Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire

Tamworth Castle is a Norman castle, sited next to the River Tame. The site has been fortified since Anglo-Saxon times.

The castle dates from the 11th century and was built by the Normans and is today one of the best preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castles in Britain. Several aletrations were made to the castle over the centuries, especially in the Jacobean period.

Tamworth castle was home to the Marmion family. In 1291 Tamworth passed to Sir Alexander Freville and in 1423 passed to Thomas Ferrers of Groby.

During the Civil War the castle was captured by parliamentary forces after a brief siege. In 1668 the castle passed to the Shirleys of Chartley and then in 1715 to the Comptons when Elizabeth Ferrers married the 5th Earl of Northampton. The castle was left to fall into disrepair but in 1751 Charlotte Compton, the grandniece of 1st Earl Ferrers married George Townshend of Raynham. THey moved into Tamworth and undertook significant renovations in 1781.

During most of the 19th century the castle was let out to tenants including Robert Peel and from 1869 to 1891 Thomas Cooke. On Cookes death the Marquess Townshend put the castle up for sale by auction and it was purchased by the Tamworth Corporation.

Tamworth Castle hosts a great range of lively events and activities for all to enjoy. The programme runs throughout the year and includes ghost search events, character living history days, children’s art workshops, murder mysteries and re-enactments.

Opening Times

April to September
Tuesday to Sunday 11.30am to 4.45pm

October to March
Weekends only, 12pm to 4.15pm

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Ticket Prices

Adult £6.50
Child 5ys+ £4.00
Child 2-4 £1
Child Under 2 free
Senior Citizen £5.50
Family Ticket £19

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01827 709 626
Email: heritage@tamworth.gov.uk

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