Eynsford Castle, Eynsford (Kent)

The substantial stone walls of a very early Norman 'enclosure castle'

Summary 13th century buildings (or older)

Introduction

 The substantial stone walls of a very early Norman 'enclosure castle', begun c.1085-7 and unusually little altered by later building works. This rare survival stands in an attractive village setting, not far from Lullingstone Roman Villa.

History to the present day

Eynsford Castle presents a rare survival of an early Norman 'curtain wall' castle, undisturbed by later building activity.

There was an earlier building on the site, but little is known about this structure, except that it was the focal point of a Saxon settlement.

The impressive curtain wall was built between 1085-87, probably by William de Eynsford I, a knight and sheriff of Kent. The defences were further strengthened in the late 11th or early 12th century and a hall and associated buildings were erected inside the castle walls.

In 1261 Eynsford castle and estate were divided between the Kirkeby and Criol families, causing much dispute. The conflict reached a climax in 1312 when Nicholas de Criol and his supporters broke in and vandalised Eynsford Castle as a protest against Judge William Inge who had bought the castle from the Kirkeby family. After the vandalism the castle was abandoned.

Eventually the castle passed into the ownership of the Hart Dyke family of nearby Lullingstone Castle and by the mid-18th century Eynsford Castle was used for stabling and the kennelling of hunting hounds. 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Eynsford Castle, Kent, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

 

1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm Mon - Sun

1 Oct-30 Nov 10am-4pm Mon - Sun

1 Dec-31 Jan 10am-4pm Wed - Sun

1 Feb-31 Mar 10am-4pm Mon - Sun

24-26 Dec and 1 Jan CLOSED

 

Admission prices:

 

Adult:Free

Children:Free

Concession:Free

 

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photographic Library.