Scheduled MonumentsEnglandHerstmonceux Castle

Herstmonceux Castle

England
List entry 1002298
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Herstmonceux Castle is a fifteenth-century brick-built fortress constructed by Sir Roger de Fiennes between 1441 and 1447, located in East Sussex. The castle represents one of the earliest substantial uses of brick as a primary building material in medieval England, demonstrating the technological and architectural innovations of the late medieval period. Its quadrangular plan with corner towers and surrounding moat exemplifies the domestic military architecture of the age, designed to project both defensive capability and aristocratic status. The structure has undergone significant restoration since the nineteenth century and later served as the home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory before passing into private ownership.

Herstmonceux Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002298. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Herstmonceux Castle?

Herstmonceux Castle is a fifteenth-century brick-built fortress constructed by Sir Roger de Fiennes between 1441 and 1447, located in East Sussex. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002298.

Who is responsible for protecting Herstmonceux Castle?

Herstmonceux Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1002298.

What other scheduled monuments are near Herstmonceux Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Medieval moated site and associated earthworks, Pound Piece, Manxey (3.4 km), Deserted medieval village of Northeye, 885m south-west of Old Road Farm (4.9 km), Pevensey Castle: a Saxon Shore fort, Norman defences, a medieval enclosure castle, and later associated remains (5.7 km).

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