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The Castle Grounds

Leicester Castle

Leicester Castle
 
“ Kings such as Henry IV and Richard III occasionally stayed there. ”
 
Leicester's Castle started off as a Castle Motte. It was likely to have been built on William the Conquerors orders when the Normans invaded England in 1068. During this time it was handed over to the greatest Norman landowner in the county Hugh de Grentemesnil.
 
Over the years the timber Castle was replaced with stone to improve the Castle defences. After 1399 the Castle became crown property and Kings such as Henry IV and Richard III occasionally stayed there. Historical documents highlight that more buildings existed in castle ground.
 

Castle Hall

The Castle Hall
“ The oldest surviving aisled and bay-divided hall in Europe. ”
 
The Castle Hall is a magnificent Grade I Listed Building located within the Castle Grounds. According to the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission's notes, "This is said to be one of the finest Norman Halls in England” it has also been described as having the oldest surviving aisled and bay-divided hall in Europe.
 
The Castle Hall was built in the 11th or 12th century and was once the Great Hall of Leicester Castle. In the 19th century it was converted to a county court. A fascinating 15th century cellar also runs under a courtyard adjacent to the Castle Hall.
 

Leicester Castle - Today's Castle Motte

Leicester Castle
 
The Castle Mound (Motte) is the remains of Leicester's first castle.
 
 

The Castle Garderns

Castle Gardens
The attractive Castle Gardens are at the centre of ancient Leicester. The Gardens were opened to the public in 1926 after previously being used as allotment grounds.
 
The tranquil 4 acre site is part of the Castle Grounds, overlooking the River Soar the gardens are packed with specimen trees shrubs and seasonal planting attracting visitors all year round. The last day of the Castle Park Festival is held in the gardens.
 
Find out more about Castle Gardens
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