Your guide will tell you the history of the site prior to the castle and of the advent and building of the castle, which became one of the largest and most important castles in England. A site of strategic and military importance it was also a favoured residence of the kings between 1100 and 1350.

You will hear tales of the great events that took place here – the battles, sieges and the parliaments, the trials, and visits of foreign envoys. Treaties were brokered here: a king and many others were imprisoned here. One of the most sensational events in Mediaeval Europe, the Trial of Thomas Becket took place here.

The gradual decline in the significance of this and other castles will be described, and of the uses, it was put to after ceasing to be a royal castle. Finally you will hear of the destruction of the castle due to the creation of, and expansion, of the railway station in the 19th century.

Event Times

Saturday 9 September: 1100
Sunday 10 September: 1100

Booking Details

No booking required

Access

Most of the walk will be on good paths, but we will be on grass part of the time, so please wear appropriate footwear. The walk is almost all outside so clothing appropriate to the weather conditions will be required.

Additional Information

Max 25 people per tour/session. Walk takes up to 90 minutes. Contact for the day: Guy Ravine 07935 931787
www.northamptoncastle.com/castle-history/

Directions

The tours will begin at the gates of St Peter’s Church-Mare Fair, Northampton NN1 1SW.