CRANBROOK CASTLE
Postcard Publisher: Raphael Tuck & Sons.
Historical Information:
Sir Charles Raymond wanted a mausoleum for his family. In 1765 he paid £420 for a triangular 'castle' to be built for that purpose. It had a sturdy design; the chapel walls were two feet thick and even the strongest nails could not penetrate the mortar. However, the building was soon to become known as "Raymond's Folly" after the Bishop refused to consecrate the grounds. This meant interments would never take place there.
Photograph: © Raymond Small 2017
St. Margaret's Parish Church, Barking, became the final resting place of Sir Charles Raymond and his family.
Year of Ilford Map: 1921
Historical Information:
During World War I the Admiralty used the castle as an observation tower. The building was demolished in 1923.