Bodiam Castle 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.
Dalyngrigge was a wealthy landowner who had fought in France during the Hundred Years' War. He was also a close friend of Richard II, and he was granted permission to build a castle at Bodiam in 1385.
The castle was built in just two years, and it was completed in 1387. It is a quadrangular castle with a moat, four corner towers, and a gatehouse. The walls are topped by crenellations, and there are machicolations above the gatehouse.
Bodiam Castle was designed to be both a defensive structure and a luxurious home. The castle walls were thick and strong, and the moat provided an extra layer of protection. However, the castle also had a number of features that made it comfortable and liveable, such as a great hall, a chapel, and a solar.
Bodiam Castle was never attacked during the Hundred Years' War, but it did play a role in the Wars of the Roses. In 1484, the castle was besieged by Richard III. The siege lasted for several weeks, but the castle eventually surrendered.
After the Wars of the Roses, Bodiam Castle fell into disrepair. It was owned by a number of different families over the centuries, but it was never properly maintained. In the 18th century, the castle became a popular tourist attraction, and it was visited by many famous people, including William Wordsworth and J.M.W. Turner.
In 1917, Bodiam Castle was acquired by Lord Curzon, who began a program of restoration. The restoration work was continued by the National Trust after Curzon's death in 1925.
Today, Bodiam Castle is one of the best-preserved moated castles in England. It is a popular tourist attraction, and it is also a popular venue for weddings and other events.
Here is a brief timeline of the history of Bodiam Castle:
1385: Sir Edward Dalyngrigge is granted permission to build a castle at Bodiam.
1387: Bodiam Castle is completed.
1484: Bodiam Castle is besieged by Richard III during the Wars of the Roses.
18th century: Bodiam Castle becomes a popular tourist attraction.
1917: Bodiam Castle is acquired by Lord Curzon, who begins a program of restoration.
1925: Bodiam Castle is bequeathed to the National Trust.
Bodiam Castle is a significant historical site, and it is a valuable part of England's heritage. It is a reminder of a time when castles were both defensive structures and luxurious homes.
