Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Lincoln Castle is a mediæval Castle in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, in the Parts of Lindsey. It was constructed during the late 11th century by William the Conqueror on the site of a pre-existing Roman fortress. The castle is unusual in that it has two mottes. It is one of only two such castles in the country. Lincoln Castle remained in use as a prison and court into modern times and is one of the better preserved castles in England; the Crown Courts continue to this day. It is possible to walk around the walls from which there are views of the castle complex, cathedral, the city, and surrounding countryside. Displayed within the castle is one of only four surviving exemplars of the 1215 issue of Magna Carta. It is also the only place in the world where visitors can view an original 1215 Magna Carta alongside a 1217 Charter of the Forest, a later document that complemented Magna Carta by focusing specifically on the rights of common people to access royal forests. In 1217, a French invasion led to the siege of Lincoln. A Royalist relief force led by William Marshal marched to relieve the siege. During the ensuing battle the Royalists inflicted a decisive defeat on the French and rebel forces. This victory at Lincoln significantly weakening Louis's claim to the English throne and securing the future of the English monarchy under Henry III. Lincoln Castle's unwavering defence played a significant role in this outcome. In the Civil War, it was a strategically important site that changed hands between Royalist and Parliamentarian forces. In 1644, the Parliamentarians captured the castle. They then moved north towards York, eventually participating in the Battle of Marston Moor, a major turning point in the war. Lincoln Castle entered a period of decline after the Civil War but later underwent restoration efforts in the 19th century. From 2010 to 2015 Lincoln Castle underwent a major £22m restoration project. The project involved the restoration of the castle's curtain wall and creation of a new 360 degree Mediæval Wall Walk atop the castle's ancient ramparts, restoration and re-interpretation of the Victorian Prison, and the building of a new vault to house Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest with a widescreen cinema for showing films about the documents. The castle is now owned by Lincolnshire County Council and is a scheduled monument. It is within the council area of Lincoln (Lincolnshire).
Historic England Grade I Listed 1388491.

Place Type: Mediæval Castle
Historic County: Lincolnshire
Division of County: Parts of Lindsey
Lat, Long: 53.234569,-0.53972317
Grid Reference: SK 9756 7183
Council Area: Lincoln CA (Lincolnshire CA)
Strategic Authority Area: Greater Lincolnshire SA
Police Area: Lincolnshire PA

GBPN ID: 320097
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Lincoln_Castle,_Lincolnshire_320097

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