Hever Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in England. Surrounded by a moat, with its impressive gatehouse and fine tudor buildings, set in stunning grounds, this fortified manor is is fabulous place to explore.

The modern medieval looking village that back on to the castle, provides the perfect backdrop for this picture perfect Kent castle.

Makes for a fabulous day out.

~ History ~

1280's ~ William de Hever is created sheriff by King Henry I.

1340 ~ A later William de Hever is granted a licence to crenellate the manor. One of his daughters marries Sir Reginald de Congham. Joan, the eldest daughter, buys her sister's share of the estate which then becomes the property of the Cobham's.

1384 ~ Sir John de Cobham recieves a grant to crenellate his fortified farmhouse. At the same time another Cobham builds himself Cooling Castle near the Thames estuary.

1423 ~ Sir Stephen Scrope's son, who inherited his father's purchase of Hever Castle, sells the castle to finance his expedition to fight in the French Wars. The castle is brought by Sir Roger Fiennes. It later passes to his brother James, Baron of Saye and Sele.

1462 ~ The 2nd Baron Saye sells the castle to Sir Geoffrey Bullen, Lord Mayor of London.

1505 ~ Sir Thomas Bullen enherits the property. He has three children, George, Mary & Anne. Anne later becomes King Henry VIII's mistress and later still his youngest daughter King Henry's wife.

It is Anne's refusal to follow her sister's path as Henry's mistress without a promise of marriage, that sets England on collision course with Spain & the Catholic church upon Henry's decision to divorce his Queen, Catherine of Aragon.

1536 ~ Despite giving King Henry a daughter, the future Queen Elizabeth I, repeated miscarriages and a still-born son, combined with Henry's new passion for Anne's maid of honour, Jane Seymour, leads to Anne being trapped with trumped up charges and beheaded for High Treason. Her brother George is also beheaded for adultery with Anne, his sister. Their father Sir Thomas is allowed to live out the rest of his days at Hever.

1538 ~ Upon Thomas's death, King Henry decides to take Hever for himself, as widower of Anne.

1540 ~ Upon divorcing his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, he allows her to live at Hever castle.