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Chirk Castle is one of a string of castles built along the welsh border, it was built in 1300 by Roger Mortimer in the reign of Edward 1st. It is an imposing structure only slightly altered. In 1595 it was sold to Thomas Myddelton and it was his descendant Col. Robert Myddelton Biddulph (1805-1872) who commissioned Pugin to re-design the Cromwell Hall. It is situated on the right as you enter the courtyard of the castle.
Pugin redesigned it using oak panelling, putting in stained glass made by Hardman's and installing a stone chimney piece with the family's coat of arms. The furniture in the room was made to Pugin's designs, chairs, dresser, tables, true to his fanatical adherance to correctness he sent a note to Crace specifying that both doorways should have two curtains each which should overlap. | 
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Mr. Francis Barchard bought Horsted Place in 1849 from Mr Law, and promptly raised it to the ground and then re-built it further from the road under the downs. His architect for the new house was Samuel Daukes who used George Myers as his builder he was a long time friend and work colleague of Pugin. No expense was spared, the build cost was �16,816.00 which has produced the handsome house inside and out that we see today.
It was built late in Pugin's life the original contract is dated 2nd October 1850. The house is constructed of red brick with dressings of Bath stone and black brick diaper work. Pugins internal design work includes beautiful gothic fireplaces, ornate doorcases, a stunning carved stairscase ending in tall carved newel posts of birds taken from the Barchard family crest. The staircase was made by Myers, furniture was also made for the house by John Webb. | 
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