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Chiddingstone Castle has been awarded the title of Fully Accredited Museum

Chiddingstone Castle is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the title of a ‘Fully Accredited Museum’ in time for the start of the Castle’s visitor season which begins on 1 April 2014.

“This is a remarkable achievement for all concerned, but particularly for our Curator, Maria Esain. Arts Council England only grants Full Accreditation to a tiny handful of museums across the UK every year. In fact, there are less than 1800 Accredited Museums throughout the UK. To qualify, museums must meet standards on how they are managed, for the services they offer and on how they care for collections,” said Castle Director, Ali Ditzel.

This unique country house which dates back to the 16th Century offers a very special visitor experience with the chance to explore the house and also enjoy 35 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens which surround the Castle, including an impressive lake and Grade II listed Orangery. The museum has fascinating collections of Japanese, Ancient Egyptian, Buddhist, Stuart and Jacobite artefacts – all brought together by the late antiquarian, Denys Eyre Bower, who owned the Castle from 1955 - 1977. Visitors can also discover the recreated Victorian rooms which provide an interesting ‘upstairs downstairs’ theme.

New this year is “The Streatfeild Room” which will give visitors a fascinating insight into the history of the village and life at the Castle under the Streatfeild family who lived there for 300 years. New information panels are being produced, as well as a video which will be run on a loop on a TV in the new room.

A new garden is also planned for 2014. The exciting ‘Fields of Eternity’ in the grounds have been designed to enhance the imagination for many generations – a microcosm of Ancient Egypt where visitors can learn about life and the environment in 2000BC by exploring carefully prepared paths of grasses, wild flowers and crops laid out as if the River Nile, with its tributaries leading to ‘tombs’ and exciting discoveries. This experience will encourage visitors, young and old alike, to link the landscape of Ancient Egypt with the Castle’s own unique collection of artefacts from that time. To create this remarkable treasure trail, the correct seeds will have been sourced and sown at the right times – wheat seeds first discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamen will be used! The new garden will be officially launched on 13 July 2014, when there will also be the opportunity to handle some Ancient Egyptian antiquities with the Castle’s Curator, Maria Esain.

The Castle also houses a Community Archive Room, where local residents/historical groups etc. are more than welcome to come and research the history of their homes, land or the village from the extensive archive that was created by John Donald and catalogued by Bob Golds. Visits are by appointment only with Maria Esain – 01892 872747 or [email protected]

The delightful Tea Room, with indoor and outdoor seating, serves light lunches and traditional cream teas, and there is a well-stocked Gift Shop located in the former Well Tower.

The Castle and Collections, Tea Room and Gift Shop will reopen for the 2014 season on 1 April, 2014. For enquiries regarding year-round bookings for weddings, corporate events, private functions, school groups, group visits, tea parties etc., please call 01892 872746.

For more information on any aspect of the Castle, visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Pinterest or call 01892 870347.

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Chiddingstone, Kent

Set in 35 acres of grounds including a lake open to fishermen, a rose garden and a woodland the Chiddingstone Castle is an ideal place to visit. It includes ...

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