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Castles in England - C

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Cainhoe Castle    The remains of a late 11th or early 12th century motte and bailey castle with three baileys! As far as we know the castle was occupied until the Black Death, which seems to have decimated the population of the castle and nearby village of Cainhoe. Clophill, Bedfordshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: off the A507, accessible by footpath from the village of Clophill, 7 miles SE of Bedford OS TL098374 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Caister Castle    The remains of a 15th century castle surrounded by a moat. The castle was built by Sir John Fastolf, who was the model for Shakespeare's Falstaff. Fastolf built Caister Castle between 1432 and 1446, with a tower that reaches 100 feet in height. Caister was besieged and taken by the Duke of Norfolk in 1468. It was later in the possession of the Paston family, famous for the Paston Letters detailing the rise and fall of the family during the later medieval period. Caister Castle fell into disrepair in the 17th century. Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk, England, NR30 5SN Attraction Type: Castle Location: On Castle Lane, just west of Caister on Sea, off the A1064 Website: Caister Castle Location map OS TG505123 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Calshot Castle    One of Henry VIII's string of coastal defences, Calshot Castle was built in 1539 to protect the western entry to Southampton Water. The castle was badly damaged during the reign of Queen Elizabeth but was repaired at great cost and served as an artillery defence until the early 20th century. Calshot, Fawley, Hampshire, England, SO45 1BR Attraction Type: Castle Location: on spit 2 m SE Fawley off B3053 Website: Calshot Castle Phone: 02380 892 023 English Heritage Location map OS SU488 025 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Camber Castle    The ruins of a mighty castle built by Henry VIII as part of his great coastal defenses. The sea, which used to lap at the foot of the castle walls, now lies over a mile distant, and the castle stands adrift and somewjhat lonely looking in a field. The castle is in need of repairs and may not be open to visitors for safety reasons, but you can still get a good view into the interior. Camber, Rye, East Sussex, England, TN31 7RS Attraction Type: Castle Location: off A259 1 mile South of Rye, 1 mile walk across fields Website: Camber Castle Phone: 01797 223 862 English Heritage Location map OS TQ969186 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Canterbury Castle   When William the Conqueror overcame King Harold and his Saxons at the Battle of Hastings, one of his first acts was to establish three powerful castles in the southwest of his new realm, at Canterbury, Dover, and Rochester. His new castle at Canterbury is what is now called Dane John, a corruption of the French word for donjon, or keep. Castle Street, Canterbury, Kent, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: On Castle Steet, just off the ring road. There is a paid parking lot immediately behind the castle. The site is usually open during daylight hours. Free admission and there are several useful interpretive panels on site. - Photos of Canterbury Castle OS TR145574 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Carisbrooke Castle and Museum   A striking Norman castle atop a high hill above Newport. It was here that Charles I was imprisoned in 1647 before his final journey to London and death. Charles attempted to escape from the castle, and visitors today can see the narrow window where the unfortunate king became stuck. Newport, Isle of Wight, England, PO30 1XY Attraction Type: Castle Location: 1 m SW Newport, off B3401 Website: Carisbrooke Castle and Museum Phone: 01983 522 107 Fax: 01983 528 632 English Heritage Location map OS SZ486 877 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Carlisle Castle    Founded by William Rufus in 1092, site of Mary Queen of Scots' imprisonment in 1568 (you can walk the "Lady's Walk" path in her footsteps). See carvings left by prisoners held at the castle. Great views from the top of the keep. Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 8UR Attraction Type: Castle Location: in Carlisle city centre Website: Carlisle Castle Phone: 01228 591 922 English Heritage Location map Details of Carlisle Castle OS NY397 563 Heritage Highlight: Stroll the Lady's Walk, where Mary, Queen of Scots exercised when kept here as a prisoner Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Cartington Castle    A partially restored castle on the banks of the River Coquet two miles from the market town of Rothbury. It is not known exactly when the castle was constructed, but the first record of an owner of Cartington Castle comes from 1154. To this early castle a pele tower was added in the 14th century. In 1422 John Cartington was granted a license to crenellate. It was probably this same John Cartington who extended the buildings to include a great hall and courtyard. The castle is on private land, but is visible from surrounding properties. Cartington, Northumberland, England Attraction Type: Castle OS NU039045 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Castle Acre Castle   Extensive remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle built by the powerful Earl of Surrey, William de Warenne shortly after the Norman conquest. The earthwork defenses are among the best preserved in England from the Norman period. At the other end of the village is Castle Acre Priory, a well preserved 11th century Cluniac abbey also established by de Warenne. Priory Road, Castle Acre, East Anglia, Norfolk, England, PE32 2AJ Attraction Type: Castle Location: At the east end of Castle Acre village, 5 miles north of Swaffham. Signposted from the A1065. Open site - entry at any time. Website: Castle Acre Castle English Heritage Location map Details of Castle Acre Castle OS TF818151 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Castle Howe    It is unusual that a small town can boast two castle, but Kendal is an exception. There are the 13th century ruins of Kendal Castle, and this, Castle Howe, an earthwork motte and bailey fortification dating from the Norman period. There is a small, treed mound, with a monument standing marking the location of the castle keep. Below is a small level area, or bailey. Castle Howe faces Kendal Castle a mile away across the River Kent. Beast Banks, Kendal, Lake District, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: Off Beast Banks, easily accessible on foot from the centre of Kendal OS SD 512924 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Castle Rising Castle    12th century castle with the oddly redundant name, built by Henry Albini to celebrate his marriage to the widow of Henry I. Beautifully preserved rectangular keep surrounded by 12 acres of earthwork defenses. Castle Rising, King's Lynn, Norfolk, England, PE31 6AH Attraction Type: Castle Location: 4 m NE King's Lynn, off A149 Website: Castle Rising Castle Phone: 01553 631330 Fax: 01553 631724 English Heritage Location map Details of Castle Rising Castle OS TF667 247 Heritage Highlight: The earthworks surrounding the castle are enormously impressive. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Chalgrave Castle    Meagre remains of a 12th century motte and bailey. The site has been the subject of several archaeological excavations in conjunction with the Bedfordshire Archaeology Council. Chalgrave, Toddington, Bedfordshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: off Dunstable Road, Chalgrave, S of Toddington on the A1520 OS TL009 273 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Chester Castle, Agricola Tower    The Agricola Tower is the only surviving part of the medieval Chester Castle, and features a superb early 13th century wall painting. The remainder of the castle was destroyed by a devastating fire in the late 18th century. Chester Castle began as a simple earthwork motte and bailey fortress begun by William the Conqueror in 1170 (though built by the crown, the castle was owned by the Earls of Chester, but more on that in a moment). Chester, Cheshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: Nearest car park is Assizes park on Grosvenor Street. Walls open at any time. Other access varies; see English Heritage website for details. Website: Chester Castle, Agricola Tower English Heritage OS SJ403657 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Chillingham Castle   A superb medieval fortress, rich in historical interest, Chillingham Castle was built in the 13th century as a monastery. Chillingham has been in the hands of the Grey family and their descendants since the year 1246. At the centre of the castle is the Great Hall, an Elizabethan chamber overlooked by a medieval minstrel's gallery. Visit Edward I's room, named for the the visit of Edward in 1298, on his way north to battle William Wallace. There are magnificent state rooms decorated in Elizabethan fashion, while a stark reminder of the castle's past is provided by the dungeons and chilling torture chambers. Chillingham, Northumberland, England, NE66 5NJ Attraction Type: Castle Location: In Chillingham village, on a minor road off the B6438 at Chatton Website: Chillingham Castle Email: info@chillingham-castle.com Phone: +44 (0)1668 215359 Fax: +44 (0)1668 215463 Location map OS NU061257 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Christchurch Castle    These are the ruins of a Norman keep and the 1160 chamber block called "Constable's House." Christchurch, Dorset, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: near the Priory Website: Christchurch Castle Phone: 01179 750 700 English Heritage OS SZ160 927 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Clare Castle    Remains of a Norman fortress, situated within the beautiful countryside setting of the Clare Castle Country Park. A motte and bailey castle was built by Richard Fitzgilbert, cousin of William the Conqueror, shortly after the Norman conquest. The manor was later taken over by Gilbert de Clare. The de Clare family replaced that first wooden castle with a stone keep in the 13th century, and it is the remains of the 13th century fortress atop the Norman 70 foot mound we can see today. Within the inner bailey is a Victorian era railway station built by the Great Eastern Railway. Clare, East Anglia, Suffolk, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: Just off Malting Lane, in the centre of Clare OS TL771452 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Clifford Castle    Gatehouse, hall, and round towers are all that remain of the traditional birthplace of "Fair Rosamund" Clifford. Clifford, Herefordshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: NE Hay-on-Wye, on B4350 OS SO243 457 Heritage Highlight: Associations with 'Fair Rosamund', mistress of Henry II Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Cliffords Tower   One of the few castles that isn't called "castle"! Built by William the Conqueror in 1086. A steep climb up to the castle. Interpretive panels and a reconstruction model on view. Tower Street, York, Yorkshire, England, YO1 9SA Attraction Type: Castle Website: Cliffords Tower Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Phone: 01904 646 940 English Heritage Location map Details of Cliffords Tower OS SE604 515 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Clun Castle    A Welsh Border castle in a dramatic location overlooking the River Clun. The impressive castle enclosure consists of a motte (castle mound) and no less than three baileys, or earthwork enclosures. The most unusual feature of Clun Castle is that the 13th century keep is set on the sloping side of the castle mound, rather than on top of the mound. Clun, Shropshire, England Attraction Type: Castle Location: Off the A488 in Clun village. Open acces site. Website: Clun Castle English Heritage OS SO295811 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Colchester Castle Museum    William the Conqueror chose Colchester to build the first - and largest - royal castle in stone. Construction began in 1076 on the ruins of a Roman temple to the Emperor Claudius, and remains of the temple can be seen today. The castle fell into disuse in the later medieval period, but was eventually restored and converted into a fine museum. 14 Ryegate Road, Colchester Colchester, Essex, England, CO1 1YG Attraction Type: Castle Location: In Castle Park at the eastern end of the High Street, 5 min walk from bus and train. Website: Colchester Castle Museum Email: museums@colchester.gov.uk Phone: 01206 282 937 Fax: 01206 282 925 Location map OS TL997253 Heritage Highlight: William the Conqueror's first stone castle Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Conisbrough Castle    Conisbrough is an imposing 12th century castle said to be the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe. The castle is set on a natural slope above the Don Valley. In the 11th century Conisborough was owned by Harold Godwinson, later King Harold.  The name is a reminder of this royal connection; it is likely a contraction of the Saxon Cyningesburh, or 'King's burh'. Conisbrough, Yorkshire, England, DN12 3BU Attraction Type: Castle Location: Open all year except Christmas and New Years (see English Heritage website for details). Website: Conisbrough Castle English Heritage Location map OS SK514989 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Corfe Castle    Wow! It is a ruin, but what a ruin! Soaring above Corfe village, the early Norman castle is quite an impressive sight. Built in the reign of William the Conqueror, the castle was heavily besieged in the Civil War and only fell when betrayed by some of the defenders. Heavily slighted by Parliamentary troops afterwards to produce the evocative site we see now. Wareham, Dorset, England, BH20 5EZ Attraction Type: Castle Location: 5 m NW Swanage, on A351 Website: Corfe Castle Email: corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01929 481 294 Fax: 01929 477 067 National Trust Location map Details of Corfe Castle OS SY960 821 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

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Text © David Ross and Britain Express