Secrets of Hever Castle – Home of Anne Boleyn

In this video join Kevin Hicks on another captivating castle tour, this time discovering some of the secrets inside Hever Castle, ancestral home of Anne Boleyn. Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of this beautiful castle, from its origins in the 14th century to its prominent role in the Tudor era. Dive into the enchanting world of Hever Castle and uncover the legacy of one of England's most intriguing historical treasures.

OTHER LINKS:

CREDITS:
Music: Tudor by Bonnie Grace via Epidemic Sound
Aerial view of Hever Castle, courtesy of Hever Castle & Gardens Facebook page
Tudor Kitchens: courtesy of Hever Castle
Book of Hours: courtesy of Hever Castle
Bed chamber: © Paul Hermans via Wikipedia Commons CC4

[ShakesSphere]

Wow!! I used to live in Hever Rectory, back in the 70s!! My uncle took over the parish as standing minister, whilst their minister and his wife went on extended vacation to Peru. So we were guests of Lord and Lady Astor, for private tours and as their guests for dinner. I have such fond memories of waking early and sitting all alone on a fence rail with my tea, watching the cows come down to say hi and visit their little stream. And the swans by the bridge, over the River Eden. My uncle and I were particularly interested in studying the architecture of the Rectory. Very medieval, mud and wattle originally (still visible in the garrett) but refacaded with brick in the 1600s. I'm quite curious if there are some missing portions. I did find an unexplained gap in space, and upon enlisting Uncle's aid, he discovered a trick bookshelf wall, and we found a priest hole. There was a tiny, air vent near the ceiling..totally camouflaged by tricky brickwork up high on the exterior! And the bathroom upstairs was so inexplicable..would take a chapter to describe!! Very cute though, and a teensy window at the very end, over the pot, very last teeny room...from the outside, looking up at the strangely placed and built portions, I truly think now, that it was reformed from a guarded robe (sp?) Well at any rate, I thoroughly loved that house, and my uncle was offered to purchase the place and stay on, by the one in Peru. SADLY!! My aunt refused, and wished to return to America to stay. (Och! Uncle and I were quite sad about that, indeed!) Happy memories though. The rectory and lands were 'owned' by one Thomas Culpeper, upon 2 occasions..my best of studies would seem to indicate thus far, that this Thomas was likely the older brother of the same name, and probably not the younger Thomas who met his unfortunate end due to, and along with, Catherine Howard. However, it's certainly within a short footpath, of the Boleyn residence, so I still wonder! The house had many tales to tell, and I shan't relate them all here. What I can tell you of the castle though, is that I could hear very delicate music emanating from a particular doorway, and Lady Astor confirmed that that room had been where music was played in medieval times, and took me to view the room! I heard and saw many things, which I'll not relate. But one thing I read recently, had the info wrong.. Upon a certain tree commanding my attention, as we walked in the garden, I asked him of it, as it was clearly of a good age, and very beautiful nonetheless..but I asked him, "Lord Astor, what can you tell me of that tree? It seems apart, and very special in some way.." Thankfully, he was delighted I'd asked, and proceeded to tell me that THAT tree, had been carted down by Henry VIII as a gift, and that it was quite a large tree when brought, what a great effort it had been to cart it and get it planted in. I read something incorrect about that tree, if what Lord Astor told me is true. But I have to believe he truly knew the real history of it! Say hi to my old stomping grounds for me, please! ❤❤❤❤❤

[simonjohn]

This guy is the David Attenborough of castles. Love watching..

[angelally]

Compared to cheap clickbait videos, your tours provide the details and visuals that castle- and history-lovers are really looking for. Thank you for making these delightful videos!

[charliebrenton]

God, I never ask for nothing, but do us all a solid and keep this precious geezer alive forever! Amen.🙏

[hakon]

These On-Location Tours are an absolute Treasure Kevin. Greetings from Norway.

[Anubis]

As an American farmer who will probably never travel further than the continental US, these tours of your native castles really send me over the moon.

My 23andme ties me genetically to 15 viking age people in Ireland, England, and Scotland, a pict, and a scythian woman who was beheaded. Seeing your home country and the history behind it makes me feel a sense of belinging and wonder. Maybe my ancestors helped build some of these castles, or paid grain to their owners.

I'll likely never know unless more of my ancestors are DNA sequenced and tied to names or villages. But in the meantime, it's at least fun to imagine.

[wanyman]

Amazing video. Mary Boleyn is my 14th great grandmother, so it's wonderful to see where my ancestors lived.

[Weeeewriter]

I'm from Canada but my Fiancé is from England. I think your country is so beautiful. This video is one of my favorites!! Thank you so much!

[gammon]

I went to Hever school in the 70s, iam no stranger to this amazing castle.
Performing the nativity in Hever Church and falling asleep on Thomas Boleyn tomb 🙂

[annwilliams]

Mr Astor did a marvellous job in restoring, restructuring and making a warm, cosy home on a Tudor theme. Beautiful.

[christopherdinauer-xzsw]

This is the best History channel on YouTube it is not even close. Is straight to the point and Kevin does not hide his enthusiasm for what he is talking about.
Well done sir, well done

[meredollz]

growing up about 10 minutes from this castle was a highlight of my life, school trips here were brilliant!

[ashtraydekay]

You're so lucky you get to do these special tours on your own. Thabks for bringing us along!

[Janieblueyes]

Was here from Australia in July, 2023, was fortunate to stay here and a festival was on too. was brilliant. Highly recommend. Even met a very funny King Henry. My husband is currently drawing the castle . Fantastic place and the gardens are beautiful. 🐨☺️ worth looking at the cemetery near the King Henry viii pub. Some great graves in there . Boleyn family buried there

[jrp]

Any day that a new castle tour video pops up on this channel is a good day

[OldBuford]

I do love living in the US but what i wouldnt give to be closer to old castles and other stoneworks. The perfect mix of history and engineering.

[Patrickthest]

Really enjoyed this, makes not having a TV totally worth it.

[derrickstorm]

As a hobbyist painter, conveniently focusing on still life portraits at the moment, these castle walk-arounds are absolutely fantastic for finding all kinds of objects and details to include that I would otherwise probably never knew existed. So thank you so much Kevin (and crew) for spending your time and money on making these tours for us ❤

[PaulewingStHelens]

Fantastic Kev. A great tour. Loved the book written in and signed by Anne Boleyn. To think she actually held and read that very book. Fascinating.

[marirothbauer]

You do not have to be a scholar but knowing history is priceless.