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Top 10 Interesting Facts About Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle. Photo by Mike Peel.

Lincoln Castle was constructed in Lincoln, England, in the 11th century. It was one of the two castles in the country.

Lincoln Castle is one of the better-preserved castles in the country. It is unique for its two mottes and is home to the Magna Carta.

The source of name Lincoln originated from the remains of the old Roman walled fortress of Lindum Colonia.

Currently, the castle is under Lincolnshire County Council and is a monument.

Below are ten interesting facts about Lincoln castle since its construction in the 11th century.

1. Lincoln Castle was built by William The Conqueror

The courtyard at Lincoln Castle. Photo by Wikimedia Commons.

Lincoln Castle was constructed by William the conqueror in 1068. The site of the construction of the castle was strategically chosen. 

This led to the demolition of 166 uninhabited residences to make room for the castle.

He also chose the location strategically after the victory of the battle of Hastings.

This was to act as a constant reminder to the population that the Norman was in charge.

2. It is a National Cultural Heritage

Assize Court, Lincoln Castle, Lincoln, England. Photo by Wikimedia Commons.

In May and June 2017, polls were cast across the United Kingdom (UK).

Lincoln castle came out on top as the most famous castle countrywide on the Holiday Letting Website.

The castle was the tallest building in the whole world for over two centuries.

An impressive sign of the castle is the fact that it contains the original copy of the Magna Carta.

This is one of the four surviving to date. The major part of the castle is now used as a museum containing significant history.

3. Lincoln Castle was used as a Court

Castle East Gate Lincoln. Photo by Wikimedia Commons   

The court in the Lincoln castle is called the Lincoln Crown court.

The judicial facility is located on the western side of the Lincoln castle.

Since the construction of the castle in the 11th century, court hearings have always taken place.

In March 1872, the court was used as a stage for the trial and conviction of William Frederick Horry. He was accused of killing his wife.

Internally, there were two major rooms in the structure used as a courtroom.

One was for hearing the civil cases and the other for criminal cases.

4. It was also used as a Prison

At Lincoln, the prison was built in 1787 and later enlarged in 1847.

Women, men, and children from the tender age of 8 years were imprisoned from 1848 to 1878.

The reasons for imprisonment were such as theft and murder.

Lincoln Castle Victorian prison was specifically structured for the ‘separate system’.

This was used to isolate the prisoners from the immoral influence of other prisoners.

The prison was designed to contain facilities such as toilets and sinks in each room.

The purpose of this was to prevent the movement of people except for exercise and fresh air.

The debtors imprisoned were allowed some social contact.

The convicted criminals were in isolation in regards to the separate system.

5. Lincoln Castle has a Unique Structure and Layout

Lincoln Castle has been enclosed by a stone curtain wall with trenches on other sides of the castle except for the southern part.

On the south part of the wall is where the two mottes are located.

One motte is found in the southeast corner while the other is on the southwest corner.

A lookout tower is on top of the first motte, physically over the outer wall dominating the castle.

On top of the second motte, lies the ‘Lucy tower’ constructed in the 12th century and named after Lucy of Bolingbroke.

6. It was Constructed as a Vantage Point During Battle

Lincoln Castle. Photo by Wikimedia Commons.

The Lincoln castle was built after the battle of hasting a victory by William the conqueror in the year 1066.

The castle was constructed as a means of managing the rebellious north of the kingdom.

William the Conqueror built the castle on the remains of the Roman wall which was 60 meters above the countryside thus proving an ideal location.

The castle bears the marks of the brutal battles by the contradicting forces that tried to gain control of that significant stronghold.

7. The Castle is Strategically Located

It is located at very essential strategic crossroads of routes such as:

Fosse way – It is a key roman route bridging Lincoln with the city of Leicester and southwest of England.

Ermine Street – A vital Roman road that bridges London and York.

River Witham – A water channel bridging River Trent and the North Sea.

8. Lincoln Castle Holds the Original Magna Carta

Magna Carta is the first charter that restricts the ability of the king to validate the rights of the individuals.

The political struggles led to the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215 and it is one of the four remaining in the entire world.

The Magna Carta was formerly held in Lincoln but is currently put on view in the castle.

9. The Castle was First Besieged in 1141

The first battle of Lincoln was in 1141 and the castle was the center of attention.

The siege resulted from the wrestle between two cousins, Empress Matilda and King Stephen over who should be the crowned head in England.

Matilda later captured King Stephen outside the castle but was later set free after Matilda’s half-brother was captured and was traded for King Stephen’s freedom.

10. The Castle Played a Crucial Role in the Course of the First Baron’s War

After King John declined to honor the Magna Carta, a civil war broke out and the castle was in the middle of a battle.

Prince Louis of France managed to capture Lincoln city and besiege it.

The Royalists managed to surpass the French and hold back the castle which signified a massive turning point for the war.

Lincoln Castle is a very interesting place to visit considering the overwhelming rich history contained in the castle.

With its current use as a museum, the castle plays a major role in the country’s economy by attracting tourists from all over the world.

The features of the castle ranging from the strategic location, and the Magna Carta to the fact that the castle was the tallest building in the world for over two centuries indicate the uniqueness of the Lincoln castle.