While some of the Blaise Estate structures were built before the accepted British Romanticism period, they went through quite a few renovations over time and the estate was incredibly popular throughout the Romantic era. Jane Austen included this estate in her novel, Northanger Abbey, as an exciting destination for her main character to enjoy, especially the gothic aspect of Blaise Castle.

            Blaise Castle was built in 1766 by a slave trader that wanted to observe his distant ships from the top of the hill. It is interesting that the castle was so popular during the Romantic period since there was also a great push to advocate freedom for all, including slaves. A building that had been erected merely as a way to oversee the coming and going of slave ships is certainly an interesting attraction for a generation that was becoming increasingly aware of how wrong owning slaves was. In keeping with the perspective that Blaise Castle was not all it appeared to...

Orignally a couple of cottages along banks of the River Thames, Strawberry Hill House was purchased by Horace Walpole in 1749 and transformed into his own vision of a 'little gothic castle.' It was built as Walpole's summer home but it soon became a popular tourist attraction during Walpole's life as well as after. The house was a reflection of Gothic cathedrals with its vaulted windows and doors, tall spires, and clean, white appearance. It was mainly designed by Walpole's friends, John Chute and Richard Bentley, and it's obvious to see that they took their inspiration from Gothic cathedrals and medieval tombs. It was key in the gaining popularity of the Gothic revival. After Walpole's death in 1797 the House is passed from owner to owner, from cousin's daughter to great niece, to grandson and then to brother. Once ownership of the House fell into his hands, George Waldegrave let it fall into ruin out of spite. Within the course of a week, a hefty bulk of Walpole's prized...