Fotheringhay Castle is the remains of a large, medieval motte-and-bailey castle.

The castle was built in the early 12th century by Simon de Senlis I, the Earl of Northampton who also built Northampton Castle. It strategically overlooks a crossing point on the River Nene and it also acted as a royal palace and a prison from the 13th century.

Richard III was born at Fotheringhay in 1452. Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in the castle in 1586 and executed there the following year.