Roundhay Park: What remains of the historic Leeds castle dating back to 1821

It’s the castle ruin found in the heart of a Leeds gem.

Published 24th Apr 2023, 11:30 BST

Updated 26th Apr 2024, 10:13 BST

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The folly was designed and built by master craftsman George Nettleton in 1821 for Thomas Nicholson, the owner of Roundhay Park. It was intended as an ornamental feature to provide entertainment for the Nicholson family.

His daughters visited to sew and shooting parties on the estate used the upper room as a luncheon venue.

The castle ruin in Roundhay Park. PIC: Steve Stanton

The folly served as a summerhouse and originally had a wooden roof. Located at the head of Waterloo Lake it was it was built to resemble a much older structure.

Check out this video of what remains of what is now a Grade II listed structure which has been part of life in Roundhay Park for generations.

Roundhay Park Leeds Grade II