Castles in Kent

A few weeks ago John and I spent a few days in Kent and East Sussex exploring the beautiful countryside of what is called 1066 country -- the area near where the Battle of Hastings occurred in October 1066 during the Norman conquest of England and the point at which William the Conquerorgained control of England, becoming its first Norman ruler as King William I.

The area is dotted with castles and manor housed. Bodiam Castle is one of the most picturesque castles in the area. It was constructed in 1385 for Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, who became a wealthy man after fighting for his country in France and marrying heiress Elizabeth Wardedieu.

Set in the middle of a beautiful moat, the castle really is well preserved with so many of the stairwells still accessible and allowing access to turrets and some amazing views.

On most weekends reenactments of every day castle life are acted out in the castle giving visitors a feel of life in the 16th century. Sadly, on this rainy weekend, there was no such reenactment.

Much of the interior of the castle is in ruin but it is fun to explore, none-the-less.

This is Batemans, Rudyard and Carrie Kipling’s home. 'That's She! The Only She! Make an honest woman of her - quick!' was how the Kiplings felt the first time they saw Batemans.

Batemans was Kipling's home from 1902 until his death in 1936. The house, along with the surrounding buildings, the mill and 33 acres was purchased for £9,300. It had no bathroom, no running water upstairs and no electricity, but Kipling loved it.   It is easy to see why.  Kent is filled with beautiful countryside, castle, estates, and gardens.  I look forward to returning in better weather.