Goodrich Castle

Website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.337

Classification Historic Building

DescriptionGoodrich is a village in south Herefordshire situated near the River Wye at Grid reference SO574193 and is famous for its old red sandstone castle.

The castle was known at one time as Castellum Godrici after Godric Mappestone, the builder of the first castle on the site. Over time the name changed to Goodrich. In 1646, near the end of the English civil war, the castle was besieged and captured from Sir Henry Lingen by Parliamentarians led by Colonel Birch. The castle is now in the care of English Heritage.

Goodrich Castle featured in an advertising poster produced by Train Operating Company one in 2005. Unfortunately, the text read 'Escape to Hertfordshire', and the company does not provide trains to Herefordshire.

Goodrich stands majestically on a wooded hill commanding the passage of the River Wye into the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat . The castle was begun in the late 11th century, by the English thegn Godric who gave it his name. A generation later the splendidly preserved square keep which still forms its core was added, probably in the time of Richard 'Strongbow' de Clare, Earl of Pembroke and Lord of Goodrich 1148-76.

Under King John, Goodrich was granted with the earldom of Pembroke to the famous William Marshal, a great castle-builder who may have initiated work on the inner ward. Each of the Marshal's four sons inherited the fortress in turn, the last dying childless at Goodrich in 1245.

Thereafter the fortress and earldom passed to Henry III's half-brother, William de V alen ce, who rebuilt its defences and living quarters in the most up-to-date style. Goodrich still boasts one of the most complete sets of medieval domestic buildings surviving in any English castle. William's widow Countess Joan frequently stayed here with an entourage of up to 200, entertaining her relations and friends in the most lavish style.

During the Civil War, Goodrich was held successively by both sides. Sir Henry Lingen's Royalists eventually surrendered in 1646 under threats of undermining and a deadly Parliamentarian mortar. The famous 'Roaring Meg', the only surviving Civil War mortar, has returned to the castle after over 350 years.

Position

Photographs

The following copyright notice for IMAGE 1 is on record:
Photograph of the south side of Goodrich Castle taken by User:Cavrdg

The Address, , Nr. Ross-on-Wye, HR9 6HY

Phone01600 890538

DateAug 12, 2006

Contact NameEnglish Heritage

CategoryEngland > Herefordshire
England > Herefordshire > Attractions in Ross-on-wye

Local Information

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Campsites located nearby this attraction

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Golf Courses nearby this attraction

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