Built in 1607 by Robert de Todeni, William the Conqueror’s Standard Bearer, the castle has exchanged ownership during several wars and conflicts. It has withstood war, fire and other natural disasters, going through three reconstructions. Today is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. It was used as a stand-in for Windsor Castle in the Netflix series The Crown. But the historic castle is noted for being the birthplace of afternoon tea. During the 1840s, the Duchess of Bedford, Anna, who was visiting the castle, couldn’t wait until the 8:30 pm dinner. By assembling a light meal of tea, cakes and sandwiches, the afternoon tea became a thing to follow in most middle and upper-class homes.
