Lord Egerton

Lord Egerton Castle is one of the more random tourist attractions in Kenya. Located about 20 min from Nakuru it was built by Lord Egerton in the 1940's. When I say built by him I actually mean 100 red Indians imported from the US. The story of this amazing building was told to us by the the caretakers of the castle who lived with the late Lord Egerton. His story was translated by one of the MIA employees, Martha, who is getting married at the castle in April this year.

As the story goes Lord Egerton brought his Fiance' to Kenya who upon arrival mocked the 'birds nest' of a house he was living in . The result of her taunts is an exquisite, if slightly run down castle with an amazing ball room complete with grand fire place, parquetry flooring, winding staircases, terraces and amazing gardens. It appears that Lord Egerton after the departure of his fiance' went a little crazy. The caretaker in formed us that the Lord enacted four rules that were to be followed at all times on the compound-

Rule 1: No live chickens to be on the grounds
Rule 2: No dogs to be on the grounds
Rule 3: No men in uniform to be on the grounds; and
Rule 4: No women whatsoever to be on the grounds.

Amongst other oddities Lord Egerton kept a safe in the castle for the safe storage of eggs and money to buy eggs. He used the terrace for his own interests including playing soccer with himself everyone morning at 10am in full kit- he also used this space for riding his bike. The terrace I should let you know is not that large.

Lord Egerton's distaste for women extended beyond the grounds- those working for him would pay money to local women to ensure that they were never in his presence. In 1958 Lord Egerton died unmarried but had an adopted son Preston who carries on the family name. The castle is now owned by Egerton University and is available for weddings costing 10,000 ks or $140 AUD.