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Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

 

Sir Edward Dalyngrigge was a soldier and statesman. He had served in the armies of Edward III during England's spectacularly successful period of military campaigning in France in the 1340s. At this time England enjoyed a significant military advantage. The longbow was much more effective than the French crossbow, and England's army was well organised. Military advantage disguised the economic disruption that war causes, and many Englishmen made a great deal of money from war. Edward Dalyngrigge was one of these fortunate men, and returning to England in 1347, following a long and successful military career, he wanted an impressive house to reflect his status. As a loyal supporter of Edward III's successor, Richard II, Dalyngrigge was given permission to fortify, or crenellate, his manor house at Bodiam in East Sussex. Once he'd got this permission, Sir Edward decided to build a completely new house down the hill from his old mansion, and this building became Bodiam Castle, completed in 1385. It was designed primarily to look impressive, and beautiful. With the castle strongly linked to the court of King Richard, Richard's tastes in art and beauty would have influenced its building. The castle had little military significance, but that did not diminish its symbolic power. Since prehistory, castles had mimicked the architecture of religious buildings, providing symbolic as well as physical security.

There is a shop and tearoom.

Opening Times: opening hours at National Trust properties can be complex. Please use contact details below.

Address: Bodiam Castle, Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5UA

Directions: Bodiam Castle is in East Sussex, three miles south of Hawkhurst just off the A21. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on Bodiam Castle.

Access: Access from the carpark is along an uneven shinglepath, and could be difficult. There is easier access along a private road, and there is also a drop off point. Contact the Property Manager in advance.

Contact:

telephone: 01580 830196

e-mail: bodiamcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

web site: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-bodiamcastle.htm