In this article, we will cover Lord Egerton Castle. Lord Egerton Castle is a house styled like a fortress located 14 km outside Nakuru, Kenya. The foundation was laid in 1938 by Maurice Egerton, 4th Baron Egerton. The architect was Albert Brown. Construction continued until 1954. The Castle’s management was transferred to the Egerton University that Egerton set up, and with time became a museum. It was added to Kenya’s list of national monuments in a gazette notice dated 25th March 1996.
It is a stunning piece of history nestled in the Ngata area, 10 kilometres from Nakuru town, the Castle is far from ordinary, despite its age.
Lord Egerton Castle Location
The Lord Egerton Castle is located in Nakuru County, a Ksh 50 matatu ride from Nakuru CBD. If you are using public transport, board a matatu heading to Ngata at Nakuru Odeon stage and alight at Ngata gate. Once you alight you can walk to the castle grounds or take a boda boda for Ksh 50.
Lord Egerton Castle History
Lord Maurice Egerton, a British aristocrat, had this castle built from 1938 through 1954. It took longer to complete because it was built using imported materials, and a war limited the importation of materials. Regardless of the time, Egerton seemed like a non-quitter; plus, the castle had a purpose – To impress his Austrian fiancé. She had rejected his proposal previously for living in a small house.
Given his lineage, he was expected to marry someone from a royal family, so he needed to impress the lady to become a baroness. She matched his standards. At first, he had built himself small colonial houses, which his fiancé declined. This prompted the building of his second house, a bit bigger, and what the fiance would like. When the fiancé landed, and Egerton asked her to move in with him in his new four-bedroom house, she called it a house chicken. It is said that she stayed for only an hour – she lands, sees the castle, and turns down the proposal without even getting inside it. She left. Devasted, sad, and rejected, Lord Egerton lived in the castle for the next four years before dying in 1958. During that time, it was said that no woman was allowed near the castle. Signs indicated that any woman spotted near the castle would be shot. He never remarried, and the castle was never reoccupied after his death. He marked the fourth and the last Barron Egerton of Tatton.
The castle was built in a rare, unique archaic architecture, featuring intricate carvings, glass windows, oak stairways and floors (the oak was imported), zinc tiles roofs (imported also), and 53 rooms. Once you get in, the classic room housing a broken piano is on your left. There is a master bedroom, children’s rooms, a wine cellar, study rooms, a basement, darkroom for photo development, among other spaces. It is massive. It is a true testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the builders.
Now, fast forward to the present day, and the castle has been beautifully restored and is open to visitors. You can tour the castle and even glimpse Lord Egerton’s personal belongings, like his radio collection, sound amplifier, and camera, among other things like a traveling trunk.
Lord Egerton Castle Activities
The castle hosts several events, from weddings to corporate retreats and even movie shoots. No wonder the castle has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The irony of it all – people choose it as a venue to celebrate love.
The well-manicured castle grounds are ideal for picnics, simple games, and team-building activities. When you go, remember to carry your Maasai shuka, some snacks, and a ball or two. The castle also has some benches and swings installed for you to sit and relax on as you take in the view.
Lord Egerton Castle Entrance Charges
Kenyan Citizen
- Adults – Ksh 250
- Tertiary Institutions – Ksh 200
- Secondary Schools – Ksh 150
- Primary Schools – Ksh 100
- Nursery Schools – Ksh 75
- Photo Sessions – Ksh 5,000
- Grounds Hire – Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 50,000
Residents
- Adults – Ksh 500
- Tertiary Institutions – Ksh 300
- Secondary Schools – Ksh 250
- Primary Schools – Ksh 200
- Nursery Schools – Ksh 100
Non-Residents
- Adults – 15 USD
- Tertiary Institutions – 12 USD
- Secondary Schools – 10 USD
- Primary Schools – 8 USD
- Nursery Schools – 6 USD
Lord Egerton Castle Opening Hours
The Lord Egerton Castle is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. The staff go for a lunch break between 1 pm to 2 pm.
Lord Egerton Castle Contacts
(+254) 05 02 11 00
The post A Hidden Gem in Kenya first appeared on Latest American News.
The post A Hidden Gem in Kenya appeared first on Latest American News.