Goodrich Castle

Goodrich Castle is a now ruinous Norman medieval castle situated to the north of the village of Goodrich in Herefordshire, England. The castle was built in the late 11th century or the early 12th century, when it was known as Godric’s Castle, named probably after Godric of Mappestone. In 1144, William Fitz Osbern seized the castle during the anarchy of the reign of Stephen. During this time, the small Norman keep to the south of the entrance gate was built by Gilbert de Clare. In 1643, during the Civil War, the Earl of Stamford garrisoned the castle for Parliament. In 1645, the castle became the scene of one of the most desperate sieges in Herefordshire. The siege continued into 1646. After being in the hands of Parliament, it was later occupied by a garrison led by the Royalist Sir Henry Lingen. It was attacked by Colonels John Birch and Kyrle. Colonel Birch built an enormous mortar that was called 'Roaring Meg' to reduce the castles defences. For years the mortar stood outside Hereford museum now the only civil war mortar to survive is situated in the inner courtyard of the castle. Eventually the Royalists surrendered. In 1647, the castle was slighted, which made it virtually uninhabitable and prohibited re-fortification. The castle is currently looked after by English Heritage. www.english-heritage.org.uk/

Done