Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a soldier of forture for King Richard II, as both a defence and comfortable home. Bodiam is considered one of the best examples of medieval military architecture with its steep-banked moat, which completely surrounds the castle, its gatehouse with hinged drawbridge, tower and heavy wooden gate, and the masons' marks located on the stonework in the castle which serve to identify each stonemason's handiwork.

Spiral staircases in the towers take one to the ramparts, which afford impressive views over the surrounding countryside (and of dedicated Daddy teleconferencing under the shade of a tree). Along the way bats can be seen and heard, to the delight and consternation of children laboriously climbing to the top.

Internally, the castle is partly ruined, but gives a good idea of the relative luxury enjoyed in a well-appointed 14th-century manor house (with no fewer than 33 fireplaces and 28 lavatories). The kitchens, well room, buttery and pantry, great hall, and chapel are recognizable if one employs a bit of imagination. The guide book helps as well.

Date of Our Last Visit: July 2003