King John's Castle

Odiham Castle, known locally as King John's Castle, is a compact but quintessential ruined fortress in northeast Hampshire, situated adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal. Built between 1207 and 1214 by King John, it was one of only three fortresses constructed during his reign, strategically positioned between his strongholds at Winchester and Windsor. The castle featured a three-storey stone keep, inner round moat, and outer square moat. It witnessed major historical events including a two-week French siege shortly after completion in 1216 and the imprisonment of the Scottish king for 11 years following his capture in 1346. The castle's ruins and surrounding defensive ditches remain visible today within a tranquil landscape setting.