Odiham Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Hampshire, England
Odiham Castle is a fortified structure featuring a distinctive octagonal stone keep set on approximately 20 acres of land with inner and outer defensive moats. The site near the River Whitewater reveals the layout of a medieval stronghold designed with multiple defensive layers.
King John commissioned the castle's construction between 1207 and 1214 as one of only three royal fortifications built during his reign. The site later became involved in the conflicts between Crown and nobles that shaped England in the early 13th century.
The castle served as a seat of power for local nobility across centuries, with different families using it to manage their estates and demonstrate their status. Today, the ruins convey how the medieval ruling classes lived and governed the surrounding lands.
The site is accessible via a public footpath along the Basingstoke Canal, with information panels explaining the medieval structures on display. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven and muddy, particularly after rain or wet weather.
A tiny garrison of only 13 soldiers held off a French siege for two weeks in 1216 during the Barons' Crisis, an unexpected act of resistance. This remarkable defense highlighted the castle's strategic importance during one of England's most turbulent periods.
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