Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, England.
XIV century.
Scale 1:180.
Difficulty; 8/10.
Size (mm) 440 x 320 x 140.
The monument and its history
Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle near Robertsbridge in East Sussex, England. It was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, with the permission of Richard II, ostensibly to defend the area against French invasion during the Hundred Years' War.
Of quadrangular plan, Bodiam Castle has no keep, having its various chambers built around the outer defensive walls and inner courts. Its corners and entrance are marked by towers, and topped by crenellations. Its structure, details and situation in an artificial watery landscape indicate that display was an important aspect of the castle's design as well as defence.
It was the home of the Dalyngrigge family and the centre of the manor of Bodiam. Possession of Bodiam Castle passed through several generations of Dalyngrigges, until their line became extinct, when the castle passed by marriage to the Lewknor family.
After the English Civil War the castle was dismantled, and was left as a picturesque ruin until its purchase by John Fuller in 1829. The castle was partially restored before being sold to George Cubitt, and later to Lord Curzon, both of whom undertook further restoration work.
The castle is protected and owned by The National Trust since 1925, donated by Lord Curzon on his death, and is open to the public.
