Chiddingstone Castle has been owned and lived in by an eclectic mix of people: the Streatfeild family, Lord Astor, military forces during WWII, Long Dene School and the collector Denys Eyre Bower. Denys was only a boy when he began collecting items. He started by collecting stamps, coins, and Stuart and Jacobite objects. His father collected Chinese porcelain and his grandfather collected art and antiques. Denys and his brother were particularly fascinated by the swords in their father’s collection. They discovered that the Japanese swords were the sharpest, and got into trouble for parading around the village with them. As he grew older this hobby turned into his lifelong passion. His extensive research and excellent eye led him into amassing a unique collection. 

Objects within the castle displays today include Japanese armour, articulated animals and of course some swords; Ancient Egyptian artefacts, including a mummified cat; Stuart & Jacobite papers, portraits, and memorabilia; and Buddhist statues and sacred images. Come and see his curiosities for yourself on your visit to Chiddingstone Castle and make a day of it. Add a Castle and Collections admission ticket to your purchase today for the discounted rate of £8 per adult and £3 per child. The Castle is open 11am to 5pm (last entry is at 4:15pm).