In the mid 14th century Scotney passed from the family of that name to Roger Ashburnham. He is said to have built the existing castle about thirty years later, with ongoing modifications being made over many years leading to the very irregular layout we see today.

The castle consists of an inner and outer ward, both being islands within a moat forming a lake. A causeway on the north-west side leads over the moat to the outer ward. There was originally a drawbridge, a gatehouse and four towers of which only the south tower now remains.

This stunning castle is well signposted from the road with plenty of parking and facilities for the many tourists who are attracted to Scotney Castle.

For anyone interested in exploring castles, the manicured lawns, beautiful fauna and flora and mirror perfect lake, provides a stunning setting for this little castle.

A walk round the lake provides a wonderful 360 view of the castle reflected from the lake, so perfect for photo's.

A closer look round the castle ruins provides unexpectingly plenty to see of interest. A walk round the grounds you'll find more remnents of the castle ruins which provides a more complete picture how it would have looked and scale of the castle in its hey-day.

~ History ~

1380's - Roger Asburnham begins building of Scotney castle following increased French raids along the Kent & East Sussex coastline.

1418 - Roger's son alienates the Archbishop of Canterbury who uses the castle on occasions. He gives it to his niece Florence on the occasion of her marriage to John Darell.

1630's - The Darell family begin building a new ashlar-faced mansion in the middle of the inner ward but lack sufficient funds to complete it.

1590's - Following the Reformation the Darell family remain catholic and in a wall between the wing and house a secret chamber is used to hide their priest, Father Richard Blount. He is finally betrayed in 1598, although he remains secure in the hiding place whilst the authorities search the castle for an entire week.