Hever Castle is a Tudor mansion of breathtaking beauty encircled by some of Britain's loveliest gardens. It was once the residence of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII's tragic second wife. It may not be as large as Leeds Castle, nor does it have the seething menace and military honors of its seaside cousin, Dover, but it is rich in history, grandeur, and charm and among the most beautiful castles of England.When visitors first see Hever Castle, they can't help but question if it's genuine, as it appears like something out of a fairy tale. It isn't a large castle, but it is towering, with compact spires and a wooden entrance hoisted over the moat by enormous chains. Meanwhile, the Castle's exterior has been overtaken by vegetation, which has decorated it in gorgeous shades of green.
Let's Learn The History Of Hever Castle
The Hever Castle Property is steeped in history; it was, after all, Anne Boleyn's childhood residence. The initial medieval defensive Castle included a gatehouse and a fortified bailey.
Before William Waldorf Astor spent time, wealth, and passion in repairing the Castle, developing the 'Tudor Village,' and designing the gardens, lake, and golf course, it was held by various households. The present proprietors of the Hever Castle Property are the Guthries, a Scarborough-based Yorkshire family.
Let's Explore The Castle
The Interior Tour Begins With The Inner Hall
The Great Kitchen was set in the Inner Hall during the Tudor era. The sculptor William Silver Frith sculpted the Italian walnut woodwork and pillars as part of William Waldorf Astor's renovation of Hever Castle in 1905. The rood screen of King's College Chapel in Cambridge influenced the balcony above the hall. The Tudor rose symbol is featured on the ceiling, which is designed in Elizabethan fashion.
The Domesticated Drawing Room
In the Tudor time, this chamber served as a domestic office, and during renovation, it was renamed the Drawing Room. Frank Loughborough Pearson, the architect, planned and paneled it for William Waldorf Astor. The oak woodwork was influenced by the Elizabethan Wood inlay Hall at Sizergh Castle in Cumbria and is carved with bogwood and holly.
The Book Lover's Library
During the Tudor era, this room served as the administrative quarters, and during the Castle’s remodeling, it was transformed into the Library. Grinling Gibbons' influence is seen in the sabicu wooden sculptures. The bookshelves are replicas of those previously belonging to Samuel Pepys, the chronicler. Johann Jakob Astor, the originator of the Astor dynasty, is portrayed in a painting above the hearth.
The Bedroom Of Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn grew up in Hever Castle, which had been in her family since 1462. This room is supposed to have been her bedroom in the past. The half-domed ceiling was added in the 15th century to provide the impression of more light and ventilation. There is a stunning painting of Anne wearing her iconic 'B' neckpiece and a French cap in the chamber. However, the bedhead marked 'Part of Anne Boleyn's bed from Hever 1520' is not original and is more than probably a Victorian item designed to pique visitors' interest.
The Astor Suite
This area of the Castle is focused on the Castle's relatively recent history. It houses photographs and mementos from the Astor clan, who owned the property for eight decades. They renovated, expanded, and improved the old rooms before searching the globe for artworks, furniture, rugs, tapestries, and other artifacts worthy of equipping and adorning their magnificent home.
The Long Gallery
The Long Gallery, which spans the whole length of the Castle, was built in the 1600s. It served as a venue for entertaining guests, exercising, and exhibiting art treasures. Paneling from the 1600s can be seen here. Nathaniel Hitch remodeled the roof in the Tudor fashion in the early 20th century.
The chronicle of the Tudors is recounted through 18 unique portraits exhibited in dynastic sequence, beginning with Henry VI and concluding with Henry VIII.
The Castle Courtyard
The disparity in antiquity between the 1300s Gatehouse and the timber-framed Tudor extensions is most noticeable in the Castle Courtyard. The front wooden palisade is claimed to be among the country's oldest functional portcullises, and William Waldorf Astor restored the drawbridge, which can still be lifted.
Don't Skip The Hever Castle Gardens
The gardens at Hever Castle are one of the most spectacular in the country, with meticulously designed landscapes that are vibrant with color throughout the year, spanning 125 acres of property. Summer and fall are both wonderful times to visit the flower fields, which cover the floor in a spectrum of colors. Hever Castle also has a beautiful yew labyrinth that is a popular attraction for both children and adults.
In the classic English Rose Garden, tourists can wonder at the Pompeiian Wall and antique statuary; observe the huge topiary chess set, and absorb the aroma of roses.
The Loggia, which overlooks the 38-acre pond, is a great place to unwind before going on a tour of the many waterfalls, grottoes, and springs. Year-round, visitors can meander through the Tudor Garden, Rhododendron Walk, and Blue Corner, which provide color and intrigue.
Hever Castle is a wonder for visitors who may learn about its history while appreciating its grandeur. The stunning interiors of the castle make visitors want to stay in a Castle. Tourists can also unwind on the Castle's vast grounds. If tourists want to see hidden gems in London, then please know that this one is also quite close to the city and a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and architecture connoisseurs alike.