Location: Amberley, West Sussex Map
Amberley Castle, located in the village of Amberley in West Sussex, United Kingdom, is a historic fortified manor house with a rich history spanning over 900 years. Originally constructed as a hunting lodge in 1103, it was transformed into a fortified residence in the 14th century and has served various roles, from a bishop’s stronghold to a royalist fortress during the English Civil War. Today, it is a Grade I listed luxury hotel operated by Andrew and Christina Brownsword, part of the Relais & Châteaux group since 2004, renowned for its medieval architecture, well-preserved features, and picturesque setting at the foot of the South Downs.
Origins (7th–12th Century)
The land where Amberley
Castle stands was gifted to Bishop Wilfrid by Caedwalla, King of Wessex,
in 683 AD, as recorded in historical accounts. The site was endowed to
the See of Selsey and later came under the Bishops of Chichester after
the Norman Conquest, when the bishopric was relocated. The earliest
recorded structure was a timber-framed hunting lodge built in 1103 by
Bishop Ralph de Luffa. This lodge was replaced in 1140 by Bishop Seffrid
I with a more elaborate stone hall, to which Bishop Seffrid II added an
East Wing in 1200.
Fortification (14th Century)
In 1377,
during the Hundred Years’ War, fears of French raids along England’s
south coast prompted Bishop William Reade to seek permission to fortify
the manor. The result was a rhomboid-shaped stone enclosure with high
curtain walls (up to 40 feet), internal towers at each corner, a
twin-towered gatehouse, and an oubliette (a dungeon accessible only from
above). These fortifications transformed Amberley into a fortified manor
house, serving as a stronghold for the Bishops of Chichester.
Post-Reformation and Civil War (16th–17th Century)
After Bishop
Robert Sherborne’s occupancy ended in 1536, the castle was leased to
tenants. During the English Civil War (1642–1651), a Royalist tenant’s
allegiance led Oliver Cromwell to order General William Waller to attack
the castle in 1643. The assault reduced the curtain walls by 20–30 feet
and destroyed the Great Hall, leaving parts of the castle in ruins.
Post-war, Parliament seized the castle and sold it to John Butler, a
London cloth merchant, who rebuilt a manor house from the Great Hall’s
ruins. With the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, King Charles II
returned the castle to the Bishopric, though the Butler family
negotiated a long lease and remained for two generations.
Later
Ownership (19th–20th Century)
In 1872, the church sold the castle to
Robert Curzon, 15th Lord Zouche, who used it as a hunting lodge. In
1893, Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk, purchased it and
repaired the portcullis stonework. The Emmet family owned it from 1926
to 1982, followed by Hollis Baker (1982–1987), who reinstated the
2.5-ton portcullis. In 1987, an American family briefly owned it, and in
1988, Joy and Martin Cummings converted it into a luxury hotel. Since
2004, it has been owned by Andrew and Christina Brownsword, operating as
part of their hotel group and Relais & Châteaux.
Amberley Castle’s medieval architecture is a defining
feature, blending defensive elements with later modifications for
residential and hospitality use. Key features include:
Curtain
Walls and Portcullis: The castle is enclosed by a 60-foot-high curtain
wall, reduced in height after the Civil War but still imposing. The
twin-towered gatehouse to the south features a working 2.5-ton
portcullis, lowered nightly to preserve tradition. A small water-gate in
the west wall and a Norman postern in the east wall add to the defensive
layout.
Internal Towers: Square towers at each corner, along with a
kitchen block and garderobe tower with gun loops to the north, reflect
the 1377 fortifications. Two of the four corner towers remain intact.
Queen’s Room: The principal dining room, dating to the 12th century,
features a barrel-vaulted ceiling and an open fireplace, creating a
dramatic medieval ambiance.
Great Room: A later addition with oak
flooring, tapestries, and suits of armor, used for dining and events.
Manor House: Built by John Butler in the 17th century from the ruins of
the Great Hall, it now houses some guest rooms and blends seamlessly
with the older structure.
Gardens: Spanning 12 acres, the formal
gardens include rose-covered arches, topiary from the 1920s, koi ponds,
camellias, magnolias, and an upper courtyard for outdoor dining. The
grounds also feature an 18-hole putting green, a croquet lawn, and a
tennis court.
The castle’s Grade I listing reflects its historical
and architectural significance, with much of the medieval stonework,
including battlements and crenelations, preserved despite Civil War
damage.
Amberley Castle’s history is intertwined with key
figures and events:
Royal Connections: The castle was visited by King
Charles II twice in 1660, and Queen Elizabeth I is said to have owned it
briefly, though primary evidence is scarce. It’s speculated she stayed
in the Bishoprics Suite as a young princess.
Ecclesiastical
Importance: As a residence of the Bishops of Chichester, it was a center
of religious and administrative power until the Reformation.
Civil
War Legacy: Its role as a Royalist stronghold and subsequent destruction
highlight its strategic importance during the 17th century.
Modern
Recognition: The castle’s conversion into a hotel has earned accolades,
including a Michelin Guide One Key award, 4 AA Red Stars, and 3 AA
Rosettes for its cuisine.
The surrounding village of Amberley, known
as the “Pearl of Sussex” for its thatched cottages and scenic beauty,
enhances the castle’s cultural appeal. Nearby attractions like Arundel
Castle (3.7 miles), Amberley Museum (0.8 miles), and the South Downs
National Park make it a hub for heritage tourism.
Since its conversion into a hotel in 1989, Amberley
Castle has become a premier destination for luxury and historical
immersion. Key features include:
Accommodations: The castle
offers 19 guest rooms, ranging from Classic to Deluxe suites, located in
the original castle or the manor house. Rooms are furnished with
antiques, fine fabrics, four-poster beds, and modern amenities like
flat-screen TVs, L’Occitane toiletries, and tea/coffee facilities. Some
rooms, like the Amberley Suite, offer views of the inner quadrant, while
others, like Bodiam, are praised for comfort.
Dining: The Queen’s
Room restaurant, with its 12th-century vaulted ceiling, serves
contemporary cuisine crafted by Head Chef Paul Peters, earning 3 AA
Rosettes. The Great Room offers an alternative dining space. Afternoon
tea, featuring seasonal treats like Christmas-themed macarons, is highly
rated, with tailored options for dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian,
pregnancy-safe).
Activities: Guests can enjoy the 18-hole putting
green, croquet lawn, tennis court, and garden walks. The castle hosts
weddings and private events, with a terrace and function rooms
available.
Ambiance: The castle retains a medieval charm with suits
of armor, tapestries, and fire-lit lounges. The portcullis, resident
peacocks (including one named Bob), and manicured gardens add to the
experience.
Service: Reviews praise the staff’s attentiveness, with
standout mentions of employees like Caz and Ivan for personalized
service. However, some guests note occasional service inconsistencies,
such as slow afternoon tea service or room allocation issues.
The
castle’s location, 60 miles southwest of London and 22 miles from
Brighton, is accessible via Amberley Rail Station (10-minute walk) or
Gatwick Airport (36 km). It’s ideal for couples (rated 9.4/10 for
two-person trips) and special occasions like anniversaries and
proposals.
While Amberley Castle is widely praised, some guest
reviews highlight areas for improvement:
Value for Money: Classic
rooms, starting at £220/night, can feel small or lack views (e.g.,
overlooking the restaurant wall), disappointing some guests for the
price. Superior rooms or suites are recommended for a fuller experience.
Service Inconsistencies: Slow service during afternoon tea or minor
housekeeping oversights have been noted, though these are outliers
compared to overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Accessibility: The
castle is not barrier-free, and rooms lack air conditioning, relying on
historic lattice windows, which may admit noise or drafts.
Child
Policy: Children under 5 are not permitted to stay, and those under 8
cannot dine in the restaurant, requiring private dining arrangements.
Local legend claim that Amberley Castle Hotel is a haunted place. These stories claim that bishop of Chichester seduced a poor peasant girl named Emily who worked at the kitchen of the Amberley Castle. Poor girl died either from a disease or by taking her own life depending on a version of the story. Regardless of the way she died many people claim to have seen her sobbing figure appear in the halls of the fortress. These sightings are particularly common around a former medieval kitchen where she used to work.