Odiham Castle — Attraction in Hart

Nice little restoration done since my first visit . Small Octagonal castle with quite a bit of history to it. Easy to park just the other side of the canal , but there is limited space .

Extract from Wikipedia.

In 1215 it was from either Odiham or Windsor that King John rode out to Runnymede, where he met the barons and attached his seal to Magna Carta. A year later Odiham Castle was captured by the French after a two-week siege during the First Barons' War in 1216. The garrison of just 13 surrendered on 9 July 1216. At some point over the next nine years the keep was renovated, possibly to remedy the damage done to it by the French forces. It has been suggested that at the same time the mound on which the keep sat was raised by 5 metres and an inner moat surrounding the keep was added to the defences. However, the inner moat was likely in place prior to the siege.

In 1238 Simon de Montfort married King John's daughter Eleanor just two years after she had been granted Odiham by her brother, King Henry III. In the following year a kitchen was added on a bridge over the inner moat and a new hall was added on the outside of the keep. During the same period a second building was constructed over the moat, this time on the south eastern side of the keep, to provide extra living space.

In 1263 De Montfort rebelled against Henry and died at the Battle of Evesham in 1265; Eleanor was exiled. Odiham Castle was again retained by the Crown.

The castle was also involved in the rebellion led by the powerful Despenser family against Roger Mortimer and Queen Isabella of France, the wife of Edward II.

Odiham Castle hosted Parliament at least once, in 1303. King David II of Scotland, after his capture at the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346, was imprisoned here for 11 years. He was held under a light guard and was allowed to keep a household. Using the castle as a prison seems to have been common practice during the 13th and 14th centuries; the nearby Manor of Greywell was required to provide guards one night in three.

By the 15th century Odiham was used only as a hunting lodge, and in 1605 it was described as a ruin.

In 1792 the Basingstoke Canal was built through the southern corner...

King John’s Castle in Odiham is a fascinating historical site that offers a glimpse into medieval England. Nestled in a peaceful rural setting, the castle’s ruins are wonderfully preserved, making it easy to imagine its former grandeur. Built in the early 13th century by King John, it has a rich history, including ties to the signing of the Magna Carta.

What makes this site particularly enjoyable is its tranquil atmosphere. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely walk, surrounded by lush greenery and serene countryside. The informative signs around the site offer insights into the castle's significance, architecture, and the various historical events it witnessed. It’s a perfect destination for history buffs, families, and anyone who enjoys outdoor exploration.

Visiting King John’s Castle is not just an educational experience but also a chance to enjoy the beauty of rural Hampshire. The site is free to visit, which adds to its appeal, and its proximity to other attractions in Odiham makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. Whether you’re interested in history or just looking for a peaceful spot to explore, this charming medieval ruin is well...

A free to visit ancient ruins. It is located almost in secluded place in Odiham. It must be magnificent in its best times some hundred years ago. It can be seen that the walls are so thick built with no bricks but stones and cement. There is no roof at present but imagining it's full structure puts you in awe. It is conserved by Hampshire County. You can finish reading all the details and the castle within minutes then what? You can stroll alongside canal. You can see ducks, fishes and a lot of aquatic plants, berries, wild flowers to make you feel good.

And yes be prepared not to get parking. We didn't see any pubs too and of...