Hever Castle
Hever Castle is one of the most famous castles in English history. Located in Kent, England, it was originally built as a farmhouse. The Hever Castle's primary contribution to history was its role as the home of the Boleyn family and later as property of King Henry VIII.
Hever Castle was built in the 13th century, but wasn't turned into a manor until Geoffrey Boleyn did so in 1462. Shortly after 1505, the Boleyn family took residence there. The most famous of these children was Anne Boleyn, who went on to marry Henry VIII. Though she spent much of her childhood studying in France and the Netherlands, its thought that her time away from school was spent at Hever Castle with her siblings.
The property stayed in the Boleyn family for almost 100 years. After Anne Boleyn was found to be cheating on King Henry VIII, she and her brother were executed. That execution was shortly followed by the death of Thomas Boleyn, their father, in 1539. After that, the property was owned by King Henry VIII.
Henry gave the property to one of his wives, Anne of Cleves, after their short marriage. He gave this to her as a bit of a payment for her troubles, as the marriage was never consummated because Henry found her to be too homely. Anne of Cleves spent little, if any time there.
Over the years, the Hever Castle has had many owners. The Waldegrave family owned it in 1557 and Meade Waldo took ownership from the years 1749-1903. During the late years of Waldo's ownership, the castle fell into horrid condition as it was rented out to various private tenants. It wasn't restored until the late 20th century, when American business tycoon William Waldorf Astor purchased the property.
Today, the estate at Hever Castle serves as a conference centre. The public can still go look at Hever Castle itself, which is known for its wonderful mazes. The large garden and torture chambers are among the things that make this castle a popular tourist attraction.
Original Authors: Coby DuBose
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 22/07/2008
