Courtyards – Tudor Tuesdays

January 12 2021 | Castle History

Courtyards is the theme for #TudorTuesdays with Historic Houses.

Entrance to the courtyard at Hever Castle can only be gained by walking over a drawbridge which was reinstated by former owner William Waldorf Astor in 1905.

Once visitors cross over the drawbridge, which can still be raised, then go through the magnificent gatehouse and under two of the oldest surviving portcullis’ in England, one of which can still be operated.

The Courtyard is where visitors to the historic Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, can see the most obvious difference in age between the stone Gatehouse and the timber-framed Tudor additions it protects. These were added in the 15^th and 16^th century by the Boleyn family.

In this video Castle Supervisor, Dr Owen Emmerson, provides further detail about Hever Castle’s Courtyard.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEeahYXY95U[/embedyt]

If you enjoyed this video find out more about Inside Hever Castle here. Inside Hever Castle is a new online subscription that will let you explore this historic property from the comfort of your home.

If you enjoyed this item on courtyards why not discover the previous #TudorTuesdays news items:

• Banqueting Halls
• Long Galleries
• Mary Queen of Scots
• Jewels and Jewellery
• Foreign influences
• Water features
• Orchards, topiary and mazes
• Restoration
• Great Halls
• Books and libraries
• Films and TV sets
• Elizabeth I
• Tudor Chapels
• Tudor Windows
• Tudor Tapestries
• Tudor Chimneys
• Tudor Panelling
• Tudor Knot Gardens
• Tudor Childhood
• Tudor Dining Rooms
• Tudor Rose Gardens
• Henry VII
• Henry VIII
• Mary I