THEY say an Englishman’s home is his castle – and that could be true for the handful of wealthy househunters who snap up these properties.

Medieval Thurland Castle, set in 10 acres of the Lune Valley, is being marketed after a major redevelopment project.

The stately pile, in Tunstall, was bought by Lancashire Homes in 2000 and has since been converted into 12 separate homes, each one for sale at around £750,000.

Only five homes remain to be sold at the Grade II* listed building, which boasts a host of classical features, as well as a tennis court.

Residential selling agent Jo Bond, at Davis and Bowring, said it was a 'privilege' to be involved with the castle.

“I think this is the first castle we have had to sell,” said Mrs Bond.

“And it’s one of the oldest buildings we have had on our books.

“The developers have taken great care to make sure everything has been finished to a high standard. It really stands out not only because it is a castle but also because of its high quality finish.”

The Tower Wing penthouse is decked out with sumptuous interior décor with breathtaking views.

Thurland Castle began life as a medieval manor house, founded by the Harrington family. It was then fortified by a circular moat in 1402.

Sir Thomas Tunstall founded the stone castle, when King Henry IV granted him a licence to crenellate.

During the English Civil War, the castle was almost demolished in the siege of 1643 while being held for the king by Sir John Girlington.

Through the 19th Century, the North family absorbed the remains of the castle in the construction of a Gothic mansion castle.

What life was like around 1400: * Henry IV was on the throne.

* The Battle of Bryn Glas took place in June 1402, where the Welsh rebels defeated the English in a battle at the countries’ border.

* Geoffrey Chaucer, the ‘godfather of English literature’, died in 1400.

* Penal Laws against Wales were brought in by the English Parliament. The Laws stopped the Welsh from gathering together, obtaining office, carrying arms and living in English towns. Any Englishman who married a Welsh woman was also subject to the Penal Laws of 1402.

* Roads were no more than dirt tracks that flooded in winter and most people lived in wooden huts.