Lincoln Castle is located in the heart of historic City of Lincoln and is one of the County's leading tourist attractions.
The Castle caters for the educational and historical needs of the visitor, as well as much more in the way of cultural tourism. The summer months are packed with fun and games for the children, open-air theatre, pop and rock concerts, living history and re-enactment weekends which brings the Castle to life!
By Norman times, Lincoln was the third city of the realm in prosperity and importance. The city even had its own mint for making coins. In 1068, two years after the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror began building Lincoln Castle on a site occupied since Roman times.
To enlarge the site 166 Saxon houses were demolished and this fine building dominated the Lincoln skyline until the Cathedral was built. It is one of only two castles in Britain built with two mottes (Lewes is the other example). The Castle was the focus of several military battles during the reign of King Stephen and King John and was besieged during the Baron's War in the early 13th Century.
For 900 years the Castle has been used as a court and prison, the coffin-like pews in the chapel were to remind prisoners of their fate and to ensure they could not see each other. Many prisoners were deported to Australia and others executed on the ramparts.
Many original features still remain and the wall walks provide visitors with magnificent views of the Cathedral, the City of Lincoln and the surrounding countryside.
The Magna Carta is a 780 year old document, one of only four surviving originals sealed by King John after his meeting with the Barons at Runnymede in 1215, is now housed within Lincoln Castle.
An exhibition, explaining the origin of the Magna Carta and the far reaching effects it has had on our lives, culminates in the darkened room where visitors can see the original Lincoln Magna Carta, preserved in the correct environmental conditions.
The Friends of Lincoln Castle offer free guided tours on most days during the summer months, and only at the weekends during the winter, at 11am and 2pm. Tours last about 1 ¼ hours, and you are welcome to join at any stage.
Open during the summer Monday to Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm, 11am-5.30pm Sundays, plus some summer evenings please call 01522 511068 for more information.
During the winter we are open Monday to Saturday 9.30am-4pm and Sunday 11am-4pm, last admission 3pm.The Castle is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day.