THIS is Monopoly with a difference, a game plan with castle gains and a long list of winners.

The plot is secret, and it is not easy to fathom all the rules. Behind the master plan is self-made Singapore millionaire lawyer Christopher Nightingale. He's already orchestrated singing in Appleby square.

When he handed over £1.25 million for the town's 800-year-old fortress, residents rejoiced. Around 1,000 paraded up the hill at Christmas, chanting carols.

There was more to this, though, than Good King Wenceslas. They wanted to see their own king of the castle, once owned by Henry 1.

When the historic building went on the market, rumour had it Madonna and Michael Jackson were interested.

In the end, Christopher clinched his deal with an hour to spare before ownership went across the Atlantic to America.

The strategy he devised at 18 is beginning to take shape. This was his third stately acquisition, to add to the Scottish Border 400-acre estate with castle and loch, and French chateau in the Loire. His dice thrown, he moves around the board. Its four corners are the world and the choice is endless: a temple in Cambodia, ancient buildings in Israel, Ireland and Italy possibly on the cards.

The exact purpose of the exercise he will not reveal. Maybe it is all part of the game. But if played properly, there will be a bountiful community chest and little left to chance.

"This is not for me personally," says Singapore-based Christopher, 39. "I want to use my business expertise for good causes, to bring environmental and cultural benefit to mankind."Rule one: each castle must become self supporting.

Rule two: they should be used by the communities around them.

Rule three: as money is made, more ancient properties be purchased. The goal: an international charitable trust set up to protect and make use of stunningly beautiful structures.

"All right, I am a romantic," admits Christopher, in a room overlooking Appleby's majestic quadrangle. He's already filled in the gaudy blue swimming pool, and removed every plastic bath from the former garrison. "These places have to be saved and looked after."He first saw Lady Anne Clifford's magnificent Westmorland home 12 years ago. He was on a walking holiday, not much more than a young articled clerk, with little money, and plenty of radical plans.

He didn't know then Appleby was going to fit into his pattern. He didn't even know if it was more than a crazy dream.

The West Country boy wanted quality of life. Peers headed off to city legal firms, he was dubbed country bumpkin after opting for Torquay.

He laughed last. Specialising in commercial law, he has since been involved in some of the world's top companies.

In London during the Big Bang, he has seen two boom and bust cycles in Hong Kong. He now helps Asian companies raise capital in Europe and vice versa.

Christopher Nightingale was the first Englishman operating in Vladivostok, setting up its stock exchange, and in post perestroika Russia he established a television station.

"I don't have a CV. I don't work for anyone. Anyway, I wouldn't know what to put on one, said the man who has been involved in Mongolian oil fields and business deals across Asia.

"There is a lot of money out there, a bit less now, but there are people working hard on spending £10,000 a week. They could change the world with the money they have.

"What I have is a pittance compared to them. But I want to leave something behind, something which can be woven into the fabric of history. Everyone else has written their pages, it's our turn to write ours."The plot is called Life Shield and the three young Nightingale children will be given a castle wing each in a family trust fund. Other than that, Christopher wants nothing for himself.

"If I fail I will be the only one to suffer. If I succeed a great many people will benefit."Wife Sally is a "down to earth Yorkshire lass", sometimes bemused by her man's plans, but recognises he has a mission to do his bit.

At Appleby he wants "the most sensational site in the country" for the ultimate in weddings. Americans are queuing up to use the Scottish castle for the Millennium New Year.

"Unless we use these places, they will die. Too many of them are ruined, dead skeletons. But what we do has to be right, ethically and morally sound."If planning permission is given for medieval-style timber hoardings on Appleby's outer walls, they will be the only ones in England, and become exhibition areas.

There will be a Chivalry of England display in The Keep. Sixty chainmail suits have been bought from the Tower of London's armour maker. Christopher wants to see artisans and craftsmen beavering away in the old stable block, banqueting rooms, and wedding garden, grounds bursting with wildlife.

Three rooms will be open to the public, including the Great Hall and Lady Anne Clifford's Bee House restored as a chapel and area for quiet contemplation. Major theatrical productions could be staged here and "quality of life" cloister accommodation provided for discerning visitors.

The king of the castle refuses to speculate on how much his ambitious ideas are likely to cost, saying his only hope is that planners give him a sympathetic hearing.

"Charity starts at home. Japanese factories are welcomed over here with open arms. We only want to preserve all this for the people.

"After all, not everyone can afford their own castles, and it is good to share.

"I could shut this off, close the gates and only let my mates in. But there would be no point."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.