Bolebroke Castle, 15th-century hunting lodge in Hartfield, England
Bolebroke Castle is a 15th-century hunting lodge in Hartfield featuring late medieval English architectural elements. The building displays typical characteristics of this period with preserved stonework and a layout designed for its original purpose as a hunting base.
The castle was built around 1480 and served King Henry VIII as a hunting base for expeditions into nearby Ashdown Forest. The structure arose during a period when such specialized hunting lodges were common for the nobility.
The castle has served as a private residence for different families and later as a film location for historical dramas. Today visitors can observe how these varied uses have shaped the building and grounds.
The castle sits about five miles from Hever Castle and can be visited together to explore the Tudor period in Sussex. It is wise to check opening times in advance, as this is a private property and not always open to visitors.
The property once contained its own miniature railway system, an unexpected addition to this medieval hunting lodge. This rare feature reflects the Victorian fascination with innovative and entertaining rail installations on private estates.
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