The house from a 1903 postcard
Earlier Houses: There was probably at least one earlier house on, or near, the site of the current house.
House & Family History: Originally built in the 13th century as a red sandstone tower house, Corby has been altered and added to many times during its long life; its current appearance is the result of early 19th century work by the architect Peter Nicholson, who rebuilt the house in the Neoclassical style. The castle was sold in 1611 to Lord William Howard, third son of Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk (executed for treason in 1572 by Elizabeth I), who added a two-storied L-shaped house onto the tower. Corby remained in the ownership of the Howard family until 1994, when Sir John Howard-Lawson sold up to Edward Haughey. In 2024 the house, together with 711 acres, was listed for sale for £15 million. Corby is supposedly haunted by a ghost known as the Radiant Boy.
Collections: The principal contents of Corby Castle were sold in 1994 by Phillips of Scotland.
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. I, p. 35, 1852.
John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. II, 1825.
Country Life: CXV, 92, 1954.
Title: Greek Revival, The
Author: Crook, J. Mordaunt
Year Published: 1995
Publisher: London: John Murray
ISBN: 0719554551
Book Type: Softback
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Grade I
Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSES: Hubert de Vallibus, 12th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Andrew Harclay (Andreas de Harcla), 1st Earl of Carlisle, 14th century. Sir Richard Salkeld, 14th century; Salkeld family here until the 16th century. Lord William Howard, 17th century; Thomas Howard, 18th century; Henry Howard, 19th century; Sir John Philip Howard-Lawson, 6th Bt., 20th century; Howard family here from 1611 until 1994. Edward Haughey, 1994-2024.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home
House Open to Public: No
Historic Houses Member: No