Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Farleigh Hungerford Castle is a medieval fortress in Somerset featuring two distinct courts, with the outer section enclosing a parish church and the inner part containing residential buildings and defensive walls. The site functions as a museum with interpretive displays housed in the Priest's house, presenting artifacts and details about the structure's architectural evolution.

Thomas Hungerford built the original fortress between 1377 and 1383 as a residence for the Hungerford family. The castle served as a family seat throughout three centuries, undergoing various architectural modifications along the way.

The castle chapel displays rare medieval wall paintings and holds an impressive array of tombs belonging to the aristocratic family across different eras. Visitors can trace the artistic and family connections spanning generations in this sacred space.

The grounds are open to visitors and offer various areas to explore, including the chapel and residential quarters with their original structures intact. Comfortable footwear is recommended since the terrain can be uneven, and some areas feature steps or rough surfaces.

The castle crypt holds a collection of lead coffins shaped like human figures from the 17th century, representing the largest group of such items in Britain. These unusual artifacts provide rare insights into the burial practices of this wealthy family.

Location: Farleigh Hungerford

Inception: 1383

Founders: Thomas Hungerford

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Operator: English Heritage

Address: Farleigh, Bath BA2 7RS

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/farleigh-hungerford-castle

GPS coordinates: 51.31740,-2.28690

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:22