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Scotney Castle, Kent

The name Scotney derives from a small manor near Dieppe. The name was brought to Britain by a French knight, who became the first owner of lands in the area of Lamberhurst, Kent after 1066. In the fifteenth century the Darells became owners of Scotney . They converted to Catholicism, and a priest hole can be seen at Scotney, demonstrating the difficulties experienced by Catholics following Henry the Eighth's decision to change the religion of Britain to Protestantism. The priest hole was used to hide a Jesuit priest who stayed at Scotney in the 1590s, during the reign of Elizabeth the First.

Scotney castle is a beautiful and romantic demonstration of the way society has become more peaceful. By the sixteenth century great houses such as Longleat were being built without any fortification. In the centuries that followed castles were slowly abandoned as places to live. The moated fortified house of the Hussey family was abandoned in the 1830s in favour of a drier and more pleasant location on higher ground in the estate. Edward Hussey turned the moated house into what amounts to a huge garden feature. Part of the house was carefully ruined. The garden is typical of the famous English style which aims for a carefully planned natural appearance. Even ruination is carefully planned to look attractive, amongst all the growth and colour of the plants growing on the carefully ruined walls. Personally I feel that this kind of design is an idealised acceptance of the cycles of life, as all being part of something that can be beautiful.

Edward Hussey's grandson Christopher became a well known writer on architecture. He wrote widely on this subject, his most famous book called, fittingly, The Picturesque.

Events are frequently organised at Scotney. These include gardening demonstration and lectures, and children's fancy dress days. Ring the contact number below for details.

Opening Times: Scotney Castle gardens are open 12th March to 2nd November Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5.30pm. From 8th November to 21st December they are open weekends only 11am - 4pm. Last admission one hour prior to closing.

The house is open from 12th March to 2nd November 11am - 5pm Wednesday to Sunday.

Access: Some paths are very steep. A map showing advised routes is available at reception. Manual wheelchairs are available. Guide dogs are permitted.

Dogs on leads are welcome in the surrounding estate.

Scotney Castle is off the A21 near Lamberhurst in Kent. Click here for a map of the area around Scotney Castle

 

Contact:

telephone: 01892 891081

web site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk