Is it possible to imagine feuding families squabbling over this very castle? Eynsford Castle stands before us. It is a ruined medieval fortification in Eynsford Kent.
Eynsford Castle’s story begins long before its Norman stone walls. This site was once an Anglo-Saxon manor. The manor’s strategic spot along the River Darent made it valuable. Christ Church Canterbury acquired it in 970.
After the Norman invasion, Odo Bishop of Bayeux likely took control. Lanfranc Archbishop of Canterbury fought to reclaim it. Around 1082, he succeeded. Lanfranc assigned William de Eynsford to defend the land. Between 1085 and 1087, William built Eynsford Castle. The castle protected Canterbury’s lands from Odo.
William de Eynsford’s family held the castle for generations. Around 1130, they improved the defences. A new hall was built. The curtain wall was raised. A gatehouse was added. William III found himself in the middle of a conflict. It was between Henry II and Thomas Becket.
William V became involved in the First Barons’ War. He sided with rebels. He was captured at Rochester Castle. His estates were forfeited. He later recovered them. In 1231, William VI inherited Eynsford Castle. The hall burned down and was rebuilt. It even had glazed windows.
The de Eynsford family line ended in 1261. The castle was divided between the Heringaud and de Criol families. Disputes soon followed. In 1312, Nicholas de Criol ransacked Eynsford. The castle was never reoccupied.
Over time, Eynsford Castle fell into disrepair. In the 18th century, it became hunting kennels and stables. Restoration began in 1897. Work intensified in 1948. The Ministry of Works took over.
Today, English Heritage manages Eynsford Castle. It is open to visitors.
Originally, Eynsford Castle had an inner and outer bailey. The inner bailey has a curtain wall and moat. The curtain wall stands 9 meters high. It is made of flint rubble. The north side collapsed in the 19th century.
The original wooden bridge was replaced with stone. The current timber bridge dates from the 1960s. Only the gatehouse foundations survive.
In the north-west corner are the great kitchen foundations. The hall complex occupied the north-east corner. It included a solar, hall, and forebuildings.
Interestingly, in 2018, there were reports of a ghostly black monk. A visitor claimed to have photographed the figure.
Eynsford Castle is a rare example of an early Norman enclosure castle. It has massive curtain walls. It was abandoned due to vandalism during a local property dispute. Not a siege. Just angry neighbors. Its design was scarcely altered after the 12th century. It stands as a testament to Norman architecture and the turbulent times. A time when families squabbled and ghosts roamed.