Herstmonceux Castle

 While we were in Hastings, we went out to the fabulously-named Herstmonceux Castle as it wasn't too far away. It's a 15th-century moated castle, and the name is explained thusly:

By the end of the 12th Century, the family at the manor house at Herste had considerable status. Written accounts mention a lady called Idonea de Herste, who married a Norman nobleman named Ingelram de Monceux. Around this time, the manor began to be called the 'Herste of the Monceux’; a name that eventually became Herstmonceux (pronouncedHerst-mon-soo).

We didn't go for the tour of the castle (it's mostly used as a study centre but can be hired out for other things), or the science centre, but the grounds were lovely to explore. There are formal gardens as well as a large woodland area and a lake, and entry isn't very expensive so it's a good day out if you're in the area. 



(excited running child a bonus feature)





( Formal gardens )

( Folly and lake )

http://www.herstmonceux-castle.com/index.php

Hastings photos

 In August, I went down to my aunt & uncle's in Hastings with the parents and my niece. We stayed for a week and it was good fun, though not relaxing as, well, my family is not known for being quiet. Ever. 

The weather was mostly really nice, but not too hot, which was a relief after Paris. I even got to go to the amusements this time, and we went out on a couple of day trips. I also bought a shedload of wool in various charity shops :D and got some double-pointed needles (evil fuckers) and circular needles (which are fine).

We watched War Horse while we were there, which was pretty good, if not my normal kind of thing. And there was athletics on, so that was super. 

Beach photos:
( beach )

There was also a sculpture called My Heart Belongs to Hastings, which is made of reclaimed timbers and padlocks with space to add your own (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-19731311). Pudding and I duly did so:
( padlocks )

I was going to do all the photos in one entry but I think it will make more sense to put Herstmonceux Castle in a post of its own, so that'll be coming up shortly.