Bodiam Castle, Medieval castle in East Sussex, England
Description
Bodiam Castle is a ruined fortress in East Sussex that rises on raised ground above a broad water-filled moat. Four round corner towers frame the rectangular layout, while entry passes through a twin-towered gatehouse.
History
Sir Edward Dalyngrigge built the fortress from 1385 after Richard II granted him permission to fortify his residence during the Hundred Years' War. The site remained occupied until the 17th century before falling into decay and later being restored by private owners.
Culture
The name recalls the nearby village whose residents long regarded the fortress as part of their landscape. Today visitors walk through the stone curtain walls and explore the tall towers that rise above the water's edge.
Practical
The National Trust operates the grounds daily between 10 and 17 hours, offering tours and educational activities for visitors. Paths through the site are mostly level, though access to some tower sections involves narrow stone stairs.
Did you know?
The wooden portcullis mechanism in the gatehouse is one of the few surviving examples of medieval engineering in England and shows the original defense system. The moat is still fed by natural springs that keep the site surrounded by water year-round.
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Great Dixter
3.4 km
Ringle Crouch Green Mill
3.3 km
Robertsbridge Abbey
3.5 km
Sandhurst War Memorial
3.1 km
Bodiam Station
674 m
The Parish Church of St James
1.4 km
The Parish Church of St Giles
657 m
Church of St Nicholas
1.8 km
Milestone Opposite Baptist Church
3.4 km
The Curlew Inn
2.1 km
Staplecross War Memorial
3.2 km
A quadrangular castle and its landscaped setting, an associated millpond, medieval crofts and cultivation earthworks, and a World War II pillbox at Bodiam
59 m
Great Wigsell
3 km
Abbey Ruins
3.6 km
Old School House
445 m
Oasthouses and barn at Great Dixter to the north west of the house
3.4 km
Brayburn Farm Barn
3.1 km
Large Barn at Great Wigsell to the Southeast of the House
3 km
Milestone Opposite Sandhurst Farm Shop
3.2 km
Bell Farmhouse Bell House
3.1 km
Barn, Now Garages, At Great Dixter To The North Of The House
3.5 km
Ewhurst Green War Memorial
1.5 km
Bodiam Bridge
361 m
Ringle Crouch Farmhouse
3.3 km
Solomon's Garden
3.3 km
The Oasthouses and Granary at Great Wigsell to the Northwest of the House
3.1 km
Baptist Chapel And Former School
3.3 km
The Mill House
1.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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