Hever Castle & Gardens
Hever Castle dates back to 1270, when the gatehouse, outer walls and the inner moat were first built. 200 years later the Bullen (or Boleyn) family added the comfortable Tudor manor house constructed within the walls. This was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife and mother of Elizabeth I. There are many items relating to the Tudors, including two Books of Hours (prayer books) signed and inscribed by Anne Boleyn. The Castle was later given to Henry VIII’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. In 1903, the estate was bought by the American millionaire William Waldorf Astor, who became a British subject and the first Lord Astor of Hever. He invested an immense amount of time, money and imagination in restoring the castle and grounds. Master craftsmen were employed and the castle was filled with a fine collection of paintings, furniture and tapestries. The Miniature Model Houses exhibition, a collection of 1/12 scale model houses, room views and gardens, depicts life in English Country Houses. Gardens Between 1904-8 over 30 acres of formal gardens were laid out and planted; these have now matured into one of the most beautiful gardens in England. The unique Italian Garden is a four acre walled garden containing a magnificent collection of statuary and sculpture. The glorious Edwardian Gardens include the Rose Garden and Tudor Garden, a traditional yew maze and a 110 metre herbaceous border. There are several water features including a water maze and a 38 acre lake with rowing boats. There is also a Lake Walk, Adventure Play Area, Gift and Garden Shops, and a full calendar of special events throughout the season including Gardening, Jousting Tournaments and Christmas…
