Framlingham Castle

Framlingham's history dates far back, after being mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. One of the main attractions to the town is Framlingham castle, built sometime between 1190 and 1210. There had also been a wooden motte and bailey castle near this site a hundred years earlier. Framlingham castle structure is now open to visitors.

Notable Residents of the Castle

Throughout history the castle has been home to a number of groups:

• From 1100-1306 it was home to the Bigods,
• Thomas Plantagenet and descendants from 1312-1375,
• The Mowbray Dukes of Norfolk from 1375-1481,
• The Howard Dukes of Norfolk from 1481-1535.

All of these were extremely notable people at the time, which is what made Framlingham such an important location in the country.

The History of Framlingham Castle

Many notable events throughout history have taken place in and around Framlingham castle. This includes the besiegement of the castle during the Civil War in 1215, and the fact that Mary Tudor was staying in the castle when she learnt that she had become the Queen in 1553, and where she marched from to her coronation. The castle had previously been given to Mary by her brother, King Edward VI.

The castle today consists of extensive remains of the original structure, which was originally built by Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk. The design consists of a continuous curtain wall, with Tudor chimneys, open backed towers and more.

During the reign of Elizabeth I, the castle was used as a prison for Catholic priests, after which is fell into disrepair. In 1635 it was bought by Sir Robert Hitcham, who left the castle to Pembroke college when he died. Due to his wishes, the castle was gradually destroyed in order to build a Poorhouse in its place. It became property of the nation in 1913 and is now managed by English Heritage.

Visiting Framlingham Castle Today

What remains is now an extensive shell of the castle, but a great place for families and individuals to visit. A walk around the curtained wall is a stunning experience, and there is a real feel for the more than 900 years of history that lie there.

There is an introductory exhibition in the Poorhouse, where visitors can learn about those who lived in the castle throughout its history. It also includes the stories of famous inhabitants and monarchs, and entry also entitles visitors to access to the local history museum.