Bodiam

Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle near Robertsbridge in East Sussex, England. It was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dallingridge, a former knight of Edward III, with the permission of Richard II, ostensibly to defend the area against potential French invasion during the Hundred Years' War.

The castle is a quadrangular structure with cylindrical towers at its corners and in the middle of each wall, surrounding inner courts and buildings. While appearing formidable, historians believe its defensive capabilities were more symbolic than practically robust. The extensive moat, gatehouse, and battlements were intended to impress and deter rather than withstand a serious siege.

Bodiam Castle's history includes ownership by various families, periods of disrepair, and eventual restoration. In the English Civil War, the castle was slighted (partially destroyed) to prevent its use by the Royalists. It was acquired by Lord Curzon in 1916, who undertook significant restoration work. The National Trust took ownership of Bodiam Castle in 1925, and it is now a popular tourist attraction.

Its picturesque setting and well-preserved architecture make it a significant example of late medieval castle design, representing a blend of defensive and aesthetic considerations.