Our logo is the cornerstone of our identity – a universal crest featured across the Hever Castle Estate.
The Hever crest represents more than just a visual emblem; it is a celebration of the Castle’s heraldry and rich history. Inspired by the coats of arms found in the stained glass of the Long Gallery, the logo reflects the legacy of Hever Castle’s most significant owners. These families left an indelible mark on the Castle’s development, and their heraldry is also represented on the flag that proudly flies above Hever.
The shield is divided into four quadrants, each representing one of these influential families: de Cobham, Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, and Astor. Below, we explore the stories behind their contributions and the symbolism embedded in their coats of arms.
de Cobham (Top Left Quadrant)
Coat of Arms: Gules (red), with a cross argent (silver)
John de Cobham, a tax collector for Sussex, built Hever Castle (then Hever Cobham) in 1383 during a turbulent period of social and political unrest, including the Hundred Years’ War and the Peasants’ Revolt. He constructed the Castle as a fortified manor in the Eden Valley, employing natural watercourses to create a double moat.
Remarkably, many medieval defensive features survive to this day, including blank curtain walls, an imposing Gatehouse with gun loops, barred wooden gates, murder holes, and three portcullises—a rare feature for a property of this size. A 2019 survey by architectural historian Professor Simon Thurley identified Hever Castle as unique in Europe for its original medieval timberwork.
Boleyn (Top Right Quadrant)
Coat of Arms: Argent (silver), a chevron gules (red) between three bulls’ heads couped sable (black), armed Or (gold)
The Boleyn family acquired Hever Castle in 1462 when Geoffrey Boleyn, a successful merchant and former Lord Mayor of London, purchased it. Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, spent much time at Hever, where she received Henry’s love letters. The Castle played a central role in their romance and her eventual ascent to the throne.
In June 2024, Hever Castle unveiled the newly refurbished Boleyn Apartment, the only surviving suite of rooms occupied by the Boleyn family, which remain largely unaltered structurally.
Anne of Cleves (Bottom Left Quadrant)
Coat of Arms (Simplified): Gules (red), an inescutcheon argent (silver), overall an escarbuncle Or (gold)
Anne of Cleves became associated with Hever Castle after receiving it as part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII. Contrary to earlier beliefs, recent research revealed that Anne was responsible for significant additions to the castle, including the Long Gallery, Staircase Gallery, and the remodelled ceiling in the Dining Hall. These changes reflect Anne’s vision and the time she spent at Hever.
Astor (Bottom Right Quadrant)
Coat of Arms: Or (gold), a falcon close gules (red), between two fleur-de-lys gules
In 1903, William Waldorf Astor, the richest man in America, purchased Hever Castle and began an ambitious restoration project. He added the Astor Wing, created the lake and gardens, and revived the Castle as a symbol of history and grandeur.
His son, John Jacob Astor, continued his father’s legacy, opening the Castle to the public in 1963. Despite challenges, including costly flood damage in 1968, the Astor family safeguarded Hever’s heritage until its sale in 1983 to the current owner, John Guthrie.
The Hever Castle logo and flag embody the stories of these four families, each of whom contributed to the castle’s rich and complex history. Together, they represent centuries of heritage, innovation, and enduring legacy.
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.
