Old Sarum Castle

Old Sarum Castle stands on a low hill north of Salisbury. The site began as an Iron Age hillfort built around 400 BC. William the Conqueror chose the spot in 1069 and raised a motte-and-bailey castle of timber. Later the Normans rebuilt it in stone, though only the mound and foundations remain today. The castle once had a large royal palace built by Bishop Roger in the 12th century. English Heritage now owns and opens the ruins to visitors. The castle’s history includes royal figures and major events. Bishop Roger ran the castle and royal administration until King Stephen arrested him in the 1130s. King Henry II ordered repairs in 1171, including a new gatehouse and treasury. Eleanor of Aquitaine was kept under house arrest here until 1189. By 1220 most people had moved to Salisbury, and the castle fell into decay. Edward III later spent money on repairs, but the keep was never fixed. Visitors walk the grassy mound and explore the stone foundations. The outer bailey still shows traces of the great hall and thick palace walls. A paved car park and grass overflow area lie to the east. The cathedral ruins nearby share the scheduled ancient monument status. The site offers wide views across the Wiltshire countryside. English Heritage manages the open landscape and ruins together.