The beautiful village of Castle Rising is unusual for two reasons. Firstly, it has not grown in size since its Saxon origins and secondly, it has a historial importance much larger than its small size would suggest. It has connections with Kings and Queens, Prime Ministers, Archbishops and Saints and has in small ways influenced the course of English history.
Castle Rising castle is one of the most famous 12th century castles in England. The stone keep (built around 1140AD) is amongst the finest surviving examples of its kind anywhere in the country. In its time Rising has served as a hunting lodge, royal residence and for a brief time in the 18th century even housed a mental patient. The most famous period in its history was when it came to the mother of Edward III, Queen Isabella, following her part in the murder of her husband Edward II. The castle passed to the Howard family in 1544 and it remains in their hands today, the current owner being a descendant of William D’Albini II, the Norman baron who raised the castle.
Today, you can visit the castle, pretty quaint tea room, church, bridal shop and boutique. If you are feeling active, you can walk/cycle along the safe footpath to Sandringham or to Kings Lynn. Each year the castle holds a Medieval enactment during the summer holidays – well worth a visit.
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