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Framlingham Castle


Impressive Front Wall at Framlingham
© Shutterstock / Paul Wishart
Framlingham is a delightful market town, near the beautiful Suffolk coast. Locals, who simply call the town "Fram", hope the unspoilt area will remain a closely guarded secret, although it was voted the "Number One Place to Live in England" by Country Life in 2006.

The 12th century castle is in the heart of the town, just off Market Square beside the Castle public house. It is one of the most magnificent castles in Suffolk with twelve of its original thirteen hollow towers still standing.

Decorative Chimney on the very top of Framlingham Castle
© Shutterstock / Paul Wishart
The original Framlingham Castle was built for Roger Bigod after he was given the site by Henry I.

Roger probably erected a wooden motte and bailey castle and it was his second son, Hugh, 1st Earl of Norfolk, who replaced the structure with a more substantial stone edifice. In 1175 this was unfortunately destroyed by Henry II.

The castle was rebuilt by the 2nd Earl of Norfolk, also called Roger, around 1189 and this is largely what can be seen today.

Framlingham Castle with Grass Defences
© Shutterstock / Paul Wishart
Unusually, Framlingham Castle was built without a reinforced central keep. Instead, it relied upon its defensive curtain walls, earthworks, moat and towers to ward off potential invaders.

The castle was soon put to the test when King John besieged Framlingham Castle in 1216. The castle garrison held out for two days before surrendering, but shortly afterwards King John died and Framlingham Castle was reclaimed by the Bigod family.

Ruined Internal Walls at Framlingham Castle
© Shutterstock / Paul Wishart
The castle has had many owners in its long and turbulent history. After changing hands several times, the castle was owned by Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk who added some of the Tudor brickwork in the late 15th century.

Old House at the Castle in Framlingham, Suffolk
© Shutterstock / mum62
Framlingham's importance is clearly shown as at one point it was seized for the crown by Henry VIII. Edward VI later gave it to his sister Mary Tudor.

Mary used it as a refuge and rallying point for her troops before challenging the token Queen, Lady Jane Grey. Mary was crowned Queen in 1553.

Elizabeth I used the castle as a prison for Catholic priests but after her death the property was returned to the Howard family again.

More recently Framlingham Castle has been used as a prison, a poorhouse, a place to house plague victims and as a school.

Within the castle, English Heritage has put together an excellent exhibit entitled "From Powerhouse to Poorhouse". It explores the amazing changes in the 800 year period of Framlingham Castle's existence.

Twisted brickwork chimney at Framlingham Castle in Suffolk
© Shutterstock / BarbaraTripp
Once visitors have enjoyed the extensive exhibits of costumes and history, there is a lively audio tour and several themed trails to follow.

A walk along the wall walk around the perimeter of the castle can help visitors to imagine life here 800 years ago.

The views across Framlingham are certainly very impressive.

Those interested in finishing this trip through history can see the tombs of the Dukes of Howard at St Michaels Church nearby.

Framlingham Castle is the perfect day out for bird-spotters as the salt marshes and the stream surrounding the castle are a welcome haven for migrating birds.

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Directions

By Bus
First 63, from railway station Ipswich (passes Woodbridge railwaystation); Beeston 118/9 from Ipswich

By Road
In Framlingham on B1116

By Train
Wickham Market 61/2 miles; Saxmundham 7 miles


Framlingham Castle Postcode for SatNav: IP13 9BP

Contact

 
Tel:
+44 (0) 870 333 1181
Fax:
+44 (0) 1793 414 926
Email:
Web:


Church Street
Framlingham
Suffolk
IP13 9BP

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