Berkhamsted Castle

Berkhamsted Castle
Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire in England
Exterior walls, seen across the moat
Berkhamsted Castle Shown within Hertfordshire
Coordinates	51°45′49″N 000°33′32″W / 51.76361°N 0.55889°W / 51.76361; -0.55889Coordinates: 51°45′49″N 000°33′32″W / 51.76361°N 0.55889°W / 51.76361; -0.55889
Type	Motte and bailey
Site information
Operator	English Heritage
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	Ruined
Site history
Built	1066 (1066)
Built by	Robert, Count of Mortain
In use	1066–Present
Materials	Stone
grid reference SP996083

Berkhamsted Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. The castle was built to obtain control of a key route between London and the Midlands during the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century. Robert of Mortain, William the Conqueror's half brother, was probably responsible for managing its construction, after which he became the castle's owner. The castle was surrounded by protective earthworks and a deer park for hunting. The castle became a new administrative centre of the former Anglo-Saxon settlement of Berkhamsted. Subsequent kings granted the castle to their chancellors. The castle was substantially expanded in the mid-12th century, probably by Thomas Becket.

The castle was besieged in 1216 during the civil war between King John and rebellious barons, who were supported by France. It was successfully captured after Prince Louis, the future Louis VIII, attacked it with siege engines for twenty days, forcing the garrison to surrender. After being retaken by royal forces the subsequent year, it was given to Richard, Earl of Cornwall, beginning a long association with the Earldom of Cornwall and the later duchy. Richard redeveloped the castle as a palatial residence, and made it the centre of the earldom's administration. Edward III further developed the castle in the 14th century and gave it to his son, Edward, the Black Prince, who expanded the hunting grounds. The castle was also used to hold royal prisoners, including John II of France and rival claimants to the English throne.