Framlingham Castle is located in the heart of Framlingam town in Suffolk. For more than 400 years Framlingham Castle was the residence of the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk, influential Noblemen in the Courts of successive Kings and Queens of England. Lying at the centre of their estates, it was not only a stronghold but a symbol of their power, wealth and status. The encircling high stone wall, puntuated by 13 towers, which we see today was built by Earl Roger Bigod in the late 12th or early 13th Century on the site of an earlier Motte and Bailey Castle.

His successors updated and adapted the castle to suit their needs, and in Tudor times the Howard Dukes of Norfolk added the distinctive decorative chimneys. It was here that Queen Mary I's supporters rallied to support her claim in the throne in 1553, while under Elizabeth I the castle was used as a prison for Catholic priests. Later, although many of the castle buildings were demolished a poorhouse was built within the castle walls and remained in use for nearly 200 years.

Visitors today can climb to the battlemets and walk all the way round the well-walk, which affords magnificent views over the castle itself, the town and th reed-fringed Mere had a vital role in the life of the castle. The castle is run by English Heritage.

Opening Hours are as follows:
1 April - 30 September
10am - 6.00pm
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

1 October - 31 March
10am - 4.00pm
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

24 - 26 December and 1 January
Closed

Entry Fees @ 2006
Adult £4.50 / Conc £3.40 / Child £2.30 / Family £11.00 / Members Free. website www.english-heritage.org.uk