Castleward House

Went to Castleward House on Easter Monday which is now owned by The National Trust. The size and splendor of it was remarkable. It has two facades, one Gothic facing the grounds and the other Classical facing the lough. This was so built because the owners could not agree on a style so built both together. The interior reflects the outside with evidence of gothic and classical influences depending upon where you are in the house. I spoke to a guide who stated that there is no other house like it in Europe. Walking through it gave me a greater perspective on the type of lifestyle Theodosia would have experienced.

SOURCES EVALUATION CHECKLIST

Venue/Location/Person: Castleward House

Staff ·         Number - numerous as it was a Public Holiday ·         Attitude - friendly ·         Location - both outside and inside the house. One guide per room ·         Informative - Extremely and seemed to like being asked questions.	Accesssibility ·         Opening hours - change according to times of year. ·         Parking - plenty and well signposted ·         Disabled Access - Not inside the house as original features unchanged. ·         Well signposted - Yes, National Trust signs.
Resources ·         Books- leaflets available ·         Journals ·         Newspapers ·         Internet access ·         Pre-order ·         Photocopying -Photographs were allowed to be taken inside the house with the camera's flash turned off. ·         Electronic materials	Ambience ·         Policies to support study (state) ·         Social aspects for elderly ·         Social aspects for young ·         Reference Section
Building ·         Windows - many large windows ·         Design - Gothic & Classical	Other comments: An extremely well organised venue with friendly informative staff who engage well with the public. One guide confirmed which portrait was Theodosia.

Date 25.4.2011                                                        Signed  Pamela Frazer