Lympne Castle

Lympne Castle stands on a rise above Romney Marsh in Kent. It began in the 1080s as a small residence for the Archdeacons of Canterbury near the ruins of a Roman fort. The present stone manor dates mainly from the 1360s, when a tower was added at each end. In the 15th and 19th centuries further walls and windows were inserted. Robert Lorimer carried out a careful restoration between 1907 and 1912, adding the West Wing. The castle’s long history includes a spell as a farmhouse after 1860 and wartime use by the army. After the Second World War it was repaired and enlarged again, most recently in 1945. In 1978 Wings recorded parts of the Back to the Egg album in its rooms. By 2021 it offered self-catering flats and a restaurant, while still hosting private events. Today the castle operates as a wedding and event venue under new Canadian owners. The stone gatehouse and battlements still frame views across the marsh. Inside, medieval fireplaces sit beside modern kitchens. The East Wing, added in 1918, provides additional space for guests.