 Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
On the site of an earlier timber fort, destroyed by order of Henry II,
Roger Bigod (2nd Earl of Norfolk) succeeded his Grandfather
by building a second castle at Framlingham. Work commenced in 1177 and
took almost forty years to complete. Although a traditional Keep was
not built within the castle, Framlingham does have a very impressive
series of 13 towers set along the length of a magnificent curtain wall
that looks today almost as it would have 800 years ago. However, this
external 'shell', showing the walls standing nearly full height, and
all the towers (complete with their tudor chimneys) surviving, is very
deceptive. Inside, almost nothing remains of the original Framlingham Castle, save
for a few traces of fireplaces, and the 17th century almshouse building.
Framlingham Castle has an interesting history as a result of many different ownerships and has,
during its life, been a fortress, a prison, a poor house and a school.
The Bigod family rebelled against Royal authority, and Framlingham castle was
first taken by King John in the early 13th century. During
the reign of King Edward I Frmalingham Castle became the property of the Mowbray
family, and later passed through Ann Mowbray to the Howard family who
were responsible for extensive repairs to the castle.
Despite being one of a number of properties owned by the new Earls of Norfolk, because Framlingham
Castle was less elaborate as a residence, it was little used. Therefore, during
the 17th century the castle was bequeathed to Pembroke College
with the condition that a poor house be constructed. It was at this
time that the majority of Framlingham Castle's original buildings were purposely demolished.
The Great Hall, built by the Bigod family along the western curtain
wall, was incorporated into the structure of the poor house, and the
three small windows at low level date from that original Norman hall.
Framlingham Castle presents a picture of strength, standing proudly against a background of gentle countryside,
and must have been an idyllic place for Mary I to while away those summer
days waiting for news of whether she was to become the next Queen. Although
exploration is limited, there is a continuous wall walk which can be
exhilarating on a bright, but fresh day in Suffolk. |
