Christmas has always been a magical time of year here at Hever Castle. We’ve looked back at some accounts from the servants who spent the festive season here under the residence of the Astors.
The Reader family worked at the Castle as servants, with their two children. One of their children recalled the party in the servants hall:
“Christmas was the best time of all really. It was lovely here at Christmas… as children they used to take us into the party… The Astors would give you a party and hand out presents”
Lil and Fred, the parents of the family seem to have been of particular importance to the Astors at Christmas:
“We used to come over every Christmas Eve into the castle, and have carol singing and Lord Astor used to love it. He used to get my husband (who hasn’t got a voice at all), and he always got him to sing Good King Wenceslas, it was dreadful! And we used to have mince pies and sherry…
And Lady Astor, I used to come on that particular day and do her hair for her, and she used to say ‘I’ll see you later but I’ll have my nighty on,’ and she used to come down in her nighty, made of her Jacob sheet wool… and she’d say ‘Look, I’ve got it on.’
It used to be really nice, that used to be the real start of Christmas here”
Today, spending Christmas at Hever Castle is as magical as it ever was.
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.