Bayfordbury Observatory
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Visitor information on getting to Hertford Castle and parking. Please contact us if you require further assistance on 01992 552 885. Hertford Castle offers an affordable and inspiring backdrop for a range of celebrations and events.
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...
Hertford Castle is a motte and bailey castle situated in the centre of Hertford on the banks of the River Lea. The monument includes a flat-topped motte which stands at the north corner of the castle and measures 30m in diameter and c.6.5m in height.
Dec 1, 2015 · 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. Visit hertford.gov.uk/events for a full listing of castle events ...
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- Attraction
- The Castle, Hertford
- Hertford Castle is open:Mon - Thu 09:00 - 17:00Fri - Fri 09:00 - 16:30
- Hotels near Hertford Castle: (0.13 mi) Salisbury Arms Hotel (0.10 mi) Hertford House (0.09 mi) Castle House (0.27 mi) Number One Port Hill (0.21 mi...
- Restaurants near Hertford Castle: (0.08 mi) Old Siam (0.09 mi) The Blackbirds (0.08 mi) Oishii By Elle Japanese Restaurant (0.11 mi) Turkish Kitche...
- 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.
The site of the castle can be found in the centre of the town, and today on the grounds of the castle a beautiful house and gardens can be found. There are traces of the original castle around the site, a gate house and curtain walls still remain.
People also ask
Is Hertford Castle free?
Is Hertford Castle Gatehouse open to the public?
When was Hertford Castle built?
Why should you visit Hertford Castle?
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.
