ST6416 : Sherborne Castle from Sherborne Old Castle

Photo by Jim Champion from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Sherborne Old Castle

📍 Sherborne

Sherborne Old Castle is a magnificent ruined 12th-century castle showcasing powerful medieval military architecture in a beautiful lakeside setting. Built by Roger, Bishop of Salisbury in the 1120s, this formidable fortress later became a residence of Sir Walter Raleigh before being besieged and reduced to ruins during the English Civil War. The romantic ruins feature impressive gatehouse, curtain walls, corner towers, and decorative arcading demonstrating the castle’s dual role as fortress and palace. The Civil War siege damage is dramatically visible, with shattered walls and cannon ball damage telling stories of conflict. The castle sits beside peaceful ornamental lakes created by Capability Brown for the nearby Sherborne Castle estate, creating picturesque reflections. English Heritage manages the site with excellent interpretation explaining medieval castle development, life in a bishop’s palace, Raleigh’s occupation, and Civil War siege. The extensive ruins invite exploration, while the lakeside setting provides perfect picnic spots. An excellent example of medieval architecture in a romantic, historically layered landscape.

Location

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ST6416 : Sherborne Castle from Sherborne Old Castle ST6416 : Sherborne Old Castle [22] ST6416 : Sherborne Old Castle [16] ST6416 : Sherborne Old Castle [15] ST6416 : Sherborne Old Castle [20] ST6416 : Sherborne Old Castle [18] ST6416 : Sherborne Old Castle [9] ST6416 : Sherborne Old Castle [8] ST6416 : The moat, Sherborne Old Castle ST6416 : Sherborne: southwest gatehouse of the Old Castle ST6416 : South-west gatehouse, Sherborne Old Castle ST6416 : Sherborne: Old Castle ruins from behind a tree ST6416 : Remains of the north-east gatehouse, Sherborne Old Castle ST6416 : Sherborne New Castle [19] ST6416 : Sherborne New Castle [9]

Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.

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