Bodiam Castle
Bodiam Castle is a 14th century moated castle located in East Sussex, England. Sir Edward Dalyngrigge built the fortress in 1385. Dalyngrigge designed the castle to defend against a French invasion during the Hundred Years’ War. The castle is a quadrangular design with the chambers located on the outer walls and inner courts. The towers at each of the entryways and corners served as lookout posts. Unlike the majority of castles, Bodiam castle does not hold a keep. The moat once served as a sewer system for the castle’s thirty toilets, so although it was pretty, it didn’t smell nice. The castle passed to the Lewknor family through marriage, but was sold in 1641 by then owner Lord Thanet. Once purchased the castle was dismantled and fell into ruin. The castle was purchased in 1829 by John Fuller who began restorations. The next two owners, George Cubitt and Lord Curzon, did further restoration work. Upon his death in 1925, Lord Curzon donated the castle to The National Trust. The castle is one of England’s most beloved castles with its impressive three-story towers and broad moat. The castle boasts gun loops, a static bridge, curtain walls, and machicolations that were used to throw objects and substances at invaders. Although the exterior is extraordinary, the interior is in ruins. Bodiam Castle is open to the public. There is a tearoom, gift shop, and second hand bookstore for visitors.
