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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 Norman knight, who became the first owner of Scotney after the Norman invasion of 1066. In the fifteenth century Scotney passed to the catholic Darell family. A priest hole can be seen at Scotney, demonstrating difficulties experienced by catholics following Henry VIII's decision to change the religion of Britain to Protestantism.

A religious connection is fitting at Scotney, as castles have always had a link with religious sites. The earliest bank and ditch forts around hill top were mimicked by banks and ditch religious monuments, seen for example at Avebury. Later in history churches and castles continued to share the same architecture. Physical and spiritual security were sought in the same kind of buildings. At Scotney this theme is given a twist. 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 his former moated house into what amounts to a huge garden feature. Part of the house was carefully ruined. All the usual church/castle features usually used to give people a sense of solidity and security were now left in ruin, suggesting transience and insecurity. And yet the atmosphere at Scotney is one of tranquility. The encircling moat, like Avebury's circular banks and ditches, suggests a cycle going round and coming back again. People go to Scotney for a day trip, and it might seem incongruous to claim a spiritual enlightenment for such a journey. But walking around the moat and having a cup of tea in the tea shop is an experience that has more to it than you might think.

 

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.

Address: Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8JN

Opening Times: 28th February to 1st November Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm.

7th November to 20th December, weekends only 11am - 4pm. Last admission one hour prior to closing.

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.

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

 

Contact:

telephone: 01892 893868

infoline: 01892 893820

e-mail: scotneycastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

web site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

 

For plants to complete your garden click on the link below.