Name: Eynsford Castle
Rating: 5.0

Eynsford Castle

High Street, Eynsford, Dartford, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Eynsford Castle Standing within a picturesque village, Eynsford Castle is a rare example of an early Norman 'enclosure castle'. Built by the Eynsford family, the castle became the subject of a disputed inheritance. It culminated in an act of vandalism in 1312. From that point, the castle was abandoned.

Rather than having a keep or motte, like most Norman castles, Eynsford was instead protected by an extensive curtain wall. Today, parts of the wall survive to their impressive full height alongside the remains of the hall building, where the inhabitants would have lived.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Eynsford Castle: Eynsford Castle is a rare survival of an early Norman ‘enclosure castle’, which remained unaltered by later building work. Begun by William de Eynsford I in the late 1080s, the castle was later the subject of a hotly disputed inheritance, which reached a climax in 1312 when one of the claimants broke in and vandalised it. Soon afterwards the castle was abandoned, and by the 18th century many of the buildings had fallen into disrepair, being used only as stables and kennels for hunting dogs.
The Norman Castle: The castle was founded shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. There was an earlier, Saxon building on the site, composed of a timber watchtower on an artificial motte. No evidence of this can be seen today.
Dispute and Disrepair: The line of the Eynsford family, owners of the castle, died out in 1261, and the castle and its estate were divided between the Kirkeby and Criol families, causing much dispute.
Later History: Antiquarians became interested in Eynsford Castle in 1835, when the architect Edward Cresy was employed to clear the site of the 18th-century stables and kennel buildings. Cresy published a survey of the ruins which recorded several features of the castle which have since crumbled.

Facilities

Parking: There is a small free car park on site.
Food & Drinks: English Heritage has no facilities at the castle but it is in the centre of Eynsford so there are plenty of options for places to eat and shops nearby.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Free Entry.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eynsford-castle/opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open daily from 01 April to 30 Sept: 10am - 5pm
1 Oct - 31 Mar: 10am -4pm

Address: High Street, Eynsford, Dartford, UK

Post Code: DA4 0AA

Council: Sevenoaks

County: Kent

Road Access: In Eynsford, off High Street (A225) via narrow unnamed lane directly opposite The Castle Hotel.
Bus Access: Arriva bus 478; Go-Coach 421; Nu Venture 405 (Wed)
Train Access: Eynsford 1 mile.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is a small free car park on site.