A view of the "Castle" public house at the top of the road leading to the castle. The "pub" is built on the site of the castle gatehouse, and was originally a courthouse. The War Memorial is for the South African (Boer) war. The castle structure which appears behind the memorial and the tree is a folly, built of old castle stones to hide the courthouse from nearby (now demolished) mansion of Norton Priory, the former home of Sir Richard Brooke, Bart. Today the view is little changed. The trees are more numerous and larger, obstructing a great deal of the older postcard view, and the modern "chicane" to stop speeding motorists is evident, as are the cars themselves!
(Place your mouse on/off the picture to see the then/now scenes)

The message reads:-

Runcorn 18/7/06
Dear M
We arrived here safe and sound on Saturday night after a very wet voyage - everything here seems very quiet after Douglas and work goes down very badly, I suppose you will remember this beautiful spot at Halton - Kind regards to all not forgetting yourself

Hope to be over again before long.