Oakham Castle

Oakham Castle stands in the small town of Oakham, Rutland, as a rare survivor of Norman domestic architecture. Built between 1180 and 1190 by Walkelin de Ferrers, it was once part of a larger fortified manor with curtain walls, a gatehouse and a moat. The Great Hall remains, with its nave and two arcaded aisles supported by three large stone columns. Six 12th-century stone musicians carved from Clipsham stone decorate the columns, made by masons who also worked at Canterbury Cathedral. The castle has served as a Crown Court every two years since 1229, making it one of England’s longest-running seats of justice. The castle is best known for its collection of over two hundred horseshoes presented by peers of the realm. This tradition began with the de Ferrers family, whose name derives from the Norman French word for farrier. The oldest horseshoe was given by Edward IV in 1470 after his victory at the Battle of Losecoat Field. Recent additions include horseshoes from the Princess Royal in 1999, the Prince of Wales in 2003, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in 2024. The horseshoe also appears on Rutland’s flag and county council arms. Visitors find the Great Hall with its medieval sculptures and stone columns a striking example of Norman craftsmanship. The castle’s small size reflects its origins as a manor house rather than a grand fortress. Outside, the 17th-century gateway resembles those at Burley-on-the-Hill and was likely added by George Villiers, the 1st Duke of Buckingham. The restored curtain wall and the tradition of the horseshoes make it a place where history is still felt in the present.