The history of Scotney Castle

A view of Scotney Castle — A view across the moat to the old castle | © Amanda Glubb

Discover the long and rich history of Scotney Castle, dating from the 12th century. The Hussey family lived here from 1778 and, in the 1830s, were responsible for transforming the estate into the perfect country house. Three generations of the Hussey family called Scotney Castle home before it opened to visitors in 2007.

In the beginning

The earliest record of occupancy on the land dates from 1137, and the oldest parts of the Old Castle were built in 1378 by Roger de Ashburnham.

Edward Hussey I purchased the Scotney estate in 1778. The Hussey family originally came from Worcestershire and moved to this area in the early 18th century. They made their money from the iron industry and continued their interest in this by working with local Sussex forges.

A picturesque vision

In the 1830s Edward's grandson, Edward Hussey III, transformed the estate. He hired architect Anthony Salvin to build a new house at the top of the hill overlooking the valley. Edward Hussey III had the imagination to transform the Old Castle into a ruin to act as the focus of his new landscape garden.

As a result of his vision, Scotney Castle is now celebrated as one of the most significant survivals of a complete Picturesque landscape. Edward and his wife Henrietta had six children who all enjoyed growing up in this idyllic setting.

The old castle in the sunshine at Scotney Castle, Kent — The old castle in the sunshine at Scotney Castle | © National Trust Images/Kirsty Gibbons

A home for evacuees

Edward Windsor Hussey (known as Edwy) took over the running of the estate when his father died in 1894. He lived here with his wife Rosamond during both World Wars, hosting evacuees from the Kings’ School in Rochester in 1939.

Securing the future

Edwy’s nephew, Christopher Hussey, took ownership of the house in 1952. He was very aware of the decline of the country house in England after the Second World War and acted to secure the future of the estate by creating six flats in the house to improve its longevity as a home and provide income.

Christopher bequeathed Scotney Castle and its collection to the National Trust in 1970. The house remained the home of his widow, Betty Hussey, until June 2007 when it was first opened to visitors.

The mansion house at Scotney Castle in winter

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