Built / Designed For: Sir Richard Arkwright, who died before the house was completed.

House & Family History: Willersley is an enormous castellated house that's notable for its fine oval hall with galleries on the upper floors. In June 2016 the Derby Museum and Art Gallery acquired, at a Christie's auction in New York City, for a total of £233,107, two paintings by Wright of Derby that focus on Willersley and its builder, Sir Richard Arkwright. Sir Richard, who is considered the inventor of the modern factory, probably commissioned both paintings circa 1795-96, shortly before his death. One of the paintings, "A View of Cromford Bridge," prominently features Willersley Castle almost glowing on its hill in splendid isolation, while the other, "Arkwright's Mills," depicts Arkwright's nearby mill at Cromford.

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: Vol. I, 1818.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Grade II*

Past Seat / Home of: Peter Arkwright, 19th century.

Current Ownership Type: Charity / Nonprofit

Primary Current Ownership Use: Hotel

Ownership Details: Today Willersley Castle Hotel, part of the Christian Guild (Methodist Guild Holidays Ltd.)

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 01629-582-270

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.christianguild.co.uk

Historic Houses Member: No