Berkhamsted Castle

Berkhamsted Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle located in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. It was built after the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century to control an important route between London and the Midlands. Robert of Mortain, the half-brother of William the Conqueror, likely oversaw its construction and became its owner. The castle featured protective earthworks and a deer park for hunting, and it became an important administrative center for the area.

Over time, the castle was expanded and used by many important figures. During a civil war in 1216, it was besieged and captured by Prince Louis, later Louis VIII of France, using siege engines. Later, it was given to Richard, Earl of Cornwall, who turned it into a grand residence. King Edward III and his son, Edward, the Black Prince, further developed the castle and used it to hold important royal prisoners.

By the late 15th century, the castle had fallen out of favor and began to decay. In the 1830s, it narrowly escaped destruction during the building of the London and Birmingham Railway, leading it to become the first building in Britain protected by Parliament. Today, the castle is cared for by English Heritage and is open to visitors as a popular historic site.

History

1066–1217

Berkhamsted Castle was built during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. After William the Conqueror won at the Battle of Hastings, he moved across England and ordered the castle’s construction in Berkhamsted. The castle was important because it sat on a key route between London and the Midlands. William’s half-brother, Robert of Mortain, likely oversaw the building and later owned the castle.

The castle had a motte and bailey design, with a large mound and an enclosed area. It was positioned near natural springs and included a deer park for hunting and a vineyard. Over time, the castle changed hands among royalty and important figures. During a time of conflict in 1216, the castle was attacked but successfully defended before being returned to royal control.

1218–1461

The castle became linked with the Earls and Dukes of Cornwall. It was favored by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, who added a tall tower and used it for official matters. The castle also served as a place for important events and even held a French prince after a battle. It was used by many English kings over the years.

1462–1900

Later, the castle fell out of favor and began to ruin. By the 16th century, it was no longer used by royalty. Parts of it were torn down for building materials. In the 1800s, plans for a railway threatened the site, but laws helped protect it. The castle ruins were used to give meals to people in need during hard times.

20th – 21st centuries

In the 1920s and 1930s, efforts were made to protect and restore the castle. During World War II, important statues were hidden there for safety. Today, the castle ruins are cared for by English Heritage and are open to visitors, with many local volunteers helping to keep the site running.

Castle Occupants

In the 11th century, Robert of Mortain was linked to Berkhamsted Castle. Later, in 1086, Randulph, Lord Chancellor, was allowed to build a wooden fort at the same site. In 1155, Thomas à Becket, serving as Lord Chancellor, changed the wooden fort into a stone fortress.

Over the years, many important figures stayed at the castle. Queen Berengaria of Navarre lived there between 1191 and the death of King Richard I. Queen Isabella of Angoulême also stayed there until a siege in 1204. In 1227, King Henry III gave the castle to Richard Earl of Cornwall, who made it his main home and office. Other notable residents included Queen Margaret of France in 1291, and Edward, the Black Prince, who took control in 1337. He even kept King John II at the castle in 1356. The castle was later given to Henry V by his father King Henry IV, and then passed to Margaret of Anjou. Finally, from 1469 until her death in 1495, Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, lived there.

Castle Construction

Berkhamsted Castle’s main mound, called a motte, is about 14 meters high and 55 meters wide. It sits in the northeast corner of a larger open space called a bailey. The motte has a stone structure about 18 meters wide at its base, and the bailey covers around 1.3 hectares.

Over time, the original wooden castle was rebuilt with stone and made bigger, but it stayed in the same place. At its height, the castle had two deep ditches around it. People reached the castle by walking on Castle Street, crossing a small wooden bridge over the River Bulbourne, and then using another drawbridge to get to the main entrance.