Bodiam Castle in Robertsbridge, East Sussex

Bodiam Castle, nr Robertsbridge, East Sussex

A couple of days ago, I went with my friend, Liz to Bodiam Castle, a late medieval moated castle near Robertsbridge in East Sussex.

After poring over Google maps in the morning for a couple of hours to get several National Trust spots linked up, it turned out we had begun from the wrong point; everything nearly fell apart, including our tempers. But we did eventually get to Bodiam Castle, more or less accidentally, and what a glorious spot it is.

My prejudices about hulking great castles being the stuff of boy’s dreams were swept away in a moment. Well, to be truthful, we ignored the castle at first, falling ravenously upon scones (mine herby with cheese and a sharp chutney, Liz on scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream), tea and coffee before attempting anything else. It was a ’scorcher’ of a day, and we needed nurturing.

Unfortunately for Liz, the waitress was extremely grumpy and she’d probably had quite enough in that department from me by the time we got there. You know you have a good friend when she still speaks to you after the ‘rough bits’. Em will appreciate that codicil. We didn’t speak for three years, once. A long time ago…

So here are some photos of Bodiam in East Sussex. The castle feels very friendly inside, even though it’s pretty much ruined; it was only ever a family home when it comes down to it. The Normans didn’t get there after it was built in the 12th century, although they wrecked Hastings and Rye before that.

Next time, we’ll take a bottle of wine and our own victuals and have a real picnic.