Sissinghurst is a rather pretty village in between Biddenden and Goudhurst. It is famed mostly for Sissinghurst Castle, the former home of Vita Sackville-West, and its world-renowned gardens.
The name comes from 'Saxon's wooded hill' to distinguish this land from that owned by Angles at nearby Angley.
Vita Sackville-West, the poet and writer, began the transforming Sissinghurst Castle in the 1930s with her diplomat and author husband, Harold Nicolson. Harold's architectural planning of the garden rooms, and the colourful, abundant planting in the gardens by Vita, reflect the romance and intimacy of her poems and writings.
Sissinghurst Castle was the backdrop for a diverse history; from the astonishing time as a prison in the 1700s, to being a home to the women’s land army. It was also a family home to some fascinating people who lived there or came to stay.
Originally called Milkhouse Street, Sissinghurst changed its name in the 1850s, possibly to avoid association with the smuggling and cockfighting activities of the Hawkhurst Gang.
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