Westenhanger Castle and Medieval Barns, Kent

A complex of 14th century castle and 16th century barns Westenhanger was once one of the largest houses in Kent.

The de Criol family was initially responsible in 1343 for the early building of a permanent structure on the site. The castle stayed in the family until the War of the Roses (1461) when Sir Thomas de Criol was beheaded by Queen Margaret of Anjou and the castle passed to his to son-in-law Sir John Fogge. At this point the castle contained 126 rooms.

In 1588 Queen Elizabeth used the castle as the command centre for Kent’s 14,000 troops who were defending the south coast from the Spanish Armada.

In 1656, the exiled Charles II was persuaded to return to England, and Westenhanger, ideally located close to the English coast. There was a plot ot murder him while at Westenhanger, but the King was forewarned and escaped with his life.

Through the centuries, the castle has suffered serious neglect and in 1701 much of it was taken down. Since the mid 1990s, the current owners have been working to consolidate the stonework and prevent further deterioration of the manor house and associated buildings. The impressive medieval barns which stand intact outside the curtain wall have recently been reunited with the castle under one ownership and work is ongoing to restore these barns to something near their original state.

The castle is now hired out as a conference and wedding venue and is open to visitors.

There is a small shop in the grounds with light lunches and beverages available.

Opening Times

The castle is open to the public every Tuesday from May to September
At other times by prior arrangement with 24 hours notice. Group tours also by arrangement.
Phone 01227 738451

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Ticket Prices

Adult: £5.00
Child: £3.50 (under 12)
Child under 4: Free
Other: £7.50 (per person, pre-arranged group visits).
Free for organised Educational Visits.

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Disabled Facilities

Access for wheelchairs within the keep. Dog must be kept on leads.

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More Information

Telephone: 01303 261 068
Email: terrywhitling@tiscali.co.uk

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