Oakham Castle

SK 8608 6/2 8.5.50. 1469

MARKET PLACE Oakham Castle

I

Rectangular ward enclosed by high bank containing fine arcaded Hall in transitional style, probably built by Walkelin de Ferrers circa 1180-90. Stone used is fine-grained shelly oolite from Clipsham. Stone slate roof, 3 later dormers 65 ft by 44 ft. The hall is divided by 3 shafts on either side into 4 bays, 8 paired windows under pointed arch, stone band continues cills. Round-headed doorway now in centre formerly at East End. At East gable end 3 blocked doorways, simple continuous moulding. Circular piers and crocketed capitals like those in the chancel at Canterbury. Carved figures of musicians in spandrels. Romanesque carved wall corbels. Earliest part of roof 2 red oak beams put in by George Villies, Duke of Buckingham. Formerly used as the Assize Court and now as the Magistrates Court. It contains court room furniture of late C18 or early C19 date and also collection of ornamental horseshoes left by each peer on first visiting the town as payment of tax to the Lord of the Manor. Modern additions built on to west. Scheduled AM.

Listing NGR: SK8614708895