Visit Castles, Priories and the homes of the famous

 

Little Marshfoot makes an ideal base from whence to visit many beautiful and interesting stately homes.

Local to Hailsham

Michelham Priory

Michelham Priory dates back to the 13th Century.  A former Augustinian priory, it has experienced a very chequered history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ann of Cleves House, Lewes

Ann of Cleves house in Lewes is a 16th century timber-framed Wealden hall-house that formed part of Anne's divorce settlement from Henry VIII in 1541.

 

Lewes Castle

Lewes Castle was begun soon after 1066 by William de Warenne as his stronghold in Sussex but not completed until 300 years later with the building of the magnificent Barbican. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firle Place

Firle Place was originally built of Caen stone, believed to be from a monastery dissolved by Sir John Gage, friend of Henry VIII. Remodelled in the 18th century, it is now similar in appearance to that of a French Chateau.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herstmonceux Castle Gardens

Herstmonceux Castle was originally built as a country home in the mid- 15th - century.  Now the home of a Canadian University, the grounds are open to the public.  It also incorporates the Science Centre

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Clergy House, Alfriston

The Clergy House at Alfriston was the first building purchased by the National Trust in 1896, for £10.  See the medieval hall with a chalk and sour milk floor, the Cottage garden, and enjoy stunning views across the Cuckmere Valley

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pevensey Castle

The moated Pevensey Castle was originally the Roman shore fort of Anderida, rebuilt by the Normans and used as a strategic defence during the Spanish Armada and World War Two. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Further Afield

Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle is a magnificent castle situated on a hill overlooking the river Arun.   Built at the end of the 11th century, it has been, and still is, the residence of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 700 years.

A visit to this castle really is a 'must' for everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Battle Abbey

Battle Abbey was founded by William the Conqueror to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Hastings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fishbourne Roman Palace (Chichester)

Fishbourne Roman Palace was discovered and excavated in the early 1960s.  It was located near to a coastal inlet, just over 2 km west of the Roman town of Noviomagus (Chichester).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle is a perfect example of a late medieval moated castle. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Dixter

Great Dixter House and Gardens.  The house is one of the largest surviving timber framed halls in the country.  The Lutyen gardens restored have been lovingly restored by Christopher Lloyd. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Batemans

Batemans is a beautiful sandstone Jacobean house, home of the writer Rudyard Kipling. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Kent

Leeds Castle

Listed in the Domesday Book, Leeds Castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence for six of England’s medieval queens, a palace of Henry VIII, and a retreat for the powerful and influential.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chartwell

Chartwell is the family home of Britain’s wartime Prime Minister Sir Winstson Churchill.  The rooms remain as they were in Churchill’s time right down to the daily papers and his famous cigars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hever Castle

Hever Castle dates back to the 13th century and is best known as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn (2nd wife of Henry VIII), and also of Anne of Cleves (4th wife of Henry VIII). 

    

 

 

 

 

Down House (Home of Charles Darwin)

Down House is the former home of the English naturalist Charles Darwin and his family. It is located in Downe in the London Borough of Bromley, a suburb 14.2 miles (22.8 km) south east of Charing Cross. It was in the house that Darwin worked on his theories of evolution by natural selection. It is now a museum.