Be king of the castle - if you have £1.5million

A stunning castle, set in 14.5 acres of land - including its own moat - has been put on the market in Peterborough.

The new owners will be able to live like royalty in the 13th century Woodcroft Castle, which is located in Etton, just six miles away from the city.

The historic building - which is said to be haunted by the ghost of King Charles I’s chaplain, Dr Michael Hudson, who stayed at the castle during the Civil War - comes with eight bedrooms, seven bath/shower rooms and five reception rooms - meaning there is plenty of room to entertain visiting VIPs.

The master bedroom includes a walk in wardrobe and dressing room, while there is also a large games room, and even a wet room in the large Tudor tower.

The property is up for sale for a cool £1,450,000 with estate agents Savills.

A spokesman for Savills said the castle played an important part in the English Civil War.

He said: “A Grade II* Listed Building, Woodcroft Castle is a medieval, late 13th Century property with later additions and alterations, which occupies a private and mature moated grounds of 14.5 acres, or thereabouts.

“It has a colourful history, The Reverend Dr Michael Hudson, Chaplain to Charles 1 is understood to have taken part in the castle’s defence against Parliamentary troops during the English Civil War in 1649.”

Dr Hudson eventually was killed by Parliamentarians, having his hands chopped off, and his tongue removed. It is said his tongue was taken as a trophy by the soldiers.

“The earliest part of the castle is believed to be the west side of the castle at its northern end, with the circular tower, to which there have been Tudor and later additions.

“The property is believed to have been owned in 1907 by the Peterborough Corporation Water Works, from which they oversaw the supply of water to Peterborough, before passing back into residential use.”

While there are modern comforts, such as an Aga cooker, the Savills spokesman said many of the features of the eight bedroom property still date back, or are in keeping with, its centuries old history, including exposed stonework walls, stone flagged and timber floors, a fabulous decorated and panelled heavy wood staircase, at least one reputedly medieval fireplace and ornately plastered and beamed ceilings.

The castle was owned by the Woodcroft family and later the Fitzwilliam family from 1545 to 1988. For more information about the property, visit www.savills.com, or call 01780 484696.