| The village of Alton stands on the other side of the Churnet valley to Alton Towers. Alton Castle is situated on the ruins of a 12th century Medieval castle. It was begun in 1847, Pugin was not very enthusiastic about the project, and it was left incomplete. You approach the castle from the village walking on a bridge over the moat. |
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| It is unclear who this castle was built for. Shrewsbury originally wanted it built for priests, Pugin was horrified, he did not want to build a mock castle anyway and least of all a castle for priests. It was thought that the Earl himself might take up residence. It was smaller than Alton Towers, which was grand and imposing, perfect for entertaining the literati of the day, but the Earl rather liked a more frugal lifestyle. Another intended occupant could have been his mother. |
| The chapel of the castle is a high quality building, no expense was spared. It has a magnificent vaulted stone ceiling and it is of a tall narrow construction. It is stripped bare except for the stone carved angels on the walls, and the impressive stained glass windows. | 
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| Outside, the chapel has a steep pinnacled roof of coloured tiles that add a dramatic air. Across the valley it is possible to see above the trees, the four towers of Alton Towers. From one of the main rooms in the castle, through the windows and across the moat is the collection of buildings known as The Hospital of St. John. | 
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| The Catholic Church in Birmingham has bought Alton Castle, which is surrounded by 42 acres of woodland and fields, from the Sisters of Mercy who used it as a prep school. It is now a catholic youth centre and offers a large choice of outdoor activities. It is nice to hear that this lovely building is living again in a positive spiritual manner. |