The Lincolnshire Guide > Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle was constructed in the 11th Century by William the Conqueror on the site of a pre-existing Roman fort.  Today, it is one of the most popular attractions in Lincolnshire.

Once the need for its' defensive capabilities had diminished it has been used as a prison and court house, with the Crown Court still being held to this day.

History of the Castle

Despite the defeat of Harold at the Battle of Hastings there was still fierce resistance to his rule from the north of England and his position remained very insecure.  In order to establish and reinforce his control, William ordered the construction of a number of major castles in the Midlands and North of England.  These included castles in Nottingham, Warwick and York.  After the capture of York, William visited the Roman and Viking city of Lincoln.

At this time Lincoln was one of the largest settlements in the country with a population of between six and eight thousand.  The settlement consisted of a Viking commercial and trading centre.  Lincoln represented a vital strategic crossroads consisting of:

• The Fosse Way - an important Roman road connecting Lincoln with the city of Leicester and the south west of England.
• Ermine Street - the principle Roman north-south route connecting the important cities of York and London.
• The River Witham - an important waterway gaining access to the River Trent and The Wash.
• The Valley of the River Trent - a major access point to the River Ouse, important for the connections to York.

The remains of the Old Roman fortress provided an excellent location to construct a contemporary castle, and by covering all these aspects it would prove to be a highly important asset.  The castle could provide a start point for any defence of the area from William's enemies.

It is believed that the castle originally consisted of stone walls with a wooden keep that was later replaced with a stronger stone keep.  Lincoln Castle is almost unique in having two mottes, with the only other surviving example at Lewes.  It is estimated from documents that of the 1,164 residences in the city, a total of 166 were removed to allow for construction of the castle.

The castle was subject to two battles during the period, in 1141 it was involved in the battle between King Stephen and Empress Maud as to who ruled the country.  The castle sustained some damage and a new tower, known as the Lucy Tower, was constructed.  The second was in 1216 during the reign of King John in the course of the First Baron's War.  This period of struggle ultimately led to the signing of the Magna Carta. After this a new barbican was built on the west and east gates.

The site as a gaol

As with a number of similar castles, it was latterly used as a secure site to establish a prison.  The gaol was built in 1787 and further extended in 1847.  Imprisoned debtors were allowed some social contact but the system was designed for isolation.  By 1878 this system was discredited and prisoners moved to a purpose built prison on the eastern side of Lincoln.  The site was left without use until the Lincolnshire Archives were housed in the cells.

Today

Lincoln Castle still remains one of the most impressive examples of Norman castles in the UK and it is still possible to walk around the 12th Century walls which provides a magnificent view of the castle complex, Cathedral and city.  It is a listed ancient monument and now owned by Lincolnshire County Council.

Lincoln Castle is also home to one of the four surviving originals of the Magna Carta, sealed by King John after his meeting with the Barons at Runnymede in 1215.  There is also an accompanying exhibition which explains the origins of the document and the far reaching implications.

Parts of the prison are now also open as a museum, including the 19th Century chapel - the only chapel designed with every seat enclosed so the priest can see each attendant but each attendant can only see the priest.  The womens' wing of the prison opened to visitors in 2005.

At the western end of the castle is the ivy-clad Assize Courts which are still used today as Lincoln's Crown Courts.

The castle grounds are now used for public entertainment, such as music concerts and part of the route for the famous Lincoln Christmas Market.

More Details

For more details, see the Lincoln Castle listing here on the Lincolnshire Guide.

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