The Castle
About Farnham Castle
Standing at the top of Castle Hill, with its Keep dating back to over 900 years, Farnham Castle is one of the few remaining great medieval houses of England. Historical associations, almost continuous occupancy and careful preservation make the complex of buildings a significant and interesting survivor from the past. The powerful and wealthy Bishops of Winchester built Farnham Castle. For hundreds of years, it served as an administrative centre, fortress and accommodation, providing a convenient stopping place between London and Winchester. After 1660, the Palace became the Bishop’s principal residence. Many English monarchs, from King John to Queen Victoria have visited or stayed at Farnham Castle.
The Castle Grounds
Farnham Castle is situated over 5 acres of glorious gardens and manicured lawns. With views over Farnham and out towards the Surrey Hills on one side and the elegant and historic backdrop of the castle on the other, the Great Lawn is an impressive place to enjoy your wedding or private event.
Tours of The Castle
Guided tours of the Bishop’s Palace are available on select Wednesday afternoons only, starting at 2pm (last tour starts at 3:30pm). Please note that charges apply and that visitor numbers are limited. Visit www.farnham-castle.com for details. The guided tours of the Bishop’s Palace are hosted by volunteer guides from Farnham Castle Charity. We advise that you contact the Charity to check opening days and availability.
Our History
The Timeline of the significant events in the history of Farnham Castle.
Bishop Henry begins building, or possibly rebuilding at Farnham Castle.
Around this time, THE GREAT HALL and NORMAN CHAPEL were built. Work also began on the Shell Keep and outer curtain wall, and continued into the next century.
King John was a frequent visitor to the castle during this period.
Prince Louis of France takes the English throne and occupies both Guildford and Farnham Castles. A year later, the Earl of Pembroke takes the Castle back.
When Bishop John de Pontoise visited he often entertained on a lavish scale. On this particular visit brine tubs stored 311 pigs in two larders to serve up pork for the special occasion.
Renovations in THE GREAT HALL occur at this time and include an increase in height and new windows to make clerestory.
Bishop Waynflete begins building a grand entrance tower in brick.
Elizabeth I visited Farnham Castle at least six times; the last time was in 1602, eighteen months before her death.
With the move into Tudor times, Bishop Fox makes major alterations to the Castle, including extensive modifications to the tower and south side of the buildings. He also builds steps up from the town.
Parliament garrisons the Castle in 1642 and by 1648 Farnham Castle was sold and neglected. Fourteen years later, in 1662, the Castle is restored.
Bishop Andrewes entertained King James I at Farnham Castle spending more than £2,000 over the three days ‘to the extraordinary contentment of his Majesty, and the admiration of all his followers.’
Stained glass windows were installed at the Castle.
Around this time, the Castle was brought into the modern age as Bishop David installed electricity at the Castle.
During the World Wars, the 13th Century Arches were exposed and in 1933 the Keep was placed in the guardianship of the State.
The War Office sets up a Camouflage Development and Training Centre at the Castle.
The windows, which still remain intact, were ‘signed’ by cleaners! Three decades later, the motto was inscribed on the fireplace.
The Bishops of Guildford vacate the Castle and the buildings are left unoccupied for several years until 1962, when the Bishop’s Palace is leased.
THE GREAT HALL is repaired and redecorated, followed by the restoration and renovation of Bishop’s Palace in 2006 and The Keep in 2010.
An extensive programme of investment in the facilities at the Castle begins, heralding a new era of exceptional hospitality.