The Ciancis

Constructed in 1906 under the vision of General William Bancroft, Bancroft's Castle stands as a testament to an unfinished dream. Originally designed as a bungalow to complement a grand castle-like residence, financial setbacks halted the realization of its full potential. Later in 1918, the property changed hands to physician Harold Ayres, who transformed the bungalow into a sanitarium, serving a different purpose from its initial design. Through its storied past, Bancroft's Castle witnessed a variety of uses, from a recreational hub for the Groton Hunt Club in the 1930s to a venue for a fateful July 4 fireworks display in 1932 that led to its partial destruction, leaving only the enduring stone walls. Today, the remnants of this historic site welcome curious visitors, accessible via a trail off Rt 40. Those intrigued by its history can embark on a journey starting from the Gibbet Hill Grill parking lot, where the trail commences near the driveway entrance, offering a glimpse into the bygone eras that shaped this intriguing landmark. Generated using this place's available information