Review: Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

I went to this quaint area of the world last summer, on a little weekend trip that was a birthday gift. My boyfriend and I stayed in a converted train carriage that was nearby! But it was Bodiam Castle, with its perfect moat and towers that truly inspired me. So here is my review of the overall experience, and why it’s a good place for a history buff to visit:

History

Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, who was a veteran of the Hundred Years war, built Bodiam castle between 1385 and 1388. Having made his fortune, when he returned from war he wanted to advertise his new status by building a glorious castle where his current manor was. As the castle was going to be near an estuary (and the River Rother), there was a slight “risk” of a French invasion, and so Richard II granted Dalyngrigge a license to fortify the castle. There are those that argue for Bodium castle being purely for show rather than for battle, but if you go for a visit that is for you to decide!

The castle passed down the generations, and during the Wars of the Roses its Lancastrian owner surrendered it to Yorkist forces. Apart from this, the castle was still inhabitable until the Civil War, when Parliamentary forces badly damaged the interior to prevent it from being used by Royalists.

After the Civil War, the castle stood a ruin for years until 1723, when Sir Thomas Webster purchased it. The third Webster descendent, Godfrey, sold the castle and its land in 1829 to John Fuller, who then restored large parts of the building. Finally, the castle was in the possession of Lord George Curzon, who in 1916 lovingly researched and restored the castle to its current state. The National Trust was granted ownership of it in Lord Curzon’s will. What a nice guy!

Is it worth visiting?

If you’re in the area, then this really shouldn’t be missed.  The castle and its surrounding grounds are also a National Trust area – so take advantage of that membership! (shame on you if you don’t already). 

However, it is a far way out from more populated areas, and so you will need a well-planned trip to make it worthwhile. Bodiam castle is quite literally the quintessential medieval castle. It has a structure that consists of four towers, a large drawbridge and a moat, which makes for an impressive view. You can visit the very top of the tower and get a cracking view of the surrounding village, as well as looking down at the moat itself.  Sadly the inside has not fared as well, and is more of a hollow shell than fully standing rooms:

As is the case with most royal sites, there is a motley crew of interpreters who dress up in medieval gear and act as attendants, but they sadly don’t have an act or sketch. Nonetheless, it’s a great place for kids as there is plenty to climb and lots of cubbyholes to explore inside.

Perhaps most importantly, there is a tea room at the bottom of the hill near the entrance; in my opinion the tea should only be available to those who have climbed to the top of the castle and earnt it!

I was struggling for breath at this point.....

Royal or not?

As beautiful a castle as Bodiam is, it sadly is not royal. The castle is more of a noble residence, and as explored above, was actually built as a permanent residence. It is not inconceivable that royalty was hosted at the castle itself, as Sir Dalyngrigge was renowned for his service in the Hundred Years War. Despite all of this, you would be hard pressed to find a castle that is more picturesque!

Verdict: Worth a peak if you’re passing through.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle/