Bollitree Castle

Bollitree Castle, Herefordshire Photo © Philip Hallling, 24 September 2005

Bollitree Castle, Herefordshire Photo © Jonathan Billinger, 27 June 2008

Bollitree Castle, Herefordshire Photo © Jonathan Billinger, 7 July 2007

Weston under Penyard is a small village in Herefordshire, England. It lies on the two miles east of Ross-on-Wye. The parish church of St Lawrence has a tall 14th century west tower which had a spire until it was damaged by lightning in 1750. Slightly to the east under farmland lies the former Roman settlement of Ariconium, which gave its name to the historical areas of Herefordshire known as Ergyng and Archenfield. The name Ariconium is Romano-British and may conceivably have an equivalent in or near the Roman province of Galatia. The Bristol merchant Richard Amerike (c. 1445–1503) who, it is claimed, gave his name to America, was born here.

Bollitree Castle, a mock 15th century castle, built in the 18th century with a Queen Anne facade by a member of the Merrick family, is situated on the edge of the village. The oldest part of the house dates back to the 1500's. Built with stone salvaged from a demolished Gloucester church, it is believed the castle was built for the love of a Spanish girl who would not live in "wet and draughty old England". Regrettably, despite his efforts, he died a bachelor.

The Gothic stable block attached to the castle is Grade I-listed, while the house itself is Grade II-listed.

A past owner of the castle was Marc Bolan. It recently sold for £3 million to TopGear presenter Richard Hammond.