Framlingham Castle

Framlingham Castle stands in the Suffolk market town of Framlingham, built on a low hill above the town. The first Norman castle here was a motte and bailey, replaced after destruction by Henry II with a curtain wall and thirteen mural towers. Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, created this unusual design without a central keep. The castle later became a grand residence surrounded by parkland for hunting. By the 13th century it was a luxurious home with extensive grounds. The castle was home to powerful families like the Mowbrays and Howards in the 15th and 16th centuries. Two artificial meres were added, and brick buildings replaced older stonework. Supplies came from across England and abroad to support a large household. Pleasure gardens were laid out with views carefully designed for visitors. By the late 16th century the castle fell into disrepair after financial troubles. Today the castle is managed by English Heritage and protected as a Grade I listed building. The inner court remains defended by the original curtain wall and towers. The surrounding parkland still stretches northwards for nearly two kilometres. Visitors walk along the battlements and through the inner buildings. The castle’s history is visible in its surviving structures and grounds.