Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire

Goodrich Castle is a now ruinous Norman medieval castle situated to the north of the village of Goodrich and controlling a key location between Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye. William Wordsworth pronounced it the "noblest ruin in Herefordshire".

Goodrich Castle was built by Godric of Mappestone after the Norman invasion of England, initially as an earth and wooden fortification and then replaced in the mid 12th century with a stone keep, and further expanded during the late 13th century into a concentric structure combining luxurious living quarters with extensive defences.

The success of Goodrich's design influenced many other constructions across England over the following years.

Held first by Parliamentary and then Royalist forces in the English Civil War of the 1640s, Goodrich was finally successfully besieged by Colonel John Birch in 1646 with the help of the huge "Roaring Meg" mortar, resulting in the subsequent slighting of the castle and its descent into ruin. At the end of the 18th century, however, Goodrich became a noted picturesque ruin and the subject of many paintings and poems.

The visitor centre features an exhibition exploring life at the castle from its late 11th century origins until its dramatic fall in 1646, including Civil War artefacts. There are occasional family event runs at the castle including the Medieval Tournament and Halloween Fund Trail.

Opening Times

Opening days and time vary - please check the website.

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £5.80
Children: £3.50
Concessions: £5.20
Family Ticket: £15.10
EH Member: Free

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Disabled Facilities

Disabled access: limited, please call for details or ask at visitor centre on arrival. Access to castle: many steps to the courtyard and Great Hall. Upper floors reached via steep stairs, some spiralled; access to chapel via one step.
The castle has many uneven steps and narrow doorways. Grounds: accessed via steps; gravel or paved paths.

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More Information

Telephone: 0870 333 1181

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