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Berkhamsted Castle - Berkhamsted Castle Hertfordshire

Berkhamsted Castle, Berkhamsted, Herts is a ruined Norman motte-and-bailey castle

We visited Berkhamsted Castle as part of our 2010 Grand Union Canal cruise, finding that this huge ruined castle with original fortification that date from Saxon times, just a couple of hundred meters from bridge 141 by Berkhamsted Railway Station. Visitor moorings available above and below GUC Lock 53.

Berkhamsted Castle is free of charge to enter - Open: Summer 10.00 to 18.00 daily inc.Bank Hols. - Winter 10.00 to 16.00 daily - Closed 25 Dec and 1 Jan.

The castle (site) is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall (currently HRH Prince Charles) since 1337, currently managed by English Heritage.

Berkhamsted Castle in 1066 - Work on the Norman structure was started in 1066 by William the Conqueror who later passed the castle to his half-brother, Robert, Count of Mortain.

Berkhamsted Castle History - In the 12th Century, the castle was home to Thomas Becket, Chancellor of England. In the 14th Century, it became the residence of Edward, the Black Prince, and Geoffrey Chaucer was appointed Clerk to the Works.

Other facts about Berkhamsted Castle - The third moat was drained when the canal was built and outer gate or barbican was lost in 1838 when the London and Birmingham Railway sliced off the south-western edge of the site.

Your visit to Berkhamsted Castle (MAP) may take you an hour of more. 

There are information boards around the site and a series of around 60 concrete steps to help you climb up the Motte that gives great views over the surrounding countryside.