Framlingham Castle
Framlingham Castle has no central keep but a curtain wall with 13 towers.
Medieval castles were fortified homes built by the nobility or royalty and by military orders in order to control the surrounding land. Castles set the stage for war, political stand-offs and family feuds. Whether you’re planning a visit to a British castle or are just interested in their story, in this section you will find a list including some of the best medieval castles of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
England’s castles are renowned for their architectural diversity and historical significance, representing centuries of feudalism, Norman conquest, and royal residence. Many of England’s castles were built following the Norman invasion in 1066, serving as symbols of Norman control and military strongholds. Northern Ireland’s castles reflect the region’s turbulent history, from ancient Gaelic kingdoms to the Norman invasion and later English and Scottish plantation settlements. These castles served as defensive structures and symbols of power during periods of conflict.
Framlingham Castle has no central keep but a curtain wall with 13 towers.
Kirby Castle is a ruined fortified manor house in Leicestershire built by Lord Hastings in 1480.
Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle is a 12th Century ruined castle in Northumberland.
Barnard Castle is a 12th-century fortress passed to the hands of Richard III.
Ashby de la Zouch Castle is a ruined fortification built by William, Lord Hastings, after 1473.
Scotland’s castles are steeped in tales of clan rivalries, royal intrigue, and fierce battles for independence. Many Scottish castles are located in breathtaking landscapes, from coastal cliffs to rugged highlands, blending fortification with beauty.
Spynie Castle was founded in the late 12th Century by the Bishops of Moray.
Linlithgow Palace was the residence of the monarchs of Scotland in the 15th-16th centuries.
Tantallon Castle is a ruined mid-14th-century fortress atop a promontory in Scotland.
Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland.
Wales is known for its impressive concentration of castles, more per square mile than any other country in Europe. Many were built by the Normans and later Edward I as part of his conquest of Wales in the late 13th century.
Dinefwr Castle is a ruined castle that was the chief seat of the Kingdom of Deheubarth.
Cardiff Castle is a medieval castle built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders.
Are you looking for reading material about medieval times? Here, I’ve selected some of my favourite books that cover what life was like for people in the Middle Ages. I tried to include a little bit of everything, so you’ll see materials covering medieval architecture, history, clothing, medieval weapons, and many other topics.
