Lincoln Castle facts for kids
Lincoln Castle is a very old and important castle in Lincoln, England. It was built a long time ago, in the late 1000s, by the Normans. They built it on top of an even older Roman fort. This castle is special because it has two big mounds, called "mottes." Only one other castle in England has two mottes!
For many years, Lincoln Castle was used as a prison and a place where important court cases happened. It is one of the best-preserved castles in England. Even today, some court cases still take place here. You can visit Lincoln Castle most days of the week. You can even walk around the castle walls. From the walls, you get amazing views of the castle, cathedral, the city, and the countryside around it.
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Building a Norman Castle
Lincoln Castle was built by William the Conqueror after he took over England in 1066. He wanted to build strong castles to control the land. The Normans were very good at building castles. They often chose high places, like the site of the old Roman fort in Lincoln.
What is a Motte-and-Bailey?
A "motte-and-bailey" castle was a common type of castle built by the Normans.
- A motte is a large, tall mound of earth. A wooden or stone tower was often built on top of it.
- A bailey is a large, enclosed area next to the motte. It was surrounded by a strong fence or wall. This area held buildings like homes, stables, and workshops.
Lincoln Castle is unusual because it has two mottes. This made it extra strong and hard to attack. The two mottes are called the Observatory Tower and the Lucy Tower.
A Place of Law and Order
For centuries, Lincoln Castle was more than just a fortress. It played a big role in the justice system.
The Prison at Lincoln Castle
The castle was used as a prison for a very long time. People who broke the law were held here. It was also a debtors' prison. This meant people who owed money and could not pay it back were kept there. The prison finally closed in 1878.
The Crown Courts
Even after the prison closed, the castle continued to be a place for law. The Crown Courts are still located inside the castle grounds. This is where serious criminal cases are heard and decided. It's quite unique to have modern courts inside such an old castle!
What to See at Lincoln Castle Today
Today, Lincoln Castle is a popular place for visitors. There is a lot to explore and learn about its long history.
Walking the Walls
One of the best things to do is walk along the top of the castle walls. This walk gives you fantastic views. You can see the whole castle complex, including the two mottes. You also get a great view of the nearby Lincoln Cathedral.
Magna Carta Vault
Lincoln Castle is home to one of the four remaining copies of the original 1215 Magna Carta. This famous document is a very important part of English history. It set out rules about the king's power and the rights of people. You can see this historic document in a special vault at the castle.
Victorian Prison Experience
You can also visit the old Victorian prison buildings. Here, you can learn what life was like for prisoners. You can see the cells and learn about the strict rules they had to follow. It gives you a real sense of the castle's past as a place of punishment.
Images for kids
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The exterior of the east gate
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The exterior of the west gate, which was rebuilt in the 1230s. It was blocked for centuries and reopened in 1992.
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The Lucy Tower in 2013, during a time when the castle was being renovated.
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Lincoln Castle (left), shown during the Second Battle of Lincoln, as illustrated by Matthew Paris. The three lions of England can be seen on the banner at left.
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A piece of Lincoln's Eleanor Cross.
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A bust of King George III from the Dunston Pillar south of Lincoln.
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An Oriel window in the gatehouse, moved from John of Gaunt’s Palace, Lincoln in 1849.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Lincoln para niños
