History of Framlingham Castle Framlingham is a magnificent late 12th-century castle, its striking outline reflected in the nearby mere. Surrounded by parkland and estates, it was once at the centre of a vast network of power and influence. Its owners for over 400 years were the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk, the supreme magnates in East Anglia – rich, ambitious and influential both at home and abroad. Framlingham and the Dukes of Norfolk The castle was built by the Bigods, a Norman family, in the 12th century. Over the next two centuries, from their East Anglian base, the Bigods exploited their service of the Crown and made strategic marriages to move quickly up to the first rank of medieval nobility, acquiring vast lands and power. The first stone buildings at Framlingham were probably the work of Hugh Bigod, 1st Earl of Norfolk (d.1177), but it was under his successor, Roger Bigod II (d.1221), that the massive stone curtain walls we see today were built. Roger’s castle must have been complete by 1213 when he entertained King John here.

Three years later, John successfully besieged Framlingham during the civil war that followed the barons’ attempt to enforce Magna Carta. The Bigods’ loss of the castle was only temporary, however. In the 14th century Framlingham passed to the Brotherton family, cousins of the king, and then to the Mowbrays, who were created Dukes of Norfolk in 1397. The Howard family inherited in 1483, and spent lavishly on refurbishing the castle. John Howard, the 1st Howard Duke of Norfolk, was a loyal supporter of Richard III, and was over 60 years old when he commanded the king’s troops at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. He died in the front line. Framlingham was then handed to Henry Tudor’s greatest ally, John de Vere, Earl of Oxford. Eventually, however, the Howard estates including Framlingham were restored to John Howard’s eldest son, Thomas. He also regained the title of Duke of Norfolk after leading the English to victory against the Scots at Flodden Field in 1513. The castle was the scene of the succession crisis that followed Edward VI’s death in 1553.

Through the disgrace of Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, it had come into the hands of Mary Tudor, elder daughter of Henry VIII, the previous year. After the death of her brother, Edward, Mary – who had been named as Edward’s heir in Henry VIII’s will – fled to Framlingham, pursued by the supporters of Lady Jane Grey, who wanted a Protestant on the throne. Mary gathered her troops at Framlingham, and was there when she received news that she had been proclaimed England’s first ruling queen. katrina riley curtains blinds waggaOne of her first acts as queen was to restore the estates and dukedom to the Howards.toile de jouy curtains 90x90 In 1635 the castle was sold to a rich lawyer and philanthropist, Sir Robert Hitcham. classic winnie the pooh tab top curtains with tiebacks

At his death a year later, he left instructions for the castle buildings to be demolished and a poorhouse built. After years of legal wrangling, the first poor families arrived in the mid-17th century and a new poorhouse building was finally erected on the site of the medieval castle’s hall in 1729. Just over a hundred years later, the last poorhouse inmates left, and the building was used as a parish hall.green 'maisy' lined curtains with eyelet heading Given to the Ministry of Works by Robert Hitcham’s old Cambridge college, Pembroke, in 1913, the castle passed to English Heritage in 1984.eclipse dobby energy-efficient curtain panel DOWNLOAD A PLAN OF FRAMLINGHAM CASTLEcurtain sg03

FIND MORE PROPERTY HISTORIESThings to see and do Castle and Wall Walk Embark on a journey of discovery around the magnificent wall walk. At a spectacular 10.5 metres high and 2.3 metres thick, this curtain wall has stood for more than 800 years - look down if you dare… Enjoy the spectacular views of Framlingham mere and surrounding countryside.  Take the opportunity to count our chimneys, these are the oldest surviving 12th century and Tudor chimneys in the country. Discover Framlingham Castle's vast and colourful past on our History web page. The castle was home to some of the most powerful people in Tudor England, and then a sanctuary for the poor in the 17th century. You can find out more about the castle in our audio guide. Two tours in one guide: information for adults and topsy-turvy for children. Picnic, Play and Shop Grab a snack from our kiosk and play knights and princesses on the lawn inside the castle walls. Or you can bring a picnic and just relax and soak up the views.

Families with energy to burn can grab an audio trail designed for the kids and head out to explore the grounds. Take inspiration from history at the temporary shop where you can pick up jams and chutneys, wines, beers, books, garden gifts and more. In winter 2016 work started on a £1.2 million visitor improvement project at the castle which will see a new 40-seat café being created and an improved exhibition space added from a new mezzanine level within the Poorhouse. During this time the Poorhouse will be completely closed to the public. Find out more about the project.Framlingham Castle is an externally perfect moated 12th century castle. The fortress consists of a curtain wall punctuated by 13 square towers. The curtain wall has remained in an exceptional state of preservation despite the castle's advanced age, and the renovations of later centuries, which saw Framlingham used as a school, a poorhouse, and a prison. History of Framlingham Castle The site was probably used for fortifications as early as the 6th century, but of those early structures nothing remains.

Framlingham enters history more firmly at the turn of the 12th century, when the estate was given by Henry I to Roger Bigod. It seems likely that Bigod built a simply wooden motte and bailey castle at Framlingham, but it was left to his second son, Hugh, later the first Earl of Norfolk, to replace that structure with one of stone. That fortification was ordered dismantled by Henry II about 1175, but it was rebuilt by Hugh's son Roger, the Second Earl of Norfolk, about 1190. It is largely Roger's work that visitors can see today. So strong were the towers built by Roger Bigod that a central keep was considered unneccessary for the defences of Framlingham. However, Framlingham had not been in existence long before it did indeed fall to besiegers. That occurred when Roger Bigod supported the baron's resistance to King John that resulted in the Magna Carta. John was not the forgiving sort, and he besieged Framlingham in 1216. The castle garrison held out only two days before surrendering, however, King John did not have long to live, and Framlingham was restored to the Bigods following the king's death.

Framlingham Castle changed hands several times over the ensuing centuries, until it finally came to the Howard family. Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, added much of the Tudor brickwork in the late 15th century. Henry VIII seized Framlingham for the crown, and later, Edward VI gave it to his sister, the future Queen Mary. It was at Framlingham that Mary waited for news of Henry VIII's death. The castle was restored to the Howards by Mary, but was then seized by Elizabeth I after her ascension to the throne. Under Elizabeth it was used as a prison for Catholic priests, but upon her death it was once more returned to the Howards. Finally, in 1635 Framlingham was sold to Sir Robert Hitcham. Following Hitcham's death the castle was used as a poorhouse, and later, to house victims of the Plague. Over the intervening centuries Framlingham has been used variously as a courthouse, drill hall, meeting hall, workhouse, and a fire station, before finally passing into the hands of English Heritage, whose work it has been to preserve the castle.