Saturday, 16 July 2011

Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

Built by a soldier of fortune in the 14th century to show off his power and wealth, Bodiam Castle stood proudly in the East Sussex country side, surrounded by a wide moat, which has now become the playground of an army of ducks.  Hardly a defence against foreign invasion, it was more a grand residence but now sadly in ruins. 

The castle seen here with a massive round tower at each corner and square towers in the side walls. Strangely, its setting was a working estate with farmland, wharf and flour mill.
Within the walls are found the ruins of domestic buildings, including a Great Wall.  There are spiral staircases leading to the towers where there are great views of the Rother Valley.  

Probably the finest of its type among
medieval-moated castles
The orginal portcullis in the gatehouse