Built / Designed For: Lord Henry Seymour

House & Family History: Norris Castle is a large, castellated Norman style castle that was built in the 19th century for Lord Henry Seymour, the second son of the 1st Marquess of Hertford. After Lord Henry's death, the house passed through a succession of owners. During World War I Norris housed Canadian troops. In 2016 the house was listed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. In 2025, after failed attempts to turn the house into a hotel, Norris Castle, together with 225 acres (and the adjacent Springhill Estate), was listed for sale for £4.5 million.

Collections: The contents were sold in 1909.

Garden & Outbuildings: Laid out circa 1799, possibly by Humphry Repton, the Norris Castle Estate features the only Grade I-listed park on the Isle of Wight. The estate adjoins the Osborne House Estate, which is why it's not surprising that Queen Victoria was a frequent visitor to Norris Castle.

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. 89, 1853.

Country Life: IV, 28, 1898.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade I

Past Seat / Home of: Lord Henry Seymour, 1805-30; Lord George Seymour, 1830-39. Robert Bell, 1839-80. Herbrand Arthur Russell, 11th Duke of Bedford, 1880-91; Russell family here until 1897. Arthur Oliver Villiers Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill, 1897-1903. Lieutenant Colonel Sir Horatio David Davies, 1909-12. Sir Richard Burbidge, 1914-17. Major Arthur Birkbeck, 1917-45. Catherine Annie Briscoe George, 1955-61.

Current Ownership Type: Corporation

Primary Current Ownership Use: Unoccupied

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No