Tucked into the Hertfordshire countryside, Berkhamsted Castle is one of those places where the ground feels heavy with history…not in ruins alone, but in what happened there.

It might look quiet today, with its grassy motte and crumbling stone walls, but once, this spot was a seat of power, conflict, and royal intrigue.

The castle dates back to the Norman Conquest of 1066, and here’s the dramatic bit…this was the exact place where the Anglo-Saxon nobles submitted to William the Conqueror.

That’s right….before he was crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey, William rode here and accepted the surrender of Edgar the Ætheling, the last Saxon claimant to the throne, and a group of bishops and nobles.

Berkhamsted, then a key strategic point guarding the approach to London, was effectively the site where England changed hands!

Not long after, William ordered the construction of a classic motte-and-bailey castle, built of earth and timber, and later rebuilt in stone in the 12th century.

Over the centuries, it was expanded, fortified, and played host to an impressive guest list.

Thomas Becket, King John, and even the Black Prince all had ties to the place.

Its location on the old Roman road of Akeman Street and close to major routes gave it serious strategic clout.

And thanks to the nearby Grand Union Canal and railway line, it’s incredibly easy to visit today….something the Normans obviously didn’t anticipate!

Bu, sadly, like many castles, its glory faded.

By the 15th century, Berkhamsted was more comfortable residence than military stronghold.

And by 1540, it was already being described as “ruinous.”

Still, the stone foundations, earthworks, and the solid footprint of the motte remain.

Wander around the site today and you can still trace the layout of the inner bailey, the ditch and curtain wall, and imagine the great wooden keep that once crowned the hill.

And if nothing else, stand at the foot of that motte, look up, and remember….this is where the English crown was, quite literally, handed over.

Not bad for a quiet corner of Hertfordshire!