Berkhamsted Castle, built in 1104, comprised a bailey containing apartments, workshops, barns and stables with a defensive motte at one end. Despite having extensive defensive works the castle was besieged and taken in 1216 during the reign of King John by the French Dauphin in alliance with disgruntled English barons. After 1495 the royal house of Tudor became established and the court lost interest in the castle which then gradually fell into ruin. (2005)
Author: G Patterson