The Castle

In the heart of Nottingham stands an imposing block of soft sandstone. This outcrop of rock decided Nottingham’s place as a defensive stronghold. The medieval castle builders took full advantage of the natural of the natural defenses offered by the castle rocks 42 metre high cliffs, having to dig a ditch on one just on side to prevent attack.

William the Conqueror built the first of Nottingham's castles in the 11^th century. It soon became the chief fortress for the entire midlands. Additional buildings were always being added, and in 1251 a Gatehouse was built.

During the crusades to the Holy lands in the 13^th Century, Prince John used the castle while King Richard (‘The Lionheart’) was abroad fighting.

The castle remained an important building, being visited by all the Kings of England, up to King Henry VIII. King Charles I raised his Royal Standard in the grounds of the castle, and so began the English Civil War of 1642 – 1651.

As a punishment for helping the King and the Royalist cause at the beginning of the war, the Parliamentarians destroyed the castle – leaving only the Gatehouse standing.

It was not long though before a new castle was built on the same site in 1674. In fact it was really a palace for the Duke of Newcastle, and became the Dukes home until 1831 when an angry mob, upset that the Duke had helped defeat the Reform Bill, burnt it to the ground.

The castle remained an empty building until 1875, when the Nottingham Corporation bought it and restored it to its former glory. Once restored it became an art gallery and museum for the people of Nottingham.

This information is Ó Southwold Primary School. Copying for Educational Purposes is allowed.