Berkhamstead Castle, Hertfordshire

Around 1070, the half brother of William the Conqueror, Robert of Mortain, built a timber castle on this site. The castle stayed in royal hands, and in 1155 Thomas Becket was granted the honour of Berkhamsted by King Henry II. He rebuilt the castle to befit his new status and house his large staff. Later in 1164, during his quarrel with the king, Becket was accused of embezzlement. He was disgraced and the honour of Berkhamsted was removed. The castle has been owned by the Duchy of Cornwall since 1337.

Edward IV granted the castle to his mother Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, in 1469. After she died the castle gradually fell into decay. In 1580, Elizabeth I leased the Manor of Berkhamsted, including the ruined castle and the deer park, for the nominal rent of one red rose to Sir Edward Carey, Keeper of the Queen’s Jewels.

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