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Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Exterior view in Summer
Exterior view in Summer (c) English Heritage
Exterior view in Summer - Exterior view in Summer (c) Tomb - Tomb (c) Farleigh Hungerford Castle - View of the east gatehouse (c) Farleigh Hungerford Castle - Garden path leading to the chapel (c) Farleigh Hungerford Castle - 15th century wall painting of St George in the chapel (c) Farleigh Hungerford Castle - Lead coffins in the chapel crypt (c) Farleigh Hungerford Castle - A lead coffin with ‘death mask’ in the chapel crypt (c) Farleigh buildings - Exterior view of the chapel (c) Reconstruction of Farleigh - Aerial view reconstruction drawing of the castle in c1660 (c) Reconstruction of Farleigh - Reconstruction drawing of the inner court in c1660 (c) Reconstruction of Farleigh - Reconstruction drawing of the interior of the great hall in c1660 (c)

Farleigh Hungerford was begun in the 1370s by Sir Thomas Hungerford, Speaker of the Commons, and extended in the 15th century by his son Walter, Lord Hungerford, distinguished soldier and statesman. The remains of their fortified mansion include two tall corner towers and a complete castle chapel, crowded with family monuments and bedecked with wall- paintings. In the chapel's crypt the coffins of many Hungerfords are still visible, several with attached 'death masks'.

The colourful Hungerford family included two members executed during the Wars of the Roses and another - who imprisoned his wife here for four years - beheaded by Henry VIII. A Tudor Lady Hungerford burnt her murdered husband's body in the castle's oven.

The story of Farleigh and its owners is told in extensive displays in the Priest's House, and through an audio tour. There is a touch-screen virtual tour for disabled visitors, and family and educational facilities including a 'book box', schools base and historic costumes.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec & 1 Jan Closed

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.60
Children:
£1.80
Concession:
£3.10
English Heritage Members:

How do I get there?

Address:
Somerset - BA2 7RS
Road Access:
In Farleigh Hungerford, 9 miles SE of Bath; 3 1⁄2 miles W ofTrowbridge on A366
Train Access:
Avoncliffe 2 miles; Trowbridge 3 1⁄2 miles
Bus Access:
Bodmans 96 from Trowbridge (passes close to Trowbridge railwaystation) then 1 1⁄2 mile
Map Location:
Telephone:
01225 754026

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Education Guidebooks No dogs allowed Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Events Hazardous Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Including disabled.
Shop: Accessible.
Refreshments: Snacks. Picnics welcome in grounds.
Access:
Access to castle: Castle ruins are negotiable via steps and rough paths. Chapel accessible through garden and chair lift. Difficult spiral staircase to upper floor of museum. Benches and seats provided.
Grounds: Accessed on impacted gravel, tarmac, paved and earth paths and fairly smooth grass. Some cobbled areas. Wheelchair access is confined to top lawns.
Parking:
Disabled car park 20m from entrance on a tarmac surface. Disabled visitors may be set down on the top lawn by prior arrangement.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Stone carvings on tombs in chapel may be touched. Chapel flower garden. NB Hazardous spiral staircase in museum; crypt is dark and small.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price. Script also available.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1225 754026
Group Booking:
Free parking for up to 3 coaches by entrance (approach with care).
Average Length of Visit:
1 hour.

Further Info

Disabled access (Chapel and Priest's House, ground floor only. Disabled toilet).
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