Coventry Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coventry Castle |
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| Coventry, England | |
Caesar's Tower, all that remains of the castle, and St Mary's Guildhall which was built onto the ruins.
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 Coventry Castle
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| Coordinates | 52°24′27″N 1°30′29″W / 52.407442°N 1.507933°W |
| Type | Castle |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Destroyed (apart from Caesar's Tower) |
| Site history | |
| Built | 11th century |
Coventry Castle was a motte and bailey castle in the city of Coventry, England. It was taken down in the late 12th century. Today, St Mary's Guildhall stands on part of its old site.
Contents
History of Coventry Castle
Building the Castle
Coventry Castle was built in the early 1100s. Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester was the one who built it. Its first known use was during a time of civil war called The Anarchy.
During this time, Robert Marmion supported King Stephen. He forced the monks out of the nearby priory of Saint Mary. Marmion then turned the priory into a fortress. From this fort, he fought against the Earl. Marmion died during this battle.
In 1147, people loyal to King Stephen used the castle for defense. This happened during a siege by Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester. Ranulf was trying to get the castle back. He had given the castle to King Stephen earlier. King Stephen had captured Ranulf in 1146. He made Ranulf hand over some of his castles, and Coventry was one of them.
After the siege ended, King Stephen destroyed the castle. However, it was probably fixed later. In 1182, it was still described as a strong fort.
The Castle in Tudor Times
In November 1569, Mary, Queen of Scots was held in Caesar's Tower. By this time, St Mary's Guildhall had been built onto the tower. People disagree about which room she was kept in.
A room in Caesar's Tower was called the "Mary Queen of Scots room." It looked like a cell. But it is more likely she was held in the "Old Mayoress's Parlour."
Coventry Castle Today
Today, Caesar's Tower is believed to be the only part left of the castle. It is still part of St Mary's Guildhall. The tower was rebuilt after being bombed during the Second World War.
On the ground floor of the tower is "the Treasury." Above it is the room known as the "Mary Queen of Scots room." However, this name is thought to be incorrect. The Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre was built over another part of the old castle site.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Coventry para niños
