The castle chapel contains a rare series of 15th-century wall paintings, including a depiction of St. George and the Dragon.
The crypt holds a collection of anthropoid lead coffins, which are uniquely shaped to fit the human form, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Sir Thomas Hungerford, who built the castle, was the first recorded Speaker of the House of Commons.
The site was once the scene of a famous scandal involving Lady Alice Hungerford, who was accused of attempting to poison her husband in 1523.
The castle was occupied by the Hungerford family for over 300 years before falling into decline in the 18th century.
Evidence of a moated site can still be identified in the surrounding landscape, highlighting the defensive nature of the initial 14th-century phase.
Farleigh Hungerford Castle is a 14th-century fortified manor house located in the Frome valley, showcasing the domestic evolution of medieval English aristocracy. The site features the remains of two courtyards protected by curtain walls and four corner towers, originally constructed by Sir Thomas Hungerford. Visitors can explore the 15th-century chapel, which houses rare wall paintings and the lead coffins of the Hungerford family in the crypt. The site includes a priest's house and the ruins of the castle’s outer ward. Its design reflects the transition from defensive fortress to a comfortable residential palace. Managed by English Heritage, the site displays architectural remnants from the medieval period through to the 17th century. The site remains partially ruined, preserving the original footprint of the manor's primary residence. It serves as an archaeological record of the Hungerford family's influence in Somerset.
The view of the chapel exterior framed by the medieval curtain wall remnants.
Bring a torch to better examine the details of the lead coffins in the dark crypt.
Wear sturdy footwear as the ground can be uneven and occasionally muddy in the outer ward.
Utilize the audio tour provided by English Heritage to better understand the site's complex structural layout.
Do not attempt to walk on the fragile stone walls or climb the remaining tower structures.
The site is typically closed during the winter months, typically reopening in the spring; check local English Heritage alerts for seasonal winter closures.
Respect the funerary nature of the crypt; maintain a quiet demeanor inside the chapel.
