Framlingham Castle
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Overview
The attractive, mellow-hued battlemented towers and walls of Framlingham Castle have had some notable owners. The Earl of Norfolk, Roger Bigod, built the castle somewhere between about 1189 and 1200 on the site of an earlier castle. The Bigods traditionally had tempestuous relationships with their kings – Hugh Bigod supported Henry II’s eldest son when he rebelled against his father in 1173, Roger Bigod II held Framlingham against King John in 1216, and Roger Bigod IV refused to go to Flanders to fight for Edward I in 1297. Framlingham Castle was also owned by the Mowbray family, one of whom was engaged to marry one of the unfortunate princes who ‘disappeared’ from the Tower of London, and the Howard family, members of which were Dukes of Norfolk in Henry VIII’s time. It was at Framlingham that ‘Bloody’ Mary learned that she had become Queen of England in 1553. Later, Elizabeth I used the castle as a prison for priests who refused to accept the new Church of England. Framlingham Castle has 13 towers, all connected by walls, and you can walk right round the castle. There are beautiful views over the mere. When the castle was no longer used as a ducal residence, it took on several different roles through the ensuing centuries, including as a poor house – the buildings for which survive in the courtyard – a parish meeting place, dance hall, courtroom, drill hall and a fire station.You can learn more about the castle’s colourful past from the on-site exhibition, entitled Framlingham Castle: From Powerhouse to Poorhouse.
Features
- Opening Times
- Opening Times: Open Apr-Sep, see website for details; Oct, daily 10-5; Nov-23 Dec, 2 Jan-11 Feb and 17 Feb-29 Mar, Sat-Sun 10-4; 12-16 Feb, daily 10-4, 27-1 Jan, Wed-Mon 10-4. May close early for events, please call to check. Closed 24-26 Dec
- Facilities
- Parking onsite
- Parking nearby
- Cafe
About the area
Suffolk is Constable country, where the county’s crumbling, time-ravaged coastline spreads itself under wide skies to convey a wonderful sense of remoteness and solitude. Highly evocative and atmospheric, this is where rivers wind lazily to the sea and notorious 18th-century smugglers hid from the excise men.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Bruisyard Hall
Whatever the occasion, you can enjoy exclusive use of this magnificent 12 bedroom country house in Suffolk. Luxury, comfort and privacy make Bruisyard Hall the perfect country retreat. ...
Bruisyard Hall
Whatever the occasion, you can enjoy exclusive use of this magnificent 12 bedroom country house in Suffolk. Luxury, comfort and privacy make Bruisyard Hall the perfect country retreat. ...
Duchess Cottage
A wonderful country retreat in the heart of the farm, this cosy beamed self-catering farm holiday cottage has everything you need to enjoy the lovely Suffolk landscape and wildlife in p...
Duke Cottage
Set in the heart of the farm in a beautifully converted Victorian listed farm holiday cottage, relax into country life in this spacious 4-star family house. With original beams and othe...
Easton Farm Park Cottages
These holiday cottages – Duke and Duchess – are located on the Farm Park. Being just near Framlingham, the cottages are perfectly located for a trip to the Suffolk coast or down the A12...
Letheringham Water Mill Holiday Cottages
Set by Letheringham Water Mill, these picture-postcard holiday cottages are particularly dog friendly. Expect a warm welcome from resident labradoodles, Teddy and Amber. The location is...
Laxfield Lodges
Laxfield Lodges are located in the open countryside of mid Suffolk. Each cabin sleeps four with separate double and twin rooms and a hot tub. Free WiFi is available. As well as enjoying...
1 Lodge Cabin
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