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Leicester Castle

ENG England · 11th century

Leicester Castle in England
Photo: Kris1973 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Leicester Castle is in the city of the same name in the English county of Leicestershire. The complex is situated in the west of Leicester City Centre, between Saint Nicholas Circle to the north and De Montfort University to the south. A large motte, the Great Hall, the Church of St Mary de Castro, and the ruined Turret Gateway are the substantial remains of what was once a large set of defensive and residential structures. It was historically the seat of the Earls of Leicester, from 1107-1175 under the House of Beaumont, from 1239 to 1265 under the House of Montfort, and after 1267 with the House of Lancaster when the Earldoms of Leicester and Lancaster were combined. The Castle's Great Hall served for centuries as the home of Leicester County Assizes and is encased in a Queen Anne style frontage. The Castle is a scheduled monument.

Text adapted from “Leicester Castle” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Leicester Castle ranks #2,346 of 8,134 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #160 of the 333 mapped in England. Founded c. 1060, it is older than 89% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 325 atlas entries founded in the 11th century. Its Wikipedia articles were opened 2,051 times in the last 60 days, more than 68% of the atlas. 1 more atlas landmarks stand within 25 km. The nearest day-trip guide is Birmingham, 54 km away. See how England compares in the castle statistics.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Leicester Castle?

Leicester Castle stands in England, at 52.6323°, -1.14119°.

When was Leicester Castle built?

The atlas dates its founding to c. 1060. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.

How famous is Leicester Castle?

In this atlas's fame ranking: #2,346 of 8,134 worldwide, and #160 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 Leicester Castle?

Kirby Muxloe Castle, about 6 km away.

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