Jon working as a car park assistant in the 90s
Jonathan Higgs, known as Jon, returned to Hever Castle in 2018 having previously worked as a car parking assistant after leaving school.
After starting as a Visitor Experience Assistant he became a Castle Supervisor alongside Dr Owen Emmerson and is now Duty Manager in the Castle.
His role involves taking care of the operations, day-to-day running of the castle and looking after the team of Visitor Experience Assistants.
He says: “A highlight of my job is having the opportunity to meet visitors from all around the world as we welcome them to our beautiful little corner of Kent.”
Born in London Jon’s parents moved to Hever when he was four to be closer to his grandparents.
He added: “They had moved to the village of Hever from nearby Edenbridge in the late 1950s, purchasing a property that is connected to the castle via its past owners. I’ve been lucky enough to call Hever home for most of my life. When I used to give tours in the castle, I enjoyed being able to inject a more personal connection to the site and its local surroundings.
“I am fascinated by the Astor family, who purchased the castle in 1903 and lived here for 80 years. My grandmother even has fond memories of Lord Astor popping in for a cup of tea.”
A keen photographer Jon worked previously in photography and digitisation within the Heritage sector and enjoyed working on archives and photographic collections.
He says: “Whilst I find the Tudor period interesting, my passion is for 20th century history, particularly when it is viewed through the lens of photography and film.”
“Working at the Castle is memorable every day because every day is different.”
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.
