History & Heritage

Rockingham Castle stands on the edge of an escarpment giving dramatic views over five counties and the Welland Valley below. Built by William the Conqueror, the Castle was a royal residence for 450 years. In the 16th century, Henry VIII granted it to Edward Watson and for 450 years it has remained a family home. The predominantly Tudor building, within Norman walls, has architecture, furniture and works of art from practically every century including, unusually, a remarkable collection of 20th century pictures. Charles Dickens was a regular visitor to the Castle and based Chesney Wolds in Bleak House on Rockingham. Surrounding the Castle are some 18 acres of gardens largely following the foot print of the medieval castle. The vast 400 year old 'Elephant Hedge' dissects the formal 17th century terraced gardens. The circular yew hedge stands on the site of the mot and bailey and provides shelter for the rose garden. Below the Castle is the beautiful 19th centruy 'Wild Garden' replanted with advice from Kew Gardens during the early 1960's. Included in the gardens are many specimen trees and shrubs including the remarkable Handkerchief Tree.