FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD CASTLE

Somerset

Farleigh is perhaps Somerset's best medieval Castle.  It was built initially by Sir Thomas Hungerford, the first Speaker of the House of Commons, around 1370.  In 1383 he was pardoned for crenellating his manor without a licence.  Sir Thomas' Castle was what today makes up the internal buildings of the bigger Castle which was constructed around it by his son, Sir Walter.  It is to this period that the great gate tower belongs (pictured).

Farleigh at this time also possessed a wet moat, which much have made a quite magnificent site indeed.  The Hungerfords lived here, aside from a brief period during the Wars of the Roses, right up until 1686 when they finally had to sell up and leave.

The Civil War seems to have passed Farleigh quietly by and the decay is a result of time's passage.

The Castle is owned by English Heritage and is open all year.

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2018