House & Family History: Elizabeth Woodville, called "the most beautiful woman in the island of Britain" during her lifetime, lived at Astley Castle before her marriage to Edward IV in 1464. In the 16th century Astley was a seat of Henry Grey, 1st Duke of Suffolk, who lived here with his daughter, Lady Jane Grey. In the early 17th century Astley Castle was owned by Sir Richard Chamberlain, clerk of the ward of courts. Sir Richard died in 1654; in 1674 the Chamberlain family sold Astley to Judge Sir Richard Newdigate. In recent years, Astley Castle was used as a hotel; the house was severely damaged by fire in the 1980s and has since fallen into a state of decay.

John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. II, p. 85, 1853.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Henry Grey, 1st Duke of Suffolk and 3rd Marquess of Dorset, 16th century. Sir Richard Chamberlain, until 1654; Chamberlain family here until 1674. Judge Sir Richard Newdigate, late 17th century.

Current Ownership Type: Unknown

Primary Current Ownership Use: Ruinous

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No