Berkhamsted Castle — Attraction in Dacorum

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. Robert of Mortain, William the Conqueror's half brother, was probably responsible for managing its construction, after which he became the castle's owner. The castle was surrounded by protective earthworks and a deer park for hunting. The castle became a new administrative centre of the former Anglo-Saxon settlement of Berkhamsted. Subsequent kings granted the castle to their chancellors. The castle was substantially expanded in the mid-12th century, probably by Thomas Becket.

The castle was besieged in 1216 during the civil war between King John and rebellious barons, who were supported by France. It was successfully captured after Prince Louis, the future Louis VIII, attacked it with siege engines for twenty days, forcing the garrison to surrender. After being retaken by royal forces the subsequent year, it was given to Richard, Earl of Cornwall, beginning a long association with the Earldom of Cornwall and the later duchy. Richard redeveloped the castle as a palatial residence, and made it the centre of the earldom's administration. Edward III further developed the castle in the 14th century and gave it to his son, Edward, the Black Prince, who expanded the hunting grounds. The castle was also used to hold royal prisoners, including John II of France and rival claimants to the English throne.

In the late 15th century, the castle became increasingly unfashionable and fell into decline. By the mid-16th century, it was in ruins and unsuitable for royal use. Stone was taken from the castle to build houses and other buildings in the town. The castle was almost destroyed during the construction of the London and Birmingham Railway in the 1830s. As a result, it became the first building in Britain to receive statutory protection from Parliament. In 1930, the castle passed from the Duchy of Cornwall to the government's control. It is maintained as a tourist attraction by...

I've been going to the Castle for over 20 years. I used to bring the kids for a picnic somewhere on the grounds. Talking about kids, I'd say this is not the safest place to visit around. Indeed the ruins are made of stone walls which are handy for climbing but also sharp enough to send your kids, and yourself to wait forever in A&E. There is also a mole rather steep that could cause you to worry. Put it that way, best to avoid if your kid is hyperactive or doesn't listen to you a minimum.. You can also bring your dog, do not forget a doggy bag, where you can launch tennis balls for your favourite pet. Of course, you wouldn't be able to do that on a sunny Bank holiday, but it's quiet most of the time for you and Goodboy to have tons of fun. I forgot to mention that the entrance is FREE !! I mean, what is free nowadays? I suppose that the people of Berkhamsted are being generous every month through their council tax... You won't find a shop for your fridge magnet collection, nor a Café for a nice latte. I'm not sure about toilets but I doubt there is. Phew, why on earth have I given 4 stars instinctively? Well, despise all the "negative" points, I think and I feel that this place is great because it is genuine. And all the risky things I mentioned earlier, you can STILL do them, with caution regarding the kids and your dog's dropping! Have a go if you've never been, and if you have you don't need to read the above to return to...

Probably the most interesting historical attraction in Berkhamsted is the old motte-and-bailey castle, resting just beside the local rail station.

Today only the faintest of ruins remain of this 11th century castle. Yet, while it doesn't appear much on the surface, the history of Berkhamsted Castle is quite important.

This was the location where William of Normandy met with Archbishop Ealdred, other important bishops, earls and London based figures, who each swore allegiance to William of Normandy and offered him the English crown, after William's defeat of then Anglo-Saxon King Alfred at the battle of Hastings. Thus beginning a near century of Norman rule over the country.

Today, you can only see parts of the old castle wall, here and there and you can make out where the moat used to be as well. The castle grounds are quite well maintained but there is not much to see of Berkhamsted Castle now. In the end, it is the history that makes it relevant and interesting these days.

Tip: Arriving at Berkhamstead castle, simply walk out the back exit of the station and you will be staring right at the castle ruins.

Tip: After a visit, you can walk into town and find restaurants and coffee shops along the High Street in Berko. There are a few pubs along the canal which runs between the town and the rail station as well. The city park which runs along the canal is...