Nottingham Castle

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The gatehouse of Nottingham Castle, that stands above the city on Castle Rock. The arch is 14th century, but on the whole the castle is the first Duke of Newcastle’s 17th century Ducal Palace. The first castle on the site was a wooden structure built by William the Conqueror. In 1170 it was rebuilt in stone by Henry II. In 1194 Richard I laid siege to the castled reclaiming it from his brother John. In 1330 Roger Mortimer is captured by supporters of Edward III when they enter the castle through a tunnel cut into the rock. In 1622 James I sells the castle to the Earl of Rutland. In 1642 Charles I raised his standard outside the castle walls, thus beginning the Civil War. In 1651 Colonel Hutchinson is given permission to demolish the castle. In 1663 the first Duke of Newcastle purchases the site and begins work on a prospect house, but he dies before completion and the work is finished by his son in 1678. In 1831 the building is attacked and looted by rioters, and the ducal palace interior is gutted by fire. In 1875 a local architect is appointed to make the castle suitable for use as a museum and art gallery. In 1878 Nottingham Castle is opened by the Prince of Wales.

 

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The castle wall to the left of the gatehouse in the area known as Castle Green.

 

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The Ducal Palace inside the castle walls.