Somerton Castle

Somerton Castle is a stone fortress in Boothby Graffoe featuring three surviving towers, fragments of the outer wall, and a water-filled moat that once encircled the central courtyard. The structure displays the characteristic quadrangular layout typical of medieval strongholds from this era.

Anthony Bek, bishop of Durham, received permission from King Edward I in 1281 to build this fortress, establishing it as a military stronghold. The castle later became involved in broader European conflicts and prisoner exchanges.

King John I of France spent time as a prisoner within these walls after his capture at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356.

The site sits north of Lincoln and is reached via Castle Lane, where visitor parking is available near the entrance. The grounds are accessible for walking around the remaining structures and exploring the moat area.

The south-eastern corner received an additional tower structure from the Disney family during the late Tudor period, revealing how private owners modified the fortress for residential use. This addition shows how medieval castles were adapted for later domestic living.

Location: Boothby Graffoe

Inception: 1281

GPS coordinates: 53.11740,-0.57616

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30