| Location | Framlingham, Suffolk, England (Google Maps) |
| Open to Visitors | Yes |
| Owned by | English Heritage |
| Official Website | Framlingham Castle |
| Rooms Available | Yes (Weddings, Events) |
Framlingham Castle is a magnificent 12th Century Norman Castle surrounded by parklands and estate grounds, attracting visitors from all over the world each year. The castle has a rich and significant history with beautiful stories to relay.
History
Framlingham Castle was one of the castles built by Roger Bigod II, a member of the affluent and influential Bigod family also called the Earl of Norfolk. However, no sooner after being built, the castle was sieged by King John after the relations between him and Roger soured. The cause of this distress was that Roger, along with 25 other barons, challenged the higher military taxes levied by the king. The siege was only temporary, after which it was again restored to the Bigod family. Later in the 14th century, the castle passed on to the Brotherton family, and after a brief period of time, it passed on to the Howard family in 1483.
The castle came into the hands of Mary Tudor, elder daughter of Henry VIII, in 1552. After being declared as the ruler, she reinstated the estate to the Howard family. In 1635 the castle was bought by Sir Robert Hitcham, a philanthropist, and lawyer and after his death, it was declared as a home for the poor. The home was built after the castle buildings were demolished. The castle has been managed by the English Heritage since 1984 and is open to the public.
Architecture
The medieval castle was built to impress with 13 tall towers along the curtain wall shaped in a rough circle. The main entrance to the castle is the gatehouse, a Tudor re-modelling of the original Norman gateway protected by drawbridge and portcullis. The castle walls are approximately about 10.5 metres high, 2.3 metres thick, and are built of flint and septaria. Presently, there are remains of the windows and fireplace, which gives an idea about the location of the chambers. Today, the largest building remaining inside the castle walls is Framlingham Castle’s workhouse, which was built on the remains of the great hall in the old structure in 1729.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Framlingham Castle famous for?
The magnificent Framlingham Castle is known as a landmark today as it was the place where Mary Tudor or Mary I was first proclaimed Queen of England.
How much does it cost to get into Framlingham Castle?
The cost to visit Framlingham Castle is different for adults and children. The standard price for adults is £11.30 per person and £6.80 for children. It is not necessary to book your visit in advance, but you will get the best price and a guaranteed entry by booking online prior to your visit.
Why was Framlingham Castle built?
Framlingham Castle was built as a stronghold and as a symbol of power and status by Roger Bigod in the 12th Century.
Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!
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Debayan Dey
He is a versatile E-Learning Support Officer and former Academic Officer at the University of York, United Kingdom. Not just an expert in education and technology, Debayan also has a deep love for castles and mountains. With a passion for travel, having explored 168+ cities worldwide, and a keen eye for photography, He brings a unique blend of experiences to the table. Specializing in E-learning content, IT support, AR development, and software engineering, Debayan has made a significant impact, educating over 200,000 students on Udemy.
