Saltwood Castle

Saltwood, United Kingdom

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

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Saltwood Castle in Saltwood village, near Hythe in Kent, originated in the 11th century and was expanded through the 13th and 14th centuries. Following the Norman Conquest, it became the property of the Archbishop of Canterbury Lanfranc and remained under archiepiscopal control until 1540, when Thomas Cranmer was forced to surrender it to Henry VIII. The castle holds historic significance as the reputed meeting place of the four knights who murdered Thomas Becket in 1170. By the 19th century it had fallen into substantial ruin, prompting restoration work in the 1880s and 1930s. In the 20th century, architect Philip Tilden undertook a major restoration commissioned by Sir Martin Conway. Following its purchase by art historian Kenneth Clark in 1953, it became home to his son Alan Clark, the prominent politician and diarist. Now a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument, Saltwood Castle remains a private residence.

Built: 1100
Type: castle
Heritage: Grade I listed building, scheduled monument
Place: Saltwood, United Kingdom

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Location

51.08170, 1.08476