Farleigh Hungerford Castle |
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Farleigh Hungerford was begun in the 1370s by Sir Thomas Hungerford, Speaker of the Commons, and extended in the 15th century by his son Walter, Lord Hungerford, Agincourt veteran and distinguished medieval statesman.
The remains of their fortified mansion, built in the most up-to-date and fashionable quadrangular style of the time, included four tall corner towers (two no longer standing) along with a walled outer court incorporating a complete castle Chapel and attendant Priest's House.
Crowded with fine family monuments and bedecked with wall-paintings, the chapel stands above a crypt where the lead coffins of 16th and 17th century Hungerfords are still visible. These have 'death masks' of the deceased indented into them, and are probably the best examples of their type in Britain.
The colourful Hungerford family included two members executed during the Wars of the Roses and another - who imprisoned his wife here for four years - beheaded for alleged treason and witchcraft by Henry VIII.
One Lady Hungerford was hanged for murdering her first husband and burning his body in the castle's kitchen oven, another was charged with adultery and attempted poisoning.
The chequered history of Farleigh and its owners is told in interpretation panels, extensive displays in the Priest's House, and an audio tour.
Much improved facilities for disabled visitors include a touch-screen virtual tour, while family and educational facilities include a 'book box', a schools base and examples of historic costumes.
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Opening Times
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(2009 times)
21 Mar-30 Jun, daily 10am-5pm 1 Jul-31 Aug, daily 10am-6pm 1-30 Sep, daily 10am-5pm 1-31 Oct, daily 10am-4pm 1 Nov- 31 Mar, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Closed 24-26 Dec 2008 & 1 Jan 2009. |
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Admission Charges
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(2009 prices)
Adult: £3.40Children: £1.80 Concession: £2.70 English Heritage Members: Free |
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Directions
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Road Access: In Farleigh Hungerford, 9 miles SE of Bath; 3 1/2 miles West of Trowbridge on A366. Train Access: Avoncliffe 2 miles; Trowbridge 3 1/2 miles Bus Access: Bodmans 96 from Trowbridge (passes close to Trowbridge railway station) then 1 1/2 mile |
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Farleigh Hungerford Castle Postcode for SatNav: BA2 7RS |
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Nearby Attractions
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American Museum in Britain
(4 Miles)*
The American Museum in Britain takes you on a journey through the history of America, from its early settlers to the 20th century |
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Courts Garden
(4 Miles)*
The Courts is a peaceful family garden with its roots in the past. From the bustling high street of Holt, you pass through an unassuming gateway into a quiet corner. |
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Bath Abbey
(5 Miles)*
In Bath Abbey you are visiting a church that celebrated its 500th anniversary in 1999. However, hidden below your feet lie traces of earlier churches that take the history of Christian worship in this place back over a thousand years. |
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