Located southeast of Lamberhurst, Kent, Scotney Castle is named after the De Scoteni family who held the land here.
The river which divides the two counties of Kent and Sussex once ran through the center of the ground on which the house stands.
History of Scotney Castle
Walter de Scoteni held it in the 13th century. He held a total of 14 knights’ fees and was found guilty of poisoning both Richard, Earl of Gloucester, and his brother, William de Clare, he was later hanged for his crimes. The estate continued in the same family till c 1350’s when it went to the Ashburnhams.
The original property of Scotney Castle may have been a manor house, as it is reported that in the reign of Richard II (1377-99), the property was castellated, however, it was Roger Ashburnham who built the castle here c 1358.
In the 15th century, the property went to Henry Chicheley, Archbishop of Canterbury, who resided there and he in turn gave it to his niece on her marriage to John Darrell.
The property had been built into the designed secret hiding places, which were used in the 16th century by a Jesuit priest to avoid arrest, as at that time they were regarded as enemies of the state.
In the 17th century, a house was built as an attachment to the castle.
In 1724 the property was sold to Mr. John Richards of Robertsbridge, who sold it, and the farm adjoining, to Edward Hussey who built a new house in 1837 which enjoyed the picturesque view of the ruined castle.
The Scotney Castle’s property is now in the hands of the National Trust.
Scotney Castle Visitor Info
For updated details about opening times and tickets visit the official website.
You also can get in touch with Scotney Castle’s office using these contact details.
Phone: 01892893820 (Infoline)
Scotney Castle Location
Scotney Castle is located at the following address: Lamberhurst, Kent TN3, UK. Use the map provided below to get help with directions: