Location
Herstmonceux, Hailsham, BN27 1RN
Herstmonceux Castle: A Historic Landmark Overlooking the Pevensey Levels
Herstmonceux Castle is situated at the mouth of a small valley, offering a commanding view southward across the Pevensey Levels to the sea, which is now approximately seven kilometres away. However, the landscape was quite different in ancient times. Before the Roman era, the Levels were marshlands, and during the Roman period and as late as the Norman invasion, these marshes were frequently flooded. An inlet of the sea once extended almost to the current site of the castle.
Transforming the Landscape
The thirteenth century marked a turning point for the region. A series of severe storms, well-documented by contemporary chroniclers, accelerated the natural silting of the area. This, combined with the increasing use of artificial drainage, transformed the marshes into the fertile and picturesque landscape we see today.
A Testament to History
Herstmonceux Castle stands as a witness to these dramatic changes in the environment, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the region’s evolving history and its enduring natural beauty.