Leicester Castle, Norman motte-and-bailey castle in Leicester, England
The castle comprises a large earthen mound measuring 30 meters in diameter and 9 meters tall, with surrounding defensive ditches and stone walls.
Hugh de Grandmesnil established Leicester Castle in 1068 as one of the first Norman fortifications following William the Conqueror's successful invasion of England.
The Great Hall of Leicester Castle served as a courthouse for centuries, hosting the Leicester County Assizes and parliamentary sessions including the Parliament of Bats.
Visitors can explore the castle remains through Castle Gardens or Castle Square, with paths leading to the preserved motte structure and archaeological features.
Archaeological excavations uncovered eight skeletons near the motte's summit, likely indicating the location of the earl's medieval execution grounds.
Location: City of Leicester
Inception: 1060s
Founders: Hugh de Grandmesnil
Part of: Leicester Castle and the Magazine Gateway
GPS coordinates: 52.63230,-1.14119
Latest update: May 12, 2025 23:12
Leicester Cathedral
377 m
Greyfriars, Leicester
348 m
Jewry Wall
305 m
King Richard III Visitor Centre
398 m
Leicester Guildhall
376 m
Church of St Mary de Castro, Leicester
53 m
Jewry Wall Museum
292 m
Newarke Houses Museum
156 m
St Nicholas' Church, Leicester
312 m
Magazine Gateway
231 m
The Charlotte
292 m
Sue Townsend Theatre
427 m
Guildhall
368 m
Leicester Castle Garden
47 m
Jewry Wall
308 m
Mill Lane Bridge, Leicester
408 m
Leicester Castle and the Magazine Gateway
45 m
Jewry Wall: remains of a Roman bath house, palaestra and Anglo-Saxon church
312 m
West Bridge, Leicester
162 m
Newarke Bridge Over River Soar
154 m
Old Grammar School
449 m
Skeffington House
156 m
Chantry House
149 m
Turret Gateway
112 m
Iron Gates In Garden At Rear Of Skeffington House
126 m
Newarke Wall, along north west end of gardens of Newarke Houses Museum
114 m
County Court (including Remains Of Castle)
11 m
Wyggeston House
302 mReviews
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