History comes to life

Bexhill Museum’s lecture season is in full swing with more than 50 people turning out to gain an entertaining insight to Bodiam Castle and its history.
Bodiam Castle SUS-150712-102453001Bodiam Castle SUS-150712-102453001
Bodiam Castle SUS-150712-102453001

The lecture was given by David Langworthy and supported by his wife Hazel, both dressed in costumes as the Steward of Bodiam Castle and a Lady at the time of 1385.

David explained that the castle was primarily built as a defence against the French and showed slides of the building plans, depictions of how it would have looked when first built and photographs of what the remains look like today.

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He explained about the moat, and the re-positioning of the access bridge and that the original foundations of the first bridge are still at the bottom of the moat.

It is thought that the portcullis is the original from when the castle was first built.

David told of the many owners of Bodiam Castle, including “Mad Jack” Fuller and up to Lord Curzon who bequeathed it to the National Trust who remain its custodian.

David spoke about the many and varied activities and talks and walks that are offered when visiting the Castle.

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The last slide, was a humorous artist’s impression of re-building the castle to bring it up to date and included amongst other things a multi-storey car park and a fast food outlet. David pondered if the castle would have worked as a defence?

He showed the audience pieces of armour as well as slides of several other items of armour and mail.

The lecture team returns to St Augustine’s Church Hall, off Cooden Drive on Wednesday December 13 when John and Thelma Burgess present a traditional Christmas magic lantern show.

Dave Hatherall, from the museum, said: “Come along and get in the Christmas spirit with their show which commences at 2.30pm. There is a charge of £4 per person, reduced to £3 for Bexhill Museum members. Refreshments included.

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