The English Castle that has
historians in fierce debate, the sound of singing spirits, and
the mystery of what lies beneath? This is Bodiam Castle, one of
England's most picturesque castles, featured in numerous films and TV shows
such as Monty Python and Doctor Who. Erected in 13 85 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, former knight of Edward the third,
and important political figure. The picturesque castle is located
in Robertsbridge, East Sussex. Stay tuned as we explore the countless
stories of its famous hauntings. Hear why historians fiercely debate its
function as a defensive feature and discover what could have been hidden
under the castle for centuries. Bodiam Castle is a four-sided fortress with towers
in each corner. It does not have a central keep but is known as an enclosure Castle. Instead, it
boasts a large gatehouse complete with a tower on each side and a massive inner ward that included
its domestic structures. The castle interior stays in line with the characteristics of most
14th-century buildings in the surrounding area. Sat in the centre of the moat that is fed by a natural spring. Surrounding the moat
was meticulously landscaped scenery, including vast green fields. This location is the
first interesting and debatable design feature, as castles are usually built in locations easy
to defend, such as a hilltop or against a river. The design of the landscape was intended to
make the castle appear larger to those who dare approach. Bodiam Castle had a central
courtyard and numerous domestic buildings built into the castle’s curtain walls. The
castle appears to have been designed to provide comfortable living accommodations,
as well as a display of wealth and power. Today, much of the exterior of Bodiam
Castle is well-preserved and some areas have been extensively restored. The
interior, however, is in a ruinous state. The general consensus is that Bodiam Castle was built as a means to protect the area
from a potential French invasion. However, it’s also agreed that the location is
most unusual, considering its distance from the coastline. The location has led some scholars to
speculate that the fortress was more for visual appeal as opposed to defence. Additionally, the
site has no signs of damage from a siege or war. Despite this, there are numerous defensive
elements to the castle. The roughly-rectangular moat was wide, though it was not very deep. It
was also easily drained. A simple trench could be dug out from the edge of the moat, and as
the surrounding land was lower than the moat, it would have easily drained
within a matter of hours. As such, it’s believed the moat
served as a decorative element, making the fortress appear far more imposing.
This likely served as an intimidation factor or a way for Sir Dalyngrigge to showcase his wealth
and power. However, debate on this continues, as draining the moat would still leave a thick muddy
no-man's land, making it difficult to attack. The Octagon sits in the moat and
is believed to have been manned by a castle guard. Between the island and
the castle was also a two-storey barbican. This outer defensive building included a
portcullis for extra protection and boasted sleeping quarters for a guard. Originally, the
bridge did not lead straight to the castle; instead, it came in from the side. This
would mean an attacking force would be lined up parallel to the castle's
walls, in direct line of the walls, gun-loops, arrow slits, and archers or
gunners along the wall. This serves as evidence that the castle's defensive
features were indeed well thought out. To enter the castle, guests would approach the
gatehouse from a drawbridge. The gatehouse sits between two towers and includes a massive door,
double archway, and portcullis. Additionally, there were machicolations and arrow
slits. Inside the gatehouse pathway were murder holes. It had all the features
of a full defensive medieval gatehouse, one of the strongest pieces of evidence
that Bodiam Castle was built for defence. Each of Bodiam Castle’s four corners boasts
its own three-storey tower. These towers were ascended via spiral staircases and provided
archers with better vantage points. Because the towers rose so high, archers could easily
shoot out over the curtain walls when necessary. Another reason why some scholars reject the idea that Bodiam Castle was built for defence
is because of the castle’s weak points. There are large windows throughout the
fortress, making easy access for potential invaders. Additionally, Bodiam Castle’s rear was
considered a significant weak point, capable of being breached. Further to this, the walls were
considerably thinner than other medieval castles. Being the late medieval period, other castles,
or better known as fortresses at this point, were built with the consideration that
they would have to repel cannon fire. This meant Bodiam was far behind the expected
standard of a defensive building of the time. While it is true that a force consisting of
trebuchets or cannons would quickly demolish the walls and rain death on its occupants, it would
have proved effective at repelling foot troops. Perhaps looking at the history of the decade
it was built, could provide us with answers. Largely overlooked is the fact that the castle
was built just after the Peasants Revolt. These rebel armies may not
have had the siege equipment required to bring down any form of castle. Maybe it was this fear of angry peasant
armies that drove a wealthy but paranoid Sir Edward Dalyngrigge to build
a home with castle-like defence. To me, this is a plausible answer to
the castle's semi-defensive design. In the year 13 85, Sir Edward Dalyngrigge built
Bodiam Castle. It would remain in the Dalyngrigge family from its construction until 14 70, serving
as a fortified home for generations to come. 14 70, Upon the death of the last male
Dalyngrigge heir, Richard Dallingrigge, Phillippe Dallingridge was next in succession.
However, since she had wed Thomas Lewknor, the site passed into the hands of
the Lewknor family by marriage. 14 83, During the Wars of the Roses,
Sir Thomas Lewknor found himself in support of the House of Lancaster. This
greatly bothered King Richard the third, who ordered the besieging of Bodiam
Castle during his reign. Though it is unknown whether the siege actually occurred,
Bodiam Castle was surrendered. The castle suffered no damage during this time, so
it’s believed it wasn’t attacked at all. 14 85. After Richard the thirds reign, Henry
the 7th would later become king. During King Henry the sevenths reign, ownership of Bodiam
Castle was returned to the Lewknor family. 15 88, John Levett of Salehurst purchased
Bodiam Castle. However, his later financial problems led him to sell half of his interest in
the fortress and various other estates. Upon the sale of these lands, the Levett family was
no longer considered powerful landowners. 16 23, The estates of Bodiam were purchased
by Sir Nicholas Tufton, later Earl of Thanet. From 16 31 to 16 41, upon Sir Nicholas Tufton’s
death, his heir, John Tufton, 2nd Earl of Thanet, inherited his estates, including Bodiam
Castle. John Tufton would later sell the castle to pay off his debts to Parliament.
Upon its sale, the castle was dismantled. 17 22, over 80 years after the dismantling of
Bodiam Castle, Sir Thomas Webster purchased the fortress. The castle would pass through
the Webster family for over a century. With its history spanning over 600 years, Bodiam is a well known hotspot for
spiritual and chilling encounters. Some claim to have heard strange, otherworldly
songs resonating from the depths of the castle's chambers. These ghostly echoes are
believed to be tales of monks and nuns, who sought refuge within Bodiam's walls
throughout centuries of civil wars. But the castle is most famous for
the spirit of the Red Lady. The legend of the Red Lady haunting Bodiam
Castle is a tale shrouded in mystery. According to local folklore, the Red
Lady is believed to be the spirit of a noblewoman who once resided within
the castle's walls. Her identity and the circumstances of her demise, vary,
depending on the version of the story. One version of the tale suggests that the
Red Lady was a beautiful but tragic figure, either a mistress or wife of a former lord
of Bodiam Castle. Betrayed by her lover, she is said to have met a
gruesome end within the castle, her spirit forever bound to its halls
as a restless specter seeking revenge. Another interpretation of the legend paints the
Red Lady as a benevolent spirit, haunting the castle to protect its secrets from would-be
intruders. In this version, her red attire symbolizes her fierce loyalty and determination
to safeguard Bodiam Castle, even in death. Regardless of the specifics, numerous
sightings and encounters with the Red Lady have been reported over the years,
often described as a spectral figure cloaked in flowing red garments, drifting
silently through the corridors of the castle. While skeptics dismiss these sightings as
mere folklore or tricks of the imagination, many visitors to Bodiam Castle claim to
have felt an inexplicable chill in the air or sensed a presence watching them from the
shadows, lending credence to the enduring legend of the Red Lady and her haunting presence
within the ancient walls of Bodiam Castle. One of the many secrets about Bodiam Castle
is the stories of hidden tunnels beneath its walls. It is unknown if the Red Lady is
connected to these tunnels in any way. One tunnel was said to have been built as
a secret escape route in case of attack, leading from the castle to
the nearby River Rother. Over the years, there have been various
investigations and explorations around the castle grounds, but no tunnels or secret
passages have been officially documented or uncovered. It's possible that any tunnels
that might have existed were either filled in or have collapsed over time, leaving
behind only speculation and folklore. 18 29, John, Mad Jack Fuller purchased
Bodiam Castle from Sir Godfrey Webster. He began repairing and restoring the
site and added new gates to the castle. John "Mad Jack" Fuller was an eccentric
figure, known for his flamboyant personality, his love of practical jokes, and
his eccentric behavior. He earned the nickname "Mad Jack" due to his
unconventional actions and lifestyle. Fuller was also a wealthy landowner, politician,
and philanthropist. He invested in various ventures, including mining, and became one of the
most significant landowners in Sussex, England. 18 49, George Cubitt, 1st Baron Ashcombe, bought Bodiam Castle and continued carrying
out restoration work on the historic site. In 1916, Lord Curzon purchased the castle upon
George Cubitt’s passing. During this time, the moat was drained, and excavations were
undertaken. Artefacts discovered during excavations were placed in an on-site
museum built under Lord Curzon's orders From 1925 to the present day, the National
Trust has overseen Bodiam Castle. Lord Curzon, dedicated to restoring the castle,
ensured its preservation by donating it to the National Trust upon his death.
Curzon’s restoration work has continued under the trust's stewardship, and the
castle remains under its ownership today. With that, we conclude our
exploration of Bodiam Castle. If you are fortunate enough to live near
this spectacular site and wish to visit, you can find more information about visiting the
castle in the link provided in the description. But our journey through medieval England is far
from over. Join us as we explore Norham Castle, nestled on the English-Scottish border. Learn how
the site became one of the deadliest locations for Highland warriors, and see just how deeply the
bad blood between the English and Scots runs.
