Berkhamsted Castle's strong defences held out in a two-week long siege in 1216.
Berkhamsted was designed as a fortress, with impressive earthwork defences, high motte and stone curtain wall. The water-filled ditches prevented tunnelling under the wall, and the motte could protect the bailey as well as defend attacks from the north.
In 1216, the castle's defences were put to the test. Prince Louis of France had invaded England at the invitation of the English barons, who were opposed to King John. When John died in October 1216, his nine year old son was crowned King Henry III. Louis had to act quickly.
Louis besieged the castle for two weeks, battering it with huge stones flung from siege weapons. The earthwork buttresses by the outer ditch were probably platforms to support them, although it is still unclear which side built them. The castle surrendered finally on the orders of the king.
Disclaimer
The text and pictures on this page are derived from the 'Heritage Unlocked' series of guidebooks published in 2004. We intend to review, update and enhance the content in the near future as part of the Portico project, whose objective is to provide information on the history, significance, research background and sources for all English Heritage properties.
