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Dobroyd Castle

An Englishman's home...

Dobroyd Castle in Todmorden was built by mill owner John Fielden as a honeymoon home for his mill girl wife, Ruth. The objective was to create a building which would "immortalise the name of Fielden" and which would be "the most commanding object in the neighbourhood".

The building was designed by John Gibson of London. When it was completed in 1869, the total cost of construction was £71,589.The completed building attracted the attention of the architectural press.

Externally the property boasted four small turrets and a main tower, whilst inside praise was given for the fine saloon, panelled ceilings and columns of Devonshire marble, together with the imposing staircase. The initials of John and Ruth were carved in a dozen places around the building as a testimony to their love.

The census records of 1871 show John and Ruth being resident at Dobroyd, alongside five maids, a porter and groom. It also records a gardener, coachman, butler and their families living in houses on the estate. Although John and Ruth were childless, the house was often filled with the voices of his nephew and niece who were regular visitors to Dobroyd.

Over the years, the Fielden family used the house less frequently and by 1942 Dobroyd Castle was registered as a Home Office approved school. Young males aged between 15 and 18 were sent by the courts to learn skills such as carpentry and building as well as continuing their education. In September 1979, the School closed but was re-opened three months later as a privately run school for twenty boys with emotional and behavioural problems.

In 1995, Dobroyd Castle was bought by monks from the New Kadampa Buddhist Tradition for £320,000. The Losang Dragpa Centre, as the Castle is now called, offers meditation courses, weekend retreats and holds an annual open day. Buddhists at the centre were seeking sponsorship from local businesses to raise funds for the restoration of the Castle. Repairs to the glass ceiling and roof are required and the monks wish to convert a stable block, develop the garden, and carry out restoration of the Castle's interior.

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