Sherborne Old Castle, Dorset

30th May 2017



1120s - the fortified palace was built by Roger, Bishop of Sarum (Salisbury)
1139 - castle passed into the ownership of the crown following Bishop Roger's death
1330 - Edward III granted the castle to its constable, William Montagu
Thus followed much dispute about the castle's rightful owner 
1357 - Bishop Robert Wyvil, the next owner, entertained the Black Prince at the castle
1592 - castle leased to Sir Walter Ralegh by Elizabeth I
1603 - following Elizabeth I death and the arrest of Sir Walter Ralegh for treason, castle remained in his wife's possession 
1609 - James I brought the estate
1617 - estate sold to Sir John Digby 
1642 - Civil War - castle initially in Royalist possession seiged and occupied by Parliamentarians for 4 months before being retaken by the Royalists
1645 - Civil War - 2nd seige, castle taken by Parliamentarians and ruined to prevent becoming a Royalist stronghold again. 

 We would suggest walk around the curtain wall first, then explore the centre/great tower. Not much remains of the castle but it's a nice little castle all the same! There are some beautiful original architecture still surviving - but we won't spoil the surprises ;) !

 Owned by English Heritage
Designated parking
Small shop
Guidebook
Dogs allowed

N & K


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Old Wardour Castle, Wiltshire

Image
30th May 2017 1390s - built for John, 5th Lord Lovell, this is a hexagonal castle! 1578 - the castle is modernised by Sir Matthew Arundel Civil War - during an attempt to reclaim the castle the owner partially blew up the castle! The damage caused was never repaired, partly because the lands/castle were confiscated from Henry Arundel after the Civil War 1700s - New Wardour castle is erected and the old castle becomes a popular, romantic ruin We loved how different this castle was to anything we've seen so far. The different colour brick work is beautiful and the architecture stunning. The views of the lake are pretty and make sure you walk around the perimeter of the castle because no side is the same. Audio tour worth it! The grotto in the gardens is fun to explore (and very romantic 😉 ) .  Owned by English heritage  Own car park Small shop and toilets Guidebook and audio tour  Dogs allowed  N & K  
Read more

Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, Kent

Image
26 th June 2015 Since the Roman invasion of Britain in 43AD until the end of their rule (410AD), the site of Richborough was used as fort. Over time it became a town – with a mansio, temples and amphitheatre – and then a port. In the late 3 rd century the site was refortified due to the threat of the Saxons. After Roman rule ended, the site was occupied by the Saxons. This site was so interesting and the ruins are impressive when you consider how old they are. We would definitely recommend the audio tour, but there are also information panels dotted around the site. The exhibition next to the shop, about Roman life, is also interesting. Unfortunately we could not find the amphitheatre so we suggest asking in the shop for exact directions! Owned by English Heritage Designated car park Dogs allowed Small shop, toilets Guidebooks, audio tours N&K 
Read more

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Image
31st May 2017 978 - Rumour has it that the site of today's Corfe Castle was the location for King Edward the Martyr's murder, by his stepmother 1086 - William the Conqueror began building the castle 1105 - Henry I is thought to be responsible for building the 23 metre tall stone keep 1106 - Henry I imprisons his brother, Robert of Normandy, at Corfe Castle, after seizing the throne 1130s - The castle finds itself in the midst of action during the Anarchy between Stephen and Matilda 1199 - 1214 - King John imprisons his niece, Princess Eleanor of Brittany at Corfe During King John's reign he was a frequent visitor to the castle, strengthening its defences and building the Gloriette 1220 - 1294 - Henry III and Edward I make several alterations to the castle, including converting from timber to stone, strengthening defences and adding towers Henry VII gifted the castle to his mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort 1509 - Lady Margaret dies and the castle is passed ba...
Read more