The thumbnails below are linked to larger pictures
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Hever Castle is located in Edenbridge Kent, west of Tonbridge. Hever owes much of its current splendor to Lord Astor, who spent large sums from his personal fortune restoring it in the early part of the 20th century and filling it with treasures. The immaculate castle which dates back to the 13th century, is more like a large manor house and in Tudor times was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and her family.
The gardens at Hever Castle were laid out between 1904 and 1908 by Joseph Cheal and Son.
The magnificent Italian Garden was designed to display William
Astors collection of Italian sculpture and the 35 acre lake at the far end of
the garden took 800 men two years to create.The gardens are being continually improved, including the additions of a 110 metre herbaceous border, a period herb garden, yew hedge maze and a water maze. The gardens are planned to provide a display at any season of the year.
I find it an ideal location for a picnic, although car parking is no longer permitted inside the grounds and is now positioned opposite the estate main entrance. A selection of views from repeated visits to Hever Castle are included below and continued on Page Two.
| *Link to official site for viewing Visitor Information* |
Hever Castle May 2003  Since 1983, the castle has
been owned by Broadland Properties Limited and open to the public. The castle
has a homely atmosphere and houses historic 16th century portraits, furniture
and tapestries. In May tulips, wallflowers and pansies form a carpet of colour
along the Pompeian Wall. The rhododendrons and azaleas look stunning especially
along the Spring Bank. |
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| Hever Castle Spring 2005 The oldest part of Hever Castle dates back to 1270 and consisted of the gatehouse and a walled bailey, it was not until the 1500's that the Bullen family bought the castle and added a Tudor dwelling, which became the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The pictures below display the castle and moat in late March, surrounded by spring displays of snowdrops, crocus and early daffodils. |
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| Please continue to Hever Castle Page Two |