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Northampton Castle

ENG England · 11th century

Northampton Castle in England
Photo · Wikimedia Commons

Northampton Castle was one of the most prominent Norman castles in England. The castle site in Northampton was outside the western city gate, and defended on three sides by deep trenches. A branch of the River Nene provided a natural barrier on the western side. The castle had extensive grounds and a large keep. The gates were surrounded by bulwarks made of earth, used to mount artillery. The castle was "obliterated" by the arrival of a railway branch of what is now the West Coast Main Line in the 19th century, the station of which was built on the castle site and the construction of the original Northampton Castle railway station. All that remains of the castle today is the Postern Gate, near Northampton Railway Station.

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

Northampton Castle ranks #73 of 6,412 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #24 of the 233 mapped in England. Founded 1084, it is older than 90% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 210 atlas entries founded in the 11th century. See how England compares in the castle statistics.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Northampton Castle?

Northampton Castle stands in England, at 52.2371°, -0.90489°.

When was Northampton Castle built?

The atlas dates its founding to 1084. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.

How famous is Northampton Castle?

In this atlas's fame ranking: #73 of 6,412 worldwide, and #24 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 Northampton Castle?

Bedford Castle, about 32 km away.

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