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During the 1700’s (18th century), Herstmonceux Castle was abandoned by its owners and all the residential builds demolished
Herstmonceux was constructed at a time when castles built as military fortifications were coming to an end. Instead it was designed along the lines of a grand mansion using a newly developed, highly fashionable product of the day – ‘Bricks’.
The castle come mansion is surrounded by a moat so large that it gives the impression that it has been built upon an isolated island inside a lake. The approach to the castle is via a bridge built of the same highly fashionable brick that leads to the gatehouse. Along the walls of the castle and situated in each corner are a series of octagonal and semi-octagonal towers.
Over looking the entrance arch can be found the coat of arms of Sir Roger Fiennes which is carved in stone. The castle never came under attack during its long history which was a good thing. The castle was not really designed to endure sieges, as the bricks it was built from were to thin to withstand any type of cannon or weapons fire for any length of time. As well as the bricks being to thin, another major downside to the castle was its location. It was located in area were it was surrounded by much higher ground to the North, West and East of the castle.
Herstmonceux’s appearance has remained relatively stable over the years with any external modifications carried out being cosmetic. It is the inside of the castle were major work has taken place.
During the 1700’s (18th century) the castle was abandoned by its owners and all the residential builds demolished. During the early part of the 1900’s, the castle was purchased by Claude Lowther who took it upon himself, the arduous task of restoring Herstmonceux Castle to its former glory.
Today, the castle is owned by the Queen's University in Canada.
Tourist InformationOpening Times 15th April – 29th October Closed 25th and 30th July Open from 10.00am – 6.00pm. Last admission 5.00pm. (Closes at 5pm during October) Admission Prices: Gardens & GroundsAdults - £4.95 Children under 15 + Students - £ 3.00 Children under 5 - Free Senior Citizens - £3.95 Family ticket (2 Adults + 3 Children) (1 Adult + 4 Children) - £12.95 Gardens & Grounds + Science CentreAdults - £10.30 Children under 15 + students - £7.00 Children under 5 - Free Senior Citizens - £8.10 Family ticket (2 Adults + 3 Children) (1 Adult + 4 Children) - £31.80
Castle ToursAdults - £ 2.50 children under 15 + students - £1.00
Children under 5 - Free
Senior Citizens - £2.50 Family Ticket - Not applicable with family ticket. Purchase tour tickets individually.
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Sir Roger Fiennes started construction of 
