Six in search of Betchworth Castle

It was a fine day when six set off in search of Betchworth Castle via the mysteries of Deepdene and a grat adventure was had bt all
Deepdene turned out to be a grand estate some aspects dating back to the Domesday book Kings had hunted in the forests where now latter day dilettantes play golf and airplanes can be seen flying into Gatwick. A grand Palladian house and gardens were laid out in the 17th century and reached its peak in grandeur under Thomas Hope in the 19th century Alas bankruptcy in the 20th century saw its decline although it housed secret works during the second world war and tank traps still visible were laid to stop the enemy trundling up the A24 to Dorking
Betchworth Castle was laid to ruin by John Evelyn during the Romantic movement when it was compulsory to have a ruin in every estate It is now appraoched via the golf course and over looks a small lake with the largest carp I have ever seen Maybe descendants from John Evelyn's time
Lunch was had in a good old fashioned pub overlooking the village green
All in all a happy walk