Visit Orford Castle, Suffolk, England
Built by Henry II as a Show of Power to Restive East Anglian Barons
May 4, 2009
Orford Castle has stood the test of time well – the 18 sided polygonal keep is still intact. Originally, there was a curtain wall around the castle, and a number of flanking towers but this has now largely disappeared. A large ditch outside the curtain wall completed the defenses.
In the 12th century, rich barons posed a threat to the authority of the King, and Henry II decreed that a castle be erected at Orford and that the surrounding marshes be drained. The castle was constructed between 1165 and 1173, and the records of the construction have also been preserved almost complete. The draining of the marshes meant that Orford could be made into a port, with the castle there to defend the King's interests and to defend the coasts against the mercenaries that the barons might hire.
Henry II's concerns were vindicated when Hugh Bigod took part in a revolt raised by the Crown Prince against Henry II, but the King eventually prevailed and Bigod had to surrender his castles.
Although only the keep remains standing, this part of the castle is in very good condition, extending for five floors. The tower is 27m high and there is an excellent view from the parapet over Orford and the surrounding countryside, showing the commanding view that the castle defences had of potential raiders.
Legend of the Orford Merman
Ralphe Coggeshall, a chronicler writing in 1207 reported a remarkable occurrence at the fishing port of Orford. He reported that around 1176 a merman was caught in fishing nets.
"Men fishing in the sea caught in their nets a wild man. He was naked and was like a man in all his members, covered with hair and with a long shaggy beard."
Apparently the merman would eat whatever was brought to him, but showed no reverence for the church or any belief, going to bed and sunset and rising at the break of day. Some accounts relate that the merman was imprisoned at Orford Castle by managed to escape. Mediaeval hospitality seemed to leave a lot to be desired, as the unusual resident "would not talk, even when tortured and hung up by his feet".
Visiting Orford Castle
Orford Castle is about 20 miles from Ipswich on the B1084. There is plenty of parking at the site but visitors should note that this is a pay and display car park. Dogs are not permitted and disabled access is very restricted. There is a charge for entry to the castle (£5 in 2009), which is in the care of English Heritage.
GPS Location of Orford Castle
52.094568N 1.531185E
Orford Castle on Google Maps
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