Oakham Castle

Standing by the stocks in the historic Buttercross of the market-town of Oakham, it would be easy to miss the hidden gem of Norman architecture that lies just a few metres away. Oakham Castle may be far removed from the traditional image of knights and castles, but there is something about this tiny piece of history that has captivated me since childhood. 

While references to a hall in Oakham can be found in the Doomsday Book, it was not until 1180 that a stone castle was built by Walkelin de Ferrers on the site of the old motte and bailey. Unlike other more fortified strongholds of the time, the purpose of Oakham Castle was never primarily defensive and was instead intended to act as the administrative centre of the growing county of Rutland...