Earlier Houses: Built by Ranulph de Blondeville, 4th Earl of Chester, in the 12th century, Chartley Castle (today a Grade II* ruin in private ownership) was abandoned in the 15th century, when Chartley Manor was built nearby.

House & Family History: Chartley Manor was one of the last residences of Mary, Queen of Scots. In January 1586 Mary was moved to Chartley and it was here that her final, deadly correspondence with Anthony Babington took place, all part of a plot by Elizabeth I's spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, to ensnare Mary. It worked and Mary was convicted and put on trial, from which her death sentence was passed.

House Listed: Demolished

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT CHARTLEY CASTLE: Ranulph de Blondeville (de Blundeville), 4th Earl of Chester, 13th century. William de Ferrers, 5th Earl of Derby, 13th century. Walter Devereux, 7th Baron Ferrers of Chartley, 15th century. SEATED AT CHARTLEY MANOR: Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, 16th century. Washington Shirley, 5th Earl Ferrers, 18th century.

Current Ownership Type: Demolished

Primary Current Ownership Use: Demolished

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No