Farleigh Hungerford Castle, England

Farleigh Hungerford Castle, (also referred to as Farleigh Castle or Farley Castle), is a medieval castle built in two phases: the inner court was constructed between 1377 and 1383 by Sir Thomas Hungerford on the site of an existing manor house overlooking the River Frome.

The castle remained in the hands of the Hungerford family for most of the next two hundred years, despite periods during the War of the Roses in which it was held by the Crown following the attaintment and execution of members of the family. At the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by Sir Edward Hungerford. Edward declared his support for Parliament. As a result the castle was seized by Royalist forces in 1643, but recaptured by Parliament without a fight near the end of the conflict in 1645.

Sir Edward Hungerford, inherited the castle in 1657, but his gambling habit forced him to sell the property in 1686. By the 18th century the castle was no longer lived in by its owners and fell in disrepair; in 1730 it was broken up for salvage.

The castle chapel was repaired in 1779 and became a museum of curiosities, complete with the murals rediscovered on its walls in 1844 and a number of rare lead anthropomorphic coffins from the mid-17th century.

The castle is now owned by English Heritage. Today visitors can follow the story of the fortified mansion and the Hungerford family who occupied it for 300 years.

Opening Times

The castle opens daily at 10am. Open days and closing times vary throughout the year. Please check the website.

Visit website for more information

Ticket Prices

Adult: £4.00
Child: £2.40 (5-15yrs)
Concession: £3.60
English Heritage Member: Free.

Visit website for more information

Disabled Facilities

Access to castle: Castle ruins are negotiable via steps and rough paths. Chapel accessible through garden and chair lift. Difficult spiral staircase to upper floor of museum but virtual tour enables exhibit in upper level of museum and inaccessible area to be explored via touch screen. Benches and seats provided.

Grounds: Accessed on impacted gravel, tarmac, paved and earth paths and fairly smooth grass. Some cobbled areas. Wheelchair access is confined to top lawns.

Shop and toilet are both accessible.

Visit website for more information

More Information

Visit website for more information