Oakham Castle

A Norman Masterpiece of Stone and History

Oakham Castle's Great Hall represents one of the finest surviving examples of Norman domestic architecture in Europe. Built between 1180 and 1190 by Walkelin de Ferrers, lord of the manor of Oakham, the structure showcases the sophisticated craftsmanship of the late 12th century. The hall comprises a central nave flanked by two arcaded aisles, each supported by three massive stone columns quarried locally from Clipsham. These columns are crowned with remarkable carved sculptures depicting six musicians, each playing a different instrument, believed to have been created by masons who previously worked on Canterbury Cathedral. Though weathered by time, the sculptures retain exceptional quality and detail, offering a tangible connection to medieval artistry.

The Royal Horseshoe Tradition

The castle's most distinctive feature is its unparalleled collection of over 240 gilded ceremonial horseshoes, a tradition whose exact origins remain shrouded in medieval mystery. These horseshoes were presented by peers of the realm—dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, barons, and bishops—upon their first visit to Oakham, a custom that has endured for nearly 850 years. The oldest surviving horseshoe was donated by Edward IV in 1470 following his victory at the Battle of Losecoat Field. More recent additions include horseshoes from the Princess Royal (1999), the Prince of Wales (2003), Princess Alexandra (2005), the Duchess of Cornwall, now Queen Camilla (2014), and a double presentation from the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (2024). Each horseshoe carries its own story, transforming the Great Hall into a living chronicle of royal and aristocratic visits.

Eight Centuries as England's Seat of Justice

Oakham Castle holds the distinction of being one of England's longest-running seats of justice. The first recorded assize—a formal court session—took place here in 1229, and Crown Court proceedings have been held within these walls every two years ever since, making it a continuous venue for English law for nearly 800 years. This judicial heritage is woven into the very fabric of the building, connecting it to pivotal moments in English legal and political history. The castle has hosted numerous royal visitors, including King John (1206), Henry III (who visited at least seven times between 1219 and 1258), Edward II (1323), and many other monarchs and nobles whose presence shaped the nation's destiny.

From Fortified Manor to Heritage Landmark

While modest in size compared to traditional castles, Oakham Castle was originally part of a much larger fortified manor complex. Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest the site once featured a curtain wall, gatehouse, drawbridge with iron chains, strategic towers, and a protective moat. The present gateway facing the Market Place, resembling those at Burley-on-the-Hill, was erected by George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham in the early 17th century. Following extensive restoration funded by a £2.165 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant awarded in 2014, the castle reopened to the public on 30 May 2016 with improved facilities and interactive displays. Today, the grounds function as a free public park maintained by Rutland County Council, featuring the Sensory Garden and Castle Cottage Café.

Architectural Splendor and Decorative Detail

The Great Hall's interior showcases magnificent oak-timbered roofing and leaded windows that frame views of the surrounding grounds. The carved finials adorning the gables at either end of the hall display exceptional craftsmanship: the west gable features a centaur (though its bow has broken away), while the east gable depicts Samson wrestling a lion. These sculptural elements, combined with the soaring stone columns and their musical capitals, create an atmosphere of medieval grandeur that transports visitors across nearly nine centuries. The hall's proportions and decoration reflect the wealth and status of its original patron, Walkelin de Ferrers, and the sophistication of Norman architectural ambitions in the English provinces.