Cambridge Castle

Cambridge Castle
Cambridgeshire, England
Castle Mound today
Cambridge Castle
Coordinates	52°12′45″N 0°06′47″E / 52.2124°N 0.1131°E / 52.2124; 0.1131Coordinates: 52°12′45″N 0°06′47″E / 52.2124°N 0.1131°E / 52.2124; 0.1131
Grid reference	grid reference TL44475923
Type	Motte and bailey
Site information
Owner	Cambridgeshire County Council
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	The motte and fragments of earthworks survive
Site history
Materials	Stone
Events	The Anarchy, the First and Second Barons' Wars

Cambridge Castle, locally also known as Castle Mound, is located in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England. Originally built after the Norman conquest to control the strategically important route to the north of England, it played a role in the conflicts of the Anarchy, the First and Second Barons' Wars. Hugely expanded by Edward I, the castle then fell rapidly into disuse in the late medieval era, its stonework recycled for building purposes in the surrounding colleges. Cambridge Castle was refortified during the English Civil War but once again fell into disuse, used primarily as the county gaol. The castle gaol was finally demolished in 1842, with a new prison built in the castle bailey. This prison was demolished in 1932, replaced with the modern Shire Hall, and only the castle motte and limited earthworks still stand. The site is open to the public daily and offers views over the historic buildings of the city.

Cambridge Castle was one of three castles built across the east of England in late 1068 by William the Conqueror in the aftermath of his northern campaign to capture York. Cambridge, or Grantabridge as it was then known, was on the old Roman route from London to York and was both strategically significant and at risk of rebellion. The initial building work was conducted by Picot, the high sheriff, who later founded a priory beside the castle. The castle was built in a motte and bailey design, within the existing town, and 27 houses had to be destroyed to make space for it.