Ipswich Castle, Medieval fortress in Ipswich, England
Ipswich Castle was a medieval stone fortress located in the town center and controlled by the Bigod family. The structure followed Norman design with thick walls built for defense and command of the surrounding area.
The castle was built in the mid-1100s by the Norman Bigod family as a regional power base. In 1153, during England's civil war period, King Stephen captured it from the Bigods, strengthening royal control over the area.
The castle served as a symbol of Norman control over Suffolk, with the Bigod family using it to govern the region and its people. Its location in town made it a visible reminder of who held power in medieval Ipswich.
The exact location of the castle is unclear today because no visible ruins or structures remain from the medieval period. Visitors can explore the area around the modern arboretum or the ground near St Stephen's Church, where the fortress may have stood.
The fortress was completely destroyed in 1176 on King Henry II's orders after Hugh Bigod rebelled against the crown. This destruction was an unusual punishment that showed how seriously the king took the revolt and his willingness to erase a fortified stronghold entirely.
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