Herstmonceux’s new Estate Director looks ahead to a new year at the castle
5th February
Interview with Dean Pascall, Estate Director – Videographer: Jack White – Nordarktis
Visitors will be welcomed back from April 2025
“Herstmonceux Estate has faced a number of challenges recently with the unexpected closure of the castle and grounds to visitors from late 2023. I am looking forward to welcoming everyone back in April 2025, “ Dean Pascall, Estate Director
This popular historic East Sussex moated castle dates back to the 15C and was built by Sir Roger de Fiennes, and is especially noted for its fine brickwork which was a new building material at the time. It has had several guises as both a family home and now the home of Bader International Study Centre. The grounds include a 300 acre estate featuring a walled garden, woodland trails, lakes and meadows with a welcoming café on site for visitors.
The need for major renovations was identified in 2023
Unfortunately, in late 2023 it became apparent that some areas of castle masonry were compromised and for safety reasons the building and grounds were closed to allow a full inspection of the condition of the building. Subsequent surveys showed a significant need to replace areas of stone and brickwork in line with the requirements of Historic England, and the enormous and painstaking task of repairing and renovation started.
Over the past year the castle has been shrouded in scaffolding and sheeting as specialist stone masons and building restoration services have been working hard in all weathers to repair and conserve the building. Materials had to be sourced in keeping with the local stone and over £20,000 worth of carefully matched bricks were ordered in addition to new stonework where needed.
As this huge restoration project is drawing to a close the estate will be open for visitors from April, with limited castle access and the opportunity to hold events again in the castle. It is hoped that students will be welcomed backed towards the end of the year. But with so many moving parts in this project it is best to contact the estate directly to get confirmation.
We caught up with the recently appointed Estate Director, Dean Pascall to find out what his hopes for the estate in 2025 are. LINK to interview. https://youtu.be/DEm-VHiCSwQ
For further information: https://herstmonceux-castle.com/
Main contractors on the project: Archer Stone, Valley Builders, Gould Baxter
