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Berkhamsted Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. The castle was built to obtain control of a key route between London and the Midlands during the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century.
Located just 25 miles outside London, Berkhamsted Castle is steeped in over 950 years of history. It was here that the Anglo-Saxons surrendered to William, Duke of Normandy in December 1066, and he became “The Conqueror”.
Visit the substantial remains of a strong and important motte-and-bailey castle dating from the 11th to 15th centuries, with surrounding walls, ditches and earthworks. Richard Earl of Cornwall added a 13th-century palace complex. Managed by Berkhamsted Castle Trust. Read more about the history of Berkhamsted Castle.
Berkhamsted Castle was first built as a timber motte-and-bailey castle in the late 11th century. One of the most important early Norman castles, it controlled the northern approach to London, 30 miles away.
The story of Berkhamsted Castle begins with Duke William of Normandy. After the defeat of Harold at the Battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066, William marched with his army through southern England, pillaging as he went. Crossing the Thames at Wallingford, he reached Berkhamsted.
Berkhamsted Castle was originally built to obtain control of the route from London to the Midlands during the Norman conquest in the 11th century. It was also the site where the English submitted to William the Conqueror following the Battle of Hastings.
Berkhamsted Castle. Home > Your Visit. How to get Here. Hours & Facilities. Interactive Guide. Guided Tours. School Visits. Days Out. Berkhamsted Castle Trust manages the Berkhamsted Castle site in partnership with English Heritage under a Local Management Agreement. Our volunteers rely on the generosity of the public. Donate today. Your Visit.
A brief description of Berkhamsted Castle, an early post-Conquest motte-and-bailey castle with substantial surviving earthworks.
Berkhamsted Castle was an 11th century Norman castle in Hertfordshire, built as a strategic stronghold between London and the Midlands. Though today in ruins, visitors are able to trace the dramatic earthworks and stone remains of what was once a thriving medieval palace.
The ruins of Berkhamsted Castle still stand in Hertfordshire, where it controlled the key route between London and the Midlands. The historic monument played a critical political role from the 11th century to the 14th century.
