The Great Hall of Oakham Castle is amongst the finest examples of late 12th century architecture in Britain.
Built by Walkelin de Ferrers, a Norman baron, between 1180 and 1190, the castle was the residence of the Lord of the Manor of Oakham, although the King also took residence from time to time.
By the early 16th century many of the buildings were ruinous, but the Great Hall was still used as a court room. It is this room that is still in use today, adorned by more than 200 horseshoes - for at least 500 years it has been customary for every peer of the realm to forfeit, on his first visit to Oakham, a horseshoe. The oldest horse shoe was put up by Edward IV in about 1470.
Oakham Castle can be found in:
Catmose Street
Oakham
Rutland
LE15 6HW
Tel: 01572 758440
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