Wow!! I used to live in Hever Rectory, back in the 70s!! My uncle took over the parish as standing minister, whilst their minister and his wife went on extended vacation to Peru. So we were guests of Lord and Lady Astor, for private tours and as their guests for dinner. I have such fond memories of waking early and sitting all alone on a fence rail with my tea, watching the cows come down to say hi and visit their little stream. And the swans by the bridge, over the River Eden. My uncle and I were particularly interested in studying the architecture of the Rectory. Very medieval, mud and wattle originally (still visible in the garrett) but refacaded with brick in the 1600s. I'm quite curious if there are some missing portions. I did find an unexplained gap in space, and upon enlisting Uncle's aid, he discovered a trick bookshelf wall, and we found a priest hole. There was a tiny, air vent near the ceiling..totally camouflaged by tricky brickwork up high on the exterior! And the bathroom upstairs was so inexplicable..would take a chapter to describe!! Very cute though, and a teensy window at the very end, over the pot, very last teeny room...from the outside, looking up at the strangely placed and built portions, I truly think now, that it was reformed from a guarded robe (sp?) Well at any rate, I thoroughly loved that house, and my uncle was offered to purchase the place and stay on, by the one in Peru. SADLY!! My aunt refused, and wished to return to America to stay. (Och! Uncle and I were quite sad about that, indeed!) Happy memories though. The rectory and lands were 'owned' by one Thomas Culpeper, upon 2 occasions..my best of studies would seem to indicate thus far, that this Thomas was likely the older brother of the same name, and probably not the younger Thomas who met his unfortunate end due to, and along with, Catherine Howard. However, it's certainly within a short footpath, of the Boleyn residence, so I still wonder! The house had many tales to tell, and I shan't relate them all here. What I can tell you of the castle though, is that I could hear very delicate music emanating from a particular doorway, and Lady Astor confirmed that that room had been where music was played in medieval times, and took me to view the room! I heard and saw many things, which I'll not relate. But one thing I read recently, had the info wrong.. Upon a certain tree commanding my attention, as we walked in the garden, I asked him of it, as it was clearly of a good age, and very beautiful nonetheless..but I asked him, "Lord Astor, what can you tell me of that tree? It seems apart, and very special in some way.." Thankfully, he was delighted I'd asked, and proceeded to tell me that THAT tree, had been carted down by Henry VIII as a gift, and that it was quite a large tree when brought, what a great effort it had been to cart it and get it planted in. I read something incorrect about that tree, if what Lord Astor told me is true. But I have to believe he truly knew the real history of it! Say hi to my old stomping grounds for me, please! ❤❤❤❤❤
What an interesting story and a fascinating life experience of yours. I would love to hear more about the strange and mysterious experiences you had, that being indicated as undisclosed in your post. Pray, tell!
I lived in Markbeach and went to Hever Primary school, I must have met your Uncle as the school was frequently over at the Church and the vicar was often I the school.
@Peter-uw5cq I accidentally freaked out the teacher at your school, when I waited for the children to be let out, so that I could request to borrow a book on local birds, lol !! And it took some real pleading, even though I was right down the hedgerow and she knew where to find me, and knew the uncle on Sundays! But finally, success in hand, I could happily do my birdwatching for a few days :)
Yes....Kevin is a God-send in my opinion. When I see a new vid I expedite to that production. I have watched his reflections on medieval archerery productions for quite some time....even though I am more of an early flintlock firearms buff with respect to early weaponry..
Absolutely Kevin is a God-send I never learned this much about English History and medieval times. Thank you Kevin for sharing your knowledge, passion and love for medieval history.
Compared to cheap clickbait videos, your tours provide the details and visuals that castle- and history-lovers are really looking for. Thank you for making these delightful videos!
I'll second that,🙋🏽♀️ and I'll even go one further to say that he's the Attenborough of British Medieval History and more!!!🥰 I ABSOLUTELY LOVE 🥰😍🥰 this channel and have since the first video I've seen (which caused me to immediately subscribe before I had even finished watching it 😅). I am a huge fan of the channel and although I'm not in the position to monetarily support the channel, I certainly will in every other way that I can!! God Bless You, and keep you in good health my dear man, as I am always delighted to find another one of your videos in my feed😄😁😃😄
@@thehistorysquad I remember asking how come you moved to Canada , from the UK , really interesting , to see you have kept your English roots and love for England, but also history
A little bit of a history / trivia / question: I've often wondered over the years how the Boleyn's got along given what happened to one portion of their infamous family. In other words did they stay kind of in the shadows over the centuries? Were they hated and vilified by their contemporaries? I'm just curious whether or not you heard anything internally within your family over the years about how your ancestor Boleyn(s) got along throughout the years?
Hello distant family lol. We are related a few ways, by marriage via the McGruders, Drummonds then Stewarts (sister of King James); and by blood via an ancestor of Lady Jane Grey :) The Greys married our direct line in 1485. Let's have a reunion ha ha (I'm in the states).
As an American farmer who will probably never travel further than the continental US, these tours of your native castles really send me over the moon. My 23andme ties me genetically to 15 viking age people in Ireland, England, and Scotland, a pict, and a scythian woman who was beheaded. Seeing your home country and the history behind it makes me feel a sense of belinging and wonder. Maybe my ancestors helped build some of these castles, or paid grain to their owners. I'll likely never know unless more of my ancestors are DNA sequenced and tied to names or villages. But in the meantime, it's at least fun to imagine.
Was here from Australia in July, 2023, was fortunate to stay here and a festival was on too. was brilliant. Highly recommend. Even met a very funny King Henry. My husband is currently drawing the castle . Fantastic place and the gardens are beautiful. 🐨☺️ worth looking at the cemetery near the King Henry viii pub. Some great graves in there . Boleyn family buried there
I went to Hever school in the 70s , iam no stranger to this amazing castle. Performing the nativity in Hever Church and falling asleep on Thomas Boleyn tomb 🙂
This is the best History channel on RUclips it is not even close. Is straight to the point and Kevin does not hide his enthusiasm for what he is talking about. Well done sir, well done
@@rachael344 still fairly secret! they’d tell us what was behind them and very rarely open up certain doors for a peek but we never went into them, too much of a liability haha
I love these. I'll probably never be able to leave the states and travel like I want too so these videos are an incredible way to see some interesting places.
As a hobbyist painter, conveniently focusing on still life portraits at the moment, these castle walk-arounds are absolutely fantastic for finding all kinds of objects and details to include that I would otherwise probably never knew existed. So thank you so much Kevin (and crew) for spending your time and money on making these tours for us ❤
Been to my favourite place many many times! I'm related to Mary Boleyn and after lord Gavin Astor died we tried to buy Hever unsuccessfully. I was heart broken!
What a wonderful surprise this morning! I visited Hever Castle many years ago with my parents. I remember the house being historic and impressive, but we were there in May, and the gardens and grounds were in full bloom. Born and raised in the American Desert Southwest, I had never seen so much color and green, growing things in my life.
Yippee another good day when a castle walkabout is done. Love seeing all the hidden secrets and the historical stories of the structures. Thank you so much Kevin and Co for making a day of pain a little better for a bit. Helps taking my mind off it . Keep it up ❤
Got back from England about a month ago, and we got to stay at Hever whilst there. Really beautiful, enchanting place. Loved watching this... brought back some great memories!
What a magnificent castle. The detail in the woodworking is amazing especially the original work. When you tell a story, I can actually see the people of the past strolling through the rooms going about their day. . One of the reasons why I enjoy English or British history is the fact that it goes back so far in time.
I’ve always heard about Hever Castle and how it was the home of the Boleyns, but it never occurred to me that there would be a tour video on RUclips! This was a really great watch for anybody interested in English history. Thank you!
I studied communication and did my postgrad in journalism and media studies, and while this video isn't perfect in technical terms, it's an absolute delight to watch. Don't change a thing about these you've found a wonderful formula I wasn't distracted or bored for a second.
Wow, that’s very kind of you thanks, its just me and my wife, who’s never had any training or previous experience of film or editing, she’s just learned as we’ve gone along 👍
Hi Kevin, from California USA!🌴 Thank you for an absolutely wonderful tour! I enjoyed it thoroughly! You are a most perfect tour guide, and I loved the stories and history you shared. The details in this castle are intricate and well thought out. They had to think of EVERYTHING. Architecture is grand and beautiful. Furniture is breathtaking. Woodwork is gorgeous and the metalwork is stunning. Thank you again!
Thank you, Kevin. I have seen other documentaries about Hever Castle, History Hit TV has a more in-depth tour, but none are as interesting as yours. The enthusiasm and more human history of your video is just great. Please never lose that. Cheers from Texas.
Wow, how lovely, thanks Dave. We actually only had 2 hours in the house alone for which we’re extremely grateful for, I’m betting History Hits had much longer 😜
My goodness that place is amazing. I especially like the lock that was left behind by King Henry VIII. History Squad bringing old castle history to us is appreciated. It makes me really want to visit these places.
Greetings once again from Nova Scotia, thanks for the walking tour through history. What a castle, I love this stuff, just imagine how much change these walls have seen. Thanks again for another great video, I very much appreciate the time and work you put into every story you share, be safe and be well. Have a great weekend good sir, and as always best regards, Arthur
Kevin you are obviously a proud Englishman and a patriot Do you not miss home with all the history there and your own? I’m an Irish exile in Canada. Love the videos. Have made many trips to Canterbury.
first time i saw this channel, and first thing i noticed i really like is that this guy tells u all these interesting facts about the castle just as he is excited about it genuinely, not as a lecture, not as a documentary. the video wasn't a click bait, the video doesn't have music but some how its just so enjoyable to watch and interesting! man this style of content is so refreshing compare to today's pop culture video method. i love this old school just solid interesting material told and film by people who has knowledge and talent. tyvm for ur contribution guys, im sure this doesn't happen just by one person's hard work.
Love the tours you do Kevin. Very informative & I like how you Shared your favorite pieces of furniture with us. I absolutely enjoy each of your videos weather it’s a tour or about an individual or event in history. Your sense of human always make me laugh!
I loved this, Kevin! I would never be able to see this in person but your tour made me feel like I was there. I loved seeing all the gorgeous carved woodwork; it's amazing! The portraits at the end were lovely to see. But my favorite artifact of them all has to be Anne Boleyn's hand-signed Book of Hours. To think she held this in her hands while she was a prisoner in the Tower of London. Gave me chills. Thank you so much for this video! ❤
I found this a fascinating tour..as Jeffrey Boleyn is my 13th great grandfather...Queen Anne my cousin as her grandfather William is my 11th great grandfather..Then, my 9th great grandmother was Lady Madge Shelton. So proud of my ancestors! ❤
once again sir you've brought a little of that dream of seeing the castles and manor houses that I've had since i was a kid . thank you for bringing us these pieces of our past. no matter where in the world your from, theres really lots to take away from the places and information you bring us sir. cheers and be well sir
Excellent! I had no intention of watching this entire video right now but once I started it I couldn't turn it off. Highest compliment I can pay. Thank you, Mr Hicks.
Thanks for the tour of Hever Castle, Kevin. Whenever you mentioned Medieval times I couldn't help but think of Medieval Times here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It's a medieval themed place where you go for dinner and a tourny, complete with jousting and knights fighting on foot. It's kinda campy but it's a departure from a regular dinner and a movie, especially with a girl who is into Renaissance Festivals. There used to be one such fair in a little town not far from Fort Worth. It was billed as a "fantasy fair". It was a much more accurate description than the usual "Renaissance" fair was. It was called Hawkwood. It only lasted for four seasons, but was my favorite such fair. I still go to Scarborough Fair in Waxahatcie, about 45 minutes from Fort Worth, but I miss Hawkwood. I've come to dislike some of the people in Creative Anachronisms. They're just too nitpicky and serious about being 100% correct that they don't have any fun.
I’ve always wanted to visit this place one day because of its significance with Anne Boleyn but now I feel like I’ve been there. Thanks for the armchair travels 🧳 🛋️
I love these tours! Everything you show and the way you explain the history is just wonderful. It's as if I'm actually there! Big thanks and love from Arizona ❤
Visited Hever castle a couple of times as I live in Kent, fabulous place. It’s always been very busy so it was great to have you do a walking tour Kevin. Many objects and rooms are so well put together. Apparently the castle has been flooded many years ago and there is a flood line in the entrance hall marking how far the water line came, this is before entering the main dining area. Great place to visit, well done Kevin, always enjoy your presentation. 👏
Remember a.hot summer drinking Pints outside the pub with my brother in l away early 70 s they had a lot of foreign currency pinned up behind the bar then good memories
Fun random fact: My 14th great grandfather was the younger brother of Queen Catherine Parr's (Henry VIII's sixth wife) second husband John Neville 3rd Baron Latimer and on top of having connections to the Neville family I also have connections to the Stafford family and many many more- i've always really loved and been interested in the Tudor period and in England as a whole ever since I was a little kid (and not just an interest but almost a deeper feeling/connection if that makes sense in fact I love it so much that I actually have Anne Boleyn's and her daughter Elizabeth I's signatures tattooed on me surrounding a Tudor rose with a crown) my great great grandma immigrated to America from England in the late 1800's (where the connection first starts) and once I found that out it was like a lightbulb went off making my love interest and connection to it make total sense because I have ancestors who were there and very well might've seen, met, talked to, and known them maybe were even friends who knows it's very possible since they have royal connections and royals were really intertwined (in fact I might even be related to the others in some way too) really cool to think about 😊
I visited this place about a couple of weeks ago, and it is certainly well worth the visit. The gardens that surround it are spectacular too. What's interesting is that you are showing off the parts of the castle close-up, which you can't do if you visit the castle as it's roped off. I love it.
Yes, we did have special permission, but some areas we couldn’t reach as they were under renovation, like the secret bathroom off the study. That would have been nice to see.
I fell in love with Tudor/English history on my first trip over. Going through the Tower of London it triggered a want of knowledge. The poor Beef Eaters, I was an 11 year old little sponge and it started with Anne Boleyn and it went from there. My love for England has only expanded from there. I have learned that I have very strong ties to England and I am very proud of that fact.
Thank you for showing the portrait of Thomas Cranmer. He is my many times Great Uncle. His brother, Edmund, was my many times Great Grandfather. They were front and center for all the drama, and change that took place! Very interesting!!
I have watched this channel grow from early on. You are doing a splendid job, Kevin. Thanks for the informative bits of history. Love these tours as well.
@@thehistorysquadexcellent programme the stained glass windows have the surname mead with which I have interest in would you be able to give me some insight into the surname Deirdre Meade
@@colmmeade1824 I'm sorry no, I don't have any insights to share with you on the surname, other than it could relate somehow to mead, maybe the maker of mead, a honeyed wine.
As an Australian in her mid 50s i know my chances of ever getting to see places like this for myself are frankly damned limited. So it's really nice to feel like I'm being given a personal tour by someone who really loves what they do. Thank you so much 🏵🏵🏵
Hey Kevin! My wife and I would LOVE to have our wedding ceremony in that room. Indeed once in a lifetime- we have started saving and plan to have it in 3 years. If we do, you are invited!!🎉❤
I’ve always wanted to see the interiors of this iconic castle. Thank you so much! The guided commentary and quality filming make this so compelling and brilliant to watch. 10/10. Thanks again.
I first went to Hever Castle back in the late 60's early 70's. What I loved about it back then when I was not even a teenager, was the huge shoals of Koi Carp in the moat. I loved angling and still do. Some must have been nearing 20 lbs in weight. But the last time I saw Koi Carp in the moat, I would have been 21 or 22. So that would have been 1982/83ish. However. The last time I went there was no more than 10 years ago. Not a single Koi Carp to be seen. I was so disappointed. Though I spoke to some of the helpers inside and they and they were clueless to the existence of those lovely Koi Carp. Though one did show me a mark inside the castle as to the height of a flood that they had had there some years ago. That was chest height to me. So it'd be many feet above the level of the moat. But I can't remember now what the date said. But she said it was somewhat recent. So it must have been between 1982 and 2014? I can only imagine that the carp all moved into the huge lake at Hever? Or they went off downstream in the flooded River Eden? But the only floods to Hever I can read about were in 2020 and in 1968. Neither of those dates tally with when I've been there and the disappearance of those Koi Carp. Great video. PS. I think I learnt more about Hever Castle fro this video than ever before. Fascinating. _Thank you._ And it looks like they've stocked some Koi Carp back into the moat... _Awesome!_ 👍
Mr Hicks, I always enjoy your videos but castle tours is what made me fall in love with the channel .ps a special thanks to Mrs Hicks for her splendid camera work if she was filming today
Wow!! I used to live in Hever Rectory, back in the 70s!! My uncle took over the parish as standing minister, whilst their minister and his wife went on extended vacation to Peru. So we were guests of Lord and Lady Astor, for private tours and as their guests for dinner. I have such fond memories of waking early and sitting all alone on a fence rail with my tea, watching the cows come down to say hi and visit their little stream. And the swans by the bridge, over the River Eden. My uncle and I were particularly interested in studying the architecture of the Rectory. Very medieval, mud and wattle originally (still visible in the garrett) but refacaded with brick in the 1600s. I'm quite curious if there are some missing portions. I did find an unexplained gap in space, and upon enlisting Uncle's aid, he discovered a trick bookshelf wall, and we found a priest hole. There was a tiny, air vent near the ceiling..totally camouflaged by tricky brickwork up high on the exterior! And the bathroom upstairs was so inexplicable..would take a chapter to describe!! Very cute though, and a teensy window at the very end, over the pot, very last teeny room...from the outside, looking up at the strangely placed and built portions, I truly think now, that it was reformed from a guarded robe (sp?) Well at any rate, I thoroughly loved that house, and my uncle was offered to purchase the place and stay on, by the one in Peru. SADLY!! My aunt refused, and wished to return to America to stay. (Och! Uncle and I were quite sad about that, indeed!) Happy memories though. The rectory and lands were 'owned' by one Thomas Culpeper, upon 2 occasions..my best of studies would seem to indicate thus far, that this Thomas was likely the older brother of the same name, and probably not the younger Thomas who met his unfortunate end due to, and along with, Catherine Howard. However, it's certainly within a short footpath, of the Boleyn residence, so I still wonder! The house had many tales to tell, and I shan't relate them all here. What I can tell you of the castle though, is that I could hear very delicate music emanating from a particular doorway, and Lady Astor confirmed that that room had been where music was played in medieval times, and took me to view the room! I heard and saw many things, which I'll not relate. But one thing I read recently, had the info wrong.. Upon a certain tree commanding my attention, as we walked in the garden, I asked him of it, as it was clearly of a good age, and very beautiful nonetheless..but I asked him, "Lord Astor, what can you tell me of that tree? It seems apart, and very special in some way.." Thankfully, he was delighted I'd asked, and proceeded to tell me that THAT tree, had been carted down by Henry VIII as a gift, and that it was quite a large tree when brought, what a great effort it had been to cart it and get it planted in. I read something incorrect about that tree, if what Lord Astor told me is true. But I have to believe he truly knew the real history of it! Say hi to my old stomping grounds for me, please! ❤❤❤❤❤
What lovely recollections, thanks for sharing 👍
Awesome 😊
What an interesting story and a fascinating life experience of yours. I would love to hear more about the strange and mysterious experiences you had, that being indicated as undisclosed in your post. Pray, tell!
I lived in Markbeach and went to Hever Primary school, I must have met your Uncle as the school was frequently over at the Church and the vicar was often I the school.
@Peter-uw5cq I accidentally freaked out the teacher at your school, when I waited for the children to be let out, so that I could request to borrow a book on local birds, lol !! And it took some real pleading, even though I was right down the hedgerow and she knew where to find me, and knew the uncle on Sundays! But finally, success in hand, I could happily do my birdwatching for a few days :)
God, I never ask for nothing, but do us all a solid and keep this precious geezer alive forever! Amen.🙏
😂 thanks for the prayers
Yes....Kevin is a God-send in my opinion. When I see a new vid I expedite to that production. I have watched his reflections on medieval archerery productions for quite some time....even though I am more of an early flintlock firearms buff with respect to early weaponry..
yes
Absolutely Kevin is a God-send I never learned this much about English History and medieval times. Thank you Kevin for sharing your knowledge, passion and love for medieval history.
@@that8bitgamer82 Cheers 😜
Compared to cheap clickbait videos, your tours provide the details and visuals that castle- and history-lovers are really looking for. Thank you for making these delightful videos!
Thanks for watching!
History squad is the opposite of click bait.
You think it’ll be boring.
But Kevin is THE MAN!!
This guy is the David Attenborough of castles. Love watching..
I'll second that,🙋🏽♀️ and I'll even go one further to say that he's the Attenborough of British Medieval History and more!!!🥰
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE 🥰😍🥰 this channel and have since the first video I've seen (which caused me to immediately subscribe before I had even finished watching it 😅).
I am a huge fan of the channel and although I'm not in the position to monetarily support the channel, I certainly will in every other way that I can!!
God Bless You, and keep you in good health my dear man, as I am always delighted to find another one of your videos in my feed😄😁😃😄
@@ambertypereiraty3627Spike Milligan relation?
Better than Attenborough, and that is saying a lot because I love listening to Attenborough.
Or we could say that sir Attenborough is the Kevin Hicks of Nature. 🙂
@@ginnyanntonick
Or we could say that sir Attenborough is the Kevin Hicks of nature. 🙂
(Sorry for the possible double post.)
These On-Location Tours are an absolute Treasure Kevin. Greetings from Norway.
+
Thanks, glad you enjoy them, I have a couple more to come from my latest trip. 👍
@@thehistorysquad I remember asking how come you moved to Canada , from the UK , really interesting , to see you have kept your English roots and love for England, but also history
@@michaelhawkins7389 Nothing quite like British history, I'll keep going back as often as I can 👍🏻
Mr Astor did a marvellous job in restoring, restructuring and making a warm, cosy home on a Tudor theme. Beautiful.
Was this the same Astor that died in the titanic?
No
Surely a relative the Astors had money and restoring that castle much have cost a few bob @mariaevans5793
Its beautiful.
Amazing video. Mary Boleyn is my 14th great grandmother, so it's wonderful to see where my ancestors lived.
A little bit of a history / trivia / question: I've often wondered over the years how the Boleyn's got along given what happened to one portion of their infamous family. In other words did they stay kind of in the shadows over the centuries? Were they hated and vilified by their contemporaries? I'm just curious whether or not you heard anything internally within your family over the years about how your ancestor Boleyn(s) got along throughout the years?
Hi cousin! She's my 15th great grandmother :)
Hello distant family lol. We are related a few ways, by marriage via the McGruders, Drummonds then Stewarts (sister of King James); and by blood via an ancestor of Lady Jane Grey :) The Greys married our direct line in 1485. Let's have a reunion ha ha (I'm in the states).
Just hope there was no hanky panky in all those generations. Doubt it.
Wow!! Thats really cool! Lucky dog you
As an American farmer who will probably never travel further than the continental US, these tours of your native castles really send me over the moon.
My 23andme ties me genetically to 15 viking age people in Ireland, England, and Scotland, a pict, and a scythian woman who was beheaded. Seeing your home country and the history behind it makes me feel a sense of belinging and wonder. Maybe my ancestors helped build some of these castles, or paid grain to their owners.
I'll likely never know unless more of my ancestors are DNA sequenced and tied to names or villages. But in the meantime, it's at least fun to imagine.
Glad you enjoy them, thanks!
I'm on 23andme and my ancestors do not go back that far to anywhere.
I do love living in the US but what i wouldnt give to be closer to old castles and other stoneworks. The perfect mix of history and engineering.
Me too!!!❤
Same with me, who lives in Australia!
North America has castles and palaces too, but you have to go to Europe for the real thing!
Really enjoyed this, makes not having a TV totally worth it.
Was here from Australia in July, 2023, was fortunate to stay here and a festival was on too. was brilliant. Highly recommend. Even met a very funny King Henry. My husband is currently drawing the castle . Fantastic place and the gardens are beautiful. 🐨☺️ worth looking at the cemetery near the King Henry viii pub. Some great graves in there . Boleyn family buried there
I went to Hever school in the 70s , iam no stranger to this amazing castle.
Performing the nativity in Hever Church and falling asleep on Thomas Boleyn tomb 🙂
You're so lucky you get to do these special tours on your own. Thabks for bringing us along!
This is the best History channel on RUclips it is not even close. Is straight to the point and Kevin does not hide his enthusiasm for what he is talking about.
Well done sir, well done
Thanks Christopher, much appreciated 👍🏻
This is a wonderful video thank you for it I love the history of this castle been there many times❤
growing up about 10 minutes from this castle was a highlight of my life, school trips here were brilliant!
How secret are the "secret" doors to the locals?
@@rachael344 still fairly secret! they’d tell us what was behind them and very rarely open up certain doors for a peek but we never went into them, too much of a liability haha
I'm from Canada but my Fiancé is from England. I think your country is so beautiful. This video is one of my favorites!! Thank you so much!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@thehistorysquad It was actually spectacular!
Any day that a new castle tour video pops up on this channel is a good day
😜
That's the most beautiful and sympathetic renovation to an old fortified country home I've even seen. Stunning.
Fantastic Kev. A great tour. Loved the book written in and signed by Anne Boleyn. To think she actually held and read that very book. Fascinating.
Absolutely 👍
A wonderful walk back in time. Americans love the Brits for their history and traditions. God Bless you.
You do not have to be a scholar but knowing history is priceless.
What a lovely saying
The architecture in that place is amazing. The Tudor ceilings blew my mind. They don't make stuff like that today and it's a shame.
I love these. I'll probably never be able to leave the states and travel like I want too so these videos are an incredible way to see some interesting places.
As a hobbyist painter, conveniently focusing on still life portraits at the moment, these castle walk-arounds are absolutely fantastic for finding all kinds of objects and details to include that I would otherwise probably never knew existed. So thank you so much Kevin (and crew) for spending your time and money on making these tours for us ❤
It’s a pleasure Derek, just me and the Mrs 👍
Been to my favourite place many many times! I'm related to Mary Boleyn and after lord Gavin Astor died we tried to buy Hever unsuccessfully. I was heart broken!
Poor Jane
Didn’t get the castle
@@fastinradfordablePoor Seymour.....
Another Friday to start with a History Squad debut 🙌
What a wonderful surprise this morning! I visited Hever Castle many years ago with my parents. I remember the house being historic and impressive, but we were there in May, and the gardens and grounds were in full bloom. Born and raised in the American Desert Southwest, I had never seen so much color and green, growing things in my life.
My ancestor married Mary Boleyn 😊 been to Hever a few times, my favourite castle.
This gentleman truly makes history come alive
Your videos never fail to put a smile on my face, I absolutely love learning about history and there is no better teacher than you Kevin!
Much appreciated
Yippee another good day when a castle walkabout is done. Love seeing all the hidden secrets and the historical stories of the structures. Thank you so much Kevin and Co for making a day of pain a little better for a bit. Helps taking my mind off it . Keep it up ❤
Glad you enjoyed it, cheers 👍
Greetings from The Central Coast of California. Love 💗 this history , Than you for this !!😊
Got back from England about a month ago, and we got to stay at Hever whilst there. Really beautiful, enchanting place. Loved watching this... brought back some great memories!
Such a gorgeous castle! If I were a ghost I would want to haunt here!
That could be arranged. (Alfred Hitchcock)
What a magnificent castle. The detail in the woodworking is amazing especially the original work. When you tell a story, I can actually see the people of the past strolling through the rooms going about their day.
. One of the reasons why I enjoy English or British history is the fact that it goes back so far in time.
Couldn't agree more!
I’ve always heard about Hever Castle and how it was the home of the Boleyns, but it never occurred to me that there would be a tour video on RUclips! This was a really great watch for anybody interested in English history. Thank you!
I studied communication and did my postgrad in journalism and media studies, and while this video isn't perfect in technical terms, it's an absolute delight to watch. Don't change a thing about these you've found a wonderful formula I wasn't distracted or bored for a second.
Wow, that’s very kind of you thanks, its just me and my wife, who’s never had any training or previous experience of film or editing, she’s just learned as we’ve gone along 👍
Best tour of this castle. I will never get to go to England so these are a treat
Brilliant Film Sir Hicks! My second favourite castle next to Warwick, been to both many times. Thanks for posting. Wishing you all the very best sir.
Cheers Jeff 👍🏻
Great job again,Kevin
After watching I feel I just had the perfect private tour of Hever Castle. Thank you, Kevin.
You're very welcome
The bas relief on that chest front is unbelievable.
Happy Friday Kevin! Your channel is a treat
Thanks 👍
Thank YOU!
Hi Kevin, from California USA!🌴 Thank you for an absolutely wonderful tour! I enjoyed it thoroughly! You are a most perfect tour guide, and I loved the stories and history you shared.
The details in this castle are intricate and well thought out. They had to think of EVERYTHING.
Architecture is grand and beautiful. Furniture is breathtaking. Woodwork is gorgeous and the metalwork is stunning. Thank you again!
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍
Hellllll yessssssss🎉🎉🎉🎉
Love your castle tour videos
Thank you Mr. Hicks! ❤
My pleasure!!
I stayed a night in the Astor wing. Highly recommend. Just lovely.
Insightful and an unbiased interview. Well done, Morgan.
Thank you, Kevin. I have seen other documentaries about Hever Castle, History Hit TV has a more in-depth tour, but none are as interesting as yours. The enthusiasm and more human history of your video is just great. Please never lose that. Cheers from Texas.
Wow, how lovely, thanks Dave. We actually only had 2 hours in the house alone for which we’re extremely grateful for, I’m betting History Hits had much longer 😜
My goodness that place is amazing. I especially like the lock that was left behind by King Henry VIII. History Squad bringing old castle history to us is appreciated. It makes me really want to visit these places.
Greetings once again from Nova Scotia, thanks for the walking tour through history. What a castle, I love this stuff, just imagine how much change these walls have seen. Thanks again for another great video, I very much appreciate the time and work you put into every story you share, be safe and be well. Have a great weekend good sir, and as always best regards, Arthur
How lovely, thanks Arthur, I really do appreciate your comments each week. We have a few more castle tours to share with you in the coming months 👍
I for one would not be surprised if Kev revealed he played all the instruments on the introductory Tudor music :D
😂 I wish
With his feet whilst firing arrows 🏹
Where's the crum horn!
Kevin you are obviously a proud Englishman and a patriot
Do you not miss home with all the history there and your own?
I’m an Irish exile in Canada. Love the videos. Have made many trips to Canterbury.
@@charliemansonUK 😂
Love the castle videos, Kevin! Awesome stuff!
A wonderful Tour, as always. Thank you. For anyone visiting the castle, the gardens are not to be missed.
Superb history, of Hever Castle in Kent video. More please. Love it❤️
Thanks! Have you seen our Castle Tours playlist ?
first time i saw this channel, and first thing i noticed i really like is that this guy tells u all these interesting facts about the castle just as he is excited about it genuinely, not as a lecture, not as a documentary. the video wasn't a click bait, the video doesn't have music but some how its just so enjoyable to watch and interesting! man this style of content is so refreshing compare to today's pop culture video method. i love this old school just solid interesting material told and film by people who has knowledge and talent. tyvm for ur contribution guys, im sure this doesn't happen just by one person's hard work.
Hi @JamesColeman12 thanks for your kind words, I’m glad you’re enjoying the content. The team consists of just me and my lovely wife 👍
I am so happy I get to start my Friday morning with the history squad. Excellent video, Much love as always!
Morning! 😃
What a treat, I've just finished my freshman year of high school, summer has begun, and Kevin has made a new video. The good days have begun🎉🎉
Enjoy!
Best historian by far you bring history alive
Thank you what a treat I live in America, but I absolutely love castles!
Our pleasure! Check out out playlist if you haven’t already 👍
Love the tours you do Kevin. Very informative & I like how you Shared your favorite pieces of furniture with us. I absolutely enjoy each of your videos weather it’s a tour or about an individual or event in history. Your sense of human always make me laugh!
Glad you like them! Thanks 👍
I loved this, Kevin! I would never be able to see this in person but your tour made me feel like I was there. I loved seeing all the gorgeous carved woodwork; it's amazing! The portraits at the end were lovely to see. But my favorite artifact of them all has to be Anne Boleyn's hand-signed Book of Hours. To think she held this in her hands while she was a prisoner in the Tower of London. Gave me chills. Thank you so much for this video! ❤
My pleasure!!
Great Castle videos. Greetings from Missouri.
I found this a fascinating tour..as Jeffrey Boleyn is my 13th great grandfather...Queen Anne my cousin as her grandfather William is my 11th great grandfather..Then, my 9th great grandmother was Lady Madge Shelton. So proud of my ancestors! ❤
once again sir you've brought a little of that dream of seeing the castles and manor houses that I've had since i was a kid . thank you for bringing us these pieces of our past. no matter where in the world your from, theres really lots to take away from the places and information you bring us sir. cheers and be well sir
Thanks, I’m glad they bring you enjoyment
Excellent! I had no intention of watching this entire video right now but once I started it I couldn't turn it off. Highest compliment I can pay. Thank you, Mr Hicks.
My pleasure. Thanks for staying tuned 👍
Thanks for the tour of Hever Castle, Kevin. Whenever you mentioned Medieval times I couldn't help but think of Medieval Times here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It's a medieval themed place where you go for dinner and a tourny, complete with jousting and knights fighting on foot. It's kinda campy but it's a departure from a regular dinner and a movie, especially with a girl who is into Renaissance Festivals.
There used to be one such fair in a little town not far from Fort Worth. It was billed as a "fantasy fair". It was a much more accurate description than the usual "Renaissance" fair was. It was called Hawkwood. It only lasted for four seasons, but was my favorite such fair. I still go to Scarborough Fair in Waxahatcie, about 45 minutes from Fort Worth, but I miss Hawkwood.
I've come to dislike some of the people in Creative Anachronisms. They're just too nitpicky and serious about being 100% correct that they don't have any fun.
Yes, I’m in agreement with you there, that’s why I left reenactment too 👍
Thanks for watching
I’ve always wanted to visit this place one day because of its significance with Anne Boleyn but now I feel like I’ve been there. Thanks for the armchair travels 🧳 🛋️
I love these tours! Everything you show and the way you explain the history is just wonderful. It's as if I'm actually there! Big thanks and love from Arizona ❤
Glad you enjoyed it, it was a pleasure sharing 👍
Can’t wait to watch this later with a brew in hand!
Yorkshire tea?
@@Durka-Durka01 what gave me away? lol!
@@yorkshirej2219 good choice. 👍 I drink two pint mugs a day! 😂
The interior wood carvings are amazing. Too bad there was no youtube back then, would love to have seen the process.
Visited Hever castle a couple of times as I live in Kent, fabulous place. It’s always been very busy so it was great to have you do a walking tour Kevin. Many objects and rooms are so well put together. Apparently the castle has been flooded many years ago and there is a flood line in the entrance hall marking how far the water line came, this is before entering the main dining area. Great place to visit, well done Kevin, always enjoy your presentation. 👏
Thanks Brett, many of the rooms were closed off to us as they're undergoing various changes, but there was still plenty to see 👍🏻
Anne Boleyn is my favorite English Noble. Thank you so much for the tour.
The tour of Anne Boleyn's home was amazing. Thank you Kevin for bringing to life a touch of Tudor history.
Excellent history lesson from the 'common man'!
So much better than yet another university history lecturer.
Much appreciated, thanks 👍
Visit Hever often, love it there, it’s one of my happy places. And always have a nice lunch in the Henry VIII pub across the road afterwards too.
Remember a.hot summer drinking Pints outside the pub with my brother in l away early 70 s they had a lot of foreign currency pinned up behind the bar then good memories
YES!!!! These castle videos are what brought me to this channel! I love these videos!
Great….more to come 👍
Loved every second of this Kevin, thanks for the tour.
Very welcome 👍
Fun random fact: My 14th great grandfather was the younger brother of Queen Catherine Parr's (Henry VIII's sixth wife) second husband John Neville 3rd Baron Latimer and on top of having connections to the Neville family I also have connections to the Stafford family and many many more- i've always really loved and been interested in the Tudor period and in England as a whole ever since I was a little kid (and not just an interest but almost a deeper feeling/connection if that makes sense in fact I love it so much that I actually have Anne Boleyn's and her daughter Elizabeth I's signatures tattooed on me surrounding a Tudor rose with a crown) my great great grandma immigrated to America from England in the late 1800's (where the connection first starts) and once I found that out it was like a lightbulb went off making my love interest and connection to it make total sense because I have ancestors who were there and very well might've seen, met, talked to, and known them maybe were even friends who knows it's very
possible since they have royal connections and royals were really
intertwined (in fact I might even be related to the others in some way too) really cool to think about 😊
I visited this place about a couple of weeks ago, and it is certainly well worth the visit. The gardens that surround it are spectacular too. What's interesting is that you are showing off the parts of the castle close-up, which you can't do if you visit the castle as it's roped off. I love it.
Yes, we did have special permission, but some areas we couldn’t reach as they were under renovation, like the secret bathroom off the study. That would have been nice to see.
I fell in love with Tudor/English history on my first trip over. Going through the Tower of London it triggered a want of knowledge. The poor Beef Eaters, I was an 11 year old little sponge and it started with Anne Boleyn and it went from there. My love for England has only expanded from there. I have learned that I have very strong ties to England and I am very proud of that fact.
Thank you for showing the portrait of Thomas Cranmer. He is my many times Great Uncle. His brother, Edmund, was my many times Great Grandfather. They were front and center for all the drama, and change that took place! Very interesting!!
I have watched this channel grow from early on. You are doing a splendid job, Kevin. Thanks for the informative bits of history. Love these tours as well.
Thanks so much, I’m glad you’re still watching, it’s appreciated 👍
@@thehistorysquadexcellent programme the stained glass windows have the surname mead with which I have interest in would you be able to give me some insight into the surname Deirdre Meade
@@colmmeade1824 I'm sorry no, I don't have any insights to share with you on the surname, other than it could relate somehow to mead, maybe the maker of mead, a honeyed wine.
@thehistorysquad thanking you
Thank you so much! That was very informative and entertaining as well.
Thank you, Kevin! I loved getting your tour, of Hever 🏰! Another wonderful video! ❤
I just love these castles,thankyou for sharing,our wonderful British history.
It is a beautiful house and castle. Astor did a good job. I love dove cotes.
Thanks Kevin, for another informative video. Hever Castle looks amazing. I wish I could visit in person.
Fascinating and joyfully presented. Well done!
Glad you enjoyed it!
As an Australian in her mid 50s i know my chances of ever getting to see places like this for myself are frankly damned limited.
So it's really nice to feel like I'm being given a personal tour by someone who really loves what they do.
Thank you so much
🏵🏵🏵
It’s my pleasure 👍
I love Kevin's castle tour videos, and this is one of the best yet.
Thanks!
Truly amazing program, never seen the inside of Hever, fascinating, as well made as any BBC documentary.❤
Thanks! 👍
Hey Kevin!
My wife and I would LOVE to have our wedding ceremony in that room. Indeed once in a lifetime- we have started saving and plan to have it in 3 years.
If we do, you are invited!!🎉❤
Wow, how lovely, I’d love to join you 😊
What a beuatiful castle and with you showing us around, it comes to life.
That's absolutely beautiful and so Thankful that we have you to explain everything to us.
I’ve always wanted to see the interiors of this iconic castle. Thank you so much! The guided commentary and quality filming make this so compelling and brilliant to watch. 10/10. Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very interesting about Mr Astor, I lived in a small coastal town in oregon names after this man, Astoria
I first went to Hever Castle back in the late 60's early 70's. What I loved about it back then when I was not even a teenager, was the huge shoals of Koi Carp in the moat. I loved angling and still do. Some must have been nearing 20 lbs in weight. But the last time I saw Koi Carp in the moat, I would have been 21 or 22. So that would have been 1982/83ish.
However. The last time I went there was no more than 10 years ago. Not a single Koi Carp to be seen. I was so disappointed.
Though I spoke to some of the helpers inside and they and they were clueless to the existence of those lovely Koi Carp. Though one did show me a mark inside the castle as to the height of a flood that they had had there some years ago. That was chest height to me. So it'd be many feet above the level of the moat. But I can't remember now what the date said. But she said it was somewhat recent. So it must have been between 1982 and 2014?
I can only imagine that the carp all moved into the huge lake at Hever? Or they went off downstream in the flooded River Eden?
But the only floods to Hever I can read about were in 2020 and in 1968. Neither of those dates tally with when I've been there and the disappearance of those Koi Carp.
Great video.
PS. I think I learnt more about Hever Castle fro this video than ever before. Fascinating. _Thank you._
And it looks like they've stocked some Koi Carp back into the moat... _Awesome!_ 👍
Yes, they have! Lovely to watch 👍
Wonderful! He brings it to life.
Mr Hicks, I always enjoy your videos but castle tours is what made me fall in love with the channel .ps a special thanks to Mrs Hicks for her splendid camera work if she was filming today
Cheers Aaron, yes the lovely Mrs H is always behind the camera. We had a lovely day out at Hever, it really is that beautiful. 👍🏻
Such a great tour!