Somerton Castle

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Somerton Castle is located approximately one mile west of the hamlet of Boothby Graffoe in Lincolnshire, England.

The castle was built in the latter part of the 13th century by Antony Bek, the Bishop of Durham (Davis 2006). In 1309 Bek gave the castle as a gift to King Edward II (Platts 1985 p46). The castle was not well-maintained and was in disrepair by the 15th century (Platts 1985 p46) and was in ruins by 1601 (Davis 2006).

King John II of France was imprisoned at the castle between 1359 and 1360.

Three towers, and some portions of other walls, remained standing and have been incorporated into the large and secluded house which currently occupies the site. Some prominent and visible earthworks still enclose the site, including parts of the moat and other ditches.

The castle has been recognised as an important building and has been classified as a Grade 1 listed building.

[edit] References

Davis, P. (2006) The Gatehouse: The comprehensive gazetteer of the medieval fortifications and castles of England and Wales. [online] Available from: http://homepage.mac.com/philipdavis/English%20sites/1847.html. Accessed May 6, 2006.
Platts, G. (1985) Land and People in Medieval Lincolnshire: History of Lincolnshire — Volume IV. Lincoln: History of Lincolnshire Committee.