Castles to Visit in Eastern England: Castle Rising, Norfolk

Although I live in Norwich, which is within easy reach of the splendours of North Norfolk, the first time I made the drive to Castle Rising was in August of last year. In fact, we were staying at the nearby Searles Holiday Resort in Hunstanton for a short break, after promising the children a camping trip. One hot and sunny morning we decided a visit to the castle was in order - we had some time to spare and thought it might be worth a look.

We were not disappointed. Castle Rising is one of the best preserved castles in England, and to be in the area and never make the trip is surely a sacrilege. The setting itself is more than perfect - nestled away in the quiet and peaceful Norfolk countryside at the village of Castle Rising, with little around except birds and trees, it is easy to imagine bygone days of battle; a throwback to another time. The castle itself is surrounded by a huge grass ditch - my ten year old son decided this was to be climbed immediately upon arrival (you can see his efforts on the photos, right - the true enormity of this defensive dticht is best portrayed on the pictures by the very small figure of my son). Relatively small numbers of visitors appear at the castle at any one time - this is a good thing as it adds to the peace and tranquility. In any case, Castle Rising is not a full day trip - you do not need more than an hour or two to appreciate this historical landmark. We spent about two hours altogether, but part of that time was passed indulging in a picnic in the grounds while the kids ran amok.

Entering the castle itself, up the large stone steps, was fun for the children who had spent many a Saturday night hooked on the BBC Drama Series, Merlin. It's the perfect setting to let young imaginations run wild. A history book can teach the facts, but visiting a real place of historical significance can bring with it a sense of the past. It has been said that Castle Rising was based on the much larger Norwich Castle, also Norman. However, while the popular Norwich Castle has long since been transformed into a museum (it first became a museum in the Victorian era), Castle Rising remains largely unspoilt and true to itself. With little to distract and absorb visitors other than the building, surrounding earthworks and picturesque scenery, Castle Rising has kept its authenticity - and, at least to me, it is this that makes it feel special.  As the old saying goes, sometimes 'less is more'. 

The construction of the castle at Castle Rising began during Norman times in the twelfth century (around 1140 ad). The stone castle keep is one of the most famous and well-preserved in the whole of England. Certainly, it is an important part of British history. The castle is surrounded by defensive earthworks, and the ruins of a Norman chapel lie just across from the castle - in fact, the church was constructed before the castle and is believed to be the first church of the village of Rising.

Castle Rising was originally built for William 'Albini II who married Alice of Louvain, widowed by King Henry I. In later times (and perhaps rather notoriously) it was the royal residence of Queen Isabella, who, as the story goes, allegedly murdered her husband, King Edward II, with the help of her lover. She apparently was exiled at the castle by her son, Edward III, but enjoyed a life of relative luxury and contentment whilst at Rising. After her death, the castle came into the hands of Edward III's son, the Black Prince, who restored it. In 1544, Castle Rising was passed onto the Howard family, who still own it today.

There are several points of interest inside the castle. Carved roof supports, ornate decoration, intact rooms, passages and stairway, mural gallery and the guarderobes (castle lavatories) are all worthy of note. There is a small chapel, and a decorative frieze on the stairway wall. The old stone keep actually had three levels originally, and the grand hall was spread over two floors. Whilst visiting the castle today you can use the stairs to reach the top area, but the second floor of the hall itself no longer exists - information given at the castle explains how the top level collapsed and remains of doorways etc. can be seen suspended.

Our whole family enjoyed the trip to Castle Rising, a true step back into time.  I'm certainly pleased we made the effort - I'll aways remember the mix of forbidding stone and tranquil peace that is the essence of this historical landmark.