Scheduled MonumentsEnglandGuildford Castle

Guildford Castle

England
List entry 1012340
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Guildford Castle is a Norman castle founded shortly after the Conquest of 1066, probably during the reign of William I. The castle was established as a royal stronghold to control the crossing of the River Wey and served as an administrative centre for the Surrey region throughout the medieval period. The surviving structure comprises a substantial stone keep built in the late twelfth century, set within a motte-and-bailey earthwork, with the keep's distinctive pyramidal roof being a relatively modern restoration. The castle remained in royal hands for much of its history and was substantially fortified during the thirteenth century, though it declined in military importance after the later medieval period.

Guildford Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1012340. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Guildford Castle?

Guildford Castle is a Norman castle founded shortly after the Conquest of 1066, probably during the reign of William I. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1012340.

Who is responsible for protecting Guildford Castle?

Guildford Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1012340.

What other scheduled monuments are near Guildford Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including St Catherine's Chapel (1.1 km), Henley Fort: a London mobilisation centre (1.6 km), Bowl barrow 90m west of Tyting Farm (2.5 km).

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