Herstmonceux Castle, Medieval castle in East Sussex, England
Herstmonceux Castle is a red brick fortress in East Sussex with moats and formal gardens spread across 15 acres of grounds. The structure features multiple towers, a central courtyard, and several rooms open to visitors.
Construction began in 1441 under Sir Roger Fiennes as an early example of brick architecture in England. The structure has passed through various uses and periods of restoration since its foundation.
The castle hosts an annual Medieval Festival each August, featuring historical reenactments, period demonstrations, and traditional performances across its grounds.
The site is open to visitors from February through November, with guided tours available at scheduled times during the season. It helps to check opening times in advance and allow time to explore the full grounds at leisure.
From 1957 to 1988, the Royal Greenwich Observatory was housed here, bringing important astronomical instruments and research to the grounds. This scientific phase forms a surprising chapter in the site's history that few visitors expect.
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