Stories Project

In 2024, we launched the Chiddingstone Castle Stories Project, the first stage of which aimed to capture memories about Denys Eyre Bower and the history of Chiddingstone Castle. We wanted to learn more about who Denys was as a person, his collections and displays, and how the castle was run. Through recorded interviews, we collected stories that can be shared with the local community and visitors to the castle, preserving them for the future.

Juliet Bangerter - Quote 1, 2.9.2025

Well, they came here I believe when my grandfather retired and they lived in, somewhere over in north London and they rented, as lots of people of their generation did. So when he retired they I think they were looking for somewhere to rent nearer to mum and dad, and they came here. I don’t know whether I am right in saying that the flat they had was sort of ‘grace and favour’, I think so. Grandad worked as custodian and Nan was a housekeeper I suppose. So, the accommodation came with the job [laughs]

Juliet Bangerter - Quote 2, 2.9.2025

Grandad used to sort of show visitors around, go round in the evening and sort of secure everything, lock everything up. He used, I think it was more Nan than him, but he would occasionally, you know, give out tickets to people coming in. That sort of thing. I think. Nan used to cook for Denys sometimes, and she was, sort of, judging by the photo [laughs] sort of general admin and I think the pair of them did whatever was needed of them, you know. I think she was very fond of Denys and I think it was sort of reciprocal.

Juliet Bangerter - Quote 3, 2.9.2025

I particularly remember coming for Christmas and driving from Biggin Hill and all those little lanes were absolutely this deep in snow [laughs]. My father liked fishing so he would fish in the lake and even when the weather was like that. So Christmas Day he was fishing in the lake. We were upstairs having Christmas lunch.

Juliet Bangerter - Quote 4, 2.9.2025

Well, it was from what I recall, probably a charity event, but it was like a ‘society ball’, in the hall, where their flat was overlooking, there’s a sort of balcony, isn’t there. I think mum was co-opted into help on the cloak room with Nan and I was there for a little while until we had to go to bed [laughs] but saw all the ladies coming in their finery and after we were supposed to go to bed, we were peering over the balcony at what was going on. But it was, I seem to remember, that it was nice weather, a nice evening.

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CASTLE, COLLECTIONS & TEA ROOM

The Castle, Tea Room and Gift Shop are open Thursday to Sunday from 12 March to 1 November 2026. Except when closed for private events.

PARKING IS CHARGED ALL YEAR ROUND

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