14th Century Bodiam Castle- an Exemplar of Conservation

Meeting nature amongst the grandeur of the ruins of the 14^th century imposing sandstone Bodiam Castle in England surrounded with a moat and majestic towers; is till today a memory of the picturesque castle. We drove though lush green scenery of rolling slopes interspersed with bushes and trees to reach the car park. I recalled reading that River- Rother was near us and in early medieval times Bodiam Castle was built on a crossroad- an important historical destination for trade and strategic position too!

The south entrance of the Bodiam Castle with the 56 steep steps Postern tower in the background

We were here to witness the ‘castle –home’ of Sir Edward Dalyngrigge – the builder of the Bodiam Castle and to view his son’s tomb stone from the year 1408! Additionally, it is a walker’s paradise and we noticed the fascinated- faces of several children looking for adventure amongst the well preserved ruins!! Further Bodiam Castle stands on the River Rother and is visited by boat or canoe too!

We had already discovered remains of 1 medieval bridge, walked over a filmy Moat bridge to a regal Gatehouse with a 14th century portcullis (iron grill gate) and a massive Castle-church wooden main Gate, tried to trace the Lord and Lady’s chambers and the spiritual Chapel- all amongst the ruins of the Bodiam Castle and its approximate map!!

Inside the well preserved ruins of 14th century Bodiam Castle

The Great Hall and the Minstrels

Now we were in the what would have been the Great Hall centuries ago and  imagined the open fire-hearth, dais for the High-table on the east end of the Knight’s Hall where Sir Edward sat during the manor court held in the 1390’s and more used for formal occasions!! A notice requesting to look for the metal hooks on the archways of Minstrels galley, I recalled reading that up ahead, Minstrels performed here and were part of  popular entertainment in the 14^th century, especially on Christian Feast days! Minstrels were the medieval singers or musicians, acrobats, conjurers and jugglers.

I stepped into the Time machine to watch the performance of the legend of King Arthur by Sir Edward’s own Minstrels of the Bodiam Castle! Sometimes they simply played the violin or drums and bells, telling stories or and poetry; entertaining the Lord and the Lady, sometimes sitting, in the Gallery above the Great Hall!

Postern tower- another Entrance of Yester years

Still lost in thoughts of the revelry at the Castle’s Great Hall we came upon a sign posted at the bottom of a rough uneven stone staircase that led up the Postern Tower. It cautioned visitors to be careful as the 56 steps were steep and winding! We had earlier seen it at the back of the Castle when we entered the Bodiam Castle grounds with faded remains of 3 heraldic Shields on it. Initially there was a bridge to the Postern Tower too.

The 14th century quadrangular Bodiam castle with 4 round and 4 square towers

 Staff at the Big Castle

We were impressed to know about the staff members at the Bodiam Castle who managed it all. There were 2 Stewards who looked after the Lord’s Estate and his Household and held the set of keys to the Castle. They collected taxes too in cash but mostly kind!

While locating the Kitchen, Pantry and Buttery for food & wine storage we imagined the fireplaces for cooking and bread- making. We were informed that ‘potatoes were not discovered’ then! Also, that the master-cook was expected to cook improbable dishes like a whole roasted swan or peacock with feathers!!

See and imagine the Chapel at the remnants of Bodiam Castle

We walked into an area marked as a dormitory for the 80 servants or less who slept of wooden beds and straw mats. Were the holes in the wall for drawing heat from the Kitchen-fire to warm the servant’s room? We read that the big cold stone castle held 33 fireplaces, no wonder so many servants were required!

Impressive Conservation Efforts

After exploring the remnants of the ‘family home’ castle we walked out but turned back several times to look at the mesmerizing Bodiam Castle as we entered the little museum building in the cottage outside.

We read about the amazing Conservation story of the Bodiam castle and its artefacts by the National Trust when it was officially handed over to them by Lord Curzon in 1925. A large collection of items were stored in the musty North-east tower till 30 years ago when they were finally moved into the cottage in front of the Castle. Presently an inventory of each and every object is being made, photographed and catalogued for conservation!

A part of the Tombstone of John Dalyngrigge was an engaging display who was the son of Sir Edward and Lady Elizabeth of Bodiam Castle- a fine politician and experienced military man himself.

Part of the tomb of Knight John Dalyngrigge, 1408 CE

Emerald Scenery- Gardens and Environment

Once outside in the panoramic emerald scenery of the Castle we were asked to come back in warmer weather for spotting butterflies, small tortoise –shells, honey bees and peacocks too with the help of a Ranger! The National Trust is sowing seeds, nectar rich flowers and planting trees to create a habitat for more birds and pollinating insects, attracting over 250 species of honey and bumble bees. Furthermore the National trust member added that it is already a popular destination for the sparrow like bird Chiffchaff’s immigration from West Africa covering a journey of 4000 miles in 3 weeks to herald the commencement of Spring at Bodiam Castle in March!! So there are plenty of enthusiastic bird-watchers and children visiting Bodiam castle, trying to spot the domed nests of the Chiffchaff bird made with leaves and stems!

Board announcing Meet the Park Ranger- (Keeper) from April to help in Nature Walks to spot insects, butterflies & birds

Significant Pillbox

On the way out we again noticed a stone structure which was half basement and rest outside so we decided to explore and walked down the slope of the World War II Pillbox; built as part of defence along River Rother in1940. The same thought with which the Castle Bodiam was built in the 14th century!

We drove back with haunting memories of the regal remains of the Castle home of the Dallyngrigge family that has been an empty ruined home for almost 500 years yet survived!

Visitors photography moment- the Movie like set with Moat and the Castle backdrop