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Medieval Castle Unearthed Beneath Prison Yard

The massive castle dates back to the year 1110.
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Senior Science Editor, The Huffington Post

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Foundations of the 20th-century brick prison, built on top of the medieval castle's keep wall.
Mark Price

Researchers have found the remnants of a medieval castle hidden beneath a men's prison in Gloucester, England, shedding new light on the regal architecture once present in the city.

While recently examining the area for proposed plans to redevelop the prison, Cotswold Archaeology researchers unearthed a wall of the 12th-century castle's tower and nearly 900 artifacts, including well-preserved pottery shards and bone dice, the archaeological services company announced on Monday.

"We are surprised by what we found; we knew there was a castle but had expected more of it to have been destroyed," Neil Holbrook, an archaeologist and chief executive of the company, told The Huffington Post. "We are still uncovering our history in Gloucester, and this is another reminder of the rich heritage that the city has."

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Medieval dice found at the site.
Mark Price

Gloucester has been home to two medieval castles. The first was built east of the prison site, according to the researchers, and then replaced by a new stone castle around the year 1110. The recent discovery is believed to have been the latter, which would have been comparable in size to the White Tower at the Tower of London, Holbrook said.

The researcher told BBC News that the castle was demolished in 1787 and the walls had "never been seen in the last 200 years" until now.

In 1791, the Gloucester prison received its first prisoners ,and remnants of the castle were buried beneath the jail's exercise yard. The archaeologists noted that the new findings will be analyzed and protected until the redevelopment of the prison site takes place.

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14 Picturesque Ruined English Castles
Portchester Castle(01 of14)
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With its vital strategic position in what is now Portsmouth Harbour, it’s unsurprising to find that the site of Portchester Castle has posed a draw for numerous military thinkers over the centuries, including the Romans, the Normans and the Plantagenets. In fact, the Roman walls still seen at Portchester rise up to a height of six metres - the highest such walls to be seen intact in Britain. Still vast and undeniably imposing, Portchester Castle’s presence and beauty is impossible to ignore.
Flickr: scalespeeder
Bishop's Waltham Palace(02 of14)
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Devastated during the English Civil War, Bishop's Waltham Palace was once the grand remit of the Bishops of Winchester and their clergy. Still beautifully dramatic, the ruins of this medieval castle hint at its former majesty, harking back to a time when Winchester was England’s richest diocese. Visitors to the site can not only explore these pretty remains, but visit the small museum that now resides on the ground floor.
Flickr: JohnGoode
Corfe Castle(03 of14)
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Fearsome stronghold, royal residence, dark prison, Corfe Castle has served as all three over the course of the centuries. Initially the work of William the Conqueror, the dramatic ruins which loom over Dorset today weave together the stories of successive monarchs and nobles, each of whom contributed to the history and structure of this magnificent site. Eventually destroyed by war, Corfe is now the domain of tourists young and old, who come to enjoy its beauty, its heritage and even picnic on its pretty grounds.
Flickr: davidbunting
Ashby Castle(04 of14)
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Towering above Leicestershire’s countryside and with underground tunnels snaking their way below, it’s unsurprising that the magnificent ruins of Ashby Castle inspired aspects of the 19th century novel Ivanhoe. Having started out as the stately home of a wealthy family, Ashby only really became a castle in the 15th century, at which point it attracted many an illustrious visitor, including the likes of Henry VII and Charles I. Like many of its counterparts, Ashby Castle suffered great damage during the English Civil War, falling into disrepair under the control of the Parliamentarians. One of the best aspects for those visiting the castle is that its great tower is still open for climbing, affording some beautiful views of the surrounding area. Flickr: lizjones112
Dunstanburgh Castle(05 of14)
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Perched on the cliffs of Northumberland, the haunting vestiges of Dunstanburgh Castle reflect its lost legacy as a great symbol of military power. This 14th century stronghold was the work of the ambitious Earl Thomas of Lancaster, whose attempt to rebel against the status quo ended with his execution before he ever even saw his masterpiece completed. Today, the ravaged twin towers of what was once a keep form the focal point of these striking ruins. Flanked by stone walls, the beauty of Dunstanburgh is only enhanced by the natural splendour of the fantastic coastal views which enfold it.
Flickr: AndEggs
Acton Burnell Castle(06 of14)
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Once the setting for some of the earliest gatherings of the English parliament, Acton Burnell Castle now forms just a shadow of its former glory. Originally constructed by one of King Edward I’s closest advisers, the Chancellor of England Bishop Robert Burnell, Acton Burnell Castle was more fortified manor house than authoritative castle. Combining 40ft towers with luxurious bedrooms, offices and chapel, this potent symbol of wealth and status highlighted Burnell’s position as one of the most powerful men in the land. However, it was not victorious soldiers nor devastating shot that did for this great mansion, rather the end of a family lineage and the ravages of time that left the castle in a state of ruin. Now open to the public, its charming remains are a wonder to explore.
Wikimedia Commons: A. R. Yeo MortimerCat
Okehampton Castle(07 of14)
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Created by the Normans, listed in the 1086 Doomsday Book and added to over the centuries, Okehampton Castle grew to become the largest castle in Devon and the home of its Earl, Hugh Courtenay. It was only when one of the Earl‘s descendants found himself in a dispute with Henry VIII, ending in his execution in the Tower of London, that Okehampton Castle fell into dereliction. Now encircled by lush woodlands, the ruins of Okehampton are not just a hidden treasure, but said to be haunted.
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Middleham Castle(08 of14)
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Middleham Castle played host to some of the most influential figures of the Wars of the Roses. At one time the residence of the powerful Richard Neville – better known as Warwick the Kingmaker – it also briefly served as the prison of King Edward IV. However, Middleham is perhaps best known for being the home of King Richard III, prior to his accession to the throne. With Richard’s defeat at Bosworth Field, Middleham lost its prominence and was slowly neglected over the decades that followed. Today, the pretty ruins give only a hint of the castle’s former grandeur and of the medieval titans who once walked its corridors.
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Goodrich Castle(09 of14)
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It’s rare to be able to see the exact reason that an historic site has fallen into ruin, but at Goodrich Castle in Ross on Wye, the weapon that dealt it its most heavy blows, the cannon known as ‘Roaring Meg’, is on display for all to view. Set amidst captivating countryside and with the marks of war still clearly evident on its embattled ruins, Goodrich really brings the English Civil War to life. This impressive castle played a vital role in this famous conflict, passing between the warring Royalists and Parliamentarians in violent clashes until finally being condemned to fall into disrepair so that it could never pose a threat to power again.
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Sandal Castle (10 of14)
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On the outskirts of Wakefield in Yorkshire lies Sandal Castle, a stark reminder of the brutality of the Wars of the Roses, the fierce medieval conflict which tore apart England’s royal houses. It was during one of these wars that Yorkist leader Duke Richard was lured from Sandal into a trap which would see his head displayed on the gates of the city of York. At first glance, several doorways, some cragged stone walls and ramparts seems to be all that remains of this once great site, but from a bird’s eye view the earthworks of this magnificent 12th century creation have left quite a footprint in the English countryside.
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Tutbury Castle(11 of14)
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The almost ethereal sight of Tutbury Castle’s crumbling visage is one truly befitting its history. For it was in this daunting place that one woman, a queen, was held prisoner for many long years. Between 1569 and the end of 1585, Mary Queen of Scots was condemned by her cousin Elizabeth I to spend many of her days at Tutbury, a place she loathed. For, while the castle had a record as a royal residence, by Mary’s time it was hardly fit for a queen, having fallen into disrepair.
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Kenilworth Castle(12 of14)
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From Geoffrey de Clinton to Henry II, many an historic figure has contributed to the beauty and grandeur of Kenilworth Castle. Yet it was fairly late in the history of this majestic site in the West Midlands that it acquired its role in one of the most famous love stories of all time. In 1563, Kenilworth became the home of Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester and one true love of Elizabeth I. What can be seen today amidst the remains of these majestic ruins is evidence of Dudley’s affections for Elizabeth, in the form of alterations, additions and embellishments of the castle to make it truly fit for a queen.
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Barnard Castle(13 of14)
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Once owned by infamous English king, Richard III – and still bearing his boar emblem carved into the masonry – Barnard Castle was a Norman stronghold and powerful medieval fortress which was besieged on at least two occasions. Originally built by a Norman lord after the 1066 conquest of England, the owners of Barnard Castle were straight out of the Who’s Who of English nobility, and included the great families of the Nevilles and the Earls of Warwick. The castle played a crucial role in the 1569 uprising against Elizabeth I before falling into disrepair and being sold by the Crown. Following this sale, the castle was stripped to provide materials to another nearby fortification and it was never repaired. Today Barnard Castle sits on a high rock above the River Tees and provides a scenic charm for visitors to enjoy.
Flickr: Nick Bramhall
Restormel Castle(14 of14)
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Proudly watching over Cornwall from its perch atop an historic mound is a circular stone keep which represents the remains of Restormel Castle. Built in the 13th century, this medieval marvel was passed from nobility to royalty, even falling under the remit of the famed Black Prince, and later being captured by royalists in the English Civil War. It may no longer boast a drawbridge and its moat may now be dry, but Restormel still casts an imposing shadow and one well worth seeing.
Flickr: Darren Shilson

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