Framlingham Castle was built in the late 12th or early 13th century by Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk. The castle has a long and varied history, Mary Tudor mustered her troops here in 1553, before being crowned Queen and at the end of the 16th century, the castle became an Elizabethan prison. Framlingham Castle has just reopened after an extensive investment by English Heritage to improve the visitor experience. With new audio tours of the wall walk, and a brand new family-friendly exhibition, visitors can explore 800 years of life at the castle...

Framlingham Castle, together with Framlingham Mere, was designed both as a stronghold (a strongly fortified defensive structure) and as a symbol of power and status. For more than four centuries, it was the residence of the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk.

The new exhibition tells the story of Framlingham Castle, its history and the many people who have lived there. Younger visitors can discover more about life in a castle with a variety of themed games and interactives.

Celia Deeley, Visitor Operations Director for the East of England, said: "Framlingham is a fascinating property, full of stories featuring everyone from the first Queen of England to families consigned to the Poorhouse. The new family-friendly audio tours and exhibition will enable visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in tales from the past. Whether you're a child studying the Tudors at school, a local resident who wants to know more about Framlingham's proud history, or a family simply wanting a great day out with plenty of interesting discoveries along the way, Framlingham has something for everyone."

Other displays on offer include the struggle for power between the monarchs and lords of Framlingham; the tragic story of family members Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, both beheaded by Henry VIII; and the Poorhouse still in use until 1839. Younger visitors can learn about the foods eaten by rich and poor by creating a ‘food rubbing’ plate to take home. They can also feel the fabrics worn by the rich and the poor and see the types of clothing that was worn.

The Poorhouse

The term poorhouse was often used in England prior to 1834 for parish establishments housing paupers. The Inner Ward (the area surrounded by the innermost walls containing the key elements of the castle), is now empty with the exception of the poorhouse. During the medieval period, there would have been several buildings around the walls and a great deal of activity and bustle. Simple, local food was available, including fish and birds, although hunting for the likes of deer was reserved purely for the rich. Spices were available as Framlingham was so close to the coastline, these were sometimes used as trading items.

During 1665, the poorhouse was used to house victims of the plague and didn’t reopen again until 1699. It was then used mostly for children, aged three years and upwards who were employed to spin wool. As well as their work, the children were required to have two hours every day to read, write and cast accomts (accounts). It wasn’t until 1729, that adults were housed in the poorhouse, but by 1839, a new poorhouse had been built in nearby Wickham Market and the poorhouse at Framlingham fell out of use.

The Wall Walk

The wall walk with its spectacular views will be familiar to past visitors of the castle, but the addition of a brand new audio tour really brings the castle to life. The tour has two versions; a lively history of the castle narrated by characters 'Topsy and Turvy' that offers a fun and educational guide for children and a more in-depth guide for adults that gives a detailed insight into the estate's history.

At various points around the castle wall, boards are host to a wealth of historical information with smaller bites and fun illustrations for children. The boards also display the relevant number to type into the audio guide to listen to the story about that part of the castle. The audio tour itself takes around half an hour to complete.

The new developments are not restricted to the castle alone. Framlingham Mere, provides a habitat for a range of wildlife, offering a unique environment for over 80 species of birds and almost 300 types of plant. A new trail leaflet gives visitors suggestions of things to look out for - perfect for engaging children in a bit of nature-spotting. 

After exploring the castle, the space within the castle walls offers a great place for a family picnic and the giant games are guaranteed to amuse the whole family.  Test out your building proficiency with the 'Build a Brick Red Chimney' game. Or try a game of 'Kings, Earls, Cobblers and Spinners' - a version of family favourite 'Snakes and Ladders', but with latrines instead of snakes.

Parking is free onsite and admission also includes access to the Lanman Trust's Museum of local history.

For further information, telephone the castle on  01728 724189 or visit the Framlingham Castle Website.

Useful Weblinks

• Framlingham Castle
• English Heritage
• The Terrible Tudors
• BBC Tudors
• Secondary Schools History
• Primary Schools History