Hereford Castle

Hereford Castle once stood in the cathedral city of Hereford, beside the River Wye in the west of England. Founded before 1052, it was one of the earliest castles in the country. The first stronghold was built in the east of the town, where the later castle would stand. To the north and west the streets were crowded with houses, while the river formed the southern boundary. Welsh armies sacked the town and castle in 1055, burning the minster and killing many people. After the Norman Conquest the castle was rebuilt and became a royal fortress. During the civil wars of the 12th century the castle changed hands several times. Geoffrey Talbot captured it in 1138, only for King Stephen to besiege it until it surrendered. In 1140 Geoffrey and Miles of Gloucester attacked from two sides, damaging the cemetery of St Guthlac’s church. Later Henry II gave the motte to Roger of Gloucester, but after a rebellion he took it back and kept it as a royal castle. John strengthened its walls against Welsh raids, and Henry IV used it as a base for campaigns in Wales. Today the castle site is a public recreation ground called Castle Green. In the early 16th century it was said to be almost as large as Windsor Castle. Most of the stone was removed in the 1650s, but the bailey remains as open parkland. A monument to Lord Nelson stands in the centre, erected in 1809. The county council still maintains the green, which offers a quiet place to walk beside the river.