Leicester Castle, Norman motte-and-bailey castle in Leicester, England
Leicester Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortification with a large earthen mound approximately 30 meters in diameter and 9 meters tall. The site is surrounded by defensive ditches and stone walls that remain visible today.
Hugh de Grandmesnil founded the castle in 1068 as one of the early Norman fortifications following the Conquest. The site became a seat of power for Norman lords controlling the Midlands region.
The Great Hall served as a courthouse for centuries, hosting district court sessions and parliamentary gatherings. These rooms witnessed important legal and political decisions that shaped the region's governance.
The site is accessible through Castle Gardens or Castle Square, with paths leading to the mound and archaeological features. Wear sturdy footwear since the earthwork slopes can be steep and slippery in wet weather.
Archaeological digs on the mound's slope uncovered eight skeletons, likely indicating a medieval execution site. These findings provide insight into a darker chapter of the castle's legal history.
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