The small moated castle at Hever was given a licence to crenellate in around 1340.

The imposing, battlemented gatehouse dates from the 14th century.

The site passed through several families; the most famous being the Boleyns. Ann Boleyn grew up and was courted by Henry VIII at Hever. After Ann and her brother had been beheaded for alleged adultery the castle was appropriated by the Crown.

The castle passed through more hands but remained as a working farmhouse until 1903 when it was bought by William Waldorf Astor.

He restored the castle on a lavish scale and built a mock Tudor village to house the home farm and dairy.

The gardens were landscaped in an Italian style.

Hever Castle Opening Times
2008:Mar-Easter: Wed-Sun, closes 17:00 last entry 16:00; Easter-Oct: daily, closes 18:00 last entry 17:00; Nov: Thur-Sun closes 16:00 last entry 15:00; 1-21 Dec: Thur-Sun ( castle only) closes 16:00 last entry 15:00; Yew Maze and Water Maze Easter-Oct.
Tel: 01732 865224 Hever Castle Website