Allington – A Castle for the Ages

Sandra Byrd

With Kate Eaton

The Medway River flows from the North Sea into the County of Kent in the southeast of England. There on the banks of the River Medway, Allington Castle stands on land once held by the Celts, Romans and Saxons. As early as 1086 there is mention of a manor house at Allington (Elentun) held by Uluric, thought to be the fourth son of Earl Godwin.

Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror's half brother, Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, was awarded the estate, but it was soon transferred to William, Earl of Warren. During his tenure as landowner, a Norman castle was built, probably a stone bailey with a moat. When that castle was ordered destroyed by King Henry II in 1174, a manor house was rebuilt that included dovecotes that remain to this day.

Over the next two hundred years, the castle was improved by successive tenants. When Allington passed by marriage to Sir Henry Cobham in 1309, the impressive Solomon's Tower was added. From then until 1492, Allington stayed by marriage and inheritance in the hands of Penchester descendants. In 1492, however, it was awarded with gratitude by King Henry Tudor to Sir Henry Wyatt, father of Meg Wyatt. Sir Henry had suffered imprisonment and torture in Scotland under Richard III.

As Privy Councillor and executor of Henry's will, he not only helped manage the royal family's affairs during Henry VIII's childhood, he also became an extremely wealthy man. This wealth enabled him to refurbish and expand Allington Castle, adding tall Tudor windows, a large porch, modern fireplaces, an improved kitchen and a courtyard through which England's oldest Long Gallery ran. One of the towers was also torn down and in its place a Tudor dwelling was built. A magnificent, paneled Royal Room was added to house important guests. The public rooms featured high, stone walls and the private lodgings of the family were beautifully furnished with wood-panelled walls and luxurious carpets, tapestries and furniture.

The Wyatt household included two sons, Thomas and Henry, and at least two daughters, Margaret and Anne/Mary. These residents of Allington Castle were deeply enmeshed in the story of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII.  The youngest sister, Meg in my books, was a favorite of Anne Boleyn's and became one of her chief ladies-in-waiting. The two young women had grown up on neighboring estates in Kent and a strong friendship had developed. Meg traveled with Anne to Calais and later served as Mistress of the Queen's Wardrobe andright up through her death. Her sister, Mary/Anne, is also thought to have served Anne as lady-in-waiting.

And, so, to modern times. Today, Allington Castle is owned by an American who is also Chancellor of University of Kent, Sir Robert Worcester and Lady Worcester. Wouldn't it be wonderful to live as they do in a royal castle immersed in centuries of intrigue?

Research Sources: History of Allington Castle, Kent, Sir Robert Worcester, KBE DL