Framlingham History

Framlingham is most famed for its grand castle, which boasts a 12th century, continuous curtain wall that links thirteen towers. Roget Bigod, second Earl of Norfolk, built the wall that remains today, in 1190 though it is said that there was some kind of fortification on the site since the sixth century.

Between the 13th and 15th centuries ownership if the castle passed between the crown and their favourite nobles. During the reign of Henry VIII the castle once again passed to the crown and Henry’s son Edward VI gave it to his half sister, Mary Tudor and it was at Framlingham Castle that Mary was proclaimed Queen of England.

During her tenure Mary returned the castle to the Howard family but after Thomas Howard was executed for treason, Elizabeth I used the castle as a prison for Catholic priests.