A palatial home

Richard of Cornwall built grand apartments at the castle and made it the administrative centre of his estates.

General view of castle bailey from the motte © English Heritage Photo Library Berkhamsted Castle was granted to Richard, earl of Cornwall, in 1225 by his brother, King Henry III. Richard was believed to be the richest man in England and was also a skilful diplomat. He was often needed at the royal court in London.

Berkhamsted became the administrative centre of the earldom of Cornwall. Bailiffs from his numerous estates brought their accounts there.

He repaired and refurbished the castle and enlarged the western tower to create a luxurious palace complex. Part of the palace, believed to be the chapel and possibly the undercroft of the Great Painted Chamber, remain.

Richard's son Edmund was born at the castle and two of his wives died there. Richard himself died at Berkhamsted in 1272.