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Herstmonceux Castle is a brick-built fortress constructed in 1441 by Sir Roger de Fiennes, representing one of the earliest and most impressive examples of large-scale brick construction in England. The castle features a substantial rectangular curtain wall with corner towers and a gatehouse, originally surrounded by a wide moat, demonstrating the transitional military architecture between the medieval period and the early modern era. Though built during the Hundred Years' War, its design reflects emerging fashions in defensive fortification rather than practical medieval warfare requirements. The castle remained a significant Sussex residence through subsequent centuries and is now notable both as an important architectural monument and as the former home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory.
Herstmonceux Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002298. View the official record →
Herstmonceux Castle is a brick-built fortress constructed in 1441 by Sir Roger de Fiennes, representing one of the earliest and most impressive examples of large-scale brick construction in England. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002298.
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.
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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Research the area around Herstmonceux Castle