Oakham Castle

About

Britain’s finest example of Norman architecture, recently conserved and restored thanks to a £2.2m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.  It was built between 1180-90 and is one of the oldest surviving aisled stone halls in the country.

It is located off the Market Place in Oakham, and backs onto Cutts Close Park, there is also a cafe on the grounds (check separate opening times).

Inside the Castle you can see 240 presentation horseshoes hanging on the walls, given to the Lord of the Manor by royalty and peers of the realm on their first visit to Oakham. The oldest surviving horseshoe in the collection dates back to Edward IV’s visit in 1470 after his victory at the Battle of Losecoat Field.  More recently, horseshoes have been presented by the Princess Royal (1999), the Prince of Wales (2003), Princess Alexandra (2005) and the Duchess of Cornwall (2014).

Oakham Castle is the longest-running seat of justice in England and was first recorded being used as a court in 1229.  It is still used as a Crown Court, with proceedings being held in the castle every two years.

The hall is also decorated with a range of 12th century sculptures. Above the columns are six musicians, each playing a different instrument. They are made of local stone from Clipsham and although damaged, they are of superb quality. They are believed to have been carved by masons who had worked at Canterbury Cathedral.

The Castle is a popular place for Civil Weddings, meetings and special events. ADMISSION IS FREE