THE owner of Betchworth Castle is to tell the story of the medieval mansion in a special talk in London this evening (Thursday).
Four years ago the ruins beside Betchworth Park Golf Course were sold to Martin Higgins by Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) for just £1.
And now Mr Higgins, 49, is hoping to secure funding for an ambitious restoration project.
The building historian, who lives in Middle Street, Brockham, said: "Since I was a child it has been my dream to own Betchworth Castle and allow others to visit it without trespassing.
"It will never be a major tourist attraction, but it is an important part of our local heritage and the views are splendid."
If he is successful in securing grants, he plans to improve the castle's terrace, re-plant hedges, create paths and open the site to the public.
The project has already been funded by English Heritage and Surrey Historic Buildings Trust, but more money is needed to complete the work.
The estimated cost of stabilising the ruin, clearing the trees and making it accessible for visitors is around £400,000.
MVDC has already given a grant of £90,000, which has been set aside for putting up permanent scaffolding.
Mr Higgins hopes to use the sum as match-funding to attract grants from English Heritage and other organisations.
Today's lecture has been arranged by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
It will take place at St Botolph's Hall, Bishopsgate, from 6.15pm and everyone is welcome.
The event is part of a themed series of talks put on by the society, entitled Rising From The Ruins.
The castle was the seat of the manor of West Betchworth and was held at the time of the Domesday Survey by Richard de Tonbridge. It started as an earthwork fortress built by Robert FitzGilbert in the 11th century, and was turned into a stone castle in 1379 by Sir John FitzAlan.
The castle, or fortified house, was rebuilt by Sir Thomas Browne in the 15th century. In the 18th and 19th centuries people had little practical use for castles anymore, and this one was outshone by a newer, bigger house built nearby on the same estate.
Some of it was demolished to reuse the building material elsewhere. Without a permanent tenant, the rest of it gradually fell into ruin and was then treated as a folly.
Admission to the talk is £8 per lecture for non-members of the society.
