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© Berkhamsted Local History & Museum Society 2008 No breach of copyright for any text or photographs within this website is intended or inferred by reproducing the material herein. |
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Website built by Linda Rollitt: contact here |
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Welcome to an historical adventure in one of the oldest motte and bailey castles in Britain!
The story begins with Duke William of Normandy. After the defeat of Harold at the battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066, William marched with his army through southern England, pillaging as he went. Crossing the Thames at Wallingford, he reached Berkhamsted.
Here he was met by Archbishop Ealdred, the Bishops of Worcester and Hereford, Earls Eadwin and Morcar, and the chief men of London, who swore allegiance to him, and offered him the crown.
William proceeded to London where he was crowned king on Christmas Day 1066.
William granted the Manor and Honour of Berkhamsted to his half-brother Robert, Count of Mortain. Berkhamsted was of strategic importance, since there was already a Saxon fort guarding the main route north through the valley. |
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Looking across the bailey from the motte |
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Berkhamsted Castle |
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