Built as a medieval fortress in the late 11th century, Ludgershall Castle was set within two adjacent enclosures, surrounded by earthwork banks and ditches.
The southern enclosure, may originally have been a small Iron Age fortification, more than 1,000 years before a castle was built. The banks of the enclosure are now much altered and quarried.
The first castle was probably built by Edward of Salisbury, Sheriff of Wiltshire, in the late 11th century. It became royal property in about 1100 and was managed by John the Marshal (died 1165) who was the 'castellan', or custodian, on behalf of the king. He fortified the castle, probably adding the enclosure to the north.
The northern enclosure contained the most important buildings, largely built in stone: the great hall, a tower and royal domestic apartments. The southern enclosure, or bailey, had timber buildings including the castle farm, stables and kitchens.
In 1210, King John repaired and improved the castle, bringing the buildings up-to-date as a residence, to take advantage of the nearby hunting forests.
Ellis, P (ed) 2000. Ludgershall Castle, Wiltshire: a report on the excavations by Peter Addyman 1964–72, Devizes: Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society
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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.
