Berkhamsted Castle

About

Berkhamsted is the location where, in early December 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, accepted the surrender of the English nobles following the Battle of Hastings and became “the Conqueror”. The town benefitted from William’s immediate construction of the castle which, in later years, was occupied variously by (amongst others) Edward the Black Prince, Archbishop Thomas Becket, Geoffrey Chaucer and Cecily Neville, Duchess of York (mother of Edward IV and Richard III, and who died at the castle in 1495). The castle was also given as a wedding gift to three of Henry VIII’s wives, and the site is now a scheduled ancient monument (List Entry No.: 1010756). Berkhamsted Castle Trust, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registered charity (England & Wales) number 1176286), acts as local manager of the castle site on behalf of English Heritage and raises funds to undertake research and provide education about the castle, promote and maintain it, and encourage its use and enjoyment.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes