This photograph dates to 1968 and shows the castle’s library being dried out after the devastating 1968 flood that poured into approximately one hundred rooms of the castle and Astor Wing to a depth of 4.5 feet.
On 15th September 1968 there was a storm of unprecedented severity. It began about 10.30am when the two moats on the west side of the castle overflowed with rain water from the roofs and from the slope of the main lawn. This soon spilled into the cellars. Shortly afterwards a stream of water came rushing down from the Sunday Walk area, past the outer moat and towards the private driveway.
At about midday, river water forced its way along a drain line near the private drive lifting a manhole and cascading down the coke chute to the cellars. As the river level rose overspill became inevitable, first at 3.30pm near the tennis court and later the private driveway.
The cellars and basement were soon filled up and the surface waters swept southwards to meet the Castle Forecourt and the Tudor Garden. The whole building suffered full flood by about 6pm when members of staff and residents began to be taken out by boat and life line. This continued in the dark, and by 9pm all staff and residents had been rescued. The 1968 flood caused significant damage to the Castle and today there is still a mark so visitors can see the flood level.
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.