Ruin
Bristol Castle
ENG England · 11th century
Bristol Castle was a Norman castle established in the late 11th century on the north bank of the River Avon in Bristol. Remains can be seen today in Castle Park near the Broadmead Shopping Centre, including the sally port.
Built during the reign of William the Conqueror, and later owned by Robert FitzHamon, it became an important royal castle and was the scene of several imprisonments and executions. The castle was modified and further fortified between the 12th and 13th centuries under Robert of Gloucester and King Henry III. By the 16th century it was mostly neglected; it was torn down in 1656 under orders from Oliver Cromwell.
Text adapted from “Bristol Castle” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Bristol Castle ranks #2,999 of 8,134 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #197 of the 333 mapped in England. Founded c. 1075, it is older than 88% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 325 atlas entries founded in the 11th century. Its Wikipedia articles were opened 2,028 times in the last 60 days, more than 67% of the atlas. 4 more atlas landmarks stand within 25 km. The nearest day-trip guide is Bristol, 1 km away. See how England compares in the castle statistics.
View on the interactive castle map →Frequently asked questions
Where is Bristol Castle?
Bristol Castle stands in England, at 51.4559°, -2.5883°.
When was Bristol Castle built?
The atlas dates its founding to c. 1075. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.
How famous is Bristol Castle?
In this atlas's fame ranking: #2,999 of 8,134 worldwide, and #197 in England. Fame here combines how many Wikipedia language editions cover a landmark with how many people read them.
What is the nearest castle to Bristol Castle?
Thornbury Castle, about 18 km away.
More castles in England
- Caister Castle England · 15th century
- Calshot Castle England · 16th century
- Tickhill Castle England · 12th century
- Rufus Castle England · 12th century
More ruins
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- Longtown Castle England · 11th century
- Clitheroe Castle England · 12th century