Wigmore Castle

Wigmore was one of many castles built close to the England–Wales border after the Norman Conquest. Founded in 1067 by William Fitz Osbern, it was a major centre of power for over 500 years, and played host to several kings and queens. It was held by the Mortimer family from about 1075 to 1425, when it passed to the Crown. Roger Mortimer is perhaps the family’s best-known figure. He became virtual ruler of England after he and his lover, Isabella, Edward II’s estranged queen, had engineered the king’s deposition and murder in 1327.

In 1329 Mortimer held a lavish tournament at Wigmore, attended by the young King Edward III and his mother. His influence was shortlived, however: in 1330 Edward III asserted his authority, arrested Mortimer and had him executed for treason.

The castle fell into ruin after the Civil War and remained an untouched ruin until the 1990s, when English Heritage conserved it in a way that ensured the castle’s natural environment was preserved.

Wigmore Castle

Wigmore Castle

Wigmore Castle

Wigmore Castle

Wigmore Castle

Wigmore Castle

Wigmore Castle

6 Comments CherryPie on Dec 20th 2021

6 Responses to “Wigmore Castle”

  1. Shabana says:

    intriguing images dear Cheri i enjoyed the glimpse and found the story of king and family heartbreaking !
    thank you for sharing my friend ,i like knowing stuff at your site that i would have less chance to learn otherwise thanks!
    health ,peace and happiness to you and loved ones!

    • CherryPie says:

      This is one of the places that where our history can still be seen. The history tells us many things; Family, prosperity, war and other things including defeat.

      I am happy that you enjoy learning from my posts :)

      I send you wishes for love, health, peace and happiness.

  2. We just loved it there – such an atmospheric place with such a sense of history. We will return next year. Have bought a Logaston Press book called “On the Trail of the Mortimers” which I am hoping will give me lots of ideas for other Mortimer places to visit.

  3. The Yum List says:

    Trying to imagine what it was like when operational.