There are many remarkable and grand houses in England that have been the center stage for life changing historic events throughout time. Hever Castle is one estate on the map that is enriched with history and beautiful architecture. The Castle is located 30 miles south-east of London, in the village of Hever, Kent. Prior to your visit, there are several important facts and snippets of information that you should know so that you can get the most out of your visit.

Key Facts about Hever Castle

Childhood home of Anne Boleyn

The gardens were awarded the winner of the most romantic garden award by Gardeners’ World Magazine

The estate has an 18 bedroom 4 star luxury accommodation suite located in the Astor Wing of the castle to allow guests the opportunity to live as a royal for the night.

A Brief History of Hever Castle

Hever Castle was inherited by Thomas Boleyn in 1505. He was born in the castle in 1477, and later inherited the property when his father, Sir William Boleyn, died. Thomas was most famous due to the life of his daughter, Anne Boleyn. She spent much of her early life at Hever Castle before going to court during the reign of King Henry VIII. She later became his mistress, and then eventually Queen. It is unknown if Anne was born at Hever. The year of her birth is not recorded. However, she did live at Hever until she was sent to the Netherlands in 1513 to be educated at the court of the Archduchess Margaret.

The king married four more women after Anne’s death, among them Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleves. Jane died twelve days after giving birth to Henry’s only heir, Edward. His marriage to Anne of Cleves was short lived and declared annulled due to the fact of it never being consummated. As part of the divorce settlement, she was given Hever Castle. Anne of Cleves died in 1557. At this time Sir Edward Waldegrave was appointed the task of seizing any properties that had been taken by the Crown. He took over the Hever Castle property and deeded the estate to himself. Unfortunately, the Waldegraves were in favor of Mary I. When Queen Elizabeth I took the throne in 1558, Edward was deprived of his Court duties. He retired to the Hever Castle estate and began improvements on the Castle.

There are a total of three different construction periods of this famous castle. The first part dates back to 1270 and was comprised of a gatehouse and a walled bailey. These features made the structure a prime medieval defense Castle. The second period of construction was the renovation period. The castle was in major need of repairs, and was finally converted into an appropriate manor in 1462. The reconstruction process was ordered by Geoffrey Boleyn, the younger brother of Thomas Boleyn, and Anne’s uncle. He also added a Tudor dwelling to the Castle. The third and last period of renovation occurred in the 20th century when the property was owned by William Waldorf Astor.

After the Waldegraves were no longer inhabitants, but before the 20th century, there were multiple owners of the estate. This left the Castle in ruins. However, in 1749, the Meade Waldo family took over the ownership. They did not reside in the house. Instead, they lived close by at Stonewall Park. They let the Castle to a family of tenant farmers. The residents lived in one section of the house, and allowed the public to view historical parts of the house on particular days of week.

American Ambassador, William Waldorf Astor, purchased the estate in 1903. Due to the large sum of money that Astor inherited at the time of his father’s death in 1890, he was titled as the richest man in America. However, his passion for life was in Europe. He was very disgruntled with America and claimed that it was no place for a gentleman to live. Hever Castle remained in the Astor family until 1983 when it was sold to Mr. John Guthrie, owner of Broadland Properties Ltd.

What Makes This House Famous

Almost every history fan is aware of the Boleyn legacy. The Hever Castle is marketed to the public as being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Fans come from all over the world to see this famous house as well as the artifacts that are contained inside. Prior to the marriage of Anne and King Henry, he would visit Anne at the Bolebroke Castle located near Hever to conduct his courtship. There is still one of Henry’s private locks located at Hever Castle. It was taken with him when he visited various noblemen’s houses. He fitted this to every door for his security.

On 1 June 1533, Anne was crowned Queen in Westminster Abbey by Archbishop Cranmer. At this time, Anne was pregnant. Everyone was excited and expecting a male heir to carry on the King’s legacy. However, in September when Anne gave birth, it was to a baby girl. She later became Queen Elizabeth I and carried just as much power as the male kings who served on the throne before her. Anne was executed on 19 May 1536 for charges of witchcraft, adultery, incest, and treason.

TV & Film Appearances

Other than the annual film festival that is hosted at the castle grounds every summer, there are numerous well-known films that have been created at Hever Castle. Popular names include: Anne of the Thousand Days (1969); Lady Jane (1986); The Princess Bride (1987); King Ralph (1991); Bargain Hunt TV series (2000); Inkheart (2008); and many more popular titles.

Further Research

The gardens at Hever Castle are immaculate and ornately placed with an abundant amount of rose bushes. The floribunda rose also given the name ‘Hever Castle Rose’, produces velvety blooms that are red at first and then fade to a cherry color. The bushes grow to a height of 4 to 5 feet tall and typically bloom from May until the first frost in October. There are over 4000 rose bushes on site at the Castle. Hever Castle takes great pride in this flower and recently campaigned with award-winning British actress, Dame Judi Dench, to plant the beloved Hever Castle Rose bush on the estate grounds. She is a regular at the Castle and it is only fitting that she plants the yearly bush.

Visiting Information

Hever Castle is open daily from 30th March through until the 24th October, and then 25th October through to 2nd November. During the winter season, the estate is open 5th November through to the 28th November, and again 29th November through to the 1st January. Parking is free for visitors and annual passes are also available for frequent visitors. Complete information on admission fees, directions, and detailed opening and closing times can be seen at www.hevercastle.co.uk.