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© Mr Clive Read LRPS
IoE Number:
292338
Location:
BODIAM CASTLE, EWHURST ROAD
BODIAM, ROTHER, EAST SUSSEX
Photographer:
Mr Clive Read LRPS
Date Photographed:
13 June 2004
Date listed:
03 August 1961
Date of last amendment:
03 August 1961
Grade
I
NOTE - The Images of England website consists of images of listed buildings based on the statutory list as it was in 2001 and does not incoporate subsequent amendments to the list. For an updated version of the statutory list you should visit our LBOnline database http://lbonline.english-heritage.org.uk/Login.aspx
TQ 72 NE BODIAM EWHURST ROAD
6/12 Bodiam Castle
3.8.61
I
This building is an example of the latest period of military architecture of the
Middle Ages. It was built by Sir Edward Dalingridge in the years following 1385,
when he was given a licence to crenellate. The castle is built of sandstone ashlar
quarried at Wadhurst. It takes the form of a hollow court-yard set in a wide moat.
It is of 2 storeys with a castellated parapet over. At the four corners are round
towers of 3 storeys similarly embattled-and with vices containing the stairways.
In the centre of the south, east and west sides are projecting square towers
similarly embattled, the south one with machicolation below the parapet. This
tower contained the postern gate which had a drawbridge across the moat. In the
centre of the north side are two similarly projecting square towers with a recessed
portion between and on each side, and-machicolation over the whole. Four centred
archway with portcullis. This was the main entrance of the- castle and drawbridge
across the moat. Loop windows, some with pointed heads. The hall and kitchen
were on the south side of the internal court-yard, the living rooms on the east
side, but most of the buildings behind the outer walls are now ruinous. The castle
passed by marriage to the Lewknor family in 1470. It was partly dismantled during
the Civil War. It was bought by Lord Curzon in 1917, restored in 1919 and
bequeathed by him to the National Trust in 1925. Ancient Monument.