Castle
Huntingdon Castle
ENG England · 11th century
Huntingdon Castle was situated in the town of Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire (grid reference TL240714).
In 1068 a Norman motte and bailey castle was built for William the Conqueror. During the Anarchy the castle was held by David, King of Scotland through his marriage to Maud, 2nd Countess of Huntingdon. He supported Empress Matilda in a war of succession and the castle was much damaged at this time. However, when the succession was settled, David's son Henry paid homage to King Stephen who in turn gave him the borough of Huntingdon in addition to the castle.
By 1173 the castle was still held by the kings of Scotland, at that time by William the Lion. He had sided with Henry, the rebel son of Henry II, during the Revolt of 1173–1174, and the castle was besieged by Richard de Luci. The siege was taken over by Simon de St. Lis but it did not end until Henry II (who had just performed penance at the tomb of Thomas Becket) arrived at Huntingdon. The siege ended the following day and Henry then ordered that the castle be dismantled (slighted). The Pipe Rolls recorded that 7s 8d was spent on dismantling the palisade. According to historian Sidney Painter, it was one of at least 21 castles demolished on Henry II's instructions.
Parts of the castle did remain, including the chapel, and its ownership passed through a number of hands. The castle was refortified during the Civil War. For a time it served as the county gaol, and later a windmill stood on the castle mound. Nothing now remains of the castle itself apart from its earthworks, although the site is a scheduled ancient monument.
Text adapted from “Huntingdon Castle” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Huntingdon Castle ranks #4,755 of 7,044 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #302 of the 315 mapped in England. Founded 1068, it is older than 89% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 303 atlas entries founded in the 11th century. See how England compares in the castle statistics.
View on the interactive castle map →Frequently asked questions
Where is Huntingdon Castle?
Huntingdon Castle stands in England, at 52.3272°, -0.18038°.
When was Huntingdon Castle built?
The atlas dates its founding to 1068. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.
How famous is Huntingdon Castle?
In this atlas's fame ranking: #4,755 of 7,044 worldwide, and #302 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 Huntingdon Castle?
Kimbolton Castle, about 14 km away.
More castles in England
- Mow Cop Castle England · 18th century
- Allington Castle England · 13th century
- Harbottle Castle England · 12th century
- Harewood Castle England · 14th century
More castles
- Huntingtower Castle Scotland · 14th century
- Tomen y Mur Wales
- Midmar Castle Scotland · 16th century
- Ballygally Castle Northern Ireland · 17th century