Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle built in 1385. It was around the height of the Hundred Years' War, which lasted from 1337 to 1453. The castle is located near a village called "Robertsbridge", East Sussex, southeastern England.

The idea of emergence

Initially, Edward Dalingrigge had no idea of building a castle. His first idea was to use the money he had accumulated during his years as a knight to build a mansion for his family. However, due to the ongoing war and the emerging threat of a French invasion of England, he decided to fortify his estate and turn it into a castle. It was built by Sir Dalingrigge, a former knight of Edward III, who once fought as a mercenary in France. On his return from France to England in 1377, he married Elizabeth, the heiress of the Warde family, who owned the Bodiam estate.

Debt payment

By the time of the English Civil War (1642-1651), Bodiam Castle was owned by Lord Thanet, a descendant of the Lewknor family. For his sympathy for monarchical rule, he was fined by the parliamentarians of England. He had to pay 9,000 pounds, which today amounts to more than 1.6 million British pounds. To pay the fine, he surrendered his property for 6 thousand pounds to a manager named Nathaniel Powell in 1644.

Destruction and restoration

The parliamentarians feared that the lock would be reused in the future, so they dismantled it. In Bodiam Castle, they left the exterior intact. But the building itself changed hands several times in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and was partially restored by some of its new owners. Lord Curzon was able to buy the castle in 1916, and a project to restore it to its former glory was launched in 1919. On his deathbed in 1925, Lord Curzon decided to donate the castle to the National Trust, an organization for the protection of the environment and heritage in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Modern importance

Bodiam Castle is a great place to visit and relive childhood memories of knights in shining armor. It's more than just charming ruins, it's also full of amazing educational activities. Whether it's looking into the past or learning about the current castle and the wildlife that calls it home, this is definitely the place to go. Bodiam Castle, managed by the National Trust, is open all year round except Christmas. Not only is it set against a beautiful rural backdrop, but it is also ideal for those who appreciate the exquisite architecture and great British craftsmanship of the 14th century.