This photograph of the Council Chamber dates to 1900. In the Victorian era this room was known as the Saloon. The stone spiral stairs led up to a small gallery from which narrow access was gained to the roof.
During William Waldorf Astor’s restoration of the Castle between 1903 and 1905 the Victorian panelling was removed, an old window to the right of the fireplace was revealed, the medieval garderobe (toilet) was discovered to the right of the door, and a new room was created above on the same level as the small gallery.
The Gothic tracery over the fireplace in the Council Chamber is one of the artefacts that has been on display in the Castle for the longest – since the ownership of the second Jane Waldo in the 19th century. It was mentioned in issue 405 of the Penny Magazine, 28th July 1838:
The Gothic tracery over the fireplace is extremely beautiful, both in design and execution. It consists of two angels, each bearing two shields, showing the arms and alliances of, 1. The Carey and Boleyn families; 2. Carey and Waldo; 3. Boleyn and Howard; 4. Henry VIII and Boleyn.
You can visit the Council Chamber on your tour of Hever Castle and see how different it now looks after Astor’s renovations.
To find out more about Hever Castle’s interesting history, please see our archives.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.