Kington Castle facts for kids

Kington Castle was an old castle from the medieval times. It stood in the market town of Kington, in Herefordshire, England. People built it in the 11th century. Sadly, it was destroyed in 1215.

Kington Castle's Story

Where Was It?

The castle was built on a small hill. This hill is on the north-west side of the town of Kington. It was also very close to a stream called the Back Brook. This spot was good for watching over the area.

Who Built the First Castle?

Around the late 1000s, King William II, also known as William Rufus, gave land in Kington to a man named Adam Port. Most historians believe that Adam Port was the one who built the very first castle here. It was probably a simple wooden fort at first.

Royal Troubles and Changes

Later, one of Adam Port's family members, also named Adam Port, had a big disagreement with King Henry II. Because of this argument, the king took the castle back. When a king takes back land or a castle, it's called "forfeited to the crown."

In the late 1100s, a powerful noble named William Braose looked after Kington Castle for many years. He was the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, which meant he was a very important official for the king in that area.

King John and the Castle's End

In 1201, King John gave Kington Castle and its lands to William Braose. King John really liked William Braose. He was one of King John's favorite "Marcher Barons." A Marcher Baron was a powerful noble who controlled land near the border between England and Wales. These areas were often wild and needed strong leaders.

However, William Braose and King John later had a big fight. Because of this, the castle went back to the king again. In 1213, King John gave the castle to another supporter, Roger Clifford.

But the story wasn't over. In 1215, members of the de Braose family attacked Kington Castle. They were likely trying to get it back or get revenge on King John. In response, King John ordered the castle to be completely destroyed. This was an act of vengeance, meaning he wanted to punish them. After this, no new castles or forts were ever built on that same spot.