Sri Lanka is a country with so many unique destinations. However, if you are fond of places with architectural value, there are many outstanding locations to visit on the beautiful island. Richmond castle is one such fantastic site in the Kalutara area.
This Edwardian mansion is a great place to study Sri Lankan history and upper-class culture. Further, it is also a great place that shares a huge part of the colonial era and the lifestyle of the elite class. Apart from that, one of the most significant facts about this castle is the fairytale-like story behind it. Literally, you will feel like you are living inside a movie while touring this historical site.
Richmond Castle is now the property of the public trustee and is open to the public. So, here’s all you need to know about Richmond Castle.
History of the Richmond Castle
Nanayakkara Rajawasala Appuhamilage Don Arthur De Silva Wijeysinghe Siriwardena built this Edwardian mansion in the Sri Lankan countryside. This local landowner and philanthropist was a son of a reputed and wealthy Sri Lankan painter.
Arthur De Silva received his education in Great Britain. After he completed his education in Britain, the King of Britain bestowed him the position of Mudaliyar or the Baron. Upon his return to Sri Lanka, he immediately started the duties of his position.
He visited India during his return to the country. The magnificent palace of his friend, Raja Rajeswara Sethupathi, the Maharaja of Ramnad there, inspired him. So, the Baron wanted to get the plan for that mansion. Yet, the maharaja refused to give it to him. Afterward, the Baron took two architects from Sri Lanka to the palace and copied the plan of the building in secret.
The Baron recreated that mansion in the city of Kalutara in Sri Lanka with the use of the highest luxuries of that era. Unlike any other construction of the time, all the supplies and essentials of this mansion were from abroad.
Arthur De Silva got married to the young noble beauty, Clarice Matilda Maude Suriyabandara and moved to Richmond Castle with her in 1910. According to historical records, they had a troupe of over 50 performers for entertainment, a grand white horse-driven carriage, and even a small private army.
However, the couple was fortunate enough to have one of their greatest desires, to have a child. So, the baron moved away from the castle and lived in a hotel in Kandy in the latter years of his life. His ex-wife lived there until her death. His trust looked after it for some time. It was later entrusted to the public trustee.
Architectural Values of the Richmond Castle
Richmond castle is a two-storeyed building. There are sixteen rooms, 99 doors, and 34 windows in the mansion.
Besides, Richmond Castle is a unique architectural structure. In fact, it showcases four main architectural designs namely the local central courtyard tradition, the Indian Royal architecture, Roman-Dutch architecture, and Greek architecture through this mansion. There is a belief that Baron has the inspiration of Roman-Dutch architecture because of his Roman Catholic roots. However, this whole building showcases its glory and elegance throughout as the master architects designed it.
One of the most significant features of the architecture of the building is its natural ventilation system. The ventilation system at the banquet hall is created by directing the cool air flowing over the nearby Kalu river through ingenious underground passages that are running through the foundation of the mansion. The banquet hall of the mansion doubled as a performance arena as well. This natural ventilation system helped to keep the hall cool and comfortable in otherwise very hot climates. Furthermore, there are 12 Rangoon wood pillars at this banquet hall.
Materials Used for the Mansion
As mentioned earlier, the materials for this mansion were from abroad. In fact, the floor tiles for the building were from Italy. The teak was from Burma, and the Venetian-stained window panes were decorated with glass depicting grapevines from Scotland. The iron stair and bathroom fittings were from England. Likewise, the mansion had a very unique and classy look compared to the other construction in Sri Lanka during that era, owing to the rich material used.
The wood carvings in these pillars are very similar to the carvings of the Embekke temple. Apart from that, the wide staircase and the marble floors resemble very much a typical rich English mansion. There were also soundproof bedrooms at the mansion. So, owing to all these reasons, it is undoubtedly one of the best creations of the architecture of Sri Lanka.
Its Current Status
Upon the request of the Baron, the Public Trustee Department is running a children’s orphanage at a part of this castle. The orphanage uses the servants’ quarters here. Besides, the young kids use some of the rooms inside the castle as study areas. Apart from that, most of the building and the whole estate are now open to the public.
The huge master bedroom of the mansion is now like a small museum that carries ancient photographs including the ones from the Baron’s grand wedding. While the mansion stands in its ancient glory, the historical monument is now famous as a tourist destination.
Where is it Located?
The beautiful mansion surrounded by a well-maintained flower garden is located in the Kalutara district. It is located about 4 kilometers away from the main city of Kalutara. You will be able to find this location by the side of the main road from Kalutara to Palathota. The southern boundary of the property is Kalutara to Palathota main road and the northern boundary is the Kalu river. The popular destination in the Kalutara district is one of the best locations to get a glimpse of an astounding architectural monument.
The Bottom Line
After all, Richmond Castle is undoubtedly a location with a unique and undeniable charm. So, if you are into historic and mysterious spots, this is an absolute must-visit for you in Sri Lanka. Apart from the astounding architectural values of the mansion, its beautiful and engaging location will also leave you in awe for sure. Hence, don’t forget to have a look around the mesmerizing garden as well.
A tour guide will accompany you during the tour at Richmond Castle to make you aware of the history, architecture, and backstory of this location. Yet, keep in mind that you won’t be able to take any photographs inside the mansion.
However, Richmon Castle is simply a must-visit. So, don’t forget to add Richmond castle to your bucket list if you are visiting Sri Lanka. Happy and safe traveling!
