My wife and I were at the castle in 95. Had a wonderful tour (including the Faerie Flag) and then went on a boat tour to see the seals basking in the sun. It is unfortunate that many have to "give" their ancestral homes to the public in order to keep them livable. If I remember correctly the
Earl of Earshall had to sell his collection of basket hilt swords (the largest in the world) just to pay the #@$*! taxes or the castle would be taken. I wonder what he'll do next time they are due