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In the 14th century, the area where Sissinghurst Castle is
found was known as Saxingherste, and a family who took the name of De Saxingherste owned the
manor.
The property passed into the de Berham family by marriage and it was later sold
to the Baker family.
The Bakers set about making a residence of note. The old house was pulled
down and leaving only the moat, a fine Elizabethan mansion with central red brick prospect tower
was built.
Sir Richard Baker, who was a trusted Tudor subject and held numerous important
posts, including: Attorney General; Chancellor of the Exchequer and Privy Counsellor, required a
suitable residence in which to entertain. Both Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I enjoyed
Baker’s hospitality.
In 1642, during Civil War, the family supported the royalist cause and shortly
after the last male died and the family line ended. The property was divided between the
female heirs and the house went into decline.
It came into the possession of Sir Horace Mann, who did not live in the house
and further damage was done to the property when it was leased to become a prisoner of war camp
during the Seven Years War with France.
The French POWs first used the description of castle, which has been used ever
since. The war ended in 1763 and the mansion had seen 3000 prisoners, it was a wreck. The
property was still not inhabited and parts were pulled down from time to time for the building
materials.
In the 19th century, what was left of the property became Cranbrook’s parish
workhouse for 60 years, following which, it became a farm and the ruins of the mansion became
housing for the farm labourers.
Sir Harold Nicholson purchased Sissinghurst in 1930, and he rescued what
remained of the castle and along with his wife, Vita Sackville-West, created the splendid gardens.
Finally, in 1968, the property passed into the hands of the National Trust.
Sissinghurst Castle Visitor Info
The Gardens of the Sissinghurst Castle are one of the most
famous gardens in Kent and in England. The castle ruins and its garden are open for visits.
Visit the official website for updated info about opening times and tickets or use
this contact details to get in touch with the staff:
Email: sissinghurst@nationaltrust.org.uk
Telephone: 01580 710701 (Infoline)
Sissinghurst Castle Map&Location
Sissinghurst Castle is located near Cranbrook, Biddenden Road, Kent TN17 2AB. Get help with
directions using this map:
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