Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Dudley Castle is a mediæval castle situated on a high limestone ridge overlooking the town of Dudley, in Staffordshire. It began as a motte-and-bailey castle constructed by William FitzAnsculph towards the end of the 11th century. It was rebuilt as a stone fortification during the 12th century but was partially demolished on the orders of Henry II. In 1194 Dudley Castle came into the possession of the de Somery family and, at the end of the 13th century, was refortified by Roger de Somery. During the Civil War, it was surrendered to the Parliamentarians who demolished part of the castle's defences. It remained in use as a residence until the mid-18th century, when a fire effectively ended domestic occupation. In the 19th century, it found a new use as a 'Romantic Ruin'. Dudley Zoological Gardens was opened in the grounds of the castle in 1937. It is within the council area of Dudley.
Historic England Scheduled Monument 1014042.

Place Type: Mediæval Castle
Historic County: Staffordshire
Lat, Long: 52.514544,-2.079629
Grid Reference: SO 9469 9074
Council Area: Dudley CA
Strategic Authority Area: West Midlands SA
Police Area: West Midlands PA

GBPN ID: 321155
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Dudley_Castle,_Staffordshire_321155

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