Thinking of where I can go and visit a place of history, as there are not many places or gardens open this time of year I found Bodiam Castle open, I have been many times before but not as Julie.
It is now owned by the National Trust is a 14th-century moated castle near Robertsbridge in East Sussex, England. It was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, with the permission of Richard II, ostensibly to defend the area against French invasion during the Hundred Years' War. Of quadrangular plan, Bodiam Castle has no keep, having its various chambers built around the outer defensive walls and inner courts.
Its corners and entrance are marked by towers and topped by crenellations. Its structure, details, and situation in an artificial watery landscape indicate that display was an important aspect of the castle's design as well as defence. It was the home of the Dalyngrigge family and the centre of the manor of Bodiam. During the war, a pillbox was added just encase of the Nazi invading Britain. Which I thought was a bit strange as they had a castle which they could have used!
The wind was a bit chilly and cloudy, but it was nice to be able to get out and explore a castle which only took ten years to build. As I took in the sights, I couldn't resist taking a picture of a posing Robin. I just missed the first tour and had to wait for an hour. Luckily for me, the next tour only had six people and the tour lasted ten minutes before we could go and explore the Castle. I almost wet my knickers with laughter when a woman in the tour said: "They are big Cod!" when she meant to say "Carp", I couldn't say anything as it would make it worse. The fish are in the mote, so if you ever go to Bodiam Castle, remember some food for the fish.
The people back then must be about four feet tall as all the doorways are small, and the steps are very small as well as I had trouble climbing them without going arse over tit down them. And coming down was even worse, so you don't want to be in a hurry.
The glass in the windows was a luxury, back then so not much around unless they plundered the French for money etc... so that is where the majority of the wealth came from. That's if they can get to the sea via the marshland. It's a nice castle to visit, but it gets busy during summer.
I did check out the gift shop on the way out, they did have some discounted items. The women behind the counter thought I worked at Ightham Mote, I said "sorry I don't but have visited it" She was nice. I didn't use the restaurant as It can be expensive and decided to get sausage and chips on the way home. The woman behind the counter at the Fish and Chip shop looked familiar, I'm not sure, but I think I went to the same school. I am sure It will come back to me.
More pictures can be seen on my Flickr page or Click Here for my MediaFire album.
Add comment
Comments