History of Ravensworth Castle

The castle was built in three different phases. In the 14th century, a quadrangular castle was built, which still survives to this date, although it is in poor condition.

From the original building two corner towers survived, both of which are 10 m high. Attached to these two towers there can be found remains of the curtain walls.

In the 18th century a house was built inside the quadrangular castle, but today there are no remains of this building.

Ravensworth Castle is one of Tyne & Wear’s greatest hidden treasures. In its glory days, it was visited by the Duke of Wellington in 1827 or by Sir Walter Scott.

The Ravensworth castle was the property of the Liddel family (a wealthy merchant family from Newcastle upon Tyne). In the early 20th century the castle functioned as a girls’ school. Since the 1950’s it wasn’t inhabited.

Ravensworth Castle is a grade II listed building since 1985 and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Access to the castle is not permitted as it is private property, but permission to visit the castle can be obtained.

Ravensworth Castle Map

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It was strategically sited in the southeast angle of the Roman city wall, just downstream from Old London Bridge, commanding open countryside to the east, the Thames and the bridge to the south, and the city to the north and west.

By the end of the 13th century, the outer wall enclosed an area of around 7 ha, which is roughly the present size of the castle. The Tower of London is one of the most important landmarks of England’s capital.

History of the Tower of London

In London on Christmas Day in the year 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, was crowned King of England. William wanted power. He began building castles everywhere in his kingdom, especially in the main city of London.

Twelve years later, in 1078, William ordered one castle replaced with a great stone stronghold. This fort stood in the southeastern corner of London. The castle was huge. It became a symbol of William’s power. It was a fortress for his defense, a palace in which to live, and a prison for his enemies. It was named the Tower of London.

The first structure built within the castle was the keep. A “keep” is the strongest and most secure tower. The first keep was called the White Tower. The Tower was finished twenty years later during the reign of William Rufus, William’s third son. It was nearly 100 feet tall with walls fifteen feet thick. The Tower contained a chapel, apartments, guardrooms, and crypts (underground burial chambers). It was surrounded and protected by a wide ditch, a new stone wall, an old Roman wall, and the Thames River.

Randolf Flambard was the Tower’s first important prisoner. King Henry, I dragged Rannulf, the fat and greedy Bishop, along with his servants and bags of money, to the Tower. Henry wanted him to suffer. However, Rannulf had lots of money, so he bribed his captors with gold and lived quite well in the Tower. One night in February 1101, Rannulf threw a party. After the guards became quite drunk, he sneaked out a window and slid down a rope outside an outer wall to freedom.

The Tower remained a fortress prison until 1240. King Henry III had the Tower whitewashed. It soon was transformed into a dazzling royal palace. He added a ring of eleven towers around the White Tower. He also added more grounds and included a church, a great hall, and other buildings. Another interesting structure King Henry added was a zoo to house three leopards, a polar bear, and an elephant. The animals were all gifts he received while he was king.

The Tower of London continued to grow and expand with the reign of the different kings. It served as a royal residence and fortress until 1547. Other uses for the Tower over the centuries included a Royal Mint until 1807, a public records office until the mid-1800s, a national arsenal for storing weapons, and a safe for the Crown Jewels since 1303.

Famous Tower of London Prisoners

If the stones of the Tower’s many walls could talk, what stories they could tell! Within the first 900 years of its existence, the Tower of London was the scene of many gruesome executions and deaths. Several English rulers met with unfortunate deaths in the Tower.

One king, named Richard II, was only ten years old when he became King of England. When he was fourteen, a group of overtaxed farmers stormed the Tower. This revolt became known as the Peasants’ Revolt. Although Richard was safely hidden, other royal leaders were not so lucky and lost their lives after being captured. Many years later Richard was thrown into a Tower dungeon. He became the first English King prisoner in the Tower.

Some famous prisoners who died in the Tower were guilty of interesting crimes. Read about some of their crimes below and what happened to them. What do you think would happen to these people today?

1441–Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester, wife of the King’s uncle Humphry. She was charged and killed for trying to kill the king by melting a wax image of him before a fire.

1483–Edward V and Richard, Duke of York. These two young princes were the sons of King Edward IV. When King Edward died, their uncle Richard, Duke of Gloucester, wanted to become king. However, the boys were next in line for the throne. Richard plotted to take the throne for himself. He probably had the boys murdered in the Garden Tower. This tower is today known as the Bloody Tower.

1535 – Ann Boleyn. She was King Henry VIII’s second wife. She was charged with being unfaithful to her husband and was beheaded. However, her real crime was giving birth to a daughter rather than a son, a future king of England.

1618 – Sir Walter Raleigh. He was an explorer known for his expeditions to the Americas. He lost his head after he failed to find gold in South America and returned empty-handed.

1941 – Rudolf Hess. This German spy was the last prisoner to stay at the Tower of London. He was Deputy Fuhrer of Nazi Germany during World War II and was held captive and executed in May 1941.

Yeomen Warders

Since the foundations for the Tower were laid in 1078, there have been men appointed to guard the prisoners and attend the gates. Today men still serve as keepers of security for the Tower. They are called Yeoman Warders. The Yeoman Warders originated during the reign of King Henry VII. These men still wear the costumes of that period. Their striking outfits include a red tunic with purple and gold lace trim, red knee breeches and red stockings, a ruff, a plumed hat, a steel gilt spear and battle ax with a red-and-gold tassel, and an ornamental sword.

Today there are thirty-eight established Yeoman Warder posts. They are recruited from the Royal Marines, the Army, and the Royal Air Force. These men are responsible for the security of the Tower and its visitors. They conduct public guided tours of the Tower during the day. Each evening, a Ceremony of the Keys is held. The outer gates of the fortress are locked and the keys are taken to the Resident Governor. All Yeoman Warders are required to live on the grounds of the Tower with their families. They live in private houses. Each evening, after the gates are locked, the Tower becomes a separate, safe community for its permanent residents.

The Jewel House

The Tower of London was one of the main treasuries for early English kings. It became home to many of the Crown Jewels. In 1868, a tower named Wakefield Tower was remodeled to display the Crown Jewels. The value of all the gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls in the royal collection is priceless. It would be difficult to find anything in the world that might compare with the British Crown Jewels.

A highlight of this magnificent collection is the Scepter with Cross, which includes the largest cut diamond in the world. It is the 530-carat First Star of Africa. The Imperial State Crown is also on display in the Jewel House. It includes 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies. Imagine all those gems sitting on top of your head!

There has been only one attempt to steal this incredible collection of Royal Treasures. In the 1600s, a man named Thomas Blood disguised himself as a person or preacher. A woman he claimed was his wife came with him. Together they visited the Martin Tower, where the royal jewels were on display at the time. As the Master of the Jewel House opened the door to the jewel chamber, Blood struck him on the head with a mallet. Blood and his accomplices hurried to collect some treasures. However, the plan was foiled when the nephew to the Master of the Jewel House unexpectedly appeared. The thieves fled but were caught later as they tried to get out of the Tower.

Legend of the Ravens

By tradition, there have been ravens at the Tower of London for many centuries. The ravens are protected by an old legend that says that should the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the White Tower will crumble and a great disaster shall befall England.

Strangely, the only recorded time there were no ravens at the Tower was in 1946. At that time, World War II had just ended, and England had come very close to falling. Do you think there is truth to the legend?

There are six main resident ravens at the Tower plus two alternate ravens. They live in nesting boxes on the Tower grounds near the Wakefield Tower. They are cared for by one of the Yeoman Warders, called The Ravenmaster. This is a very important Yeoman Warder position.

Ravens are similar in appearance to the common crow. The wings of the Tower’s ravens are clipped so they cannot fly away. Ravens live an average of twenty-five years. If one dies, a young raven replaces it. The ravens can be seen in four areas within the Tower of London. One area is called Tower Green. This is an old execution site. Ravens of the time would have witnessed the executions of Ann Boleyn, Walter Raleigh, and many other prisoners.

Interesting Facts about the Tower of London

• The oldest Valentine dates from 1415 when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, wrote to his wife from the Tower of London. It is currently located in the British Museum.
• The Royal Armories have an impressive collection of Tudor arms and armor.
• There was a zoo inside the Tower of London for over 600 years.
• To enter the Tower of London by night you need a password that changes every 24 hours.

Tower of London Location

Tower of London is located on the Thames River, in the center of London, England. Get help with directions:

Tower of London Map

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English country house near Woodstock, Oxon, designed by John Vanbrugh for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough.

It was begun in 1705 and completed around 1725. The gardens, initially laid out by Vanbrugh and Henry Wise, were largely redesigned in 1764–74 by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

History of Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is regarded as one of the finest examples of English Baroque architecture. It was a gift to the Duke from a grateful Crown and nation to commemorate his victory in 1704 over the French and Bavarians at Blenheim (now Blindheim) during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714).

The intention was to create a public monument symbolizing the glory of Britain and a palace fit for a hero, rather than a building on a domestic scale.

This is reflected in Vanbrugh’s dramatic and monumental design, inspired by both English and French architecture, which developed the style he had begun to formulate in his earlier work at Castle Howard, N. Yorks. In both undertakings he was assisted by Nicholas Hawksmoor.

The plan of Blenheim Palace consists of a main block approached on the north by a great forecourt flanked by two huge wings, the kitchen and stable courts, which are linked to the main block by colonnades .

The façade (total width of 146 m) and the courtyard (depth about 90 m) create an impressively framed approach to the main block. The central entrance is a massive portico surmounted by a pediment. The vast scale of the exterior is balanced by prominent towers or belvederes at the four corners of the main building, each with sculptured finials carved between 1708 and 1716 by Grinling Gibbons.

They are echoed by similar towers at the sides of the kitchen and stable courts. The elaborate roof-line is further embellished by gilded and painted statues of men and beasts. Giant Corinthian pilasters and Doric half columns decorate the walls, with free-standing loggias at the corners. Considerable variety was achieved through the use of contrasting recessions and projections: the whole has been described as a piece of sculpture.

The palace is entered through a clerestoried Great Hall (height around 20 m), from where the staircase leads to the upper floors. Beyond the Hall is the Saloon (12 m high), with a musicians’ gallery above.

To either side of it extend symmetrical suites of state apartments consisting of antechamber, drawing-room and bed-chamber; together with the Saloon, these occupy the entire south front. Along the west front of the house runs the Long Gallery (intended as a picture gallery but completed as a library); to the east were the family apartments, designed on a more domestic scale.

The interior decoration and fittings were lavishly executed. Door- and window-frames are of marble, with architectural carvings by Gibbons in an uncharacteristically restrained classical style appropriate to the great proportions of the rooms.

The ceiling of the Great Hall was painted with an allegory of the Duke presenting a plan of the Battle of Blenheim to Britannia (1716) by James Thornhill in his continental Baroque style. The walls and ceiling of the Saloon were decorated (around 1720) by Louis Laguerre, the former painted as an illusionistic composition of a colonnade open to the sky, from behind which figures representing the four continents look into the room.

In the Gallery and Hall hung works by Titian, Rubens and Raphael, while the state suites were hung with Brussels tapestries, including a set of ten ‘Victories’ depicting the Duke’s campaigns.

There are said to be 187 rooms in the main building. The relationship of the building to the landscape was a crucial part of the design. Vanbrugh and Henry Wise created formal gardens and turned the surrounding forest into parkland to provide a more appropriate frame for the house; Vanbrugh also sought (unsuccessfully) to retain the nearby medieval ruins of Woodstock Manor.

His triple-spanned Grand Bridge in front of the palace originally crossed three canals but now spans the lake created by ‘Capability’ Brown when he redesigned the landscaping.

Blenheim Palace represents the culmination of the English Baroque, but it was regarded as being out of date even before it was finally completed. It remains the finest expression of Vanbrugh’s theatrical style, combining dramatic quality and a sense of mass and volume with the more intricate details and complex skyline that heralded a more picturesque and Romantic approach. Among the many influences that inspired him were English medieval fortifications (he originally wished the building to be called Blenheim Castle), the classical rhythms of Wren and the exuberance of the great Italian and French Baroque palaces.

The building was first projected to cost around £100,000, but at least three times that amount was spent during the main building phase (1705–1712), with 1500 workmen employed at one time.

Work was halted in 1712 when the Marlboroughs lost favour with Queen Anne and went into exile. After the accession of George I, construction resumed in 1716, but Vanbrugh resigned almost immediately after disputes with the Duchess, who had always wanted Wren as the architect and a comfortable home rather than a monument.

She employed the cabinetmaker James Moore (1670–1726) to advise her, and in 1722, after the death of the Duke, recalled Hawksmoor (who had departed with Vanbrugh) to complete the work. When Vanbrugh attempted to visit the building in 1725, the Duchess refused him entrance. Later modifications were made by William Chambers, who redecorated the palacein the 1760s and 1770s.

Blenheim Palace Visitor Information

A day out at the Blenheim Palace and its Formal Gardens is a pleasant experience anytime. The palace is open for visits and it can be explored both inside and outside.

What to see

The State Rooms, where one of the finest collections in Europe can be found
The Untold Story – The Blenheim Palace tour
The Churchill Exhibition
The Formal Gardens and Park
The Pleasure Gardens
Private Appartments
Indoor Cinema
Contact details:

Phone: +44(0) 1993 810 530 (Enquiries and Group Bookings)
Free phone (24 h) 0800 849 6500
Email: Operations@blenheimpalace.com

For more information about opening times and tickets visit the main page.

Blenheim Palace Location

Blenheim Palace Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PP, United Kingdom. Get help with directions:

Blenheim Palace Map

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History of Woodhouse Castle

Reputed to have once been the largest fortified manor house in the West of England, it is amazing that so little remains – not only of the structure but also in historical records.

It would appear that the first structure dates back to after the Norman Conquest in 1066 when it was given to one of King William’s knights, Sir John Vernon.

Subsequently, the Manor House and surrounding lands were owned by the same family for over 400 years. By the 17th Century, it had passed into the hands of the powerful landowners, the Arundell family from Wardour.

Lord Arundell was a prominent catholic at the time of the English Civil War, so Woodhouse Castle became a prime target. Parliamentary forces under the command of Major Wansey, a watchmaker from Warminster, captured the castle on 1 May 1643.

A year later in July 1644, Francis Doddington under the command of Sir Ralph Hopton retook the castle for the Royalist cause.

In a ferocious battle, the castle walls were bombarded by canons. Such was the damage that it is unlikely that the castle was ever inhabited again after the Civil War attack.

Most of the rubble from the remains was used to build the adjacent farmhouse, and the new Manor House for the Arundell family, which is now on the far side of Horningsham next to the Church.

Very little remains of Woodhouse Castle today

The ruins have become overgrown and very, very slowly nature is reclaiming the stone structure that has stood on the site for over 800 years. The site is now a scheduled monument so it is protected by law in that it can not be altered or disturbed in any way.

Woodhouse Castle is located on private property, a part of the Longleat Estate. The owners have decided that because of the condition of the castle and for health and safety reasons, access to the public is not allowed.

Woodhouse Castle Map

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Warwick Castle History

Warwick Castle is owned by the Tussaud’s Group and is a very popular tourist attraction. Although the castle can get quite crowded with tourists, there is a lot to see and do, and is well worth the visit. In fact, if you are in England and have a chance to visit only one castle, it should be either Warwick or the Tower of London.

After getting your ticket, you will walk through the old stable houses which are now gift shops, and see the castle for the first time. In front of you on the Northeast corner of the castle is Guy’s Tower. The tower was built in the 14th century and stands 39 meters high. You can walk the ramparts and go to the top of Guy’s Tower for a great view of the rest of the castle.

Making your way around the castle to the left, you will pass by the Victorian Rose Garden and come to Warwick Castle’s main entrance, the gatehouse and barbican. Warwick’s entryway is very strong and boasts two sets of the portcullis, both protected with murder holes from above. There is also a dry moat below the gatehouse which is now crossed by a stone bridge instead of the drawbridge that was here prior to the 17th century.

The tower to the left of the gatehouse is called Caesar’s Tower. This tower is considered a masterpiece of 14th-century military architecture. The tower has 3 levels not including the dungeon below the tower and rises 44.8 meters from the river. Caesar’s Tower is topped by a platform that has a crenelated and machicolated parapet. Behind the parapet is another level containing a guard house for the archers.

Warwick Castle Visitor Information

Inside the castle itself, you’ll find lots of exhibits including the dungeon, the Ghost Tower, the Armory, the staterooms, gift shops, and restaurants.

The two highlights of the interior castle exhibits are; “Kingmaker” which walks you through the story of Richard Neville, the Kingmaker who helped chart the course of some of England’s Kings, and the Great Hall which contains over 1,000 pieces of arms and armor.

Warwick also provides daily events in and around the castle which change frequently. They include jousting, archery, battle re-enactments, falconry, etc. Be sure to visit their website to see the calendar of events before you go so you know what’s on that day.

Warwick Castle is an all-day attraction, but save some time to leave the castle grounds and go through town to the bridge that crosses the River Avon.

You will get the best view of the castle from the bridge. You can park to the left of the bridge and rent a little boat to travel up the Avon to get a closer look.

Also, the ruins of Kenilworth Castle are just a short drive North of Warwick and is much less crowded if you have an hour or two left to fill.

Opening times and tickets

Warwick Castle is open to the public every day except Christmas Day. Visit the official website for more information and tickets.

Gift shops, audio tours, a restaurant, and many events throughout the year are available at the castle.

It is located in the town of Warwick, England. There is a sign posted from Junction 15 off the M40.

Warwick Castle Map

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History of Kenilworth Castle

In 1265 the medieval castle at Kenilworth was granted by Henry III to his second son, Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Lancaster, and for the next three centuries, it was passed back and forth between the crown and various noble families.

In 1563 the castle was granted by Queen Elizabeth to her favorite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who decided to convert the castle into a great house fit to receive occasional visits from the Queen.

He retained the banqueting hall that had been built in 1392 and redesigned the Norman keep (built-in 1120), inserting mullioned and transomed windows on the first floor and renovating the accommodation within the building.

He also demolished part of the curtain wall to construct the magnificent guest house that has been known since the 17th century as Leicester’s Building.

Dudley also built a gatehouse, beside which a large garden was laid out. The design shows indirect French influence, mediated through the English royal palace gardens.

Like the gardens at Hampton Court Palace, Whitehall, and Nonsuch Palace, Dudley’s gardens consisted of a square divided into quarters, laid out in Knot Gardens; at the center of the square, there was a fountain.

One important factor separated Dudley’s garden from those at the royal palaces: whereas the royal gardens could all be viewed from the state apartments on the first floor, the Kenilworth gardens could not be seen from the castle, and so a large terrace was constructed from which the gardens could be viewed.

The terrace was decorated with obelisks and heraldic animals on posts; this distinctly English element, which also appeared in the fountain at the center of the garden, seems to derive from the royal garden at Hampton Court.

After the Civil War Kenilworth Castle was slighted to prevent any further use as a fortification. The damaged buildings subsequently fell into further disrepair and today the castle is a ruin.

Kenilworth Castle Visitor Information

Kenilworth Castle is open for visits all year round except in the winter holidays when it is closed between the 24th – 26th of December and on the 1st of January.

For more information about opening times and tickets visit the Kenilworth official website.

Kenilworth Castle Location

Kenilworth Castle is located at the following address: Castle Green, Kenilworth CV8 1NE, United Kingdom. Get help with directions using the map provided below:

Kenilworth Castle Map

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Nonsuch Palace Buildings

Construction of the Nonsuch Palace began on 22 April 1538, on the anniversary of Henry’s accession. The intention to create a nonpareil was there from the start, for the name first appears in the building accounts in June 1538. Although the main structure was complete by 1541, decoration continued until at least 1545.

The palace was built around two courtyards, the inner one timber-framed to hold the long sequences of external decorations for which Nonsuch was renowned.

The decorative scheme, composed of panels of stucco duro set between the wall timbers and framed by borders of carved, gilded slate covering the timbers, extended over the four interior walls, rising from the first floor, where the royal apartments were, to a height of c. 5.5 m.

It continued on the east, south, and west walls facing the garden, rising c. 9 m from ground level to the eaves; on the angle towers it reached a height of 18.3 m. The whole decorative scheme was thus around 274 m long, with a minimum average height of 7.5 m, and covered a surface of c. 2055 sq. m.

The garden fronts, especially the south front, are well recorded in a drawing by Joris Hoefnagel and in a view on John Speed’s map of Surrey (1610) but were never described; it is known only that they contained stuccos of scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The stuccos around the inner court, however, which are merely glimpsed over the roofs of the south front on Speed’s view, are recorded in several descriptions.

The decorations were arranged in three registers, the subjects reflecting the division of the inner court between the king’s side (west) and the queen’s side (east). The uppermost register depicted 32 Roman emperors.

The middle register contained 16 gods on the king’s side and 16 goddesses on the queen’s side. The lower register displayed 16 deeds from the Life of Hercules on the king’s side and the Liberal Arts and Virtues (16 personifications each with a representative, e.g. Justice with Aristides) on the queen’s side.

Thus, looking from the center of the south side of the court, there was a scene that was at once didactic (designed to teach Henry VIII’s young son Prince Edward the duties of a Christian prince), an apotheosis (placing Tudor king and prince among gods and heroes) and tutelary (invoking divine protection of the dynasty).

It was the single greatest work of artistic propaganda ever created in England and was inspired by the birth of Prince Edward (1537).

The decorations were probably designed by Nicholas Bellin from Modena, who, with his company, undertook the carving and gilding of the slate borders. The stuccowork was executed from at least 1541 to 1544 by Kendall (possibly one William Kendall) and his company and from 1544 to at least 1545 by Giles Gering, an otherwise unknown foreigner.

The program was probably devised by Henry VIII himself, assisted by the leading intellectuals of his court, but intensive research has not recovered the sources of much of the program or even of many of the mottoes that identified some of the figures.

When Henry VIII died (1547) the building was nearing completion and was finished by Henry Fitzaltan, 12th Earl of Arundel, after 1556. Nonsuch was demolished in 1682–3 and excavated in 1959. Spolia from Nonsuch was used to build Durdans Palace (1682–1688; destr. 18th century), Surrey.

Nonsuch Park Visitor Information

The few remains of the palace can be found in Nonsuch Park. Here is the main page where you can find more information about visiting and events.

Nonsuch Palace Gardens

Nonsuch was set within its own Little Park (671 acres), with a Great Park (1000 acres) to the north, both ready to be stocked with deer by November 1538. Within the Little Park a brick wall, probably built 1538–1547, enclosed the palace, the privy garden, the maze, orchard, and kitchen garden.

A fenced wilderness led west towards a banqueting house (destroyed in 1667) around 274 m away on a low hill overlooking the palace. This was a two-story building set on a raised platform, and its balconies enjoyed distant views. Henry VIII probably created all this in 1538–1547.

The terracing of the site into a gentle slope was an essential preliminary that also created the level parterre of the privy garden on the west, south, and east sides of the inner court and probably the broad, level plain of the wilderness. There may have been an approach from the palace across the wilderness to the banqueting house.

The only written evidence of Henry’s gardening records the planting of 200 pear trees from France under the care of Guillaume de Dieppe in the 1540s. The Italianate garden ornaments, by contrast, were probably mostly acquired by John Lumley, 1st Baron Lumley, who owned Nonsuch from 1580, and were presumably installed before 1592, when Nonsuch reverted to the Crown.

Most information concerning the gardens is derived from travelers’ accounts and other descriptions (1590–1645), from the Red Velvet Book, and from Speed’s view. The gardens then described were mainly the matured result of Henry VIII’s efforts.

The privy garden was laid out in ‘several alleys quarters and rounds set about with thorne hedges’ in geometrical relationship to the palace behind it.

There were fruit trees around the walls and wooden porches, and at the intersections of the paths and beside the towers were a series of marble ornaments (around 1580–1590), including the so-called Venus Fountain at the central intersection. Set about the privy garden and in the wilderness were a variety of stone animals.

The wilderness was divided by broad sanded walks, which led through a dense wood; the central walk provided a vista towards the banqueting house. Parts of the walks were boarded and partitioned off for ball games. Some of the trees were trimmed and trained, both for shelter and as topiary, and among the trees were wire-netted aviaries.

In the hillside below the banqueting house lay the Grove of Diana, a wood that was presumably created by Lumley during the 1580s since it displayed his arms. It was intended to recreate the Vale of Gargaphy, and there were statues depicting the story of Diana and Actaeon in a grotto and fountain.

Nearby was a vaulted, presumably classical temple, perhaps a rotunda, with verses and maxims in Latin and English. Other features included an arch and a small banqueting house, as well as trick devices.

In 1665 Samuel Pepys ‘walked in the ruined garden’, which was probably destroyed by the palace. The garden ornaments (untraced) may have been removed to Durdans Palace, the seat of George, Lord Berkeley, the last Keeper of Nonsuch (from 1660).

Nonsuch Park Map

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Middleham Castle History

Construction on the current castle site began in the mid-12th century. Prior to that, a Motte and Bailey-style castle existed in Middleham from the time of William the Conqueror.

The original castle consisted of not much more than earthworks and perhaps a wooden palisade. When the new castle was built, it was constructed of stone and had a massive central keep, thus the old castle was abandoned. Today the earthworks can still be seen to the Southwest of the existing castle.

In 1270, Middleham Castle passed by marriage to Robert de Nevill and remained in their family possession until 1471. Around 1300, stone curtain walls were added, surrounding the massive keep. The castle passed down through generations of Nevills until 1471 when Richard Nevill, the Earl of Warwick, was killed at the Battle of Barnet. King Edward IV then granted the castle to his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who later became King Richard III.

Richard III spent some of his youthful years at Middleham in the care of Richard Nevill and was very fond of the castle. Richard made Middleham Castle his principal castle in the North of England and it was at Middleham that his young son Prince Edward died in 1484. Richard was crowned King of England in 1483 and was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 just over two years after becoming King.

After his death, the castle was seized by Henry Tudor, King Henry VII. It was maintained until the 16th century when it was sold by King James I and fell into ruin. In 1925 it was placed in the guardianship of the Office of Works made repairs to the castle and made it safe once again during the 1930s. In 1984 the castle came under the care and ownership of English Heritage.

Middleham Castle Visitor Information

Middleham Castle Highlights

For a castle in ruins, Middleham Castle is still an imposing site. The remaining ruins are massive and fun to explore. In order to get a good view, before you enter the castle’s entrance, walk to the left around and past the castle walls, and follow the road back a few hundred yards so you can see the castle in its whole scope.

The Castle entrance itself is on the village side of the castle. Cross over the wooden bridge and go through the gatehouse. Upon exiting the main gatehouse, you will see the gift shop to the left where you purchase your ticket.

Most of the Middleham Castle foundations are still intact and the guidebook will help you determine what each room was used for around the castle.

The most impressive part of the castle is the central keep. You can still see how the keep was divided into two parts and had different levels.

Kitchens and cellars were located on the ground floor and the great hall and chambers were on the second level.

The stone staircase is long since gone to the second level, but a modern wooden staircase provides access to the upper level and the top of the keep which probably has some great views of the North Yorkshire countryside and the old castle earthworks to the Southwest.

One of the most beautiful views of the castle can be found by leaving the town of Middleham and driving up the hill behind it where you can see the castle rise up from the valley below over the trees.

Opening Hours

The castle is open to the public daily.

Apr-Sep: Daily 10 am to 6 pm.
Oct-Mar: Thurs-Mon 10 am to 4 pm
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during winter

Group visitors can get a 15% discount for more than 11 people, plus a free ticket for more than 20 people. Contact 01969 623899 for booking and details.

A gift shop is also open in the castle.

Contact Information:

For updated info about opening times and tickets visit the official website or contact the Tourist Centre at 01969 623069

Middleham Castle Location

The castle is located in the town of Middleham, 2 miles South of Leyburn off the A6108 in North Yorkshire England.

Middleham Castle Map

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Helmsley Castle History

All that remains of the earliest castle erected in the 1120s by Walter Espec are the massive earthworks. Most of the stone structure dates back to the 13th century, which was constructed by Robert de Roos I.

Helmsley Castle started out as an earth and timber castle under Walter Espec. The castle passed to his son-in-law Robert de Roos. Robert leveled off the inner earthworks and began stone construction by erecting a curtain wall and round corner towers.

The castle had no central keep like most castles of the period, instead, it relied heavily on the vast earthworks surrounding the castle for defense. In the center of the east curtain wall, Robert erected a two-story tower.

In the 13th century, barbicans were added to both gates to provide more protection. The 14th century saw the East Tower expand upwards an additional full story, making it a massive “D” shaped tower, half of which can be seen in the photo above.

Although strongly defended, Helmsley Castle never saw much action until the Civil War when it was successfully besieged in 1644 and made indefensible by demolishing parts of the curtain walls and blowing up the East Tower. The remains of the destroyed tower can still be seen laying in the ditch next to the tower.

In 1688, Helmsley Castle was sold to Charles Duncombe breaking the succession from Walter Espec and the de Roos lords. Today the castle is in the care of English Heritage which has just completed the construction of a brand new visitors center for Helmsley Castle.
Helmsley Castle Highlights

The earthworks alone make Helmsley Castle worth a visit. The massive ditches and hills completely surround the castle making it difficult to attack. In fact, it was only due to the starving of the inhabitants that Helmsley Castle was successfully besieged during the Civil War.

At the South end of the castle stands the large remains of the barbican which had a drawbridge and was flanked by two massive drum towers.

Besides the East Tower, the West Tower and Great Hall are the most impressive parts of the castle remaining today. They are not as grand as the East Tower but remain largely intact. The Great Hall houses some displays and artifacts from the castle.

Helmsley Castle Visitor Information

Helmsley Castle is located off the A170 between Thirsk and Scarborough, near Helmsley’s Town Center. The car park is to the left just after the castle.

Helmsley Castle is open to the public:

01 April – 30 September: 10 am-6 pm
01 October – 31 March: 10 am-4 pm
Closed: 24- 26 Dec and 1 Jan

A castle gift shop is available in the castle and visitors can participate in an audio tour too.

For updated information about opening times and tickets visit the official website or contact the Tourist Information Centre at 01439 770173.

Helmsley Castle Location

Castlegate, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5AB, United Kingdom.
Get help with directions using the map provided below:

Helmsley Castle Map

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Clifford’s Tower History

The Clifford’s Tower we see today was built in the 13th century by Henry III, but there has been a castle on this site since the time of William the Conqueror. Shortly after the Norman invasion in 1066, William had castles constructed in York to control the North of England.

Those castles were located where Clifford’s Tower stands today and another just across the River Ouse.

The original York castle was a Motte and Bailey with a keep made of timber. In 1190 the timber kept was burned to the ground. The keep was rebuilt in timber again but was blown down by a storm.

In 1245 King Henry III had the castle strengthened due to tensions between England and Scotland. It is at this time that the castle switched from timber to stone.

York Castle once had curtain walls, gatehouses, and the central King’s Keep. But all that remains today is the central keep which was renamed Clifford’s Tower around 1596 after Roger Clifford who was a leader of the Lancastrians. He was hung in chains along the walls of the keep after the Battle of Boroughbridge in 1322.

During the Civil War, the castle was occupied by the Royalists until the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644 when York surrendered to the Parliamentarians who took possession of the keep. In 1648 a fire destroyed the interior of the keep.

In 1825 Clifford’s Tower was bought and was included within the area of the new prison and was no longer accessible to the citizens of York. In 1935, when parts of the prison were demolished, it was once more visible to the public as one of the chief attractions of the city of York.

The castle is now in the care of English Heritage.

Clifford’s Tower Visitor Information

Clifford Tower is situated in York, England, off of Tower Street in York’s City Centre. The tower is open to the public.

Clifford’s Tower Highlights

Clifford’s Tower is located in the city center of York and is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. It is a walk of about a mile from the train station. No trip to York would be complete without visiting the tower and the York Castle Museum next door.

The keep sits on a high mound and is shaped roughly like a four-leaf clover which is unique for castles in England, although the Chateau d’Etampes near Paris France has a similar size and shape.

The roof of Clifford Tower no longer covers the tower except just above the fore building as you enter the keep. There are spiral staircases that provide access to the upper floors and the wall walk at the top. Excellent views of York and the York Minster can be seen from the wall walk.

Opening times

It is open daily:

10 am to 6 pm 01 April – 30 September
10 am to 5 pm 01 October – 31 October
10 am to 4 pm 01 November – 31 March
Closed: 24-26th December

A gift shop is also available for visitors.

Contact information:
For more information about Clifford’s Tower Tours please visit the official website or contact the Visitor Centre at 01904 621756

York Castle Museum is located next to Clifford’s Tower and here you can find information about visiting times and tickets: official website or contact by phone: 01904 687687

Clifford’s Tower Location

Clifford’s Tower Address: Tower Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9SA. Use this map to get directions:

Clifford’s Tower Map

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History of Castle Howard

Castle Howard is an English country house in North Yorkshire built between 1701 and 1724 by John Vanbrugh for Charles Howard, the 3rd Earl of Carlisle.

The gardens were laid out by George London during the same period. One of the largest, grandest, and, architecturally, most important country houses in England,

Castle Howard was first planned in October 1698, when the 3rd Earl took out a lease for life on the ruinous Henderskelfe Castle and its manor from his grandmother, Anne Howard, Countess of Carlisle.

The following spring he consulted the architect William Talman, Comptroller of Works to William III, on the design for a house to replace the old castle of Henderskelfe, but during the summer Talman was supplanted by the playwright John Vanbrugh. Castle Howard was Vanbrugh’s first important architectural commission.

A model in wood was shown to the King in the summer of 1700, and work on the hilltop site began in the spring of 1701.

Castle Howard consists of a central nine-bay block in the Baroque style; it is surmounted by a domed cupola, and curved wings form a forecourt on the north front. Its magnificent hall and saloon were ready to be painted by the Venetian artist Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini in 1709, one of the most important commissions Pellegrini received in England.

He painted a fine depiction of the Fall of Phaeton in the ceiling of the dome as well as scenes from the Life of Aeneas in the high saloon (the paintings were destroyed in 1940). Tapestries for the house were supplied by John Vanderbank, and much of the decorative stucco was undertaken by the Italian Giovanni Bagutti (1681–after 1730).

By the autumn of 1713, the 3rd Earl was able to move into the main part of the house.

Following the completion of the principal rooms, the 3rd Earl lost interest in finishing the west wing, which was intended to contain a chapel, and instead turned his attention to the garden.

Ray Wood, to the west of the house, had already been laid out as an ornamental wilderness with fountains and statues in the first decade of the 18th century by George London. During the second decade, a grand means of approach was provided by avenues, an obelisk (1714) erected to commemorate the victories of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, in the War of the Spanish Succession, and the Pyramid Gatehouse (1719), with its attenuated fortified walls built in the early 1720s.

In 1724 Vanbrugh’s Temple of the Four Winds was built as a belvedere on the edge of Ray Wood, but the greatest of Castle Howard’s landscape buildings is the Mausoleum designed by Hawksmoor in the late 1720s and completed with a dual stairway and supporting walls by Daniel Garrett.

Henry Howard, 4th Earl of Carlisle, was much less energetic than his father had been in making alterations to the physical structure of the house, but he was responsible for accumulating an important collection of Classical statues.

For unknown reasons he commissioned his brother-in-law, Thomas Robinson (i), to design a substantial west wing (built 1753–9) in the Palladian style, one quite out of keeping with the rest of the house.

During the early 1770s Frederick Howard, 5th Earl of Carlisle, completed the west wing’s interiors and filled them with sarcophagi collected on his Grand Tour. He also commissioned a new stable block, first obtaining designs from William Chambers and then a more economical version from John Carr, which was built in 1774–1782.

The 5th Earl’s trustees took control of his finances in 1775 (owing to his gambling debts) and only in the 1790s was he able to resume plans for developing the house and estate when a great lake was created to the north of the house. In 1801 Charles Heathcote Tatham was employed to redesign the interior of the west wing, and in 1805 his obelisk was erected near the north front to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson’s death at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The most significant subsequent alterations comprised the addition of parterres below the south front of the house by William Andrews Nesfield in the 1850s and the design of the chapel in the house’s west wing during the 1870s, which included stained glass by Edward Burne-Jones. In 1940 the interior of the house was extensively damaged by fire; a program of restoration began in 1960.

The house (with its rich collection of works of art) and grounds, together praised by Horace Walpole in a letter to George Selwyn as a palace, a town, a fortified city, temples on high places, woods worthy of being each a metropolis of the Druids, vales connected to hills by other woods, the noblest lawn in the world fenced by half the horizon, and a mausoleum that would tempt one to be buried alive, remain in family ownership and are open to the public.

Castle Howard Visitor Information

The Castle Howard and its gardens are one of the most beautiful residences in the world and they are open to the public.

You can enjoy its magnificent gardens in the summer as much as in the winter.

For more information about opening times, tickets, and events please visit the official website or contact the visitor service at:

Email: house@castlehoward.co.uk;
Phone: 01653 648333 (Monday – Friday 9,00 – 17,30)

Castle Howard Location

Castle Howard is located in York, North Yorkshire YO60, UK. Get help with directions:

Castle Howard Map

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Rockingham Castle History

The original design of the Rockingham Castle followed the standard Norman pattern with an outer bailey, or courtyard, containing the Great Hall, chapel, and the garrison’s living quarters, surrounded by a massive curtain wall and entered between two square towers protected by a portcullis.

Inside the wall stood the keep on a fortified mound, approached across a drawbridge and forming a second line of defense. There was a second bailey extending a further two hundred meters to the southwest, the earthworks of which still exist, and the whole complex was capable of housing anything up to three thousand people when the King was in residence. The pattern of administration of the country, such as it was in these early years, was conducted by the kings on an itinerant basis as they progressed with their advisers and entourages from castle to castle.

Rockingham was more popular than most because it allowed them to pursue their passion for hunting, and a number of important historical events occurred there. Probably one of the most significant was the Council of Rockingham in 1095 when King William II, the Conqueror’s son, met Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, to debate the compatibility of the Church’s allegiance to both Pope and King.

Throughout the 12th century, Rockingham continued to be visited regularly by successive kings, and King John, in particular, came frequently, probably every year of his reign. Edward I’s reign marked the climax of the building as an exercise of royal authority. He spent vast sums constructing castles in newly-conquered Wales and allowed many of the early Norman royal halls to fall into decay, or pass on to local barons as seats of local government and county prisons. Rockingham, however, along with seven others, was kept as a major royal residence and center of Government.

This new importance qualified Rockingham for a major proportion of the King’s building expenditure and during the period 1276-1291, the primitive Norman castle was modernized. Windows and fireplaces were installed in the Great Hall, a bedroom was built into the eaves for Queen Eleanor, and the fortifications were updated with the addition of the massive round towers on the original Norman gatehouse.

During the long reign of Edward III, the Castle passed to his Queen, but he reclaimed it on her death in 1369, carrying out further repair and modernization work. In 1378, the office of the Clerk of the King’s Works was established to control expenditure on royal residences, and twenty years later Rockingham fell under its jurisdiction. By then Government had become centered more and more on London, and Rockingham’s importance as a royal administrative center declined.

The last King to use Rockingham as a royal residence was Henry V in 1422 and by 1485 it was in such a bad state of repair that Henry VII had a hunting lodge built in the Park. In the reign of Henry VIII, the castle was considered so worthless that the Crown gave permission for a local landowner to remove the stone and other materials to build his own house in Leicestershire. In 1544 Edward Watson obtained a lease on the Royal Castle and Park of Rockingham. He moved into the lodge in the Park and began converting the derelict medieval castle into a comfortable Tudor residence. The work took him thirty years to complete.

His grandson, Sir Lewis Watson, bought the Castle from James I in 1619 and rebuilt the Gallery wing in 1631, only to see it largely demolished twelve years later in the Civil War when Parliamentary forces led by Lord Grey of Groby captured the Castle, fortified the keep, and held it against repeated Royalist attacks. The Castle was returned to Sir Lewis after the war, but it had been so severely damaged that he spent the rest of his life claiming compensation from Cromwell and restoring the house. His son continued the restoration, building Walker’s House, and the Laundry at the head of the Street which he completed in 1669.

Little building work took place at the Castle in the 18th century, and it was not used regularly as a family home until the 19th century, thus escaping the excesses of Georgian architectural aspirations. In 1836 the new owner, Richard Watson, embarked on a major modernization program, employing the architect Anthony Salvin, a pupil of John Nash, to renovate the interior and improve the appearance of the exterior.

The Georgian stables set against the curtain wall were removed, the towers castellated and a flag tower added to the Gallery wing. Corridors were built outside the Library wing to give privacy in the bedrooms, and two new staircases were installed. In all this work care was taken to use old materials wherever possible and not to destroy the principal features of the Tudor house.

Richard’s son George had considerable building ambitions with plans for a gothic chapel and cloisters in the courtyard but, in the end, lack of funds reduced him to building a substantial square tower onto the library wing to serve as bachelors’ quarters with access to the main house from the ground floor only! This tower now forms the basis of Saunders Watson’s private apartments.

Rockingham Castle Visitor info

Rockingham Castle is located in Market Harborough, at the border of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. It lies 16 miles (25 km) from Leicester and 3 miles (about 5 km) from Corby.

For information regarding opening hours and ticket prices of Rockingham Castle please consult the official website at:
http://www.rockinghamcastle.com/99/Opening_Times_and_Prices/

Rockingham Castle Location

Rockingham Castle Estate Location: Rockingham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 8TH, United Kingdom. Get help with directions using this map:

Rockingham Castle Map

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All that remains of Norwich Castle today is the spectacular Norman keep built high on a mound overlooking the city of Norwich.

History of Norwich Castle

This stone keep was constructed by order of the King between 1100 and 1120 replacing a wooden structure that stood on the same mound dating back to the Norman conquest of 1066. During the 14th century, the importance of the castle declined, and in 1345 the King gave the two baileys which no longer exist to the city of Norwich retaining the keep as a permanent prison.

Between 1834 and 1839 the exterior stonework of flint and Caen stone, which has severely deteriorated, was replaced with Bath stone and the thirteen battlements on each side were reduced to nine.

In 1887 the prison was moved to a new and larger building. In 1894 the keep became a museum, a function it retains to this very day.

Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery – Visitor Information

Opening Times

Low Season: 1 April – 26 June, 3 October – 1 July 2012

Mon – Sat: 10am – 4.30pm
Sun: 1 – 4.30 pm
Peak Season: 27 June – 2 October

Mon – Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sun: 1 – 5 pm
Norwich Castle is closed between 24 – 27 December 2011 & 1 January 2012

Admission Tickets Prices and Special Exhibitions Tickets

Adult: £6.60 / £3.50
Concession or Adult (in a family group): £5.60 / £3.00
Children: (age 4-16): £4.80 / £2.60
For group visits discounts call: 01603 495897 / 493636

Norwich Castle Visitor Contact

Email:museums@norfolk.gov.uk
Tel: 01603 495897
Official website: http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/

Norwich Castle Location

Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery Address: Castle Hill, Norwich, NR1 3JU

Norwich Castle Map

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The Wyberts Castle lies close to the medieval village center.

It has earth ramparts and a moat that has filled in over the years but which is still quite marshy.

There is a causeway across the moat on the south side, but this is probably a modern crossing.

Originally, the moat would have encircled the whole site, with a bridge crossing it on the north side near the road.

Wyberts Castle, which is thought to date from Norman times, would have been defended by a wooden palisade on top of the ramparts with a strong tower, the forerunner of the castle keep, within.

Currently, there is no public access to Wyberts Castle.

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A motte is a mound, the strongpoint of the castle where the tower or keep stood, and a bailey is the defended flat area below the mound for the domestic buildings.

This form of castle was common in England between the late 11th and early 12th centuries. A Saxon monk wrote at the time, that William the Conqueror “caused castles to be built, which were a sore burden to the poor”.

The Wrangle estate was quite important, and the castle would have been its center. The King in the name was probably James I, who acquired the site in the 17th century.

At Wrangle the motte is on the north and is a roughly circular raised platform.

King’s Hill was a lot bigger than it looks today and records from 1911 show that it had a large complex of earthworks around the motte and bailey which may represent outbuildings or animal pens. In its day the castle would have looked very formidable, but the mound and ramparts have eroded, and the strong wooden walls have rotted away, with the passage of time.

Wrangle King’s Hill Location

King’s Hill is located in Wrangle, Lincolnshire PE22 9, UK
District: Boston
Parish: Wrangle
Approximate Geographical coordinates 53.0561 0.1086

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Legends say the site was built by marauding Vikings, but it was probably Norman knights who built it in about 1100 to control the lands they had won from the English in 1066.

Many of England’s great castles began life as forts like this, made from earth and timber and only rebuilt in stone when the timbers began to rot.

The Manwarings have a central mound, or motte, encircled by two deep ditches. No traces of buildings have been found, probably because the buildings were of wood and have completely rotted away.

Fragments of stained glass and clay roof tiles have been found nearby, suggesting that the buildings were once quite elaborate.

There have been many stone buildings here, but over the centuries the stone will have been taken away and used elsewhere. The date for the abandonment of the Manwarings is not known, but we could guess at around 1400.

The Manwarings Location

Access to the Manwarings can be gained via the public footpath.

The Manwarings Map

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The first castle, which was founded by a license granted to Sir Robert de Tatershall in 1231, had a bailey surrounded by a stone wall and towers, and a wet moat.

This castle descended to Ralph, 3rd Baron Cromwell, Treasurer of England from 1433 to 1443, who transformed it into a magnificent defensible palace of brick, culminating in a tower 36 m high, which dominated the surrounding flat countryside.

Tattershall Castle is the earliest surviving building in England to display a fully developed language of brick architecture capable of providing all the required structural and decorative features.

Work at the Tattershall Castle started in 1432. The castle remained habitable until 1693 but it was partly demolished before 1726 and again in 1790. George Nathaniel, 1st Marquis Curzon of Kedleston (1859–1925), bought the castle in 1911 and bequeathed it to the National Trust.

Tattershall Castle proclaimed the beauty of brick and its suitability for the noblest patrons and introduced foreign makers and layers who must have provided an important training ground in their skills.

The standard of brickmaking and laying is extremely high, and the building accounts contain the earliest known reference to bricks being made in specified sizes. These gave the turrets their precise arrises and accurate bond and allowed interesting diaper patterns to be made, especially on the show front.

These brickmaking and laying skills were new to England; they accompany such un-English details in the brickwork as the pointed-arch friezes, the quirked casement moldings and couchettes of the vaulting, as well as the diapering and design of the lodgings’ chimney-stack with its kneeled-out and stepped gablet.

By contrast, the design of the stonework, especially the spectacular chimney pieces, traceried windows, and string courses, is typically English. The foreign detailing has precedents on buildings across northern Europe from the Low Countries to the Baltic.

Tattershall Castle Visitor Information

Tattersall Castle is managed by the National Trust of England and it is open for visits.

A climb to the top of the castle (six floors, 150 steps) will end with a beautiful view of the area from the roof.

An audio tour is also available and will introduce you to the 15th-century daily life at Tattershall Castle

Tickets and opening hours

Here are the informative prices (2011) for admission to Tatterhal Castle: adult tickets: £5.50, child tickets £3, and family tickets: £14 (£12.60). For updated information about tickets and opening hours please visit the official website. or contact directly the office manager:

Group visits must be booked in advance.

Administrative Contact

01526 342543
Fax: 01526 348826
Email: tattershallcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

Tattershall Castle Location

Tattershall Castle location: Sleaford Road, Tattershall, LN4 4LR, United Kingdom. Use this map to get directions:

Tattershall Castle Map

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History of Hussey Tower

Hussey Tower is all that remains of Hussey Hall, a 15th-century tower house, built by the wealthy landowner Richard Bennington.

The Hussey Tower is a three-story brick structure with windows framed in stone and scars in the masonry that show where the range of buildings joined it.

Hussey Tower looks like a miniature version of Tattershall Castle, perhaps because Bennington was a friend of Ralph Cromwell, who built Tattershall. Hussey Tower may have been built by Peter Lyndon, a German, who had worked at Tattershall. Both structures use Boston Bricks.

The Hussey family owned the house in the 16th century, but Lord Hussey lost both his house and his head following the Lincolnshire Rising in 1536. Ownership of the Hall passed to the Crown, and then to the Borough. Today only the ruined tower remains.

Hussey Tower Visits

The Hussey Tower is managed by The Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire. Only the exterior site is permanently open for visits and access inside the tower is available only twice a year.

For more information, you can contact the manager at (01529) 461499 or email info@lincsheritage.org or visit The Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire’s official website.

Hussey Tower Location

Hussey Tower is located at the following address in England: Off Skirbeck Road, Boston, PE21 6DA, PE21, United Kingdom. Get help with directions using the map provided below:

Hussey Tower Map

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History of Westenhanger Castle

Westhanger Castle is a medieval and later fortified manor house with a medieval chapel and cemetery which passed into Crown ownership in the 16th century.

From the late 16th century the castle was back in private ownership with many of the buildings being taken down when the castle was sold again in 1701.

The present house was constructed in the 18th century from the remains of the 16th-century crossing of the main hall. The Westenhanger Castle is a grade I listed building and scheduled ancient monument.

Currently, the castle is open for private hire and occasionally for visitors.

Westenhanger Castle Location

Westenhanger Castle address: Stone St, Westenhanger, Hythe, Kent CT21 4HX, UK. Get help with directions using this map:

Westenhanger Castle Map

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Upnor Castle was built in 1559 to protect the Queen’s navy when moored in Chatham Reach and later enlarged at the end of the 16th century.

Subsequently, it was converted into a magazine establishment in the late-17th century after the Dutch raid on the Medway.

The castle was designed by Sir Richard Lee, the foremost English military engineer of his day.

Accounts of the first building campaign extend to 1564. The Upnor Castle was enlarged in 1599-1601 when it took on its present shape.

In 1623, eighteen guns of various sizes were mounted and the castle saw action during the Dutch raid on the Medway in 1667.

Following that attack, the defenses of the Medway were changed radically and in 1668 Upnor was ordered to be converted into a Place of Stores and Magazines.

This use continued until 1827. Soon after 1718, a separate barrack was built for the garrison close to the village street.

In 1891 Upnor and its depot were transferred from the War Office to the Admiralty and became part of the Naval Armament Supply Department

Upnor Castle later became an ordnance laboratory and in 1961 it became a national monument and is now cared for by English heritage.

Upnor Castle Visits

The Upnor Castle is a rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort and it is open for visits.

Tickets:
Adult ticket: £5.50, Child ticket: £3.50 and a Family Ticket: £14.50. For opening times visit the official website.

Contact details:
Tel: 01634 718742 or 01634 338110 when the castle is closed.

Upnor Castle Location

Upnor Castle is located in Upper Upnor, Rochester, Kent ME2 4XG, United Kingdom. Get help with directions using the map provided below:

Upnor Castle Map

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The foundations of a rectangular stone building were found in excavations during 1930 on the southwestern part of the motte area together with pottery dating from the 12th to the 14th century.

This was confirmed in further excavations in 1965.

Traces of a wooden structure on the highest party of the mound were recorded. There was no evidence of occupation before 1100.

There is a mention of the castle during the time of King John and it was still mentioned as a castle in 1448.

Tonge Castle Location

Tonge Castle is a castle located in Tonge, 9 km from Faversham and 4,2 km from Sittingbourne.

Mutilated remains of a motte and bailey castle are all that remain today. The site is situated on private property.

Tonge Castle Map

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History of Tonbridge Castle

The Tonbridge Castle was built on the north bank of the Medway beside a ford and close to the present bridge.

Tonbridge Castle was in existence by 1088 when it was captured by William II.

The masonry defenses and shell keep on the motte were probably built in stone during the 13th century.

The great gatehouse overlooking the town has close similarities with another Clare gatehouse at Caerphilly Castle and was probably built around 1265.

Richard FitzGilbert was given the honor of Clare by the Conqueror and Tonbridge was the caput of the de Clares’ Surrey and West Kent estates.

The castle was dismantled by the order of Parliament in 1646.

From that time on, Tonbridge Castle went through various hands continuing in its demise, until 1739, it’s then owner, John Hooker, sold much of the stonework for the construction of locks and bridges on the River Medway.

A mansion house was built onto the side of the castle, which was built by his son, Thomas Hooker in 1791.

The property has been a military academy in the 1860s, then a boy’s prep school, until 1897, when the trustees sold it to the Council.

Tonbridge Castle Visitor Information

Tonbridge Castle is open to the public.

An adult ticket is £6.80, a children ticket is £3.90 and a family is £19.50

For Group visits of min 10 people, there is a 10% discount. Guided tours must be booked in advance.

There are audio tours available also in French, Dutch, German, and Spanish.

For more information about the opening hours contact the Info Centre: Tel: 01732 770929, Email: tonbridge.castle@tmbc.gov.uk, or visit the official website.

Tonbridge Castle Location

Tonbridge Castle Address: 89 High St, Tonbridge TN9 1DR, United Kingdom. Get help with directions using the map provided below:

Tonbridge Castle Map

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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

Thurnham Castle Map

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History of Sutton Valence Castle

Currently, the Sutton Valence Castle consists of fragmentary remains of a small 12th or 13th-century castle.

The castle and the adjacent settlement of Sutton belonged to Simon de Montfort but were granted to William de Valence, half-brother to Henry III, in 1265 in return for helping to defeat Simon de Montfort’s rebellion.

The active history of Sutton Valence is short and it appears to have fallen into disuse after 1300. It once controlled the important medieval route that ran from Rye and Winchelsea to Maidstone and the Medway.

Sutton Valence Castle – Visitor Info

The Keep at Sutton Valence Castle still reported as covered in ivy in the 20th century, was taken over by English Heritage.

The castle is open for visits and access is free.

Sutton Valence Castle Location

Sutton Valence Castle Address: Broad Street, Sutton Valence, Maidstone ME17 3AJ, United Kingdom. Use this map to get help with directions:

Sutton Valence Castle Map

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History of Stutfall Castle

The Stutfall Castle is a Roman fort on the Saxon Shore.

The assumed coastline during Roman times would have allowed the fort at Lympne to protect the entrance of a substantial natural harbor in an area now part of Romney Marsh.

It is suggested that the surviving remains belong to a fort of the Saxon Shore and belong to the period of around AD 270.

The Stutfall Fort is sometimes known as Stutfall Castle. The remains were investigated by Charles Roach Smith and more recently by Barry Cunliffe. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that there was an earlier occupation with military connotations. This fits well with a mention in the Antonine Itinerary (early 3rd century) of Portus Lemanis.

The present fort appears to have been abandoned around 350 AD on the basis of coin and pottery evidence. There is, however, a reference in the Notitia Dignitatum from around 395 AD to a garrison of the numerous Turnacensium but this is not thought to be realistic and is possibly an error.

Next to the remains of Stutfall Castle is located Lympne Castle.

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History of Stone Castle

Dating from the mid-11th century, the castle was thought to have been built without a license during the reign of King Stephen but later allowed to remain by Henry II on his accession to the throne. In 1165 Thomas A Becket stopped at Stone Castle on his way to Canterbury.

It is believed that the castle fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in the 13th century.

In 1300, during the reign of Edward I, Sir John de Norwood served as Sheriff of Kent five times, as well as being called to parliament and serving the King against the Scots. He was amongst the gentlemen of Kent who were Knighted by Edward I on the field of battle for bravery at the siege of Carlaverock in 1300. In 1308 Sir John granted the house and various lands connected with it to his brother, Henry de Norwood. The Black Prince (eldest son of Edward III, also called Edward) was reputedly knighted at Stone Castle.

Around 1400 the Norwood family sold Stone Castle, together with some 40 acres, to the Bonivants. In 1527 the Castle hosted more esteemed guests when Cardinal Wolseley, Sir Thomas Moore, and the Earl of Derby visited.

In 1660 the Stone Castle changed owners again when it became the property of Dr. Thomas Plume, Arch Deacon of Rochester. The existing house was built onto the old tower in 1825 and further extended 13 years later.

In 1907 Stone Castle was occupied by Charles Hubback Watson JP who was Managing Director of a local cement works that later became Blue Circle Cement. In 1932 it became the residence of Sir Arthur Davis, Managing Director of Blue Circle, who was also the High Sheriff of Kent in 1935/36 and Lord Mayor of London in 1945/46.

During the Second World War, the RAF occupied the castle, erecting an anti-aircraft gun and shell bunker on the grounds.

More recently, Michael Heseltine MP (then Environment Secretary) visited Stone Castle in 1992 to discuss the development of Bluewater. Blue Circle sold the building, and surrounding land to Land Securities in 2000, and they now lease the building to the Heritage Conference Centre which is a corporate and private function venue.

Stone Castle Location

Stone Castle is located in the village of Stone, 10 km away from Gravesend.

Stone Castle address: Stone, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9XL, UK. Use this map to get help with directions:

Stone Castle Map

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Originally part of a holding of Bishop Odo of Bayeux and on its forfeiture passed to the Aubervilles. Eventually it came into the hands of Nicholas de Criol in the 13th century.

Stockbury Castle is a ringwork with attached semi-circular bailey on. The circular ringwork is roughly half complete, the northern half of the earthworks being levelled with the expansion of the farmhouse and yard.

The surviving ditch and bank are well defined with the bank about 10 feet high above the fill of the ditch. Within the southern half is a shapeless low mass of flintwork with the suggestion of an internal angle. This is the only visible fragment of an early masonry structure.

The farmhouse appears to be a truncated three-storey house of the late-17th century. To the south-east of the ringwork, the earthworks of the bailey survive well with the rampart up 5ft high internally. There is an entrance on the eastern side and the parish church lies outside the enclosure to the north-east.

Further east and lower down the slope is a man-made scarp which might belong to an outer enclosure which might have included the church.

Stockbury Castle Location

Stockbury Castle is located in the town of Stockbury, in Kent. There are earthwork remains of the castle only.

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The Starkey Castle is located in Wouldham, Rochester, Kent, on the western side of Rochester Road.

Starkey Castle Location

Starkey Castle is located at the following address: Wouldham Rd, Wouldham, Rochester, Kent ME1 3TR, UK. Use this map to get help with directions:

Starkey Castle Map

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History of St Leonard’s Tower

St Leonard’s Tower is a tower keep castle situated on a sandstone ledge to the south of the village of West Malling.

The tower was built by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester between 1077 and 1108. The castle consists of a tall, ragstone, square keep around 20 m high that originally consisted of a basement and three floors.

The upper floor provided accommodation for the bishop while his servants would have been housed on the first floor. Access to the upper floors was provided by a spiral staircase housed in an external turret.

Two low stretches of the medieval wall survive, incorporated within a post-medieval wall, and these are interpreted as part of an enclosure attached to St Leonard’s Castle. Within the enclosure may have been timber service buildings.

St Leonard’s Castle Visitor Info

The St Leonard’s Tower is open for visitors and admission is free of charge. Visit the Official website

To visit the interior of the castle you must make an appointment:
Phone: 01732 870872.

St Leonard’s Tower Location

Address of the Tower: Saint Leonard’s Street, West Malling, Kent ME19 6, United Kingdom. Use this map to get help with directions:

St Leonard’s Tower Map

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Sissinghurst Castle History

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 a 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 the 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 laborers.

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 is open for visits.

Visit the official website for updated info about opening times and tickets or use these contact details to get in touch with the staff:
Email: sissinghurst@nationaltrust.org.uk
Telephone: 01580 710701 (Infoline)

Sissinghurst Castle Location

Sissinghurst Castle is located near Cranbrook, Biddenden Road, Kent TN17 2AB. Get help with directions using this map:

Sissinghurst Castle Map

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Located southeast of Lamberhurst, Kent, Scotney Castle is named after the De Scoteni family who held the land here.

The river which divides the two counties of Kent and Sussex once ran through the center of the ground on which the house stands.

History of Scotney Castle

Walter de Scoteni held it in the 13th century. He held a total of 14 knights’ fees and was found guilty of poisoning both Richard, Earl of Gloucester, and his brother, William de Clare, he was later hanged for his crimes. The estate continued in the same family till c 1350’s when it went to the Ashburnhams.

The original property of Scotney Castle may have been a manor house, as it is reported that in the reign of Richard II (1377-99), the property was castellated, however, it was Roger Ashburnham who built the castle here c 1358.

In the 15th century, the property went to Henry Chicheley, Archbishop of Canterbury, who resided there and he in turn gave it to his niece on her marriage to John Darrell.

The property had been built into the designed secret hiding places, which were used in the 16th century by a Jesuit priest to avoid arrest, as at that time they were regarded as enemies of the state.

In the 17th century, a house was built as an attachment to the castle.

In 1724 the property was sold to Mr. John Richards of Robertsbridge, who sold it, and the farm adjoining, to Edward Hussey who built a new house in 1837 which enjoyed the picturesque view of the ruined castle.

The Scotney Castle’s property is now in the hands of the National Trust.

Scotney Castle Visitor Info

For updated details about opening times and tickets visit the official website.

You also can get in touch with Scotney Castle’s office using these contact details.
Phone: 01892893820 (Infoline)

Scotney Castle Location

Scotney Castle is located at the following address: Lamberhurst, Kent TN3, UK. Use the map provided below to get help with directions:

Scotney Castle Map

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Built by Henry VIII as part of his coastal defense, it took 18 months to build at a cost of £2887. Similar to Walmer Castle in design and made with recycled stone from a nearby monastery, it was completed in 1540.

It was to be guarded by a captain and 34 men, however, the garrison may have been varied at times as another source says 18 men.

In 1553, it was given to Lord Clinton, the Lord Warden of Cinque Ports and it passed through a number of hands.

In 1642, Sandown Castle was held by Parliamentary forces, however during the Kent Rebellion in 1648, it was taken and declared for the King. Cromwell’s army besieged the castle and it finally fell.

In 1664, under Charles II, it was used as a prison for Colonel John Hutchinson who died there.

It suffered sea damage in 1785 and was remodeled in 1805 and garrisoned to assist in the defenses against Napoleon.

Following other sea and fire damage, the castle was finally sold and demolished in 1863, with the stone being used to repair the castle at Walmer.

Sandown Castle Location

Sandown Castle is located a mile south of Deal Castle. Map references: Latitude 51.2378° Longitude 1.4028°

Sandown Castle Map

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Sandgate Castle History

Sandgate Castle was one of the coastal forts erected by Henry VIII in 1539-1540.

It was reportedly the only one that was not used to defend a harbor or an anchorage; instead, it commanded the beach and the coast road to Dover. It was constructed to the design of Stefan von Haschenperg.

Sandgate may have been the site of an earlier castle built by Richard II, however, it is known as the castle built by Henry VIII to defend his shores.

Sandgate was part of a chain of castle forts that also included Walmer, Deal, and Sandown. The building began in 1539 and recycled stone from a monastic site nearby was used in its construction.

It was built to garrison 34 men and their captains.

In 1553, the castle was given to Lord Clinton, Lord Warden of Cinque Ports by the crown. It was sold several times over the next few years but was recovered by the crown again in 1558.

During Queen Elizabeth’s reign, it became a prison for Thomas Keys, her Sergeant Porter, who had secretly married Lady Mary Grey, sister of Lady Jane.

In 1616, the castle was damaged by sea, the repairs were probably not carried out until sometime later, possibly 1634, as with the other castles along this shore.

In 1642, during the Civil War, the castle was held by Parliamentary forces, however during the Kent Rebellion in 1648, it was taken and declared for the King. Cromwell’s army then besieged the castle, and it finally fell.

The sea caused further damage when the seaward battery had to be rebuilt in 1716 and drastic alterations were made at the time of the Napoleonic war, however, after the war the garrison only amounted to 5 men.

The Sandgate Castle was again altered in 1806 and it was used as a military prison for the nearby Shorncliffe army camp where regiments were trained for the Crimean War.

Sea again caused serious damage when the castle was flooded in 1875 and it was finally abandoned in 1881. It was later sold and is now privately owned.

Sandgate Castle Location

Sandgate Castle is located at the following address: Castle Rd, Sandgate, Folkestone, Kent CT20 3AG, UK. Use this map to get help with directions:

Sandgate Castle Map

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Saltwood Castle History

The Manor of Saltwood was granted to the Sea of Canterbury in 1026.

Archbishop Lanfranc took Saltwood into his personal possession in 1086; it apparently remained the property of the archbishops for much of the Middle Ages.

It is possible that a ringwork castle was constructed on the site of a manorial establishment at the time of Domesday.

The square towers of the inner ward probably date from around 1160 and the round towers of the outer ward or barbican are from the 14th century. The arms of Archbishop Courtney distinguish the great gatehouse built when he made the castle his chief residence in 1382.

The castle gained notoriety as the refuge for the murderers of Becket before and after his martyrdom. In 1540 the Saltwood Castle was conveyed to the Crown but it soon declined into a farm.

There were restorations in the 1880s which added to the gatehouse to make it into a dwelling, and the later hall was largely reworked by Philip Tilden in the 1930s. The battlements have been restored.

The Saltwood Castle is owned by the Clark family and it is not open to visitors.

Saltwood Castle Location

Saltwood Castle Address: Castle Rd, Saltwood, Hythe, Kent CT21 4QU, UK. Get help with directions using this map:

Saltwood Castle Map

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Rochester Castle History

The Rochester Castle at the time of the Domesday survey was built of earth and timber. Work began on the current castle in 1087 by Bishop Gundolf, Bishop of Rochester at his own expense.

The castle was to guard the crossing of the Medway and it was to have one of the tallest keeps at 113 feet high, nearly 35 meters.

In 1215 King John laid siege to the castle and it took him two months to overcome. In the end, he had to undermine the southeast tower by burning the props to make the tower collapse. The same tower was later rebuilt round rather than square.

In 1088 Bishop Odo, the king’s half-brother and Earl of Kent laid waste the lands of the king and of the archbishop and brought the booty into his castle at Rochester.

The king sent his men after the bishop who swore to leave England and give up the Castle at Rochester.

Just as the bishop was going with an intention to give up the castle, the men in the castle rose up, took the bishop and the king’s men, and put them into prison. The king went to the castle and persuaded those within to give up. The Bishop with the men in the castle were sent abroad in disgrace.

Early in the 12th century, Henry, I granted custody of the castle to William de Corbeil, the Archbishop of Canterbury. During the Baron Wars, the castle was held against the rebel barons for King Henry III, by his loyal supporter, Roger de Leybourne.

In 1370 Edward III repaired a lot of the damage done in previous years. However, during the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle was left to fall into ruin.

In the early 1600s, James I granted ruins to Sir Anthony Weldon, presumably the same individual who gained possession of Canterbury Castle in a similar state.

In 1884, the castle was purchased by the Corporation of Rochester.

Rochester Castle Visitor Information

Rochester Castle is open for visits. An adult ticket is £5.50, a child ticket £3.50 and a family ticket is £14.50. For updated info about opening times visit the official website.

Rochester Castle Location

The Rochester Castle address: Rochester ME1 1SW, United Kingdom. Use this map to get help with directions:

Rochester Castle Map

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Queenborough Castle History

Edward III built Queenborough Castle on the Isle of Sheppey, in 1366. Its principal aim was to protect the estuary against French raids.

Named after Queen Philippa, the Royal Borough was given its charter in 1368, but the town did not grow as expected with only 23 houses by 1571.

The castle was held directly by the crown and constables were appointed to manage it.

The first was Sir John de Foxle, in 1364, followed by John of Gaunt. A number of eminent persons were appointed thereafter, including Sir William Le Scrope, who was also lord chamberlain, he was beheaded by Henry IV; Thomas Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury; Sir Humphrey de Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, who was also Constable of Dover and Warden of the Cinque Ports.

In 1450, Jack Cade stormed the castle, following his uprising that began at Sevenoaks where he and 2000 people mobbed royalist troops. A royal pardon was given to quell the rising and it was thought to have been suppressed.

However, Jack with a remnant of his followers attacked the castle, which was successfully defended by Sir Roger Chamberleyn and two men.

In 1530, Henry VIII had the castle repaired to help strengthen his defenses and in 1588, Queen Elizabeth I, had repairs carried out at the time of the Armada.

Queenborough Castle Today

Nothing now remains of the castle as it was condemned and destroyed by Cromwell’s parliamentary forces in 1650 during the Civil War.

The castle site now accommodates the railway station.

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It became a royal palace over 700 years ago and has seen no military action for almost that long.

The castle lies in a large park on a small lake, a beautiful sight, especially in the moonlight.

Leeds Castle History

A Saxon manor was built there in A.D. 857. After the Norman conquest in 1066, it became the home of the Crevecoeur family. From 1278 on, Leeds Castle was a royal palace where King Edward I built a fortified mill and barbican.

In 1321 the castle fell to the troops of Edward II because his queen was refused admission, and that was the last military event there.

Its reputation of being a ladies’ castle grew as it became the home of six medieval English queens, including Catherine de Valois, the widow of King Henry V, who married Owen Tudor, founding the Tudor dynasty which reigned from 1485 until the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603.

Henry VIII particularly enjoyed the castle and left many architectural improvements.

In 1552 Leeds Castle was granted to Sir Anthony St. Leger, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, for helping consolidate British rule over all of Ireland. Thus the castle ceased to be a crown property and became a private residence.

St. Leger’s successors were the Smyths, who built a large Jacobean house and later sold the property to the Culpeper family in 1632.

Shortly before the turn of the 18th century, the castle passed to the Fairfax family.

In 1821 the Wykeham Martins inherited Leeds but bankrupted themselves trying to rebuild the Smyth house. Leeds got a reprieve when Charles Wykeham Martin married an heiress in 1822. However, for the next 100 years, the property became more and more in need of restoration, clearly a task that most private owners could not afford.

Leeds Castle Today

Finally, Olive Whitney (later known as Lady Baillie), an American heiress who was among the wealthiest women in England, bought the castle in 1926 as a home for her family. She spent almost 50 years restoring the structure and decorating rooms with fine furniture, ceramics, and tapestries.

Shortly before she died in 1974, she set up the Leeds Castle Foundation to maintain the castle in perpetuity. Since 1976 it has been open to the public, receiving about half a million visitors each year.

Now the castle is used for political or medical conferences, weddings, and other events that benefit from a wonderfully modern, secluded environment housed in a thousand-year-old castle.

Leeds Castle Visitor Information

The Leeds Castle is open year-round, except on Christmas and open-air concert days. You can visit the castle between 10 AM and 5 PM.

The cost to visit the castle, grounds, and attractions is £18.50 for adults and £11.00 for children under 15 years.

The tickets are valid all year round, so with a purchase of a ticket to Leeds Castle, you can visit it as many times as you’d like.

For particular events at Leeds Castle check out their website at www.leeds-castle.com.

Leeds Castle Location

Leeds Castle is located at the following address: Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL, United Kingdom. Use this map to get help with directions:

Leeds Castle Map

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Lympne Castle History

Overlooking Romney Marsh, Lympne Castle is built on the same site as Port Lemanis, or Stutfall Castle, as it became known, the last of the Roman Saxon Shore forts located in Kent.

Originally the sea came up to the walls of Stutfall Castle, but landslides made it unsafe and it was eventually abandoned. It has long since collapsed and tumbled down the hillside.

Stones from the collapsed castle were used to build an abbey and church during earlier medieval times and it was the abbey lodgings that became the basis of the late 11th-century semi-fortified archdeacon’s house, which was at one time occupied by Thomas Becket.

During the Tudor period the property was rented as a farmhouse, and later sold in 1860, from which time it was left to decay. It was purchased in 1905 by Sir Robert Lorimer, who carried out major restoration when he incorporated the castle into modern buildings providing a private residence.

During World War II, it was used as a watchtower, taking the use of the site in full circle.

The Lympne Castle is not open for visits as it is private property.

Lympne Castle Location

Lympne Castle is located at the following address: The Street, Lympne, Kent CT21 4LQ, United Kingdom. Get help with directions using the map provided below:

Lympne Castle Map

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Construction of the Leybourne Castle was begun by Roger de Leyburn in 1260 without a license and the justiciar was ordered to stop him and, if necessary, to pull down the castle.

At the time Roger was an opponent of Henry III but he later changed sides.

It was Roger who saved the King’s life at the Battle of Evesham in 1265. In the circumstances, he was allowed to finish his castle and a grant of building stone to Roger by the King in 1266 marks the reconciliation between them.

After the de Leybourne family died out in 1367 and the castle passed to the king who granted it to the newly founded Cistercian abbey of St Mary Graces by the Tower in London.

Following the dissolution, the property returned to a king who granted it to Sir Edward North, Chancellor of the King’s Court and Privy Councillor who later became a baron.

The property passed through numerous families and when the castle ceased to be inhabited a manor house was built onto the remaining walls c the 18th century. This house became the residence of the Golding family, Thomas Golding being Sheriff of Kent in 1703.

The Leybourne Castle is now a private domain and it is not open for visits.

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Hever Castle History

The most famous castle in Kent, Hever was built in 1270 and in the early 1500s was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn (second wife of Henry VIII) who was beheaded in 1536 on a trumped-up charge of incest with her half-brother.

The Tudor Long Gallery features 25 costumed figures from Anne Boleyn’s day and castle guides will explain who was accused of sleeping with whom and who was beheaded.

In 1903 William Astor bought the estate and his family restored the castle and created an estate of beautiful lakes and gardens.

“That Anne Boleyn sure was a bedhopper,” one loud American tourist remarked after the lecture.

There’s a maze next to the castle, where I managed to get lost. To my chagrin, I was rescued by a six-year-old boy.

Hever Castle – Visitor information

Admission is Pound 4.40 ($10.50) for adults and half price for children but the castle closes from mid-November to mid-March.

Group Guided Tours are available for a minimum of 15 persons and must be booked in advance. You can use this phone number: (01732) 86170.

For updated information about opening hours and ticket prices visit the official website.

Hever Castle Location

Hever Castle is near Edenbridge, about 30 minutes drive off the new M25 motorway which circles London.
Get help with directions using the map provided below:

Hever Castle Map

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Hadlow Castle is a 19th-century neo-gothic castle located in Hadlow, Kent.

Walter May, who died in 1823, erected the very ornate Gothic building, which he called Walter Hadlow Court Castle. Barton May added the “costly appendages and embellishments” to the building.

The tower was used as a watchtower during World War II, by the Royal Observer Corps.

After Barton May’s death, the estate was split up and in 1952, the Castle, being impossible for modern living, was sold for demolition.

May’s 1840 tower, along with some courtyard buildings, has outlived his 1830 Gothic-revival house, and it is currently scheduled for renovation.

Hadlow Castle Location

Hadlow Castle is located in Hadlow, Kent TN11, UK. Get help with directions using the map provided below:

Hadlow Castle Map

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Folkestone Castle History

Folkestone Castle’s date of construction is uncertain but is considered to have been somewhere between the 1070s and the 1130s.

There was another earlier Norman castle on the coast at Folkestone, close to a landing place. This became a casualty of coastal recession and no longer exists.

General Pitt-Rivers archaeologically excavated the castle in 1878. In addition to medieval deposits, he found a Roman ridge tile, considered a stray find.

Others have excavated the site since and in 1988-9 pottery dating from 2500-1800 BC was found. It has been suggested that the Norman castle adopted a pre-Roman occupation site, possibly with defensive characteristics.

Defensive trenches were cut into the castle during the Second World War.

Folkestone Castle Location

Castle Hill is located in Folkestone, Kent CT19 4, UK. Get help with directions:

Folkestone Castle Map

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The Eynsford Castle is a pre-Conquest stone structure, probably part of an 11th-century residence that has been revealed by excavation within the enclosure.

At the time of Domesday, the castle was held by the Archbishop of Canterbury Ralph son of Unspac.

The lower stage of the existing stone curtain wall was built around 1100 by Ralph’s son William de Eynsford I.

An early 12th-century hall and solar were built on the northeast half and the curtain wall was heightened. The hall was reconstructed after a fire in the mid-13th century but the castle was not inhabited for long. The castle was dismantled in 1312.

Eynsford Castle passed through the hands of a number of families including the Criols; the Zouches; the Harts of Lullingstone and the Dyke family and during the 16th century, a new house was built on the land.

The castle continued to decay and by 1797 only ruins remained of the castle. In 1948 the ruins passed to the nation and it is now in the hands of the English Heritage.

Eynsford Castle Visitor Info

Eynsford Castle is open for visits and access is free. For more information about the opening hours visit the official website.

Eynsford Castle Location

Eynsford Castle is located at the following Address: High Street, Eynsford, Dartford DA4, United Kingdom. Get help with directions using the map provided below:

Eynsford Castle Map

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History of the Dover Castle

In Roman times Dover was a military settlement and later a Saxon Shore fort. The Pharos lighthouse survives as the bell tower of the church of St Mary-in-Castro, within the castle precinct.

Although larger in area than the norm, Dover Castle could not be a better example of an English castle. Founded immediately after the battle of Hastings in 1066 by William I, it is even more than usually a product of the Norman Conquest, the site having been sought by the Norman duke in 1051 as a surety for his succession to the English throne.

The late 10th-century or early 11th-century church of St Mary-in-Castro survives from the Old English burgh, which itself occupies the position of a former Iron Age fortress. Thus the Conqueror’s work doubly shows the essential difference in concept and scale between the feudal castle and the larger communal fortress of earlier ages.

Part of the bank of the Norman castle was revealed by excavation in 1961–1963, beneath the misnamed ‘Harold’s Earthwork’ near the south transept of the church. It was probably a relatively small fortified enclosure placed centrally within the burgh, very much like the Norman castle at Old Sarum. From then, as with so many ‘English castles, the theme of Dover’s architectural history is continuity and development on the same site.

The first recorded works are those of Henry II (1154–1189), who evidently began the expansion that was to take in the whole Old English and Iron Age site to produce the colossal castle visible today. He built the great rectangular keep of around 1181–1188, a new donjon in the prestigious form of a great tower.

This was one of the most sophisticated in the realm, with an elaborate rebuilding, two residential floors above a basement (the upper for the king himself, rising through two stories with a mural gallery, now marred by the brutal ‘bomb proof’ arches inserted in the late 1790s), two chapels and many mural chambers, excellent garderobe arrangements and even plumbing.

Dover Castle’s tower keep stands within the same king’s inner bailey, the curtain wall of which displays one of the earliest surviving systems of scientifically disposed of mural towers, 14 in all, rectangular and originally open-backed.

There are two gateways (the King’s Gate in the north and the Palace Gate in the south), each consisting of a pair of mural towers flanking the gate passage and each with a barbican in front of it.

Residential buildings on the east side supplemented the grander accommodation in the keep. Henry II also began the outer curtain of the castle on the east side, perhaps from the cliff edge to the Avranches Tower; a length now vanished), certainly from the polygonal Avranches Tower inclusive to the later Fitzwilliam Gate.

It follows, therefore, that the principle of concentric fortification was practiced at Dover a century before such textbook examples as Beaumaris or Caerffili.

Henry II died before the work was finished, to be continued not by his immediate successor, Richard I, but by John (1199–1216). Between 1205 and 1214 he completed his father’s outer curtain about the north end of the site, with a twin-towered gatehouse at the northern apex and a series of towers, which are D-shaped except for the Godsfoe Tower, along the west, and evidently brought his towered wall and defenses looping back via the Colton Gate round St Mary-in-Castro to join the eastern curtain near the Avranches Tower.

The final development of the castle took place between 1217 and 1256, during the long reign of Henry III. He extended the outer curtain on the west from Peverell’s Tower to the cliff edge, raised the huge Harold’s Earthwork about the church and Roman Pharos (which became the bell tower), and built more sumptuous residential accommodation (now masked by mid-18th-century barrack blocks) to replace that of Henry II in the inner bailey.

To deny to any future enemy the high ground from which the 1216 attack had been launched, the cylindrical St John Tower was built out in front of the Norfolk Towers, and a great spur work beyond that, all reached by underground passages.

The twin-towered Fitzwilliam Gate was inserted in the northeast outer curtain as a sally port. The main entrance to the new castle thus being blocked, the elaborate and formidable Constable’s Gate was built in the northwest outer curtain.

The remaining architectural history of Dover is of adequate maintenance, eventual decay, and then, for over a century after 1745, a series of works to convert the medieval castle into a ‘modern’ fortress equipped for and against heavy guns.

Much of the medieval fabric was destroyed, especially on the east and south of the inner bailey, walls were earthed up, and unsightly brickwork appears all over the place. The cutting down of almost all the towers for artillery robs the castle of its proper majesty.

Dover Castle Visitor Information

Dover Castle is an English Heritage site and it is open for visits all year round!

An adult ticket is £16.00, while a Children’s ticket is £9.60. A Family Ticket will cost you £41.60 The ticket price includes access to the Secret Wartime Tunnels complex and the Underground Hospital tour.

Dover Castle Location

The Dover Castle is located at the following address: Castle Hill, Dover, Kent – CT16 1HU. Use this map to get help with directions:

Dover Castle Map

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In 1538 Henry VIII built this fortress in answer to the threat of invasion by France and Spain. In the shape of a Tudor rose, Deal Castle is the largest of the three castles built around the same time, the others being Walmer and Sandown.

Inside cavernous, with galleries and barracks, it was built to garrison 24 men and their Captain.

In 1615, Deal Castle was reported as being in a dangerous condition. The sea had eaten away at the wall and the lantern was decayed. Repairs were delayed till 1634.

During the Civil War, all was quiet for five years, but in 1647 the Great Kent Rebellion began, commonly known as ‘Plum Pudding Riots’. Parliament had abolished Christmas and this was the last straw. Royalists, took the castle in 1648, following a three-week siege, which inflicted more damage to the castle, and they were defeated.

Improvements and additions were made in the 18th and 19th centuries, but these were destroyed by German bombs in 1941, during World War II, leaving the castle in its original design.

Deal Castle Visitor Info

Deal Castle has been a national monument since 1904 and is now in the hands of English Heritage.

The castle is open for visits and there are Audio tours available in English, French, German, and Dutch.

For more information about Deal Castle tours, opening hours, and tickets visit the official website.

Deal Castle Location

Deal Castle Address: Victoria Road, Deal, Kent CT14 7BA, United Kingdom. Get help with directions using this map:

Deal Castle Map

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Cooling Castle was built as a result of the French raid which ravaged this part of Kent in 1379.

It was completed in 1385 covering nearly eight acres and consisting of two parallel but unequal wards separated by a moat surrounding both.

The Inner Gatehouse is thought to remain standing at almost 10 meters. The watergate or postern is standing and a small wooden boat was previously dug up opposite this.

The undercroft of the ‘Great Chamber’ remains, and the foundations of many buildings in the southeastern part of the castle are thought to be buried underneath flower beds. In 1554, Sir Thomas Wyatt, during his revolt against Queen Mary, attacked the castle on his advance to London. Lord Cobham, surrendered the castle after the siege of 6 hours pleading with a shortage of cannons and the lukewarm support of his henchmen.

Wyatt captured Lord Cobham and his two sons and forced them to march with him to London, but they managed to make their escape and went back to Cooling.

The castle was never fully repaired and was not much used after the 1580s. The present house was built around 1670 and is in private hands.

Cooling Castle Location

Address: Cooling Castle Barn, Cooling Castle, Main Rd, Cooling, Rochester, Kent ME3 8DT, United Kingdom.
Get help with directions using the map provided below:

Cooling Castle Map

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Chilham Castle is located in the village of Chilham, 6 miles away from Canterbury.

The Chilham Castle was placed on a promontory, defending the gap in the Downs made by the river Stour with a straight view down to Canterbury.

Chilham Castle was previously used by the monarchy, retained by Henry II, and again in royal control during the reign of Richard I when money was spent on its repair. Sir Thomas Cheney, however, pulled it down for building materials later in the 16th century.

The octagonal keep was thought to have been built in the third quarter of the 12th century at the same time as the curtain walls. A house was built at the site in the early 17th century by Sir Dudley Digges and was subject to alterations in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Chilham Castle Visitor Information

For more information regarding Chilham Castle tours, you can use this email chilhamcastleinfo@gmail.com or visit the official website.

Chilham Castle Location

Chilham Castle Map

Chilham Castle is located in Canterbury, Kent, CT4 8DB. Get help with directions using this map:

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The earthwork has every appearance of being Saxon or Danish in origin with the exception of the northeast corner where there appears to be a Norman “mount and bailey” fortification known as Castle Toll.

The motte and bailey are in fair condition whereas the ‘earlier’ work has been extensively reduced by cultivation.

The defenses appear to have been abandoned unfinished: This supports the identification of the site with a half-finished ‘work’ mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in 892 attacked by the Danes known as Eorpeburnan.

Castle Toll is located in the civil parish of Newenden, Kent.

The earthworks of a 9th-century burh and a mid-13th-century fort lie on a tongue of land projecting into the low marshland between the river Rother and its tributary the Hexden Channel.

Castle Toll Location

Approximate geographical coordinates: 51.0254, 0.645486.
Maytham Rd, Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4, UK

Castle Toll Map

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Canterbury Castle History

The Canterbury Castle was constructed in the 11th century in the southwest quarter of the city.

The walls of its outer bailey were demolished in the late 18th century and since 1826, when the gas and water works first moved into the area, the medieval topography has been gradually destroyed apart from the tower itself which served as a coal store.

Virtually the sole surviving and visible portion of the castle is the great tower or ‘keep’. Indirect evidence suggests this stone tower was designed between 1085 and 1125.

Its architectural history is well documented from the reign of Henry II onwards. In 1173-1174 over £100 was spent on the ‘work of the castle’, chiefly on the tower. It is likely that this large sum was for alterations to an existing keep rather than for its original construction.

The castle was repaired between 1190 and 1193 when preparations were made to resist King Philip’s threatened invasion but the castle was surrendered to Louis of France in 1216. Generally during the middle ages the castle provided for the administration of the sheriff and served as a prison. By 1335 it was largely ruinous.

After 1577 the castle stayed in the hands of the crown and was neglected and left to fall into ruin.

In 1609, the “abandoned ruin” was granted to Sir Anthony Weldon, of Swanscombe, by James I Later, the castle, as part of the manor of East Greenwich, went to Mr. Watson, and in 1732, it was sold to Mr. Fremoult. Parts of the site were sold off, and the remains were sold to Mr. Thomas Cooper who built a house on the site.

Canterbury Castle was purchased by the city council in 1928.

Canterbury Castle Visitor Info

Canterbury Castle is 5 minute’s walk from Canterbury East Station and the main bus station around City Wall.

For more information about Canterbury, you can contact Canterbury Visitor Centre at:
Tel: 01227 378 100
Email: canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk

Canterbury Castle Location

Canterbury Norman Castle is located on Castle Street, Canterbury, CT1 2PR. Get help with directions:

Canterbury Castle Map

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Lying by the River Medway, on the site of an earlier manor house owned by Ulnoth, one of the sons of Earl Godwin, this property was given to Bishop Odo following the Norman conquest.

On his disgrace, it passed to the crown, and shortly after it was granted to William, Earl of Warren, who rebuilt the property and transferred it to Lord Fitzhugh.

It came into the possession of Sir Stephen de Manchester, Constable of Dover Castle and Warden of the Cinque Ports, he was given the grant to crenelate his house in 1281. Whereby, he either enlarged what may already have been a small castle or had the property rebuilt.

During the 14th century, the castle passed through the hands of the Cobham family, the Mowbrays, and the Gainsfords by inheritance and marriage.

In 1492 the castle was purchased by Sir Henry Wyatt and his son, Sir Thomas Wyatt, was born there in 1503. Sir Thomas was described as a gentleman – adventurer and following the dissolution of the monasteries he received the property of the friary at Aylesford. In 1554 Sir Thomas Wyatt lead the rebellion against Queen Mary’s marriage to Philip of Spain, he was executed for treason and his properties were forfeited to the crown.

Elizabeth I gave the Allington Castle to John Astley, Master of the Jewels, in 1568. Sometime shortly after it was left to deteriorate and parts were destroyed by fire.

During the 17th & 18th centuries, habitable parts of the castle had a mixture of tenants over the years, providing a home for families and later tenant farmers. Fire damage occurred in the early 19th century and it provided laborers apartments until the early 20th century.

The Allington Castle was purchased in 1905, by Sir Martin Conway, who spent much time and money on repairs and rebuilding which were completed by 1929

In 1951 the Allington castle was purchased by the Carmelite Friars and used as a retreat and study center. It is currently an international conference and training center.

Allington Castle Location

Allington Castle is located in the west of Maidstone in Kent, on the A20 road (Allington, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0, UK). Get help with directions using the map provided below:

Allington Castle Map

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