Lincoln Castle

By Norman times, Lincoln had grown into the 3rd city in prosperity and importance,even making its own coins in its mint.In 1068 only two years after the battle of hastings, William the Conqueror had Lincoln castle built .The Castle was built on the hill top,according to the Domesday Book to enlarge the site 166 Saxon houses were demolished inside the old Roman fort.

In 1113 a fire destroyed most of the original structure, the wooden walls were then replaced with stone.
During the 13th century two inner towers were added which strengthened the gateway.The present wooden gates date from the 18th century and are mounted in the old portcullis slots.

In its 900 year history the Castle has been used as a court(Constructed in 1826) and prison(1787-1878),The prison has the world's only surviving 'Pentonville System' chapel.A system of enclosed cells to keep the prisoners from seeing each other.Many prisoners were deported to Australia and others executed on the ramparts,some of which where buried at the base of or inside the Lucy Tower.One of the prisoners whose graves can be found within the Lucy Tower is that of William Frederick Harry, hanged 1 April 1872 for the murder of his wife.In 1868 Public Executions were Ended

Many original features include the Lucy Tower keep(A 12th century shell keep), the east and west gates,the Cobb Hall and the Observatory Tower still remain and the wall walks provide visitors
with views of the Cathedral, the City of Lincoln and the surrounding countryside.

The castle unusually has two mottes(one of only two in Britain ),The mottes were enclosed by immense 12th century walls that cover over six acres of hilltop.
Lucy tower sits on one motte and on the other sits a 14th century square tower(Top) that is topped by a 19th century tower that was used as an observatory, this was added by the prison governor John Merryweather, officially as a observation post to watch out for escapees,but as he was a keen astronomer, had it built for star gazing. During World War II it was used as a fire-watch post.

In front of the East gate stand two Cannons once used as gateposts at a local brewery, they were rescued by the local museum in 1911. Restored, placed at the entrance in 1983.

Admission Prices

Adults £6
Concessions £4                         Family Ticket £16

Children 0-5 FREE                       Carers FREE