Guildford Castle
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Guildford Castle () is thought to have been built shortly after then 1066 invasion of England by William the Conqueror as he built many castles in the important towns to prevent rebellions and strengthen his hold over the country. Guildford is likely to have been chosen as the location for the castle as at the time it was the only town in the county of Surrey and was also a major routeway between London and south coast and west England.
First to be built at the Castle would have been the Motte (a mound) around which was a ditch and a bailey protected by a wooden palisade. The Bailey's boundary would have run along Castle Street, South Hill, what is now Racks Close and parallel with Quarry Street (although slightly to the east). Originally a wooden tower would have been built as a look-out post for the soldiers stationed there. Around the early 1100s a wall made of chalk was built around the top of the motte and then around the 1130s a keep (tower) was added, again made of chalk from nearby Godalming.
The keep had a ground and first floor with the entrance located in the first floor to aid in defense. It was most likely used as a private apartment for the King. On the first floor there was a main chamber, a chapel, and wardrobe with latrine. A second floor was added shortly afterwards containing a two-seater latrine. The roof of the building was made of lead and the inner walls were covered in plaster and then whitewashed. The tower became the headquarters of the sheriff and county jail for Surrey and Sussex in the 12th century and the King moved to better apartments located in the bailey.
The great hall is thought to have been located at the site of the two houses at the bottom of Castle Hill and was made of stone. In the 12th Century the main bailey buildings would have been completed which included the hall, apartments for the King and Queen and their chapels. Henry III made a number of improvements in the 13th century which resulted in the castle being known as a palace. The Queen's apartment was improved with large new windows and two marble columsn were added. The great hall was decorated with coloured glass windows and paintings. King Henry had his room painted green with gold and silver stars and he also built a garden surrounded by marble columns. A fire damaged the hall in 1254 but the changes to the buildings continued.
Henry purchased some extra land in 1254 to extend the bailey so allow him to build a set of room for Edward, his son and heir to the throne, which were completed in 1246. The gate at Quarry Street was completed in 1256 which suggests that Henry made changes to the castle but no evidence of the previous gate (thought to have been opposite Tunsgate) remains.
The castle was mainly used for living in but did play a part in warfare. It was used as a mustering point during Edward I's foreign wars. The Castle was never attacked but was strengthened at various points. During the rebellion of Henry II's son it was strengthened and the great tower was thought to have been heightened during the civil war which took place during Stephen's reign. The castle was up to the forces supporting the barons against King John. During the rebellion of Simon de Montfort there was no fighting either. Henry III's son Edward though did capture a rebel named Adam Gurdon in a battle in Alton and brought him to Guildford Castle.
Inland Castles such as Guildford's were no longer required from the 14th century which resulted into it falling into disrepair. Everything had fallen down by 1379 except for the King's great chamber.
The great tower continued to be the county jail and The sheriff had a building next to it, probably of timber, from 1247. In the 16th century the jail moved to Southwark and John Daborne was made keeper of the castle garden in 1544. His family were involved with the castle for the rest of the 16th century and is thought to have been them who added the brick windows and fireplaces. 1611 saw the castle estate granted to Francis Carter. The tower's roof was removed in 1630. Areas of the castle grounds were used for farming and rented out to various people. Lord Grantley of Wonersh owned a large part of the castle and in 1885 sold it to the Guildford Corporation. The tower and walls were restored and opened to the public in 1888 as pleasure gardens. In 2003-2004 the tower was conserved which revealed original crenellations and other features. A roof and floor were re-instated at first floor level, and the ground floor now houses a display on the castle.
Between April and September each year visitors are now allowed to enter the main tower for a small fee and see a number of exhibits on the history of the Castle as well as viewing a few of the rooms and walls up close. The roof of the tower is reachable by a staircase which allows views of the grounds and parts of Guildford.
