English Heritage

1157-77Rebellion

Henry II confiscates Framlingham to punish Hugh Bigod for his part in a local uprising. Later, after another rebellion against the king, the castle is dismantled.

1189-1215In Favour Again

Roger Bigod II earns back his father's title of Earl of Norfolk and rebuilds the castle with the massive stone walls that survive today. He entertains King John here in 1213.

1216-17Besieged

King John successively besieges the castle during the civil war that follows Magna Carta. The new king, Henry III, restores Roger's castle to him the next year.

Countess Marshall

New owner Margaret Brotherton is made Duchess of Norfolk, the first Englishwoman to be a duchess in her own right. Henry IV's son John is educated at Framlingham.

1483-5The Howards

John Howard inherits and becomes the 1st Howard Duke of Norfolk. He refurbishes Framingham and dies commanding the king's troops at Bosworth Field.

1514-24Like Father, Like Son

Thomas Howard regains the title of Duke of Norfolk forfeited at Bosworth, and dies aged 80 at Framlingham.

1552-3Bloody Mary

Mary Tudor inherits Framlingham from her father, and rallies her troops here to fight for the throne after Edward VI dies. As queen, she restores the estate to Thomas Howard.

1572-1600Marriage Plot

Elizabeth I executes Thomas, 4th Duke of Norfolk, for his part in a plot to marry Mary, Queen of Scots. Framlingham, now back in royal hands, is neglected.

1603-35The Last Howards

James I returns Framlingham to the Howards. Heavily in debt, Theophilus Howard sells it to rich lawyer Sir Robert Hitcham.

1650s-1839The Poorhouse

Under the terms of Hitcham's will, Framlingham Castle becomes a poorhouse. A new poorhouse is built in 1729.

1913-PresentGiven to the State

Pembroke College, Cambridge (Hitcham's old college) gives the estate to the Ministry of Works. English Heritage takes over in 1984.

Learn more about the history of Framlingham Castle