Woodcroft Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woodcroft Castle |
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| Cambridgeshire, England | |
Woodcroft Castle
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 Woodcroft Castle
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| Coordinates | 52°37′35″N 0°19′02″W / 52.6263°N 0.3172°W |
| Type | Edwardian castle |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
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| Site history | |
| Materials | Stone |
| Events | The English Civil War |
Woodcroft Castle is an old, moated castle located in Cambridgeshire, England. It was built a long time ago, in the late 1200s. Today, it is a private home, meaning people live there.
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What is Woodcroft Castle?
Woodcroft Castle is a special kind of building called a castle. It has a moat, which is a deep, wide ditch filled with water around it. This was a common way to protect castles in medieval times. The castle is found near the city of Peterborough.
How Old is Woodcroft Castle?
The castle was built at the end of the 13th century. This means it was constructed between the years 1275 and 1300. Some parts of the castle you can still see today are from that time. These include the front part, a round tower, and the main entrance, called a gatehouse.
There is a bit of a mystery about how the castle was originally planned. Some people think it was meant to be a square-shaped castle, like many built during the time of King Edward I. Others believe it was never fully finished. Later, in the late 1400s, some additions were made, but they kept the original medieval style.
Woodcroft Castle During the English Civil War
Woodcroft Castle played a role in the English Civil War. This was a big conflict in England during the 1600s.
The Siege of Woodcroft Castle
During the war, the castle was held by the Cavaliers, who were supporters of the King. However, in 1648, soldiers from the Parliament (who were against the King) attacked the castle. This attack is called a siege. The Parliamentary forces successfully took control of the castle.
The commander of the Royalist soldiers at Woodcroft Castle was a man named Dr. Michael Hudson. He was killed on June 6, 1648, when the siege ended.
Woodcroft Castle Today
Today, Woodcroft Castle is a private home. It is also recognized as a very important historical building.
What is a Listed Building?
Woodcroft Castle is a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a building of special historical or architectural interest. A Grade II* listing is a high level, showing it is particularly important. There is also an 18th-century barn and stable nearby that is listed as Grade II, which means it is also historically important.
