Hertford Castle Gatehouse is a Grade I listed building, originally built on the site of a Norman Castle situated by the River Lea in Hertford, the county town of Hertfordshire. This magnificent Grade I listed building dates from the mid 15th century situated in beautiful grounds at the heart of Hertford.
The Castle was a Royal Palace for over 300 years where Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood. Hertford Castle Gatehouse is all that remains of Hertford Castle. The impressive building is set in secluded grounds, hidden from view by the surrounding 12th century flint and stone wall.
The present building was constructed in three main stages
1463-1465
The tall central section was the main entrance into the Castle. Built for King Edward IV, it replaced an earlier stone gatehouse.
Originally an open passageway ran through the building from front to back where the porch now stands.
Edward IV’s royal coat of arms can be seen above the porch. The building consists of three storeys and a basement, and is a very important piece of early brickwork.
Late 1700s
During the tenancy of the Marquess of Downshire, the section to the right (known as the South Wing) was added in an attempt to turn the gatehouse into a mansion. There was also an earlier North Wing, which was demolished in 1820.
The open passageway was closed to form an entrance hall with a porch. Inside the gatehouse the walls and ceilings were plastered over, which was fashionable for houses at this time.
1936-1937
The smaller section to the left (the later North Wing) was added to make an office for the Town Clerk.
During repair work in 1967, a 15th century brick wall was found, hidden behind the 18th century plaster.
The central section was then restored to show the original interior. The gatehouse is now a Listed Building.
Across the river stands a large earthen mound known as a ‘Motte’. Built soon after 1066, the motte was the principal defensive point of the early Castle and is now the oldest surviving part.
Originally it was probably topped by a strong wooden fence, then later by a large wooden tower, which may, in turn, have been replaced by a stone tower.
The motte protected the Castle. The living quarters were in the area to the right of the mound, known as the ‘Bailey’.
Both motte and bailey were originally enclosed by moats fed from the River Lea.
The river still flows through the town and Castle site, forming an important habitat for water birds, voles and the occasional kingfisher. The motte is home to a range of wildlife.
The grass is cut periodically to keep it safe and tidy and timed to benefit the wildflowers.
Drawings on this page are by Philip Sheall
Birds-eye View
A birds-eye view of the Castle as it might have looked in the reign of Edward IV (1461 – 1483).
This view shows the Castle defended by two moats, drawbridges, high stone walls and towers, the large earthen mound of ‘motte’, and the newly built gatehouse.
The Palace buildings can be seen in the centre of the site. These had been demolished by 1608.
A geophysical survey carried out in 1997 confirmed that when the castle was a royal residence, probably from late 12th century to late 16th century, this lawn was covered with buildings.
A survey of 1327 tells us that the buildings included a bakehouse, a granary, a great chamber called the King’s Chamber with two chapels, a kitchen and lesser hall.
The King (Edward III) had a great hall with two chimneys and two garderobes and there were numerous other chambers or quarters.
The gatehouse was originally built about 1170 and rebuilt 1463-5.
The motte eventually became a garden feature supporting a dove cote or summerhouse.
The archaeological information was supplied by a geophysical survey commissioned by Dr. Partridge for the centenary celebrations of East Herts. Archaeological Society in 1998.
The gatehouse was originally built about 1170 and rebuilt 1463-1465. The motte eventually became a garden feature supporting a dovecote or summerhouse.
Reconstruction of Hertford Castle by Dr. Clive Partridge
Hertford Castle has seen many changes over the years and has played an important role in the country’s history. Some of the important dates and events connected with the Castle are listed below.
1066- 1067
The Normans built a Castle to control the river and the town, and to dominate the surrounding area.
1170- 1174
Henry II enlarged and strengthened the Castle as part of the defences of London, alongside such castles as Berkhamsted and Windsor. The existing stone wall was built, as well as the great hall which survived until the 17th century.
1215
The Castle’s governor, Robert Fitz Walter, and a rebel army of barons, offered the English throne to the French Prince, Louis the Dauphin.
1216
The French captured the Castle after a 25 day siege.
1217
The French were defeated and the Castle returned to the English Crown.
1304
The Castle became a Royal Palace. For the next three centuries down to the reign of Elizabeth I, it was regularly used by monarchs.
1346-1359
As a royal prison, it held King David II of Scotland and King John of France, both captured in battle. Their rich courts and servants were also here, and John spent £3850 in four months that he was imprisoned here, at a time when a labourer would only have earned about £3 a year!
1360
The Castle was granted to John of Gaunt, the fourth son of Edward III.
1399
John of Gaunt’s son, Henry, Duke of Lancaster, had the Castle taken from him by King Richard II. Later that year Richard was deposed and Henry became King Henry IV, regaining ownership of the Castle.
1463
The present brick gatehouse was built for Edward IV. It is now used as council offices.
1564, 1582, 1592
The Palace buildings houses Parliament, law courts, and the Privy Councils due to plague in London.
1608
By this time, the Palace buildings had been demolished and the gatehouse became a private house.
1627
The Castle was granted to the Earl of Salisbury, whose descendants own it to this day.
1700s
The grounds were used for many things including fattening cattle for the London meat markets. Archaeological remains show that items such as combs, spoons and buttons were also made on the site. Later in the century the gatehouse was substantially extended by the Marquess of Downshire, brother in law of Lord Salisbury.
1800s
The gatehouse had many uses. It was the first home of the East India College (later to become Haileybury College) and also a medical dispensary for the poor, as well as being a private house for various tenants.
1911
The Castle was leased to the Corporation of Hertford as offices and public gardens. The entrance from the Wash was built.
