Boston’s North Shore is known for many things, but medieval architecture is usually not one of them. However, just off scenic Route 127 in Gloucester, lies Hammond’s Castle, the former home, laboratory, and medieval museum of inventor John Hays Hammond Jr. Begun in 1926, Hammond constructed an “Abbey by the Sea” in gothic style as a wedding gift to his wife and to house his vast collection of European artwork and furniture. The building is approximately seventy percent medieval and incorporates Old World architecture into Gloucester‘s rocky coastline.
Visitors are allowed to visit all the major portions of the castle on a self-guided tour complete with place cards and captions explaining the origin of the various artifacts, photographs, and architectural elements. There are several small rooms dedicated to “castle life” and others dedicated to Dr. Hammond and his inventions. However the major points of interest are the Great Hall, the Courtyard, and the rooms surrounding it.
The Great Hall is the real jewel of the tour and once served as the Hammond’s living room and cocktail lounge. The enormous space is an amalgam of church nave and medieval banquet hall, replete with a giant stone fireplace from a French manor house. A rosette window splays colored light upon Heraldic banners and wall icons. Armor and weapons share space with a bishop’s throne and the largest pipe organ ever built in a home. The Side Chapel with its ocean views and fireplace is a rather cozy den compared to Hammond’s ostentatious living room.
The glass-roofed Courtyard is designed to look like a medieval village with timber framed storefronts, Roman artifacts and a swimming pool resembling the ruins of an ancient bath. The medieval storefronts lead to small but interesting rooms including the Renaissance Dining Room and Hammond’s round Library. The upper level leads to two guest bedrooms: One done in medieval style, the other done in an early American style. Close by is a secret passage that allowed Hammond to spy on his guests in both the Great Hall and the Courtyard during his legendary parties. The Castle Grounds allow for up close viewings of the impressive exterior as well as stunning views of Gloucester Harbor.
A visit to the Hammond Castle is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon on Cape Ann. Not quite a castle, not quite a church, but whatever the architectural definition all the seemingly disparate pieces seem to blend wonderfully.
Practical Information:
Hammond Castle Museum
80 Hesperus Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
978-283-7673
www.hammondcastle.org
Museum open seasonally, weekends only. Contact for more information.
The castle occasionally hosts Renaissance Fairs in summer
“Castle of the Damned” is hosted during Halloween season.
Directions from Boston:
Route 95/128 North, Take Exit 14 to Route 133 South for 3 miles. Take right at Route 127 and follow for 1.5 miles. Look for blue sign for Castle and take left onto Hesperus Avenue.
Alternate (Scenic) Route:
Take Route 127 North along the coast. After passing through Magnolia Village, take Hesperus Avenue. The Castle will be on the Right
Directions From Manhattan:
Take the Triborough Bridge. Merge onto I-278 E via the ramp to I-87 N/Bronx/Upstate NY/New England. Take exit 47 and merge onto Bruckner Expy/I-278 E toward New Haven. Take the I-278 E exit toward New Haven. Merge onto Bruckner Expy. Continue on I-95 N.
