Castle Rising

Castle Rising stands as one of England's finest Norman castles, built in 1138 by William d'Aubigny following his marriage to Alice of Louvain, widow of Henry I. Located near King's Lynn in Norfolk, the castle features a massive rectangular keep constructed around 1140, originally serving as both a fortification and hunting lodge overlooking a deer park. The castle gained prominence as the residence of Queen Isabella of France, widow of Edward II, who enlarged and embellished it while entertaining her son Edward III and his court. Passing to the Howard family in the 16th century, Castle Rising remains in the hands of their descendants today. Managed by English Heritage, it exemplifies Norman military architecture and offers visitors insight into medieval aristocratic life and governance.