Yattendon Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yattendon Castle |
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| Yattendon, Berkshire, England | |
 Yattendon Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°28′03″N 1°12′21″W / 51.4676°N 1.2059°W |
| Type | Fortified manor house |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Limited earthworks |
| Site history | |
| Events | English Civil War |
Yattendon Castle was a strong, fortified country house located in the village of Yattendon, in Berkshire, England. It was more like a large, protected home than a huge castle.
History of Yattendon Castle
The place where Yattendon Castle once stood was first home to a manor house surrounded by a moat. This house belonged to Sir Richard Merbrook in the early 1400s. His daughter, Alice, married Sir John Norreys. He was an important person for King Henry VI.
The castle then stayed with the Norreys family for more than 200 years. In 1448, Sir John Norreys received special permission from the King. This allowed him to add battlements (strong walls with gaps for defense) to the manor house. He also got permission to create a large park of about 600 acres around it.
Sir John and Alice's son, Sir William Norreys, later took over the castle. He was part of King Henry VII's army in 1485. He was also present at the famous Battle of Bosworth Field, where Henry VII won the crown.
The castle was likely the home of William's oldest son, Sir Edward Norreys, for a time. Edward Norreys had two sons. One was Sir John Norreys, who inherited the castle but had no children. The other was Sir Henry Norreys. Sadly, Sir Henry faced serious accusations and was executed in 1536.
The castle then went to Edward's grandson, Henry Norris, 1st Baron Norreys. This Henry Norreys was a close friend of Queen Elizabeth I throughout her life. He had six sons, including Sir John Norreys, who became a famous English soldier.
Yattendon Castle was mostly destroyed during the English Civil War. This happened when forces supporting Parliament attacked it. Later, in 1785, a new manor house was built on the same spot. Today, you can still see parts of the old moat around the area.
Royal Visitors to the Castle
Yattendon Castle welcomed some very important guests over the years:
- King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon visited Yattendon Castle in 1520. During their visit, a story says that Anne Boleyn, who was a lady-in-waiting to the Queen, dropped her handkerchief while dancing. Sir Henry Norreys picked it up for her. This event was later used as evidence during trials involving Anne and Norreys.
- Princess Elizabeth also stayed at Yattendon Castle. She was on her way to be held at Woodstock.
