The adventure begins
We arrived safe and somewhat sound after our 17 hour flight … premium economy, business class and cattle class tried them all and as I don’t like to fly I think our next option will be cattle class with stop overs.
Our accommodation is Courtyard cottage in Lyminster near Bognor Regis … lovely two story cottage with all the mod cons.
After a marathon 12 hour sleep we headed off to see Hever Castle and a local Saxon church.
Hever Castle childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
The building started out as a small keep in the late 12th century. The Sheriff of Kent was given approval to fortify the building in 1271 just before the Battle of Evesham (Simon De Montfort was defeated in the battle). The keep has all of the usual defences … a moat, a drawbridge, no less than three portcullises and of course murder holes.
By the time the Tudor Manor was built inside the original curtain wall of the 12th century keep these fortifications were no longer needed … but they are still visible.
The manor was improved by Thomas Boleyn Anne’s father. Anne used to escape to Hever to avoid Henry VIII … sort of a breathing space from him attentions. Henry stayed there both during their courtship and after their marriage.
Over the centuries the building began to decay until William Astor bought it in 1903 and spent an astonishing ten millions pounds on restoring it … including a 100 room extension built to look like a Tudor village.
While the restoration touched almost all of the building you can still see the 12th century keep, the entry hall built by Thomas Boleyn along with original fireplaces and wall panelling.
The grounds were lovely with plenty of ducks and swans.
We also stopped in at the Lyminster church St Mary Magdalene a beautiful 11th century Saxon church. The church is grade 1 listed … the highest listing you can get.
The weather was fantastic. About 11C and slightly overcast … no heat …wonderful!!!
Dont forget to look at the Hever Castle photo gallery.
Enjoy
