Sleaford Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Sleaford, England
Sleaford Castle is a medieval ruin in Lincolnshire with a moat and the remains of the north-eastern corner tower standing today. The layout reveals how a quadrilateral fortress was originally organized around its defensive features.
The fortress was built between 1123 and 1139 by Alexander de Blois, Bishop of Lincoln, featuring square towers and a central keep. It later became a royal residence and played a role in regional politics through the medieval period.
The castle functioned as both a royal residence and an administrative hub for the Church's local properties in the region. Its role shaped how the town developed and organized itself over centuries.
The site is accessible as an open-air ruin with no protective structures, so visitors should be prepared for weather exposure at any time. Wear sturdy footwear as the grounds are uneven and can become muddy or slippery.
Archaeological digs in 2023 uncovered a medieval floor tile bearing the impression of a cat's paw among various other artifacts from the site. This unexpected discovery suggests that everyday life left traces even in the smallest objects recovered from the ruins.
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