History of Sissinghurst
Introduction
Sissinghurst occupies an ancient site. There has been a settlement here since the late 12th century, the name deriving from a Saxon clearing in the woods. During the early middle ages a stone manor house surrounded by a moat (of which two arms remain) was built.
Introduction
Sissinghurst occupies an ancient site. There has been a settlement here since the late 12th century, the name deriving from a Saxon clearing in the woods. During the early middle ages a stone manor house surrounded by a moat (of which two arms remain) was built.
Baker family
In 1480 the property was purchased by the Baker family (who were related by marriage to the Sackvilles of Knole). The old manor house was allowed to fall into ruin and an impressive brick mansion was built to replace it. It was one of the first large houses in Kent to be built of brick instead of stone and timber. Only the long front range survives today which was originally the service range with stables on one side and servants quarters on the other.
An Elizabethan house, based on a double courtyard, was built by Sir Richard Baker during 1560-70 and was known as one of the most magnificent houses in the Weald.
A change of fortune
In 1756, after a change in the families' fortune, the house was let to the government and used as a prison camp for French prisoners of war. Over 3,000 inmates were held here over a period of seven years. It was from these prisoners that the title of 'castle' was given to the site. The house was very similar to a French chateau, a large manor house surrounded by an accompanying estate, and the title stuck.
Much damage was done to the buildings and at the end of the war two thirds of them were demolished. Over the next 50 years the buildings were occupied by the poor of the parish who worked on the estate farm and neighbouring brickyard.
In 1855 the estate reverted to the Cornwallis family who built the farmhouse as the old buildings were scarcely habitable.
Vita Sackville-West and Sir Harold Nicolson
The estate was put up for sale in 1928 but for two years a buyer could not be found. In April 1930 Vita Sackville-West came with her son, Nigel, looking for an old house where she could make a new garden. Vita fell in love with Sissinghurst Castle and bought it, along with 400 acres of farmland.
Together, Vita and her husband Harold made a garden which reflects their different personalities, Harold was a classicist whilst Vita was a romantic who favoured profusion and surprise. It was thus Harold who designed the layout of the garden using the walls & buildings already in place.
The garden was first opened to the public in 1938. The proceeds raised £25.14s.6d and Vita nicknamed the visitors 'shillingses', as one shilling (5p) was the admission price.
Vita died in 1962 and Harold and her two sons decided that the best way to preserve the garden was for ownership to be transferred to the National Trust. This was completed in April 1967.
