Herstmonceux
An aerial shot of some of the domes containing telescopes at The Observatory Science Centre
This Sussex village is most famous for its castle and grounds which sit on a 600 acre estate containing woodland, formal themed gardens and a moated castle built in the 15th Century. The castle is one of the earliest red brick buildings in England. What is less knows about this famous landmark, however, is that in 1540 it was visited by Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of King Henry VIII. The castle is also proclaimed to possess a phantom drummer. Some say he is the ghost of a drummer killed during the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, however others believe there is no ghost, just a smuggler from the 1700s pretending to be one in order to scare away the local villagers. Before the castle was built, the village was known as Gardner Street but, in the 12th Century, a Saxon lady married a nobleman in the castle and the combination of their last names ‘Herst’ and ‘Monceux’ gave the castle, and then the village, its current name.
Herstmonceux is famous for being home to the Isaac Newton Telescope. It was established in the village in 1967 but after many years it was moved to La Palma in the Canary Islands
Herstmonceux’s church predates its castle by more than a hundred years. Its oldest parts were built in the 12th Century.
In Gardner Street you can still find the ‘Praise the Lord’ cottage, so named for the creeper growing up the front of it which had been very skilfully trimmed to read ‘Praise The Lord’. Unfortunately the words are no longer visible as the cottage was sold in 1957 and the new owner, Big Jim, decided to tear down the creeper. When she found out about this travesty, the granddaughter of the original owners enacted the ‘Curse of the Cotoneaster’ upon Big Jim.
Other local attractions are the East Sussex Falconry Centre, The Windmill, The Science Observatory and the Cold Fusion Glass Arts and Gifts at the Malthouse where you can try your hand at making your very own glass gifts.
Upcoming Events
Recent News
Future of Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre uncertain after recent announcement
It has been a difficult time for the Herstmonceux Castle Estate, issues with the castle building have led to the prolonged closure of the university and popular events venue and plans for significant building works are underway. During this difficult time the owners of the estate ‘Bader College’ have made a difficult decision and announced... Read more
6th August
New funding for enhancement of green spaces in Wealden
Community Spaces Grants Programme helps to fund improvements at local rural green spaces within the district Sometimes a little goes a long way. It’s always worth applying for grants as the recent benefactors of funding from Wealden District Council’s Community Spaces Grants programme have discovered. Seven projects have been allocated support towards initiatives to help... Read more
31st July
Herstmonceux Castle welcomes visitors to the gardens and cafe this Summer.
Herstmonceux Castle, a Scheduled Monument and Grade 1 listed manor house, is undergoing an assessment of repairs needed to the outside walls. This popular event venue and gardens located in Herstmonceux is also the home of Bader College, which delivers degree level education to students enrolled at Queen’s University at Kingston, in Ontario, Canada. Following... Read more
5th July
Vice-Chancellor talks of shock following discovery of problems at historic castle
Queen’s University, owners of Herstmonceux Castle, are facing a substantial financial burden following the discovery in early November of structural defects in the South facing gatehouse while roofing work was being carried out. Roofing contractors alerted the management of Herstmonceux Castle Estate to possible problems they spotted while carrying out repairs. A specialist structural survey... Read more
30th November
Become a Friend of Herstmonceux Castle Estate
Herstmonceux Castle Estate has launched a new supporter network that includes a range of benefits. Markeiting Coordinator Barry Howse explains: “The Herstmonceux Castle Estate is a special place for many of our visitors. As such, we have launched a new supporter network and we hope that everyone who joins it will be unified by a... Read more
14th March
August Bank Holiday events welcome record crowds
East Sussex residents were spoilt for choice over the end of August Bank Holiday weekend with three amazing events to choose from – Le Marche in Heathfield, The Festival of Transport in Hellingly and the Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux. Organisers were relieved that the events could go ahead this year after all of them had... Read more
9th September
So much to enjoy at Herstmonceux Castle Estate this summer
There’s even more reason to visit Herstmonceux Castle Estate this summer and Autumn with the reduction in season ticket prices – meaning you can visit as many times as you like until 31st October at a reduced cost. As it’s National Picnic Month why not plan a feast with family and friends to enjoy in... Read more
22nd July
May half-term at The Herstmonceux Castle Estate
An enchanting day out in the East Sussex countryside Within the beautiful 300-acre estate, you can explore formal gardens, woodland trails, meadows, and lakes, all set around a majestic 15th century moated castle. For younger visitors, there is an outdoor play area and giant tree swing plus the family challenge of the Marlow Rope Maze... Read more
26th May
Herstmonceux Castle Gardens and Grounds to re-open late March
Staff at the wonderful Herstmonceux Castle are gearing up to welcome visitors back at the end of March. From Monday 29th March to Wednesday 31st March, admission will be just for season ticket holders plus those named on their pass. No pre-booking required. For both new and returning visitors, the 300 acre Herstmonceux estate with... Read more
16th March
Guy is king of the castle during lockdown
It’s the time of year when Herstmonceux Castle and Grounds are at their most colourful with displays of daffodils, tulips, magnolias and primroses. Normally there would be hundreds of visitors walking around the estate, people attending special events like Easter egg hunts and others enjoying the tearoom and tours of the castle. But as a... Read more
15th April
Alice makes plea to the public after grandfather’s death
The devastated granddaughter of a 77-year old man who died recently of coronavirus says she is determined to make more people aware of the seriousness of the disease following her loss. Alice Tripp’s grandfather Alan Varney, who lived in Brighton, was self isolating and healthy when he had a fall at his home which resulted... Read more
11th April
Healthy half-term activities that won’t break the bank
Christmas celebrations seem like only yesterday and for many parents half-term has arrived incredibly quickly. Right now you are probably wondering how to keep the children occupied and off their gadgets without spending too much or travelling very far. Fortunately the weather forecast looks promising, so the kids can get outside in the fresh air.... Read more
13th February
Herstmonceux loses out in 11 goal thriller
The ESFL curtain raiser saw Herstmonceux 1st team defeated by a strong Hollington side who will definitely be one of the teams to beat this season. On a bright afternoon, with conditions perfect for football, the ‘Ceux travelled to Hastings sporting the new white and black strip courtesy of Littlewood who are continuing their sponsorship... Read more
9th September
Herstmonceux’s draw against competitive Seaford
An action-packed game on the 3G pitch at Seaford leisure centre saw Herstmonceux hold 5-5 last night, after going into an early 3-0 lead. The game was split into three 30-minute blocks, so this could definitely be classed as a game of 3 halves, as both sides took turns to hold the ascendancy. Manager Gaz... Read more
16th July
Seaford too strong for improving Herstmonceux
A dominant Seaford 1st team brought Herstmonceux back down to earth on Saturday, but manager Gaz Newton was satisfied with the continuing progress made by his side. The key to this game was the Southern Combination side’s sustained possession, and for the first 15 minutes the home side struggled to find a way into the... Read more
8th July
Herstmonceux hair shave for the Air Ambulance
A care support worker from Herstmonceux is going to be shaving off her hair at the end of July in aid of Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust. Caroline Chewter, 28, decided to have her locks cut off after an horrific road traffic accident involving her family. Tragically, during May 2014, Caroline’s son, Russel... Read more
5th July
Herstmonceux dig deep to salvage a draw against Mile Oak
Herstmonceux produced a battling performance against Southern Combination opponents to secure an impressive 3-3 draw at Lime Cross on Saturday. In almost tropical conditions, Herstmonceux made the perfect start after five minutes when Callum Holles drove a 20 yard free kick into the bottom corner to put the home team 1-0 up. This stung Mile... Read more
1st July
Herstmonceux FC off to a flying start
Herstmonceux signalled they will be a force to be reckoned with this season by defeating Littlehampton FC by 3 goals to 1 at The Sportsfield on Saturday. After absorbing some early pressure from the home side, Herstmonceux took the lead after eight minutes. Good work on the right wing from Ade Fermin culminated with a... Read more
25th June
Herstmonceux FC loses in tense encounter
Herstmonceux FC took on Willingdon in the Eastbourne FA Cup final at Hailsham Town last Friday, and were narrowly edged out 2-0 in a tense encounter. A furious opening 15 minutes saw Liam Nulty hit the post for the ‘Ceux after lobbing the goalkeeper, and Henry Richards saw a speculative attempt just miss the target... Read more
15th May
Ideas for Easter – chocolate, eggs and bunnies
Cuculo for a great choice of chocolates and Easter Eggs The ever popular deli on Heathfield’s High St, now stocks a range of luxury chocolates in their new bespoke chocolate chiller cabinet. H&R, English chocolate truffles have pride of place, with a choice of Belgium premium chocolates alongside. The store also has Italian Easter... Read more
6th April
Roger Daltrey shows his support for young people at the Wealden Works Awards
Last Tuesday night December 4, over 150 people attended Wealden Works Annual Awards event, at a packed Heathfield Youth Centre, to celebrate local young people’s achievements. The evening began with Councillor Rupert Simmons, Chairman of the Heathfield Partnership Trust welcoming guests, who included Chris Hardy, Chairman of the Wealden District Council, Ambassador – Roger Daltrey,... Read more
10th December
October is all about Draco but there’s no Harry Potter in sight!
One of the regular and easy ways to take part in watching the universe is too look for meteors. Science can use them to survey the content of the solar system, technology can use them to build and test strange radio equipment and the rest of us can enjoy the free show. If you ever... Read more
2nd October
September skies – the autumn equinox and the dog days of summer
September approaches and with it the autumn equinox and the dog days of summer. Nights overtake the days and we move into autumn. In the evenings the planets still put on a good show with Mars, Jupiter and Saturn all easily visible albeit low on the Southern horizon. Higher in the sky deep sky objects... Read more
31st August
Villagers make poppies to mark First World War centenary
As part of the commemoration of the centenary of the end of World War One, on the 11th of November, Herstmonceux W. I. will make a ‘Cascade of Poppies’ to be draped on the side of the Village Hall by the Plaque of Remembrance. They will need over 1,000 poppies. So far they have managed... Read more
2nd August
What’s up above in August?
Throughout July the sky never grows truly dark as even at midnight the sun is still clinging only a short way below the northern horizon. Fortunately this never really gets in the way of studying the really bright objects such as Mars and Jupiter, both of which were in the news recently; Jupiter with the... Read more
29th July
Keep your kids busy with Summer Clubs and Activities
The Summer holidays can be a real challenge for parents. Some parents are looking to find ways of having their children cared for, while other parents are searching for ideas to keep their children occupied during the long holidays. Parents of younger children often want to find activities they can share with their kids, and... Read more
18th July
What’s up above at the moment?
Jupiter still dominates the early evening skies but this month Mars reaches its highest point for the year and its closest and brightest point for many years. Mars is at opposition and only 57 million kilometres distant. Even a small telescope will show a distinct sphere and a reasonable telescope will be able to see... Read more
28th June
New book remembers the WW1 fallen from the Heathfield area
A while back we publicised Nicola’s quest for information about the fallen soldiers named on the war memorials in Heathfield, Broad Oak and Punnetts Town. After months of painstaking reseach she has now completed and published her book. In it she researches the names of all of the soldiers who are named on the World... Read more
12th June
Our nearest star – the sun
The summer skies over Northern Europe never truly become dark, even at midnight twilight will be hugging the northern horizon hiding the stars. Among the twilight you might make out a pale band of light that slowly rises as the night progress. That pale band of stars is the Milky Way, our home galaxy, and... Read more
5th June
Win a family ticket to visit two great Sussex attractions in one stunning location!
Here’s your chance to win a family of four joint ticket to the following attractions on the Herstmonceux estate: The Observatory Science Centre – spectacular science set among the domes at the former home of the world famous Royal Greenwich Observatory and Herstmonceux Castle Gardens and Grounds – a beautiful, moated 15th Century castle with... Read more
8th May
What’s up in the sky next month?
The kings and queens of the solar system show themselves to best advantage in May. Everyone likes a good story and astronomy is littered with the characters from good stories. The planets take their names from the mythology of a pre-scientific age and in May two of the brightest are prominent in the evening sky.... Read more
26th April
Not got anything planned for the Easter Holidays? We’ve done the legwork.
If you are looking for ideas for what to do over the Easter Holidays, look no further. We have done the legwork, and hunted out some bargains and a range of ideas from heading to the slopes or hunting for chocolate bunnies nearer to home. Head for the slopes, hills or the beach. Alpine Elements... Read more
22nd March
Windmill Hill Windmill, Herstmonceux gears up for a new season
The restoration of the old windmill at Herstmonceux really has been a labour of love for all concerned; not least for Bee Frost, the woman whose back garden it is located in. She and her husband bought the property by auction in 1994 and, although they could live in the house, they were unsure what... Read more
20th March
