Berkhamsted castle dates from the 11th century. Built for Robert of Mortain, William the Conqueror's half brother. Between 1155-65, Thomas a Becket, Henry II's chancellor was resident. Later residents also made modifications to the castle, including Richard, Duke of Cornwall, who is thought to have added a three-storeyed tower along the western part of the curtain wall. The castle became disused from 1495. The outer gate was lost in 1838 when the London and Birmingham Railway went through the south-western edge of the site. The entire castle is surrounded by two moats separated by an earth rampart, These are now dry, so the lifebelts at 100 yard intervals look a little surreal • Canon 20D plus 17-40 mm L • ISO 400 • © John Prior 2006 all rights reserved
Posted by: John Prior • Comment (22) • All, Landscapes, Nature • Permalink • © John Prior 2005-10 all rights reserved
Posted by: John Prior • Comment (22) • All, Landscapes, Nature • Permalink • © John Prior 2005-10 all rights reserved
