Oakham Castle
The splendid Great Hall of Oakham Castle is one of the finest examples of late 12th century domestic architecture in England. The Great Hall is famed for its collection of Horseshoes.
The hall is decorated with a range of 12th century sculptures. Above the columns are six musicians, each playing a different instrument. They are made of local stone from Clipsham and although damaged, they are of superb quality. They are believed to have been carved by masons who had worked at Canterbury Cathedral.
The Great Hall was built by Walkelin de Ferrers, a Norman baron, in about 1180-90. The remains of other parts of this fortified residence lie beneath the grass of the inner bailey. It was surrounded by earthen banks and stone walls which had at least two towers. To the north were gardens and fish-ponds.
The castle was the residence of the lord of the manor of Oakham. Sometimes the king held the manor himself and visited the castle.
The Horseshoes:
240 horseshoes hang on the walls of the Great Hall. These represent the unique custom that every peer of the realm must give a horseshoe to the lord of the manor on their first visit to Oakham. The custom has been followed for at least 500 years and probably dates back to the 12th century. The oldest surviving horseshoe is said to have been given by Edward IV in about 1470. The most recent were given by HRH The Princess Royal in 1999, HRH The Prince of Wales in 2003 and HRH Princess Alexandra 2005.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Opening Times :
Tue - Fri 10.00 - 5.00
Sat 10.00 - 4.00
Sun & Mon - Closed
Bank Holiday Mondays - 10.00 - 4.00
We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years' Day and Good Friday.
ADMISSION FREE
Oakham Castle can be found to the rear of the Market Place, behind the Post Office.
Access
Assistance Dogs are welcome.
Parking
Only authorised Vehicles are permitted in the Castle Grounds.
Limited parking is available in the Market Place (not Wednesdays or Saturdays)
Disabled parking bays are available in Market Street.
Car parks are available a short distance away in Church Street and Burley Road.
Photography
Private photography and sketching are permitted in the Castle. Please ask to sign the declaration on entry to the Castle. Permission to publish can be obtained from the Museum Services Manager.
Toilets
There are no public toilets at the Castle.
Nearest are a short distance away in Church Street Car Park.
Address:
Rutland County Council
Catmose, Oakham,
Rutland,
LE15 6HP