Description:The entrance to Dudley Castle with the top of the Keep showing above the trees. In the foreground is Castle Street with tram lines.
The first Dudley Castle was built around 1100 but was completely rebuilt by Roger de Somery from about 1261-62. Ownership later passed to the de Suttons, later Lords Dudley, who made extensive additions to the castle during the 14th century. From 1553 John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland added the state rooms. The castle continued as a residence for the Dudleys after the Civil War and a new two-storey range was built between the keep and the gatehouse in the late 17th century. A major fire in 1750 rendered the castle uninhabitable and nearby Himley Hall became the Dudley familiy's principal residence. Dudley Zoo opened in the grounds of the castle in 1937.
Although Dudley town has historically been part of Worcestershire, Dudley Castle belonged to Staffordshire until local government reorganisation in 1972 when it was absorbed by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and the West Midlands.
Photographer: Albert Henry Yelland.