National Trust

National Trust

Castle Ward

Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor, and his wife Ann did not enjoy the most harmonious of marriages. So when they decided to build a new country house in the 1760s, it came as no surprise that they were unable to agree on a design.

This explains why Castle Ward has a classical-style front façade (as per the gentleman’s wishes) and a Gothic-style rear façade (in accordance with the lady’s tastes). The marriage floundered anyway, but their compromise did produce an intriguing house with a curious mix of building styles.

When the 6th Viscount Bangor died in 1952, the house came into the ownership of the National Trust. Fifteen years later, the Trust acquired the Lievens painting from the 7th Viscount.

From this house you will see the following works in the Mauritshuis:

  • Jan Lievens - An Unknown Woman in a Green Velvet Hood (c.1622-1632)