England · Partial ruin
Orford Castle
Orford Castle is a 12th-century royal castle in Orford, Suffolk, built for Henry II between 1165 and 1173. Its unusually planned, well-preserved stone keep stands on the earth-bank remains of the former bailey and is managed by English Heritage.
First raised
1165
Its prime
1173
Today
Partial ruin
As it stood in 1173
The shape it held in its prime.
A dominant cylindrical central keep about 90 feet (27 m) high with three rectangular, clasping towers projecting from its drum; the stonework combines darker local septaria with lighter ashlar dressings and banded angular features. Narrow slit and arched windows puncture the towers and drum, arranged to admit morning light. The keep rises from a raised grassy earth-bank (the bailey) with an encircling ditch and stone bridge; originally the roof formed a domed effect with a tall steeple above the upper hall.
Step inside
8 places to explore in 1173.
The record describes 8 distinct spots at Orford Castle — including 3 interiors: upper hall beneath the domed roof, chapel above the entrance, broad corner staircases. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and walk through every one — more scenes means more photos, more angles and more rooms of the immersive experience.
Create History
See Orford Castle with the fires lit.
The artist rebuilds it as it stood in 1173 — a photoreal walk that belongs to you alone. Pay with coins, no subscription needed.
Recreate Castle to Explore →
