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Learn about the history and features of Leicester Castle, a Norman castle built in the 11th century and used as a royal residence, a courthouse and a parliament venue. See photos, maps and references of the motte, the Great Hall and the Magazine Gateway.
- The Great Hall
- The Later Medieval Castle
- A Royal Residence
- Later Use of The Castle
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In about 1150, his son Robert ‘le Bossu’ (the hunchback), the second Earl, built the Great Hall. This was an immense stone aisled building divided into a nave and two aisles, with a timber roof supported on oak posts. It still survives today, although much altered. The lord and important retainers would have sat at the north end of the hall, and in...
The castle later became the residence of the earls, later dukes, of Lancaster and reached its greatest extent in the 14th century, becoming central to Lancastrian interests in the Midlands. Thomas, Earl of Leicester and Lancaster invested heavily in renovating it and his successors spent much time there. During the latter half of the century, the c...
There was a flurry of building works in the first two decades of the 15th century, with the construction of the Turret Gateway dividing the castle from the Newarke, and remodelling of the kitchen block to the south of the Great Hall with the addition of a vault and polygonal turrets to John of Gaunt’s Cellar. Further rebuilding took place in the mi...
The castle continued to play an important role after the medieval period. Assizes and Quarter Sessions continued to be held at the castle until 1972, when they were abolished and replaced by the Crown Court. In 1821, the Great Hall was divided into two court rooms with further alterations and the addition of a cell block in 1858. The courts were la...
Learn about the origins, development and uses of Leicester Castle, a medieval fortress and royal residence. Explore the Great Hall, the oldest surviving timber hall in Britain, and the former court rooms, now part of De Montfort University.
Learn about the history of Leicester Castle, a 12th-century fortress that hosted royalty, parliament and executions. Find out how to visit the surviving structures, such as the Great Hall and John of Gaunt's cellars, and see the castle gardens and views.
Learn about the Norman and medieval origins of Leicester Castle, a historic site with a great hall, a cellar, and a bowling green. Find out how to access the castle mound and the great hall, and see nearby attractions and accommodation options.
May 14, 2024 · Explore the rich history, stunning architecture, and top attractions of Leicester Castle, one of Leicester's most iconic landmarks. Discover visitor tips,
Explore the ruins of Leicester Castle, where Richard III spent his last days before the Battle of Bosworth. Learn about the history and significance of the castle, the Great Hall, the Magazine and the nearby churches and museums.
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Leicester Castle is a good example of a major castle which has been adapted continuously in its role as a premier administrative centre over a period of some 900 years. The site occupies part of the Roman town and so will retain important information both for the understanding of the Roman town itself and how its remains were adapted for use as ...
