History Through The Ages - Bodiam Castle - Medieval Times | Castles of England | British History

Well, what better way to start off my first “Out & About” post than talk about my most favourite place ever! Bodiam Castle. If you want to experience what life was like 500-750 years ago this castle is an ideal place to start. It really is like a fairytale castle.

When was it built?
The castle was built around 1380-85 by Sir Edward Dallingridge and his wife Elizabeth. Sir Edward was once a knight of King Edward III. He and his wife lived in a time of trouble including the Black Death in 1348 which led to social upheaval and later on culminating the start of the Wars of The Roses.

During the second half of the fourteenth century, the war in France had brought Sir Edward much fortune. With the permission of King Richard II, Sir Edward built and designed the castle in order to be able to defend the area of East Sussex from a French invasion. However, no such invasion came and Bodiam Castle never witnessed a siege during that time.

The castle was then handed down through several generations of the Dallingridge family until their line became extinct and was passed on to the Lewknor family through marriage. During the War of the Roses, Sir Thomas Lewknor supported the House of Lancaster, when Richard III, from the House of York, became king. A force was then sent to besiege Bodiam Castle. No real battle was appeared to have been fought and the king's army was met with little resistance. The castle was taken from the Lewknor family until it was returned to them after King Henry VI, from the House of Lancaster, became king in 1485.

The Lewknor family managed to keep it until the 16th century. At the start of the Civil War in 1641 records show that Lord Thanet was in possession of the Castle. However, he supported the Royalist cause and subsequently got into debt. He sold the castle in order to pay off the fines imposed on him by parliament.

The castle then became a ruin for many years and passed several hands, whom of which attempted to restore it before, at last, being bought by Lord Curzon in 1917 whom later bequeathed the castle to the National Trust.

Bodiam Castle really depicts the perfect view of an English fairytale castle. While it is true that it never really witnessed a true battle, it has witnessed social and political upheaval which has challenged its very existence. Now it is open to the public thanks to the National Trust so that you can learn so much about its history.

The Design of the Castle:

The castle is of a quadrangular design or what we call a courtyard castle. These kinds of castles have curtain walls with towers at each corner. Typically it has no gatehouse but the buildings are housed around the walls so that the middle provides a courtyard. It is interesting that a survey showed only 10% of castles built in England were of this type built between 1272 and 1422. No castles of this type were built in Wales.

What you can see and do:
When visiting the castle you can experience the history of the castle and what life was like so many hundreds of years ago. Special days and events are also on offer, especially during the holidays and summertime. You can also enjoy a picnic while admiring the view from the castle.

For information contact the National Trust


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