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Cranbrook Castle, Ilford
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Cranbrook Castle, Ilford
Raymonds Folly (now gone). Charles Raymond (1713-88) made his fortune as a captain in the East India company. He retired to Essex, where he had a three-sided tower built in 1765, known as Ilford Castle or Cranbrook Castle, at a cost of £ 420. It was to be the family mausoleum but he and his wife, Sarah, were buried at Barking. It became known as Raymonds Folly but was probably a banqueting house. It was demolished in 1923 to make way for a tennis club. Date: circa 1910
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Media ID 23452602
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Banqueting Cranbrook Demolished Folly Ilford Mausoleum Raymond
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Cranbrook Castle, Ilford: A Glimpse into the Past of Raymond's Folly This evocative photograph captures the enigmatic beauty of Cranbrook Castle, also known as Ilford Castle or Raymond's Folly, situated in Ilford, Essex. The three-sided tower, built in 1765, stands as a testament to the whimsical and extravagant nature of its creator, Charles Raymond. Charles Raymond, a retired East India Company captain, spent a considerable sum of £420 to construct this unique architectural marvel. Initially intended as a family mausoleum, the castle's design was inspired by the ancient Roman ruins Raymond had encountered during his travels. However, Raymond and his wife, Sarah, were eventually interred at Barking, leaving the castle without its intended purpose. Despite its intended use, the castle is believed to have served as a banqueting house, where Raymond could entertain his esteemed guests in grand style. The castle's distinctive three-sided design, with its tall, arched windows and elegant columns, exudes an air of opulence and sophistication. As time passed, the castle, which became known as Raymond's Folly due to its seemingly unnecessary extravagance, was eventually demolished in 1923 to make way for a tennis club. This photograph, taken circa 1910, offers a rare glimpse into the past, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and intrigue of this once magnificent structure. The history of Cranbrook Castle serves as a reminder of the whims and fancies of the past, and the enduring allure of grand architectural designs. This photograph invites us to ponder the stories and secrets that lie hidden within its walls, and to imagine the lives of those who once called it home.
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