John Castle, chief executive of Southern Michigan, said in an email statement that the bank took the "difficult step" of shutting the branch because it wasn't profitable.

WSJ: After Years of Growth, Banks Are Pruning Their Branches

King John built Odiham Castle as a stopping place where he could pursue his passion for hunting in its Royal Deer Park.

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Christopher Pymont QC, for Mr Howard, argued Sir John never legally owned the castle and its thousands of acres of land.

BBC: Son loses Corby Castle ?1.5m family legal row