I Spent the Night (ALONE!) inside England's Best Preserved Norman Castle built in 1140!

[@AmericanViscountess]

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[@craiglandy2011]

Absolutely love the castle , being born and raised in the village in the 80’s ,first in bowman’s park then to nunnery street where my mother still lives ,and now 40yrs on I bring my 2 young boys to see the castle on the big open days , I must admit I did go into the grounds as a child not realising it was private,sorry my bad. But as a child you don’t realise how precious the grounds and castle are. I remember a dear old lady who lived within the grounds Mrs westmaland not sure if that’s the correct spelling of her name but my mother use to clean and help her , what a lovely woman to have known very gentle & kind.

[@Mimi-y9o4f]

Your hosts are just lovely. They are very knowledgeable with a warm sense of humor. I so enjoyed the tour.

[@HedinghamCastle]

Thank you very much

[@ibuguru]

To sleep in a 900 year old fortress, a medieval keep, and owl outside keeping watch. How safe, how cosseted. Magnificent. Demetra did a wonderful job sewing all those draperies. She's a very proficient seamstress as well as inventive + talented. Much admire her workmanship, and I've been sewing myself since age 7.

[@HedinghamCastle]

Thank you so much!

[@leahmarieezra877]

I love how talented and passionate they are. It is fun to listen to their enthusiasm and to know how much care went into preserving this for future generations.

[@HedinghamCastle]

Thank you so much!

[@jimlewis5477]

The amount of work done on this place is astounding. Its absolutely fantastic to see the historic and modern melded together. Very functional and preserves the sense of history. Congratulations.

[@darlingdeb7010]

I LOVED seeing their lived-in kitchen in the very beginning. So beautiful and welcoming!!

[@rondifrankel]

My life-long dream is to sleep in a medieval castle! I am thrilled for you - and envious! (in Mexico we say "the good envious"). My favorite video so far, and my favorite people! The Lindsays are lovely and have done such amazing things with Hedingham!

[@HedinghamCastle]

That is so kind, thank you so much. The castle sure is a challenge at times but we wouldn't have her any other way!

[@meeganaschen8388]

Julie, you are living my dream and I thoroughly enjoy watching you!! You have the same reaction of awe and joy as I do whilst watching, as you explore these historic homes! The room in the keep that you stayed in is amazing. The way they hid the modern conveniences is so clever! The keep’s restoration is a true labor of love! As an American, I find the history of these buildings mind blowing. One day I would like to visit the UK and explore these amazing architectural gems in person. Until then, thank you for sharing your experiences with us!! Jason and Demetra are lovely! Sending everyone love from CT, USA! ❤

[@HedinghamCastle]

Thank you so much for your kind words. The Royal Chamber certainly was a labour of love but we are so thrilled with the end result, it's a very special room!

[@nadia-i1l5h]

Looking forward to part two after being spellbound by this episode. The garden is just so romantic and I love how so much history is woven into the property

[@ajadrew]

Hedingham Castle is just up the road from me though it's been a few years since my last visit - You won't forget the 100 steps! I've met this couple locally whilst shopping though had had no idea re this connection! Beautiful lake & gardens at the end - Excellent video!

[@HedinghamCastle]

The steps are certainly not for the faint hearted!

[@ajadrew]

@@HedinghamCastle Or those on crutches!

[@louisebrislane6607]

This would have to be your wildest, most fantastic castle adventure!! It is so hard to get one's mind around the age of the castle keep! The things that would have gone on there over the centuries is mind blowing! What a jewel in the Crown of England is this place!!

[@AmericanViscountess]

So true!

[@HedinghamCastle]

If only the walls could talk eh!

[@glennaston2412]

My wife and I were married in the keep in the early 2000’s.

[@bobhemphut4011]

Thanks for taking us along to visit this great piece of history. Thanks to the Lindsey's for allowing us inside their home. As a descendant of many Norman, Anglo-Saxons, Danes and Welsh I appreciate it. Oakham Castle is another well preserved Norman building. Would love to visit some day and experience the English/Welsh countryside.

[@justinwise6950]

That place is amazing! We stayed in a medieval tower in Ireland and it was fantastic. I love that the grounds are not overstated, I like them more than the really fancy gardens.

[@lindahilko7965]

Ok, this was the most amazing video! I cannot say how impressive the footage is, the music selected, the stories, the history, the couple that toured you (us) around this magnificent land, house and keep… really so incredible. I am so looking forward to the second video and perhaps a third.

[@angelaengler2387]

This is my favorite episode so far! I researched my genealogy and I might be a descendant of the First Earl of Oxford Aubrey de Vere😀

[@HedinghamCastle]

Oh this is exciting!

[@kennethwood4090]

Wow what an unbelievable place, great video.

[@ashlen8717]

Thank you for sharing this. I am a small town American girl who discovered she is a descendant of Empress Matilda, and many other royals and nobles. I was shocked, to say the least. I’ve enjoyed watching your videos and getting small glimpses behind stunning palace walls and stately homes. I’m often full of wanderlust, and I wonder what life might’ve been like if my ancestors never came over to America. I realized that there are thousands to millions of descendants of royalty from that time period.

[@MystianPrincess]

King William the Conqueror has millions of descendants, I read somewhere that he has 11 million descendants in England alone in today's society. I got interested in history more than ever when I started working my family tree and I found that it's the maternal bloodlines that hold the most surprises. For the castle, I would love to see a 3D model of what the castle might of looked like throughout the different time periods.

[@DMU386]

Now do Charlemagne’s descendants

[@ashlen8717]

You are correct. I am one of those descendants. Along with an 8th cousin to George Washington, and 15th cousin to Princess of Wales, as well as her husband and sons. I take it you are a descendant of The Conquerer as well?

[@mattbarbarich3295]

My first video of yours in months and what a comeback! Probably the best one so far, amazing history and restoration and if the tower wasnt enough the beautiful house and gardens blew me away once more.Thank you Viscountess, keep them coming!

[@jonathanaddy2623]

I am blown away. As soon as I heard ''best preserved Norman keep'' I was straight on my high horse. Well I'm pleasantly surprised, happily proven wrong and joyfully amazed at this building, its wonderful custodians, and all the work they have done to preserve and contextualise it for future generations. Tremendous.

[@melisawitz9141]

Beautiful to see ancestors homes and where they lay to rest

[@pppexplorer]

It's amazing how much thought and detail were involved into the building of castles like this one -- e.g., the clockwise steps (13:18) to put potential attackers coming up them at an fighting disadvantage. Wow! 😲😀

[@badapple65]

Left handed marauders were in high demand 😀

[@DMU386]

it is incredible, castles and keeps throughout medieval europe were built using this concept. i think information/ideas such as this traveled way faster than we think

[@tracifannin-poole1904]

This made me smile! Lady Francis De Vere Howard is my 16th great grandmother! To see where my ancestors lived, ruled, etc is mind blowing! Thank you for sharing this! ❤ Frances Howard, Countess of Surrey (née de Vere; c. 1517[1] - 30 June 1577) was the second daughter and third child of John de Vere, 15th Earl of Oxford, and Elizabeth Trussell.

[@tammyrobinson8612]

Another absolutely beautiful, amazing place Love watching your videos xxx

[@DB-hu4lu]

Another excellent episode! I am an American and just love British history. Getting to see this awesome Norman Keep and learn so much history attached to it is really wonderful!

[@kristooley4112]

Fabulous! I sure would love to stay here!

[@jojofromcocomo6429]

I love your journeys to visit different homes. When I was in England I got to stay at Thornberry Castle it was absolutely amazing. I can't wait to see the next one this one is amazing.❤

[@jitkasuarez]

BIG THUMBS UP! What a great tour, Julie. Demetra and Jason were wonderful- I'm in awe of their creativity and skill, too. And the keep was amazingly clean- The floors are gorgeous! Such a cool place. I have to admit, thanks to American Viscountess, I have come around to love the medieval and Elizabethan architecture. My first true love was Georgian and Elizabethan seemed too stark or imposing or cold...But I now realize it was also quite majestic and romantic, too. Am looking forward to the next video tour of the Georgian building!!! I already really like what I see. Great job everyone

[@BubblesUp61]

OMG! How amazing to see a beautiful restored keep and you got to spend the night. Can’t wait for part two. ❤

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@d.s.4627]

What fun! This is so impressive. A wedding here would just be the best. I hope you had a good night.

[@friendlhi]

..and they spoke French....so stunning to see a part of the history book lived in - wowowow

[@stutzbearcat5624]

You've really pulled a couple aces in the deck of life. Hey, good for you!! I'm glad you appreciate what you have and share it so eagerly.

[@alandalgleish4002]

Loved this! And loved the hosts!

[@teresawommack5148]

Wow just wow. Great place. So much History. Thank you Julie for ANOTHER great video. The owners are awesome and so friendly. What a wonderful place to be. Great job on this place. I would love to be able to visit this place.

[@karenmorrison8112]

Wow, how wonderful Julie. What incredible history.

[@dianeknott3655]

One of your best, Julie!!

[@marjorielewis645]

This is beyond extraordinary😮❤

[@sarahoakley6195]

Julie, I enjoyed this video so much! Thank you for making it

[@AmericanViscountess]

You are so welcome!

[@paivitiitta1884]

This castle is STUNNING !

[@beauteoussounds1156]

Absolutely INCREDIBLE! ❤ Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@dianegard1621]

This is amazing. I have seen the banquet hall in a different podcast but the entire structure is amazing! Their ingenuity and creativity to make the tower an appealing space but retaining the history is exceptional. I would love to visit!

[@CSmith1960]

Absolutely incredible!! I would love to come with my daughter and granddaughters to visit the homes and tour the grounds ❤️

[@kellymorrow-bradford553]

What an incredible history lesson! Thank you!

[@rachaelkasper5445]

This is just magnificent! Their signature drink in their bar in the keep could be "Motte-and-Bailey" LOL What a magnificent drink that would be!

[@HedinghamCastle]

A delicious idea!

[@Cb-46]

I used to live just down the road from this place in the 80s, always loved seeing it and sneaking around the grounds as a youngster

[@TraceyfromPA]

Unbelievable. So beautiful and historical. So good!!!

[@lorig7077]

The oldest building I was ever in was my friends home built in 1726. Everything is so new in the states. Here's to find any buildings before 1850. Its amazing how these huge palaces have survived. All the history and documentation is so interesting. All your family records. Seeing who your relatives are. I can only go back as far as my grandparents. It makes history so much more real.

[@paulinewilson613]

What a magnificent place, I'd love to spend time in that keep and sleep in that glorious bed. Thank you for taking us with you Julie xxx

[@HedinghamCastle]

We can confirm it is exceptionally comfy and cosy!

[@ЭдуардГовардЛич]

The main treasure of this castle is its wonderful and caring owners) From Siberia with love !

[@nicolejansen3804]

when will there be the second part online? i m hooked.

[@ClancyWoodard-yw6tg]

I came across your videos in my recommend it the other night and you go to some of the most amazing places I've ever seen and to stay the night in a 900-year-old castle has got to be one of the coolest experiences ever

[@christrites4251]

What an amazing building. Thx for sharing it with us.

[@papayne]

Hello from the Payne family (formerly of Suffolk),long-time friends and retainers to the Earls of Oxford. Happy holidays

[@HedinghamCastle]

Hello! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas :)

[@Anonymousones1]

Your videos are my therapy ❤

[@wendytimms4515]

So interesting. Aubrey de Vere was my 35th Great Grandfather. I would love to go visit Hedingham Castle one day.

[@FMAStudent]

Thanks for sharing this, Viscountess.

[@MegaTechboy1]

Fantastic channel, just incredible. Thank you for helping to lift my spirit in a difficult time. Bravo

[@liss2503]

Wow, wow, wow. How amazing was it to spend the night? I can’t wait to see the house. ❤

[@splash3613]

Absolutely love that! I would live to stay there, what an experience!!

[@BobbyRyan2001]

This is my favorite episode yet! I love hearing the history of this place so much packed into this place of King Henry 7th the Henry 8th Queen Elizabeth 1st yeah id love to stay in a place they all visited. Thank you great video!

[@userpharnorth]

I was so excited to hear Burghley House mentioned. Our family history that has been passed down tells us that we are decadents of Lord Burghley.

[@sinD62]

How absolutely beautiful! What a dream to stay there overnight! I am truly jealous...but thank you for taking us with you!!

[@RianShafer]

This is a fantastic place! I would dearly love to spend a weekend (at least) in that guest room & have the keep to wander around in my dressing gown.

[@janetjensen3870]

There’s a castle there from my relatives. Big Strickland and little Strickland. Would love to see them.

[@chefvaleriewilson8738]

WHAT A CLIFF HANGER! I want to hear about the night you spent there! So incredibly AWESOME to stay in a 900 year old place! This may be one of my favorite places you have visited. It is just so 'Castle' looking! Did you hear or see any ghosts? There has to be some strong energy there after 900 years. When is part 2 coming out?

[@AmericanViscountess]

part 2 coming out in January! Stay tuned!!!

[@user-bms4y2jeio5wli]

That’s a real castle… I’m glad they preserved it!!

[@31Rowan]

Thank you so much for sharing this! BEAUTIFUL and made me want to go see!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sciencenerd8428]

What a great tour!!

[@suebradford5758]

Fascinating 😀 and Wobderfully Restored...Thank you 😀👍😀

[@cherylcrawford2221]

Wow! What a place and such a lovely couple!

[@sunflowershanti4940]

Thanks, Julie🌻 Good show

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@77danamae]

Absolutely amazing!

[@mytube-10]

Fascinating ~ thank you!💓🏰

[@mariaangelesmarinramirez5376]

Julie nice video and good explanation regarding beautiful Castle.

[@gingerschatshow]

I hope you had a restful sleep and had fun staying there. Take care and Stay safe :D

[@MlorL]

Buen video ♥️ me fascinan los castillos , me gustaría hicieras más videos en Español .😊 para conocer su cultura de Europa. Saludos desde México 🇲🇽 Linda

[@wilybeasts8942]

It would be great if they could partner with museums to fill it with real armours and weapons. I expect a lot of people would travel to an armour museum in there.

[@HedinghamCastle]

That is an excellent idea and we do display some replicas at our jousting events for people to explore. It would be amazing to have some real items on display but possibly slightly tricky with lots of weddings/events guests using the space throughout the year, however we are working on updating our small but perfectly formed museum area on the top floor very soon!

[@baylorsailor]

Wow! How lucky are you?! I would love to stay in a structure that old one day. So amazing! 😍

[@nancymccormick7567]

Wow this is incredible!

[@papayne]

⁠these links I have made through records with both the xMontagu and Vere’s is extremely cool after hundreds of years! Can’t wait to get their story written.

[@nigelsouthworth5577]

Thankyou Viscountess. I really enjoyed this although I would suggest the Tower of London is the best preserved Norman Castle. But, there you are!

[@rramsey1489]

Incredible! You are the best documentarian!!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Wow, thank you!

[@yuliastiti9922]

What extraordinary. Palace..🎉🎉🎉

[@LSTEdD1]

Fascinating!!

[@aruvielevenstar3944]

This was so beautiful and fascinating 🏰🕯⚔️🛡🗡

[@marshabailey1121]

It's so funny. I'm wtachiing this absolutely rapt due to Julie's masterful storytelling...Then I realize that the story of Hugh de Vere is known to me since i am directly descended from him on the female line. And I am an Oxfordian when it comes to the Shakespeare authorship debate.

[@died4us590]

I love this castle, makes me think of William coming across the English channel with his 1000 viking ship's made from 7000 tree's before the crossing, along with training fighting men, and training the cavalry horse's to not be afraid. He killed king Henry after faking a retreat, which his men who were 130 feet above him came down thinking they had the victory, but then going into open battle, and finally killing king Henry, and later being crowned king as a rightful Air to the throne, and then all the fighting throughout the war of the rose's. The work these two have done themselves is inspiring, and your stay will be one for the memory book's. G-d bless.

[@jasonward9429]

It was King Harold (Harold Godwinson) that William defeated not Henry in 1066 (14th October). William was then crowned on Christmas day that year.

[@dilshaddealwis6543]

Absolutely riveting.

[@brandonj.brockway8281]

Absolutely amazing!! ❤

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!!

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Since it’s an ancient building, they probably can’t put toilets in the building. I recall the Tower of London had toilets that slid the waste down the side of the building into the moat. Reportedly had quite a stench in the hot summers.

[@keithbartlett9048]

Thank you Julie for your series on English estates and historical buildings. I find myself always looking forward to your next episode on KZbin.

[@AmericanViscountess]

You are so welcome!

[@Shiryone]

This is an amazing place.

[@reference2592]

WOW. I was impressed by the country house. That monster keep tho...

[@ordiekelleher2641]

Thanks sharing!😊

[@suzannemaria5594]

FANTASTIC ❤

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thanks 🤗

[@wandadenny1944]

I would be afraid the castle is haunted. I'm sure it is I love this history tour of the castle. Fascinating. I don't know zip about this period in history. The couple is lovely

[@thomw4434]

fantastic

[@wildcolonialman]

Fabulous.