Southampton Castle

Southampton Castle
Hampshire, England
The castle portrayed by John Speed in a map of 1612
Southampton Castle is located in Southampton
Southampton Castle
Southampton Castle
Coordinates50°54′03″N 1°24′19″W / 50.9007°N 1.4054°W / 50.9007; -1.4054
Grid referencegrid reference SU41911141
TypeMotte and bailey, later shell keep
Site information
ConditionDestroyed, with isolated remains
Site history
MaterialsStone
Battles/warsFrench raid of 1338

Southampton Castle was located in the town of Southampton in Hampshire, England. Constructed after the Norman conquest of England, it was located in the north-west corner of the town overlooking the River Test, initially as a wooden motte and bailey design. By the late 12th century the royal castle had been largely converted to stone, playing an important part in the wine trade conducted through the Southampton docks. By the end of the 13th century the castle was in decline, but the threat of French raids in the 1370s led Richard II to undertake extensive rebuilding. The result was a powerfully defended castle, one of the first in England to be equipped with cannon. The castle declined again in the 16th century and was sold off to property speculators in 1618. After being used for various purposes, including the construction of a Gothic mansion in the early 19th century, the site was flattened and largely redeveloped. Only a few elements of the castle still remain visible in Southampton.