Hertford Museum
Search results
Hertford was a fortified Saxon town built by King Edward the Elder, son of Alfred the Great, in 912. From the Saxon earthworks, designed to resist the Danes, the Castle grew after the Norman Conquest to become a royal fortress and royal residence, under a governor appointed by the King. Life at the Castle had its exciting moments, in 1216, when ...
- Contact
The Castle Hertford Hertfordshire SG14 1HR. Get social. Get...
- Events
Events - History of Hertford Castle | Built in 912 -...
- Councillors
Councillors - History of Hertford Castle | Built in 912 -...
- The Mayor of Hertford
Mayor of Hertford 2023/24 For the 2023/24 municipal year the...
- Council Staff
Council Staff - History of Hertford Castle | Built in 912 -...
- Public Amenities
Public Amenities - History of Hertford Castle | Built in 912...
- Contact
Dec 1, 2015 · 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. About. Hertford Castle Gatehouse is a Grade 1 listed building. The Castle grounds are open to the public free of charge 7 days a week. Throughout the year the Castle opens to the public free of charge. Hertford Town Council organise events for all ages from brass band concerts to open air cinema events, music ...
- (83)
- Attraction
- The Castle, Hertford
It has a north facing entrance and is grass covered. Hertford Castle was built in the 11th century in the southern burh of Hertford, founded by Edward the Elder in AD 912. The castle was bounded by a double ditch on three sides, the north-western part of the defences being formed by the River Lea, with an outer bailey on the south-western side.
For venue hire during a week day, a maximum of 4 car parking spaces are available for private hire & weddings/receptions free of charge and a maximum of 2 car parking spaces available for corporate hire free of charge. Visitor information on getting to Hertford Castle and parking. Please contact us if you require further assistance on 01992 552 ...
- Origins
- The Normans
- Civil War
- The Plantagenets
- Seige and Capture
- Royal Residence
- The Lancasters
- The Tudors
- The House of Cecil
- The Present Day
It is unknown when the first castle was constructed at Hertford, although it was built by the Normans and grew up from two burhs (fortified places) established by Edward The Elder around 911. These burhs were enclosed spaces surrounded by palisading and were overseen by a Reeve, who collected dues from the inhabitants, who were tenants of The Crown...
By the time of the Norman Invasion in 1066, Hertford had a motte and bailey surrounded by a moat. This consisted of large earthen mound with a stong wooden tower or keep on top. The Bailey was an enclosure, into which cattle could be driven. Surrounding this was a high fence of timber stakes driven into the ground (palisading). The Normans brought ...
Shortly after the death of Henry I in 1135, Stephen de Blois, the grandson of William The Conqueror, was crowned King Stephen I 1135-54. This was despite the fact that the throne had been promised to Henry's daughter Matilda. This resulted in a civil war in which Hertford supported Matilda, who had previously granted the castle to Roger de Valoigne...
In 1154, following the death of Stephen, Matilda's son Henry Plantegenet became King Henry II 1154-89. Because of Hertford's support for his mother, Henry took a great interest in the castle and its potential. He set himself the task of reasserting the authority of the crown over i nnsubordinate barons and everywhere he constructed castles. Hertfor...
John died in October 1216 and left a country divided. Some remained faithful to the new King, Henry III 1216-72, whilst others favoured the French prince, Louis. The French had already arrived in London by the time of John's death and were enthusiastically welcomed. They made their way North-Westwards meeting strong resistance from the Crown, espec...
Henry's successor, Edward I 1272-1307, was a just and progressive ruler and as such brought stability to the country. Consequently, the Castle's military role became secondary to it's use as a Royal Residence and in 1299 Edward gave it to his second wife Margaret. Following the death of his father, Edward II 1307-1327 was crowned king and shortly a...
Henry IV 1399-1413, son of John of Gaunt, was the first Lancastrian king. However, he was not the direct heir to the throne. Edmund of March, the true heir, was only eight years old though and Henry had just liberated the country from the tyranny of Richard. As such, he was enthusiastically elected by Pariament, granting the castle to his second wi...
Henry VII 1485-1509 was the first Tudor king and conferred the castle to his wife in 1487. Henry spent little time at the castle. However, his son, Henry VIII 1509-47spent considerable sums turning the castle into a civilian palace. This included work on the gatehouse, which still stands, and is said to have been originally built by Edward IV aroun...
The death of Elizabeth brought to the throne James I 1603-25, the first Stuart King. From this point on Hertford Castle ceased to be a Royal Residence and fell into decay. James had little interest in, or knowledge of English Tradition and for the first years of his reign relied greatly on the guidance of Sir Robert Cecil, an elder statesman of Eli...
The history of the castle spans a millenium. For 300 years it was a fortress and then for the same period a Royal Palace. Since the 17th century it has been in private hands and the grounds are now owned by the town. Little remains of it's grandeur save the ancient walls and the gatehouse.
People also ask
Is Hertford Castle open to the public?
Who built Hertford Castle?
Is Hertford Castle a gatehouse?
Why is Hertford Castle important?
About. Hertford Castle Gatehouse is a Grade 1 listed building. The Castle grounds are open to the public free of charge 7 days a week. Throughout the year the Castle opens to the public free of charge. Hertford Town Council organise events for all ages from brass band concerts to open air cinema events, music festivals to craft markets.
As part of National Heritage Weekend, Hertford Castle will open its doors to the public free of charge. This Norman castle has a rich and eventful history, regularly visited by English Royalty and even played host to English Parliamentary meetings during the 1563 London plague. Discover more about Hertford Castle on this open day and explore ...
