Bodiam Castle – one of the oldest and best preserved castles in England
Somewhere in the southern lands of England, across the endless green fields and close to the coast of the Celtic Sea is located Bodiam Castle – one of the oldest and best preserved castles in the area.
Over the centuries, Bodiam Castle remained almost intact. All its glory stands in the middle of a large grassy plain just 100 km southeast of London.
Approximately 200 m wide moat filled with water completely separates the castle from the outside world. Only a thin wooden bridge leading to the main gates of the fortress gives access to this amazing piece of history.
Today’s form of the fortress was acquired 500 years ago. The scientists have found evidence that the castle existed before the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Bodiam Castle, Kent
The Domesday Book (a book in which were entered all the possessions of England), written by order of William the Conqueror in 1086, documents the existence of Saxon residence in this certain location.
After many takeovers, the estate was finally seized by the Norman Bodehams family, which took control of the area.
The residence was reinforced and strengthened during the rule of the Norman family for more than three centuries.
Initially, for better protection, there was a wooden bridge on each side of the tiny island. Now there is only one bridge and the pillars of the rest are sunk into the deep ditch.
Unlike the beautiful and well preserved façade of the castle, the interior is almost completely destroyed.
You can see different rooms and suites, a chapel, a kitchen and a large hall that are symmetrically arranged around the courtyard among the ruins of the lovely fortress.
Additionally, there are tightly clinging to the towers rooms with fireplaces and sewers, which were probably used by officers and guards, near the main gate.
The majestic castle amazes with its structure. The interior is a stark contrast to the facade as the rooms inside are almost completely destroyed and you can be slightly disappointed.
However, the magnificent Bodiam Castle will continue to soar and remind of the superiority of the ancient rulers. And the deep, covered with water lilies, moat will continue to decorate and protect the castle for a long time.
