Clan Rising

Peterborough Castle

Peterborough Castle was a medieval motte-and-bailey built by Abbot Thorold close to Peterborough Cathedral in the years after the Norman Conquest. The castle was later destroyed in the 12th century; today only the earthen motte survives within what is now the Dean's garden and is a scheduled monument.

Recreate this castle →Defend this castle →

Its prime

1090

Today

Partial ruin

As it stood in 1090

What Peterborough Castle looked like in its prime.

A pronounced artificial earthwork mound 10–12 metres high with a rounded, conical silhouette and a flattened summit, set within the grassy enclosure of the Dean's garden immediately adjacent to the cathedral precinct. At prime the motte is encircled by a defensive ditch and an adjoining low, irregular bailey platform; timber defensive elements (palisade and small timber tower) occupy the summit and inner edge of the bailey. The surrounding area is lawn and informal garden paths leading toward the cathedral.

Its story

The story of Peterborough Castle.

Abbot Thorold Against His Own Monks

Peterborough Castle, known also as Mount Thorold and Touthill, was a motte-and-bailey raised close to the cathedral, on the ground that is now the Dean's garden. Its builder was Abbot Thorold of Peterborough, a Norman appointed to the post by William the Conqueror. Thorold put the earthwork up during the turbulent period after the Conquest to protect himself against the monks of the cathedral.

Pulled Down by Martin de Bec

The castle was destroyed by Martin de Bec, abbot of Peterborough in the 12th century. Of Thorold's work only the motte survives, an earthen mound now between ten and twelve metres high in the City of Peterborough, and it carries scheduled monument status.

Step inside

6 places to explore in 1090.

The record describes 6 distinct spots at Peterborough Castle, including the full exterior approach. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more rooms, more angles, and more of the place to stand in.

Approach path in the Dean's garden facing the motteFoot of the motte and surrounding ditchSummit platform with timber keepInner bailey enclosure and yardsView from the motte toward the cathedralOuter edge of the bailey and approach

Build Your Own Castle

Recreate Peterborough Castle with AI to explore it.

The artist rebuilds it as it stood in 1090, a photoreal reconstruction that belongs to you alone. Pay with coins, no subscription needed.

Recreate this castle →Defend this castle →

Nearby

Landmarks within reach of Peterborough Castle.

Peterborough Cathedral, EnglandCathedralPeterborough Cathedral0 km awayBurghley House, EnglandMuseumBurghley House16 km awayRoyal Air Force Station Alconbury, EnglandMilitary baseRoyal Air Force Station Alconbury22 km away

Questions about Peterborough Castle

What is the history of Peterborough Castle?

Peterborough Castle was a medieval motte-and-bailey raised in the years after the Norman Conquest. Abbot Thorold built it close to Peterborough Cathedral to protect himself against the monks during the turbulent post-conquest period. The castle was destroyed in the 12th century by Abbot Martin de Bec, leaving only its earthen motte surviving today.

Why was Peterborough Castle built, and what was it used for?

Peterborough Castle was built as a defensive stronghold for Abbot Thorold against the monks of Peterborough Cathedral. It was a motte-and-bailey castle, with the motte and bailey providing defensive earthworks and enclosed space. Its purpose was therefore protection during the turbulent period after the Norman Conquest, rather than later residential or ceremonial use.

Where is Peterborough Castle?

Peterborough Castle is in the City of Peterborough, close to Peterborough Cathedral. It stands in what is now the Dean's garden, within the cathedral precinct. The surrounding area is in England.

What did Peterborough Castle look like in its prime?

In its prime, Peterborough Castle had a pronounced artificial earthwork motte about 10–12 metres high, with a rounded, conical silhouette and flattened summit. A defensive ditch encircled the motte, beside a low, irregular bailey platform. Timber defences, including a palisade and small timber tower, occupied the summit and the inner edge of the bailey.

Is Peterborough Castle still standing, or is it a ruin?

Peterborough Castle is a partial ruin: only its earthen motte survives today. The castle itself was destroyed in the 12th century, while the surviving mound is now within the Dean's garden. It is protected as a scheduled monument.

More castles of England

Castle Acre Castle, EnglandCastle Acre CastleRavensworth Castle, EnglandRavensworth CastleWest Cowes Castle, EnglandWest Cowes Castle
All castles of England · Castles of Europe · the best castles in Europe · explore the finished reconstructions.