Bodiam
Castle is a 14th century moated near Roberts Bridge in East Sussex,
England. It was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge a forme knight of
Edward II, with the permission of Richard II, ostensibly to defend the area
against French invasion during the Hundred Year’s War. Bodiam Castle has no
keep having its various chambers built around the outer defensive walls and
inner courts. Its corners and entrance are marked by towers, and topped by
crenellations. Its structure details and situation in an artificial watery
landscape indicate that display was an important aspect of the castle’s design
as well as defense. It was the home of Dalyngrigge family and the center of the
manor of Bodiam. Possession of Bodiam Castle passed through several generations
of Dalyngrigges, until their line became extinct, when the castle passed by
marriage to the Lewknor family. During the Wars of Roses Sir Thomas Lewknor
supported the House of Lancaster, and when Richard III of the House of York
became King in 1483, a force was dispatched to besiege Bodiam Castle.
It is unrecorded
whether the siege went ahead, but it is thought that Bodiam Castle was surrounded
without much resistance.b The castle was confiscated, but returned to the Lewknors
when Henry VII of the House of Lancaster became king in 1485. Descendants of
the Lewknors owned the castle until at least the 16th century. By
the start of English Civil War in 1641, Bodiam Castle
was in the possession of John Tufton. He supported the royalist cause and sold
the castle to help the pay fines levied against him by parliament. The castle
was left as a picturesque run until it purchase by John Fuller in 1829. Under
his auspices the castle was partially restored before being sold to George
Cubitt 1st Baron Ashcombe and later to Lord Curzon, both of whom
undertook further restoration work. The castle is protected as a 1st grade listed building and Scheduled Monument. It
has been owned by the national trust since 1925 donated by Lord Curzon on
his death and is opened to the public.
