Herstmonceux Castle

In 1441 a veteran of the wars with France, Sir Roger Fiennes, was granted the licence to crenellate Herstmonceux in Sussex. A basic quadrangle in plan, and focused on a substantial gatehouse, this building closely resembled the nearby Bodiam Castle. However, Herstmonceux Castle was constructed some fifty years after Bodiam Castle and, by this time, the castle as a military fortification was coming to an end. Fiennes had Herstmonceux Castle built not so much as a stronghold but more along the lines of a grand baronial mansion, the walls being constructed of the newly-fashionable brick rather than stone, and decorated with green sandstone.

This vast mansion is surrounded by a moat so wide that it looks as though it has been built on an island in the middle of a lake. Approaching Herstmonceux Castle over a brick built bridge leads to a most magnificent gatehouse. Along the walls and at each corner of this splendid construction are a series of octagonal and semi-octagonal towers. The centre of the south wall of Herstmonceux Castle displays two impressive semi-octagonal towers with turrets adding increased height, and between these two towers stands the massive gatehouse. Machiolated battlements over the towers and entrance archway mark the point where the semi-octagonal plan ends, and the cylindrical turrets begin. Above the entrance arch the arms of Sir Roger Fiennes are carved in stone. There is a postern gate located in the middle tower of the north wall of the castle. Externally, Herstmonceux Castle appears to have changed little since it was first built, but much alteration on the inside has taken place over the years.

A first impression of Herstmonceux Castle is quite deceiving as its battlements and narrow arrow loop windows give the appearance of a medieval stronghold. Despite these obvious fortifications, Herstmonceux Castle never came under attack, and probably would not have fared very well. Although it looks as though it was built for strength, the emphasis was, in fact, more for display and the brick walls are relatively thin, the flanking towers are quite slender, and there are too many large windows in the castle, especially at lower levels. Neither was it strategically well placed to defend itself against a possible siege, as much higher ground lies to the North, West and East of the castle.

From the 18th century Herstmonceux Castle was abandoned, the residential buildings were demolished, and it fell into a general state of decline. Fortunately, early in the 20th century it was acquired by Claude Lowther who began restoring and rebuilding Herstmonceux Castle to reflect its former glory. Today, although the castle is owned by the Queen's University in Canada and often has working parties in residence, there are daily guided tours for the public. The grounds and courtyard, however, are always open, providing the visitor with pleasant walks, and interesting vistas of this splendid English castle.