 The castle was built between 1385 and 1388 century
by Sir Edward Dalyngrygge who was given a licence by Richard II crenellate his
mansion. However, he chose a
new site further up hill and thus Bodiam became one of the few examples of a castle built
for a private citizen.
The castle is rectangular
in design and reflects the style of earlier buildings with
its symmetry of walls and towers. It is set in an extensive
artificial lake. The original entrance was across a wooden
bridge set at right angles to the castle to a fortified octagonal
island. From here there was a further system of bridges
involving three portcullises, three drawbridges, two fortified
bastions and three doors.
However, despite
these fortifications the castle was incapable of being defended
against heavy cannonfire since its walls were thin and tall,
unlike of later forts built with walls of immense thickness.
It was attacked in 1484 and 1643 and surrendered quickly on
both occasions.
In 1643 the Parliamentarians were ordered
to dismantle the castle.
The castle remained in a ruinous state
until it was partially restored by Cubitt in the late 19th century.
In 1917 Lord Curzon purchased the castle
and undertook its final restoration.
The castle is now reached by a modern
causeway and is owned by the National Trust. |
the
internet holiday and travel guide to the UK
Bodiam
Castle
