Sussex - Castles
Bodiam
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| Bodiam really does look like a castle from a fairytale. It stands in the middle of a moat, complete with ducks and swans, surrounded by beautiful countryside. A wooden bridge over the moat leads to the castle entrance. | |
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It was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge and never saw an enemy
attack, consequently it is remarkably intact. We visited late on a summer afternoon, when the sun was just beginning to go down and the castle and it's reflections were stunning. This is just one of the many photographs taken. |
Herstmonceaux
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| This was the first brick built castle in England and was begun in 1415. As it has
never been involved in any battles, it remains largely as it was built, having only been
altered to make it more comfortable for it's residents. It stands very serene in the middle of it's moat, and is surrounded by pleasant and interesting formal and informal gardens, lakes and a river. There's a folly in the gardens to explore. |
Pevensey 
| At the time of the Norman invasion in 1066 Pevensey castle stood on a piece of land
that jutted out into the sea, now the sea is about three miles away. Seven hundred years before William the Conqueror landed here, the Romans had built fortifications and a stronghold at Pevensey. Within the three metre thick Roman walls, the Normans built their castle. More recently, the castle was used as a military base during W.W.II, when gun emplacements and pillboxes were built and fortifications strengthened. |
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It is said that Pevensey castle, and the village nearby have more than their fair share of ghosts! |
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Rye
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The Ypres Tower at Rye was built in 1250 and now serves as
part of the local history museum. It's one of the oldest buildings in the town and has twice managed to survive the burning of the town by the French, once in 1377 and again in 1448. Although built as part of the town's defences it has also been a private dwelling, a prison and even a mortuary. Although now two miles inland, Rye was one of the ancient Cinque Ports and there are great views from the top of the tower over what was once a busy harbour. |
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