title: Irish Country Houses.