The National Trust: Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, UK

By CadyLuck Leedy on October 22, 2015

Scotney Castle is another National Trust property and is a real bargain as there are actually two castles and beautiful grounds here to see.  Since we have previously explored the old Castle ruins and the lower gardens in previous posts, today we will be going to the new  Scotney Castle.

At the top of the hill stands the new Scotney Castle, which was built to replace the Old Castle between 1835 and 1843. It was designed by Anthoney Salvin, in  the Tudor Revival architectural design. Following the death of Elizabeth Hussey, in 2006, this estate was opened for the first time by the National Trust in 2007.

We read previously about the Darrell family, who owned the estate for 350 years, and the ghosts and hauntings during that time that have become legend. In 1778 Edward Hussey bought the estate and his grandson, also named Edward, built the “new” castle from sandstone quarried from the slope below. The hollow created was developed into a quarry garden and contains a 100-year-old impression of a dinosaur’s footprint.

When Christopher Hussey died in 1970, the estate was left to the National Trust, which let out several apartments in the castle and on the estate. Margaret Thatcher rented the Belfry flat during the 1970’s and 1980’s, using it for weekend escapes from Westminster.  Very knowledgable staff greet you and are present on the first and second  floors as you tour on your own. The house was left just as it was and it is priceless to see how the other half lives! My favorite rooms were the kitchen, dining room, and dish room! Enjoy your day at Scotney Castle!

“Fear God, Honor the King”, a reading on one of the fireplaces!  Love it!