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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 Scotney's first owner 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.

Scotney is strangely affecting, and trying to describe why is not easy. Saying something deep and meaningful might seem quite reasonable when you are actually there with the atmosphere of the place all around you - though you might sound a bit silly if you say such things when you leave. I feel a bit like George Meredith who went to the well known beauty spot at Box Hill in Surrey, got carried away when he was there and then came down to earth again when he left: "I am every morning at the top of Box Hill - as its flower, its bird, its prophet. I drop down the moon on one side, I draw up the sun on t'other. I breathe fine air. I shout ha ha to the gates of the world. Then I descend and know myself a donkey for doing it." I had the same experience going to Scotney. It might seem strange to find something really out of this world on a daytrip, and like Meredith making claims for such a thing can leave you feeling a bit silly. Be that as it may it seems to me that something deep and meaningful is fitting at Scotney, as castles have always had a link with religious sites.The earliest bank and ditch forts around hill tops were mimicked by banks and ditch religious monuments. 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 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, and circular features such as the moat are still comforting. Go to Scotney. You might see what I mean.

 

 

 

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 demonstrations 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: the gardens are open from 23rd February to 30th October Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5.30pm.

Also from 5th November to 18th December 11am - 5pm weekends only.

Last admission one hour prior to closing.

The old castle is open 11am - 3pm from 23rd February to 30th October, 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.

 

 

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

fax: 01892 890110

e-mail: scotneycastle@nationaltrust.org.uk

web site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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