Betchworth Castle

Betchworth Castle
Ruins of Betchworth Castle
TypeCastle
LocationBetchworth
Coordinates51°14′15.04″N 0°17′46.28″W / 51.2375111°N 0.2961889°W / 51.2375111; -0.2961889
OS grid referenceTQ 19029 50065
AreaSurrey
Built1449
Demolished1819
Rebuilt
  • 1705
  • 1799
Official nameBetchworth Castle
Designated9 May 1951
Reference no.1017996
Listed Building – Grade II
Official nameRuins of Betchworth Castle
Designated28 November 1951
Reference no.1378073
Betchworth Castle is located in Surrey
Betchworth Castle
Location of Betchworth Castle in Surrey

Betchworth Castle is a mostly crumbled ruin of a fortified medieval stone house with some tall, two-storey corners strengthened in the 18th century, in the north of the semi-rural parish of Brockham. It is built on a sandstone spur overlooking the western bank of the River Mole in Surrey in England.

The ruin is a Scheduled monument and is in the lowest category of listed architecture, Grade II, 1.2 miles (1.9 km) due east of Dorking railway station in Dorking and 4 miles (6.4 km) due west of Reigate. Although close to the river and edge of the course it is surrounded by "Betchworth Park" Golf Course named after the village 1 mile (1.6 km) east.

In 1798, Henry Peters bought Betchworth Castle and spent considerable money renovating it to be a comfortable family home. Henry lived at Betchworth Castle with his wife, Charlotte Mary Morrison, and his twelve children until his death in 1827. After Henry’s death, Betchworth Castle was not inherited by his children and therefore was bought by David Barclay and later by Henry Hope, who demolished large parts of the castle and left it in ruin, as is seen today.