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Scheduled Ancient Monument. 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.
Welcome to one of England's hidden heritage hotspots. 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”.
White Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ. Before You Go. 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.
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. Kept in royal hands, it was occupied by key figures of the Middle Ages, such as Thomas Becket, Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and the Black Prince.
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.
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Mar 19, 2021 · About Berkhamsted Castle. 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.
3 min read. Address: White Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1LJ. Telephone: 0370 333 1181. Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/berkhamsted-castle/ Owned by: English Heritage. Opening times: Open daily summer 10.00 – 1800, winter 10.00 – 16.00 (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Entrance is free of charge.