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Bannerman
Castle, Glenham, New York
By Grace Sydney
Ensconced in tendrils of ivy and partially obscured from view
by a shroud of overgrowth, Bannerman Castle has long been a mystery
to those traveling along the Hudson River. Legends of spirits
and a fairy tale romance have only served to add to the secluded
island's allure, but tourists aboard the vessels floating past
were allowed only a fleeting glimpse of this majestic enigma on
their way down the river-- until now.
While castles conjure up images of noble knights saving damsels
in distress, today it is the castle itself which is in need of
rescue. Built at the turn of the century by Francis Bannerman
to honor his Scottish roots, the castle was originally used both
as the owner's summer retreat and as a venue in which to house
a vast array of antique weaponry.
Although time has etched its impression on the castle's weathered
physiognomy, the structure has retained its inate regal bearing,
and is now willing to unveil a few of its secrets to visitors.
 While
entrance to the castle's interior is still forbidden, tours of
the island are now underway thanks to the effort of The Bannerman
Castle Trust, which is working to preserve Bannerman Castle for
future generations.
A variety of touring options are available, including a three
to four hour kayak excursion with a Bannerman Castle Trust historian
for more adventurous souls, a two and a half hour guided tour
of Pollepel Island offered by Hudson River Adventures, and a leisurely
cruise aboard The Pride of The Hudson.
Visitors to this dignified landmark will help to ensure a "happily
ever after" for this fairy tale castle.
For more information:
Website: www.bannermancastle.org
Tours: Bannerman Castle is open for guided tours only. From Newburgh
Landing, The Pollepel departs Friday, Saturdays & Sundays
at 12pm. From Beacon Waterfront, The Pollepel departs on Saturdays
and Sundays at 12pm. The island is closed at other times.
For more information: Contact the Bannerman Castle Trust,
PO Box 843, Glenham, NY 12527, phone 845-831-6346.
The Legend
of Pollepel Island
 This
isolated isle is known by two monikers-- Bannerman Island,
after castle owner Francis Bannerman, and Pollepel Island.
All enchanted
places are linked to a romantic legend, and once upon a
time, as fairy tales go, there lived a young woman by the
name of Polly Pell, whose heart beat for her one true love
only, although she was promised to another. One winter's
day Polly and her fiancé were on the frozen water
of the Hudson River when the ice began to break. The couple
would have perished in the frigid depths if not for the
courage of Polly's sweetheart, who led the pair to safety
on the small strip of land.
In gratitude, the woman's fiancé, who was a man of
the cloth, released Polly from her promise and performed
the wedding of the maiden and her hero there on the island,
which was christened Pollepel in tribute to the story's
heroine. |
Photos copyright and courtesy Thom Johnson, and the Bannerman
Castle Trust
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