history
continued ...
The origin of the name Scotney was probably derived from
the earliest recorded possessor of the manor, Lambert de
Scoteni in 1137. In 1259, on very dubious authority, Walter
de Scoteni was hanged at Winchester on suspicion of poisoning
the Earl of Gloucester. As a result of this episode, or
possibly the "Barons' War", the de Scotenis disappear from
the history leaving only their name.
The next notable date is in 1358 when Roger de Ashburnham
succeeded to the estate and started building Scotney Castle
between 1378-80. In 1377, the French had sacked Rye and
Winchelsea and burned Hastings. This probably explains the
decision to build Scotney's considerable defenses. After
Roger de Ashburnham died in 1392, the castle passed through
many hands until 1970 when it was bequeathed to the National
Trust.
Scotney Castle's architecture has evolved through the ages
although the Tudor portion continued to be inhabited until
1905. The old castle was regarded as historic and picturesque
as it was set within lush landscaped gardens. Scotney may
well have been demolished or left to decay, but, instead,
parts of the castle built during the 17th century were carefully
taken down so as to retain features of interest and increase
the romantic character of the medieval and Tudor portions
of the castle.
