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Visiting Westenhanger Castle
Can You visit Westenhanger Castle?
The best way to visit Westernhanger Castle is to book a table at the on-site restaurant. It operates mostly as a wedding and conference centre meaning day visits are not recommended or may not always be welcome during such private events. If you are visiting in the summer you may also want to check out the events page as they hold other events or have more opportunities to visit, for example you can book a picnic.
Parking
On-site customer parking (free)
Price
a Picnic visit will cost you £30 pp and a restaurant booking will cost whatever you purchase
Opening
Mon - Sun, 8am - 12am
History of Westenhanger Castle (Time Line)
The following dates are rough and may have been a couple of years out as different sources report slightly different dates.
-1035
Original estate was established by King Canute
-1343 (Construction)
The first permanent stone castle was built by the de Criol family. IT remained with the family until the War of The Roses when Thomas de Criol was beheaded by the order of Queen Margaret. This included tall walls that you can see today and 8 towers (2 still exist).
-1400
Additional Curtain wall was built
-1461
After the death of Thomas de Criol the castle passed to his Son-in-Law Sir John Fogge. By this point a large fortified manor house was added with 126 rooms.
-1509
The Manors of Westenhanger and Ostenhanger were merged into one, under the ownership of Sir Edward Poynings
-1588
Queen Elizabeth used the castle and grounds as a command centre for the 14.000 troops of Kent who were defending the coast against the Spanish Armada, should they break the British Fleet.
-1656
Exiled Charles II was told to head to the castle, this was a trap as hundreds of armed men were to hide in the surrounding woodlands to enter and kill the king. However, this never happened as the plan was leaked and he never fell for the trap by returning.
-1701
The original manor house was demolished.
-1701 - Present
The manor House was rebuilt some time in the 18th Century and has been in private hands, now operating as a popular wedding venue as well as being carefully preserved by its owners and English-heritage.
Westenhanger Castle Occupants
Westernhager Castle has been occupied and linked to many members of royalty over the centuries. Its primary and original occupants were arguable the de Criol family.
Castle Occupancy/Control...
- 11th century - King Canute (estate only)
- 14th centaury - de Criol family
- 15th century - Sir John Fogge
- 16th century - Sir Edward Poynings
The castle has been connected a great number of royalty over the centuries in addition to its main occupants including Henry II, Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth.
Westenhanger Castle Q&A
Feel free to ask and answer any further questions in the comments section at the bottom of the page and I will do my best to ensure useful answers are shown here.
What Type of castle was Westenhanger Castle?
Westenhanger is considered a fortified Manor house. In its hay day this would've included a large wall structure with 8 towers and attached manor house.
How Big Was Westenhanger Castle?
You may need to use your imagination. From the images try to picture 8 of those towers connected by the large walls you see today.
What was the main use of Westenhanger Castle?
The castle never saw siege or battle itself and was used mainly to house the wealthy. Its only real use was the command post for the troops of Kent during the attempted invasion of the Spanish Armada.
When Was the First Westenhanger Castle Built?
Although evidence clearly shows their was an estate built by King Canute in the 11th century the castle was first built in 1343.
Location of Westenhanger Castle
The Location of Westenhanger Cathedral can clearly be seen by the remaining structures and the current day manor house.