Hever Castle - All Facts You Need to Know

Do you remember ever hearing of Hever Castle? This castle, which is in London, England, was regarded as a country mansion at the time it was built in the 13th century. Also, it was regarded as the family seat of the Boleyn from 1462 to 1539.

After her father, Thomas Boleyn, inherited it in 1505, Anne Boleyn, the future Queen of England under King Henry VIII, spent her young years there. Following the passing of his father, Sir William Boleyn, he inherited the castle. Later, Anne of Cleves, King Henry VIII’s fourth wife, came into possession of it.

We are ready to provide you with knowledge on Hever Castle’s history in England and a number of other areas in Hever Castle in this article today.

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Where is Hever Castle Located?

Hever Castle, a 13th-century building, is located 30 miles southeast of London in the England village of Hever, Kent, close to Edenbridge.

History of Hever Castle

Hever Castle was built over a period of three major phases. The gatehouse and walled bailey that made up the earliest part of the castle was built in 1270. James Fiennes, the first Baron Saye, and Sele later possessed it. The second period began in 1462 when Geoffrey Boleyn, the younger brother of Thomas Boleyn, Master of Gonville Hall, Cambridge, turned the castle, which needed restoration, into a manor.

He extended the walls and built a Tudor home. William Waldorf Astor undertook the third round of maintenance and renovation in the 20th century. In 1505, Thomas Boleyn, the grandson of Geoffrey Boleyn, received the castle. He resided there along with Lady Elizabeth Howard, their kids George, Mary, Anne, and their spouse.

Although it is unknown if Anne was born there, she stayed there until 1513, the year Margaret was transferred to the Netherlands to attend the archbishop’s court and pursue further education. Henry VIII often courted Anne at the nearby Bolbroke Castle.

The property passed into Henry VIII’s possession with the death of Anne’s father, Thomas Boleyn, in 1539. In 1540, as part of a settlement following the dissolution of their marriage, he gave it to Anne of Cleves. Henry VIII still possesses his own lock, which he used to secure every door in Hever Castle and the residences of his numerous nobles.

Tourist Attractions in Hever Castle

Hever Castle is today a popular tourist destination thanks to its connections to Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, as well as its maze, gardens, and lakes. The palace hosts jousting contests and archery exhibitions in the summer. The annual Patchwork & Quilting Exhibition, which is held in September, is one of several events on the calendar each year.

Triathlons and open-water swimming are now held at the fort. Three floors of the castle are home to a sizable collection of antique furniture, Anne Boleyn’s prayer books, torture devices, and Tudor artwork. A Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry Museum is also there.

The gatehouse is the only original building still standing within the castle’s stone walls; the rest of the building is a reconstruction. It is home to England’s oldest functioning original portcullis. There is a 1904-planted yew maze on the castle grounds. A children’s adventure playground and a water maze, both of which were built in 1999 and are intended to let visitors reach the folly in the center without getting wet, are also present. Castle Maze They are presently being renovated. An Italian garden, a rose garden, a herb garden, and a topiary are just a few features of the castle gardens.

Its ability to accommodate overnight visitors, including 28 rooms that may be rented, is what makes the fort special. To put it another way, picture how stunning a stay in Hever Palace would be. Both the Arthur wing and the Anne Boleyn wing have dining areas for breakfast. Three eateries are run by the fort and are situated in the gardens.

Summary

I believe now you have a good understanding of Hever Castle in England. Spending the night at Hever Castle can be a truly amazing experience. So, even if you go to see everything, I think you should still be advised. Remember to carry memories back with you when you visit such historic locations. Our responsibility is to protect and maintain these things.