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Finest Fairytale Castle in England
The castle run by the National Trust is found in the centre of Bodiam ,
and is well signposted from the surrounding area.
here for the National Trust Bodiam Castle web Page.
Bodiams main claim to fame is its great medieval military fortress, the last to
have been built in England. This moated fairytale castle was built by Sir
Edward Dalyngrigge between 1385 and 1390 as a protection to the Rother valley from
attack by the French.
The castle was only attacked twice, once in 1484 by Richard III who captured it,
and in 1645 by the Roundheads led by Sir William Waller, who left it in a partially
ruined state.
In 1828 it was purchased by John "Mad Jack" Fuller of Brightling from a
firm of Hastings Builders, who were demolishing it to use as building materials.
Mad Jack spent a lot of time and money repairing the building, and replacing the
main gates.
In 1917 it was acquired by Lord Curzon, who carried out further restoration and
repairs. On his death in 1925 the castle was bequeathed to the National Trust,
and can be visited, and explored to the present day.
In the summer many balloons are launched from the Castle and the surrounding area.
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Opening times:
The castle is run by the National Trust who can be contacted
on 01580-830436, and is open from 14th February to 1st November.
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