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Lord Howe’s House, Castle-Gate
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LORD HOWE’S house, Castle-gate, is a truly magnificent mansion, built about 1755, contemporary with the War of American Independence.
It was erected as the town house of the family of Howe of Langar, whose most distinguished member was Admiral Lord Howe. whose victory over the French off Brest in 1794, we celebrate under the title of " The Glorious First of June.’’
In its original condition, when its gardens stretched down to what is now Greyfriar-gate, it must have been a very delectable residence, situated in the heart of the fashionable quarter of Nottingham, and possessing beautiful views across the River Leer and over the then unspoilt and crocus-haunted meadows.
Even to-day its dignified architecture is a never-failing joy, and its elaborate portal, decorated with the classic ox-skull and swags of flowers, takes our minds back to the spacious times of Ancient Greece and Rome, when the garlands used to decorate the sacrifices were hung up as trophies upon the altars.
In 1789 the house was in the occupation of a certain Mr. Stanford, who was a great Royalist. Upon King George III’s recovery from his mental malady in that year Mr. Stanford had this house gaily illuminated, and distributed half-a-hogshead of beer to the neighbouring populace in which to drink the King’s health.