Thurnham Castle is located in the northern part of Thurnham, Kent, just 5 km from Maidstone.
As with a number of castle sites, it appears this site was in use at the time of the Roman occupation as a watchtower. Later, it was a fortification known as Godard Castle, founded by a Saxon called Godardis.
In the 12th century, the fortress belonged to the de Say family and then the de Thurnhams.
Stephen & Robert de Thurnham crusaded with Richard the Lionheart and became trusted subjects, with Robert given command of the English fleet and later made governor of Cyprus and his brother Stephen, given the honor of escorting the Queen Mother.
One source indicates Robert de Thurnham never returned from the crusades and the castle was left to decay.
A Charter in 1215, mentions the lands within the walls of the castle, which may indicate that it was already in ruins as reported in the early 19th century.
There are the remains of some low walls very much overgrown.
Thurnham Castle Location
Castle Hill, Thurnham, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3LE, UK