Wisbech grew around the original Norman Castle, constructed by William the Conqueror at a strategically important location at the head of the estuary created by the waters of the River Ouse (or Wyse) and the River Nene. The Castle site was subsequently developed by The Bishop’s of Ely and John Thurloe, Secretary of State to […]

Camps Castle is situated in the grounds of Castle Farm and can be accessed via the track-way that leads past All Saints Church. The site is a good example of a Norman motte and bailey castle which was enlarged in later years. By the Gogmagog Hills, S.E. of Cambridge, are to be found the moat […]

Cambridge Castle lies in the grounds of Shire Hall on Castle Street, on what is the highest point in Cambridge. The strategic importance of this location overlooking the River Cam was recognised in pre-Roman times and successive Iron Age, Roman and Saxon settlements were established here. In 1068 William the Conqueror gave orders for a […]

Burwell Castle was begun in 1143 by King Stephen as part of a series of castles built to contain the rebellion of Geoffrey de Mandeville who had captured the Isle of Ely. Geoffrey was killed attacking Burwell Castle in 1144, rendering the castle unnecessary and it was left unfinished. The castle was excavated by T […]

An 11th century ringwork and bailey castle at Bourn Hall. The castle was built by Picot de Cambridge, the first Norman Sheriff of the shire. It is though to have burnt down in 1266 during a raid by Robert de Lisle. A few miles S. of Cambridge, where the Burne stream joins the Ouse, was […]