Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, Nottingham Castle was originally an earthwork motte and bailey. Standing on a narrow sandstone ridge, the fortification had extensive views over the surrounding countryside.

In the 12th century Henry II replaced the original structure with a stone castle and made it his principal royal fortress in the Midlands.

This strategic stronghold was closely associated with Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Today the only surviving part of the medieval upper bailey is Mortimer's Hole, a passage leading into the castle's rock foundations.

In the middle bailey are traces of the Black Tower, King Richard's Tower and parts of the bailey curtain wall and ditch.

In the castle's large outer bailey some of the resorted curtain wall has survived, along with two round flanking towers and a vast twin-towered gatehouse.

Following the defeat of the Monarchy in the Civil War Nottingham Castle was slighted. All traces of the medieval castle were finally destroyed when a mansion was built on the site.













One of only three medievil buildings still standing at the foot of the castle.