Amberley Castle, Medieval fortification in Amberley, England.
Amberley Castle is a fortified structure with high stone walls, corner towers, and a gatehouse protecting a central courtyard. The site now functions as a hotel with guest rooms, a dining establishment, and event spaces all housed within these medieval fortifications.
The site began as a manor house in the 12th century and was fortified in 1377 under Bishop William Reade of Chichester. This transformation reflected the need to make the bishop's residence more defensible against threats of the time.
The building served as a summer retreat for bishops of Chichester, and visitors can still sense this religious connection in how the structure was designed with both comfort and defensive purpose in mind. The layout shows choices made by church leaders who wanted a secure yet pleasant residence.
The site operates as a private hotel and is accessible primarily to overnight guests and diners. Access may be limited depending on bookings and events, so planning ahead is helpful for those wanting to visit.
The walls bear visible marks from an attack by Cromwell's forces during the English Civil War, when sections were deliberately lowered in height. These scars tell the story of a conflict that directly touched the building itself.
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