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Eynsford Castle
Travel Information and nearby accommodation
A Norman castle of the 'enclosure' type, built roughly 1085-87 with encircling curtain walls. Most early Norman castles followe a motte and bailey plan of a wooden pallisade atop a raised mound, surrounded by an enclosed bailey, or courtyard. By contrast, Eynsford Castle was a simple enclosing wall around an inner cluster of buildings, reached by a drawbridge across a shallow moat.
The castle was begun by William de Eynsford, who served as Sheriff of Kent. It is built on top of an earlier structue, possibly Saxon. The castle was enlarged a century later, at which time a great hall and further domestic buildings were constructed within the walls. A gatehouse was added, and the walls raised and strengthened. There was no central keep; rather, the main dometic quarters were arranged on the first floor of the hall.
There are a pair of undercrofts in the hall. One was used for storage, but other constituted a rather posh solar; a self-contained living area complete with living area, garderobe, and fireplace. This separate apartment may have been used by the castle bailiff.
The hall was expanded in the 13th century, but early in that same century the building was badly damaged by fire. When the damage was repaired a new kitchen was built to serve the hall and private apartments.
The early history of Eynsford Castle was largely taken over by squabbles between the neighbouring families of Kirkeby and Criol. In 1263 the castle and estates were divided between the families, and they constantly fought over their respective rights. In 1312 the Kirkeby's sold the castle to Judge William Inge. A band of men under Nicholas de Criol broke into Eynsford Castle and ransacked it. The castle seems to have been abandonned after this act of vandalism.
After passing through many hands the castle was purchased by the Hart Dyke family, who also owned Lullingstone Castle. The Hart Dykes used Eynsford for stabling their horses and as a kennel for their hunting dogs.
To the left of the entry gatehouse are the foundations of the well, and kitchen block, built between 1250-1275. Kitchens were always kept separate from living quarters due to the risk of fire. Remains of thre garderobes (latrines) can be seen built into the thickness of the walls.
Eynsford Castle stands a short distance from Lullingstone Castle and Roman villa.
Eynsford,
Kent,
England, DA4 0AA
About Eynsford Castle
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: Open year round. English Heritage members free.
Website: Eynsford Castle
English Heritage
Location
map
OS TQ541656
Heritage Highlight: 3
Nearest Accommodation to Eynsford Castle
Nearest Self Catering Cottages |
 Ivydene -
20.3
miles from Eynsford Castle
Heybridge, Essex
Sleeps: 5
Stay from: £220 |
 Cottesmore Lodges, Musselborough -
27.2
miles from Eynsford Castle
Pease Pottage, West Sussex
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £450 |
 Cottesmore Lodges, Troon -
27.2
miles from Eynsford Castle
Pease Pottage, West Sussex
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £450 |
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Nearest Tourist
Information Centre
Swanley
Swanley Library & Information Centre
London Road
Swanley
Greater London
England
BR8 7AE
Tel: 01322 614 660
Fax: 01322 666 154
Email: touristinfo@swanley.org.uk
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