House & Family History: Herstmonceux is a magnificent, moated castle built of English bond red brick. The north range contains a very fine late 17th century staircase that was possibly made by the workshop of Grinling Gibbons. The staircase, which was removed from Wheatley Hall, Doncaster, features baskets of flowers and pendant finials on the newels. Herstmonceux contains another, even more important, staircase: what is believed to have been the great staircase from Theobalds Palace (see "Images" section). Installed at Herstmonceux Castle in the early 20th century, the staircase had earlier been installed at Crews Hill House, Enfield, then at nearby Theobalds Park. The former Herstmonceux ballroom has a 17th century wooden fireplace overmantel that came from Madingley Hall, Cambridgeshire.

Garden & Outbuildings: The house is set in 300 acres of grounds.

John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. V, 1829.

Country Life: XLIII, 214, 242 plan, 270, 1918. LXV, 702, 1929. LXXVIII, 566, 606 plan, 630 plan, 1935.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Grade II*

Past Seat / Home of: Sir Roger Fiennes, 15th century; Gregory Fiennes, 10th Baron Dacre, 16th century. Robert Hare, 18th century. Lieutenant Colonel Claude Lowther, early 20th century. Sir Paul Latham, 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: School

Primary Current Ownership Use: School

Ownership Details: Today the UK campus of Queen’s University (Canada). The castle is available to book for weddings and events.

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 01323-834-444

Fax: 01323-833-816

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://herstmonceux-castle.com/

Historic Houses Member: No