Oakham Castle, The Jewel of Rutland
If you walk through the wrought-iron gates just off Oakham Market Place, you’ll find yourself standing before one of the most significant historical sites in England. Oakham Castle is not your typical fortress of towers and moats; it is home to the finest surviving example of Norman domestic architecture in Northern Europe.
Built between 1180 and 1190 by Walkelin de Ferrers, the Great Hall is the only surviving part of a much larger fortified manor house. Unlike the defensive stone castles of the era, this was a hall built for banquets, administration, and the administration of justice.
As you enter, look up at the stone columns. You will see exquisite 12th-century sculptures of musicians playing various instruments. These carvings are believed to have been created by the same master masons who worked on Canterbury Cathedral, marking Oakham as a place of immense status during the Middle Ages.
The most striking feature of the Castle is its walls, which are adorned with over 230 ceremonial horseshoes. This stems from a unique ancient custom, Every Peer of the Realm (Royalty and Nobility) must forfeit a horseshoe to the Lord of the Manor upon their first visit to Oakham.
The collection’s oldest surviving horseshoe was donated by King Edward IV in 1470 following the Battle of Losecoat Field.
Look for the massive, ornate shoes donated by Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales (now King Charles III), and most recently, a double display from the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in 2024.
The "Rutland Way": You’ll notice the shoes are hung with the points facing downward. While some see this as "letting the luck run out," Rutland tradition says it allows good fortune to fall upon those walking beneath them—and prevents the Devil from making a nest in the curve.
Oakham Castle holds the record for the longest-running seat of justice in England. A Crown Court has been held here since 1229, and the Great Hall is still used for court proceedings today, as well as being a stunning venue for weddings and community events.
After a major £2.1 million restoration funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Castle now offers interactive displays that bring its 800-year history to life for visitors of all ages.
Admission: Free
Location: Castle Grounds, Market Place, Oakham, LE15 6DR
Official Website: www.oakhamcastle.org
