Fastolf – 15th century

On the death of Sir Stephen Scrope in 1408 the Hever estate was released to his widow Millicent and her new husband Sir John Fastolf. Sir Stephen’s son, also Stephen, became the ward of Fastolf meaning that he was legally under the care of his stepfather. Fastolf enjoyed Stephen’s inheritance for 51 years before he died in 1459.

Fastolf was a soldier during the Hundred Years War but has enjoyed a lasting reputation as ‘Falstaff’ in Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts I and II and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Fastolf was a demanding and irritable man. One of his servants wrote: “cruel and vengible he hath been ever, and for the most part without pity and mercy”. It appears that he also treated his stepson in this way. In 1421 Stephen came of age but was not allowed his inheritance so joined the French wars under the banner of Duke Humphrey of Gloucester to seek freedom from his stepfather. However, he was persuaded by his mother to join Fastolf’s service in France as his secretary and Hever Castle was sold to obtain funds for the campaigns.

The Castle

History

Uncover the history of the 14th century Castle once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, Sir John Fastolf and William Waldorf Astor.

Owners

Uncover more about the 12 different families that have owned Hever Castle from 1383 to the present day. See the stained glass created to commemorate them.

Timelines

Discover the history of Hever Castle, its owners and inhabitants as you travel through time from its construction in 1383 to the present day.

Rooms

Head inside the Castle and discover wood panelled rooms, roaring fireplaces and a vast collection of paintings.